Self-Help Books

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.

A great little book of spiritual secerts for valuing yourself, and enjoying everyday, finding what's really important in our every day experiences.

This book is broken down into 70-something wonderful pearls of wisdom and advice-some practical, some nurturing, and some just pointing out where we can appreciate the "now". I would recommend this book for anyone, especially if you have a shorter attention span (each chapter is 2-3 pages), or if you're short on time (you can read a chapter at a stoplight or in line). Excellent insight and wisdom!

A friend of mine gave me "Creating a Charmed Life" last year and told me that she used it to read a chapter at a time to her staff at work. I found myself reading each chapter or essay in a similar manner and enjoyed it very much. So this Christmas I bought two copies to give to friends with the same advice. It has a calming effect in the harried life.

I spotted this book when I was going through a particularly difficult period in my life. (I read the book and truly felt inspired to make changes and to become more accepting of myself and others. I refer to the book all the time-it's like my own little pocket guide to life. Yes, I bleieve in God and have faith but I'll admit, I waiver. I grew up in a house where my mother did not have the skills or confidence in herself to be able to enjoy her own life or teach her daughters to enjoy theirs. If I am lucky enough to have children I will make sure I teach them these principles. Thank you, Victoria Moran for helping me wake up and enjoy life.

This can be useful: to keep this book on your shelf and open it to a fun suggestion at random. It lists ways to treat yourself as a way of reminding yourself to be good to yourself at regular intervals.

But it may only work if you're a very girlie kind of gal: this is something I don't usually notice unless it's very pronounced as it is here. The author's idea of a good time is to dress up with hat and gloves and call all her best girlfriends and go out for a traditional English tea and then to get pampered at the neighborhood spa. I myself would find that a total ordeal!

So, even though she has some good insights, she and I don't have much in common, and this book struck me as more outer-oriented and materialistic than her Lit From Within book, which I would recommend, and which concentrates on inner peace.

I applaud and respect, Ms.Brookshire. I believe from reading her testimony, that she is a woman of God, and was highly favored during this ordeal. In this book, I learned what that phrase "NO WEAPON FORMED AGAINST ME SHALL PROSPER.

I can't believe her then Mother-In-Law, knew of her son's medical status, and did not warn this woman, this makes the mother, her son accomplice.
No wonder why they both got what they deserved.

This woman is a real "Trooper". God bless you.

this was a very powerful book she believed deeply in god and he was there for her every step of the way even though her husband treated her badly i was very happy she found someone who loved her and believe in the same things as she did i love this book

This is one I borrowed from the library but definately will buy to add to my collection. I read this leisurely in 4 days staying up pretty late on the 4th day trying to finish it. It is amazing what someone can get through when God is carrying them. I am astonished and happily excited by a story like this one. Thank You for sharing Mrs. Brookshire.

This book was awesome. I read the book in a day in a half. This book was passed to me from my Aunt. I learned a lot from ready this book. Just to wait and listen closely to what Jesus has to say. Don't jump into relationships without seeking Gods face first. From this day forward my life will never be the same. I will continue to be more observant of that gut feeling that we get, they are not always butterflies but Jesus trying to tell us something. LaJoyce Thank You So much for sharing your life with all of your readers. This is definitely what God ordained you to do. I was always taught that God allows us to go through things so that we can help others that may face similar situations and so that we can have a testimony to share with others.

Be Blessed and Highly Favored

Tjis is a must read for all females young and old to read. AIDS IS A DEVASTING DISEASE!

I bought this book for my sister after her husband unexpectedly died. She often reads self-help type books on various subjects, so I knew she would be interested in a book like this at some point. I did not know when, however, so I just left it out. Surprisingly, she read it the evening after the funeral. The next morning, she said it was a great help to find out that not only were many of her feelings shared by others going through the same thing but also to have some sense of what issues might come up in the near future. Of course, everyone is different. But it did seem to be quite useful for my sister. That was important, so it gets five stars from me.

So many of the quotes from this book matched my thoughts or actions. It validates that you are not going crazy, and are not the only one thinking in that way.

The book is aimed at people under 50, but I think the majority of the themes in the first half of the book would apply to any age.

The second half of the book had sections that applied to different groups (with children, gay, etc) and so was less useful for me, but I would definitely recommend this book, based on the first half alone.

Great book for young widows. Many books are aimed towards older widows. This book hits the nail right on hte head. A must read.

I am a young widow and found this book to provide a great deal of comfort, understanding and support at a time when I very much needed it. It helped me to know that my thoughts and feelings were normal and felt by many men and women in my situation. I would recommend to any young widow/widower.

is different than being an older one. This book basically explains that any way you approach it, being widowed is difficult...and any way you can find helpful to cope is "okay" and within normal limits. It also addresses delayed grief responses, which I found particularily helpful. Most things that I have gone through, angry feelings etc. are somehow brought up. The anectdotes are good. The book does give ideas, for those that want them, on how to have outside influences help you deal with grieving. Although some parts of the book are not always relevant, one can pick and choose which sections to read without loosing continuity.
KT

Craig and Mark may be young in age, but they are definitely old souls. Their grasp of Spiritual concepts goes way beyond their years.

The book shows that it doesn't matter what you know intellectually; unless you live it, it is meaningless. As one individual, you may think you are powerless, but everyone underestimates the extent to how much of a difference they can actually make.

These two brothers proved that in what they accomplished in such a short period of time. Absolutely amazing.

I read mostly self help books and I have read many. The book, Me to We was one of the very best. I read it while traveling to and from San Diego this past week. The two authors, brothers in their 20's, talk about how we must take the focus off of me and ask "How can I help others." In changing our focus onto the other person we help ourselves to grow. They give many great examples, examples from both ordinary people and very well known celebrities. Just learning about their own personal experiences helped change my way of looking at the world. Buying AND reading this book will be one of the best investments you can make in yourself.

I found this book to amazingly inspirational! For someone so young, these two young men have been blessed with amazing insight and wisdom. I would recommend this book to all who are stuck in wondering what the purpose for their life is. If you can't find a purpose somewhere in the chapters of this book, you must be dead!
Not only is this book informational, but it addresses much of the complacency and apathy of a society that has become so spoiled. Want to be inspired to go beyond your comfort zone? Read this book!

Free the Children is a fantastic organization, and reading more about it inspired me to live more of the "Me to We" philosophy. I would recommend this book to anyone.

Me to We is one of those books that will get you thinking about what you are doing with your life, and what you could be doing. Written in an easy to understand manner, it is suitable for teens and seniors alike.
Me to We is truly inspirational in the way it speaks from the heart, and encourages all of us to make a difference in our lives, our community, and our world. I truly recommend this book - you won't be disappointed.

The Rhythm of Life is a book that I keep going back to. It brings back that life is made up of choices. The choices we make reflect on how balanced our life can/should be. Happiness is not brought about by the amount of "stuff" we have, but by the substance we share physically, mentally, and spiritually within ourselves and others. I've been told that a happy home consists of a good coffee maker and dog. After reading The Rhythm of Life I need to add to a good coffee maker and dog to include a good book, church, and God in your soul. Well worth reading.

This book is so thought provoking that I plan to buy 5 more copies and share with important people in my life. I enjoyed the insightfulness of Matthew Kelly--this was the first book I have read of his and have moved on to Perfectly Yourself: 9 Lessons for Enduring Happiness.

If you are looking to examine your life and ask yourself some questions about how to move forward and become a person of greater character this book is for you.

The Rhythm of Life books are awesome, in great shape and arrived promptly. Thank you!

I have incorporated the teachings in this book to my life and highly recommend it for all ages.

I am a fan, this purchase was actually a gift for a friend, the perspective while not entirely unique, almost feels like it is, because it touches on the core issues that many of us identify as the true obstacles to personal , spiritual and emotional health. 5 stars becuase of the integrity and depth of the message... you can "tell' when the message is the result of a personal desire to identify ,and more importantly "share" via effective communication practical tools to change and grow

Contrary to some beliefs, female Rabbis have added immeasurably to the wealth of Jewish thought and understanding. This book is an example of such wisdom. If you are looking for a good gift for someone struggling with loss - this is it.

Although I (Thank God) have not experienced a tragic loss like the ones described in Rabbi Levy's book, I related to and loved every chapter. I have read this book twice and have given it to at least 5 friends to read. Why does this book touch me in such a personal way? I am not quite sure (I'll just have to read it again!)

Perhaps it's her down to earth writing. Perhaps it's the human-ness of the book - real people with real problems (or ordinary people with extraordinary situations?). Perhaps it's the use of blessings to confirm life itself. Perhaps it is a confirmation of Judaism (liberal or traditional) as a path to live a more fulfilling life even when life "isn't fair." Perhaps it is a realization, as we mature, that bad does happen (and, sometimes good does come out of bad). Also, human pain is real and common - and, becomes easier to live with in a caring community.

My husband is Romanian Orthodox who is dealing with Multiple Myeloma, a cancer of the bone marrow plasma. I am Jewish and dealing with his disease and other issues. But we both have found enormous comfort and wisdom in this book. He has read many spiritual books since his diagnosis but this is the book he continually goes back to. Because of Rabbi Levy's style of talking about her own experience and that of her congregants, she offers a spirituality that is not abstract but very authentic. Because of her humility, I read her books and feel like we are comrades in facing the tribulations of life. I feel less alone. This is definitely the best book I have ever read about practical spirituality and one that I recommend whenever I can.

In this very personal book Rabbi Levy takes us through her own very personal story of loss so that we may ourselves recover from the death of a loved one. As a young teenager she lost her father and in this work of nonfiction she takes us through her struggle with G-d (HaShem), with helping her mother, and with living the rest of her life without her dad. We are able, as readers, to bond with the author as she takes us through her life from teenager to young adult and then through college. We experience the transformation of Rabbi Levy through rabbinical school to her obtaining a pulpit of her own in a congregation full of daily and weekly worshipers. Each chapter of this inspiring book finishes itself with a wonderful peaceful serene meditation that leaves the reader feeling just wonderfully at peace and without grief. This book was recommended to me by my therapist. I was hesitant to read it at first because it was written by a female Rabbi. I did not feel that I would have anything to gain from the female perspective. Then I had to stop and think. I am grieving over the loss of my dear beloved wife who died too young at the age of 47 from brain cancer. She is up there in heaven whacking me on the side of the head if I don't change my "Archie Bunker" ideas and read the book. Well, I did. It proved to be a defining decision in my road to recovery from grief. This book is one of two that I read and, along with individual and group therapy that helped me overcome the 2.5 year nursing home ordeal of brain cancer, that finally culminated in death. It does not matter whether you are Jewish or not, whether you are male or female, buy this book if someone you love has died, it will help you.

If I had a wish it would be to talk to Rabbi Levy. What a wonderful source of wisdom she is. I usually speed read books but this one I purchased after the prayer book and it has been rabbit eared, underlined, and had many tears spilled on it's pages. My story is a series of bad things over the last ten years and I've turned to many books and people for guidance. Now I realize God is there and he is there in this book. This book helped me believe again. She also said something that helped me explain myself to my family. I read all the time. Especially spiritual books; She talks about how studying and reading can be God's way of talking to you. This book is an example of that through Rabbi Levy. I admire her for her strength to become a Rabbi. I always wish my church would let women be Priests so I understand her prayers to be able to become a Rabbi. Anyone going through any kind of difficult time could benefit from this book. Her own experience, when you look at her smiling picture in the back of the book, you cannot believe her father was murdered. I guess it is true that great sorrow often gives way to great wisdom. This one will stay by my bed with my rosary.

Widow To Widow: Thoughtful, Practical Ideas For Rebuilding Your Life

A must read for new widows. Written by a widow, it helps you to understand the emotions you feel, the ups and downs, and helps you transition into widowhood. It is light hearted and you will even laugh a time or two. I've given this as gifts to 3 young new widows and it helped them all face their new futures and challenges as a widow. I've read other books, but none helped me as much as this book. It's very easy reading.

This book is well written and has many helpful suggestions for coping with widowhood. A friend shared a copy with me and told me that she had ordered copies for the minister at her church to share with new widows. I ordered six copies. Two were sent to recently widowed friends, one went to the church lending library and the other copies went to my minister to share with new widows. I also had the chair of our church widow's support group write a letter describing the group that would be placed with each book.

As a recently widowed woman, I found this book of great help, support and comfort. I recommend it wholeheartedly to any widow, recent or of long standing as I feel I shall refer to it often as I tread this strange new life path.

This book is very helpful to me. It validates all the range of emotions I'm experiencing. Being a widow can feel very lonely at times, and this book is helping me feel less alone, seeing that other women are going through a very similar process. I continue to read and re-read parts of it. I would highly recommend this book.

As a recent widow, I found my life at loose ends. This book was very helpful in validating some of the emotions I was going through, as well as giving practical suggestions on how to rebuild and make a new life for myself, alone now. I feel like I still have a long way to go in healing, but this book is one that I can refer back to as I run into new situations.

Delightful stories of the Hundred-Acre Wood and all of its lovable characters. Pooh and friends have quite a few adventures (or misadventures) in this collection of Winnie-the-Pooh stories. The stories remind me of childhood, making them special each time I reread them. I wouldn't even be able to choose my favorite chapter in this book -- each one is full of wonder, laughter, and Pooh.

The charming and timeless story of Christopher Robin, Winnie-the-Pooh, their friends and their adventures. I truly enjoyed this more than I thought I would. After all the years working at TDS where we had the Disney version of Winnie-the-Pooh shoved at us from all directions, I'd taken to having a distinctly soured view of the bear and all his friends.

It occurred to me one day that I had never actually read the original, and thought maybe I should give that a chance, and am glad that I did. It's a simple and direct story, and proved to be a joy to read.

What does it say of a reader who, as an adult, reads 'Winnie the Pooh' for the first time - and - and - feels it one of the best novels he ever read.
So pristine, so perfect - would I have appreciated it as a child? Who knows (I was too busy feeding my literary hunger with comics). Anyway I have my copy of 'Winnie the Pooh' on the top shelf of my book case, next to the others I consider great (Ulysses, 1984, Great Expectations ...) for all to see.
And who can contest that for "I am a bear of very little brain, and big things bother me".

My 2 1/2 year old loves this! It is soooo much better than letting her watch tv as this uses her imagination. I'm very happy I bought this.

This book was such a sweet little something to come home to at night. This book isn't just for kids, but for adults too! relax and enjoy!

As a spiritual author myself-- it is rare that I hear something really new and interesting-- Vaishali is my soul sister for sure...I heard Vaishali on a radio show several months ago-- she was that rare combination of authenticity , irreverance and a wealth of knowledge. Her book has so much in every chapture-- get a nice cold beverage put your feet up and enjoy!

patrice karst www.patricekarst.com

Vaishali's You Are What You Love is absolutely fabulous. So many "esoteric" books lose the reader or speak in terms that are way over the heads of beginners on the path to self. She writes so directly and explains Swedenborg's theories in a delightful way. Vaishali isn't afraid to speak the truth and her humor adds spice to a subject that is often very dry.

Her book opens doors for both the seasoned seeker and the newcomer. There is nothing pretentious about her writing style. I have become aware of moments in my own life where I am acting from a head consciousness when really I should be following my heart consciousness. She covers all of the big arenas of self discovery and growth- surrender, self acceptance, forgiveness ~ and weave them consistently throughout each subject tying them all beautifully together. My awareness of what I give my attention to on a daily basis has been raised to a new level. Through reading her book, I have glimpsed true expansion and the possibilities of more peace in my daily life. Thank you for this insightful and funny book...a must read for anyone wanting to live a more authentic, heart centered life.

Vaishali has the ability to cut through all the extraneous stuff straight to the heart of the matter and make everything so clear!

GREAT READ!

As a personal friend and colleague of Vaishali's, I find her unique infusion of humor and willingness to address the darker aspects of human nature to be a refreshing alternative to most of the Pollyanna fortune cookie platitudes that tend to dominate this genre. "You Are What You Love" is actually a very forthright declaration that each of us must love whatever it is that most occupies our thoughts, even if we are complaining about it.

Vaishali's book asks a simple question to the reader, "What do you love?" Throughout the book the reader will continue to ask this question to themselves, and the book helps to guide the individual to find honest answers. If you know what you love, then you know who you are and what you are looking for. Without observation, life will pass you by and leave you with regrets later. Everyone should read this book to help spark their soul journey in the right direction.