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A must read for anyone with type 1 diabetes, or who knows someone with type 1 diabetes, or who likes to read a great book.

I was driving when my 8 year old daughter announced that "Stacy has type 1 too, mom!" "Who is Stacy?" I asked her. "Stacy, the babysitter..." she replied. I started to tell her she didn't have a sitter named Stacy when I realized she was talking about the book she was reading, The Truth about Stacy. How cool! My daughter has type 1 diabetes and had found a heroine who she could really relate to!

We got other BSC books from the old series to read (not the graphic novels), but they hadn't been updated the way the versions Raina Telgemeier illustrated and adapted. Kudos to Raina, who took the time to learn about type 1 and make sure the information was up to date and accurate.

I love the BSC, and the earliest books in the series are my favorites. Ann Martin is one heck of a writer, and this third book in the BSC series tackles some serious issues - Stacey's struggles with diabetes, moving to a new town and fitting in, the loss and re-gain of old friends. A subplot in this book is the girls dealing with a copycat club called the Baby-Sitters Agency that threatens to put them out of business.
Ann, I wish you had written every single book in the series and not used ghostwriters for so many of them!

Raina Telgemaier has outdone herself in this adaptation of a book from the incomparable Baby-sitters Club series!!

This book was one of the best books in the baby sitter club serious and you know there were a LOT! This book really got deep in to Staceys feelings about having deiabets and her strugles with that.
Also the whole club is faced with a problem...some one else has started there own baby sitters club!!!!!!!
Now this wouldn't be so bad if that club wasn't getting more people calling them....and then when that club pays a trick on them the baby sitters club knows the other club HAS to go!!!

I thought that this book was brillantly written! go AMM!I mean of course there is going to be compeition and everything with the club, and how sometimes parents can be so impossiable! even though we know that they do care they seem a little overprotective and dont really listen to what we have to say, so i like this book a lot. and i like it when stacey and charollete bonds, this book is realy good. and its so sad how stacey was upset because she cares about the babysitters club because she doesnt want to lose any of her friends, and i liked that her and laine[her former best friend] were cool again.

I have read a lot of Eric and Leslie's books, but this one has to be my favorite! This is their story about how they met, becamse friends and eventually fell in love. They don't preach or say anyone has to do it this way, but their story spekes for itself. It show exaclty what can happen when you let go of what YOU want your love story to look like and LET GOD write his own and how beautiful it becomes. I have read this book at least 3 times and it never fails to move me to tears. (It also makes me laugh as well, which in my opinion is the mark of a perfect book!) In short anyone who wants a relationship with God and the oposite sex NEED to read this book!!

Very good book. It gives a look at the way marriage should be, with God first.

This is a really incredible book! I have enjoyed reading real-life love stories for a long time, but most of them were short online articles. This is a wonderful BOOK! I was so excited when I heard about it that I immediately requested it at our library.
I was a little uncomfortable with the beginning of the book, which is the reason that I gave this incredible book only four stars. I guess I'm pretty sheltered from the world --- the references to having sex/love-making and the locker-talk were just... uncomfortable for me. I enjoyed the book, though, and would recommend it to anyone! It's incredible to see the way God works in the lives of Eric and Leslie. I can't wait to find a copy of this book within my price range so that I can add it to my personal shelf!

I've shared the Ludy's book with my own three teens and with the teens of my friends. The story stands in stark opposition to what our culture teaches and gives hope and a vision of an honorable love affair that can last forever. My own children watched as friends became lovers, broke up, had babies, and were alone, or went from one tragic relationship to the next. This book showed them that it is realistic to hold out for something better and they were rewarded for doing so. Our culture needs to know there are other options and that the way to true love and happiness does not begin in the bedroom. One of the best parts of this true story is that it involves two people who went the wrong way first. This mom says, save your children's marriages before it's even an issue, get this book and give them a vision of something wonderful that's worth waiting and trusting God for.

My 15 yo daughter just finished the book. She didn't particularly want to read it, but it's a great story and once she started, she needed no more prodding. Besides providing a "vision," the story works as a "dating manual" for those committed to Jesus Christ. The reader sees how the young lovers come to fall in love, identify their feelings for one another, but manage to take the high road of abstinence and trust God that His way is truly best. When they finally marry, they've already proved their love for one another in the way they have put the other one's well-being above their own. A beautiful story for everyone.

I've made a point of avoiding Christian-aimed relationship books because so many of them are either condescending or unrealistic. But everything the Ludys have written blows that idea completely out of the water. They break the mold by being honest and open. This book is a treat to read; Eric and Leslie tell their story as if you were sitting in a living room with them. It's bold to be truthful, and it's daring to do it in our culture. I hope every young woman looking for a good romance reads this and takes it's message to heart. I wish I had read it years ago.

Dirty Sally
Whoever you are is great look at introducing youngsters to cultural diversity. "Culture" basically refers to commonalities that run through a group of people with a shared heritage. Sometimes children probably believe that her culture - way of doing things - is the "right" one and that others are a bit "funny." As you read Whoever You Are, you can begin to look at other cultures with your child, aim for an appreciation of differences. Eventually, this will lead to an increased appreciation of the incredible variety of human attributes, flexible thinking, and less prejudice and stereotyping. This type of conversation has to take place. That is why I wrote a children's' book entitled, Dirty Sally..The untold stories of mixed race kids who find a new identity, love, faith and forgiveness through GOD.
There is an interesting story behind the title. I was often taunted or teased about being biracial. Some of my family members and friends called me Dirty Sally. Dirty Sally is an old slavery term used to identify the descendants or offspring of Sally Hemings, a former slave and the late President Thomas Jefferson. Sally Hemings was biracial her mother was ½ white and ½ black and her father white. This book focuses on the misconceptions surrounding racial identity and the importance of choosing one's racial identity. Dirty Sally is a must read not only for inter-racial families, but for all parents hoping to instill in their children a sense of understanding and compassion. I believe that change requires resistance and within that process we can help heal some of the wounds that continue to inflict on racially mixed children. Purchase available on Amazon.com the ISBN# is 9781432707743
For more information or to contact the author, Myrtice J. Edwards visit [...]

I bought this for my daughter who we adopted from Guatemala. It is one of her favorite books to read at bedtime and I love it too! Perfect for any adopted child!

I love this book. It has beautifully colored illustrations to go along with a wonderful message that no matter how different we all are, we are all the same in many ways...we all smile, laugh, hurt, cry, and experience joy, love, and pain the same way.

I actually like this. It's a good and colorful read for kids of all races and great for young readers.

I use this book with our preschool classes when introducing multiculturalism and diversity. I highly recommend this book-- it's a great way to introduce a difficult theme, and it's beautifully written and illustrated.

I own numerous books - some from India, some from the West - on various forms of Yoga. I've delved into the many branches for decades now. And I can honestly say that Yogani offers the REAL THING in plain English. Even the most guarded, exotic, hardly-known types of Yoga are offered by Yogani in a way that makes them fully understandable and entirely useable to the Western Yoga enthusiast.
For example; take Yogani's "Deep Meditation" technique. I presume you've all heard of TM ( Transcendental Meditation brought to the West by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and offered for over $2000.00 by his organization )? Well, I have learned TM. Paid the organization's price for it too. It works - definitely. Its been tested by University research teams and found to produce profound changes in brainwave patterns, metabolism, etc. And guess what? Yogani's "DEEP MEDITATION" is EXACTLY THE SAME AS TM! EXACTLY. No difference. And he explains it to the reader clearly, easily, and fully. By the time you read his material, you'll be practicing TM as well as if you learned it after paying the TM people your $2000.00+ dollars!
Not only that, TM has the "Siddhi" program, which is an add-on for TM practice - an "advanced level" technique. Well, Yogani offers the same powerful, all-inclusive information in his "SAMYAMA: CULTIVATING STILLNESS IN ACTION - SIDDHIS AND MIRACLES". Yes, once again, for the sum of $9.00, Yogani reveals ALL there is to Siddhi practice within TM....without the need of residence training and thousands more dollars spent on your part.

But this is only a scratch on the surface of all the excellent and profoundly important material which Yogani has offered to everyone. In my opinion, he has done the world a great service by revealing such techniques in this book and in all his other books as well. You cannot beat this information. Its authentic. Its in plain, easy-to-understand English, and it works. Sure you can pay a lot more and get books by Indian Yogis which are very long-winded and very meandering, not to-the-point at all, but they will retard your progress in Yoga, not improve it. This is what I found so remarkable about Yogani's material. You get far, far more than what you pay for. You get the meat-and-potatoes, nuts-and-bolts information that is the real thing, not long drawn-out pages that say a lot of nothing.

So, if you want to learn and practice even the most serious, profound, and highest techniques in Yoga in a sure, efficient, and powerful way, get ALL of Yogani's books. You can't go wrong.

Simply put - this is the most comprehensive and easy-to-understand text on Yoga I've found yet. Everything is explained in both esoteric/spiritual and exoteric/anatomy-based manners. The chapters are arranged to lead the reader through their own practice, adding new techniques as one progresses. Yogani has clearly spent many years learning and practicing many style of yoga. Now he has compiled the best into one complete text.

Unfortuntaly his mini-book don't have the same power as this original AYP book.

Put your ego aside and follow this Path to self-fullment. Clear, concise and practical ancient methods of clearing out all of your past emotional and karmic baggage. For the beleivers in traditional Christianity, you will be surprised at the relationship between Jesus Christ and ancient Yoga. Remember Yoga is not an religion but in a nutshell it is basically the science of the human nervous system and the refining and purifying of that system. Yoga complements and enlightens all Beleifs and Yogani brings it to you in clear and easy to follow instructions. The most complete single book on escatic Yoga available....

After reading these fine reviews I have nothing more to add other then to encourage you to join us on this marvelous spiritual adventure. We now have the tools to complete the journey, only the will remains. Thank you Yogani. Namaste

When I first read the reviews for Advanced Yoga Practices, I worried that they may have been faked since they were so glowing. I decided to buy the book anyway. It was a pleasure to discover that the book is even better than the reviews. Unlike much of the yogic/spiritual tradition that shrouds advanced techniques in secret, Yogani spells out yogic meditation practices from the basic to advanced, giving complete, easy to understand instructions. At the same time, he reminds readers that they must take responsibility for their own spiritual progress with respect to the advanced practices. To apply those methods before having the proper level of understanding and training can create problems. I suppose an analogy would be that you wouldn't ask 16-year old to drive a race car 200+ miles per hour when they are first learning to drive. That is a recipe for disaster. Rather you idle slowly about a parking lot or side road until you get the hang of driving a car. Similarly, Yogani introduces the basic meditation and breathing (pranayama) practices and gradually introduces more advanced techniques.

Since the lessons first originated with some website lessons, there are lots of questions and answers from seekers who have written him, and he gives very practical advice, and always reminds people to self-pace with respect to how deeply they delve into the more advanced practices. It is a very refreshing approach.

I have a large library of spiritual books, many of which did not deliver as much as I had hoped. That said, I would whole-hearted recommend Yogani's Advanced Yoga Practices to anyone who is very serious in their pursuit of meditation and advanced level practices.

P.S. May I add, that although I have purchased a ton of books from Amazon, especially in the spiritual genre, I have never written a review of a book. This book was so good, I felt compelled to write a review. I send my most sincere thanks to Yogani!

I bet that anyone on this crazy world would identify him/herself with some part of this book. It's so amazind how the author reaches each and every personal and collective problem we face nowadays. And he gives an answer, and a way of overcoming them. And it's not a impossible thing, but it requires our will power to really do something for ourselves that won't misleade us into these worldly delusions, and we must throw away all the bad conditionings the society and the old religions has imposed in our minds. I feel I am really free and experiencing my immortal essence following what the author suggests in this book, and I invite you to get out of you daily slumber.

This book is utterly mind-blowing. I can't believe what I've just read; any cynicism or scepticism I had upon seeing this book ('Just another Indian guru' etc.) was gone after reading the first few chapters. Shri Mataji is the only true revolutionary, everything she says makes complete sense and is consistent with both ancient scriptures and natural science. Her explainations and analogies describing her technique Sahaja Yoga are so simple yet so powerful. Its absolutely relevent to the world today and the author's personal story adds to the overall effect of what he's trying to show us about Sahaja Yoga. He was an intellectual cynic, looking for something 'else' and duly found that in Sahaja Yoga. I'm sure all the doubts that he himself had are addressed in this book for fellow cynics - I was certainly silenced by his explainations of why he felt a certain way and how he easliy overcame it. As he says, this has to be felt to be believed so please put any intellectual doubts aside and read this book. It is about NOW! No use trawling through stuff written thousands of years ago when you could have it all summed up here! Everything will be answered. Your life will be changed!!

This is one of very few books that I would recommend on the subject of higher consciousness and spirituality. It's considerably more informative than a simple account of one's search for the truth. Mr de Kalbermatten speaks knowledgeably and in detail from his own experience and inquiries - not just intellectualizing or speculating - concerning self-realization. It's clear he just wants to share the truth that he's found.

The memories of the substantial personal time he has spent with the widely acknowledged most remarkable spiritual personality, Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi, are most enjoyable. The nurturing words of Shri Mataji throughout are absolutely illuminating to anyone who wishes to sincerely experience Truth and interconnection/collectivity.

Mr de Kalbermatten's open, sincere, dedicated account of his personal quest is inspiring. He describes what we have all experienced in that there is a lot of bunk masquerading as truth out there and it's very difficult to discriminate between correct and incorrect, right and wrong. Also, that it is difficult to fix personal problems unless you can see yourself honestly. I could relate very well to his initial desperation as a young seeker, and also to his recognition as the immensity and wonder of this amazing and very practical path became apparent.

It is also immediately evident that Mr de K is genuine and his goal obviously NOT money- or power-oriented; a very rare thing in the vast new age book market these days. I really enjoyed the insights, anecdotes and huge amount of information derived from ancient sources which Mr de K so generously shares in the book.

The wave of transformation being experienced in the world is better understood if we can understand ourselves, the subtle workings of the subtle energy system inside us, through recognition and actualization of the Divine Power present in each of us.

This is one book that every inquiring mind and heart should read for the benefit of their own seeking and introspection in becoming the best that one can be. We are instruments of the Divine and we all need to first get it right within ourselves in order to get society back on the proper track, and there's a ready-and-waiting inbuilt way for everyone to achieve that. The correct 'tools' and ability to decode the signals in order to reach our destined heights are available to us through the enormous knowledge, wisdom, love and compassion of Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi.

The book has been a great work by Gregoire De Kalbermatten which not only gives the factual details of his own practical experiences, his encounter with HH Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi but also in depth knowledge about Sahajayoga, which was invented and gifted to the mankind by Shri Mataji. The author dealt with problems of the modern times, the depth of the ancient knowledge and provided scores of clues amd tips for a genuine seeker of truth. All my long awaited questions were answered and my quest was quenched with the deep knowledge provided in this book. This has to be read by all seekers of truth very sincerely.

I strongly recommend this book to all those interested in knowing their self.

The Advent written by G. De Kalbarmatten is an exemplary work on Brahma Gyana in general, Sahajayoga in particular. Seekers can find answers to many long awaited questions in this book.

The book begins with the author's early life before coming into Sahajayoga and his encounter with HH Shri Mataji. His experiences of "Self Realization" and of some other Sahajayogis have been described in simple and effective style. The Kundalini instrument of individual as well as of Virata has been illustrated. Explaining the depth of Reality or Truth it is said that "Human minds cannot be taken to Reality, but Reality has to engulf the human mind."

About death and rebirth, it is said that - When heart ceases to beat the individual's consciousness withdraws from the bodily organs. The content of consciousness, The Atman together gathers into Kundalini, which shrinks in size (1-2 cm). Them Kundalini leaves the body carrying chakras which are loaded with the Karma of This birth as well as Previous lives (Kundalini form attends the corpse for 13 days till funeral rites are over). Depending on the content of chakras and the condition of Kundalini, it goes to the corresponding field of energy in Virata, where the next birth is determined.

Ego, Superego, dangers of liberated sex and false gurus are elaborately discussed. The history and evolution of religions of world is quite interesting. The genesis of the universe gives enormous knowledge unknown to science till now. The following salient points can be relevant here.

Ø In the beginning, Sadashiva and Adishakti were united as one entity.
Ø Later Shiva_Shakti separation took place (Big-bang theory). Shakti further divided into Maha Laxmi, Maha Saraswati and Maha Kali.
Ø Brahma & Maha Saraswati forming Adi Swadhistan of Virata helped the matter to evolve its atomic structure nearly 6000 billion years ago.
(During Big-bang, matter was crushed to tiniest particles called Quarks. These quarks later assembled into Protons and Neutrons. 2004 Nobel prize in Physics is awarded to the theories which explain the forces between quarks which from Proton and Neutron).
Ø Galaxies and Solar Systems were formed 4000 billion years ago.
Ø The living cells were created 1100 billions years ago.
Ø Human brain has evolved 3 billion years ago.
Ø 70,000 years ago, Paleolithic man appeared.
Ø Raising of head and erect posture of Man caused a twist in the evolution of visudhi chakra, developing ego and superego which ultimately resulted in cutting of human consciousness from universal consciousness.

To lead the human beings with locked up consciousness, incarnations became necessary and the Cosmic Conscience produced 4 types of incarnations (Archetypes)

1. Mother Incarnations-generally single person like Durga, Chandi etc., or accompanied by Father as Sita, Radha.
2. Father incarnations-eight first incarnations of Maha Vishnu-Mastya, Narasimha etc.,
3. Guru incarnations-Dattatreya, Yogiraja Viswambhara etc.,
4. Son incarnations-Ganesh, Kartikeya, Jesus Christ etc.,

The Archetypes of Lord Rama and Lord Krishna are discussed in detail. Their role in human evolution is note-worthy.

We can also find the following useful tips to overcome catches.

Ø Sitting on the Mother Earth and looking at it would clear Mooladhara chakra
Ø Bathing one's feet in river/sea clears 3 lower chakras.
Ø Looking at HH Mataji's Photograph through a flame clears Manipura and Agya chakras
Ø Looking at the sky clears the Visudhi and Agya chakras.
Ø It too much fatique is felt, raising Ida nadi with right hand and then lowering Pingala nadi will give relaxation.
Ø If one feels depression/frustation, raising Pingala nadi and lowering Ida nadi helps.
Ø If tension/pain in any chakra is felt drawing circles with right hand on the chakra will help (clock-wise in front and anti clock-wise at the back)
Ø More vibrations will be generated if 7 Sahajayogis or multiple of 7 sit together.

In the book Tantrism, its history, its evolution and its effects on human evolution have been dealt in detail. Tantrism flourished in India during 900 to 1400 AD. Tantriks evolved certain ghastly rituals which are full of perverted sex and violence. They progressed through subconscious and supraconscious realms of universe and attained same siddhis also. But they used their energies to acquire power, money and conforts. Tantrikas established their own wicked kingdom where innocents are cheated. They some spirits and introduce the spirits into their disciples, thus spoiling their chakras and Kundalini. Author of the book strongly warns against the false gurus.

The need for collective realization is given in an interesting way. There are two destinies to the human world.

1. If present adharma and violence are carried out endlessly-Sadashiva would arrive to destry the world (Tandava).
2. If there are good number of Realized dharmic people, tenth incarnation of Maha Vishnu (who is guide towards evolution) Shri Kalki will arrive to save the Dharma and punish the adharma.

By giving collective realization HH Mataji has averted Sadashiva-Tandava.

In the last part of the book the writer gave critical review of development of East and West religions and the need for their synthesis.

In a vivid description of western culture, we can find (that) how western thought being oriented towards economic growth and material world has drifted away from spirituality. The monopoly of the Church under Roman Empire, later the rational thinking only in terms of matter has destroyed the spiritual libido of the west.

On the other hand, it is shown that the individualized spiritual pursuit has deprived the Indian society of economic growth and material comfort. Because of this the modern generations of India are running after western culture. But in Sahajayoga beautiful synthesis of both has been evolved.

This book is one of the rare kinds, which opens the new horizons to its readers.

I am the parent who picks out books for the kids, whether it's at the library or the book store. It's not very often that my husband comments on my choices but this one he came to me right after our 3-yo daughter's bedtime and said how wonderful it is. The text is so lovely and tender, and the illustrations are so rich and lifelike. It really gives a sense of connection to both nature and family roots. A real pleasure for kids & parents alike.

I like this book very much and know that I will read it over and over to my grandchildren. The illustrations are excellent. The story is helpful (learning about the concept of history in a simple fashion) and told in a lyrical voice.

Patricia MacLachlan creates a heart warming masterpiece through a simple country family's connection with each other and their land. All the Places to Love begins with Eli's birth and his first view of the countryside his family calls home. Eli would soon grow to love this countryside through his experiences with his mother, father, and grandparents. They each have a place on the farm, which holds a special place in their heart. Mama loves the hill where she can see the sun rise on one side and set on the other. Papa love the fields and working in them. Grandma shares her love for the river with Eli as they sail notes down stream to one another. The barn grows special to Eli's heart after sharing experiences with Grandpa working in a place that brings joy to his life. Eli creates his personal getaway where the spring rains come and turn the meadows into marsh. The paintings by Mike Wimmer combined with the words by MacLachlan capture the passion filled anticipation of Eli as he awaits the birth of his baby sister. Eli is eager to show Sylvie "all the places to love."

The other reviews did a great job describing this book. I agree with what they said about the beauty, emotion, and love in this book. Here are my top two reasons why this is an important book:

1. Richness of language. Developmentally, if children are exposed to language rich in vocabulary, structure, and grammar, it helps in so many ways. If you read a sentence each out of stack of random Disney, Sesame Street and other character books they all sound the same. If that is all children hear they miss the richness of our language, and actually their ability to think in complex ways is affected. If you read a sentence each of books like this, you hear the difference.

2. Exposure to experience. If you read Richard Louv's Last Child in the Woods, you are familiar with the theory that children today have much less real contact with the natural world, and it is affecting them. Even in my own experience, I got to poke in creeks and catch crawdads, hike in woods by myself, eat warm tomatos and corn right out of the garden, and ride my bike all day and stop by the side of the road to eat the lunch I packed. My kids won't have those experiences, and even a school trip to Sunnydale Farm so the kids can line up and pet a cow won't make up for not having the experience of being alone and self-directed in a natural environment. This book doesn't, of course, replace a first hand experience, but I believe can give children some sense of an important experience in our cultural history that most children will not get any other way.

Wonderful story and a pleasure to read over and over. Makes me teary every time, very touching. Rhythm of the story seems to help my son go to sleep.

I enjoyed this one as much as I did the previous 2 in this series. One of the best trilogies I've ever read. I hope you'll enjoy these as much as I did. Please share your reviews also. Reviews is what makes Amazon so wonderful.

This book constantly reminded me of "Gone with the Wind" only this one had great love scenes. I found myself skipping through the boring dialog just to get to the steamy romps in the hay.
Other than that, I would prefer to rent "Gone With The Wind" instead of reading this book again.

This was a great follow-up to One Wore Blue and One Wore Gray. Christa proves that she is every bit as smart, strong and determined as Daniel and Jesse. She shows a great strength in moving to the west and holds her head high with her courage and will to survive no matter the odds. Of course Jeremy shows a great deal of strength himself in dealing with Christa's headstrong attitude. Excellent book and of course great historical references as always.

Unlike other authors who attempt to write about our nation's darkest hour - the War Between the States - Heather Graham really knows the period, and her careful research is evident. She wraps up her trilogy in fine style with this third volume of the Cameron family saga with the tale of the younger sister, Christa.

Brothers Jesse, who fought for the Union ("One Wore Blue") and Daniel, who fought for the Confederacy ("One Wore Gray") are happy that the war's over and they can build a future with their wives, but what is left for Christa, who lost her fiance at Cold Harbor? Jeremy MacCauley, brother to Daniel's wife Callie, has also left his heart in the smoldering ashes of the war. In a desperate effort to save the Cameron estate from a carpetbagger, Jeremy and Christa throw themselves in a marriage of convenience....and ride off together for an adventure in the west that just might include the love of a lifetime!

With a great story, sensuous romance, and sympathetic characters, this is one not to miss.

The war is over. Brothers, Jesse and Daniel have returned home to Cameron Hall to join their wives, children, and their only sister Christa who has kept the house standing while they fought in the war on opposite sides. She was to have wed during the war herself but her love didn't show up. She later learn he died on the battle field. Now the yankees are wanting to burn Cameron Hall down while Jesse, Daniel and their families are gone away, taking care of business, with Christa left. It is going to take a signature from a Cameron relative who is a Union supporter to save the home, and there is only 24 hrs to do it. Christa is a die-hard rebel and hates all yankees, excluding her brother Jesse. And there is only one solution as far as Christa is concerned- marry Union Colonel Jeremy McCautley, who just arrived to tell his sister Callie (Daniel's wife, Christa's sister-in-law) good-bye before he heads out west for duty. Marry and then get an annulment, that's Christa's solution. But Jeremy has other plans. Furious that Christa can make vows and then throw them away so easily, Jeremy decides to make her take them seriously. You should see the looks of everyone's faces when Jesse, Daniel, and wives come home to find Jeremy and Christa in bed together the day after their wedding (knowing how much they can't stand each other and NOT knowing nothing happened in bed). Christa is now married and finds herself packing to head out west to join her new husband, while leaving her beloved home behind. And she fights it all the way. HG does a great job of carrying all three books out from the beginning of the Civil War to the Restoration afterwards. I also appreciated her carrying the family members along so the reader really gets a sense of how their stories (Jesse, Kiernan, Daniel, and Callie) are going. The bond that the reader experiences with this family is great. I do highly recommend that the reader begin with ONE WORE BLUE and then AND ONE WORE GRAY to get the complete picture- but each book is good about bringing the reader up on what has taken place, without boring those that have read them in sequence. Well, I hated to see it end. But I have purchased them and plan on reading them again in the future, they are just that WONDERFUL!!!

This is the most helpful daily devotional book I have read, as I have been in recovery for 24 years and this has become my favorite.

While I read several meditation books, this is by far my favorite one! Each entry has another insight for beginning each day, and really helps give me something important to think about during my daily activities.

This book, a daily reader, is on my nightstand to stay. I have had it about 6 years now. The profound truths that exude from each page are truths that I must constantly be reminded of and that is why this book will always be at my fingertips. It helps to anchor me, center me, ground me and as one reviewer wrote here "align my thinking". Whether you buy used or new, it will become a well used book. I have an older hard cover edition.

For those using this book for daily spiritual exercise, it may be helpful to have a Bible at hand as well. On certain days of the year, Fox, the author, instructs us to read a certain passage in the Bible and then the page for that day is a commentary on that Biblical passage. He doesn't do this for every day, but, there are some days that you will want to have your Bible close at hand as well.

One reviewer here wrote that he starts each day by reading the page for the day in the morning. Certainly this a great way to use this book.

Somehow, I got in the habit of reading it at night, when I go to bed at the end of the day. Either way, the book will serve its purpose.

If you've read Emmett Fox's interpretation of "The Sermon on the Mount," you know that he sees the bible as a series metaphors and poetry, as well as an account of the life of Jesus Christ. No problem. But if you're in need of a daily spiritual word, this is not the book for you. His daily readings are very much geared toward the intellect and not the emotional or spiritual. I kept it on my bedside table and read the daily entry for about two weeks until I realized I was thinking too much. Try "God Calling" for daily, concise inspiration. This is more intellectual self-help with a slash of the Spirit.

This book has helped me so much over the past 10 years and I just purchased these for friends of mine who are just beginning their spiritual journeys. It is an easy to read daily meditation book with wonderful insights that will grow and stick with you through the years.

This book is a must have for people starting a business. I haven't entered ANY business venture without first consulting with this book. I also had the wonderful opportunity to learn with Ed Rogoff himself, he is a very knowledgeable, straight-forward man, and his book is 100% reflective of his real life traits and experience. Great Job Ed!



Elkin

Ed Rogoff has written a must buy for those planning on starting or expanding their business. He takes you through a step-by-step plan from your initial idea to your grand opening. Examples, forms and common pitfalls are all covered in an easy to follow system. If you want to make your dream a reality, "Bankable Business Plans" will get you started.

Chapter 10 in this book opened my eyes to a publication produced each year by the Risk Management Association (RMA). It's called the "Annual Statement Studies - Financial Ratio Benchmarks" and is a compilation of information supplied by member banking institutions that get their information from small business loan applicants. The author of Bankable BPs says a sound business plan must favorably compare to the information in the RMA publication, or it probably will not help the loan applicant get her funds.

I recommend after reading Bankable BPs that anyone creating a business plan will do themselves a favor by examining the RMA publication to use as a guide for creating meticulous financial projections included in their business plan. Don't write the business plan first, and then compare it to the RMA publication figures. Instead start with the figures and then write the business plan.

Another similar (but not as good) publication you might want to look at is called "Financial Studies of Small Business" written by Financial Research Associates.

Besides the impressive information contained in Chapter 10 of Bankable BPs, I thought the book was a great read on the subject of putting together a business plan. The author is an associate professor at one of the CUNY schools in New York. I would have liked the book better if he had not emphasized that a business plan was a tool to help raise capital. But he does point out that a business plan is an important tool for running a small business, too.

The author listed 10 action steps necessary to create a business plan:

1. Define the business
2. Figure out initial needs
3. Outline how the business expects to make money (business model)
4. Perform market research (study industry, competitors, and potential customers)
5. Write a marketing plan
6. Describe sales effort as it relates to marketing
7. Systematize operations & team building
8. Decide on capital requirements
9. Put together pro forma financials
10. Write the business plan in an acceptable format

I'm pretty sure the author felt the action steps were meant to be done in the above order. I tend to agree with the list of action steps, but not the particular order. I think #8 and #2 should be sequenced just after #9. I find it hard to believe it is possible to decide on capital resources BEFORE you have figured out the pro forma financials. And, without knowing the capital resources needed, it seems to me it is hard to determine what the initial needs of the business will be.

All in all, this was a very informative books and I am sure it will be a very helpful book to anyone who has to put together a business plan. 5 stars!

Ed Rogoff gives an in depth but workable plan for developing a new business. "Bankable Business Plans" gives you what you need to go from your initial idea to your financial source. Examples, forms and step-by-step instructions are included in this comprehensive book. This book is a must for business owners of any size business.

This book is terrific because it directly addresses the issue that probably undermines more business plans than any other: unrealistic assumptions. After 20 years as a banker and financial advisor to growth companies, both large and small, I believe that professional equity investors judge entrepreneurs by their ideas, their ability, and the reasonableness of their assumptions. Aggressive business plan assumptions raise significant doubts in the minds of investors, who don't just want 25% IRRs but want 25% IRRs that are achievable. Rogoff wisely advises entrepreneurs to ground their plans in reality, using solid industry data and benchmarking techniques. He teaches you to think like an investor or banker before writing your plan. Very solid advice. A must-read before going to market with your plan.

Inspired by a true story, Marguerite Henry continues her literary tradition--showcasing a love of horse (and mule) flesh for young
adult readers. Unlike the homespun crises in MISTY OF CHINCOTEAGUE
this story takes readers into the harsh world of professional horse racing, with its stark risks and grim realities. Set in Okalahoma then in Kentucky in the 1920's this story relates the birth and racing career of a thoroughbred whose smaller stature causes him almost to be overlooked for serious training. Fortunately for horse and owner, Black Gold is loved by his young jockey, Jaydee--an Irish youth who recognizes the colt's potential and often argues with his adult trainer.

There is inevitable conflict over the horse's training and career
among the men who admire him--a struggle of wills, knowledge
and equine insight which result in Jadyee's psychological coming-of-age.
This YA weepie provides a realistic lens on various aspects of life around Track--culminating with a running of the historic Kentucky Derby itself. Horse and Youth must demonstrate that it's the size of the heart in each one, working as a team, which ultimately matters in a highly competitive world. Even adults are advised to keep a hanky handy as Henry's tale unfolds.

It was great! I loved how it was Real and how U-See-It's colt (Black Gold) was able to get back in raceing, and how the trainer and the jockey kept their hearts up when there was bad time. It was a great book. I read it really carefully that how good it was! I recomend this book to everyone, even non- horselovers. Really read it, i mean it. P.S it was a ture story.

I felt very sad reading this book because all the story characters died. But I liked the book alot because Black Gold won a lot of races and you see it. My favorite part was when You See It had her colt Black Gold.

Black Gold is a wonderful and exciting book written by Marguerite Henry. This book takes place in the early 1900's. It's main settings are in Oklahoma in the Skiatook Derby and in Chickasha. It also takes place in Kentucky in the Kentucky derby and on the Idle Hour Farm. This book is based on a true story about a racing horse named U-See-It and her colt named Black Gold. One of the most important events in this book is when U-See-It is banished from all racing tracks in the United States because her owner, Al Hoots, refuses to sell her at a claiming race. After that, U-See-It is sent to Kentucky to have her colt, Black Gold.
Black Gold becomes a great racing horse and wins the Kentucky Derby. Unfortunately, Black Gold is injured from a quarter crack in his hoof. As time goes on, Black Gold's leg falls off and Black Gold eventually dies. He has a burial ceremony and is buried in the middle of a field in New Orleans.
One of the main conflicts is a person to person conflict because Black Gold's jockey, an Irish boy named Jaydee Mooney, can't agree with Black Golds trainer, Mister Webb, about how to fix the quarter crack. I really enjaoed this book and I think you will too. Marguerite Henry did an excelent job of writing this book. So go and read Black Gold!

This book is excellent. Anyone of any age will enjoy the book immensely. This is one of the few books that I cried while reading to my kids.