Self-Help Books

I first read "The Lesson of the Chopsticks" and must say that I was not disappointed reading "How to Keep Life's Small Problems from Becoming Big Ones"! Ms.Greenlee's unique view of life's everyday challenges is one we all can identify with on some level.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is in need of a boost to handle procrastination and prioritizing. Ms. Greenlee's uncovers a profound truth using vivid illustrations and metaphors to convey her point and shift us out of our "comfort zone". And, it's a LOT CHEAPER THAN THERAPY!

Finally, a most enjoyable and interesting book filled with practical and useful guidance that can be helpful for every age and every level. Each lesson is deeply meaningful, yet stated so simply. A true Gem!!!

Who knew that paying attention to inanimate objects could be so powerful? In "Paperclips", Ms. Greenlee has humorously and quite consciously given us a roadmap to sorting through the habits we all develop when faced with discomfort. Reading it again and again gives the reader a fresh way of envisioning life's way of offering opportunities to grow.

The idea of the book is good, if you don't take care of the little things when they first appear, they end up snowballing and becoming big things. However, I thought the book would include more to read and digest rather than just drawings of paperclips. OK I get the message now offer some insight on motivation. The message didn't need 109 pages of paperclips to get the message across. One cartoon would have done. It took me all of 5 minutes to "read". Sorry, wanted more for the money.

This charmingly simple book spoke volumes to me about the dangers of a disorganized life, and brought to mind several practical applications. If I don't hang up my clothes every night, my bedroom is soon an unworkable mess. If I don't take care of my mail (and other paperwork) diligently and often, it soon becomes overwhelming, and I can't find that piece of paper I really need. If I don't spot-clean the kitchen and baths (almost) every day, things get disgusting quite quickly, and germs can grow. And the list could go on. It's so refreshing to see a simple, highly useful truth presented in such an engaging way, and I look forward to the next "lesson." Way to go, Gina!

I purchased this book on the recommendation of a friend after the loss of my son, which was the culmination of a series of increasingly cruel and difficult miscarriages. More than any other book, this one helped me sort through all of my losses and deal with the grief and make some sort of sense of it. I especially liked how the book, although it has a religious tone, isn't overly preachy and the chapter for husbands was also something my husband thought was good. I have passed my copy on to a friend who lost her son, but since then have encountered a number of friends and colleagues who, sadly, also have had similar experiences. I have taken to having an extra copy at all times so that when a friend does open up to me about a loss (I'm very open about my son) I have one to pass on.

After our fourth daughter was stillborn January 2008, I thought that no one or nothing could relate to how I felt. I was wrong after I read this book. This book accurately describes
my feelings of guilt, helplessness, fears, etc. It is very comforting to know that I am not crazy for thinking the way I do.I have read a lot of books on this subject (which is so sad for it happens way too often to so many people) but this one is the best so far. I am going
to recommend it to a local hospital for anyone who (god forbid), has this tragic event in their lives as well. Deb Davis writes knowing my thoughts
and my questions, realizing at the same time that we will never know the answer why after 36 healthy weeks, her spirit was chosen to leave this earth. I love you so much...... and miss you...... we will meet again someday.

Thorough, but needed something more to help me thru the death of my infant daughter.

After our son was stillborn in April of 2006, we were looking for any support we could find. We went to the beach and I read this book out loud to my husband cover to cover in 1 day. Everything we were feeling was covered in this book. It was to the point and very validating. We referred to this book daily. I have purchased several of these for our support group and the hospital where our son was born. We felt like this was something parents should leave with and for that matter a book the nursing and hospital staff should have as required reading. During our darkest days this book helped us work through the many emotions that come with the death of a child. If you have suffered the same fate or know someone who has I highly recommend this book.

Our first child, our son Wyatt, was stillborn and it has been the most devastating event of our entire lives. I bought this book after a fellow angel parent recommended it and absolutely loved it. It is so "nice" to see all the thoughts and feelings you have after losing a child right there in print. It makes you realize you're not going crazy, that those thoughts and feelings are legitimate, and that you are not alone. I carried this book everywhere with me and would highlight phrases that were personal to me. It really helped me understand the loss of our son and give me strength and courage to go on with our lives while still keeping his memory alive. I'm so sorry to those of you having to look at this book, but I hope it can help you as much as it has helped me.

Very good book for single male and females,Alot fo useful information, however i feel the book is written toward the womens perspecive of dating rather then the male (dont forget a women wrote the book). She lists the dos and dont's for soul mates but the reality is that very few of us have all those traits. Dont expect perfection whether its personalty, looks, money, career, interets, etc. I feel that the book is geared toward someone wanting the whole package, especailly on the women side. I've read better. There are other books that are geared toward men and these books talks about one night stance and long term relationships.

Again, this book "excuse me your soul mate is waiting" is very usefull if you are really picky or looking for close to perfection

This book was really fun to read. It has a lot of info we know but tend to forget or realize. I finish reading this book in 2 days. I wish I can remember all the advice that the author stated. I may have to read it again.

I have read several books on relationships and I must say, 'Excuse Me, Your Soul Mate is Waiting' is one of the best. Marla makes a number of key observations that are bang on. The examples she cites are very powerful and each chapter concludes with helpful "exercises". As a matchmaker, the author has a unique perspective and peppers the book with anecdotes and insights from her years matching males and females. She does a good job of appealing to both men and women (although she uses slightly more female examples.

Marla gives the impression that she knows what she's talking about, and hasn't spent all this time in the matchmaking business without gleaning some valuable advice to pass along. In a field where most think about what they can get, Marla reminds us that, though it is important to have a clear picture of what we want, it's also important to think about what we can give. Her friendly style makes this a pleasure to read!

I loved this book. It was so encouraging and inspiring. If you've dated a gazillion frogs, this book will give you hope. The author's style is conversational and easy to read. I plan to write some of the affirmations on cards and refer to them often. Marla Martenson has written a book on relationships that feels hopeful, but realistic. You'll love this book.

Suzanne Falter-Barns has given the gift of added inspiration to anyone who needs vindication for taking time out to pursue their own dreams, not just writers, but aspiring spirits of all walks of life. We are often made to feel guilty for seeking our own path, or the 'road less traveled', especially if we're not following traditional or 'money making' careers. In my opinion, this book should be required reading for all graduating high school seniors to give them that extra gust of wind beneath their wings...
Chrissy K. McVay
author of 'Souls of the North Wind'

This book may look small, but it packs a wallop for everyone who's having trouble starting - whether it be starting "the great American novel", a painting, new business or screenplay. Suzanne Falter-Barnes also shows us how "failures" actually help us in the creative process, and be positive experiences along our path. It's not necessarily a matter of having talent, it's all about having the passion to follow our dreams.

I was browsing the table of contents of this book online here at amazon, and was so excited by just the titles of each chapter I knew I had to have this book immediately if not sooner. So for the first time in my life, I dowloaded the digital version of the book and was reading it within 5 minutes. Now I am a person who has read all the Robbins,Chopra, Dyer, Sinetar, Moore, Quantum Physics and Abraham materials you can think of. Every book on Doing what you love and the money will follow theme. This book is the best of all of them.

I read almost all the "You can do anything you want once you find yourself, believe in yourself and focus" books anyone on earth can claim to have read and this book had me up all night and the next and I read it in just 2 days I couldnt put it down. What struck me about it if you read it clearly, is that this book isnt so much about doing anything and succeeding, its about just getting out of the way of all your doubts,excuses and mental reasoning and just living who you are. It doesnt even matter if you fail or succeed as the doing it becomes the divine calling of your life. Nothing else is important...or satisfying!

All the other books focus on succeeding or getting from A to B but Suzanne just tells you to do it, do it forever and let the chips fall where they may. Wow, what a relief to know that I can spend the next 30 years of my life as a public speaker, never make a dime and on my death bed know I did what my soul came here for me to do! The success and fame is just gravy.

Thank you Suzanne for giving me permission to live my life with no hidden agendas of meeting anyones expectations including my own. Damn, life may actually start to be fun again. As a financial advisor who has few paying clients I've done so well for, Ive made them millions of dollars and never even got a thank you, nor have I got the fame and exposure for my website or message board called:momsonlinestocks(ok, ok, so I threw in a little plug. lol) that I deserve after having one of the best stock picking records in the country for 2 years! Nor have I been able to live the way I want financially because they dont reward me very well, Ive felt very resentful about life. Now I know it is ok to do the things I really love even if they never pay my bills. In fact, without doing what you can say is your life/soul mission(s), no success anywhere else will ever make you feel complete. I cant wait to read Suzanne's other book which is on its way in the mail. BEST book I ever read!

Please.....get this book for everyone who is not really happy with their work and lives. In fact, get this for everyone who is as well. I'ts loaded with inspiration from cover to cover. If this book wont do it for you, nothing else will. Dont know what you want from life? No problem. Suzanne will help you. In fact, I'd love to correspond with all readers of this book and maybe even start a cyber support group or board. The most liberating and validating book I've ever read. I'm even thinking of making a career out of teaching her concepts! Coaching anyone? -) Be prepared to miss work the next day if you start this book late at night. You wont be able to put it down. In fact, tomorrow I am going to attend a workshop on a particular love of mine I have had for years knowing there will be only superior and more experienced people there. Now I am going because it is my calling to do so, the fear of measuring up is completely gone. What an epiphany! I wish I read this book at age 15, instead of in my 40's. My whole life would have probably turned out different.

I have always affectionately been know as the "maker of miracles' or the "grantor of wishes" but never was able to get paid for my personal coaching/consulting. Now I have the emotional tools to do so and it doesnt even matter if I never get one paying client. My e-mail is:mince38@yahoo.com if you'd like to comment or chat.

Marc

Unlike the last negative review, though I did find some things that have been said in many other books of this type, for me the reminders were just that--a reminder to get back into the work I love, but with a practical stamp upon it to make it happen (me being an ungrounded Gemini, being 'practical' is difficult!). I just finished Suzanne's other book, "Living Your Joy" and I am so grateful I found it as well. Both books inspired me to do the work (play) that is REALLY important to me, yet still keep the day job going for the daily bills we all face here on Planet Earth. Bravo, Suzanne!

Speaking from my own point of view when trying to pursuing my dream, I have faced the fear of failure. I think we all have in some way, more or less. We need encouragement to go on, and if we don't get it, we need courage to do it all on our own.

To me, failure is wisdom and something we shouldn't be afraid of. What's important is that we must never give up. The dream is out there and it's reachable if you don't give up. In some way you'll always be able to achieve it.

Author, Suzanne Falter-Barns is in her book `How Much Joy Can You Stand?' giving us inspiration and encouragement to never giving up on your dream. The book is based on other peoples stories as well as on Suzanne Falter-Barns own experiences. In the book are exercises to go forth and back whenever a situation occurs.

Take the advices from others and start pursuing your dream today. When you're 70 years old, it might be too late and you'll be annoyed over what you didn't do. Everything is up to you - get started!

This book hit home. One of my best friends gifted me with this book and it has been one of the best gifts ever. I work full time and have a 10 month old daughter. After reading just a chapter I felt relieved to know I am not the only one feeling stressed with all there is to do everyday while maintaining a home, work, relationships,etc. This book gives permission to slow down, and it says it's okay to stop and listen and not do the big birthday parties and attend all the holiday parties and events. Just being and listening and not doing anything together is time well spent.

As others have noted, this book is a series of reflections about motherhood and the importance of slowing down to savor daily life with loved ones.

This book energized me to make several changes in my own life. Part of my motivation for homeschooling this year was a desire to have a more conscious, contemplative, and purposeful life rather than a frantic-mad-dashing here and there life.

In fact, as the holidays approach, many of my friends are feeling "swamped", "overwhelmed", "stressed" - feelings I remember all too well from previous years. While I still have my moments, overall I am much less stressed than last year. The overall tenor of the holidays is much happier and calmer. I have done my best to pare the holidays down to the essentials, to keep things simple and personal, rather than grandly extravagant. Extravagance has its place, but when children are young, I think simplicity makes so much more sense.

I loved this book so much I chose it for my book club of busy suburban SAHMs. I was quite surprised to find only two (out of nine) loved it as I did! Three thought the book had "some good ideas", but they clearly didn't connect with the author.

The other four were quite negative about Mitten Strings. They felt it was too preachy and perfect and Pollyanna-ish, that "real" people couldn't live like the Kenisons without lots of money. But it's not a financial lifestyle she is talking about, it's an internal one, it is simply making a conscious effort to notice, appreciate, prioritize and streamline.

In trying to figure out the mixed response to this book in my book club, I came up with a couple of ideas. I think the crux of liking the book has to do with the following:

First, it depends on whether you are at a point in your life where you actually consider rushing madly to be a negative thing, rather than proof you are productive. Some people feel empowered and energized by rushing and being busy!

Second, it depends on how contemplative you are feeling when you read the book. The more contemplative you feel, the more likely you might enjoy the book.

Finally, it depends on whether you enjoy visual and poetic language. The author writes with a heartfelt, genuine sentimentality that, while I enjoyed it tremendously, can apparently be off-putting to people with more pragmatic sensibilities.

One reviewer said they would not give this book to a parent of an autistic child, or one with Down's Syndrome. I actually think this book has considerable merit for families with special needs children - the key is knowing WHEN to give the book. I have a child who was diagnosed with autism at 3, and when he was younger and we were rushing around madly from therapy to therapy, ransacking our home to make it an engaging learning environment, etc..., I would not have been in the frame of mind to appreciate it.

In fact, according to my three criteria above: the mad rushing was proof I was doing everything I could to help him; who has time to be contemplative when you are trying to save your child from autism; and poetic musings about the wonderful lives of families with typically developing children would have been quite upsetting.

NOW I see things differently. I think the ideas in the book have even MORE relevance for children with special needs, who often thrive in calm, centered environments. I think children with special needs deserve to have their progress, however slow or small, deeply savored and appreciated.

Well anyway. This is not a book that EVERYONE is necessarily going to love, in spite of the steady parade of 5 star reviews. Nevertheless, I join the parade and give this book 5 stars based on my own incredibly positive experience reading it.

I truly enjoyed this book. It is not a religious book (despite the title) nor a parenting guide; it is a deeply spiritual look at what it means to be a family.

Mitten Strings touched me in such a way that I felt like I was reading a letter from a good friend. There was a sense of peace reading it and imagining my family in her book. Her basic premise is to slow down, notice the details of your children's lives and be present with your family. But the book goes so much further than that. We all know to slow down...but to be reminded how magical it can be, with illustrations that are so tender is even better. I highly recommend this book and in fact purchased seven more to give to my friends as a special gift. I'd love to meet the author (Katrina) and sit over a cup of something on the front porch while our children run circles around the house!

It is rare to say but so true. It was given to me by an older woman and it truely changed the way I parent my two boys, see life and helped me create a summer that I will treasure. A must read for those who want to slow down and get off the "treadmill" of life.

I have taken this book apart and used it in the classroom. I bought it used and didn't receive a CD-ROM with it. My students are able to glean many ideas from it for our school newspaper.

Tim Harrower provides a very practical guide to newspaper design. The art of newspaper design tends to be very subjective, so this book lays down some facts and guidelines to put to rest some of the indecisive elements of design.

For a beginner, this is a book that will give you the confidence and understanding to conquer page layout.

The CD gives the novice an even more practical guide than the book can deliver.

One criticism is that the book is printed on light gloss stock and is spiral bound. I am not sure how it was survive rough treatment.

Brian Hurst

This textbook is awesome. I've never seen a better textbook. It lays everything out, and makes it simple to understand. It tells you what to do and what not to do in simple language and clear pictures. It's one of few textbooks worth keeping for future use in your career (provided you're going into the newspaper industry)!

When I accepted my first "real" job in journalism as a page designer for a local weekly I was struck by a horrifying thought, I really knew nothing about newspaper design. I had done it before for my college paper, sure, but this was the big time. I needed a refresher course and I needed it fast... Tim Harrower and this spiral-bound book came to my rescue.

Although it was first published in 1989, this book will be relevant as long as newspapers exist, even in this age of computer design. Harrower explains and shows why certain designs are good and bad and he approaches it in a situational, problem-solving format. For example, he explains what should be done when you have to design a page with no art, when you have butting headlines, or two horizontal photos etc. Harrower says that most page designers stumble into the job and from this point of view he explains what exactly, a good design is. This book will always be on my desk.

(I wish my publications professor used this instead of the worthless $105 monstrosity he made us buy (and that we never used by the way).)

So, after some mild freaking out followed by a lot of reading, I can start my new job with confidence thanks to this book.

I am an editor these days.
I came on this book quite a few years ago when I was a sub. It was recommended to me by an old hand in the newspaper game.
Without doubt, it is the single best aquisition I have made in terms of newspaper design.
In the places I have worked, I have been regarded extremely highly for my layout skills.
This book, with a little creativity, is the basis of almost everything I do in terms of layout.
If you are serious about the newspaper game, get it, study it and then apply what you learn. It will help our career enormously.

But you didn't address the issue housecleaning. It was sort of a mute point.

Married couples are happier when the woman does most the domestic work, I'm not telling you to quit your job, but it's a proven fact. I mean, that summarizes the very small section you dedicate in this book to domestic work.

Yet in your other book you encourage men to be more helpful. That really made me irate. I really quit reading this book at this point. The largest fault of our marriage, was dividing domestic work.

BUT~ Don't let this stop you from reading the book. He doesn't bring that issue up until near the end of the book! I actually give this book to my girlfriends with marital problems also.

It really taught me how to confront my husband, and be PROACTIVE. Understand how he ticks, and how some "positive reinforcement" when your hubby is good will encourage him to do more. Not to criticize, but encourage :)

Using the tools the author offered up to communicate with my husband (Touching him when communicating) really helped. My husband served me divorce papers. I refused to sign for financial reasons, but sat down and thought about it for 24 hours. When my husband arrived the next day. I sat him down, grabbed his hand, looked him deep in the eyes and said "I love you. I wouldn't of married you if I didn't love you. I have made a lot of mistakes - WE have made a lot of mistakes. We both have a lot of growing up to do, and we can change together. I want to change with you, and be with you the rest of my life. If you can find it in your heart to forgive me, I will forgive you, and we can try to forge our love again." It worked. He dropped a little tear, and we have been PERFECT ever since.

He does things without being told, and is much more focussed on his family when he is here. This book will give you examples, and the tools to communicate on a level with your husband in which he WILL understand for once.

In all reality, this book really saved my marriage. It filled my empty tool box.

(I just really wish you would do something about the domestic duties chapter. My husband actually just showed up one day and started cleaning. No guidance from your book... AH! Make another edition!)

I bought this book for my live-in boyfriend who is dragging his feet about getting married. Needless to say, we haven't always gone about things the right way and our relationship hasn't exactly been perfect. So, I've read a LOT of relationship books lately. I decided I had better check it out before I handed over something that would overwhelm him if it was going to be THE book I gave him. And this is, by far, the best and most practical book I've read yet. It was just as beneficial a read for me as I think it would be for him.

Let me also just say that I am not a good reader- 20 pages at a time at BEST. This book was written in lay terms and the pages flew by. I read 270 pages in 3 days. It was really clear and really engaging. It was an easy read that I looked forward to. Don't get discouraged by one of the first chapters with all the brain and chemical stuff. It's only one chapter and the rest of the book is NOT like that. I plan to get it for many of the men I know for these reasons:

It is reaffirming for men. It says that most therapists don't have proper couple's training and licensing and that they insist that men act more like women. That is why men feel so frustrated. So, it gives real and practical suggestions and suggests that men approach a marriage from the same perspective that a man would approach his job- an area he generally feels pretty competent in. I think most men will like and can relate to this.

I found the author to be very pro-woman in his approach without demeaning men. He placed a high and equal value on both partners in the relationship. He just suggested that both need to reevaluate the way they look at things and that a change in attitude can go a long way.

Also guys, I found that he touched on every subject that I can think women take issue with or are confused by. As I was reading his suggestions, I think I would be truly happy with the outcome if they were applied; not expecting perfection, but recongnizing the effort. Don't ignore ANY sections because they are all things that are important to women- even the ones he spends only a paragraph on. Basically, that was what I interpreted his approach to be- to help you understand the way we view things and why we make your life miserable because of it. ;)

If you are going to try any relationship help book, I would suggest this one for men (but also valuable for women). You won't feel overwhelmed, it's practical, and it is written in a way you will enjoy reading it.

Its a great book for him to read and if he does it works wonders for us!

I think this is a great book that has some practical principles in it for all men to learn from and apply them to their everyday lives.

At the conclusion of the introduction to his book, The Secrets of Happily Married Men, Dr.Scott Hazelton writes that it is not his aim to merely assist in making marriages okay, he wants to help make them great! At the outset of the book, he creates a "job description" for husbands. He calls it; The First Way: Make Your Marriage Your Job
The following seven chapters enourage the reader to work toward that goal. From the Secrets of MarriedMen.com, Dr. Scott shares the following observation by a man named Frank, age 48, married for 25 years;

You both must give 100 percent of yourself in your marriage if you
want it to work. Love her the same as you did when you dated and
make her feel like the most important thing on earth. You had
better find the time or you will find yourself divorced. If you
can't find the time to do this, why did you ever get married?

Hazelman reiterates a conclusion that was made by Gottman which says after tempers flare and hurtful things are said, the future of a relationship depends on how the couple makes up-or at least engages in some sort of damage control.

He goes on to say that a husband's greatest challenge is to foster, within his wife's heart, a real and lasting faith that she can trust him.

Where Regret....is a terrific, beautifully written spiritual odyssey of sorts. Packed with humor, vulnerability and enticing questions, I found it to be a page turner. Rev. Ault's writing is as charismatic as his live talks. I love reading about other's processes and the invitation extended to make their discoveries your own. I indeed discovered my own self and my own journey juxtaposed with his in so many ways. I love the simple, yet profound message he presents in regards to viewing what is working in the world and placing your energies there. We hear it, we believe it will be of benefit and yet somehow we never really emerse ourselves in the change. Ault's story provided me with TOOLS to keep my focus. I'm loving the process and grateful for this material.
To me it's a real inspirational classic.

What an unexpected delight. Love the author but never anticipated LOVING the book as much. This book is a testament to how one's own life process, when told with such honesty can effect another and prompt positive change. I learned as much from one read as if I had gone on some vision qwest or sequestered myself on a mountain top. What is it that does it? It's the humor, the raw honesty, the diligent focus on truth and the gentle reminder that ALL IS WELL and will continue to be so if we just accept it and allow it to be our frame of reference.
May sound like a cliche' but it truly is a MUST-READ.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. What a pleasure to lose one's self into stories of transformation and transcendence. I felt my heart lifted at the end of each essay and a renewed sense of belief in the triumph of the human spirit. There is so much here. Each essay spoke to so many different areas of experience that are going on in my life. I got chills reading about David's adventures in Peru. I cried as I identified with the longing and honoring of his father, having lost my dad young as well. I gained a new perspective about authentic friendship from his lid illustration and I was thankfully reminded about the necessity of creating balance in my life in his chapter titled Taming the Tempo.
Where Regret Cannot Find Me is a welcomed addition in my classic spiritual library.

I think this is a gutsy book. Don't usually say that about a spiritual book but I just find this one unique in the way it deals with everyday subjects.
Was really caught up in the stories and found myself getting concrete answers for what I'm going through in my own life.
It was also easy and enjoyable to read. The "grin" part is because I found myself laughing out loud a few times.

sigh - not sure what to say but compelled to say something.
I am moved by this book in so many ways. I feel almost like a spy as I read some of these essays because they are so personal. I'm grateful that the writer allowed himself to "go there" because it makes me feel less alone and more hopeful that I'm moving in the right direction.

I have been reading Acts of Faith for several years and find it to be the perfect morning read. It sets the tone for my day and helps me remember how blessed I am and how much I need to grow. It often reminds me of lessons that I have forgotten.

I lost my copy at a hotel a few months ago and missed it tremendously, so I had to reorder.

If everyone could learn these lessons, we would be a better world.

GET THIS BOOK! READ THE MEDITATIONS! We need inspirations and meditations and affirmations...THIS BOOK IS A TRIPLE HITTER!!!
I purchased this book when it first came out (Over ten years ago) and at that time I read each meditation daily and FAITHFULLY. Over the years I have had to tape the cover to protect the cover from wear and tear. I also marked the dates of my affirmations, and as I re-read the meditations/affirmations (yes I continue to read the daily affirmations-life doesn't change, there will always be stuff to go through)
I had a chance to see how God has moved me through the various situations I found myself confronted with and also to reflect on how I have grown. I thank God for this book and for giving us Iyanla, who had the wisdom and discernment and OBEDIENCE to write it. I often give this book as a gift when I see folks who are at a place of contemplation; So I recommend this book 100%. Don't be afraid to use it during the happy and not so happy days that will come to past. I have two copies one at home, and one at work. Enjoy!

I had read several other books by Iyanla before I started with this one and I have to say that I have never read another book that give's one so much information and yet is so accessible. Iyanla has a way of making seemingly esoteric issues very relatable and very understandable, and very easy to apply to your everyday life. "Acts of Faith" is definitley in that vein. I would also recommend 'Until Today' by Iyanla which I believe is a more developed version of 'Acts of Faith' in that the daily passages are longer and she give daily affirmations and activities to complete on each day.

Excellent collection of opinions and advise for inspiration and reflection for all aspects of life.

This book has inspired me. I have found several meditations that apply whole heartedly to my life. I have retyped and copied several of the quotes and taped them to my refrigerator or put them on my bulletin board at work. This is a book I needed years ago.

This book has given me insight and inspiration on several different topics. Since I bought it a few years ago, I have yet to put it down. I'm always reading this. I have become more pleasant in certain circumstance because of something I've read here.

For anybody facing lifes highs and lows or debating whether or not to start meditating this book is one you should have. It's so nice to have a book that focuses on the daily ins and outs of being a person of color.

I am recently in reunion with a son I lost to adoption 23 years ago. I was in a deep denial for all these years, only coming to reality when he contacted me. I am thrilled to know him, and feel his love, but all of this has been overwhelming. This book has and is helping me understand my feelings, and reassuring me that I am not the only woman to ever have these feelings.

The preview of this book made no mention that it's focus is on women who placed their children for adoption in the 70's and were coerced into it.

I placed my child for adoption in the 90's under no one's influence. It was a painful, yet positive experience.I am in search of a book that can help a person in my situation.

This book was not it.

Thank you, Joseph M. Soll and Karen Wilson Buterbaugh! Over 1.5 million of us surrendered babies for adoption in the 50s and 60s and 70s, and it now feels really good to know people are writing about how we can heal from that incredibly painful loss. This book is extremely well done, and Mr. Soll and Ms. Wilson Buterbaugh are to be commended for their courage in taking on this topic. Thanks for illuminating a path that, hopefully, will aid the healing process for many of us.
Sharon Shaw Elrod; www.sharsstory.com

I thought this book was wonderful. It definitely helped me to realize that I wasn't alone in my feelings and fears, decades after losing a baby to adoption. I feel it has helped me to face the truths of just how things happened and helped me to realize that it was not only not my decision but it was not my fault. I was given no choice and this book helped me to realize that. It has been very therapeutic in helping me deal with my loss and to understand my behaviors over the years.

I read this treasure 14 years aftering finding my daughter. It put into words the anxiety I endured the first 21 years of her life that were lost to me. This book should be read by all mothers who felt they were 'forced' to place their child for adoption. It can provide validation for the feelings we were afraid to express. The authors did a superb job of covering all aspects of the pain of the adoption experience that will color our lives forever.