Publications Books

If there was an exclusive country club for published writers, Shirley Jump would open the door and invite you in.

It is evident from the book that she has a real knack for teaching what she knows. And since she has sold over 3000 articles, two non-fiction books, and is an award-winning novelist, I think she's qualified to teach!

The highest praise anyone can give a how-to book is: "It worked for me." After I read this book, I "joined the country club" and got my first article published. That one opened the door for many others!

I have read and enjoyed other books about writing, but this is the book I actually use. The information presented in How to Publish Your Articles is very accessible and highly readable. It's great for beginners as well as experienced writers, because it cuts out the fluff and just tells you how to do it.

How To Publish Your Articles is a great resource for beginning freelancers who want to publish articles. The author, Shirley Jump, is an accomplished author of nine books, has contributed to various anthologies, and has countless numbers of articles under her belt.

In Part One, Shirley begins with the basics of writing. She first helps you define your goals for writing. Then she explains the article market and how it works.

In Part Two, you learn about article publishing. You have to know where your article fits in, which helps you to find the right publication for your piece. Shirley explains in detail every type of article there is for you to write, as well as every type of publication there is out there for you to submit to.

The thing I like about this book is that Shirley doesn't just tell you what you need. She explains in detail how to write your cover letter, for example. The section on writing your cover letter, literally takes you step-by-step through the salutation; introductory paragraph; second, third, and fourth paragraph; and the closing. Not only that, but she also tells you how you should format your letter and what type of paper should be used to create a business-like appearance. Taking it one step further, sample cover letters are also included, so you can actually see how it's done.

Part Three delves into building your career as a freelance writer. Shirley discusses how to find ideas for your articles, as well as how to recycle old ideas. Next, she takes you through composing the query letter. As in the cover letter, she walks you step-by-step, from beginning to end. Example query letters are included for both published and unpublished writers. She also includes samples that did and did not make the sale.

Shirley also talks about researching and writing your article, once the sale is made, as well as important facts about contracts and rights. The book is rounded out in the end with inspirational advice and thoughts from Shirley about building your career as a freelance writer.

I believe How To Publish Your Articles should be a staple for every writer who is starting a career as a freelancer, or who is thinking about starting. It is full of important information that is pertinent to every freelance writer.

When you purchase your copy, I suggest you read through it once entirely. Then, once you consume the information for the first time, go back and start from the beginning and use a highlighter. Don't be afraid to take notes in the side margin, too--there's lots of space there, so utilize it!

How To Publish Your Articles is the most comprehensive book on freelance writing that I have ever read. As a new writer it has been instrumental in helping me get published. With user friendly instructions Ms. Jump takes the anxiety out of formatting queries and proposals. Whether you want to crack the magazine market, write short stories or personal essays, all the infomation you need is here. Take the advice in this book and put it to work, you won't be sorry!

Shirley Jump has been freelancing for most of her life. Now she shares her secrets for success in this great book. Do you know someone whose New Year's Resolution was to start writing? Buy them this book as a show of support. It should be on every writer's desk, between the stamps and the coffee.

Reviewed by Carolyn Howard-Johnson,award-winning author of This is the Place and Harkening: A Collection of Stories Remembered

I asked for a copy of How to Publish Your Articles by Shirley Kawa-Jump because I'm writing a series of how-to books for retailers and wanted to recommend a tell-it-all book on a subject I would just be touching on. Having published many articles in the national and local media, I was afraid I wouldn't find a good one, that I would be too tough a critic.

Now I'll have to eat my fears. If that is similar to eating crow, so be it. Having published more than 2500 articles herself, Kawa-Jump's book is thorough and knowledgeable. It's also both basic enough for beginners and advanced enough to be a good review for accomplished writers. Seasoned article writers might even find a new tidbit or two that will help them with marketing, with their contracts or with building their careers.

What I liked best about HTPYA is that it gives a mini insider's view of how an article reaches a publication's desk and it does it for categories from large consumer magazines to e-outlets.

I was surprised that the chapter I found the most rewarding was all about goals. Obviously, my retailers who choose to pursue writing articles in their area of expertise are going to have to narrow their goals very drastically. If it will work for someone with such a strict objective, it's sure to do even more for writers with big dreams.
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(Carolyn Howard-Johnson's first novel, This is the Place, has won eight awards. Her newly released Harkening: A Collection of Stories Remember,has won three.)

I, too, like Ms. Ryan, am a believer in "true love." I found it only
once in my life for a brief time; consequently, once it became only a
memory, I felt I might never find that special someone or share those
wonderful feelings again. I am still in search, but after having read
Ms. Ryan's tender thoughts, I now feel this is still there for me and
possibly anyone who will just keep their mind and heart open for that
someone to "come in." I have dated recently with the hope that this will
happen. If it does not, I am not discouraged, however; I feel it
is "just around the corner," and some day I will discover it all over
again. I do not want to settle - I want the "bells and whistles" all
over again, along with the heart "flutters" waiting to see and be with
that person who will make my life complete again. This will happpen -
Please read "If You Believe in True Love," and you will understand and be
uplifted to a new level of hope and encouragement. I plan to give this
book to a couple of my friends this year as a Valentine's Day present. I
know they will appreciate it and cherish its contents forever.

I have finally allowed myself to meet someone after reading Marlene Ryan's Book, it helped me to understand that I must listen to my own
feelings and to recognize these feelings for what they are. She helps you look at things in a different light. I have so longed to please other people
my whole life and it left me feeling empty inside. Now I am doing what makes me feel happy inside and I am now my own person. Her book is full
of so much information on so many situations that take place in life. I have taken to heart all that she pours out from her heart and it is working for
me. I encourage others to read through her whole book first; after open to a page and read.

The Author's true love cd is so expressive as it touches on various topics sharing so much love, misunderstandings, faith. I highly recommend it to anyone. I want to thank the Author for a true work of art, combinding her book with a music cd.

Author's Book is very open and honest. She stresses you to listen to your heart, for it is as she has stated, 'a Protection.' I really found myself very involved and the further you get into her book the greater or should I say more intense it gets. I do recommend her Book to anyone that would like to look a little more into themselves, certainly has opened my heart to true love by understanding and recognizing what it really is and to follow your heart for it does exist as the Author brings out.I found the Introduction to her Book very informative. I am more then empressed with her talent and writings so different then anything I have come accross as far as poetry, this is far more then poetry. These are stories, meditations, more along those lines, wisdom. Very professionally put together! Her Music CD; which I have listened to many times. You need to, there is so much. Alot to absorb in one sitting. I love the songs: So Sorry, Time for A Change, Believe, Is This How We Parted, Cared, Should Find, High On a Mountain, 'True Love' (great story). Other songs; Ever Since You Left, Remember Me (very moving) Music CD. The Music is somewhat not only exciting but coupled with the lyrics amazing as I again, recommend you to listen to it a few times to get the drift, deep. There are alot of songs; with such meaning. This Unusual Book with Music CD certainly deserves a 5, if not more for the simply fact it takes courage to put something so different out into the Market Place. The Author has done a great job, I give her lot's of credit! Very Well Done! I hope to see her on a talk show soon! Worthwhile and should be shared with the public on a larger scale. Someone who has the knowledge of the industry should take a hold of it and run with it, she deserves to be heard!

Her Book with Music CD is a whole new concept; the Author has done something very unique and I was greatly amazed at her futuristic style of mixing a book with a music CD in a very interesting way.

Never saw a book put to music before. The whole concept of having her meditations turned to lyrics put to music on a CD is so amazing. Picked right out of her book and I like that I could just take them in the car with me and listen to them on the way to work. Songs like So Sorry, Time For A Change, Should Find, High On A Mountain the whole CD is so meaningful. This should be the new wave of the future, not having much time to read, I can appreciate this. Upon opening my package, I was surprised how appealing and how I knew I made the right choice to purchase it. Hope others will have the opportunity to read such deep and thoughtful works. Definitely would give it to a friend for a gift, because it would be something out of the ordinary. Her pictures throughout the book are beautiful. Thank you for giving me the chance to say what I feel about the Author's incredible Book and Music CD. Thanks to the Author on her out of the Ordinary Works get's my 5 stars, worth it.

As i turned the pages of the authors life I became intrigued with her writing style. She is open and pure and takes you on an emotional roller coaster of the heart. I felt her pain, joy and her honesty. Her poem "Sweet Dreams and The Little Things "is one i like very much. It reminds us in life IT IS the simple things that brings the greatest joy!!!!. Finding your True Love and holding on to it is what the book is about. She writes about freedom, love, friendship, loss and longing. It makes you ponder personally on your own life teaching you to cherish and protect those you care about. As her poem "TIME" states "if its true love, time is of no concern "True Love" has a life of its own. Time teaches lessons and enables us to see what we feel and lost, this book is a wake up call to our hearts. I urge all to go out and buy this lovely book. It will give you the courage to Make that call, Swallow that pride, or Follow that Dream to find or reunite again with your True Love. I hope Ryan as the Author has found her true Love. For it made me realize who mine is.

This CD set is a wonderful addition to the Inner Temple of Witchcraft book. Without these CDs, it would be much harder to go through all the meditation exercises in the book. Penczak's voice is perfect for guiding meditation. If you have difficulty getting down into a meditative state, or if you just want to thoroughly follow the exercises that Penczak has in the book, I would recommend the CDs.

People might complain about not being able to select each exercise individually, but there is a reason for the setup. Most of the tracks last about 20 minutes, which includes a countdown to a meditative state and ending with grounding of energy. If they had separated each exercise into its own track, it would be a disorganized mess. Luckily, they grouped the exercises so that you can get into a good meditative state for a nice amount of time.

I feel anyone could benefit from this CD set. Meditation is not only helpful for religious reasons, but also for health. I recommended this set to a girlfriend with cancer and to another girlfriend with depression. I believe this was self-healing in ways and relaxing in other ways. I could literally see the images and objects that Christopher Penczak described during the excersices. Also, the narrator has a very comforting voice.

This was most definately worth buying it has been a great help in my journey so far. I would most definately recomend this to any one. There is plenty useful information when used with the book.

The perfect supplement to the book Inner Temple of Witchcraft. I can not recommend this higher. It is perfect.

A must if you're serious about working with the Inner Temple material. The book is an incredible learning tool by itself but the CD's really add a new dimension to the work. I routinely use them to refresh my studies and help my psychic development.

I was fortunate enough to also take the Witchcraft Class I with Christopher and still find the CD's very helpful. I would encourage anyone who is really interested in this topic to purchase both the book and CD's AND to take his class if you can. I've been VERY IMPRESSED with all three.

Dr. Tuckman has successfully written a practical and easy to read guide to working with adults with ADHD. This book is a great resource, not only for those with ADHD, but for other clients struggling with similar issues (e.g., time management problems, procrastination, impulsiveness, etc.). I have found his writing and treatment approach to be straight forward and well received by clients. Additionally, Dr. Tuckman provides the reader with helpful forms and client handouts free of charge, which are available on his website. This book is a must read for those in clinical practice.

Dennis Given, Psy.D.
Licensed Psychologist & Director
Psychology Associates of Chester County

Even though the intended audience of this book is "clinicians" it's written so anybody can understand it. It's a great book for adults with ADHD and anybody else who has an interest in Adult ADHD. It's also a great resource for adults with ADHD to recommend to their doctors, therapists, and ADHD Coaches.

Integrative Treatment for Adult ADHD is a comprehensive,easy to read guide for clinicians, coaches, educators and allied professionals in the field of ADHD. Dr. Tuckman uses a style of writing that provides scientific data while not overwhelming the reader. As a master coach, I found the coaching section clear and informative and appreciate the time devoted to adressing this valuable intervention for adults with ADHD. I recommend this book as a primer to coaches who are looking for a solid overview of adult ADHD and the range of treatment and alternative interventions available today.

Our society largely considers therapists to be the first line of defense when we experience personal challenges. That's great if we have garden-variety "issues." But if we have a neurocognitive condition such as ADHD, the wrong therapy can be worse than no therapy at all. And I'm not exaggerating.

Many frustrating years can be spent in talk therapy trying to discover the deep, dark, "real" reason why a person procrastinates or "sabotages" his or her own goals and plans--never knowing that a medical condition is the reason. (A treatable medical condition.) Many clients are encouraged to pin the genesis of their problems on a dysfunctional childhood, never knowing that ADHD is highly heritable. (In other words, odds are good that at least one of the client's parents was exhibiting problematic ADHD behavioral patterns, too.)

Talk therapy might provide a few epiphanies and strategies for change, albeit most of them short-lived. But for many people with ADHD, therapy with a clinician who fails to recognize ADHD or appreciate its significance is a costly proposition that can actually diminish hopes that patterns can ever change.

After years of being a support-group leader for both adults with ADHD and the partners of adults with ADHD, I'm grateful to welcome Dr. Tuckman's practical addition to my Adult ADHD library. It is thorough, practical, authoritative, and easily understood.

If you are a non-ADHD-savvy clinician who assumes that you would surely recognize ADHD in a client or that you could simply "intuit" the right treatment path, please reconsider. You really don't want to harm your client, do you? You don't want to postpone, maybe even entirely eliminate, the client's chance for success, do you? No, of course not. You want to help your clients free the obstacles in their path, and that's exactly what this book can help you to do.

"Integrative Treatment for Adult ADHD" is written in a thoroughly friendly and digestible manner. It has practical information for the clinician, coach and for the client/patient, as well. A guide for the the less ADHD-aware practitioner, it is also for those who are practiced and skilled. Dr. Tuckman covers many important topics from diagnosis and medication to the role of genetics and gender-specific issues. He also explores the role of education and shares many adaptive therapeutic techniques and coaching approaches-tools and strategies for helping ADHD adults live better lives.

Linda Anderson, MA, MCC, SCAC
President, Attention Deficit Disorder Association

I found this an intriguing premise, and also found the answers plausible and well thought out. Many of the questions posed are ones that I had raised in my own reading. All in all a very interesting book.

As a practicing psychiatrist, Dr. Hodges intimitely knows the inner workings of the human mind. With this book he applies that knowledge to present the thoughts and refections of a very human Jesus Christ. In so doing, the author paints us a vivid portrait of the Savior that is unlike any we've ever seen before.
We hear Jesus speak in his own words as he explains his struggles, the reasons for his actions and his bittersweet feelings about how he was received (or rejected) by the men and women he encountered during his 33 years opn this planet.
Like most people, this Jesus has doubts about the hard decisions he must make. Like most people, he suffers betrayal and death. Unlike most people, he has a secure knowledge of his Father's kingdom.
His reaction to his humiliating and painful path to Calvary stands a as one of the book's most dramatic moments.
As Jesus lingers on the cross dying, he recalls, "It became blacker and blacker for me. I was squirming like a worm on the end of a hook with all of my enemies watching me squirm and enjoying it. I was totally alone and now my Father was gone, too. I was nude, dangling there disfigured."
Whether you're a Christian, a Jew or even an athiest, this book's vibrant characterization of one of the world's most influential thinkers will speak directly to you.
Jesus may be a diety, but on every page here, Hodges reminds us that he is also a man.

I had read this book back around in '92 finding it among a popular book store. What totally amazes me with this is the fact that if you just believe heresay and superstitions about who so and so heard and just go to church once a week or just once a year, this opens your eyes to a REAL God who actually desires you to talk with Him! Your hidden hatred toward the Jews will be minimized as your little knowledge of their culture is blossomed in Jesus' spoken love toward His people. You have a different view of Satan as being a master of deception as you "observe" him popping up on Jesus in the wilderness. "Oh! Hi there!" You hear behind His words the pain and sorrow He experienced when losing His stepfather, Joseph's passing away. You want to cry when He tells us how the children His age made fun of Him as well as the town drunks taunting "He doesn't know who his real father is!" You feel the responsibility He takes on as the new head of household while taking care of His brothers and sisters with His mother. I can go on and on! This is a great book for those who don't "get" the Bible. This will inspire them to open His Word: the Holy Bible and search the treasures inside for eternal life.
Sincerely, U.S. Marine Corporal Tracy J. Hicks

I first read this book some years ago and really liked it. Now, after seeing Mel Gibson's PASSION OF THE CHRIST, I have read it again. As I didn't always agree with Mel's interpretation, I don't always with Dr. Hodges' version of JESUS, either. However, I loved the book, especially as Jesus is presented as discovering the Father's will for him through studying the Scriptures. (I am a Franciscan, and St. Francis of Assisi guided his life largely by the Scriptures, too!) That expression,"According to the Scriptures" had fascinated me all my life, and now it makes real sense. The book also gave me a greater understanding of our relationship with God as Father. Especially at this time in history, I'd urge everyone to read this book for a greater appreciation of how God loves us. We can place all our trust in Him! Thanks for your sharing, Dr. Hodges!

In this time of "How To" materials for Christians, and a galaxy of Christian superstars, it is immensely refreshing to read a book that deals with the central figure. Namely, Jesus Christ. Forget the prattle about how to experience God and similar fixes for your faith. Learn as much as you can about Jesus. Think about it. How can you worship someone you know very little about.

Dr. Hodges has "interviews" with Jesus taken from the Bible. A rock solid Christian, Dr. Hodges takes faith out of the realm of fiction and gives a good look at the reality of Jesus.

If you long for Jesus, you wont go wrong with this book.

I found this book is very useful for my buddhism study, the chapters are arranged in a very organized way. the contents are consise and accurate, it is like a notebook for most of the buddhism concepts and principles.

I really like it, and appreciate the English translation. it's great!

I tried to read Gunther's translation of Gampopa's classic, but was unable to relate to it. If it weren't for Ken McLeod's podcast of his Then And Now class (www.unfetteredmind.com/audio, then go to the Classes dropdown), this translation would fair no better with me. Ken's podcast classes are helping in my developing an experiential relationship with the subject matter. This book, although written in medieval Tibet, deals with the questions of human confusion and struggle that impact us today, and provide direction on freeing us of this confusion and struggle, especially when Ken's podcasts are used as a study guide.

This is a 1958 translation of a classic basic text for Tibetan Buddhist students. I have owned the text before and studied it. It is humbling to 'review' a classic.

This text presents the Mahayana approach with a few references to tantric elements. I use it to review ideas I need to refresh in my mind. The approach is to study the text, think about it and then meditate on what you have read. This is a source book for those persons beginning the approach to Tibetan Buddhism. I find it inexhaustible.

The author, Gampopa, was a disciple of Milarepa and Gampopa's disciples started one of the major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. It is one of the standard ways to study the path leading to tantra. It is best, of course, to have a teacher or spiritual friend, to use the standard term.

Most people I know are using to say "that's a hard time to live in". But they change nothing in their lifes, day after day, they weak up and do the same old things...I don't understand why.
Lord Gampopa, in his kindeness, show us a very effective way to review this unhappy situation. This book is a gift from the most elevate kind of intelligence the mankind alredy had made. But it's just for the braves, cause that's a kind of adventure.

I was introduced to this book 18 months ago as I began a four-year Marig Munsel class at Tashi Choling on Mount Ashland. It served as our introductory text, and I've read it cover to cover at least three times. It is most thorough and accessible. I appreciate how topics are introduced, defined, then illustrated with numerous clear examples. Glossary material and appendices are especially impressive. Often the text reads like religious or found poetry, which I find especially appealing and endearing. But my greatest compliment for this text is the simple acknowledgement that my personal spiritual practice took shape and deepened considerably as a result of reading and re-reading and referring to this text.

I highly recommend it for any serious-minded spiritual student, not just those interested in Tibetan Buddhism.

--Robert McDowell, author of the forthcoming Poetry In Spiritual Practice

Fantastic artistry to go with one of the classic songs, especially for those of us in West Virginia. Can't help but sing as you read. Great fun for the whole family.

I am from West Virginia so Country Roads has always been dear to my heart, especially being a WVU grad where it is blasting all over town on football Saturdays! I bought this for my nephew and I'm sure he will love all of the illustrations as much as I do. Lots to look at on each page and I love how the illustrations are done as if it has been quilted.

My son received this book as a gift for his first birthday. He loves it (and he has no clue who John Denver is)! We've read/sang it a hundred + times. He loves looking at the illustrations, as do I. My husband & I graduated from WVU, so this song is near & dear to our hearts. We hope to make a little Mountaineer out of our son too....this is a good start.

A great song with amazing illustrations. All the pictures look like quilt pieces. This song is timeless and kids love it. I've got kindergarteners who can belt this out and they never get tired of reading/singing it over and over. Very well done. Can't wait for more John Denver songs to come out.

John Denver's music paints a beautiful picture in your mind, but this book brings it to life even more! Book is very animated---almost seems like the pictures move as the vehicles go up and down the rolling hill. Great quilted-look art that covers almost every space in this book. LOTS of things going on (you could look at this book all day long and still find something new the next day) Well worth the money!!! Get is for all your John Denver fans :)

Henry Stedman looks like a guy who knows.
I'm planning a trip to Kilimanjaro witha group of friends. The guide looks pretty practical. Henry, we'll check it

My husband is planning to trek Kilimanjaro, and apparently this has been a helpful, great starting source!

Detailed maps and route information make this guide to Mount Kilimanjaro a must-have for those wanting to climb it.

I bought this book as a gift for my brother John last Christmas because he had a trip to Kilimanjaro scheduled for July.
He told me before the trip that he was suprised how detailed the info in the book actually was....very helpful in planning and knowing what to expect.
When he returned after the trek he said the book was very accurate indeed. He showed me a few photo copied pages he had taken along with him.

Now normally he is not a big talker so for him this was like gushing about this book. I think this is THE book to buy if you are planning to visit Kili.

I purchased the Second Edition (September 2006) of "Kilimanjaro: The Trekking Guide to Africa's Highest Mountain" in July 2007. Within a week (as I was sitting on airplanes far too often and had time to read), I had read the 300+ page book cover to cover.

The book is excellent, informative, and often humorous. The trail descriptions are detailed and precise, and the other guidance (medical, financial, logistical) is essential. With a little effort, I matched the trail descriptions to a superb map that I purchased at the same time and quickly gained an understanding of the various routes, options, outfitters, and issues. (The map is "Kilimanjaro Map," scale 1:62,500, 3rd edition, ITMB Publishing.)

One comment: there are many trails (or potential trail combinations) offered by the various outfitters and trekking agencies on Kilimanjaro, so you will likely find yourself flipping back and forth through the book to follow YOUR route. Give yourself time to absorb the book thoroughly. And be prepared with your highlighter and notepad close at hand so that you can identify the portions of the book most relevant to your specific route and itinerary.

If you're considering a climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro, or have a friend or family member considering doing so, you will find this book to be very useful.

This has got to be one of the top chess books . It is superbly written and by that I mean 6 stars . Lasker was world champion for 28 years -- you read his book and you will be champion in your small league for sure!!
I haven't gone through the whole book but already am losing sleep over it --- it is that good !! Do yourself a favor -- pick this up NOW . I am an average player and I do not write good reviews like this . Lasker will show u how and why to play . Will definitely improve your rating to 2000+ -- NO MATTER WHERE YOU START FROM !! If you do not see any improvement , I will say this --- you have not read this book ! It probably stayed on your shelf for too long .

I like this book. It starts off with the basic rules and quickly gets into openings and strategy. I wish they would put it out in "algebraic chess notation" which is the only drawback. Since I get an A in all my classes as a 7th grade student I can understand this book well even with the old form of chess notation.

"Lasker's Manual of Chess" doesn't mess arround. It is absolutely perfect for someone who needs a brief reminder of the basic rules and then is ready to get quickly into the strategic parts of chess. It is a well written book for an adult reader or older teenage reader; younger kids or someone who is a super beginner should start with "Chess For Jrs" or possibly "Learn chess: A complete Course".
This may be an older book but it is very well written and a largely forgotten about classic.

This is one of the best Introductory Chess Books ever written for an adult. The only drawback is that it needs to be written in Algebraic Notation.
The former world champion also covers some more advanced concepts throughout the text.

This wonderful classic is very well written for an adult (would be difficult reading for most kids) who is either a beginner or a player who has aquired basic skills. It provides a good mixture of basics with even some more advanced concepts. Lasker was a great chess teacher.
Then why 3 stars instead of 5? This is because the book requires some serious updating. For the more advanced player the openings are very outdated. The book needs to be written in the more modern and efficient Algebraic form of notation. And, as already mentioned, it is difficult reading for possible use by a young reader.

I purchased this for my son who is a junior in H.S. After reading it, I gladly handed over to him for his use. Money well spent!

My son read this and seem to be impressed and attentive to the writer views since he is of African ethnicity and can relate to what young black males go through. I really considered the fact that for a person to take the time and write a book concerning the need to relate and instill his value system in teenagers that he sees himself through, his heart has to be passionate for males that are walking in the path he has traveled. I applaud him to want to reach back to the community. I think his book should have been publicized and promoted more for the mainstream crowd more and it was not. Perhaps that should have even been a few given free to allow the people that may want some inspiration (postive) to be able to read it.

I picked up this book in a gas station somewhere between North Carolina and Virginia. (It must have been on the border of Virginia/North Carolina because the line was very long for the lotto!)
I have a 19-year old away at school. He was brought up in the church and quite honestly he likes going to church. We've never add problems getting him to participate in church activities. So I feel he has the religious roots to stand on. However, being away from home, I know he is being challenged in his church attendance. More importantly I want him to "know the Lord" not just attend church. Flipping through the book at the store aroused enough of my interest to purchase it. I read it first before giving it to my son and was even more impressed. That's when I ordered 10 more to give to my husband, pastor, nephews, cousins, and brother-in-law being deployed to Kuwait.
I gave the book to my son the week before his Spring Break and told him I expected him to read it once, twice or as many times as necessary over Spring Break to get the message. And I would be quizzing him to be sure he read it. He truly surprised me and called to tell me he was almost done with it the week I gave it to him. My note inside the book said to him to pass it on to a friend if it benefited him. He said he had highlighted so much of the book, he wanted to keep his and could I send him 2 more to give to his room mates. (Yesterday he wanted 2 more for others who saw him reading it.)
I have not heard from my nephews that I gave it to. They may need a little more encouragement to read it, but that's why I gave it to them. They truly need "encouragement for a difficult journey".
Every Black young man that I know I want to share this with them and their parents. Some co-workers asked for some too. I teach Sunday School, ages 8-11 and I will use the section entitled, "Things I wished someone had told me at age 12" with my class.
I sent one book to a previous Sunday School student who is now incarcerated. The book was returned with a note that books could only be given to inmates if they were shipped directly from the printer or a bookstore. It would truly be a blessing to get this book into the prison.

This book is an inspirational work for the reader. It explores the three aspects of life that causes conflicts and problems in the life of young men. The spiritual, mental, and emotional aspects of life that for so long has gone unaddressed are delved into in detail. Although the book talks about young black men, this is a lesson for all young men.

I do a chapel service in a Juvenile Detention Center in the Bronx, and this book is the first book that I have found that I feel would be VERY helpful to the boys.

The reason is - it is broken down in a very simple fashion that is super easy to read, designed for one that may have a short attention span and doesn't typically read a lot, and is very practical and directive as to why and how to get onto a good path.

I am so grateful to this author for creating such a wonderful loving tool so full of wisdom. It has no hint of being condescending, which I also love.