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If you had to choose just one book to read on how to (and why for that matter) practice mindfulness meditation, this would be the one. Certainly read others, but start with and keep coming back to this book.

I havent finished the book yet but I feel if I practice the teachings of meditation as offered by the author it will lead to a much more aware and focused life. I really enjoy the way Joseph Goldstein writes and how honest he is about what to expect. So far I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone!

This was the first book on Buddhism I ever read, but it wasn't an interest in Buddhism that led me to buy it. Rather, I was in search of a book on meditation. But there were so many too choose from. The only reason I chose Mindfulness in Plain English is because it didn't have the word "meditation" in the title. I was not disappointed by my choice. By the second time through it I realized the power and potential Buddhism and meditation practice and how they could lead to a more peaceful way of life.

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about Buddhism in general and mindfulness meditation in particular.

This is one of the most enjoyable self-help books I have ever read!

Mindfulness meditation teaches us how to pay attention to our breathing as a tool to focus while we watch our thoughts without judgment or participation. We simply observe the birth, growth, and death of the short-lived thoughts and let them pass.

The objective is to realize the interconnectiveness of all things and appreciate life and our environment for what it is. We learn loving friendliness, compassion, appreciate joy, and equanimity. We learn to fill our hearts with loving thoughts and manifest those thoughts into positive actions through mindfullness.

I recommend this book for people who want to be free from fear, tension, anxiety, worry, and restlessness; want to overcome inevitable difficulties, problems, and failures in life; and want their lives filled with thoughts of loving friendliness, happiness, and peacefullness.

This book teaches you about a meditative system that brings wisdom, equanimity, and peace to our lives. I am glad I read it!

I found out about this book after going to B. Gunaratana's meditation center in West Virginia. Before then, I had been introduced to various meditation techniques and had gotten my hands on several meditation books. This one was by far the most simple, straight-forward, and easy to follow. It's incredible to think that the more simple a task is (mindfulness is deceptively "easy"), the more guidance we need. This book handles all of the tough spots that a beginning meditator faces and without Bhante G's kind, gentle, and wise advice, I would not have come as far as I have in my spiritual and mind growth. I've brought this book for many friends since: I think it is a beautiful gift to give someone and I will have it next to my meditation cushion for years to come. Highly recommended.

The definition of the word `requiem' is a musical service or hymn in honor of the dead. How fittingly that word rests with the subject matter of this novel. `Requiem for a Dream' is just that, a musical hymn in honor of those crushed and shattered dreams. When reading Selby's phenomenal (and I mean that in the most extreme sense of the word) novel about abolished hope and sheer desperation the reader is forced to face the ugly truth about our horrific society.

You ever read that novel or watch that film that just eats away at the pit of your stomach and pains you to your very core? You ever struggle to turn the page or fight to watch the screen because the onslaught of negativity is picking away at your spirit and bringing you to a dark and lonely place you never wished to visit? That is the feeling experienced when reading (or subsequently watching the Aronofsky film adaptation) this novel.

The novel opens by introducing us to four people. We have Sara, an older Jewish woman who lives for television. The opening scene depicts her son Harry, strung out as usual, stealing her television to pawn it for money in order to get his next hit. Harry also has a girlfriend Marion as well as a best friend Tyrone C. Love. The three of them enjoy a nice taste of heroin every now and again and will do just about anything to get it. Sara dreams of one day being on television, and when she gets to opportunity she grabs it by the horns. She is convinced to lose enough weight to fit into her favorite red dress, the one she wore to Harry's bar mitzvah. This leads her to diet pills which she quickly and dangerously forms an addiction to. Harry and Marion on the other hand begin to develop a plan to buy and sell heroin for a profit, that way they can one day by that little coffee shop and make a life for themselves. This little plan involves Tyrone as well, and as the dope starts pouring in, their idea of a small taste begins to grow until they can't stomach the thought of selling any of it but feel compelled to keep all of it for themselves.

The novel brilliantly portrays the mind of an addict; the `I'll never get that bad, I can stop whenever I want to' mentality that cripples the mind and fortifies the very essence of the domination of the soul. All four of these individuals are taken over and beaten down by the disease that is addiction. There is a scene where Tyrone is arrested and spends some time in the jail cell with an elderly addict, a man who is so far gone Tyrone is disgusted by him. Tyrone is determined never to be that man, never to become that dependant on the taste, but the first thing Tyrone does when he gets out is cop him that taste. He doesn't realize that he is already there.

The novel, like I mentioned, is horribly depressing and utterly frustrating, especially as the novel comes to a close and everything begins to spiral into oblivion. As we watch Sara, Harry, Marion and Tyrone's lives completely fall apart in a gradual yet perpetual tumble towards rock bottom we are left with the bitter taste of pain and misery in the back of our throats. Experiencing Sara's mental deterioration at the hands of the pill; watching Marion degrade herself to escape the sick feeling of withdrawals; seeing Harry cast aside his own well being in order to keep that high; watching Tyrone come to realize he is no better than the men he despises; all of this eats at our very being and transports us to a place unlike any we've ever been.

Like the movie, the novel excels when focusing on the female characters. Sara and Marion are by far the most sympathetic and interesting characters in the novel; with that said they are also the most depressing and utterly devastating to read about. Their final outcome is far from pretty and makes the reader feel helpless and alone; much like these characters.

`Requiem for a Dream' is far from pretty. It is dirty, gritty and at times unbearable; but there is no denying that it is a masterpiece; literature at its finest. Hubert Selby Jr. is a deeply controlled and phenomenally capable writer who understands the appropriate darkness of his subject; an author who takes something so terrible, so bleak and painful and makes it quite frankly one of the most important novels ever penned. In my humble opinion this is the type of novel that should be mandatory reading at any substance abuse rehabilitation center. After reading this grisly novel (and of course watching the equally grisly film) I could never even stomach the idea of drug use. In a world that glamorizes any and everything harmful to the soul, `Requiem for a Dream' stands apart as a very real depiction of all you stand to lose.

If you've seen the film, better fasten your seatbelts. Aronofsky went easy on you. I can't adequately describe what Selby achieved in this novel, or in "Last Exit to Brooklyn". He is capable of describing the most brutal things with apparent (but ONLY apparent) objectivity, but at other times he writes with astonishing delicacy. I can't even think of another writer who can do that half as well as Selby.

If you found the last 20 minutes of the film as horrifying as I did, Selby's account of the fates of Harry, Sara, Marion, and Tyrone will make you want to cry for all of them.

This is not going to be an easy read for a lot of people, but it's a masterwork.

It's just that good.

If you've read "Last Exit to Brooklyn," you'll be familiar with Selby's habit of not using quotation marks when he writes dialogue. But even if this is your first exposure to Selby, you'll figure out who's saying what pretty quickly.

And don't skip Selby's prologue.

As an aside: ELLEN BURSTYN WAS ROBBED! (As Sara in Requiem for a Dream, she really should have gotten an Oscar. I'm just saying.)

Hubert Selby Jr writes with in a way that is astounding. Bringing a story like this so heavily to life, to a point where it completely envelopes and engrossing you, all the while disgusting you is a great fete. I saw the movie, which is great in its own right, but not near comparison to the language of the book. Definitely recommended!

Selby's ability to capture inner monologue is incredible. You not only empathize, but you believe with each one of the characters. You hold on to the dream and it crushes you. Should be read in highschools everywhere.

You need to be ready before you read this book. Upon finishing this little dandy I was physically shaking. I can't think of any other book that has made of shake. The manic style and never ending punch in the face flow of this Hubert Selby Jr. masterpiece will stay with you for the rest of your life. If you saw the movie and so decided to not read the book, you are making a mistake. The book is a totally different experience then the movie. Each is a masterpiece in a completely unique way. It's amazing how real this book is. You will feel insane compassion for the lowest of individuals. You will want to reach out to these amazing characters. I don't know how Hubert Selby Jr. does it. His mind must have been a dark but beautiful and loving realm. If you want to be a book this one will make you its own. Read it.

I don't read a lot of historical fiction, in fact the only other novel of that genre that immediately that comes to mind is Gone with the Wind, but I had heard only good things about this epic, the story of a young British boy who grows up in colonized India. Stretching over several decades and including many historical events (though with a few fictional locations) and a detailed portrayal of the culture and traditions of India, "The Far Pavilions" is certainly comparable to Margaret Mitchell's Civil War masterpiece.

Orphaned at a young age, Ashton Hilary Pelham-Martyn is born at the time of the Indian mutiny against the British Empire and the East India Company. As the son of an Englishman, six-year-old Ash is in terrible danger, and it is up to his Indian serving woman (who becomes his mother for all intents and purposes) to disguise his true nature, rename him Ashok, and raise him as an Indian. It would be wrong to give away too many of the wonderful twists and turns of this novel as Kaye recounts Ash's extraordinary life, but she manages to create a rich and vast experience without it ever seeming unrealistic or melodramatic. Although Ash's fortunes do hinge on a lucky turn of fate, he is very much the master of his own destiny, and the story itself never spirals into the realm of the silly (and I only say that because many historical-fiction-epics *do* tend to do this).

The story is quite episodic in form, with the events of Ash's life told in reasonably structured segments: his childhood, his time as a servant in a rajah's palace, his romantic youth, his great love story with Anjuli, and his time as a spy working at the time of the Afghanistan war. Naturally, some of these are more interesting than others: I loved reading about Ashok's time in the Indian court of the spoilt and pitiful Lalji, a young rajah who is surrounded by friends and foes - but has trouble differentiating between the two. It is here Ash befriends a young Indian princess named Anjuli who is an outcast in the court, despised by her stepmother and ignored by most of the court.

Years later, Ash and Anjuli are to cross paths again, but in the most impossible of circumstances: Anjuli, along with her little sister Shishula, are being sent as brides to a dangerous and loathsome rajah. As they attempt to keep their passion for one another secret, Ash desperately tries to find a way to help her escape from her arranged marriage, whilst Anjuli is torn between her love for Ash and her devotion to her little sister, whom she feels she cannot abandon to a loveless marriage. It's heartbreaking stuff, as these two lovers - who are obviously meant for one another - fight within themselves between their duty and their love for one another, in which you're not entirely sure what is the best course of action for them both. As in all epics, there are some sluggish parts and I must say that after the romance between Ash and Anjuli comes to its conclusion, the novel slows down a bit.

Since I've never studied Indian history or culture, I have no idea how accurate it all is - all I can say is that it certainly *seems* accurate. Kaye writes with a confidence and genuine interest in the historical workings of India during this time, and provides enough detail to bring India to life in the reader's mind. However, the real spirit of this novel lies in the rendering of the culture clash between two great countries, and within the protagonist himself. As an English boy who has been raised to believe he is Indian, and then returned to England to complete an English education (and returning to India as part of the military), he stands with one foot in both camps, empathizing with both, but belonging to neither.

This conceit provides a wonderful look into the inevitably tragic occupation of India by the British Empire, and the seemingly-impossible historical situation that this creates. On the one hand, only natural that the Empire would want to control India for the sake of Progress and Trading - and in the meanwhile, they did outlaw the terrible custom of the suttee (the burning of widows alive). On the other hand, it is absurd to suppose that any country or individual has the right to take over another country for the reason that they cannot be expected to run it properly themselves. In one of her best passages, Kaye has Ash wonder if his imperialist uncle would enjoy his household (which is full of corruption and tyranny in the servant's quarters) being taken over by an Indian man who could run it better than himself.

It is for this reason that Ash and Anjuli are perfect for one another, as Anjuli too is half-caste and so fated to belong nowhere. Throughout the story the couple make many friends from many different faiths, but in all cases in which they are shown kindness, there is also the sense that they are not given acceptance. Amongst Muslim friends, they are aware that they are considered infidels, among Hindu friends, they are aware that they cannot share the same food utensils, among British friends, there is the sense of social snobbery and bemusement. This sad sense of separation among the members of the human race permeate the entire book, and linger long after it's been finished.

It's a pretty hefty volume, but I definitely think it's worth the time it'll take to read it.

After being banned from watching the mini series as a child of 10years
I was captivated by the images of Anjulie and Ashook based on the previews of the mini series, I decided that I would eventually watch it and was convinced at the time that my parents were being unfair since I had watched Chariots of Fire with Ben Cross. At that time I had watched every single Ben Cross mini series, so what was different about this mini series? Forbidden fruit?

Imagine my wonderful surprise when I found this book 4 years later at a neighbour who was planning a garage sale and needed help "SORTING" things for such sale. I immediately claimed it and felt as if I had come upon pirate's treasure.

I finally had my hands on the book and it was a treasure indeed! This was a major challenge for me at the time because of the volume of the text itself and the theme however I have read it several times since then and have come to list this novel as one of my favourites of all times.

The journeys that MM Kaye took me through the Himalayas and through the cultures of both Britain and India really ignited my imagination. A truly great book where the characters develop and you live their experiences with each chapter.

I have to say that this was the book that turned me into an avid reader who learnt not to judge a book by the cover.

I have to agree with the others that this book is one of the best of its kind. I purchased it after reading the great reviews (thanks Amazon - found M.M. Kaye after Ordinary Princess recommended for my daughter - wonderful story). I had no particular interest in India but have much more so after reading this book. I just saw a picture of one of the regions where this takes place at the Afgan/India border on the cover of Newsweek - fascinating. I also recommend her other books (so far haven't read even a mediocre one). I'd also recommend BUYING her books so you can loan them to people. And lastly I'd save this for vacation or sometime when you know you'll be able to read it in chunks because you can just loose yourself in it and it's painful to put down (and end which I'm going to do today).

This review is purely a little tribute to my Mom, who would have been 76 today (9/21/2007).
My folks loved to read, and that rubbed off on me. I was surrounded by books in every room of the house, and I can't think of a better, more long-lasting gift for a parent to give a child. Books have made my life so beautiful in so many ways. I will always love and thank my parents both so much for that.
My Mom loved historical fiction above all other genres, especially Victorian and Raj tales. M.M. Kaye was one of her most cherished authors. The Far Pavilions must have been her favorite, because she had every book Kaye ever wrote, and The Far Pavilions was the one that seemed to show up now and then on the coffee table and on her nightstand, year after year. I guess she read it a number of times. I think she savored it like a fine wine, pulling it out every few years to see how the vintage was moving along. I saw her reading thousands of books when I was a kid, and this was one of the only ones that showed up repeatedly.
To be honest, it's not a genre I know much about, and I haven't read any Kaye at all (might be time!). But I know that if Mom were alive and was asked about her favorite books, The Far Pavilions would be at or near the top of the list. So, I just thought I'd share these thoughts, and maybe, if they have a good broadband connection in heaven, she'll read this and remember how much I loved her.
Happy Birthday, Mom.

This is a book that I have been recommended countless times and always declined reading. I can no longer really remember why, except that the first page always seemed a stiff and confusing. But this year, upon seeing the number of pages the book was (1200 pages in mass market paperback) and being recommended it one more time I decided to give it a shot.

All I can say is wow! This is one of those historical epics that ranks right up there with Gone With the Wind in terms of scope, romance, and underlying issues. It's just an amazing novel.

This is the story of Ashton, who is raised from birth by a Hindu foster mother while his father treks around Indian on linguistic missions. When his father dies and the sephoy mutiny happens, his foster mother Sita (a women with real courage) discuses the already dark skinned Ash as her own son and takes him to a remote state where the violence against the British has yet to spread. Here he becomes the servant/playmate of the heir to the throne and the boy's half-sister, Juli. But the heir is in danger from his wicked stepmother who wants him dead so her own son will be heir and when Ash prevents this one to many times he and Sita must flee for their lives. It is then that Sita revels Ash is really British and sends him off to find his own "people."

Of course later Ash will find Juli again-when he is assigned to escort her and thousands of others to her wedding in a far away state. You can guess what kind of turmoil this turns up.

While a great deal of this book is a romance, an adventure, a war story and a exploration of a culture, it is also about the search for identity for poor Ash, who is really neither British no Indian but "two men in one skin-which is an uncomfortable thing to be."

There's also fantastic (and quite sensitive towards Indian considering it was written by a Brit) descriptions of the imperialism of the British and the stupidly of them in some situations (like the Afghan wars.) and a truly touching sentiment about finding a place in the world free or prejudice or danger where you can just be whatever you turn out to be.

Anyway, this is an amazing book. The absolute only thing I didn't love was the ending, which seemed a little out of place with the main plot, but the last few pages tied it back in and then it was just perfect.

Five stars. I should have read this long ago, and look forward to reading others by the author.

Whereas the novel I mentioned in my title left me feeling cold (not to mention the author was a small child when she writes about her experiences, which must be grainy), this powerful account is simply written, but also written well. It's deliciously descriptive and emotional. I felt like I did walk in Irene's shoes, for I saw everything through her eyes (true, it was written in first-person point-of-view), instead of like watching a movie.

By the way, I think this would make a great film, though I am not sure if there is an actress beautiful enough to play Irene (who really should be played by a young, unknown girl, age appropriate, not a trashy pop starlet, who would degrade).

Through it all (being raped by two Russian soldiers and left for dead, becoming a German officer's mistress to protect her Jewish friends, etc.), Irene maintains an innocence that is refreshing, and when she loses her first truelove before they have a chance to marry, it broke my heart.

I will say I have an even dimmer view of the Catholic Church than I did before (not Catholics in general, just some of the politics of the religion), because when Irene goes to a priest to confess being a German's lover to save the lives of her friends, he says, "They are Jews", and I could actually hear the inflection in his voice that said, "They're just Jews", like they weren't worth saving. This un-Christlike priest refuses to give her absolution, which, from a doctrinal standpoint I understand, but not from a spiritual standpoint. Yes, Irene was sinning, but she was not committing crimes against humanity, and I believe my God is a merciful and just God and that He understands for He can see Irene's soul.

This deeply religious, courageous woman has earned my respect and her chronicle is hardcover worthy.

My 14-year-old daughter read this book and insisted that I read it. When I finally agreed, I could not put the book down. The story is so well told that you can can truly understand the experience of a 17-year-old girl in the midst of the horrible events. A compelling book that everyone should read and discuss.

I often think of this woman in my day to day life. She serves as a testament to all mankind that we must put others first and fight for the just cause. What she went through herself is quite harrowing. I am happy that she has been honored with a tree planted in her name at Yad Vashem in Israel. An easy read and a book that you cannot put down. She is truly inspirational.

Unlike most characters featured in such books, Irene Opdyke had no vested interest in helping the Jews during the Nazi occupation of Poland. She began her work in small, timid steps, gradually growing more bold and forceful as she matured. The story is told in an entirely credible and sympathetic way, without forcing young readers to wade though long narratives of graphic atrocities. I found the afterward to be the most moving and memorable part of the entire book.

In my hands is a wonderfully written account of the difference "only one girl" can make. Irene Opdyke lived 7 years through the war and was subjected to many wrong doings herself, but she continued to put herself in mortal danger without thought to herself for the sake of saving the lives of a group of Jews.
A very important book in helping to teach the next generation of the horror of the second world war, but also in teaching us that one person can make a great deal of difference to the lives of others.

Soul Communication by Zhi Gang Sha is a contradiction and an enigma. Based on one simple teaching - that everything has a soul and that all soul seeks to serve - it explains a core reality that Einstein was seeking to formulate, but does so in terms so simple that even a child can understand. Moreover, though completely unique, this book is eminently practical. A hundred years from now, when the skills it teaches - including Soul Language, Third Eye and Direct Knowing - have become more commonplace, "Soul Communication" will still be the revered classic. If you want a glimpse of the brightest new wave in the spiritual awareness that is sweeping the planet today, be sure to read this book. It is a profound gift to all humanity. Thank you, Master Sha.

Soul Communication is yet another treasure box of Master Sha. It reveals deep wisdom and tools how to connect heart to heart and soul to soul. For all those seeking for this incredible deep soul wisdom, in every book from Master Sha you will find it and receive so much more. The blessings in this book will support you and guide you safely on your own spiritual journey. It is another milestone to awaken humanity at this crucial point in time. Thank you, Master Sha, and all of those people who have worked on this book. You have blessed and nourished my personal spiritual growth.

Verena Myriam

Take time to develop a spiritual path-I recommend this book as well as FREE YOUR MIND by Sensei Anthony Stultz and BEING ZEN by Ezra Bayda.

You soul has been waiting to communicate with you. There is no limit to what answers you can receive. Dr. Sha's latest book is short, practical, simple, yet profound. Begin today! The only requirements are openness, humility, courtesy, and persistence. You soul will thank you forever!

While what I read seems very interesting, the reviews were pretty misleading, as they were all for the complete book, not for this short ebook that is basically a preview. It's one chapter, or part of one chapter of the complete book. This short does NOT give you the exact "how-to" of soul communication, but it does give you a sneak peek at what it's about for a fraction of the cost. Amazon really should keep separate reviews for the short and complete works.

In the book, The Pretender, by K.A. Applegate Tobias has a problem! He has morphed into a hawk, but he has gone past the time limit. Tobias' father, Alfanger, gave Tobias and his friends Rachel, Marco, Jake, and Cassie morphing powers to acquire animal's D.N.A, but he gave a strict warning not to stay in morph for more than two hours or they would be stuck in that morph forever. The Emillist (a queen hork bajir who helps all hork bajirs) gave him back his morphing powers. As soon as he was human he would forgot his entire life story. Next, he encountered a mysterious woman called Aria, who claimed to be a long lost cousin. When Axmilli-esgarrough-istill ( a.k.a Ax) and Tobias were spying on her, they found it to be a very bad situation. K. A. Applegate (a.k.a. Katherine Alice Applegate) has written over 100 books in the Animorph series. Her childhood included, loving nature, animals, and being a straight A student. Katherine was well-mannered and also very kind. My opinion is that this book is a ten star book because it's funny, adventurous, and is great for learning about animals and gets you to be more adventurous.

This book starts off simple about Tobias "The whole I'm a human stuck in hawk's body thing".But then he has problem with another hawk so their is not enough food for the both of them.Tobias goes to eat dead roadkill in front the school but then Rachel saw him do it and he's ashamed.Here where it's get intresting at Rachel's room at night she tells him some girl called Aria ask's Chapman where is Tobias saying she is his long lost cousin and she want's to give him a home.Then a lawyer want's to contact him about his real father's will.Also he has to choose does he want to live in a home and be human or be a hawk and live in a tree.Plus Rachel shows her true emotions and they do a Hork-bajir mission.

In this book a lawyer says he's discovered Tobias's father's last will and testement. Tobias finds out his father is Elfangor! There is also somebody that says that she is Tobias's cousin and she wants to adopt him. Read the book to find out what happens next!

I'm normaly not a big fan of Tobias books, but this is the exception, I recomened it to everyone. Tobias only lives because Visser 3 slips up big time. I was very suprised to find out who Tobias's dad is, and why he was on Earth, I would never have expected an Andalite Prince to run away and hid on Earth. But it dose, in my opinion at least, explain the way Tobias acts when he meets Elfangor, In "The Invasion"

Tobias Birthday is coming up and he's been called to an attorney's office to be read his fathers will...And a 'Long-lost' cousin supposedly just came back from Africa and she wants to adopt Tobias.Could it be true?Could Tobias really have a family?If he did,he would have to morph human,and stay that way. become a nothlit again...that would mean dropping out of the fight, No more Yeerks,Morphing,or Animorphs.....Well,he would still have Rachel,and they would BOTH be human.....But can he give up his new life as a hawk?Give up flying?Well,his Birthday is coming closer,and now Tobias is about to learn the Secrets of his past........................

I loved this book,espcially what Tobias learned about his father!When I read I just sat there and was like,Oh my Gosh!!!!!!Then I got the Andalite Cronicles and it kinda explained it.....Hmmmmmm,I wonder if Tobias will ever meet his Mother,Loren????????Anyway,This was definatly one of the best Animorph books,All the Tobias books are!They really show his feelings,and emotions,what its like to know that you will be trapped as a hawk forever,and now his feelings about Elfangor,how important he really was to him......I recomend this book,You'll probally be laughing,crying,and wondering right along with Tobias!!!!

A gentle reminder of who we really are and why we exist. A must-read, at least once a year.

Peace is Every Step takes you into a world of peace and happiness, and you need nothing to get there but your attention. In the simplest everyday tasks, the author shows us how to get the most out of our lives and experience true enjoyment. We don't have to do or have different things, we just need to pay attention to what we have and what we are doing now. Nhat Hanh gently leads us to this practice. This book has changed my life for the better. I will keep it and read it over and over.

Thich Nhat Hanh's book Peace is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life is an enlightening read!

The author does a great job of showing the inextricable connection between the mind, the body, and the environment. Mindfulness is an awareness of our living right now. It helps us to become and remain mentally and physically healthy and to live harmoniously in our symbiotic relationship with each other and our environment. Our survival on this planet depends upon it.

Hanh encourages us to be mindful in everything we do--for example, when we peel a tangerine eat it mindfully. He encourages us to feel the spray as we peel it. Smell the fragrance and feel the texture of fruit. Enjoy the taste and nourishment. Think of the mother of the fruit--the tree, its leaves, its blossoms and our connection with it and the environment.

The author encourages us to slow down, breathe, and live in the moment. Instead of being frustrated by the obstacles--red lights, traffic, layovers--that prevent us from getting from one place to another quickly, use those moments to practice Mindfulness.

I recommend this book to people of all ages and backgrounds. The author's writing style is simple and insightful. His aim is to promote peace, happiness, health, and wisdom. He did a great job!

this book is one of the best books I have read on peace and mindfulness.
I have brought so many copies for my family and friends.
Su Ong Nhat Hanh is my favorite author, and I highly recommend all his books :-)

Practical adaptation of eastern wisdom to western culture. Easy to read and fairly realistic approach for beginners like me. I was able to put some of these methods to use right after reading and enjoyed some peace and relaxation that surpasses what I usually get from expensive vacations.

I've never read a book so gripping or heart wrenching. My condolences to you and your family Mr. Walsh; my heart breaks for you.

John Walsh has decided he is the voice for victims everywhere. The problem is, fewer and fewer people want him to be. Why? Because of things like this book.

He seems to ignore reality in favor of what he wants us to think.

I agree that this book is very sad and heart breaking. I can only begin to feel the sadness and heart break that this man and his wife went through. This book reveal that. I could only somewhat feel his pain because I have never been through it. This book proves that something good can come out of tragic happenings.

This book is more political then I thought. This man has accomplished a lot Worth the buy.

AS A MAN YOUR NOT SUPPOSED TO CRY, BUT I DID, READING WHAT HAPPENED TO HIS SON AND THINKING OF MY OWN SON I JUST COULDNT HELP IT! ITS A GREAT BOOK AND MAKES YOU WONDER WHAT YOU WOULD DO IF IT HAPPENED TO YOU!

Tears of Rage is such a brilliant book. It is very touching, tragic, and even insightful. Not only did I truly enjoy it, but also I found it hard to put down. Such hard times for this fellow after the sadistic murder of his lovely child Adam. Yet he does not give up and he battles and battles for justice for Adam. It was not easy and the police unit were not very helpful and competent with handling his son's case. And it broke John's heart. But he never ran out of fuel to find justice for his beloved son. I admire that. I fully admire his heroic deeds in becoming the host of AMW and has been contributing immensely to snatching sick predators that cannot linger around in the world any longer and especially caring about missing children. If John Walsh have not audaciously fought for our safety, how much worser will the country be in right now? Thank you John Walsh. And I am glad that Adam Walsh bill was successful and was made into law recently.

I had very bad neck pains due to stress. Doctors prescribed muscle relaxants, but after doing Chi Kung neck exercises and the exercises, I have finally found relief. I truly believe these Chi Kung exercises work. Even my doctor testified to these exercises.

I thought it was wonderful. So easy to understand and follow the movements; along with lovely personal ancedotes and helpful nutritional information in the text.

I usually don't write reviews about the books I bought, but I felt that I should do it about this one after reading the amazing review from the "avid reader".

I have the book, I have done the exercises, and from my experience, I can tell you that they work, very easilly. In fact, I felt to my surprise the movement of chi in my body, the first time I did the first exercise. What else can you want from a book that actually delivers what his writer promises?
I have the book and also the videos from the same author. In those you can hear several persons reporting the "miracle cures" that ocurred with them, that this "almost" costumer complains about.
You know that is something that puzzles me: how can a person criticize a book that he doesn't know (he doesn't bought it, and as so he didn't invest time reading it,and doing the exercises)? How can a person judges a work "from the table of contents"?
If any of you is decided to buy the book and invest your time in these exercises I guarantee you'll be positively susprised.

One last thing: English is not the only language in this world, and when someone write a review in a foreign language usually makes mistakes. That is natural fact. I would like to see this gentleman trying to do a review in a foreign language without errors.

I am in awe of this man who calls himself Luk Chun Bond, it could be James Bond for all we know, who is a true master of the martial arts that not many can even begin to realise just what it takes to become one. Just read his book, The First 16 Secrets of Chi, and you will have a idea of what it means to sacrifice your life to what you believe in, no matter what field of endeavour you attempt to achieve. And to think he once shared part of his art for free, for years and years to whomever and whatever, no questions ask, just come and be healthy and happy, unheard of in this age of money, money and more money. Read the book first, then you will have a small idea of what this "man" is all about. By the way I had my book autographed which to me is priceless.
Brian Nakamoto

75 five-star reviews??? And all of them from first-time reviewers, many of whom seem to be struggling with english and making the identical mistakes, and each of them writing reviews of roughly the same length, and most of them reporting miracle cures for some ailment of other??? Puh-leeze. Instant healing just does NOT happen with Qigong. It's not supposed to.

The story available in the "Look Inside" link on this website is ridiculous. Did Deng Ming Dao write this book as a ghost writer?

If you want a reputable, reliable Qigong book, look to Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming or Roger Jahnke. These very excellent, well-established, highly esteemed authors don't have as many reviews combined as the unknown Luk Chun Bond has for this one book! Believe me, that reflects more on Bond than on them.

The excersises in this particular book, judging from the table of contents, may be good, but the insecurity demonstrated by the bogus reviews here and the make-believe story in the introduction cast a poor light on the book from the get-go. If the "sixteen secrets" are just sixteen basic Qigong excercises and some diet tips, then where's the secret?

And to think, I *almost* ordered it.

I read this book in spanish. The traduction was poor but still, I was able to flavor and sink myself into the reading from beginning to end. I highly recommend this book for those who have a devotion or at least an affection for the sea.
In my case, I am the son of a boat owner, was basically born on it but was cursed with unavoidable seasickness. Reading the chapter when the Compass Rose goes on its first convoy with extremely rough seas I felt identified. I could perfectly picture myself in the middle of the Sea of Ireland riding 20 feet waves in 30 knot winds on a tiny ship with leaks everywhere. Knowing what it's like, I suffered every single line of the narration.

I praise sailors of convoys during WW II, I can only imagine all the hardships and horrors they went through. Thanks to Mr. Monsarrat for displaying it!

This is a gritty, realistic (real warships), technically correct story about the entire war in the Atlantic. Life on board a corvette and frigate during the Battle of the Atlantic.

I have just finished reading this book for the second or third time since I first read it when it was published in 1951 - 56 years ago - and it is just as good now as it was then. A magnificent and accurate story of men and their ships in the Battle of the North Atlantic from 1939 to 1945 told with understanding and experienced accuacy and intelligence. Beaautifully written. Having served in a ship similiar to the frigate Saltash for two years in anti-submarine warfare and convoy duty in much calmer and less dangerous waters I can, however, attest to the accuracy of what Montserrat has recounted about fitting out,,shakedown and cruising.

received the dvd quickly and as promised. I first saw this when I was in the Navy. it was a great movie then and has only gotten better with age. One of the great pictures of the war at sea in World War 11.
It is highly recommended without reservation.

This has been one of my favorite British Movies for years. It was adapted faithfully from a book by a Naval Lt. Commander who commanded a Corvette and a Sloop, both of which were convoy escorts in the Battle of the Atlantic. I enjoyed the actors, Jack Hawkins in particular. The Rank Organization that produced this superlative narrative of the heroic of ordinary Brits did a marvelous job of authentically reproducing Naval combat situations between the escort vessels for a convoy with the German Submarines that were constantly stalking them.