Self-Help Books

I'm a well educated, ie former attorney, American male, 65 years old. Born & raised a Roman Catholic, but not a practicing Catholic for decades; I enjoy exploring & reading @ spritual & religious topics; I consider myself, with a huge tongue in check, an amateur metaphysician. I've read 20 - 30 - 40 books in this area during the past 15 years. This is the best! Period. I think that @ age 40, I would not have been able to understand this book or what Moody was trying to teach; as I grew older, more intrsospective, & more torn by ambiguity, I found the subject matters of this book much more "pressing". If you read 1 book @ the spiritual aspects of maturity @ the 50+ stage of life, I suggest you start your explorations with this 1! A classic!

This book is written by an author that is well known in the academic community as being quite a knowledgeable scholar. I read this book after reading: The Second Half of Life by James Hollis and it was an excellent follow-up to the spiritual side of going older and wiser. I would recommend it to anyone interested in this subject.

This book was seminal in describing to me and helping me to understand the extent to which my life has been and continues to be a spiritual journey, one that was originated by the God of the universe, and to which the journey leads. This is a book for all, but especially for those who have been brought up in a majority Christian culture, but who eschew the parochialism and often bigoted dogma and rigid theology of mainstream and particularly, right wing christian culture.

The authors use all the great spiritual traditions to describe their concepts of the spiritual journey, including Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism, and others. This is a book that really emphasizes the individual relationship with the Holy One, the Great Lover, and so has an attractive mystical bent. Quotes from the writings of Rumi as well as St Theresa of Avila, John of the Cross and Julian of Norwich fit very comfortably together within the authors' spiritual paradigm.

If you would like a book that can explain to you how you and everyone else on earth might fit into God's plan, despite differences in dogma and theology, then this book is for you. After all, this is exactly what Christ taught, despite orthodox bigots' exclusionary proclamations.

It's an easy read the first time, and gives forth more richly on subsequent readings.

I decided not to take any books on my (solo) vacation this year -- preferring instead to see what I would gravitate toward 'on the road' (my way of living dangerously -- such an exciting life I lead!). So it was, in one of the bookstores at Logan Airport in Boston that I came to be standing in front of the philosophy/self-improvement section. No -- PLEASE no self improvement (I said to myself). Aren't vacations supposed to be a respite from such relentless work?. But something (probably the link between my impending 37th birthday and the book's idea that a spiritual journey is natural in mid-life) intrigued me too much to let myself put this book back on the shelf.

When I reached my destination, I was still reluctant to start such a deep-sounding subject, but I picked it up anyway -- just to read a bit to get myself to sleep. Three hours later, I was still in the midst of this engrossingly descriptive guidepost to maturing spirituality. Reluctantly I put it aside to get some sleep, but the next morning I finished it -- somewhere between breakfast and lunch. Like another reviewer said, now I know what several friends will be getting for birthdays/Christmas presents!

I suppose the thing that touched me most was the inclusionary (rather than exclusionary) nature of the examples of different stages of 'the journey' -- tapping many different faith traditions rather than one particular dogma. Well, that and the idea that I have something 'new' ahead of me as I hit my forties and beyond, rather than more of the same old thing. I'd like to read it again soon (and I have a feeling I'll want to read it several times in the next couple of decades), but I'll have to get another copy -- my 'original' has been on loan since returning from my trip!

I have always been interested in spiritual and emotional growth in adulthood and though various people like Erikson, Vaillant, Levinson, Peck, Gebser, Jung, and Maslow etc. have tackled this issue in many interesting ways, I liked Moody's account the best. He explains it in a way that I can relate to and has beautiful life stories of people that go with it. This book has helped me get a better grasp on where I have been, where I am, and where I am going and I am sure that this makes all the difference in the overall quality of my life. Another book that I like equally on this subject matter is one called "The Ever-Transcending Spirit" by Toru Sato. This tremendous book by Sato looks at this from a very different perspective but has extremely interesting stuff about consciousness and relationships as well as human growth. Yet it makes everything look so simple, yet so clear. Both these books deserve five stars if not more.

Why should a conscious act of evil be forgiven? A person chose to commit an evil act on the victim of their own free will. It was a decision, an act of conscious evil.
To forgive someone for that is somewhat ridiculous. Its a bit like getting punched in the face and then immediately saying 'I forgive you.' What good does it serve? That doesnt mean you wallow in hatred or self-loathing.
But I find the notion that somehow the victim to 'forgive' themselves, has to 'forgive' the person who consciouslly committed an evil act on a defenseless child is repulsive. In some way it seems to remove the consciousness and willfullness from the crime.
I think a better word is acceptance. Acceptance in the victim that him/her was abused, that they were betrayed, that it was wrong, that evil does indeed exist in this world, and acceptance of the hardships this trauma put into their life.
In this way the abused can see the abuser as just a form of evil that existed in the past and put it behind them. Frankly why does the abuser deserve another thought from the abused?

Lois Einhorn's book is nothing short of heroic. She has spoken for many children, particularly girls. The little girls who were small and helpless, who had to remain silent to survive. She has made it clear, at least to me, that none of us are alone in our journey to become whole.

This is a book for anyone who has reason to believe or suspect they have been abused. This is a book written from the heart of a child, not a Therapist, removing the techical terminology. If the memories are repressed, this book will bring them out of the dark and into conciousness, at least in glimpses. It is at this point, though not easy, the memories will start to heal. We cannot heal if we do not see what is in need of healing.

Lois Einhorn is an angel, a brave and selfless angel.

The format for this book is what makes it so helpful. Lois offers no solutions, no formulas, no "pat" answers, no "shoulds". Instead, she allows the guest contributors to pose responses (not answers) to her questions about forgiveness, shame, blame, guilt, and about self-forgiveness. I found it to be very therapeutic to read through it, one brief chapter at a time, and then to take "time out" after each one to reflect a little on my own situation and decide how the ideas of various contributors meshed, or conflicted with my own. I found my own thoughts and feelings changing, shifting, emerging, and transforming as I reflected on the ideas being presented.

I liked that the book allowed for a wide range of conflicting points of view - which made me even more aware of how forgiveness needs to be an individual choice and an individual process - if it is pursued at all. There is no question that this is one of the most important healing resources available to people who are carrying wounds and burdens that need to be addressed. I am about to begin re-reading it now (one short chapter a day is the way that works best for me - to allow the necessary self-reflection time. I would highly recommend it for anyone who serves to help other people to let go of wounded energies, and to those who carry the unresolved trauma inside of themselves. It is an important piece of work and a brilliant alternative to all the useless "how-to" manuals that are a waste of time when dealing with issues of complicated trauma and abuse.

Dr. Einhorn's personal story is not an easy read. Her personal story of victimization is worse than anything I can imagine, and the fact that she has the bravery and courage to share her pain and her triumphant recovery with the world, through this book, is a testiment to the strength of the Spirit of Good-Will that lives deeper than the most evil demons that lurk within us all. I feel blessed to have run across this book and I am sure that it has moved me forward in huge steps in terms of my understanding of what it means to forgive, let go, and move on. Thank you, Lois Einhorn. God Bless you. Your willingness to illuminate the personal process, if not the pathway to healing makes you not just a wise communicator, but a respected leader in my books.

Reviewed by LuAnn Morgan for RebeccasReads (6/08)

When Lois Einhorn was a child, she endured unspeakable abuse. She was beaten, tortured and sexually assaulted by the two people who were entrusted to nurture and care for her - her parents. In writing this book, Ms. Einhorn asked a variety of people from all walks of life to read her story and contemplate the answer to the question, "Would you forgive?" The answers she received ran through an entire gamut of alternatives. Some said yes, others said no. Yet, it was the ones who refused to answer or who shared their feelings and left the answer up to her (and the reader) that make up the most crucial responses. These are the opinions that seem to bring the readers closer to the heart of the issue as it forces them to think about what they themselves would do in a similar situation.

The book begins with a brief history of what Einhorn (and her sister) went through as children. The heart-rending tale of the horrors these two little girls lived with day in and day out will make the reader take pause and thank God for the parents he or she had.
Could anything be worse than a child forced to crawl around on all fours for an entire day, while being beaten and gorged with wires and electrocuted? Could anything be worse than being tortured and forced to torture your own sister and kill animals?
The answer, unfortunately, is yes. What is truly worse is to live with the after-effects of growing up in those conditions and then, having to suffer the guilt of taking part in the psychotic schemes of two obviously disturbed adults.

That's what Einhorn had to come to terms with and it's the reason behind the book.
The responders include journalists, authors, doctors, trauma experts, psychologists, actors, activists, researchers, educators, politicians, religious leaders and more. They also include men who for one reason or another are serving time in prison for their own crimes against society.

The answers will, at times, make the reader angry, especially when they question Einhorn's feelings. The fact that she survived and went on to make enormous strides in her life is nothing short of miraculous. She has every reason to be commended for her contributions as an adult to the world we all face daily.

Truly, this book ranks at the top of those contributions. It is a book that will provide solace to those who have faced similar violence and to those who haven't. They are the ones who need to come to an acceptance and understanding about the suffering many children have to endure. They are also the ones who can step forward and try to put a stop to that same suffering.

I found "Forgiveness and Child Abuse" nothing short of phenomenal. It's a wonderfully candid and thoughtful book that takes the reader on a voyage of discovery into a world few are privy to. This book will stay on my shelf until I meet someone who needs it for their own healing. At that point, I will pass it on.

I found an article on Lois Einhorn's book in the newsletter of A Course in Miracles, and instantly knew I must have it. When I read the book, I could not take my eyes from the pages. I recognized in Lois a kindred soul, and recognized also the self-contempt and selfhatred we as torture-victims have etched into our soul.
As most abuse-survivors know, it is so difficult to let go of this self-hatred: it comes from being programmed to believe that what happened, happened because we deserved it, because we were inherent GUILTY. It's lodged in our cells. Daniel Quinn, one of the 53 people who gave their view on forgiving the unforgivable, writes: "The torture devised by your parents for you and your sister was specially designed to destroy your humanity by forcing you to become torturers yourselves."
And: "The scar they wanted you to bear forever was a guilt that must seem unforgivable no matter how clearly it's shown to be understood."
By writing this now, I still feel the tremendous gratitude I felt by reading Quinn's words - recognizing the truth in them - as well as the other 52 writers' contribution. For anyone having been abused, knows that it all comes down to forgiving, and we surely need all the help we can get on HOW to forgive. The book lifted me up and allowed me to see my own shining humanity: it was not destroyed. It allowed me to look deeply into my torturers' soul; and find it there too; hidden behind a guilt so deep that they needed to put it on someone outside themselves to survive.
And I felt a huge joy spread inside: as an adult, I could have chosen to do the same with my child - and I did not.
So where there was selfhatred and agonizing selfcontempt and disgust before, is joy now. We can survive, when we remember who we truly are - and this book has helped me to remember.

From Pareto's Principle (the 80-20 rule) to grade engineering and "the magical hook," Andrew successfully demystifies the college application and scholarship process - then shows you how to beat it. Through real-life examples and humorous anecdotes, Mr. Knight easily displays how the average, every-day student can turn himself into the quintessential college admissions dream candidate. His practical advice to take an active role in what matters most to you, while reducing effort on non-essential activities clearly encourages one to live a happy and productive life while attaining his goals of low-cost and top quality higher education. Kudos to Andrew for composing such a unique and powerful perspective on how to really make your own way!

Knight clearly knows what he's talking about, having been through the process at several of the best schools in the country. His advice is clear, easy to follow, and makes good sense. I really appreciate his advice for students who may not be A grade-wise but who are driven and have other skills to offer--Its refreshing that he addresses the value of this and how to high light it to get noticed, and more importantly, accepted.

Highly recommended!

This book is a gem! Andrew Knight's ideas for creating a "hook" are both practical and achievable. The fact that many of the "hooks" are based on his own background should encourage readers to examine their own experiences
to see how they can be used on a college application. I wish this book had been around when I was a school counselor!

Mary T. Richardson M.Ed

Let me start of with a couple of points of critique. Some of the ideas are slightly debatable. For instance, in Chapter 3 on the `Hook' more value is placed on activities that are not time-consuming than those that actually take up time. Does the experience of being involved not count for something? While this question is answered (p. 123) with the advice to pursue a cause "even if it takes a lot of blood, sweat, and tears," the book seems to contradict itself at least slightly on this point.

Chapter 2 on grade engineering also poses an issue. On page 48, the advice is given that if a student has a 98% average in English he should begin submitting C quality work. This seems to contradict earlier statements on page 23 about doing outstanding in select classes in order to receive excellent letters of recommendation. If one partakes in true grade engineering achieving the minimum it takes to receive an A, how can one impress those who are in a position to write a letter of recommendation?

Setting aside my knit-pickiness, all-in-all this book provides EXTREMELY valuable insight not only on winning scholarships and getting into the school of your choice, but on life in general. I have recently completed a bachelor's degree and wish that I had my hands on this book as a high-school freshman so that I would not currently have thousands of dollars in student loans. As a self-acknowledged perfectionist, Andrew Knight's book has truly led me to think more deeply (and even philosophically) about why I work so hard to be an overachiever and why I should instead be an "opti-achievier," putting focus on only the worthiest and most interesting activities. While this book is intended for students or parents of students, I personally feel that there are lessons provided that could seriously benefit anyone who reads this piece of work.

I met Andrew while I was an undergrad at MIT (he was a grad student) and can personally vouch for his credentials and experience.

I think Mr. Knight does a great job in this book because he takes a very fresh approach to getting into a great college and getting a lucrative scholarship. Knight tells students to focus on activities which add value and make you "stand out of the crowd", rather than the 100 standard things good students do in school. He really approaches the problem of building a great academic resume as a businessman -- he suggests that you can maximize a scarce resource (your time and attention) by focusing on unusual, high-profile, and unique activities.

Another interesting angle of the book is that it makes arguments and attempts to persuade the reader through rational argument, rather than fiat argument. If you have a smart high school kid, he or she will really appreciate the adult tone the book takes when suggesting different plans for achieving academic success. If you're a parent with a younger child, this book will make sense to you and will convince you that Knight is right.

In retrospect, I really wish I had this book when I was in high school. I spent a lot of time doing marginal activies (National Honor Society, humdrum community service, etc) and was generally really stressed out. I'm sure I could have spent my time much more effectively. I think kids today are under too much pressure to do too much stuff. This book can help you have academic success and enjoy your life at the same time.

This book delivers more than promised. I love the suggestions and to prove it I have purchased and given away 10 copies. I ask for MBOs for everything I do and it works every time. It's not just for getting good parking spaces, use it on any situation that might be difficult or when you want to be sure a situation will be resolved in your favor. Of course, you need to be open to the outcome, the angels don't always see things the way you do and your request may turn out a little different than you expected. Upon reflection, you realize that the outcome really is the best that could have happened.

I purchased this book after receiving the author's weekly newsletter for a few weeks. I found "The Gentle Way" to be a worthwhile resource since it gave me greater insight into Angels in general, and particularly into how best to communicate with my own "Guardian Angel." If you are interested in Angels as a topic, I think you'll find this book to be a valuable resource.

If you are very metaphysically oriented person, you may also want to visit the author's web site (http://www.thegentlewaybook.com/) and sign up for the newsletters I referenced above.

I found this book to be tremendously helpful. The author's suggestions really work with profound results. It is an enjoyable uplifting read and one to definitely follow through with the author's suggestions. Anyone who does will not be disappointed. It helps one realize there are celestial helpers out there...one just needs to know how to ask for their assist. Tom T. Moore educates us on this through this book.

I just LOVE this book! Reading it brought (and still brings) such reassurance and an ease of being in the world. It's truly life changing, and an easy, gentle read -- and so profound in it's simplicity. "The Gentle Way" brings you into close, loving contact with your Guardian Angel. I began requesting Most Benevolent Outcomes for little things and bigger things, and the results still amaze me! It just works. "The Gentle Way" reminds us that help is always available to us. We just have to ASK.

I was honored to have Tom as a guest on my Pathfinders Way radio show. He was simply wonderful and shared so much insight and information during the hour. You can listen to the archived show and hear him speak about "The Gentle Way" by going to www.achieveradio.com/pathfinders-way/

Thank you Tom!

I attended a workshop in Sedona that Thomas was attending, and he was called up to give a brief explanation of this book and what it was about. I found him to be very kind and sincere, and I purchased the book. I did an experiment where I told myself, "I am going to try requesting most benevolent outcomes for a few months while recording my results. Then, if it really does work, I am going to share it with others." I didn't have any expectations for it to work or not work. I just tried it.
Oh, my word!! I could not believe the results!! Every potentially dischordant event on which I tried this method was absolutely transformed into an overwhelmingly positive event! Everything from events leading to the perfect job change, to meeting just the right people at the right time, to having negotiations that I thought were sure to go sour turn out fabulously, to allowing difficult conversations to work out "benevolently" have occured while using this method. It's so easy, and I'm so grateful for it, and for the assistance I have been receiving from my "counterpart(s)." I am hereby requesting a most benevolent outcome for getting enough money to buy a mess of copies of this book and hand them out to anyone who seems to be having a tough or stressful time. I got to thinking what this could do for homeless people, soldiers, rescue workers, firefighters, EMTS, in addition to helping with everyday events.
Much gratitude for your work, Mr. Moore,and if you are out there wondering if you should get this, quit wondering and buy it. It will change your life. I guarantee it!

This "simple" little book is powerful and to the point. The author writes with an openness, humor and generosity that imbues the book with a sense of "You can do it!" And do it with grace and ease. It is easy to read, easy to engage and easy to absorb the concept of not being STUCK! There is a humility in the writing that includes you in the life of the author, letting you know that he comes from experience and not just intellect. It is real and deceptively profound.

Thank you John Seeley.

I read the book in one sitting and thought it was a great way to reinforce the tools needed to re-evaluate your life and move on. The questions at the end of each chapter really makes sure you're focused on the goals. Great for someone like myself whose always on the go.

Wow! If you learn eighty percent of your "programs" (your unconscious behavior patterns) by the time you are 8 years old and another fifteen percent by the time you're 18, you definitely need this book to help you use the other five percent to change the first ninety-five percent. Otherwise, you will often find an 8 year old running your life (this isn't always the best idea). Seriously, pick up this book and put it into action. My copy is so highlighted some pages appear to be printed on yellow paper. Enjoy!

If you are considering a personal coach, you may want to read this book first. I read Get Unstuck in one day, and through this easy to read book gained some valuable insights. Each of the 12 chapters contains practical steps you can take to improve your life. The author talks to you, not at you!

In 12 short, easy-to-read chapters John Seeley presents powerful tools to help you get in touch with what you have in your life, what you want more of and what you want less of. Each chapter opens and closes with a famous quote, includes anecdotes, short exercises, and thought-provoking questions that will guide you toward greater awareness and more effective action.

I have read many personal growth books and found this one helpful. I recommend it for people in the healing and helping professions, including life coaches, therapists, and pastors, and anyone who wants to enjoy more and worry less. People seeking coaching could use this to help themselves navigate the challenges of life with greater ease. Great book, inspiring reading!

Rachel Albert-Matesz, Nutrition Educator, Cooking Coach, Personal Chef, and co-author of The Garden of Eating: A Produce-Dominated Diet & Cookbook

I have worked in the domestic violence field and related fields for 20 years and this book has been a guiding light
throughout. I am delighted to remind readers that there are new chapters and that the book has been thoroughly updated. More information can be found on the website [...]. With such a strong history and the latest in important thinking this book is an incredible resource. It remains a great gift to the field and to countless survivors and their loved ones.

I left my partner 6 weeks ago. There were so many signs that I didn't recognize until I had left and until I read this book. The exercises are realistic, and very very helpful. I am searching for more, I wish this book never ended so that I could receive daily readings from this author!

Could have been alot more helpful. A lot more.

Great book for empowering women, but there are some problems due to its age. The most glaring is the claim that there is "no persuasive evidence that children are happier or healthier in a two-parent than a one-parent home" - there is now a wealth of empirical evidence to demonstrate that children are certainly better off emotionally with two parents, and even more tellingly, with their biological parents. This must be considered when making the decision whether to leave or stay.

Few think of escaping verbal, emotional or physical abuse as shortcuts to freedom, but it surely is, and is likely the only route to get there. Babysitting abusers is rotten work, and keeps them from "facing the music," robbing both of what might be happy lives. Anyone who is an abuser deserves to go it alone, and has "earned that right" many times over, usually at the expense of the abused.

I would like to inspire all those who are looking for new ideas, and a new way of life. The Grace Cards have opened up new avenues for one to look forward to different insights of all possibilities. If you, or anyone, is truly interested in seeing all avenues of life, I truly suggest that you consider using the Grace cards on a daily basis. You will TRULY, TRULY, be blessed.

these are so uplifting everyday - i choose one daily and use it as my meditative reflection for the day.... grace is everywhere if we chose to look for it! This is for everyone who believes in the Lord's Grace!

These cards are beautifully illustrated and hold up well to constant shuffling. There is a gloss coat that helps them slide out well. It was the perfect gift for a friend that is spiritually minded and each of the quotes are very thoughtful and fulfilling. It a is well put together package and I highly recommend it.

I ordered Cheryl's Grace Cards set pretty much on the basis of her Self-Care Cards set. I like the original set for my own use and have given them as gifts as well.

After visiting Cheryl's web site and clicking on her Touch of Grace feature a couple of times (which shows a card after one clicks on a particular star) I decided to order the Grace Cards set. When they arrived today I opened the box expecting quality comparable to the first set. But, found them much less satisying than the Self-Care set.

The images are not as appealing, or clear, the over all design of the cards not as high in quality, expressions on the subjects' faces not as pleasant.

One of the things that struck me throughout the deck was that the women are pretty much universally presented in a passive mode. This may have been purposeful, as in, representing the person using the cards as someone feeling 'stuck' and in need of waiting for 'grace' (whatever that actually is, which certainly wasn't clear to me from the cards themselves).

I did appreciate that the artists used models representing several ethnic groups.

The messages on the cards were not as satisfying or useful to me as on the first set either. They also presented contradictory messages. The Chance card has an image of a silouetted figure on a strangely shaped cliff. The message on the back reads, "Take the leap. Divine protection is always by our side." The Choice card's message is, "For every action there is a reaction. Choose wisely."

I suppose the deck is intended to be some sort of Tarot of action, representing a mixture of many religious and spiritual beliefs. The user picks a card which may then prompt some inner recognition of a personal need. For me, it was, however, a disappointment. I'm trying to decide whether to throw away all the cards I don't care for, keeping only the few I like, or give the whole boxful to someone who does like them--who, I don't know.

I find one card offensive above all the others. It's the Love card, with an image of a huge charred heart with what appears to be a consuming fire within, suspended above a craig, with a waterfall as a backdrop and beyond that a fiery sunset. I have no idea what it is supposed to represent or what it is intended to accomplish for the user. But, I find it really repellent, just want it to not be in the set.Self Care Cards (Large Card Decks)

Never before has a set of affirmations coupled with beautiful artwork resonated with me so. The soothing affirmations serve to center you with gentle guidance. The stunning artwork invites you to use all of your senses in experiencing it. Together, they create gentle but powerful messages for the soul.

The theme of each card is printed on the front over what strikes me as a fresh, new "horizon," beginning with a circling spiral which encourages an outward awareness, and offering the chance to enrich and expand the scope of your own personal vista.

Step into this stunning collection and embrace the wisdom imparted. Physically experience the sensual imagery of the paintings . . . .
SEE the angelic light of self.
TOUCH the soft silk of rest.
SMELL the dewy forest of illumination.
TASTE the salty air of patience.
LISTEN to the roar of a seashell.

I prefer to randomly pick a card at the beginning of each week, then pay special attention to the message. Choose your card, step back, and look for the lesson - watch your opportunity to learn manifest! Most of all, remember your own divinity and trust in the grace available to you. You will find much here to help guide your path. Take advantage of it.

This fascinating book is the record of the transformation of a man. Orva was raised in a physically, emotionally and spiritually abusive Amish family. As a young man, he left his family to go through a journey of many years of shame, struggle and despair to finally find the peace that passes all understanding and realize the truth of his being. This is a hopeful story for those who have trouble accepting there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Orva Shrock went through many dark nights of the soul. As I read his poems, essays and book reviews, I felt his presence with me. It seems that he and I have often travelled parallel paths through life, although his was more difficult than mine. I especially enjoyed his walks through the Indiana woods and fields, conditioned mind temporarily freed from its limitations by entheogenic sacraments. If you don't believe "there are more things in heaven and earth... than dreamt of in your philosophy", then I suggest you follow Orva's experiments in the Indiana woods. I did, 40 years ago, and it opened doors I didn't even know were there to open!

Orva is a reader of great spiritual literature and he shares that with us in his book reviews. At first glance Orva appears to be a Jnani. Through enquiry and reading, he comes to a clear understanding of This that is prior to all thought and experience and yet is the source of all thought and experience. And then the coin flips. The jnani reveals himself as a bhakta, a lover of God, manifested or un-manifested. There is only God.

And so now there is a sage in northern Indiana chanting the names of God. He has graciously shared his journey with all of his grandchildren, and with all of us. Thank you, Orva, for your generous gift.

I was delighted when I learned that Orva had written a book, having been acquainted with him for years through his Amazon.com reviews and occasional emails. His endorsement of a spirituality book was almost always enough for me to add the item to my cart. Even so, I never expected such a wonderful read as in Grandpa's Notebooks.

The spiritual search is an example of ontogenic evolution. We usually begin the search in one form, very much alone, at a very difficult and uncomfortable place where certain things we've been told to believe no longer make any sense at all. It's usually the dissonance between our conditioning and what seems "right" that drives the search. The questioning starts, new information is uncovered, books are read, conversations take place, new concepts are assimilated. Vestigial beliefs are carved away, sometimes with brutality; what once comforted us now only hinders. We learn, until we land at a place that seems most in line with what feels like truth. Once the search has begun, however, the tectonic plates will inevitably shift again, causing us to read more, search more, and question more, because even that new place that had seemed so comfortable no longer provides the answer that we need.

And so it goes... to some end-point that doesn't speak, yet commands our complete attention.

"Grandpa's Notebooks" is much more than a book describing what Orva encountered on his quest, written specifically to his grandchildren, although it is certainly that. It's also a legacy to the rest of the world, a profile of the travails of one man's journey from the pain of dissatisfaction and the crushing influence of paternal trust betrayed, to his current-day awareness. It's a chronicle of the evolution of a soul in search of what is true.

Steeped in narrow fundamentalism, children are not encouraged to ask many questions. It takes the rare "breakaway" soul to pursue his or her own path, wherever it leads. The fact that Orva wrote the book for, and dedicated it to, his grandchildren suggests that ontogeny might indeed influence phylogeny; that in writing the book Orva is laying down a morphogenetic groove that, should they decide to do so, his grandchildren can look toward as a hint for their own direction in life. For his grandchildren, Orva has provided a map they can use in the future, whether it is for their own searches, or for simply gaining more insight into what changed Grandpa from one appearance to another. It also applies perfectly well to many of us, even though we weren't of the same family.

Orva has evolved over the years - that much is clear. I feel that all of us are fortunate that he took the time and trouble to leave this book for all to see, encoded with spiritual hobo sign for the seeker.

Orva no longer writes Amazon.com reviews. He clearly states that "the world hardly needs another book." I do not agree entirely, which is to say I do not exactly disagree. Is Orva really done? It's my hope that he'll grace us with more of his story, but only when he's ready to do so. Further, Orva... further.

If you ae motivated to begin, continue, or enhance your search for truth and share another person's search for truth, Grandpa's notebooks is a must read. Orva takes you on his journey in looking for truth and accepting oneself regardless of your childhood experiences.

Along the way I joined hands with Orva and felt more empowered as I continue my search for truth.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is seeking to understand themselves better and perhaps realizing that our experiences may provide our answers for truth.

Grandpa's Notebooks is a collection of poems, quotes and short stories revealing insights about life. The author writes of a journey of strength and inspiration in a spiritual world. This book can be a tool to help others who have suffered in areas of their life giving them encouragement with the guidance of God that they will see the light at the end of the tunnel. The writings are of the author's own hopes, dreams, fears, triumphs and failures.
But more important, it is about the search of truth. It is an excellent book.

By Sofia Steryo-Bartmus, Author "Paws of Wisdom" Valuable Lessons We
Can Learn From Our Pets

This book is not about Amish Tradition and lifestyle, but rather a book with two purposes. First, it is a gift from the Author to his grandchildren, sharing his life journey, and his search and discovery of God. Second, having endured and overcome childhood physical and mental abuse, Orva wants to share his deliverance and freedom with others who also have gone through similar life circumstances.The message found throughout the book is that we can seek God and find him within our hearts. God can transform us from a life of despair, depression, pain and suffering, to a life of love, acceptance, gratitude, happiness, peace and joy. It is up to us to break the chains that hold us in bondage. As Orva grows up he observes something that is disturbing to him: His father is a 'spiritual leader' in the community, and yet he is cruel and brutal and abuses Orva every chance he gets. He concludes that Christianity is a hypocritical religion rather than a loving and transforming belief system, so he begins his "search" for God and Truth in other belief systems, mainly the Eastern Philosophies.

Whether the reader agrees or disagrees with Orva's philosophies, one cannot dispute the fact that most people at some point in their lives question the meaning of life and what we're all about. Why was I born? What is my purpose in life? We are all searching for the Divine and the Truth within us. Orva writes: you need to meditate and take quiet time to be with God. "Be still and know that I am God". God is all around us, in everything we do and in all creation.

Orva has done a great job in compiling the information in an orderly fashion, ranging from age 24-56. He does that through a collection of poems, essays, and reviews of books he has read. If you are searching for a spiritual awakening this book is a great resource. Orva has done extensive research on the subject and he recommends over 25 books for further reading, besides the ones he reviewed on Amazon.com.

Valuable both for individuals contemplating alternatives and for cemetery managers like myself thinking of establishing a green cemetery.

What a great book, really well done. Mark Harris has written a concise but very informational book on alternative options to the traditional method of caring for the dead. I've been uncomfortable with this method since I was a pre-teen and attended my first funeral, for an uncle who died of cancer in his early 20s. It seemed so strange to me, the artifical blush of his face against the voluptuous bedding in the enormously ornate and polished coffin. It seemed so removed from him, his life, and who he was. The actual burial place seemed removed as well, very sterile and manicured, the standard level emerald green lawn with no understory, trees, and little wildlife. I juxtapose this method with the natural burial method in the last chapter of this book and I'm blown away at how different it can be. Mark Harris has done a fine job of illuminating the realities of the funeral business today in a non-confrontational manner, without sarcasm or a posturing. I appreciate the description of the alternatives in under 200 pages; so many authors these days feel it necessary to expand on a topic ad nauseum for 500-600 pages. This book isn't perfect; there are a few contradictions in the summaries at the end of each chapter when he compares state requirements and Harris doesn't really address the high costs of burial at some of the natural cemetaries (the ones in California come to mind), which is only fair after he extensively discusses the costs of traditional funerals. But these are minor issues with an overall excellent book. Highly recommended.

This book is concise and informative and provides a great overview of the various burial alternatives that are accepted in the US today. It presents the options, which range from one end of the spectrum to the other. This is an eye-opener for those who think the modern funeral industry is the way to go (pun intended). I have already passed this book on to my family and will encourage all my friends and loved ones to read it. At least they can make decision about their own burial from an informed point of view.

I really enjoyed this book. It's organized very systematically with each chapter covering one topic or burial scenario. The first two chapters lay out the current state of affairs in burial. One was on the specifics of embalming and funeral-prep, which was nauseating yet fascinating, and another on the funeral business of selling services - both needed and unneeded - to grieving families. From there, the book goes into actual burial options, starting with the least green of the eco-friendly options (cremation), following through to the most eco-friendly scenario at the end. The chapters themselves are broken down even further with the bulk of the chapter telling a story of a family burying their loved one in the prescribed manner, and ending with a basic informational snapshot or "how-to."

The storytelling tone of the book made for a quick, entertaining read (well, as entertained as one can be when peering into the funerals of others), and occasionally left me a bit choked up due to touching nature of each of the burials and contentment that each family seemed to feel by taking the "green" route and fulfilling their loved ones wishes at the same time.

The book often referred to other well-know books on the funeral industry (Mitford's "American Way of Death," for example), which was smart seeing as the information presented here is more brief than I had hoped. But, really, that's the only criticism I can give it. And if "it was too short!" is the worst the author can do, he should probably be pretty pleased with himself :)

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in a more natural way of death and burial, whether to protect the environment or to just keep life - and death - as simple as it should be.

These pages do the human race a great service. Every Funeral Director needs to read this book. Death is not a pleasant subject. This book is more than worth the price. Everyone has trouble thinking about grave matters. Just as cremation came to America, so comes the green funeral. This book is the future in Funerals, it is well thought out, researched and well written. Practical How to tips are in the back of each chapter. Everyone needs to read these tips. Everyone! Great work, Mark Harris.

Funeral Directors please read this book with an open mind. Personally, I have found this book helpful in my work with families in the Funeral Profession.

Religion is not something passed on by genetics - it's not unheard of to be at odds with the religion of your ancestors. "Growing Up in Mama's Club: A Childhood Perspective of Jehovah's Witnesses" is Richard E. Kelly's look at growing up as a Jehovah's Witness, a practice that he quickly began to put himself at odds with as his own intellectual status grew - his own objections to their practices. A thought provoking look at family when religion splits them, "Growing Up in Mama's Club: A Childhood Perspective of Jehovah's Witnesses" is highly recommended to both religion and memoir collections.

Richard E.Kelly's novel was an eye opener. After teaching grade school for many years, I now realize how JW children's belief system works. His book has answered many questions that I wondered about over my teaching career. This is a pertinent novel for everyone to read but would really help school staffs. Not only is this true story an educational journey, but it presents real spirit needed to rise above dire circumstances. My book club has chosen Richard's novel to read next year. His study questions will be a great help in discussing this inspiring piece of literature.
Joyce Hodges- preschool and kindergarten teacher for 36 years.

"Who can it be knocking at my door?
Go 'way, don't come 'round here no more.
Can't you see that it's late at night?
I'm very tired, and I'm not feeling right.
All I wish is to be alone;
Stay away, don't you invade my home."

(Lyrics by Men At Work)

Easily recognizable by their tracts and immaculate appearance, Jehovah's Witnesses have been going door to door for decades, spreading religious dogma, doing their bit to share their interpretation of the bible, and looking for converts.

For obvious reasons this isn't the easiest task in the world, and when you consider that this is all done on a voluntary basis, ( in the sense that you don't get paid) it becomes even more remarkable that people would be motivated to rise to the challenge.

To quote British comedian Tommy Cooper:

"The recruitment consultant asked me 'What do you think of voluntary work?' I said 'I wouldn't do it if you paid me.'"

This book offers insights into "The Club" through the eyes of a young man whose mother fully embraced JW doctrine, and found the spiritual guidance that she was desperately seeking at that time of her life. Naturally, his mother expected her family to join her on the path to eternal life in Heaven, and despite early resistance, she succeeded in converting her husband, and together they set the rules for their children.

Young Dickie was an unwilling participant, quickly concluding that something seemed wrong with some of the rules and beliefs, which would sometimes change drastically depending on the Club president at the time. Mainly to please his mother, he remained with the Club for sixteen years, abiding by the strange rules for the most part, participating in the long and frequent Club meetings at the Kingdom Hall and performing his door-to-door duties. At the same time he found himself leading a double life, as he never fully embraced the teachings of the Club and wished to lead a more normal life.

Despite having his parents' religious beliefs forced upon him, he managed to make the best of it, becoming an accomplished public speaker and perfecting his interpersonal skills. He also formed his own opinions on "the truth" as preached by Club members, and observed how some rules seemed not to apply to the upper levels of the hierarchy.

From this book, the reader will have a better understanding of this controversial religious group, the administrative structure and its influence over its members. Well written, easy to read, humorous in places and shocking in others, anyone considering joining JW or any similar group should read this before making a final decision.



Amanda Richards, May 5, 2008

This well-written story of one man's experience growing up as a Jehovah's Witness reads like a novel while informing like a scholarly paper. The work by this former Bethelite has unusually good descriptions of those involved, which bring the story to life and help the reader become involved in the plot.

The most valuable feature of the book is it effectively conveys what it is like to grow up and be an active Jehovah's Witness. Both the good and bad are related with candor--and much of each exists, as Kelly documents. One point made clear is that many good people exist in the Watchtower movement.

An especially revealing section describes how Kelly's father, once an active opposer, became a Witness, effectively showing why and how someone would become involved in an organization that many people consider a deviant cult. It also shows the problem of using untrained persons, such as Kelly's father, as mental health diagnosticians and therapists, a role forced on them as elders. A point that came through in almost every chapter was the Watchtower teaching that the end of this world and the promise of the new was upon us, and we should live like Armageddon will be here tomorrow or sooner. This is the history of every Witness who lived in the 1950s and 1960s.

This story is told with insightful understanding, even compassion, not bitterness as is common among people who were reared as Witnesses. As an ex-Witness, I could relate to Mama's Club as Kelly's experience parallels mine. I too endured the conflicts and tragic effects at school and home over the restrictive treatment of holidays, conflicts that are unnecessary and reminiscent of the prohibitions in the Torah, such as prohibiting cutting fingernails on the Sabbath unless the torn nail is bleeding.

A recent Pew survey of 35,000 Americans found Jehovah's Witnesses "had the lowest retention rate of any religious tradition" in America, lower then Catholics, Jews, and all other religions. Kelly's excellent book helps readers understand why this religion loses so many members, and, on the other hand, what attracts people to it and why they stay in spite of the problems in the organization.

Jerry Bergman, Ph.D., MSBS, L.P.C.C.

I am always interested in reading works where an author shares their lives, and opens their hearts to others. In this book by author, Richard E. Kelly, we travel with him as he grows up in the faith of Jehovah's Witness religion. Richard shares the story of his mother's first encounter with this religion and how she began her quest to bring all of her family members into her faith.
Openly, he tells of the inward struggles he went through as a child, and a young adult. He is frank and honest in his writing, giving respect to his mother, yet freely revealing his own inward battles.
The story is at times sad, other times humorous, but always intriguing as you walk the road with Richard. Often, no matter what faith ones parents maybe, we all must follow our own hearts and make our own decisions. To follow something only to please someone else is never satisfying to one's Spiritual existance. Richard's words, that are definitely from his heart, will bring release to many as they themselves walk towards their own choices of faith.
Very well done, a work I feel will be of value to many.