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The book is an outstanding novel of Civil War times as told by a soldier. The man was fascinating! I met Mr. Fowler shortly before his death and was totally fascinated by him. his study was like a museum of War related items and books. Even as he faced his maker, Mr Fowler was alert and full of life. I was thrilled when he gave me an autographed copy of Jim Mundy. When you read the book, it's like being there. The facts and places are so real! The world lost a great writer when he passed. his works will live long past him.
Thank You, Jim Fowler

This is very well written historical fiction which deserves to be much better known. Fowler clearly read many historical memoirs before writing this, and recaptures their flavor so well that I occasionally found myself forgetting I was reading fiction. At the same time, the narrative is more continuous and dramatic than one would normally get in a memoir. There are a few very minor historical errors, but in most cases the research seems impeccable. If I have a criticism of this book, it's that it doesn't transcend its memoir basis quite enough: it could use more drama, more extremity. Still, it is very, very good, generally on a par with Killer Angels and much better than the wordy and hyperintellectual Cold Mountain.

I usually don't like historical fiction but a friend recommended this to me so I went ahead and got a copy. I was not disappointed. I was drawn into the life of Jim Mundy as he sets off to fight for the South, falls in love, is wounded, etc. I learned a lot, too.

In October of 1861, Jim Mundy and the other young Confederate soldiers marching off to fight in the Civil War believed the Yankees would be whipped before Christmas. The whole reason Jim joined up when he did was because he was afraid the war would be over if he waited too long. Like most of the enlisted men, Jim's family was poor and didn't own any slaves. But that didn't stop him and the others from wanting to fight.

If determination and valor were enough to win a war, then by all accounts the South should have won, especially with soldiers like Jim Mundy. Told through his words, we experience the elation of early victories and the devastation of later defeats. With Jim, we also learn about specific battles, field hospitals, army prisons, and blockade running, all of the major features of the War Between the States. Stories written in a first person point of view can often be limiting. But to change that by taking the story out of Jim's hands and giving it to an omniscient narrator, floating above the landscape from battle to battle and side to side, would destroy the novel, leaving us with nothing more than a history text.

First published in 1977 by Harper & Row, JIM MUNDY was reissued by Stealth Press twenty-three years later. Unlike most recently published books, Stealth's packaging is quality inside and out. With full cloth-covered boards, decorative end papers and foil lettering, this is one book that you would be proud to display on any bookshelf and certainly worth looking for.

After I returned from a short trip to Gettysburg this summer, I wanted to read more about that historic battle. I picked up a few non-fiction books and reread THE KILLER ANGELS by Michael Shaara and was looking around for another novel with the Civil War setting. I found JIM MUNDY used on amazon.com. After reading the first page, a humorous letter written by an old Jim Mundy to his grandson, who is a student at Harvard and also named Jim, I simply couldn't put this terrific book down. The writing is in the form of a personal memoir and takes you from the early days of the war when a young Jim Mundy joins the 10th North Carolina Volunteers, through the battle of Gettysburg, to Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House. In between, it is at times humorous, at other times touching, and always exciting. After I finished reading this novel, I wanted to read more...I didn't want the story to end. I'm sure I'll read it again in the near future...and there have been only a handful of books that have had that effect on me. This book deserves more than just 5 stars.

Mathew Flickstein presemts a concise and accessible version on the practice of Vipassana meditation of the technical explanation found in the Visuddhimagga, the standard commentary on the Buddha's teachings. He presents a fresh and contemporary presentation of a profound ancient teaching. Provides a practitioner with the easily comprehensible guidepost, very helpful for one on the Path to the attainment of liberation.

Journey to the Center: A Secular Review

Journey to the Center: A Meditation Workbook is a must have in anyone's self-improvement collection--whether he or she meditates or not. Heavily laden with psychological terminology, theories, exercises, and opportunities for discoveries; this book can serve as a catalyst for major life changes. One will be encouraged to think of one's life in terms of various aspects--health, finances, career, relationships, and creativity--as well as contemplate "goals" one has in each of these categories. One will also be inspired to deal with issues that may block or impede one's spiritual and psychological progress. Mr. Flickstein also walks the reader through what he suggests are the "Different Facets of the Mind," and the process through which we reach "deeper levels of self-understanding." His review of "mind" appears somewhat cursory, but is appropriate within the context and scope of his book's project.

Psychologically speaking, one will aim to reach greater levels of self-understanding through the practice of insight meditation, as well as the various psychologically oriented exercises throughout the book. Ontologically speaking, however, Mr. Flickstein does suddenly and somewhat unexpectedly encourage the reader to challenge the notion of a psychologically constructed "self." Philosophers and other scholars well versed in various "self" and "identity" theories--concepts primarily Western in nature due to the surge of this psychological construct during the West's early modern period--will easily adapt to Mr. Flickstein's ontological and teleological suggestions; ontologically, Mr. Flickstein re-visits a question as old as humanity itself: is there a "self," and if so, what is it? One need not be Buddhist to appreciate Flickstein's ultimate suggestion: that no permanent, fixed self serves as the axis for human existence. One may find it advantageous however, to possess an understanding of the ontological nature of this fundamental question concerning human existence in order to understand the psychological (or sociological, cultural, or biological) implications and consequences of Western culture's adoption of the fixed, permanent, masterful, rational self.

Moreover, one is not likely to gain such an ontological (or "spiritual") understanding through psychological rationales or exercises. Hence, Mr. Flickstein's directions for the cultivation of insight meditation serve as essential components in one's "Journey to the Center." Clearly, Flickstein is a meditation instructor par excellence; any reader will find it easy to record and re-play the meditation instructions. One may also find that a solid philosophical background in Western "self" and "identity" concepts can serve as a fastidious aid in one's journey.

A good workbook to help you come to terms with yourself and Buddhism.

Thomas Jefferson wrote to John Adams that everything that we do is motivated by making pain less. This is why people follow the path of the Buddha or eat ice cream on a hot day. To reduce pain. Matthew Flickstein is a psychotherapist carrying a big stick in this book. The greatest classic in Insight Meditation is "Mindfulness in Plain English" by the Ven. Henepola Gunaratana. The preface to this book is written by him and it is full of accolades for this man and his work. So let's cut to the chase. Flickstein, Tara Bennett-Goleman , and Jack Kornfield hypothesize that NO MATTER HOW MANY HOURS YOU MEDITATE - IT WON'T DO ANY GOOD IF PAST ISSUES ARE NOT RESOLVED! As you can imagine, if this is true, a lot of people are wasting their time. Here is a quote from this book. Page 58. "This phenomena is similar to what happens during the sport of bungee jumping...the jumper falls through space, the bungee cord stretches to its fullest extent, then snaps back, taking the individual along with it. Similarily, if we jump into the context level of our minds without having dealt with our content issues, we can only go so far before we are snapped back by the issues to which we are emotionally tied." Flickstein explains that contextual issues are Insight Meditation. And content issues involve incidents in our past which simply cannot be resolved by meditation. But they can be resolved by exercises. I did the first exercises. I imagined my father coming into a room and I forgive him. We talk according to an algorhtym that Matthew has designed. And this exercise is supposed to resolve content issues. Today, I did the visualiztion exercise with my mother. I don't feel any different. But Matthew doesn't tell the reader whether he or she should do the exercise once, or five hundred times. The authour also states that low self-esteem is caused by faulty programming in the past. Both Zopa Rinpoche and Paramahansa Yogananda state that low self-esteem can be cured by helping and loving others. First. Then the self-esteem follows. The author wants you to sit for 45 to 60 minutes daily doing Insight Mreditation which deals with your contextual issues. Then he asks you to keep a journal in order to deal with your past "content" issues. But why would you even do Insight Meditation if it does very little good? If your past issues are not yet resolved? Matthew? Where are you?

For beginning enthusiast to the practiced, this book will support wherever you may be on your journey.

I have owned this book since it came off of the presses and thoroughly enjoy the collection of stories as told by the 24 featured Kenpoists.

Kenpo Karate is a longer and harder Journey, I think, for a martial artist. There is a head-ful (and a half) of information you must learn in order to get through the belt ranking system. What it inevitably teaches you, though, is that you do what it takes to perfect each step you're learning. THAT is the true Journey.

This attitude applies to your own every day life, also. It makes for a more open minded person in the end. A lifetime scholar.

These Masters (all of them, regardless of their rank) share their personal Journey. It is NOT a learning manual.

The true-to-life portraits by Ed Parker, Jr. are beautifully drawn. The personal photos give us insight into days gone by.

I have used it as an autograph book and have most of the pictures signed, and all other spaces signed by other Martial Artists.

Only so many of this book was printed, and from what I've heard, that's it. If you are balking at the price here, you will soon be left out of owning a great book!

The usual trip to a marital arts book section reveals an overabundance of books on how to disarm a knife attacker, how to punch a board in two, how to throw a two hundred pound attacker, how to immobilize an opponent, but seldom, except for the life and times of Bruce Lee, do we find stories on the experts themselves. Tom Bleecker and Joe Hyams have collected the stories of twenty-four prominent kenpoists, two of whom are female, and all of whom are in some way connected to Ed Parker, the founder of American Kenpo. Hyams has interviewed each of the featured black belts, allowed them the opportunity to redline but not to add to their stories before including the material, rewritten in an easy-to-read narrative style, to the book.

What emerges from reading this book are personal statements of each individual's journey toward his or her individual enlightenment. These are strongly narrative and autobiographical, with pauses to discuss issues important to each of the martial artists. What also emerges is a broad, general understanding of the kenpo/karate movement in America. We see the growth of kenpo from its earliest Asian and Hawaiian beginnings and Parker's introduction to it. The first chapter is historically interesting, for most of us prior to 1960 had little or no knowledge of martial arts beyond the existence of judo in the Japanese American communities and some quiet suspicions of secret Chinese boxing societies deep in Chinatown.

The late fifties and early sixties were years when esoteric arts like aikido were introduced into Hawaii, kendo reappeared in Seattle and Los Angeles, and in Seattle Bruce Lee moved into Ruby Chow's and one day appeared on the University of Washington campus, to give the first of several kung-fu demonstrations after having spent several years teaching the art to a small group of Seattle students circa 1961. Ten years before Bruce surfaced in Seattle, Parker was already studying and planning to open American Kenpo schools.

Through this book, we understand and appreciate Parker's role in the growth of martial arts in the late 50's and early 60's, before he founded the first Long Beach International Tournament. We see the positive influence of Parker on his many students, now elders of the school themselves, whose stories verify the notion that being involved in the martial arts is a life changing experience.

These elder statesmen candidly describe themselves as troubled, angry, or confused youths in search of the men they would grow to be. In the background we see how the American style of martial arts has been a fluid, growing, dynamic system that grew complex, and has been simplified to its basics, depending upon the individual stylist and his approach to the art. We understand that these are men and women searching for a way to contribute their knowledge and skill to improve kenpo and its teaching, and who have found ways to contribute to the society with which they were at odds during their youth. The women discuss how Kenpo has challenged them and given them confidence. Doreen Cogliandro quotes the other woman, Dian Tanaka, " Wouldn't you rather be considered the 99th best black belt on the mat than have someone say you're the best female out there?"

Some are teachers like Bob White, who has a reputation for creating martial artists who win tournaments, or Chuck Sullivan and others who worked with Parker to create new ways to teach the art. Others, like Frank Trejo, have used their art in helping the less successful and the disabled. Trejo worked with the Lincoln School for disabled Children. He says, "I've seen Kenpo change their lives-physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, and spiritually -- Kenpo has made a difference." Sean Kelly has worked with the Guardian Angels, a work which has "taken on a sense of civil and moral responsibility that goes beyond my immediate family." Bryan Hawkins co-founded Martial Arts for Peace, and Dennis Conatser has been involved with the Boy Scouts.

Others have earned their living from Kenpo. Jeff Speakman has been the most successful of the kenpoists in films, but others have had brief celluloid moments, including Parker, Dian Tanaka, Chuck Sullivan, and Stephen LaBounty. I think I saw Steve Muhammad briefly in the opening sequences of Enter the Dragon. Muhammad, and Sullivan have done police work, and Dave Hebler worked as Elvis Presley's bodyguard. And, of course, all have earned food, room, board and income from teaching the art.
While there is little discussion of techniques, there are interesting discussions about the yin/yang of martial arts, of developing speed as described by both Paul Mills (as a fast draw specialist) and Larry Tatum. Dian Tanaka talks about forms competitions and what competitors can do to draw the eye of the judges.

The book's appetizer and dessert feature an early recollection of Bruce Lee by Hyams and concludes with a segment on Elvis Presley. Bruce Lee met Parker shortly after leaving Seattle, and Joe Hyams' personal experiences in training with Bruce are vividly described in the foreword We are reminded in the final chapter that Presley was thoroughly fascinated with karate and ended up training with Parker privately.

For those who know these men and women, the book is well worth reading. The general reader and neophyte kenpoist may well find inspiration in the words of those portrayed in the book's pages. I found it fascinating to read about the changes and development of the art, seeing it as an organic, growing, changing body of knowledge.

Whether you are a kenpoist, a martial artist of another style, or someone just looking for an inspirational story, this book is for you. Many of the masters from this book came from troubled childhoods. Others needed a push in the right direction in their lives. All at one time or another, they all found Ed Parker and discovered that kenpo isn't just about self defense, but its about the journey of life as well. An outstanding read for all.

Whenever I am feeling unmotivated to train I read a chapter or two of this book. Its like travelling back in time and being a fly on the wall in Ed Parkers dojo's. The most inspiring and motivating martial arts book I have ever read. You do not need to be a Kenpo stylist to enjoy it.

It doesn't make a difference if you practice Kenpo, the honest insights from these individuals are worth their weight in...platinum. This is not a hit here; strike this way book; however it is as bold and direct as a strike. You may not like all of the people in the book, their way of looking at the world, or you may just think Kenpo is not worth your time. However if you are a martial artist, this is a must read and a must have. If you don't have a profound respect for what Ed Parker has done, you will once you have read this book.

Jurassic Fishes is an apt title because most of the covered fish or their immediate ancestors were residents of the periods of the dinosaurs. This book will appeal to aquarists interested in the primitive fish, most notably the Polypterus, Arrowana, Knifes, and oddballs like the African Butterfly. It's also not a bad volume for the evolutionary biologist with a casual interest in fish. You won't find phylogentic trees or cladograms here, but an overview of the evolution and geographical distribution of ancient fish - particularly those of African origin.

Of course, like all the TFH books, the pictures are excellent and printed with their special glossy method that makes the pages stick together, but is well worth the effort once you pry them apart! The "glossiness" of TFH books often accompanies a banal text or downright misinformative writing. That is NOT the case here. These guys know their stuff and present it in an intelligent way. This will be a respected volume in your natural history collection.

This is a definite must buy for lovers of aquarium oddballs. There is also a section on the freshwater stingray. The name of the book is of course misleading as it is neither about fossils nor even the evolution of fishes. The only relevance of such a title is the fact that some of the featured species such as the birchir and the lungfish are two of the most ancient group of living fishes.

An excellent resource and reference tome for keepers of many species of primitive fishes, with excellent photography throughout. I keep and raise many specimens of Polypteridae and knife fish, and would not be without this volume in my library....it is the essential cornerstone of any reference collection on primitive fishes.

After months of looking for information on the genus Polypterus I chanced upon this book. It contains more data than all the other books I had read combined (and there were over ten). And the pictures! Absolutely stunning! A must buy for anyone who is interested in the older and more interesting species of aquarium fish.

This book is great for those interested in the unusual and rare. Each fish is well documented with stunning photographs and proper maintanence tips for the hobbyist wishing to keep any of the given species. With many fascinating facts included, this book shows how amazing these animals really are.

I can only say wow! There wasn't anything in this book I didn't like. The hero had some personal issues and was trying to work through them. I can't wait to continue with the story. Whine on, Conar McGregor. As a man, I understood your agony!

The first 2 to 3 chapters were okay. Even the plot of the story was okay. The main character male became too much of a whinner, unrealistic in his views and most of the book between chapters 4 and the end was about a spoiled child having tantrums. The humor that was in the first couple chapters got lost among the tantrums. There seemed to be an underlying thought of magic, but it never got revealed or not enough was put into the story. The strength that was shown in the beginning of the woman and the man also became lost in the whinning. Had the author not devoted so much time to drawing out the character's misery, she may have had room to explore their strengths.

The Keeper of the Wind is a romantic love story with a life of its own. I found with great enjoyment that it has all the ingredients a good book should have: romance, intrigue, humor and mystery. Very rich in description. It makes you feel you are there with the characters. Lovable characters and witty. I had a great time reading it. Fans here in South Florida sure are waiying for the next book.

Characters that I can relate to, compelling story and plot, and intriguing development of relationships between the characters, made this book a a dynamite reading experience for me. I eagerly await the continuance to this great tale! Not just names associated with actions, these characters possesed personality and depth that endeared them to the reader. I found myself caring what happened to Conar, just I did for Bilbo Baggins. This is Ms. Compos first published work, and she could not have gotten off to a better start......now lets have that sequel! :-)

A friend recommended this novel to me and from the very first paragraph I was hooked. Not many stories open up with action right off the getgo, but this one did and it was unrelenting the entire time....not a drag in the entire book. The lovers are believable, likeable and like another of these reviews states: they don't insult your intelligence with the girl getting into trouble and having to get extracted by the hero every time you turned around! I liked this book; I loved the characters and can't wait to read more about them; and I laughed, cried, and snarled in all the places the author surely intended for me to laugh, cry and snarl! Hurry up with the next one in the series. Conar and Liza are the best hero and heroine to come along in a long time.

This is the first time I desire to give a commend for the book. I am one of the Theravada Buddhism who is practice Vipassana Meditation, and try to observe/witness my mind every moment the best I can. This book is talking exactly the same technique or the same process that many (or all) Vipassana Meditators are experiencing. I give this book 5 stars. If whoever is practicing Vipassana Meditation or other meditations they should consider try to read this book with open mind. When I read this book made me feel like I am reading many Buddhist Vipassana that I read in Thai, Lao, or Vietnamese Thich Nhan Hanh Books. I know many Christians or others who follow Jesus (I am humble myself to him too) might not agree with the comments I says here, but if any body who is enlightened will agree with this. As the Buddhist History said that, Buddha is a man, but he is an awaken man. Empiness/nirvana is the same meaning as "in the stillness thou shall know me, or God is in your heart". Because as the bible said about Eve and Adam ate the Poison Apple and knew/know every things in this realm. So, now God said that each human being must drops all the three of knowledges and for buddhism is to empty every emotions just witness the thought and feeling that keep arising like the Wheel or Samsara. So then God with us and watch us and be with us at each/or that every moment of our life, we watch and aware of our breath. Breath in and out moment by moment, or another techniqe just Aware/ FEEL the sensation of each of YOUR BODY MOVE and WITNESS YOUR THOUGTS ARISE, then GOD who is the observer WITH YOU at that moment and ALL THE TIME. So, Best Book to read over and over for Meditator who still in the process of his/her journey to Enlightment. To me it does not matter what religion a person follow the end of the searching for their own God is in your higher self. May God Bless Us All. Peace/Nirvana

This book represents a quantum leap forward in the consciousness of mankind as we enter the "Age of Aquarius." Old paradigms of lack, punishment and dogma are set aside. In their place are non-judgemental, unconditional, infinite love and abundance. This ground-breaking book appeals to the intellect, explaining the whys and wherefores of the new understandings of light consciousness. It touches the heart, allowing an opening to more love...not only romantic love, but the unfathomable love of our Creator. Physical concerns are addressed, including the perennial favorites, diet and exercise. Readers are shown how to non-judgementally love themselves, filling themselves with the true light and love. In addition to enlightening on mental, emotional and physical levels, this book takes a quantum leap forward in the spiritual realm. Rather than the traditional view of a separate, distant God, this book introduces a more accessible, "user-friendly" God. Prayers and affirmations appear in bold-face print to allow the reader to make a permanent shift in consciousness through regular repetitions. Be sure to also check out the "prequel" book, Pathways to Inner Peace.

This is the first time I desire to give a commend for the book. I am one of the Theravada Buddhism who is practice Vipassana Meditation, and try to observe/witness my mind every moment the best I can. This book is talking exactly the same technique or the same process that many (or all) Vipassana Meditators are experiencing. I give this book 5 stars. If whoever is practicing Vipassana Meditation or other meditations they should consider try to read this book with open mind. When I read this book, it mades no different as the same many Buddhist Vipassana that I read from Thai, Lao, or Vietnamese Thich Nhan Hanh Books. I know many Christians or others who follow Jesus (I am humble myself to him too) might raise the eyes brown, or not agree with the comments I says here, but if any body who is enlightened will agree with this. As the Buddhist History said that, Buddha is a man, but he is an awaken man. Empiness/nirvana is the same meaning as "in the stillness thou shall know me, or God is in your heart". Because as the bible said about Eve and Adam ate the Poison Apple and knew/know every things in this realm. So, now God said that each human being must drops all the three of knowledges to be pure and innocent to touch and feel God; and for buddhism is to empty every emotions just witness the thought and feeling that keep arising like the Wheel or Samsara. So then God with us and watch us and be with us at each/or that every moment of our life. We watch and aware of our breath. Each and Every Breath, in and out moment by moment, or another techniqe just to Be Aware/ FEEL the sensation of each of YOUR BODY MOVEMENT and WITNESS YOUR THOUGTS THAT ARISE, then GOD who is the observer WILL BE WITH YOU at that Moment and ALL THE TIME. So, Best Book to read over and over for Meditator who still in the process of his/her journey to Enlightment. To me it does not matter what religion a person follow.... the end of the searching to close or near for his/her Believe and ideal God is in his/her higher self. May God Bless Us All. Peace/Nirvana

The messages Rev. Webb channels and records in this book are powerful and riveting. And they come through in a compassionate, gentle, non-judgmental way. Yet, they always make perfect sense. In my previous spiritual endeavors I have never found any guidance that ever rang so profoundly true. As I take in the teachings the Masters give, I hear myself saying "of course! of course! It's the perfect explanation!" Without exception, every area touched on becomes enlightened to me: why we are here, what daily life is all about, what relationships are for, the true purpose and reality of sexuality, the understanding about how we have developed blockages and how we have created pain and suffering based on guilt, and the gift we have in using emotional release to heal and transform all these areas. This news is exhilarating. I am set free; I soar with hope, understanding. I am lifted up to new horizons. All my relationships and so-called "problems" now take on new meaning-- they are my own manifestations to bring me to new levels of understanding, healing and love; to bring transformations into my life and help me know a stronger connection to God. As I have allowed this transforming Light, this grace of God, to touch my life, my health, affairs, relationships and thoughts have shifted and healed. I have witnessed instantaneous healing of an injury, dramatic transformation of destructive personal patterns, and the lifting of family problems . All my life issues are healing and I can now assert my boundaries and speak my truth with confidence, yet compassion for others. I have been able to turn around what I had deemed to be unhappy situations and relationships through release, prayer, meditation and affirmation work. My "psychic" experiences have intensified and increased. Most importantly, I have a new sense of my own power and my own right to joy, good health and peace. I have come to know that God's will is that we have all our hearts' desires, that the universe supports us, that we always have help and protection. Rev. Webb shows great courage and grace in disclosing personal details of his life so that others may relate and know that they too can transform their lives. I have seen him at his work and it is obvious he takes seriously his own thorough and continual spiritual progression. He models the wisdom he channels. Notwithstanding his great achievements - academically, professionally, personally, and otherwise -- he has struck a stunning balance between humility and self-love. Rather than work from his ego, he empowers others and respects their right of self-responsibility. He serves with sincerity, compassion, humor. I honor him for all the gifts he has given me through this book, the chanelling sessions, and his example, and I honor him for stepping out as pure, powerful channel of these liberating messages. For all of us can now be blessed with these tools to heal and transform our lives and the world.

This book is an excellent "primer for life "for those seekers of truth at any juncture upon the path.Cogent examples of prayers and meditations are provided to align one with helpful beings of light.Additionally,numerous self-help tactics and strategies are proposed for novice and evolved metaphysicians to clear and purify their innate spriritual space and to access heightened levels of spiritual development.This book is a must read for lightbearers.

I saw your book in the bookstore a few days ago. I did not buy it right away because after reading it in the store I thought it was not for me due to my recent arrival back into AA. Your approach is radicle but after a few days I thought about it and decided to buy this book. I have been battling this disease for years now and I decided I had to give it another chance. I will apply all the tools I could find because after many attempts to stay clean, I kept returning back to the bottle. I am optimistic about this attempt to stay clean because I do like the realtity of this concept. Even though it is not oriented on a twelve-step approach it does allow the freedom for me to incoropate my current tools and enhance them with the exercises and more importantly ERP.

Thank you and keep the information coming.

This book was great. The concept is so realistic and simple but the actual sessions seem unbelievable. I would love to experience them myself. If you have any trainings. let me know, I want to tell my therapist about ERP.

Thanks,

This book was intense. I heard about it from a friend so I bought it. The idea was rightv on, the exercises so real, but the pictues and session, WOW!!!. It seems very intense but after reading more and doing more, I realized just how real ERP is. I like the idea of choices along with the concept of not being dictated by the addiction, but moreso giving the person power over their addiction. Nice concept. Thanks again for the ideas and help. I highly reccommend this book to anyone with a addiction.

I saw your book in the bookstore a few days ago. I did not buy it right away because after reading it in the store I thought it was not for me due to my recent arrival back into AA. Your approach is radicle but after a few days I thought about it and decided to buy this book. I have been battling this disease for years now and I decided I had to give it another chance. I will apply all the tools I could find because after many attempts to stay clean, I kept returning back to the bottle. I am optimistic about this attempt to stay clean because I do like the realtity of this concept. Even though it is not oriented on a twelve-step approach it does allow the freedom for me to incoropate my current tools and enhance them with the exercises and more importantly ERP.

Thank you and keep the information coming.

I had to write and tell you that I bought the book and found it very provactive. As a substance abuse counselor, the book was right on the money. It talks about the reality of the addiction and makes clients look at how their drug use encircles all aspects of their lives. Nice job! I reccommend this book to anyone working in the field who has an open mind to change. ...

Thanks You;
TM

I had a problem building my gas kiln. I didnt understand how it works. This book helped me understand the mechanisms of it. Excelent purchase!

I love this book! It makes you think about how to make a kiln that is just right for you and your tastes. I can't wait to start building my kiln.

I doubt there is a better resource for learning about kilns, aside from buiding one yourself. The book is very comprhensive and leaves nothing out. If you want to know everything about the construction of kilns, this book is a must read. Fredrick Olsen is one guy who knows what he is talking about.

Between this book and Kiln Construction by Joe Finch you can build a very succesful pottery kiln. The information within is nothing less than outstanding in understanding the various kiln options being used around the world. This is a must have book for those with an interest in kilns or in building their own pottery kiln.

This book was recomended by a college instructor who worked directly with author. I highly recomend this book if you want to build your own kiln.

Should be titled, "Lessons from someone who attends to the Dying."

Mr. Smith is up to something important. I was expecting, and left hoping for more reportage style writing. Most of the writing is editorial which makes its value to the reader dependent on how the reader likes the authors style. It is too preachy for my taste, however others may like it.

I am hoping Mr. Smith writes a sequel and focuses on the stories and insights of his clients. With his background and his exposure to hospice clients, it is enough simple to report back from the field.

-this book is written with the heart. Every word is necessary and chapter by chapter it all falls into place. Each sentence can be the subject of hours of meditation. Read it and practice it every day.

Rodney has articulated a way for all of us to live. Through the lives of the dying we gain insight into our own fears. Are we willing to learn these lessons or continue to fear every ending we face?

This book is a compelling and inspiring read for anyone willing to be introspective about the way they live their lives. Rodney Smith writes a very readable book that guides us into appreciating the very profound yet simple concept of being alive. Once we truly face the fact that our lives will come to an end and we will die - then we become free to experience the joy of life.
And he gives us some case studies of people facing imminent death in hospices. In the final days and moments of life many of those people come to recognize what life is really about - and it's not about the stuff they've accumulated, nor about the power and prestige they used to enjoy. It's about the quality of life itself and the love they've shared with people, animals and nature.
He shows us that life is a journey, not a series of destinations. Reading this book has made a profound impact on my life.

Rodney Smith has such a calming voice, there is a peaceful reflective tone contained within it. He spent a total of 8 years in monastic life, both at the Insight Meditation Society in Massachusetts and several years as a monk in Asia. He was ordained a monk in Burma, then practiced for 3 more years in Thailand. In 1983 he left life as a monk to come back to the world and, after coming back to the West, started working in hospice and teaching vipassana meditation. He is currently the head teacher of The Seattle Insight Meditation Society, whom you can find on the web and listen to a plethora of online dharma talks he has given. Truly magnificent site.

Rodney has dedicated much of his life to helping those who are dying, a point made clear considering his work in hospice management for the last 16 years. This book is wonderful in it's presentation. As another reviewer points out, this is a book about living above all else. Rodney has pulled together here several eye opening accounts about the diverse ways folks have handled their last moments. Here Smith relates us all to death with reflection on becoming unguarded and vulnerable. On learning from our experiences while living so that we can overcome this fear of the unknown. So that we can listen to others more clearly, more succinctly and perceive their suffering as well as our own. Purchase this book, it's a Dharma Gem.

I'm quite the hit with my Pud Thai recipe from Ruth's book. Simple instructions and easy to find ingredients make my kitchen the best Thai Restaurant in town. You'll love this recipe book!

This book is great! I've tried all the vegetarian and seafood dishes at this point and have loved each and every one. This is Thai food at its best. It's been better than a lot of stuff I get at Thai restaurants, and it's soooo easy. Ingredients are very easy to find no matter where you are.

Ruth is the woman!

This is a wonderfully clear, concise cookbook with easy-to-follow recipes and colorful photos that represent various Thai dishes and the lovely art of Thai display. The book fits perfectly on any shelf, and the spiral allows it to lay flat so you can simultaneously follow directions and prepare food. It is well arranged and thought out, and the mouth watering recipes are simplified for people on the go. This is a definite for your cookbook collection! Highly recommended.

If you've never tasted Thai food and are a beginner at making Thai food, this is the book for you. It is not at all intimidating. To the contrary, it is very easy to follow, even including pictures and descriptions of the condiments. Even if you are an experienced Thai cook, you will love this handy cookbook with its great, authentic recipes. Ruth hails from Korat and some of her recipes are native to that area. So, if you've only visited Bangkok, now you will be surprised at the flavor of food in Korat in the Northeastern part of Thailand. This is a cookbook that should not be missed! You will love the flavor of the recipes and the ease at which you can make these dishes yourself.

RUTH'S APPROACH TO THAI COOKING IS DESIGNED FOR THE AMERICAN TASTE BUDS. FLAVORABLE AND EASY TO PREPARE. RECIPE INGREDIENTS ARE CONVENIENTLY LOCATED AT ANY ORIENTAL FOOD STORE OR YOUR LOCAL SUPERMARKET. THIS BOOK IS A NECESSITY FOR THE GOURMET COOK AND THE THAI FOOD LOVER.