Publications Books

I am a Scientologist, so don't expect this to be a bad review :-) Instead, let me tell you why I think this book is important, not only for Scientologists. First of all it will help to correct a lot of false information that has been spread about Scientology. A small number of people try to keep the old lies about this religious philosophy alive. If they could have it their way, it would be enough to label someone as a "Scientologist" and that would justify the denial of basic rights to that person - without considering who the individual is or what he actually does. This book tells the truth about Scientology and uncovers the lies. If you like witch-hunts then skip this book. But if you honestly wish to have a better understanding of a Scientologist or the subject itself - this is the best book you can get! And it may be a very pleasant surprise to find out the truth about it. This is an entirely revised edition of a book published already many years ago. It includes much broader information than the first edition and is therefore the preferred reading. It starts with a history of philosophy and religion and what happened to these subjects at the end of the 19th century. That knowledge makes it possible to understand why Scientology is not greeted with enthusiasm by a few followers of materialistic beliefs. If you ever thought that you are more than a compound of chemicals and that your dreams and ambitions reach quite a bit further than the ones of your pet, you may be extremely interested to read the first part of the book. You will learn that the concept that man is just some sort of animal is very young and that it has failed to bring truly helpful answers for our world. Instead it has been abused to derive the intellectual justifications for the murderers commited by Hitler, Stalin and other criminals of the 20th century. The idea, however, that man is a spirit or a soul is the traditional idea which has been held true over thousands of years by most major religions and philosophies. It is in that light and tradition that you will have to see Scientology in order to really understand it. The book goes on with detailed descriptions of all the important aspects of Scientology. This includes social activities in the fields of education, drug and criminal rehabilitation programs and more. If you read this you will understand why Scientologists think that their answers should be known broadly. Furthermore you find sections in this book that answer all questions, critical ones included, from the viewpoint of Scientology. If you want to know what it is all about, there is just no better book. I have been a Scientologist for 20 years. But when I started reading some parts of that book, I sometimes felt like I was being introduced to a new subject! This book really covers a LOT! Having said that, let me point out that much of the material in the book is also available on-line at this link: http://www.scientology.org/home.html

I, myself am Jewish and my Husband is Christian. We both read this book and found it very interesting. Just by reading it, we both were able to analyze our lives and make changes. It is a great handbook to have when one has a dilema or would like a little push. I love the question and answer section. We are not the type of people that will judge a religion by what others say. We like to look into it, learn about it and research. So far, we have both learned that this is not a cult but a way of positive living. It's just like going to alcoholic anonymous or a therapist. People go for help, We both believe that there is nothing wrong with that. Who are we to judge? After 22 years of marriage, this is the first time we both agree with a philosophy. We like the way Scientology works things. Yes, I admit, none of us out there like to let go of our money. I know I, myself pay a membership fee to my Temple. My husband donates 10% of his paycheck to his church. And I ask myself why? Why do we need to pay to worship God? I never understood that. I did find out that you pay to take self improvement classes in Scientology. It makes sense. One has to pay for the books only. Not for the help you get from the people that are there. Doesn't this make more sense? It does to me. Whatever the case, everyone lives life the way they choose to live. I'll always be a Jew and my husband will always be a Christian. We don't judge. We don't live life based on what others say or do. We do for ourselves. If I had to do it again, I would buy the book again. We are now reading Dianetics! God bless you all.

I have been practicing Scientology for 15 years, and have found that this book is a faithful representation of what Scientology is all about.

The book covers all aspects of the religion - from religious services, classes, perspectives on man, the mind, and the spirit, counseling (auditing), volunteer activities of church members, statistical information on members, what to expect in a church.

The book has a sturdy binding, and we've had ours for over a decade - it's been used often, and is still in good shape. It's got tons of pictures, including a fascinating section on the background of Scientology and its founder, L. Ron Hubbard.

I highly recommend this book for anyone looking into Scientology.

"What is Scientology" is the book that will let YOU decide what it's all about. That's what I did many years ago and it has helped me become a more successful, prosperous and happy person! I know full well about all the recent publicity surrounding this philosophy but it is about making this world a better place to live and as you know, we could use that at this particular time in history. Enjoy satisfying your own curiosity, read this book and pass it along. You won't be sorry.

I purchased this book because I am interested in learning about ideas espoused by various religions. I was shocked to see that the original price was nearly $100.00 - that is, until I received it. This book is an amazing piece of art! I cannot even imagine the time involved in creating it.

This book contains everything you'd ever want to know about scientology, along with an extremely thorough review of just who L. Ron Hubbard is, and how he came to believe in the processes he calls "scientology".

Having read this book, I now realize how wrong many people are in what they think scientology is... One thing I now know for sure is that this is not some form of cult, seeking to destroy its members individuality. It's quite the opposite.

It appears to me that scientology is a form of personal psychology and spirituality. In fact, I think the tenets could be used side by side with other religious beliefs (it doesn't appear to be all or nothing - that if you believe in scientology, you can't believe in christian/jewish/muslim etc... ideas). Instead, the principles can work in conjunction with various other beliefs. The main premise is to bring the individual to a point where they understand who they are, what they are here for, and how they can help themselves and others with the difficulties we all encounter. It appears to place one on a spritual search - to find the answers that feel right to him/her. Instead of just believing whatever you are told, you are asked to seek within yourself.

If you are just wondering what scientology is all about (as I was), or if you are already involved with it, this book can be quite valuable. The pictures included are amazing, and the information is complete. For the bargain price above, you just can't beat it!

In reading Jerry Katz's book, "One" which is collection of what is written on the non-dual state, the chapter with sample pages from Bernadette Roberts book "What is Self?" was riveting. Having read thousands of books on practices leading to "enlightenment" this is new ground. Few persons having this experience are able to articulate the experience into language understandable to any degree. I have no doubt many from various religions have reached this state though Bernadette Roberts is from the Christian tradition and this possibly brings the experience more understandable as opposed to Sanskrit terms etc. I will add Dr. David R. Hawkins books, videos on his experiences of the non-dual state are excellent, too. Books are "Eye of the I", "I",and "Discovery of the Presence of God: Devotional Non-duality."
It took me many years to discern that psychic experiences and general paranormal experiences are merely symptoms on the way to the non-dual state and should be ignored as opposed to being a goal to expand upon if one wishes to experience the non-dual state aka enlightenment.
This book is a masterpiece in my opinion.

This experiential description from a christian perspective has left me awe-struck. I went on the path of eastern religions after discovering the access to truth our medieaval mystics e.g Hadewich, Ruusbroeck, Eckehart and Thomas a Kempis had achieved around the 13th century AD. However they did not show me the way to this truth and Christianity as it was explained to me was totally devoid of it. After 35 years of zen buddhist practice I touch on this book and I am dumbfounded by the deep similarities AND the differences between Christianity and Buddhism as direct experiential religions. It has allowed me to resonate deeply with these aspects of reality as are labeled Trinity and Resurrection.
It is clear that the difference in our society is not going to be made by Eastern traditions. It must come from our own tradition. But then this tradition has to stop clinging to a dead mythic past and become alive to the here and now. I want to thank Bernadette deeply for this courageous deed of going down her path unerring and making it available to us all by writing it down so lucidly.
Thank you Bernadette.

I found this an amazing, inspiring account of a very deep spiritual journey. Bernadette Roberts describes the causal, non-dual, no-self experience in a manner both clear, logical and profoundly unsettling. Not many people reach this place, or even know if its existence. The fact that an "ordinary person" can describe her journey in clear terms is profoundly inspiring. The structure of the book is a bit garbled and repetitious, representing as it does four separate 'essays'. Her insights into the Trinitarian nature of Reality are provocative and sometimes hard to follow (altho this may represent may own limited capabilities!) This minor flaw makes the book a human endeavour and does not diminish my overall recommendation.

So pleased to have connected with this very unusual offering. Roberts spends the first half of the book explaining in great detail - sometime tediously, but in the end thoroughly and with stunning insight - the nature of all self identity - Small Self, Big Self, or as some refer to it, True Self and consciousness. Her conclusion is that they are all temporary, mutually supporting constructs that fall away as one matures along the human journey. Her description of the "no self" condition - her ability to describe "no self" to readers who assume identity as being the one absolutely, irreducible, personal accessory is an amazing accomplishment. Beyond unitive consciousness, Roberts describes conditions of pure knowing without a knower. And not as some have led us to believe - not God realized, omniscient knowing. Instead a knowing that includes the sober realization that all that has been previously "known" was really and unavoidably, mere self reflection. Roberts, now in her seventies is described by those who know her as, "A Force Of Nature." Having spent her early years in a convent threading a path parallel to St.'s. Teresa and John of the Cross, Mrs. Roberts is now devoted to her family - having long ago left cloistered life to marry and raise her children. Present day philosopher, Ken Wilber predicts that our human developmental/spiritual ceiling will continue to rise - just as we see looking back to the 16th century when Christian mystics assumed that the highest level of development was an ecstatic, I/Thou, union with God. Bernadette Roberts takes the reader with her beyond this previously supposed end game - charting new waters, higher ground and finally leaving us to understand that beyond self there remains knowing without a knower with still more to come. And, that as frightening as death of self identity may be - it is natural and necessary that we take this final step, as she assures - all, someday will. A great resource, best suited for well grounded, sturdy thinkers.

Without a doubt, Bernadette Roberts is the clearest, most incisive writer in our time on the mystical splendor of Christianity. Stunning is the range and depth of Robert's presentation of the essential Christian Mysteries in "What is Self?" Her presentation of Christ is without peer.

Please note that "What Is Self?" (and her other books) are very often misrepresented as elaborating a "nondualist" perspective. Having attended many retreats given by Bernadette Roberts over a period of nearly twenty-five years, I know for certain that her paradigm is completely different from "nondualism"-- advaitic, Buddhist, or otherwise.

Indeed, she calls the nondualist misconception of her paradigm "forcing the fit," which she defines in a recent book as "redefining, clipping, pasting, twisting-- to make the original fit a dissonant paradigm" (Roberts, "Forcing-the-Fit" self-published, Foreword, 2008).

In her essay, "Nondualism," she writes: "It is unfortunate that those who aspire to a nondual state will never reach it-- because it doesn't exist. In truth it is just another illusion to be dispelled. With or without self, there is no state in the journey truly 'nondual,' neither in our earthly journey nor in heaven" (Roberts, "Essays on the Christian Contemplative Journey," self-published, 2007, p. 71.)

"What is Self" --with the above works-- clearly distinguishes her paradigm from that of nondualism. Those seeking further clarification of her view this matter will find it on the site, 'Bernadette's Friends."

Joseph Conti, Ph.D.
Dept. of Comparative Religion
California State University at Fullerton

A Remarkable Tale!

Wheeling the Deal is a tale of "paraplegic conquers adversity." At first blush this seems like a cliché. After all, we live in an ADA, blue-parking-space, curb-cut world where public policy offsets such handicaps with a cornucopia of government programs and grants. But, wait! This was in the 1940s, when people in that condition didn't even survive, let alone strive. Gordon Zahler should be dead, not the subject of a biography a half century later. And yet, against all odds, he clung to life after his sports field accident, and after a black period of depression and self-pity contrived a plan for economic survival which turned him into an entertainment industry icon. It really is a story worth the telling, and his story is told by a gifted Southern California journalist and kinsman, Chip Jacobs. Jacobs tells the story poignantly and eloquently in a book well worth a night stand berth.

It's one of the most inspirational things one can see in the world - a man who is paralyzed from the neck down deciding that invalidism isn't for him and making something of themselves. "Wheeling the Deal: The Outrageous Legend of Gordan Zahler, Hollywood's Flashiest Quadriplegic" is the story of Gordon Zahler, a man who turned himself into one of Hollywood's fast talking and successful idea men who traveled the world, married, and so much more, disregarding his condition and living life to the fullest he possibly could. "Wheeling the Deal: The Outrageous Legend of Gordon Zahler, Hollywood's Flashiest Quadriplegic" is a brilliant and uplifting true story and is highly recommended for anyone in a similar position or has a relative there - to open their eyes to the possibilities.

The thing that struck me most about
Chip Jacobs' fascinating biography of his
"Hollywood Player" uncle was just how
un-Hollywood it felt. Certainly there is the
human interest aspect, involving the tragic,
early childhood injury that left Gordon
Zahler bound to a wheelchair for life. Yet
Mr. Jacobs wisely avoids going overly maudlin
upon his audience, choosing instead to offer
up the portrait of a man, so driven by the
desire to succeed, that a mere physical
disability could not stand in his way.
Throughout the course of reading this book, I
never saw Gordon Zahler as an object of pity;
there were in fact times when I found him an
entirely unsympathetic character. But he
always came across as a human being, with all
the debilitating flaws, and ennobling traits
that characterize our species. And that to me
is what makes a great biography. I look
forward to Mr. Jacobs' next work.

"Wheeling the Deal" is a wonderful and cavorting tale about Gordon Zahler, the most unlikely of Hollywood players. His boyhood foreshadowed the rip-roaring life this soon-to-be quadriplegic would live. Every stop sign said "go." Every warning sign signaled an opportunity for a fresh surge of adrenaline. Then a gymnastics accident broke his neck at age 14.

The prognosis was death. But Zahler was both too stubborn to die and too stubborn to let the wheelchair that would become his life-long attachment keep him from living with the fullness he considered his birthright.

Cut off from the sense and pleasure of the rest of his body, Gordon Zahler lived entirely within the confines of his head. With little to do but think, wheelchair-bound Zahler rolled into Hollywood on the strength of his father's considerable collection of musical compositions. After several fits and starts, he eventually broke into Tinseltown in earnest, parlaying his father's musical collection into business relationships with the likes of horror-movie director Ed Wood.

Intoxicated by his success, Zahler wanted more influence, riches and notoriety. In time he built the most active post-production movie and TV house in Hollywood. He and wife Judy's traveled the world and hosted cocktail parties attended by the A-list likes of Sidney Sheldon, Jerry Lewis and Nat King Cole.

He also dreamed up many harebrained schemes that belly-flopped or never got off the ground.

Not all of these recollections are endearing. Zahler was a skinflint, paying his people miserly wages even as his own fortunes piled up. His parsimony ultimately drove away devoted longtime employees. Even those who handled Zahler's most basic human functions were subjected to his volcanic temper. That included his demanding and acidic treatment of his care-giving mother.

"Wheeling the Deal" also deals with family bonds, broken loyalties, cold-blooded murders and lost fortunes, right up to its heartbreaking finish.

Author Chip Jacobs, Gordon Zahler's nephew, bares his insecurities regarding his own membership in a chromosomal lineage that gave rise to his eccentric uncle and a retarded brother - even writing of his own accidental entry into the world.

This is the book Jacobs vowed he was never going to write, despite his mother's exhortations. Uncle Gordon's dying days were a freak show to the young Jacobs, making him about the most unsavory character he could imagine chronicling. Then the 1993 fire that swept the Altadena hills above Los Angeles turned a key Zahler family heirloom to ashes. Three years later, Jacobs covered the Malibu Canyon fire for the Daily News of Los Angeles and had an epiphany in its aftermath. A confluence of timing and events set his own imagination ablaze with the recognition of just how improbable and amazing a life his Uncle Gordon had led. The family lore was captured in newspaper clipping, oral histories, police records and legal documents that attested to the stamp Gordon Zahler put on Hollywood and the people around him.

First-time author Chip Jacobs tends to over-throttle the language in the first 25 pages, but the book quickly settles into solid storytelling with remarkable and engaging scenes, punctuated with endless bursts of energetic and artistic wordplay.

I'm already looking forward to this author's next book, which will tackle the history of smog.

There is a hot new pistol in the publishing industry, and its name is Chip Jacobs.

I rarely read biographies, but 'Wheeling the Deal' was an exceptional book. A fascinating, honest, and, at times bleak - but ultimately inspiring account of a determined man overcoming exceptional physical disabilities (quadriplegic), defying the odds to make it in Hollywood. The story was truly inspirational, and Chip Jacobs writing - entertaining and witty. The Hollywood backdrop only served to make it all the more intriguing.

I did the est training in 1981 and had the experience of my mind shutting off and discovering that who I am is not my thoughts but the witness to my thougts. That's a start. Now comes the work. After that experience what became available was the possibility of watching your "mind" react to your day to day experiences and seeing that what you thought was a "real" reaction was just that, a mind reaction that you no longer had to follow. You could now look in the moment and see what was really wanted and needed. This book presents many concepts, like jealousy, and gives you an enlightened perspective that is very to the point and impactful. You can not go wrong in buying this book and absorbing what is in it. In fact, to fully absorb everything presented in this book and make it your own, so to speak, can take many years. Really! The stuff is that dense. If you are into expanding your awareness of yourself and how you percieve reality then this is a must read. Combine this with The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle for some real insights. Be aware that your "mind"/thought system will want to be right about how it has been percieving things and it is those reactions that you are confronting with this material.

This book helped put life in perspective. I believe everyone should read this book.

Dr. Smothermon has transcended the boundaries of conventional perception of Self - genius! Don't buy it unless your IQ is 150+.

I have read Dr. Smothermon's "Enlightenment" book many times and also pull it down from time to time to savor his dynamic writing style: 2-3 page chapters just sock it to you and move on. To the point. He describes the way the world ( and that includes us ) works and if you pay attention, are patient and read (and re-read) it with an open mind you will get a lot of great insights to chew on. I've read his other books and they are also good, but this one, for me, is the classic. Thanks Ron!

The other day a friend asked me what was the most significant book I had read in my life....THIS IS IT. Smothermon's book is certainly not mainstream, and it contains the most densely packed wisdom of what life is about that I know of. Over the years, I have recomended this book to MANY people, and the feedback is fantastic. Get it.

How often do you find a children's Christmas book that is truly entertaining? This one was. The main character, Katie, an inquiring 'tween, is vulnerable, unexpected and funny. After reading about her love of family, her desire to preserve tradition and endless curiosity regarding an eccentric history professor, I wished she could be our next-door neighbor. My own kids couldn't stop talking about Katie or this book. The illustrations were an absolute treat. Anyone that enjoys a good yarn, engaging characters and a dash of holiday magic will love this new, children's classic.

I loved this book for both the marvelously warm illustrations and for Joseph's understanding of how a 12-year-old would feel, faced with the possibility that Santa doesn't exist exactly as she has believed all her life. I gave this book to my girlfriend's daughter for Christmas; she's 12 and recently learned the truth about Santa.

This wonderful book will remind us all that there is still Magic in Christmas. It shows us that it is better to give then to receive. You don't have to be a child to enjoy this story. You only need to beleive in the Spirit of Christmas. Winter Spirit will be added to my traditional Christmas reading list.
Thank you Gina for the reminder to always believe in the Spirit of Christmas.

i found this to be a fresh outlook on the christmas story,being the parent and grandparent of children between the ages of eight and twelve. i found the story allowes children of all ages to still believe in the spirit of christmas, all the while its lessons are wrapped in a story of giving and sharing that brings back memories of all my christmas's. the book is beautifully illustrated.Surley this will be on my coffee table during the holiday season for years to come.

The Winter Spirit is a pleasure to read. The book has the skills to draw our attention to believe in what is good. The book also allows you to have a tear, have a laugh and the ability to make you feel the warm and meaningful work.

Thank you,
Kaethe's Mom

This is the most wonderful collection of fairytales, which I first encountered in the third grade and have reread countless times since. I'd rank it with the multicolored Fairy Book series by Andrew Lang as world class for this genre. A classic!

This book has been in my family for four generations, the 1912 edition having been given to my father by his grandmother in 1948.

The premise of the story is given in the introduction; the narrator happens upon a marvelous clock in Father Time's attic, which strikes the hour with songs and puppet dances. Twenty-four stories follow, one for each hour of the day. Each story begins with a verse that corresponds to the hour of the day: lighting the fire, preparing breakfast, sending the children to school, making the noonday meal, milking, tea, bedtime. The verses alone are fascinating, as they bring to life the househould routines of a very different era.

The stories are illustrated with Howard Pyle's remarkable drawings. Each tale has a frontispiece for the title, and the beginning of the text and each picture caption is heralded with a large ornmental letter like those in illuminated manuscripts. The illustrations are gorgeous. Pyle was fond of capturing scenes of nobility and royal splendour, pastoral life, and witchcraft. Some are stylized portraits of princesses in exquisite gowns and classic poses, while others demonstrate Pyle's gift for caricature and expression.

The stories themselves are wonderful, full of heroes and heroines, bravery, beauty, wits and trickery. Although there are allusions to mystic and Christian themes, and to folklore and fables, most of the stories will be unfamiliar and fresh to modern readers. The langauge is rich with metaphor, droll imagery, and dialogue that is made to be read aloud. As with Aesop's fables, the stories are meant to instruct, but the morals take a back seat to the storytelling, at least until the conclusion of each tale, and a great deal is left up to the reader to interpret.

This was my favorite book as a child, and I still turn to it on sleepless nights. But our beloved family heirloom is growing very delicate, so I am very glad that the book is still in print. I hope to share it with my own children someday.

My father heard these stories as a child. He read them to me. I read them to my kids and my grandkids. The vocabulary, the cadences, the varied plots and the sheer magic of these tales is timeless. The poems at the beginning of each chapter are related to the hours. Kids insist that you read them too. Pyle always sees to it that bullies, evil magicians, cheaters and older nasty siblings get their comeuppance. Little ones enjoy that aspect. Great archaic words are dusted off along with long disused similies and metaphores. It's the kind of book that comes to mind when you meet a bright eyed new child who has read everything else or seen everything else. At age 70 I still keep a copy in my bed's head board. Rap, tap, tap he knocked at the door.

The narrator of the twenty-four stories (plus an introduction) finds a special clock in Father Time's attic, which strikes on the hour with songs and puppet dances. "Four and twenty marvelous tales, one for each hour of the day" all start with a verse to coincide with that particular hour. Drawings are included to add further depth. Each ends with a morality lesson, which never interferes with the story, but helps wrap up that entry.

This nineteenth century collection is remarkable in different ways depending on the reader. The tales provide insight into daily household life and the morality of a bygone era. The contributions also furbish delightful fairy tales for the young at heart that are enhanced by superb figures of speech and tremendous illustrations with a finale moral lesson. This collection is a winner and will send many a reader searching for other works by Howard Pyle.

Harriet Klausner

I have been searching for this book for quite a while. The stories included are gloriously written and the illustrations are phenomenal. The reason I started looking for it again was because my Grandson will soon enjoy it. He is only 5 years old, but again, I started reading it (repeatedly) starting at age 7. I think I re-loaned it until my card was worn out! I will get him his very own copy and I know he will enjoy it as much as I.

This book truly was a paramount life-bettering read for me. Definitely one of the top three best books I've ever read.

The book contained wonderfully wise advise and techniques on how to deal with anger. Although the book's theme, as the title indicates, focuses on "Anger" it could easily be altered to be "Working with Agitation" for the principles in the books go far beyond the scope of being helpful with only anger. I've found it quite easy to carry over it's wisdom to cover a myriad of negative emotions and suffering in general.

As a person who used to be plagued with severe anger issues, this book was a godsend for me. I've given this book as a gift to many other's, all of which after reading it look at me with wide eyes exclaiming, "wow, this is an AWESOME book!" There is a lot in this book. Myself and others I know had to keep putting the book down to contemplate; taking the advice in and relating it to past events. At times I would find myself actually excited for situations to occur that I previously would have trouble with now with these new found tactics.

If you have anger issues, or want to have an arsenal of advice for those who do, I can't recommend this book enough! But even if you don't, this book still can be massively helpful for we all experience emotional suffering at various points in our lives.

I wish you all happiness.

"Subduing anger is a slow and steady process. Don't expect it to disappear overnight. Reacting in anger is a deeply ingrained habit, and like all bad habits, it takes time to unlearn," writes Thubten Chodron, an American Buddhist nun and author of Open Heart, Clear Mind. Anger is a wildfire that consumes those who practice it and touches all those around it. Yet, according to Buddhist psychology, this troublesome emotion can be removed from our mindstream.

Many of us have become convinced that anger can be worn as a protective shield when we feel anxious, vulnerable, and guilty. But Chodron believes that it is helpful to replace this emotion with patience, tolerance, love, and compassion. She suggests the following techniques to counteract anger: understand each others' needs and concerns, free ourselves from our narrow interpretation of a situation, learn from our critics, inspect our unrealistic expectations, remove ourselves from the blaming game, let go of our preconceived "rules of the universe," abandon grudges and resentments, and repay hostility with kindness.

Chodron makes a fine point about the relationship of anger and injustice: "Although anger may energize us to prevent or correct social injustice, it cannot be counted as a positive motivator for social change because it renders our minds like the minds of those whom we oppose." Giving up the "us" versus "them" scenarios we play out in the screenplays of our minds is a part of learning the spiritual practice of patience. Working with Anger by Thubten Chodron contains a rich arsenal of spiritual practices that can be used to deal with this pernicious emotion and transform it.

Whether or not you have any interest in Buddhism, Thubten Chodron's lucid explanations of Buddhist antidotes to disturbing emotions are nothing less than fascinating. As a former teacher who grew up near Los Angeles, she easily bridges the culture gap between east and west. I have found the observations in this book to be very useful both in dealing with my own anger and anger in others. Her down to earth style addresses some major questions in a very practical way. What is anger? Is anger an accurate assessment of reality? Is anger ever useful as an antidote to feelings of vulnerability, guilt or self-blame? Is it essential for winning at sports? Is it instinctive? Is it necessary for social change? What causes us to respond with anger? Is anger caused by others or does it arise within ourselves? Is anger warranted when others let us down or betray us? How should we deal with envy? Are we ever justified in being angry with ourselves? How should we deal with others who are angry?

I have not only highlighted the daylights out of this book, I'm starting on my fourth time reading it. It has helped me deeply realize that anger in me is like acid in a styrofoam cup - it destroys the container. Thubten Chodron has a gift for translating the Buddhist teachings and philosophies into plain language that anyone can understand and apply.

This is the kind of book that I keep 2 or 3 copies on hand to give to friends, relatives and co-workers. It's a wonderful way to help people in conflict without being preachy.

I hope I get to meet Thubten Chodron one day so I can thank her for blessing us with this book.

American Buddhist nun Chodron has in this work produced a detailed and concise handbook which could be used practically by Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike. Of greed, hate and delusion representing the three roots of suffering, anger is the most easily seen with prominence in the sphere of relationships to other people. It is at this level that the book applies in our interactions with kin, associates and adversaries and how to change tensions into harmony. The presentation in part echoes "How to win friends and influence people" by D. Carnegie, though its tone is more esoteric and not one to help improve ones' charisma.

The narrative hits home its points e.g. in defending itself against the charge that anger could actually be beneficial by devices including a disarming logic and everyday examples both hypothetical and real. In the former, the personal third person pronoun (like in many modern books) switches easily though unpredictably between genders. It also draws on traditional texts and advice from meditation masters as well as Chodron's quietly forthright style.

About 18 chapters summarise all the facets of anger manifestation including how it applies to oneself. A strength of the book is how it fashions modern ways of thinking and concepts to make aspects of the teaching relevant e.g. "When Our Buttons Are Pushed" or "Conflict Styles". The book thus combines modern psychological approaches to understanding and dealing with stress with ancient wisdom. Topics include defining anger, patience, recognising anger, criticism and blame, dealing with enemies, envy, love and compassion and developing wisdom. The book contains two summarising appendices to clarify the lessons it teaches with a glossary and reading list.

This book will be particularly useful in penal institutes to help offenders and the probation service in "anger management courses" and wherever such lessons could apply from schools to Customer Service. Readers who think they do not need such a guide may in fact discover reservoirs of resentment within themselves after reading it. As an interesting digest it could be equally translated to help deal with alternative problems such as manifestations of greed. This is very much a book that points the way without detailed analysis of mind and liberation with some challenging wisdom. It points to the interconnectedness of all beings and the futility of anger, not least under conditions of "cyclic existence".

The Mom's Choice Awards® honors excellence in family-friendly media, products and services. An esteemed panel of judges includes education, media and other experts as well as parents, children, librarians, performing artists, producers, medical and business professionals, authors, scientists and others. A sampling of the panel members includes: Dr. Twila C. Liggett, Ten-time Emmy-winner, professor and founder of Reading Rainbow; Julie Aigner-Clark, Creator of Baby Einstein and The Safe Side Project; Jodee Blanco, New York Times Best-Selling Author; LeAnn Thieman, Motivational speaker and coauthor of seven Chicken Soup For The Soul books; Tara Paterson, Certified Parent Coach, and founder of The Just For Mom Foundation(tm) and the Mom's Choice Awards®. Parents and educators look for the Mom's Choice Awards® seal in selecting quality materials and products for children and families. This book has been honored by this distinguished award.

You've Got Manners is a delightful, creative book which makes learning manners a fun and interesting "game" for children of all ages. It can be used as a learning tool whether at the dinner table, eating out or traveling, and all family members can participate. I love the author's use of illustrations and vivid primary colors which are instrumental in keeping a child's attention. The author also cleverly incorporated another learning tool, the alphabet. I can unequivocally recommend You've Got Manners for every family's library.

The charming characters, bright colors, and friendly verse make this book a delightful learning experience into the world of manners, for children young and old. I recommend it highly.

This book is an excellent way to introduce children to table manners. It's fun style and examples make learning fun!

I ordered this book for my young granddaughter who, at nearly 3 years of age, is ready to consider simple discussion of table manners. I am generally delighted with the book and believe it is one that can grow with a child, having applications even into adulthood.

I was startled, however, to find lie-lay errors on pp. 7 and 55. I also note numerous other small changes that would greatly improve a future edition. For example, some pages are written in the imperative, some are written in the declarative....some are in the third person, some are in the second person, and at least one (p. 44) slips into the first person plural. In addition, frequent use of unnecessary quotation marks is distracting.

The book fills an important niche in a child's library, but it is limited by the above weaknesses. I do not mean to be critical....I have corrected pp. 7 and 55 in my edition and will enjoy this charmingly illustrated book with my granddaughter. You could do the same.

This is a great book for the serious sewer. It has the best explanation of how to make a lined vest or lined sleeveless camisole that I have ever seen. And if you are interested in tailoring, you will really want to have this book. I always check books out of the library first. Then you know if it's a book you need to own. This one was a book I had to have in my library, and I've found it very useful.

The feature that makes this book stand out is her chapter on designing western shirts. I have never seen this information anywhere else. She only spends a few pages on western shirts, but the focus is on the features that are unique to western wear: how to add piping to the yoke and cuffs and how to make it. Her chapters on shirts and jackets also include information and steps to follow for making riding and western wear. She does not cover riding pants or chaps, though. In the chapter on pants construction, the information about changing crotch depth is clear and easy to understand, and she shows in pictures how to fit crotch depth while seated. The section on correctly fusing a tailored jacket is fantastic! She covers fitted vests and lined camisoles. Her section on welt pockets, in the jacket chapter, has really, really good pictures. While the sections on fitting are good, she does not cover fitting alterations for atypical figures (such as a sway back.)

Step by step instructions and large color photos make this an easy guide to follow. The principles she teaches you could help you fit many patterns to yourself if you are an experienced sewer. However, all you really learn to fit are dress slacks, dress shirt, and a camisole/vest. No instructions are provided for dresses, skirts, or jackets. You do learn a neat techniques for making a pattern out of your favorite pair of pants.

If a book on tailoring garments you already have is what you're looking for, a more comprehensive guide would serve better.

This book is great, as long as you are an experienced seamstress [sorry for the possible sexist misunderstanding]. Really great tips and hints for someone who has significant experience with sewing and/or tailoring

This book really helped me with fit issues. I haven't sewn for years and the main reason I wanted to sew again was the horrible fit of "off the rack" clothing. Pants especially are difficult to fit from standard sewing patterns. This book contained a little more information than I may need, but the basics of altering the patterns were clear and easy to understand. Now that I know the principles, it's easy to make adjustments on things that aren't even mentioned in the book.

A very usefull book, with many good informations in bear making, now and in the future.

I love this book. I'm learning everything I need to make pretty bears like yours! Thanks!

This book has a wealth of information that i would recommend to, any one concidering Bear making or those who are already making bears. It is easy to follow and the tips are extremly helpfull.

Of all the many bear books I own this one is the most thorough and easy to follow. It's twice as large as most books. Covers many things for the beginer and lots of advanced instructions as well. It has new ideas I've not seen in other books. You can't do better than this book.------------Pam

This is a great book that was recommended to me by a teddy bear artist. It's thoughtfully developed, detailed, and the photos are beautiful. There are some great ideas in this book. It can save you months of scouring the internet for tips. Definitely the best teddy bear book I've read.