Associations Books

This is a book which I :
(i) looked forward to reading (after reading the favorable reviews),
(ii) wasn't sure about the quality of the book half-way through reading it, but
(iii) was convinced that it is an important book upon finishing the final chapter.
Broadly, it is a book about Thai Buddhism in a historical and cultural context. It attempts to relate what Thai Buddhism was like before state-led reformations (which began during the rule of King Mongkut, 1851-68) changed the institution. The story told is very subtle - it discusses, amongst others, the role that monks played in the local Thai society during this period. The method that the author employs is very peculiar - the book reads like a personal narrative that is sourced from personal interviews (with senior surviving monks), written recollections by monks as well as 'farang' diarists. This approach, which I thought was almost akin to an oral history is, I think, inevitable given the form and availability of the information on the subject. This approach also makes the book very readeable and appealing as it manages to impart to the reader the feeling of how the past feels like. Stories surrounding the sometimes supernatural feats of monks wandering in forests adds a 'folklore' dimension to Buddhism as practised by Thais that I think is not often conveyed. The stories about individual monks were the ones I enjoyed reading the most. I cared less about 'farang' writings even though their observations sometimes proved informative. Not all the book is centered around Thai Buddhism. For example, the author discusses views on the status of women in Thai society towards the end of the book (chapter 43). The book is partly a social commentary about how Thai Buddhism and society have changed. I sense a tinge of sadness about these changes but the author does not quite say it outright whether the past reforms were mistakes. This is quite understandable, given the sensitivity of the issue due to the exalted status and high esteem in which past and present Thai kings are held. One of my favourite chapter is the last one - the tale of a Dutchman who stole a jade Buddha statue from a forest, only to return it later and to ultimately find the true meaning of life (as a Buddhist monk). The last few words of this chapter (uttered by the Dutchman) was, for me, very memorable: "All our European haste and disquiet has fallen away from me. I have come to realize that quite equanimity is the highest good that we can achieve in this life". Tiyavanich certainly knows how to choose her words very well. This is a book which I read and savoured slowly - one to two chapters daily, every night, before I slid into pleasant dreams. Tonight, upon finishing the book, I lament the fact that I will need to find another good read tomorrow night.

This is a book which I :
(i) looked forward to reading (after reading the favorable reviews),
(ii) wasn't sure about the quality of the book half-way through reading it, but
(iii) was convinced that it is an important book upon finishing the final chapter.
Broadly, it is a book about Thai Buddhism in a historical and cultural context. It attempts to relate what Thai Buddhism was like before state-led reformations (which began during the rule of King Mongkut, 1851-68) changed the institution. The story told is very subtle - it discusses, amongst others, the role that monks played in the local Thai society during this period. The method that the author employs is very peculiar - the book reads like a personal narrative that is sourced from personal interviews (with senior surviving monks), written recollections by monks as well as 'farang' diarists. This approach, which I thought was almost akin to an oral history is, I think, inevitable given the form and availability of the information on the subject. This approach also makes the book very readeable and appealing as it manages to impart to the reader the feeling of how the past feels like. Stories surrounding the sometimes supernatural feats of monks wandering in forests adds a 'folklore' dimension to Buddhism as practised by Thais that I think is not often conveyed. The stories about individual monks were the ones I enjoyed reading the most. I cared less about 'farang' writings even though their observations sometimes proved informative. Not all the book is centered around Thai Buddhism. For example, the author discusses views on the status of women in Thai society towards the end of the book (chapter 43). The book is partly a social commentary about how Thai Buddhism and society have changed. I sense a tinge of sadness about these changes but the author does not quite say it outright whether the past reforms were mistakes. This is quite understandable, given the sensitivity of the issue due to the exalted status and high esteem in which past and present Thai kings are held. One of my favourite chapter is the last one - the tale of a Dutchman who stole a jade Buddha statue from a forest, only to return it later and to ultimately find the true meaning of life (as a Buddhist monk). The last few words of this chapter (uttered by the Dutchman) was, for me, very memorable: "All our European haste and disquiet has fallen away from me. I have come to realize that quite equanimity is the highest good that we can achieve in this life". Tiyavanich certainly knows how to choose her words very well. This is a book which I read and savoured slowly - one to two chapters daily, every night, before I slid into pleasant dreams. Tonight, upon finishing the book, I lament the fact that I will need to find another good read tomorrow night.

This is a fascinating book for those interested in Buddhism or Thailand or just a good read. It is a wonderful collection of accounts of Thai monks in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Their encounters with ghosts, elephants and snakes, and all manner of people provide a slice of rural life in times past. The views of Westerners in Siam at the time provide additional perspectives. Old photographs, engravings, and maps complement the stories. Highly recommended.

...."I recommend this book to anyone who harbors one of more of the following persona: The historian who enjoys pouring over colonial memoirs which detail exotic places and scenes of west-meets-east-for-the-first time;the ethnographer tracking wisdom traditions as expressed in lifestyles of rural villagers; the armchair thrill-seeker who longs for hair-raising jungle adventures; and the spiritual aspirant hoping to meet realized practitioners who are the living embodiment of the Buddha's teachings."

Dr. Kamala Tiyavanich's latest book,"The Buddha in the Jungle," is a wonderful collection of fascinating tales, rich in the exotic beauty and mystery of 19th century Buddhist Thailand. From the horrors of the charnel grounds to the quiet serenity of tropical forest shrines, Dr. Tiyavanich's stories of Buddhist practioners and saints will captivate, inspire and teach the reader. A native of Thailand and a Buddhist practitioner in the Thai Theravada trdition, Dr. Tiyavanich writes in her characteristic style of detail and clarity, making this scholarly work fresh, exciting and easily accessible to every reader. I found this book to be a joy to read and I highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in Bhuddism.

Great book! The exercises really force you to think and clarify the who, what, why and how of yourself and the group you are creating or trying to improve. I highly recomend this one.

With great insight and honesty Michael Jacoby Brown has drawn on his extensive experience to produce a practical and inspiring resource. This book is a must for anyone wishing to organize a group to work for social change or anyone who is part of a community organization which needs to rejuvenate or rediscover its purpose. It is beautiful in its simplicity, addressing its issues in a way everyone can understand, and broad in its scope, addressing every aspect involved in successful community organizing. "Building Powerful Community Organizations" demands engagement by the reader. It contains exercises and the reader gains best value from the book by engaging in the exercises at the point they are presented.

This book should be required reading for hospitals, foundations, public health agencies and people working on any form of community improvement. Michael has documented his learnings with stories and tools that can equip those willing to learn to build powerful community organization, as the title says. There are lots of various community organizing guides but this one mixes stories and tools in an easy to read, nicely laid out style. His wisdom comes from years of community organizing and translates here into practical, easy to access advice. This is the best handbook I have seen in a long time! The author makes himself available with info on how to reach him as well as a website with blog that makes him more than a distant author; he is approachable and willing to extend his teachings beyond the pages of his book. Not may authors do this.

Written by Michael Jacoby Brown, who has more than thirty years' experience in building community organizations, Building Powerful Community Organizations: A Personal Guide to Creating Groups that Can Solve Problems and Change the World is a handy step-by-step guide to creating, strengthening, and revitalizing grass-roots organizations for bringing about social change to solve problems in the community or workplace. From how to effectively recruit (learning to "listen not sell", when short or long visits are appropriate, and how to turn success into momentum) to how to mobilize resources and raise money to the steps for setting change into motion and more, Building Powerful Community Organizations walks the reader through the necessary skills and processes while warning against common obstacles and pitfalls. Enthusiastically recommended for anyone looking to harness communal effort and make a lasting difference.

Author Michael Jacoby Brown has created a book with very detailed information on how to organize, create, and lead a community organization. In it he clearly explains all the steps necessary to create an effective organization that can resolve problems. The various areas discussed include the theory of how a group should work, the chemistry involved, the seven basic steps for building an organization, developing a mission statement, goals, and objectives, designing the organization to last, recruiting others, mobilizing, raising money and taking action. Throughout the book are case studies and exercises to help you not only understand how it all works but also to help you work through developing your organization correctly. If you want to change the world and know you need help to do it then you will appreciate this book. Building Powerful Community Organizations is easily the best book on the market today on this subject.

Great book to show the overview of the cat world. Gives the history, talks about shows, points, and breeds of cats. If you are getting into showing cats this books is for you.

a very informative book for the cat lover, with bright color pictures, discriptions of temperment , hair color of each cat. a very good book to have on hand.

My family consists of 4 members which includes our baby girl, a 3 and a half year old persian. I have been on a hunt for reading material that best describes the feline nature, behavior, needs and healthcare and I have finally found that in this book. After reading other cat care books I feel this one has a lot of fact not opinion. I would highly recommend this book whether you have a pedigree cat or not.

The book is excellent and a good source for reference regarding breeds. I also found the health information section quite informative, and would recommend it to anyone with any kind of cat.

After a disasterous false start with the "Encyclopedia", which was simply an outdated, mediocre European book with the CFA logo sloppily applied to it, the Cat Fanciers' Association's ambitious project to present the world of pedigreed cats to the public is finally here. The sections on the different cat breeds are written by actual experts on the breeds: CFA breed council secretaries. The section on feline health, written by one of the world's foremost "cat breeder vets", Dr. Susan Little, makes this book an indispensible part of any cat lover's library. With so much dated feline health information currently on bookshelves, it is refreshing to see this section reflect the cutting edge of feline medicine. Those with cats of less prestigious heritage than the National Award Winning pedigreed cats pictured in full-color generously throughout the book will find this volume valuable for the section on feline health alone.

Congratulations, CFA, on a job well done!

A wonderful and inventive collection of stories with a gay twist. A great summer or weekend read, you can pick up, read a few stories, and put it down for another time.

Long-time spiritual writer Toby Johnson and publisher/writer Steve Berman have put together a much-needed collection of essays and stories about gay men and spirituality. So often, anti-gay activists go out of their way to malign gay people, and homophobes in mainstream churches often block gays from worship and religion. This collection offers an alternative to those small-minded persecutions.

What Johnson has been saying for years in books like GAY SPIRITUALITY and GAY PERSPECTIVE is that the spiritual consciousness expressed by gays--indeed, by all GLBTQ people--is a vital and evolutionary step forward for everyone on the planet. No longer need we be trapped in meaningless, dogmatic, fear-based, or male-dominated religious practices. There's hope and inspiration to be found by, for, and about homosexual lives.

Berman and Johnson have managed to get stories and essays from many literary lights: Mark Thompson, Malcolm Boyd, Perry Brass, Victor J. Banis, Jeffery Beam, Mark Abramson, and many others. The inspiring work of educators, community activists, and religious experts such as David Nimmons, Mark Horn, Dan Stone, Michael Sigmann, Bill Blackburn, and Donald Boisvert are also featured.

CHARMED LIVES is a Lambda Literary Award Finalist in the category of Best Anthology, and it's fully deserving. Every story, every essay is a gem that reveals the beauty, strength, and value of gay voices.

As Bert Herrman writes in his essay, "Grace is not really magic, it is a natural state of being, but for those who reach it, it works like a charm." Reading these pieces will comfort, inspire, and charm anyone seeking to learn more about the wonder of gay spirit in storytelling. Highly recommended. ~Lori L. Lake, Midwest Book Review

Regardless of your sexuality, these are works of art that collectively make a wonderful addition to any library. The authors are clear and well versed in their craft making us, the reader excited to anticipate the next and the next, like a multi-course meal at five-star restaurant.

You'll find a favorite; mine was "This I know" by Dan Stone about a journey through a spiritual awakening. There is a part of us in every story but Dan's captured me most. This is some of writing's greatest moments by men who happen to be gay written for anyone who happens to be human.

I go online to shop, and the title's intriguing, and it's only $10.88 and over 300 pages, So I buy it thinking, that's such a bargain, and I read just two of the 35 short stories in it (`Musuko Dojijo' by Mark Horn and `The True and Unknown Story of Albert Gale' by Andrew Ramer) and I felt like I went to a yard sale and found a box filled with sundries among which I have already found a diamond and an emerald. Excited by other possible treasures that may be found there. And reassured that felt [..] literature continues alive and well.

Victor Banis' "Canals of Mars" is one of the most beautiful love stories I've read in many a moon. I may be a straight woman but this story is universal. How refreshing to have such a story about those of us who are no longer young...

Banis is well-known - and deservedly so! - for his "Man from C.A.M.P" series, but his current writing is far stronger. It's wonderful to see him tapping such a deep well of feeling.

I have firsthand experience with this topic, and I have worked with many victims of this type of brainwashing in my position as director of America's Stolen Children Network. I believe I've read every book on this subject and none compare to this one. This is simply the best reference available. If you are a therapist or counselor, do not consider interacting with clients of this kind without having read this book. This is the real deal!

Children Held Hostage is the very best book for help in understanding and identifying PARENTAL ALIENATION. It should be in the hands of every Lawyer, Guardian ad Litem, Psychologist and any one working with children. It, also, is very beneficial for parents to read, who are suffering from this disorder. Parental Alienation is cruel and breaks the bond-of-love between a parent and child. Before allowing a Guardian ad Litem or others to intervene, he/she should read this book. I cannot praise it enough.
Hazel Davis, Chair
PAS Kids In Distress

I was given this book to read after 3 months of weekly counseling with my husband. It was clear to our counselor that my stepdaughter was being programmed and brainwashed for the past 14 years by her mother and step-father of 14 years. (I've been in her life for the past 8 years).

What I read was very disturbing in that it hit home in so many places. The process and definitions were clear and easily identifiable.

The book helped me understand what's been going on and how it happened. In our case the history has been many many years and the programmers'/ brainwashers' support group includes the mother, stepfather, half and step-siblings and grand- parents (among others).

I suspect that this behavior is very common in divorce situations (with children) in varying degrees. This book should be given to all parents who separate/divorce in hopes that they do better by their children and work together to put their children first.

One of the best studies of the damage of alienating parental behaviour in divorce does to children. This was a pre-cursor to Gardner's terminology of Parental Alienation Syndrome, but all that here discusses is here. This book will help many divorced
parents monitor their own behaviour, as well as help their children, with the knowledge of how the children are being impacted. Expensive, but very informative.

This is the most in depth book on the market for someone in a hostile custody battle involving parental alienation syndrome. The authors have addressed significant issues in great detail. They have provided useful tools to combat the issues at hand and given hope to those embroiled in the battle.

I think this is a great tool for new teachers like myself. Buehl tells you the advantages for each method as well as offering ideas for some graphic organizers. We used it in our methods class to improve reading in all class types. I reccommend this book to throw some interactive strategies into your lesson plans!

This book is AMAZING. A must-have for ALL teachers! The strategies apply to all content areas and grade levels.

Well organized and easy to reference, this book encompasses a wide-range of strategies to keep students of all ages actively engaged.

This book is reader friendly. I had no problems reading and interpreting how to use the strategies in the book. It's great knowing that you don't have to reinvent the wheel when deciding how to help your students "get something."

This book is one of the best if you are looking to find strategies for teaching. I strongly recommend it to all teachers.

Clowning in Rome is a must have for anyone who is serious about seeking the face of God! I am an avid reader and there are honestly only 4 books total that I can recommend as highly as this one. The vocabulary is unique (ie. solitude, celibacy) but if you can look past it to the virtue Henri is alluminating I promise you, you will be forever changed.

While this is perhaps the oldest of Nowen's mainstream published works, it is still worth reading today. Written in the late 60s (some of the psychology is dated) Nouwen explores some of those basic human issues that rest at the center of relationship. The focus is clearly geared toward seminarians and religious, but the text offers much for layperson as well.

Like most of Nouwen's work, this is a very approachable. His writing style is engaging and this little book will take no time to finish. It's style, an adaptation of presentations, allows for the reader to take in a little at a time and rest with it, intellectually digest it. A good book to reflect on.

This book may never hit the top of the charts or appeal to the general christian populace, but if you want to develop your spirit-man so as not to offend the gentle dove of the Holy Spirit, this book will stir you to contemplation and quieting the noise of your flesh so that your spirit may hear deeply. Though it is small, this is not a book to be read quickly. Allow it to seep into your spirit and gradually change your heart.

Excellent book that brought a lot of closure to certain episodes in my life. Nouwen had a great gift for being able to write in very easy to understand ways about topics such as celibacy, solitude and contemplation. He gave wonderful insights into why these virtues are so wonderful and necessary for those wanting to grow in holiness. His section on celibacy was very enlightening, especially in this world where it is so misunderstood. I'm thrilled the book is now available again to buy!

This is one of my favorite Nouwen books, along with Compassion (which I'm about to read again) and Return of the Prodigal Son.

I think that what I appreciate and enjoy most about Henri Nouwen is his taste for the paradox, the upside-down-kingdom perspective on things that must be under a lord who declares that the first shall be last and the last shall be first. And that sense of upsidedownness is probaby in its finest form in Clowning in Rome -- hence the title. In his quiet yet confident voice, Nouwen speaks of profound paradoxes -- how solitude is the foundation of community, celibacy the key element of a good marriage (or any intimate relation), and silence the basis of conversing with God.
I am learning how to read Nouwen's books as well, and it is something like the prayer life he talks about. I have been frustrating by the somewhat repetitive content of them in the past, but in some way, it is good and true that he sings the same tune repeatedly, with different variations. Somewhat in the same way of the Gospels -- it is good that there are four, though the story is basically the same. I am learning to quiet myself when I read Nouwen's books, not to read them quickly or intellectually or academically or even necessarily for content. It is amazing to me how often the Spirit speaks to me while reading these books: sometimes directly related to the content, sometimes not related at all. I am thankful for Nouwen's willingness to be a vessel for the Spirit through his writing, and for the environment these books help create within my spirit -- one in which I am especially attentive to the Spirit's whisperings.

I strongly wish that more people would read brother Nouwen's books, and hope that others find the same gold in them that I do. I strongly, firmly believe that it is Christianity of this sort -- this quiet, irrelevant, powerless spirituality -- that has the power to profoundly affect the world: indeed, that it is this kind of Christianity that has changed the world in past centuries.
(...)

I have been coaching volleyball for over 20 years and still consider this one of, if not THE, best comprehensive text for volleyball coaches - beginner and experienced alike.

...and I purchased it for less than I could have with my AVCA membership.

This book is a revamped version of the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Handbook. Like the title of the review suggests, it is a great reference. I find myself going to it a lot in order to refresh my memory about some technical aspects of the game.

If you wanted just one book to help you with your coaching or with your own game. This is probably the book for you. If you have a deep burning desire to delve into other aspects of coaching and the game of volleyball, this is a great way station. One of the many books that you need to keep in your library, but a very dog eared book due to the many times you will need to look into the book.

Like the previous reviewer said, an excellent book for beginning to intermediate players and coaches.

The book's material is useful for the beginning and intermediate volleyball coach. I have been feeling my way in coaching my team in small tournaments for some years now, but reading this book makes me feel like I've gone to a volleyball coaching clinic.

I especially like the way the book emphasizes the development of each of the skills and positions in a team. Also, therapy of the common injuries included at the end are a great plus.

On the whole it has a very well-rounded treatment of coaching, including not only the physical, but also psychological, medical and nutritional elements that have to be considered by a good volleyball coach. The book is overflowing with actual coaching experience of a number of people. I learned a lot from it.

solid book on many aspects of coaching. Highly recommend

Asher's approach of employing experts in each chapter to discuss their respective forte yields a thorough and insightful text. I have upwards of 12 coaching books and this one I think to be the most valuable.

Enjoyed this book very much. It is very readable and keeps the attention easily. While its purpose is to lead the reader to a deeper Christian walk, in no way will you feel preached at. It is filled with experiences from the author's life which he uses to demonstrate the principles he is trying to explain. I found myself laughing often at some of his predicaments and was always able to identify with his trials. Even if I was not interested in the Christian aspect of the book, it would have still been interesting. Having said that, his counsel is right on the mark. Enjoy!

I have read all of Jim's books. They have changed my life and the life of my husband and son. I have been a christian all my life and have been very active in my church. It wasn't until I read Escape to God, that I realized what was missing in my spiritual relationship. All these years I thought I had all that I needed, only to find out that I was nearly spiritually bankrupt. I long to have the walk with God as Enoch did and now after reading escape to God, I can see how it is possible for each and every person to have that experience.
I thought working 2 jobs, taking care of the house & yard that I could never find time to regularily spend time with the Lord. I was wrong. When you put God first, everything else seems to work out. I am so thankful for the messages in all of Jim's books and that he is willing to share what God has given him to do.
Janet Phelps

This book is one of the best books I have ever read! Once I started reading it I couldn't put it down. It's like taking a trip into someone's else's life and relating to everything he is saying all along the way. It's funny, it's practical, it's inspirational, it really makes you think. A word of caution, Don't start reading it at night, you won't want to stop and go to sleep. I mean it, it is a real blessing.

Wow! Another great book from Jim Hohnberger! I have read both Escape to God and this book which compliments Escape to God. Both books are a must read. This really makes you think, about what you want in life, what life is about. God needs to be in our lives...and Jim isn't pushy in how he shows you how God has worked in his life. He doesn't tell you, HEY move to the country to get a life like mine. He simply shares how God has become real to him, and then shares with you, how you can too have a close relationship with God. He states anyone can have this relationship, for some it does take a move to the country, to clear all the 'noise' out of our heads. But for many they can have this relationship where they live now.

A book that really makes you start questioning about what you want in your life. And where you want to make changes....

Thank you again Jim! So glad you wrote this book!

Tami Beaty

My husband and I read this book together. It "finishes" the story from "Escape to God." We loved "Escape to God," and we enjoyed "Come to the Quiet" even more! We recommend the Hohnbergers books to everyone.

This is the life most of us long for...simple, down to earth, a connected family, connected with our Maker. I appreciate so much Jim's heart and his love for God and his family. My husband and I have met and talked with Jim and Sally in person, and they are lovely people who take the time to speak with you and you can clearly see their heart for God. Amazing family who did what most of us only dream and talk of. Thank You, God, for this family.

If you practice law and are finding that clients are increasingly demanding you to be more tech-savvy, you'll want a copy of Jerry's book on your shelf. Sharing the same high-quality information that Jerry has put into his presentations for years, he makes this book a superb collection of lessons that will keep you flipping pages through to the end. This book is not one that you'll read once and put away - you'll find it answers just about any question you'll have about using the Internet on a day-to-day basis. Unlike most books about the Internet, this is one whose value will remain for quite some time.

Jerry Lawson's The Complete Internet Handbook for Lawyers (1999), is the standard reference for attorneys who use the Internet or who don't yet but should. Besides providing his own substantial guidance for using the Internet, Mr. Lawson surveys, organizes, and synthesizes data and resources from and about the Internet. If there is one book for attorneys about using the Internet, The Complete Internet Handbook for Lawyers is it. The book is a bargain at $50 given the time it will save and revenue it will help generate.

You could run all over the Web just identifying the opportunies and issues presented by the Internet for your law firm. Then you'd need to evaluate a slough of disparate information to arrive at answers to those questions. Or, you could buy this book and have an astoundingly comprehensive and qualified treatment in one convenient and easy-to-ready package. I had a copy that somehow walked out of my office. I know why it's not coming back. Whoever has it is using it. I bought another copy, which I am now guarding.

T. R. Halvorson, author of Law of the Super Searchers: the Online Secrets of Top Legal Researchers.

The Complete Internet Handbook For Lawyers is comprehensive, definitive, and exceptionally well organized survey and explanation of the Internet specifically designed for law students, practicing attorneys, legal paraprofessionals, and law firm staffers. From the essentials for getting started on utilizing the Internet, to doing legal research on the Internet, to marketing legal services on the Internet, to ethic and security issues involving the Internet, to philosophical and practical considerations for the present and future practice of law and the influences of Internet, Jerry Lawson's The Complete Internet Handbook For Lawyers is a highly recommended, essential, practical reference and guide.

Rarely, law books are published which teach a complex and essential subject effortlessly. This is such a book for Lawyers about the Internet. The author's explanations of relatively new and still arcane subjects are excellent. His section discussing Public Key Encryption is a good example of the style and ease of learning thoughout the book. Other lawyers have tried and generally failed to explain this type of encryption in a way which is comprehended by the average lawyer who barely passed or may have even flunked algebra. Using a 250 word analogy, author Lawson teaches it in a manner that lawyer and layman alike can easily understand. Realizing that the Internet is new and changing in ways no single person can fully comprehend, the author also includes a unique chapter by a number of knowledgeable lawyers and support personnel who contribute their own observations and conclusions. No lawyer who has to practice for the next decade can ignore the Internet. For those who haven't started, or those who haven't yet incorporated the Internet and Email into their practice, there is no better place to begin than with this handbook.