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I bought this for my kids but I keep reading it myself. They can read it when I'm done. It is well written and very practical for everybody in today's world. This includes adults as well as kids.

This is a great collection of advice for teenagers, both Buddhist and non-Buddhist. It is relevant in today's world and comes from a place of real humanistic compassion for youth. I'd recommend it to anyone of any age, but especially if you know any teenagers going through tough times or trying to deal with the various issues that come up nowadays. I read a similar book with a Q&A style format by Daisaku Ikeda when I was a teenager and found it very encouraging.

This is the kind of thing adults should read, let alone kids. I'm reading it because I can't stand most organized religions, especially the one I was raised with - Christianity. Too stringent and angry for me and not realistic in everyday life, IMO. This Buddhist philosophy book aimed at kids really tells it like it is. I could relate to much of the advice given to kids and their parents. I also feel that it reflects the wisdom I've gained through the school of hard knocks. For example, the chapter on friends is relevant. You can't change other people's bad behavior or even influence it, all you can do is be the best possible you, have personal integrity and compassion for those who treat you badly. Basically, if someone behaves badly, you don't have to wish them to go to hell, they're already there. Great stuff in this book. All adults in America should read this!

This volume deals in a Q & A format with issues of concern to all young people. Although Daisaku Ikeda is a Buddhist leader, his answers deal with humanity and the wisdom inherent in it rather than with religion -- it is for everyone. As one reads through the book, a common message emerges vividly although never dealt with directly: you are most valuable and precious; find your own voice and use it without fear; find your own self and value it deeply. By the end of the book, the reader finds himself/herself viewing things in a very positive light.

This book is an excellent collection of Buddhist responses to the questions of today's young people. "The Way of Youth" includes topics like building confidence, respecting yourself and others, developing happiness from within, dealing with peer pressure and contributing to a peaceful world. The book is written for a general audience and I believe it appeals to both teens and parents regardless of their religious beliefs. I also highly recommend a book called "Open Your Mind, Open Your Life: A Little Book of Eastern Wisdom" by a young Buddhist author named Taro Gold. Excellent!

I absolutely love Jackie Collins, but I think that this book fell short at the ending.

I didn't like how Lauren eluded Nick for the entire book, even up to the last few pages. She seemed a bit too pretentous and untouchable. I thought she loved him?

Otherwise, I loved Nick and empathized with his pain. I had hoped Lauren would have been more of a likeable character.

I was expecting a little more from Jackie with this book. It was still an enjoyable read but nowhere in the league of some of Jackie's other books like "Chances".

I loved this book. I could not put it down and since the first time I read it, I have read it twice more. There are some great plotlines in this book that keep you on your toes.

This is one of my favorite books of all time. I'm not a huge Jackie Collins fan, I've read some of her stuff and most of it just isn't my cup of tea. This one though! WOW! Its such a great story, peppered with flashbacks and different points of view. You just WANT Nick and Lauren to get together and just when you think they might, some tragedy yet again looms, ripping them apart. Its a smooth read, and hard to put down, so make sure you have lots of time on your hands because you won't want to stop reading. I first read this book about 6-7 years ago, put it on my bookshelf and just a few months ago pulled it out again. By this time, I had remembered the main story line but had forgotten a lot about the characters lives and the circumstances that bring them together...like the tornado....the murder....the marriages...wow.

If you're a Danielle Steele fan, but like me, think her stuff is a bit too syrupy sometimes, then this is for you. Jackie Collins pulls no punches in this one, just shooting straight from the hip and telling it like it is. Its a GREAT book, buy it for your collection and you WONT be sorry!

when the book said love story i thought it was going to be one of jackie's regular sleep around love story, but surprisingly this was a book of true love and not just true lust. great book i couldnt put down. =)

This book gives a very clear and succinct description on the basic nondual nature of reality and that our own awareness is the only cause for not recognizing this. I liked it very much for its simplicity and getting down to the core of it without alienating phrases.

Memory tells that I once seemed to visit leo's beautiful internet site (awakeningtothedream.com) and read his book... not knowing 'advaita'... though it is ever clear... like looking in a mirror... a smile still seems to linger. As a waterfall takes no credit for being a waterfall, leo takes no credit for the writing - nor the insight. This book will be read from many perspectives and, in some cases, it will seem that a door opens into a doorless void that needs no words to express itself... it is not what you think it is, yet it seems to be... smile. If it seems you have read this far, perhaps this One book is enough... Love

I've read many books on Advaita Vedanta and nondualism, and this is absolutely, without a doubt, the BEST of them all. Hartong writes so lucidly about difficult concepts that you will quickly come to understand many aspects of nondualism that take others YEARS to grasp. This book ranks #1 on my Advaita reading list. #2 is I Am That by Nisargadatta Maharaj. If you want your understanding of reality to be boosted RIGHT NOW, read this book. I'm now reading it for the second time, and marvel at the clarity and quality of the writing.

Leo Hartong connects the reader to the terrain of Nonduality in a manner that is gracious, enjoyable and satisfying. The topics of enlightenment, ego, intellect, the witness, I Am, awareness, meditation, awakening, teacher/seeker, death, are integrated effortlessly.

Awakening to the Dream is both an excellent introduction to Nonduality, and an encounter with an awakened one. The writing style is memorable. This is a valuable work which could become a classic in the field. (Note: The previous sentence, as the well as this entire review, was written in 2003 when the book came out. It is first being posted to Amazon.com in 2007.)

Here are a few passages:

"These words are nothing but a gentle reminder from yourself to yourself that you are the awakened one."

"This whole universe is the dream of the Self. Our identity is one continuum with the deep Self, and when we use words like unconditional love, bliss, and acceptance, we are reaching for our own hands."

"Once your true identity is uncovered, you'll see that birth, existence, and death do not happen to you, but in you."

"Enlightenment appears as a goal that one can reach only as long as there is the illusion of a separate entity or ego. In Zen, it has been called the gateless gate. When one stands before it, the gate seems to be there. When one passes through and looks back, it's clear there never was a gate nor anyone to go through it."

Jerry Katz
One: Essential Writings on Nonduality

Leo's book is really good - it's very conceptual and uses every "trick" to point to that which you are. Leo has a way of using analogy and metaphor to throw us back to that which is the basis for all experience - not to see a new state of mind, a special experience, but to know that what you are is the silent, still presence in which all states and experiences arise. Leo's writing at times seems to reflect an impression by Alan Watts. He gently invites you to see through the concepts and duality that are the nature of the mind.

Thought it would have more written by Frank McCourt. Even though, I still appreciate great photographs, especially having to do with 9/11.

Simple and to the point, yet poingint and touching, this book shows like no other how the world's greatest fire department dealt with the aftermath of tragedy.

Outstanding It shows the amazing grief and resolve of New York and its firefighters. It is is visual history of the Sept.11 attacks and their aftermath

I was moved to tears reading this, not only having witnessed the 9-11 atrocities firsthand but as a widow I know the pain suffered by the widows of those brave firemen that perished that day. This book is a must-read along with the others that are listed. I cannot say enough about it, God Bless Those Brave men.

As you are reading though the tribute to the fallen, you see thenamesof each of the lost Firefighters scrolled across the bottom of the pages. Each page left me more and more with a sense of loss. I did not lose anyone that fateful day, yet, we all lost. The words you read are quite moving, the pictures mean more than the words and poems. Yet i am most moved by the names of those precious and brave firefighters name across the pages from the front cover to the back cover.

I am a big P.G. Wodehouse fan. This series of books is especially fun as each book is easily read and enjoyed. The print size is perfect. Great nighttime reading to relieve the stresses of the modern world.

What can I say that hasn't already been said about the inimitable P.G. Wodehouse???

Carry On, Jeeves is a great starter book for those who are intimidated with the amount of J&W books available (or rather, don't know where to begin). The first story in this book is about the first day Bertie Wooster met his personal gentleman (or valet, if you prefer), Jeeves. The stories easily stand on their own; with the exception of characters being mentioned or being part of the plot, the book is not a novel you have to read front to back. Consider it a literary sitcom, where new scenarios and conflicts arise with each story you read.

My favourite bit about reading Carry On, Jeeves was the last story of the book, where it takes a refreshing twist and is narrated by Mr. Jeeves rather than Bertie Wooster. It was great reading from Jeeves's perspective.

Lots of chuckles throughout and a few hardy laughs. Overall a perfect read.

I had never got around to reading any P.G. Wodehouse until I read this volume, and now I regret the delay.

My first exposure to Wodehouse, at least the first I can remember, was the great Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie (better known from "Black Adder" and "House") TV series "Jeeves and Wooster". That series, plus a few artsy articles on Wodehouse (for example this one by Christopher Hitchens [...] ), turned my Wodehouse radar on.

Even though the world of butlers and aristocratic drones in the 1920s may as well be life of the Siberian Steppes to us web connected suburbanites, the human comedy never really changes. It was the Jeeves and Wooster stories, not "Seinfeld", that was the original "show about nothing."

Every story starts from a minor mishap that turns into major mayhem, requiring the sagacious Jeeves to slide in and rescue his well meaning but social accident prone patron from the self induced quagmire.

This is humour that is sympathetic to all the parties involved. As such it is a pleasant change from the rude brood of "cruder than thou" comedies that has dominated mainstream TV / movie comedy from both England and America for most of the last dozen years. My guess is that generation of young media consumers has grown up that know no humour other than the stick it someone else variety. Not to say there is anything wrong with that, it's just the monotony of it all that I am tired of.

Bring back Wodehouse!

Carry On, Jeeves is another classic from P.G. Wodehouse. It follows in the same kind of humorous hiliarious vein of his other books that involve Berty Wooster and his Man Servant Jeeves. This is a book that should not be missed. In fact,
all of P.G. Wodehouse's books involving Jeeves and Berty Wooster
should be thoroughly enjoyed by every one.

This volume of ten stories originally hails from 1925. I read them in the 1999- 2000 Penguin paperback edition. While many readers like the covers by Ionicus on earlier Penguin paperbacks, these recent editions with covers by David Hitch are my favorites. They are very well done, reasonably priced and just the right size, which is to say, perfect for the novice or seasoned Wodehouse reader. The stories are also among the absolute tops in the Wooster/ Jeeves canon, and give the back stories that Bertie meditatively refers to in so many of the later books.

As Richard Usborne notes in his invaluable guide, Plum Sauce, five of these stories appeared earlier in My Man Jeeves (1919). Two of the stories there told by Reggie Pepper are here transformed into Bertie's ruminations. Carry On Jeeves was the next collection following the ten stories in The Inimitable Jeeves (1923), and Wodehouse was on a roll. Here's Bertie's first engagement to Florence Craye, and his first encounter with her younger brother, Edwin, the Boy Scout, who rapidly renders unsafe house and home. Enter Biffy and Bingo Little, later fixtures in the Wooster ouvre. Here also Bertie pens his oft- mentioned "piece" for his "good aunt" Dahlia Travers, and her struggling paper, Milady's Boudoir. The last story in this collection is somewhat questionably narrated by Jeeves, but Wodehouse fortunately reverted to telling tales in first person Bertie in the later shorts. Some of these tales also found their way into the Jeeves and Wooster TV shows with even more riotous results. All in all, a capital collection.

A wonderful, wise book brimming with Toltec wisdom and practical examples. I have read it more than once and given it as a gift to friends (who always borrow my copy).

This was a pivotal book for me. Upon reading this clear, funny, beautifully written text, I went from being a casual "spiritual surfer" to jumping in with both feet! I literally could not put it down, and when I finally finished it, I decided to apprentice with Sheri, who is an amazing teacher. I have never looked back as my life has gotten better and better. I have immense gratitude for this book and highly recommend it to others with a wish that they might have the same experience.

Dr. Rosenthal explains the Toltec path quite eloquently and leaves little room for possible misinterpretation!

I am in the middle of this book, and despite my reservations about the title, it's really a great resource. I've loved Don Miguel Ruiz's writings for years, and Ms Rosenthal, the author, is one of his students. Highly recommended.

As a "left-brained" sort of person on a spiritual quest, I have found books by don Miguel Ruiz and others to be vastly inspiring, but also frustratingly short of definitions, history, and structured calls to action. Sheri Rosenthal's book addresses all these issues in a precise yet profound way - extending the work of earlier Toltec Masters while providing structured step-by-step guidance for the rest of us.

THE TROUBLED TIMES WE LIVE IN, IF MAJORITY OF PEOPLE FOLLOW DHARMA PADA AS TAUGHT BY BUDDHA AND WELL TRANSLATED BY ESWARAN, LOT OF PROBLEMS AND UNNECESSARY SUFFERING WILL BE GONE.

I have read several English translations of the Dhammapada --a dozen partially, half a dozen totally. As a non-Pali reader, I do not have any opinion on the grammatical quality of such translations. By reading any two, you will easily understand the difficulty of putting ancient eastern texts in west languages. As a rule, however, the spirit of most of the versions remains clear and transmits a good sense of the Buddha's Teaching. On the other hand, anybody can judge the readability and the beauty of any work regardless its origin. As such, Eknath Easwaran's book is excellent. His 80-page Introduction to Siddhattha Gotama's life and Teachings by itself justifies acquiring the book. The Pali Canon paragraphs that Easwaran quotes are "tuned" for the west reader. (Even though he probably overdid it at least once, I could not trace in any of Buddha's discourses "what a disciple losses through meditation: sickness, anger, depression, the burden of old age, the fear of death." I do not think the Buddha said such words but that is probably what he meant.) Chapters' introductions by Stephen Ruppenthal are also very illustrative. The fact that Easwaran is an Eastern scholar, not a Buddhist one, provides his writings the impartiality and independence that the Buddha would like to see in the spreading of his Teachings.

Gustavo Estrada. Author of Hacia el Buda desde el occidente: Sus Ensenanzas sin mitos ni misterios

First, I must say that this is the only translation of the Dhammapada I have read. That aside, this translation is more than just another translation. The first 100 pages or so makes this book worth its weight in gold. Eswaran gives an overview of the history of the Buddha's life, from pre-enlightenment to his death. Eswaran hits many highlights of the Buddha's teachings from the nature of the world of form to karma and reincarnation and numerous other areas of the dharma. The translation of the scriptures is easy to read, and notes on many of the scriptures are in the back of the book, which help to clarify many of the passages even further.

The chapters are broken down by theme, and each chapter, or sometimes two chapters, are introduced by Stephen Ruppenthal. These introductions are handy and help the reader to understand what he or she is about to encounter in the upcoming chapter. Many references are cited and much of the Buddhist philosophy is explained both in the introduction by Eswaran, and by the chapter introductions by Ruppenthal.

Besides all of that, the quality of this paperback is excellent. The pages are recycled material, and the cover is thick and sturdy for being a paperback. If you appreciate Buddhist philosophy, or any of the works of Indian spirituality, you must add this book to your library.

The introduction and explanation by Eknath is incredibly clear, insightful, and profound. To read the Dhammapada you need an explanation and this one is great.

Normally, I don't like to read introductions to books, but I found that this introduction to be the best part! I found myself reading it and saying, "wow, now that's what they are talking about! well put!" He explains Buddhism concepts in a terrific way.

Big thumbs up.

the book presents the dhammapada, a book text of the Buddha's words for those who don't know, in an easy to read and understandable way. each chapter is headed by a introduction that explains the meaning of the chapter and clarifies some of the content. this is a must read for any Buddhist, non Buddhist looking for wisdom, or for anyone with any interest in the subject.

I have lived my life by the Feng Shui practices for many years and frequently pick up new books to explore other avenues of my fascinating art.

I found Back to Balance on Amazon and was impressed by what I saw on the web page and ordered the book. I was throughly impressed with the author's interpretation and descriptions throughout the book and feel that the author has a very good sense of Feng Shui and can explain it to the layperson in simple to understand terms.

I found this book to be right on the mark.

Thank You,

Jenny

I am not a Feng Shui Expert, nor did I have any interest in Feng Shui. However, I was at a party over the weekend and noticed this book on the hostesses coffee table and the title intrigued me. I picked it up and began leafing through it. I did not realize that I had spent over an hour off in the corner to myself going through this book until my wife came to retrieve me.

I went out the next morning and bought a copy of the book for myself.

I had always thought Feng Shui was a complex subject and very difficult to understand. I never gave it my credence as I was under the impression that I would have to hire some bohemian woman to come into my home wearing fluffy skirts and spraying incents to get my home into balance. I was mistaken. Just from looking at the back cover of the book and seeing a picture of the Author, I realized my impressions were mistaken.

I found this book very easy to follow, written in simple terms to explain things that were out of my expertise. I enjoyed walking around my home after reading the sections and looking hard at the placement and balance of my home and thinking of ways to improve upon what I already had. I appreciated the author's perspective that I could use what I already had and enhance, altar or decrease as opposed to completely redoing.

Another plus I found with this book was the author's web page and a link to speak/e-mail directly with a professional on the subject for additional questions I had.

I will now keep this book "Back to Balance" on my coffee table for future parties at my home.

- Howard

My sister is what I would call a Feng Shui "Person". She has been trying and trying to explain Feng Shui and its principles to me and I just haven't really given it much credence.

My sister bought me Ms. Fretwell's book and asked that I read it. To be honest, the selling point on the book was that Ms. Fretwell is a local author and I always try to support my fellow Virginians.

However, after reading the book, I can now say "I get it". I am glad I sat down and took the time for something that was important to my sister, but even more surprised as the presentation of Ms. Fretwell's book.

For someone like me, that didn't want to waste their time and was somewhat forced into reading it, this book was perfect for me. The layout and table of contents outlined the approaches and the chapter breaks allowed for me to put the book down and come back at another time without feeling that I had to backtrack through the book to remember where I was.

I would recommend this book to any novice Feng Shui person as its simple and basic approach led me to an understanding of the principles behind this latest craze.

Not that I will ever admit it to my sister, but I did buy some pink lightbulbs for my house.

A TRUELY inspiring, well thought out book that offers a simple approach to what can be a complex and confusing subject.

I enjoyed the book and will recommend it to friends !

Kimmie B

I have to agree with the previous reviews, this is a very good Feng Shui book. As an owner of many Feng Shui books, I found this one very useful, easy to read and understand. I will be using this as my main source for Feng Shui reference.

Thank you for a truely inpirational book !

I had to pick this book up for my yoga instructor certification course. Initially, I approached like I do all textbooks, with dread and out of necessity. I expected it to be WAY over my head, especially since I am relatively new to rigorous practice of yoga. However, Desikachar's writing style and tone make this book completely accessible. I have learned so much from this book and what I have found is that Desikachar's words are very easy to incorporate into my dharma talks and apply to my yoga practice. The book is very well organized and very well laid out with each section building on the previous section's information. There is even a Sanskrit pronunciation guide in the back of the book! In addition to that, Desikachar's gift is his ability to share his knowledge and his passion in a way that engenders hope and allows the readers to have faith in their abilities, at whatever level of their yoga practice. It's not so much that he tells you what to do and places an expectation on you to do it. No, it is more as if he shares what he knows and wants the reader to be able to experience the joy and the profound effects of yoga. I highly recommend this book to any level yogi who practices any style of yoga.

I have used this book both a teacher and a student. I use this book for all our teacher training programs with huge success. This is a gem of a book. A necessary read for students and teacher's of Vinyasa. Having practiced at the KYM mandiram and having met Desikachar makes this book even more amazing as he is a living vibration of this book.

This book is interesting but is a somewhat detailed read. It teaches the background of yoga and ideas toward developing a personal plan toward practicing yoga.

This is really the best book on yoga asana by someone who had a long experience with it. Very easy to read and user friendly. It is one of the
best gift from India to the world. I can say only one word to the author
and his guru/father : Thank you ! May God bless the author to be able to live to one hundred like his father.

The Heart of Yoga presents a clear understanding of the teachings of yoga from a perspective that respects the individual and the stages of life. It also has a commentary on The Yoga Sutras which I thoroughly enjoyed. The book and commentary are written in a manner which is easy to understand. I would recommend this book to new and experienced yoga practitioners.

This book introduces a simply and effective method for health. And it becomes a good method for relationships also.
Especially when I read about Soul's Journey.. I felt my heart became warm and comfortable.

I've read it two times. I think everybody can get benefits from reading this book and try the methods that is introduced in it.

Spiritual leader and founder of Dahnhak and Brain Respiration integrative mind-body training programs Ilchi Lee presents Human Technology: A Toolkit for Authentic Living is the sequel to the bestselling "Healing Society" and a spiritual guide to basic principles for managing life's core issues: health, sexuality, and purpose. Human Technology offers twelve guideposts for living a peaceful and happy life that is true to oneself, including "Listen for the voice of your soul until you find your passionate life purpose", "Live as your soul directs with honesty, integrity, and diligence", "Recognize that you are what you choose and what you act". Human Technology also emphasizes the importance of the brain as the master controller in our lives. A guide for fomenting self-mastery and a life lived to the fullest, Human Technology encapsulizes an enlightened way of thinking about ourselves, our fellow human beings, and all aspects of life including birth, sexuality, aging, and death. A profound and positive-thinking guide to self-improvement and personal contentment.

It is book not only gives me the tools to create body health, but gives me a life plan to reach the destination my soul yearns for. Just Amazing Book !!

This book is the answer to my questions about enlightenment purpose of life and how to live toghether happily in society. What amazed me was how simple Dr. Lee makes everything so it is clear and understandable. Even something as simple as breathing can determine how we feel, manage our health and, interact with our loved ones. This book was truly worth my time and energy. I recommend this read to anyone and their families. Human Technology I think means being professionals at living a happy life.

There are many books that can help us achieve self mastery in a way that does not control, but welcomes all. This book is one of them.

Ilchi Lee has a gift of expression. There are many practical pointers in this book to help one to feel their self, and to become their best self. I recommend it for anyone who is looking for a new angel to self mastery. It's a great and mind opening read.