Attractions Books

The Wyoming Kid by Debbie Macomber
Harlequin American Romance # 1121 - July 2006

Letty's brother Lonny is a former legendary rodeo star, The Wyoming Kid. He was smart and left the rodeo circuit while his bones were still good, and returned to help on the ranch. When his parents died, he became partners with his neighbour and best friend Chase. When Letty returns to Wyoming, she befriends a newcomer to their town; Joy and eagerly tries to match make Joy and Lonny together. But sparks fly when Joy and Lonny are together and these are not the good kind. Some how every time they are together, one or the other provokes a temper flare and suddenly things get said that never were meant to be said. That they are both stubborn leads to a lot of frustration and heartache.

This was a fun read. The clash of wills and tempers kept this story rolling along with some wonderful laugh out loud moments. Lonny sometimes came across as immature, but he soon grew out of that and realized that he'd been acting like a jackass. After the last three emotionally charged stories that I've read by Ms. Macomber, this one was pleasantly lighter. A very enjoyable read :D


read also the prequel ... Denim and Diamonds - SSE # 570 - December 1989

I enjoyed this good clean book, so many have so much sex and violence that they are no longer enjoyable, it was clean and a fast enjoyable read.

It was fun to revisit the community that was introduced in Denim and Diamonds! This follow-up story was written 18 years later, and more closely reflects the skills and values Debbie Macomber has honed over the years. Lonny is much less hostile character in this story. While still maintaining his basic gruffness, he also showed a softer romantic side by following his sister's advice in trying to woo Joy, as well as in his mentoring of Tom. I like the way his character consistently showed growth. By gradually and progressively coming to his own realizations throughout the story, his redemption seemed so much more believable then if he made a more sudden conversion (as Chase did in the first story). I genuinely liked this town and could see why both Letty and Joy felt compelled to stay there. And maybe another follow-up story is in order for Tom and Michelle!

A quick, enjoyable read. I loved the characters and the interactions between them. I love how the author doesn't just focus on the two main characters. Their friends and family are an important part of the story. I also like how you feel you are a part of the small town the story is set in.

This book was better than I expected, upbeat read and flows from page to page. Good storyline and Romance.

I have been searching for a really good book explaining the law of attraction and what it really means. this book hit it on the nail. it goes beyond the law of attraction and tells you how to be a better person while practicing the law of attraction. remember it's not all about wanting and getting it's about being a good person and achieving more by practicing "good spirited" things.

Dr. Lisa Love has lovingly written a book that is a soulful, wise companion to The Secret. She believes that we must go beyond a shallow take on the Law of Attraction. This book contains wisdom and depth and as an executive and life coach who teaches clients about the Law of Attraction linked with spirituality, I recommend it. I heard Dr. Love on NPR's New Dimensions radio and several of her quotes were so memorable that I have repeated them to my coaching clients. With compassion she talks about how unkind it is to those who are ill to tell them that they created it through the Law of Attraction, although she acknowledges a strong body/mind connection. Dr. Love spoke of how a terrible tragedy to Christopher Reeves ended up bringing so much good to the world because of his choice to become a spokesman. She urges us to approach the Law of Attraction with love, wisdom and our higher selves.
Michelle Prosser, author of Excuse Me, Your God is Waiting, Love Your God * Create Your Life * Find Your True Self
Excuse Me, Your God Is Waiting: Love Your God * Create Your Life * Find Your True Self

Every once in a while, you come across a book, dvd, song or poem that changes your life and your perception on things for the better. This - however - is not one of those books.

When I first watched the Secret DVD, I was absolutely intrigued and inspired by the stories and teachings. It wet my lips and left me thirsty to learn more and go beyond the Secret. I purchased a copy of The Science of the Mind, The Answer, Harmonic Wealth (I love you James - but this book is terrible) and others. I eventually came across Beyond The Secret - quickly flipped through it - and thought it would be the Answer I was looking for.

It wasn't.

This book is no different than hundreds of other books I have read which were rooted in Christian theology. See - the author comes from a Christian background, and it's clear that its doctrines have left a stain on her sleeve. She speaks of "Spirit" the same way a Pastor would speak of God, and she mentions "Ego" the same way a Pastor might mention 'the flesh' or 'sin'. If the author believes in Christian ways - that's fine, but she should come out and say so. There's no need to write a book that teaches Christian views and doctrines but changes the name to make it more worldly....is there?

In short, this book leaves much to be desired. There is conflicting information, and Lisa herself admits...

"Who doesn't want a home to live in? Surely that request shouldn't be denied by Spirit. However, one reason I am currently motivated to write this book is because I don't have a residence and am sequestered at a friend's home, where I am massively focused on being productive because I hae no other choice. Wait a minute! Does the fact that I don't have my own home during this transitional time help me to be more productive and of service to a higher purpose that I am only beginning to understand this moment?"

So basically - she wrote a self help book because
1. The self that needed help was HER self
2. She was bored and didn't have anything better to do

The author also has this way of making you feel guilty for wanting what you want. She asks you to take a look at your intentions and motives for wanting the things you want - but then reminds you that there are people out there who don't have as much as you do. I'm all for charity, helping the homeless and others who are less fortunate - but I'm also for loving and caring for myself! If I can't take care of myself, how can I take care of others? Sure - intentions can be important - but dang it, sometimes I want a candy bar just cause I want a candy bar! I'm not buying a candy bar wondering if it will save the whales, free slaves or conquer world peace. I'm buying it because my evil, selfish ego wants me to have it. This is the gist of the book.

So - if you're one who is trying to escape religiousity or 'guilt based religions' as another Amazon reviewer put it - then you'll be able to sympathize with the author, though you may not necessarily agree with her.

If you're wanting to learn more about the Secret, laws of the universe and that sort of thing - then be aware that this is not the right book. The author doesn't even agree with the Secret and often gives her argument as to why.

This book seemed to be written from a very traditional perspective as opposed to a metaphysical or New Thought perspective.

Thank you Lisa Love for writing this book, without which I could not fully appreciate the works of Esther and Jerry Hicks. I gave it a two star only because of the potential of the unread portion, although I'll never know.

The first reviewer was very gentle her choice of phrases: . . ."you might feel this is grazing on your set beliefs. . ." Boy is that an understatement in my case.

I do believe that feeling your way to abundance, whether material or spiritual, is the fundamental principal behind manifesting your desires. Focusing on the positive side of everything no matter what is going on around you is key to this. I also think that a natural result of becoming a more positive person will make you more compassionate, loving and spiritual and you will naturally help others more by being that way.

What left me cold in the very first chapter are the contradictions made by the author.

EXERPT: Spirit encompasses everything that is! Everything lives within it and is a part of it. It has been called "God," "Allah," "The Force," and a multitude of other names. Essentially you are Spirit, and Spirit is you!

That said, the author goes on to make this statement only two pages later:

"Remember the law of attraction is neutral. Though you can use it to get whatever you wish for, it doesn't always give you what Spirit wishes for you."

WHAT!?!

Spirit is me and I am spirit right? So, if this is true, (and I firmly believe that it is) it is not even possible for Spirit to desire something that I myself do not desire and vice versa. In fact, spirit can not even distinguish between the reality that I imagine and the reality that I am living so how can it make choices for me? Spirit is not something outside of me that controls me and tells me what I should and should not desire or how it should be used. The job of "Spirit" is to respond to the thoughts I am thinking and make that my reality.

The word "ego" is also referred to quite a bit and the author goes on to discuss her belief that we are hear to serve others and that those with money have a moral obligation to take care of those who don't. But, if I am the creator of my world and I have money because I manifested it in my life than would it not also be true that those who do not have money have manifested that reality into their lives? My having money, a place to live, and other nice things is not depriving someone else of the opportunity to manifest those things in their life. Seems to me our obligation would be to teach them how but then again that would be forcing our beliefs on someone else.

The author is right about the law of attraction being neutral. You will manifest that which you focus upon the most and if your focus is on the lack of something rather than the abundance of it then you will continue to manifest the lack of it until you change the way you think about it.

Besides the multitude of tangents the author seems to go off on, I found it difficult to get past her own personal bias toward those who have manifested material abundance, good looking spouses (as she puts it, but isn't beauty in the eye of the beholder?), expensive cars, and houses on the beach in their lives. She did talk about being jilted by a lover who chose a woman of means over her. WOW! That explains a few things right there!

I don't imagine there are many people in this world who never think about having any of those things and what's wrong with it? Money brings freedom and having it is not depriving someone else of it. It does not mean that people who have it lead irresponsible or lackluster lives nor does it mean that we should all go live as monks in order to curb the ego from wanting it! Anyone who thinks money isn't important in this world is kidding themselves.

I found the book "Ask and It Is Given" by Jerry and Esther Hicks a far more compassionate read.

Easily understandable writings compared to a lot of the literature out there for the Law of Attraction. Highly recommended to those that liked The Secret.

Not very impressed with this book. It was a very short read most of the book pages were filled with affirmations. Not much to it.

All these seem to say the same thing. Not much meat to the dialog.

I'm so glad I purchased this book. It is a quick, but thorough, look at The Law of Attraction. After all buzz surrounding The Secret, it's nice to have someone to give it to us plain, straight and simple. Ehryck F. Gilmore does exactly that. I'm not sure what version the young lady refers to, but I bought an original copy and it has none of the typos that she mentions. Great book, great read. Everyone must have it.

Naleighna Kai, author of Every Woman Needs a Wife and Speak it into Existence

This volume would have carried a lot more weight if the proofreaders had done their jobs correctly. The many typos detracted from the sometimes useful text. The TV show Bewitched became Bewitch and near the end of the book a page just ended in the middle of a sentence. The next page started a new sentence and thought. Overall I liked what he had to say but I couldn't get past the errors. It just lost its authority with all the sloppiness.

This book is unfortunately limited in scope (to domestic airports) and out of date; things change fast as travelers are spending more time at airports. Not very useful any more.

This book is great. I've used it a lot and it is very helpful. Each chapter is a different airport. There is information on the layout, shopping, dining,airline gates, relaxing, websites, children's activities, and more. She even mentions some of the best places to eat and shop. I live in Pittsburgh (and the Pittsburgh airport is in this book) it used to be US Airways' biggest hub. Then two years ago US airways cut 400 flights!!!! I was mad, so now I have to transfer because they cut so many non-stop destinations. Then I saw this book and I thought differently I am actually excited to transfer because I can visit a new place and I can explore the airport and use the suggestions in this book! She has great suggestions and best kept secrets. Some airports included are: Amsterdam, Atlanta, Chicago O' Hare, Cleveland, Detroit, Las Vegas McCarran,London Gatwick and Heathrow airports, Los Angeles, Miami, Newark, New York Kennedy and Laguardia, Orlando, both Paris airports, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, San Francisco, Toronto, and Washington Dulles and National. If you frequently fly with an airline that has connecting flights through one of these airports, this would be a good book for you.The only other thing that I think could have been added is a map of the airport. Overall this is a perfect book for anyone, from business travelers to families on vacation.

This book is highly practical. It is essentially a guidebook to many important airports and the services and amenities they offer for the delayed traveler. It is a unique and clever book. It is clearly written and easy to use. I hope to see more guides of this type from this lucent author.

This book is very good. Gave great information about airports. I loved this book while I was in Honolulu because I found so many things to do waiting for my 2 and 1/2 hour connection to Maui.

Very disappointing and of little practical use. Where are the many important international airports?

This book was ok but not near as good as until the twelfth of never. that book really gives you more of an inside look into the life of Dan and Betty Broderick. This book is a quick read if you are looking for a light read on the story and not a lot of details.

Betty Broderick. Where oh where to start with this case? This was a murder case that spoke to us on so many levels, made us all shake our heads, turn our noses up, and secretly fear our own insecurities and what we are capable of.

Betty and Dan were high school / college sweethearts, who started off with such hopes and dreams that they would have a wonderful life together. Their family started almost immediately after they married (their first of 5 children arriving nearly 9 months to the day they married). Dan went to medical school and later law school while Betty raised the kids and did the primary bread winning as a school teacher. Once Dan had completed his education, he accepted a job with a California law firm and they moved to the west coast. From there he began to build his career to become one of the most successful and wealthiest men in town, and Betty could quit working to dedicate all her time to her kids.

It wasn't, however, a fairy tale. Dan and Betty's relationship was troubled from the beginning. They would eventually divorce, and it was anything but a peaceful affair. Betty went from being a "normal person" to a pathetic, psychotic hysteric. Dan began to cheat with Linda, and would eventually marry her. Betty's hysteria went from reasonable to destructive (driving her car through the front door of the house which got her thrown into a psych hospital, for example). It all came to a head when she bought a gun, snuck into her ex husband's house one morning, and shot both him and Linda while they slept. Now she's behing bars.

It's so hard to take sides in something like this. You see so clearly what Betty wanted and what was taken away from her. Yet you also see what Dan wanted, and what was taken away from him. Not to mention Linda. And the kids. And their friends, and their families. So many marriages start off so innocently and with such hopes, and so many end so bitterly. Where are those two people who were so in love once in the wedding pictures? Their partnership fell apart. But then again, as I have seen, the majority of people I have seen marry never should have. They were not right for each other. And sometimes we have to realize that and leave the marriages. It's when one doesn't want to that you will get a crazy story like this. Divorce is never pleasent, that's for sure, and you will face terrible times as you realize you have just had the rug ripped out from under you. But, have some dignity. If not for yourself, for your family and friends.

And, Betty, as far as I am concerned, has a genuine element of evil in her. I understand her sense of despair, her jealousy of the other woman, etc., but she has caused such chaos. It would not could not end until someone died. Dan and Linda had to die before Betty's rage was satisfied. To this day she has expressed no remorse over the fact that the both of them are dead. She says "Dan wanted me dead, but I'm alive". Alive to rot in prison, alive to have lost everything, and alive to be a sad joke to many.

I first saw the television film adaptation which was pro-Dan and Linda all the way. They never showed Dan and Linda bad-mouthing Betty. In the film, Betty was portrayed brilliantly by Meredith Baxter but she played her as a demented, sore loser who never got over losing Dan, her man. In the book, we read more about Betty's feuding which was more like a World War and Dan's indifference to his former wife's well-being. He tossed her aside when he found a suitable replacement like hiring and firing but Betty didn't go easily or ever. She was obsessed with Dan and Linda and defeating them no matter what the cost. The book dispels that Dan was a wonderful husband and father only when he was forced too by Betty dumping the kids off one by one. Betty was smart, attractive, and wittier than some of the most professional comedians according to one of her close friends. She discharged by her husband rather because he decided to have a younger model and version. Now, I don't condone Betty's actions when she shot and killed them in their sleep. Of course if I was Linda, I would run away as fast as I could. Yes, you're in love but look at his first wife. I don't understand why Dan disowned his daughter Lee Gordon Broderick upon his death maybe for siding with Betty over Dan. Dan never liked to lose in life but he lost in death. There is a website where you can't leave flowers and notes on Dan and Linda's graves because it has been misused. That blockage is usually reserved for dictators and serial killers. I think Linda was in way over her head when she married Dan not seeing this coming and thinking that Dan could save them both. I remember in the film where a senior secretary played by Debra Jo Rupp warned Dan about how to treat people fairly when she saw Linda rise above her. It was a poignant moment in the film and maybe showed a side of Dan's egotism that he can handle everything. Like I wrote, there are no winners from this situation. I feel sorry for the children the most for suffering through the loss of their father, stepmother, and their mother's role in their murders.

I became introduced to this case through court TV and many documentaries, and all I can say is WOW!!!! No matter what you feel about the victims or Betty, you have to feel for the children who were put through this. I was heartbroken while reading this book. It has the same feel of the book I read for the movie "Goodfellas" and you do sort of feel caught up in the mess. It's sad really, but it's a teaching lesson if you look it at in a positive light.

I feel like a professional as far as this case goes. LOL I have stated before that after seeing the totally pro Dan and Linda movie (The Betty Broderick Story) I started reading and watching everything about this case, including the court tv show, A&E Justice Story, MNCBS Headliners etc...While I will grant that Betty murdering them was over the top, some of the stunts of Dan and Linda were over the top too. You also have to keep in mind that Dan was the one whose "friends" were the lawyers and judges, not Betty. In spite of friends saying she could have gone to another county to find a lawyer, it really was not as easy as all that. The woman was completly blind-sided by this man she had worked so hard for. It truly was a sad, sad story.This book was quick, but did not have many details and certainly not reserched as the book by Bella Stumbo was. It was okay and added maybe a little more insight to the case but not much.

This is the worst travel book I've ever read. The author tries really hard to be funny but just comes of like a moron.

Save your money!

I recently took a trip to Orlando for business, I don't know the area very well and this helped me out with some great places to eat, some fun stuff to do and helped me save a lot of money! Well worth the twelve bucks. If you're going to Orlando buy this book.

A few years back, I purchased Fodor's Gold Guide to Disney/Orlando Attractions and the book was filled with tons of usable information. The Gold Guide contained great daily programs/schedules to follow for each park that enabled us see everything we wanted to!

Therefore, for our trip this fall, I bought Fodor's Orlando Like A Pro. I thought it would include the best of the best information. I was Very Disappointed! This book is all about why you should visit Universal Studios and how other parks compare to Univeral Studios. It is filled with totally lame jokes. Rick Namey obviously thinks he is a comedian. He is NOT. I am interested in facts not jokes.

The information contained in this book can be found in numerous other guides to Orlando.

We tried the book and were amazed - it really works! Great inside tips for saving money, getting around theme park lines and seeing Orlando - even for people like me, I live here. If you gotta go, ya gotta have this book. It's actually priceless.

The author has a wife and two kids, a boy and a girl. The whole family contributes to the book, giving it a very broad perspective for all ages and tastes. These people know every trick and angle to get the most out of a theme park visit. I liked the handy small size. No one should visit the theme parks without it.

This is nothing but a rehash of New Age teaching (repackaged Hinduism) sprinkled with the occult.

If you are a seeker of truth, THIS IS NOT IT. Don't waste your money.

I'm a rather eclectic reader but this one is a bit beyond my understanding. Positive thinking is one thing, magical thinking is another, which this book seems to endorse. That the unfortunate people of Rwanda and their plight was the result of "faulty" thinking? Really!!
The crux of this book in my opinion is embodied in pages 113-115 on the "Law of Extraction"...describes this book and all books, DVD's etc. dealing with this "Secret Law of Attraction" perfectly. Life is a series of choices..always..good or bad. And consequences stem directly from those choices people make...simple as that. No brainer..duhhh, as they say. This is nothing more than a twist on the "name it, claim it" feel-good theology rampant in the world today. Don't waste your money on this one.

"Wishin and hopin and thinking and prayin .... Won't get you into his heart."

From Brenda Lee to Dusty Springfield to The MerseyBeats, how many people have to tell you that you have to actually do something to get what you want? Well if you are not into oldies pop radio, a new book has arrived on the scene to remind you that you are actually going to have to get off your butt to achieve your goals.

The authors of The Secret Behind the Secret Law of Attraction (Kevin Hogan, Bob Beverley, Dave Lakhani and Blair Warren) logically dismantle the claims made in The Secret, starting with proof that the Law of Attraction is not a physical law at all. From there the authors add proof of faulty quantum physics, misleading and falsified references and outright stupidity. Of course, people who want to believe that they can achieve anything they want simply by visualizing and accepting are not going to be deterred from the teachings of The Secret by something as mundane as logical argument. The authors are on a fool's errand and know it. But they felt compelled to speak out nonetheless.

This is not to say that the authors don't find some value in The Secret. Visualization and goal setting have long been tools towards achieving more and greater things. People with a sense of purpose in their lives reach out and live larger lives and The Secret encourages people to do this.

The aspect of The Secret that seems to have been the catalyst for the book is that the people behind The Secret blame the victims of crime and illness by saying those people attracted misfortune to them. The authors of The Secret Behind the Secret Law of Attraction cry foul out of a sense of common decency and compassion. More people should be doing so.

But the real value of the book is the analysis of how The Secret was and is marketed along with a stunning comparison of that marketing with how a cult recruits and brainwashes its followers.

For anyone who wants to learn how to ethically launch a marketing campaign that will create a loyal client base, this is the book to read. The Secret is a marketing phenomenon. So was the Pet Rock. Take The Secret as a great marketing example and apply it to your business. The Secret Behind The Secret Law of Attraction will show you how.

"The Secret" (By Rhonda Byrne) is one of the Amazon's bestselling books & dvds, but the most of the reader's reviews suggest that there's something wrong with the underlying premise, the Law of Attraction (LOA). For the uninitiated, here's what the LOA teaches:

You're a Magnet! Thinking good thoughts creates positive vibrational energy that enables you to attract your dream lover, wealth, success and happiness beyond your wildest dreams.

You're a Creator! You can think anything you want into existence. After all, the Law of Attraction is a scientific fact, just like the law of gravity.

You're got the Power! Forget about your higher power, the universe is at your command. Think, speak and write down your intentions... and don't forget to give thanks in advance for what's coming to you. Your "good vibrations" will be richly rewarded, but be sure to leave the outcome open-ended, so whatever happens is in your best interest.

You're a Look-the-Other-Wayer! Don't focus on anyone but yourself. That's right, look the other way when you see obesity, rape, abuse, injustice or crime. It's best to protect yourself by being in a positive vibrational energy all the time. The risk of attracting something you don't want is too great, so make it your practice to look the other way.

You're responsible! Yes, everything that happens in your life is your responsibility. Even events that seem out of your control are brought on by the magnetic energy of your thoughts. The downside is that you are also partially responsible for the Collective Social Consciousness that says, "It's not my problem." Yes, you're partially to blame for the holocaust, but don't worry about that. Let someone else worry about it who is ignorant about vibrational energy.

If you're reading this and shaking your head in unbelief, "The Secret Behind the Secret LOA" is for you. The book takes a critical look at "The Secret" as it examines it's magical thinking, something-for-nothing message, get-rich-quick appeal, and the "you're-one-product-away-from-success" upsell that's behind the bestselling book and movie.

Surprisingly, the authors admit that they'd love for the "Law of Attraction" to be possible. Contributing psychologist Kevin Hogan admits to doing a visualization exercise after discovering he had hyperkeratosis / Leukoplakia. Hogan found the surgical procedure for removing leukoplakia in a medical textbook, and memorized it. He then mentally performed the surgery on himself (by visualizing the operation in his mind) 50 times a day. When Hogan returned to the doctor, it was discovered that his hyperkeratosis was gone. It's a medical miracle that Hogan attributes to the "Attraction Factor" and priming (or using mental imagery to prepare your mind for the best possible outcome.) Hogan suggests the attraction factor is worth experimenting with, but admits it does not work all the time.

There are lots of gems in this book. Blair Warren says we think 60,000 thoughts daily, making self-monitoring (and consistent "good vibrations") just about impossible. Thinking isn't always black and white; as many things in life may feel bad (exercise, fasting, staying on a budget, etc) yet may be good for us. Dave Lakhani offers compelling reasons why "The Secret" resembles a cult, and suggests six alternative ways to get the edge. Bob Beverly shares seven keys to success and well-being.

Each of the four authors (Hogan, Warren, Lakhani, Beverly) take turns writing chapters, making this book a lot like a roundtable discussion. Together, they knock down the "house of cards" created by the Secret and it's followers. By reading this book, you too will be ready to offer an intelligent and sensitive rebuttal to "The Secret." Plus, think of all the time, money and energy you'll save by avoiding "Law of Attraction" books, cds, and seminars. That makes this book worth every penny of its cover price.

This book is recommended for anyone who had read or watched "The Secret" and wants to work through the issues surrounding the Law of Attraction. Personally, I've struggled with these issues myself, and this book really opened my eyes. Now, I realize that it's good to dream about what I want to accomplish in life, but "good vibrations" are not enough to make my dreams a reality.

Are state lotteries really a competition of who can visualize the hardest? I think not, but I heard this premise from a "Law of Attraction" platform seller.

Yes, positive thinking increases your likelihood of "attracting" positive results, but this is not a law of physics with replicable results. And, taking The Secret too seriously leads to rediculous assumptions. The victims of Virginia Tech did NOT "attract" their deaths. The Secret Behind The Secret discusses the ramifications of a well marketed movie taken too seriously by many. For the sake of your sanity and critical reasoning skills, if you have watched The Secret more than three times you need to buy this book.

I like The Secret. I'll watch it with friends. I'll give the movie to friends I imagine benefiting from concepts in The Secret. However, Law of Attraction zealots are like Christian Scientists who won't see a doctor to get an antibiotic when they are really sick.

If what you are thinking and doing aren't getting you the specific measurable results you expect, consider getting more scientific and taking action. Prayer may work, but simply thinking about winning doesn't make winners of all the lottery buyers.

No matter how much I visualize flying, gravity still works.

On the other hand:
"More people are humbugged by believing in too little than believing too much." --P.T. Barnum

I have just returned from my second trip to Rome, and I used this book as my primary travel guide. I have also used this series in other cities. Compared to other series, the Frommer's guides stand out in that they focus more on hotel and restaurant recommendations than on historical or practical information.

With that in mind, the restaurant options in this edition seemed to be limited only to locations off major squares or else near the train station, offering very little off the beaten track or for budget travellers.

The information provided for the attractions, such as the museums and ruins, etc. was accurate, although very basic: hours and prices but little historical information. Sometimes the guide would direct one's attention to a particular column or square, but neglect to explain its significance. The recommended restaurants were good, but there was more missing than was included. A guide claiming to offer information on "what's worth your time and what's not" did very little to justify the exclusions... and the fact that several of the recommended restaurants and attractions didn't appear on any of the included maps doesn't support the recommendation at all!

Overall, the maps need to be more complete, to consistently reflect the textual content of the book. Furthermore, it seems suspicious for a guide with so very few included recommendations to have some that were across the street from each other, suggesting very lazy rather than comprehensive coverage of what the city has to offer. Moreover, the photographs on the cover were stock photographs, having nothing to do with any actual experiences of the writers, whose recent actual trip to Rome can only be the object of assumption.

Also, some travellers may find it difficult to trust a guide which includes advertisements for web-based hotel finding agencies.

I would recommend this book for anyone with more money than taste, or who is more interested in getting his or her passport stamped than in becoming educated about Rome, then or now. Just so you know: There's plenty of shopping on Via Corso.

I bought this book about two weeks before I visited Rome and used it and its associated map as my guide through Rome over Easter weekend. I found the book and the map pretty difficult to use. Many major attractions in the book are not noted on the map, and many street names are missing from the map. It took me an inordinate amount of time just to figure out where the catacombs really were. Further, there are beautiful descriptions of things to see, but no pictures. That's a problem if you want to get an idea of what something looks like before you decide to invest the time in your itinerary to go see it. Further, in a city that has very few signs describing its buildings and sites (or the signs are in Italian only) you really need a book with pictures just to identify what you are looking at at times. This book is not good at that. The itineraries were sometimes confusing and conflicting. There is a section on an itinerary if you have one day which takes you through ancient Rome, then in a different section of the book the ancient Rome itinerary starts at a different location. If you really are new to a city, you probably want to rely on the book to suggest a good itinerary, not offer confusing and conflicting options. The book tended to jump around a lot. What I mean is, within a paragraph it would describe nice things to see which were nowhere near each other in the city. Overall, I was pretty frustrated with this book. Of the hundreds of tourists carrying guide books around the city that weekend, I didn't notice anyone with this book. It just seems you have to invest too much time trying to figure out the best use of your time (I spent several hours reading the book in preparation for the trip.) I think the biggest shortcoming is the lack of pictures.

I purchased this in preparation for our upcoming trip to Rome. Upon review, it is exactly what we need.

I found the 36 pages of restaurant review invaluable, especially with the pricing guides and hours of opening and if booking in advance was necessary. The self-walk tours was also very helpful as we did not want to go on large guided tours. The section at the start on what you must and must not bring, what precautions to take, was also invaluable. I was pleased to get such a large map to do my planning, but disappointed that none of the major sights was displayed boldly so that I could see how to link up a certain few within a given day. Nor were any of the recommended restaurants marked on the map. It was a book essential to planning and plotting my trip, but the map was too big to bring and unfold in the middle of a busy street. I thought the shopping section very disappointing. It was all where to avoid, or make do with people-watching, on the grounds of extremely expensive, but no tips on where else one should try - except the early morning markets. It would have benefitted from more photos, even small black and white ones, as many of the recommended sights are not signposted in Rome, or else only in Italian. However, it was an absolute must have and gave me many insights and opportunities that I would not have found in other books claiming to be as good. I know that the next city I vist, whatever it may be, I will immediately get the Frommer's guide (to that city) without even looking for others. Finally, a few common phrases in Italian would have helped.

Very strong on hotel reviews (25 pages), restaurant reviews (36 pages), plus the Frommer Best Bets for both categories. Maybe a little weak on the description of the sightseeing places of interest, being perhaps too brief sometimes, but the walking tours are very good, the shopping lists and traveler's facts are very solid and reliable.
Very good pre trip book for hotel listings and walking tour ideas, not necessarily the book to carry with you in the street.

I have bought more of this book for friends than Chicken Soup! Nowhere have I seen such courage and self revelation. Though not an accomplished writer, Erin's frank and sensitive description of her struggles and emancipation has helped me and countless others get a better insight into the hearts and minds of our friends who are similarly struggling. It gives me greater compassion for all homosexuals.

Erin's story also is a light to those who are looking for courage to follow their deeper knowledge instead of giving in, since she has found more lasting happiness, and found that though same-sex attraction doesn't go away, nourishing deep, true, unmet needs made that attraction insignificant. Very similar to AA, ... which makes sense since science has shown that same-sex attraction is more closely related to alcohol addiction on the DNA, than sexuality.

I do not doubt the sincerity and good intentions of the author of this book. It saddens me that good people like the author, and me, continue to be put through hell because of something we never wanted and never chose. My story has a happy, but very different ending.

After years of "reparative therapy", Evergreen and living on the edge of suicide, I finally overcame the inner homophobia that was contantly fed me by society and the well-meaning, but often ignorant Mormon church. God made me homosexual for a reason and loves me very much. My life-partner and I are celebrating our fifth anniversary this year. Yes, we are monogamous and yes, we are very happy. My story and many like mine are stories that the Mormon church does not want you to know about.

For those struggling to understand homosexuality from a Mormon perspective I highly suggest the book Peculiar People. Compiled my Mormon parents of a gay son, it combines scientific information as well as letters from Mormon gays and their family members and friends. It is a great book that explores all sides of the issue.

Sincerely,
Shane Greenburg
Pennsylvania

I found the book to be thoughful, insightful, revealing and touching. Erin Eldridge certainly had a long period of struggle and grief in her life and this book reveals how, through perserverance and faith in God she was able to over come the horrors and pitfalls of same-sex attraction and the ghosts that haunted her past. I would highly reccommend this book to those who either are looking for moral support or would like to understand more about the highly divisive issue of homosexuality.

There's no doubt that the author has had many strugles in her life and I applaud her courage. However, books like this give the impression that homosexuality is somehow a disseas that can be cured. If one is to read this book closely they will soon discover that nowhere in the book does the auther state that her homosexual feelings have been changed into heterosexual ones. She mearly states how she has been able to supress her feelings and leave the gay lifestyle. In fact, their is not a single case on record were a homosexual person has been completely cured. Books like these do more harm then good.

This book gives an excellent and thorough review of the author's sucessful struggle in abandoning the gay life-style. The author belongs to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints which does not accept homosexuality as an alternate life style. Some readers of the book find that it is a good book describing how to make ANY major change, not just change in sexual preferance. I found the book inspiring and insightful. Any more details would destroy the books impact. I know of others who say the book changed their life.

The Law of Attraction

By Esther and Jerry Hiscks



All of creation first takes place in the mind. YHVH first had the thought and then spoke His Creation into existence. Obviously, His Creation was brought about for His (e-motion) called pleasure.



As a baby, a wet diaper brought about the sensation of discomfort and that provoked the emotion that caused the baby to cry. The same with hunger, heat or cold...



Without the thought and the emotion, maybe the baby would never awaken, move, cry, nor do anything at all--even his waking up and crying is a creation of his own doing. When I say `his own doing', I am speaking of the spirit within him, the real him. The body was uncomfortable. The spirit within the body knows that it has the duty to care for and preserve the body in which it resides.



Why wouldn't the Spirit within my body attempt to guide my body and brain to do all of the things which It (My Spirit) came here to do.



How can I pull myself out of depression except by consciously appreciating the things and relationships that I have? When I train my brain to do that, My Spirit responds by lifting up and changing my whole direction of negativity.



The book answers a lot of questions for me; like negative events that occur in spurts. For instance: the Postal killings; the fast food restaurant killings; the school massacres; serial killings and rapists; rashes of wild weather, tsunamis, tornados, and fires. Then there are also the health issues and surgeries. Everyone you know has a heart attack, then high cholesterol, then prostrate problems, sinus problems, ovarian cysts, carpal tunnel, cancer, and on and on. The point is, first it's one problem, then another, then another. I believe the authors, that the problems are created by all of the attention and emotion that is focused on them by so many people at one time.



The very first part of this book, where the authors explain how and where they got their information is the only part that does not set right with me. However, I do not believe the info was received from evil spirits and I do not believe that for a Child of God to be always expanding is contrary to God's Will for us. His own Creation is always expanding.



I admit there are a lot of things that I don't know, but just because I wasn't reared to know or experience them, doesn't mean that I'm going to close the door on something that God is trying to teach me or bring into my experience.



Most of the time, I am pretty hard on myself for not accomplishing as much (and as fast) as I think I should. As I think of this, is it the real inner me, scolding so that I will not misuse any valuable holy time here on this Earth?



You see, man thinks he thinks but he does not think he creates with every thought, so be carefull what you are thinking because you are getting everything you think and more.



Be blessed and live life as if it were your last day on earth.

The teaching of this video and book, along with Ester and Jerry Hick's Law of Attraction (who call themselves "Abraham") and all the other occult new age teaching are very deceptive.

The single minded pursuit of one's selfish desires leads a person to damanging outcomes - distorted values, antisocial behavior, arrogance and often isolation, loneliness and self-destruction. The destructive values at the cor of the dangerous "law of attraction" and "the Secret" fad.

The people who write these books immerse themselves into the occult through channeling evil spirits (a practice condemned by God in scripture in the strongest terms). The teaching of these people, lead by these spirits have done a job worthy of the devil's deceptions in th Garden of Eden.

Folloiwng the logic of the teaching, of the author of these works and those like them, means that 6 million Jews brought externination upon themselves in the Holocaust because they attracted their own annihilation by their negative thoughts. [...]

This book is a wonderful tool that doesn't just talk about ideas, but gets the reader involved in step by step excercises to actually implement the Law of Attraction into his or her life.
It isn't 'psycho babble' nor is it the 'occult'.
Thanks for the laugh though, "Haters". ;-)
You're already forgiven for your limited fear based beliefs, that's the beauty of it all!
Try this book, practice what it says, and your life will change for the better. It's not a magic pill, but as Wayne Dyer says, "Change your thoughts, change your life!"
It's simple and beautiful, and the proof is in the doing.
Step out of your fear...
If you don't know how, here is your guide book.

New Age Metaphysics meets Norman Vincent Peale in the current Ponzi Scheme called the "Secret" or the "Law of Attraction." "Thinking makes actual." That's the theorem. If one thinks one can amass wealth, friends, power, health, dominance, by the Laws of Attraction, it will happen! One's "current reality" can be changed and remade "in an instance," just by delusional thinking.

What these priests and priestesses mistake is "affirmative thinking" for "positive thinking." Positive Thinking is simply delusional thinking, and unless one is psychotic, one's mind won't embrace it. But "affirmative thinking" simply affirms "what is," and what is, is reality!

The deep mistake these false sages make is a category mistake! While accentuating our desires also accentuates our hopes and helps us focus on what we most prize and want, none of these affirmative responses changes "reality," but embraces it, focuses, evaluates, and motivates. But it is inhuman, indeed non-human, to deny the significance of disappointment, anger, jealousy, justified guilt, and the whole armamentaria of human emotions implanted in us biologically by nature.

The psyche's rational faculty guides the psyche's appetitive (will and needs), sensational (sensory experience), and emotional (feelings and moods) faculties to their best destination by the act of moderation. No apotheosis of reason over will, senses, or emotion, but guidance of each and all of them to their healthy and fruitful conclusion that is the "fittest" (best). Reason is both deductive and inductive, and often just intuitive, based on analogous experiences.

These Modern Age Prophets have still not learned Ancient Wisdom, for it is Wisdom and Prudence, not "positive thinking," that achieves our highest objectives. Wisdom is an intellectual virtue, while Prudence is a practical virtue, and together they beget a virtuous life, a well-lived, authentic, and fulfilled life -- or what the Greeks called eudaimonia (human flourishing & human excellence).

Do not waste money on Ponzi Schemes, like the specious "Law of Attraction," or "The Secret," but instead pursue Wisdom and Prudence, and then life will be well-lived however it is lived. One might start with Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics, supplemented by any good secondary resource (Randall, Ackrill, Solomon). It's more challenging, but infinitely more rewarding.

I was the lucky editor for this timely book about how to set priorities and get what you want out of life by using the Laws of Attraction. Ted is an excellent teacher and writer, using illustrations and charts to help his student/reader to begin the journey for a more successful, fulfilling life. Excellent book for helping jump start your way to attracting more of what you want into your life.