Adams Books

This book is an excellent read for those of us who continually make stupid relationship decisions. Why do I let myself fall for the same type of person over and over when I know it will only lead to emotional pain for me? This book tells us so much about the ways of getting into these kinds of patterns, how to recognize them, and then how to move on. Everyone should give this book a try, even if you think you've never had any problems.

I really liked this book. I am an avid reader and would recommend adding this book to your must read list. Another book that really impressed me is Psychic Gifts in the Christian Life - Tools to Connect, by Tiffany Snow, pub. 2003. In this time of increasing awareness for the need to help our relationships, workplace, family, self and environment, these two books are at the forefront of giving us the tools to do so - not only by positive reinforcements, but in the case of "Psychic Gifts," showing we have a Divine birthright to access the supernatural in our lives, and how to tap into that. I encourage you to Keep Reading, apply what you learn, and be a force for good in your part of the world.

So many of us are damaged in childhood, many times carrying around unresolved baggage that keeps us stuck and unable to live our best lives. This delightful and insightful book helps us understand what has molded us into who we are, and then gives us the tools to move towards a more rewarding and fulfilling life. 'Healing the Sensitive Heart' compassionately takes us on a journey of a millions miles by encouraging us not to be afraid of taking the first step.

Jacqueline Marcell, Author, Elder Rage

Healing the Sensitive Heart: How to stop getting hurt, build your inner strength, and find the love you deserve by Debra Mandel, Ph.D.

I thought I would be the worst candidate to get something out of reading this book. I am not one of the sensitive hearted people that Dr. Mandel is referring to, but there are many such people in my life. I may be a magnet for sensitive hearted people. I learned from reading this book that I can help my sensitive hearted friends.

I have friends and relatives whose sensitive hearts have kept them trapped in a fantasy world. They sell themselves short because they have been "taught" that their own feelings do not matter-they exist to serve the will of their parents or some other childhood character. Dr. Mandel shows a path that sensitive-hearted people can follow to become Thrivers. Thrivers enjoy life and give back to the world more than they take. Thrivers have a balance between serving their own needs and responding to the legitimate needs of others.

I recommend this book for the happy soul mates and friends of sensitive hearted people. We can benefit when we understand the likely genesis and resolution of behaviors that are so odd to those of us without sensitive hearts. Thank you Dr. Debra.

As a therapist myself, I am on the look-out for books that would be helpful to my clients. "Healing the Sensitive Heart" is an outstanding resource! Written with clarity, compassion, deep respect for people, and belief in their capacity to change and grow, it resonates with authenticity. It provides an excellent analysis of the inner life and behaviours of the "sensitive-hearted", and clear, effective strategies for restoring balance and achieving a healthy relationship with self and others.
I highly recommend this book!

As a parent, counseling school psychologist and American Indian educator I can attest that this book is what parents have been begging for. It is filled with insight, wit and practical help. If parents, teachers and administrators applied Sharon's strategies there would be no need for "No Child Left Behnd." Home Sweet Homework: A Parents Guide to Stress-Free Homework & Studying Strategies That Work

Having taught Jr. & Sr. HS for forty years, I know I would've been a much better teacher, helping parents & students, if I'd had this author's knowlege & expertise...A truly helpful guide for all!

This book has great ideas on how to help my children. It has helped us set up and maintain regular homework time. The homework wars have stopped. I strongly recommend this book to any parent with children of any age.

I think it is great that someone has written a book about how to help our children manage this fact of life but it does not change the fact that teachers are giving too much homework, particularly in elementary school and studies show that there is no correlation between homework and achievement. I would like to see a book written for teachers reminding them that there is more to childhood than homework and that family time and sports and scouts and religious school also have value. Unfortunately, many of our kids are unable to participate because of the load of homework they bring home each night!

This book is a great tool for all parents to use. It has reduced the stress of homework time greatly.

Thank you for sharing your wisdom through this book. I often wondered about that gap between passive and reactive and how one finds a comfortable medium. There are also implications on cross cultural communication. As the oldest child of two in an Asian family, the words "no" and "I, me, and mine" were hardly uttered in our household. The expectation is to say yes, watch for everyone's needs before our own--and we better be happy doing it! It's amazing how these learned behaviors find themselves into the workplace. As an adult, saying no can still be difficult but I'm learning to do so honestly, directly and respectfully. Your book has been an epiphany. Thank you.

You will probably guess by my last name that I am related to the author. As a matter of fact, I am his brother. I am also a pastor on the coast of Oregon and I am offering an honest opinion of the book.

Dennis has hit the nail on the head. This concept, in it's simplicity, is amazing in it's scope. You can use this in every area of your life and the results are the same. IT WORKS !! As I communicate with people every day on many different levels, I have found that by following these three simple words, I can always walk away knowing I have communicated clearly.

I will take this one more level. As I spend time communicating with my God, I find that this type of communication is what He desires. There is no profit in playing games with God. Being honest, direct and respectful clears the way for a much stronger relationship.

Keep up the great work Dennis. I know this book will change alot of lives.

Marty Adams
Pator of Worship and Fine Arts
Florence Christian Church

As a teacher, and as a wife, I found the skills in this book to be invaluable. It helped me identify my strengths and my weaknessness in my communication with others in a very safe, insightful way. As a result, I have been able to refine those areas that needed work, and I have enjoyed the results! I know others have too!

I found this book to be a great insight. It made me stop and take a hard look at myself, and has change the way I deal with people.

Reviewed by Regan Windsor for Reader Views (6/07)

Is your communication style effective? Do you communicate in a way that is Honest Direct and Respectful? "Honest Direct Respectful: Three Simple Words That Will Change Your Life" is a small book that packs a big punch. Providing an analysis of the passive - reactive communication continuum, Dennis D. Adams guides the reader through an analysis of their communication style and the implications that their style may have on the many facets of their life.

The book begins with a description of both passive (quiet and reticent/ unresponsive) and reactive (loud and aggressive or demanding and "in your face") and provides examples of how people on the passive and reactive sides of the continuum think. It then follows with a short quiz to test where on the continuum your communication style lies.

Adams then provides examples from his own experience, and the experience of others, to further define passive versus reactive communicators. If you see yourself in both the passive and reactive styles it's possible you're a TOP - Ticked-Off Passive. This occurs when people are passive so long, they are now angry at the world and react in a reactive way, but then feel bad about it (a reaction true reactive types do not experience).

The most effective communication style exists in the middle of the continuum, where communication is not confrontational, and it is not avoidance. It is truthful and it is executed in an Honest Direct Respectful manner.

"Honest Direct Respectful" provides a simple and effective model for successful communication. The ability to communicate effectively has vast implications on your success both personally and professionally. I would highly recommend this resource book for everyone; even those that are not extreme passive or reactive communicators will find value in the suggestions in this book.

Being a woman, I realize that I'm already at a disadvantage when it comes to buying a car. Not that I'm a woman, but that the approach car dealers use towards women and their attitudes towards women are so uncalled for, so disrespectful and so not acceptable. They assume just because I'm a woman that I don't know what I'm doing or that I need the help of a man to buy a car.

Well, thanks to Pique Lyle and her most incredible and informative book, I learned so much about every aspect of buying, leasing, and financing a car. I was able to walk into the dealership showroom and buy my new car with all the dignity and confidense in the world, and tons of amunition to negotiate the best deal ever. Her book was also extremely funny and so easily read and understood... I would recommend this book to everyone who's in the market for a new automobile, male or female.

Thanks again Pique for the best book I've ever bought. I literally saved thousands, thanks to you...

I loved this book! I was very concerned about buying a car. Now I am well informed and prepared to stand my ground. Many of the key points have been mentioned by other auto experts. I do not feel so vulnerable now when I walk into the showroom. This book is must for anyone thinking about a car purchase. I am so glad it has become part of my auto purchasing research library. I now see all the things I did incorrectly last summer when I first glaced at some models. I also laugh about the crap that the saleperson said to me and the stupid questions he asked. I won't be visiting that dealership again. I'll drive by in my pre-owned Grand Am (baby #2 :)) and wave and I will laugh and thank Pique again.

When someone reccomended the book to me , I thought it would probably not be of any help considering I've purchsed several cars and thought I pretty much thought I had the idea of the whole thing....But Pique's book opens new ideas that I had never even thought of as being a rip off ...the book is definitley worth buying , considering you will learn soo many new things in a clear , light hearted manner ! A car buyer must!

This is one of the most useful "How To" books I've read. As a Certified Financial Planner I am called upon by clients all the time for advice on buying or leasing vehicles. I now either recommend PKs book or loan them my copy. For those of you who are frightened of doing the math that buying a car requires, don't be. PK walks you through clear, easy to follow examples of how to figure out what to offer and how to go about it. And, this is a just plain fun book to read.

I was in the market for a new vehicle, and even being a guy, I was not 100% sure of what I was going up against with the car dealers. Ms. Lyle's book is informative, entertaining and a MUST read for anyone who is considering buying or leasing a vehicle. I purchased the book, read it completely a few times, and went to the dealership and saved almost $3000! Buy this book!

I pass ccna2.0 with 935/1000 today. All I have is this book and Boson exams. I've read my friend's Todd Lammle book. I think this book is much better than Todd's. Todd's is written for passing the exam. For the ICND book, you actally learn the CCNA stuff in depth. I strongely recommend this book for everyone who want to pass the CCNA2.0 with FULLY understanding.

I pass ccna2.0 with 935/1000 today. All I have is this book and Boson exams. I've read my friend's Todd Lammle book. I think this book is much better than Todd's. Todd's is written for passing the exam. For the ICND book, you actally learn the CCNA stuff in depth. I strongely recommend this book for everyone who want to pass the CCNA2.0 with FULLY understanding.

I read ICND by Cisco Press before. I found this book used on Amazon and bought it just because it was cheap. Now I can not put it down. This book is far better than Cisco Press' ICND. It has about 100 more pages than Cisco's. To me it is worth every minute spent to read this book.
I passed CCNA in December. So, I don't have the exam pressure. I am reading this just for fun and enjoying it.
I strongly recommend it over Cisco's ICND if you intent to take CCNA test.

I just finished reading this book cover to cover and feel very confident about moving on to the next stage of my CCNA preparation, practice tests and simulation! I've been using the CCExam software from CCStudy.com as well as a few other practice tests and am amazed how easy a lot of the questions were after reading this book. Just an indication of how comprehensive this book is.

More important, in my opinion, is the book's "readability"! I'm sure there are numerous books that cover the exact same information as this book yet might not be written in a manner that is clear and simple to understand, especially for Cisco newbies like myself. This book is just a lot of fun to read.

Finally, I really enjoyed the "real world" tone of this title. It isn't written for someone who's bound for the testing center, but rather for someone who needs to apply the knowledge at work in the field. I'm certain that I'll constantly be using this book as a reference even after passing the exam. Very cool.

All in all, I'd like to recommend ICND to the Cisco neophyte who's looking for that great "First Book" to start off his or her Cisco library. I'm really glad I got this book and I'm sure you will be too.

Good luck on your CCNA!

I pass ccna2.0 with 935/1000 today. All I have is this book and Boson exams. I've read my friend's Todd Lammle book. I think this book is much better than Todd's. Todd's is written for passing the exam. For the ICND book, you actally learn the CCNA stuff in depth. I strongely recommend this book for everyone who want to pass the CCNA2.0 with FULLY understanding.

Enjoy one of the biographies of John Adams, then read this superb book to complete the story of this great man. Mr. Thompson is a fine writer and can be seen on an old CSPAN segment giving a lecture on Adams. His grasp of President Adams's work and his ability to explain it are unmatched.

I am floored! I started reading biographies of John Adams after the musical "1776" piqued my interest in him and have absorbed at least 20 of them since then. I don't know how this 1998 title flew underneath my radar until 2004 but it did ... and I think NOW, after the 2004 election, is the time when every American needs to know what he did for us ... or TRIED to ... including: pointing the way for those of us who CAN to start doing something about the mess we're in now. His insistence on basing our government structure on actual human nature instead of a fantasized ideal of how human nature ought to be may be the only reason we've lasted even this long. Communism went down because it flew in the face of this wisdom. We could be next. Thompson shows that Adams was not only a political theorist, he was a scientifically oriented psychologist. So am I. And I know that he had a handle on psychological reality that exceeds what most modern psychological theorists can lay claim to. He was an Adlerian more than a century before Adler was a gleam in his father's eye. May ALL the Gods bless C. B. Thompson for what he has done ... and may his publisher start doing a better job of getting this book before the public.

I just finished reading C. Bradley Thompson's "John Adams and The Spirit of Liberty," and am in awe; not only of John Adams but of Dr. Thompson's masterful explication of Adams' political thought.

I had no idea what a debt of gratitude I owed to one man, John Adams, who more than any other Founding Father developed and provided the intellectual framework that became the Constitution of the United States. At the very least this book should be required reading for any person who is interested in pursuing a career in politics.

To all of you who are interested in understanding the intellectual founding of this country I urge you to read this book. You won't be able to put it down.

And to C. Bradley Thompson, I salute you and thank you for your efforts in resurrecting the reputation and honor of this great man.

The most critical period of American history actually occurred after the revolution. The instability of anarchy threatened to make the ideas expressed in Jefferson's Declaration of Independence and the heroic successes of Washington nothing more than a forgotten dream. Another hero, one who would be willing to chronicle all previous forms of government and guide the architects of the constitution in creating something entirely new was what was needed. He was more than just another name on the list of American presidents. That hero was John Adams.
Thank you, C. Bradley Thompson, for this inspirational account of an often overlooked and undervalued intellectual giant among the American John Adams and the Spirit of Liberty by C. Bradley Thompson
founders.

To return America to its original foundation of freedom and individual rights, it is vital that we know the ideas of the men who created that system. This important task will be easier thanks to this book by C. Bradley Thompson. Readers interested in the Founding period and its legacy for our own time will not want to miss this book.

When Joseph Brodsky emigrated to the United States in 1972 as an involuntary exile from the Soviet Union, he probably believed that he'd see his parents again, that political circumstances would inevitably change. Moreover, it is only natural to believe that a forced "political" separation from one's parents could not last for long. His parents spent their final years hoping against hope that they'd see their beloved son one more time-a death wish before dying. But that faithful dream never materialized. "I know," writes Brodsky, "that one shouldn't equate the state with language but it was in Russian that two old people, shuffling through numerous state chancelleries and ministries in the hope of obtaining a permit to go abroad for a visit to see their only son before they died, were told repeatedly, for twelve years in a row, that the state considers such a visit `unpurposeful'..." Letters were mostly forbidden, but Brodsky was allowed to call his parents every week. Phone calls were monitored. Brodsky tells us that they learned how to speak "euphemistically."

"In a Room and a Half" is Brodsky's last attempt to join his parents. Brodsky's father was a professional photographer and journalist. Something of the art of photography must have been passed on to his son. This beautiful narrative was as close as Brodsky could come to presenting a family album of photographic "takes" or "frames" which emerge in the poet's memory from his childhood days. There are forty-five photos that make up "In a Room and a Half."

You cannot possibly stand outside of this memoir as a "detached witness" once you begin to read it. It is as if you were sitting late into the night with Brodsky-the last log is burning out and he begins to tell you about something that is, under ordinary circumstances, a private and solitary affair of the heart. In this sense, we feel privileged, and we want him to go on-to keep turning the pages of his lost youth, to share whatever sacred memories he has left to share about his life with his parents. It is indeed an act of defiance that is anything but sentimental. And yet, who can read this eulogy without feeling their heart drop to the floor?

We listen, and, through Brodsky's genius, enter into these forty-five narrative photographs. We can see and touch the China that his mother saved for his wedding. We hear the sounds of a faucet, the odors from the kitchen. We see the quiet, grey light of this tiny space where father, mother and son lived out their daily activities. We walk around the room with Brodsky as he tells us about the story of his parents' cherished bed. We see a feeble table with a white, luminous tablecloth under the care of his mother's hands. We see the deep blue of his father's uniform and we reach out to touch those bright yellow buttons that remind the boy of an illuminated avenue. It is all so vividly real.

Joseph Brodsky is dead now-and there is nothing that can ever separate this family again.

I translated this book into Hebrew and it was published by sifriat poalim.
For a reader of the old testament in the original freedom and language are one and the same.
Giora Leshem

Brodsky's words flow with the gentle ease of a boat ride on a sunny sunday afternoon, until you find yourself floundering at the bottom of a crashing waterfall. Repeated re-readings of the 'waterfall' line do little to lessen the impact. Brodsky holds nothing back, as he brings his mighty pen to bear against the soviet government that exiled him, and would not allow either of his parents to visit him in the remaining 12 years of their lives.

Primarily known as a poet this volume shows that Joseph Brodsky was also a splendid essayist and his interests varied and his attention to detail deep and probing. Dealing with the trauma of exile his remembrance of things past is like the educational adventure of a long furlough from love and his country submerged in totalitarianism with his mentors either imprisoned, declawed or dead is still the theme upon which he is emotionally impaled.
He seems disgusted by America and in love with his disgust, the social utility of hypocrisy, the halo polishing in the upper echelons and the fawning sycophants chirruping inanely are recognizable figures on both sides of the cold war.
His paeans to poets as diverse as Mandelbaum and W.H AUDEN are astounding in their compassion , knowledge and unlike other critics never infected by logorrhea.
He can't cure what is lost in translation but he makes us aware that a poem is a form of aggression in its purest and most humane form. Brooding, dark and often pessimistic Brodsky is still an illuminating writer because he chooses to create rather than mourn and seems to say that sorrow observed is compensatory idealism but when your love cannot create you are in love with death. And he saw too much to sentimentalize sacrifice and the grim reaper.

This collection of essays is by one of the great Russian poets of this century. In it he writes of his life and poetry, and of those poets who have meant much to him. His memoir of his separation from his parents, their twelve - year effort to reunite while being refused by the Soviet Authorities is a tale of sadness, and pain.
I have just read the essay on Nadezhda Mandelstamm and through it received an insight into her life and literature. At the age of sixty- five never really having written at length before she wrote the two great memoirs of her husband's life that Brodsky considers the true cultural history of Russia in this century.
He writes of the poems of her husband and life together which she remembered.," And gradually those things grew on her. If there is any substitute for love , it'smemory. To memorize , then, is to restore intimacy.Gradually the lines of those poets became her mentality, became her identity. They supplied her not only with the plane of regard or angle of vision; more importantly, they became her linguistic norm.So when she out to write her books, she was bound to gauge-by that time already unwittingly, instinctively- her sentences against theirs. The clarity and remorselessness of her pages, while reflecting the character of her mind, are also inevitable stylistic consequences of the poetry that had shaped that mind.In both their content and style , her books are but a postcript to the supreme version of language which poetry essentially is and which became her flesh through learning her husband's lines by heart."

One of the most striking parts of this essay is Brodsky's description of the great Akhmatova's devotion to Nadezhda Mandelshtamm. Through poverty, destitution, persecution two great friends, one one of the greatest Russian poets of the century , the other the widow of another of the greatest of Russian poets stood by each other.
The humane voice of a great poet is in these essays. And they inspire and remind of the Literature that is not merely words, but rather the 'truth of life.'

Forget what I have to say, seeing as how I am far from being a kid. Let me tell you what my 8-yr-old hard-sell granddaughter had to say after I read her the first five sentences, "Really? It says that? Can I read it?"
Then, as she read, "This is great! I never read anything like this."
She carried that book with her, laughing, quoting from it, until she finished it the next day, then started over, more laughter, and then eagerly sharing it with her BFFs. Her review went something like this.
"This guy really knows that it is a kid reading the book..."
"How does he think this stuff up? I love the little girl, the one who can only say 'Who are you?' but everyone loves her so much they know exactly what she means, even if she means 'turn left after this corner'..."
And on and on. She will wear the print off the page with her eyes by the time she is finished with this book.
You can't ask much more from a book that a child love it and wants to share it and gets more from each reading (meaning they are reaching, it's not easy.)

The Meanwhile Adventures is hilarious. My 10 year old son was getting a cramp and tears were rolling down our eyes with the nonsense and wit of this book. The author, who is Irish, suggests you read the glossary so you understand some of the local terms - do it! The definitions are a riot!!!!
You can picture Roddy sitting in front of you, animatedly telling the story - it's a hoot.

My 10 year old daughter, who HATES to read, enjoyed reading the "Meanwhile Adventures", "Rover Saves Christmas", and "The Giggle Treatment". My son, age 8, burned through them quickly too. They quote from the books. The humor is "different", but it is good for kids to read all types of books. Thanks R. Doyle! Write more!

I gave this book to my nine year old daughter for Christmas. She read it in two days and was thrilled to have gotten this as a gift.

"Who are you?" "Batteries included." I hope you have time to read this book because you will never put it down.

The Meanwhile Adventures is a funny , but exciting story. This book takes you to a silly family that does some amusing things.

The message is that a funny family like this can be a little bit of trouble sometimes.

I think this book is one of the funniest stories Roddy Doyle has ever written.

The book "Miracle in the Making" is an inspirational story about Adam Taliaferro, a former Penn State football player who was paralyzed in a game. He was told he would never walk again and this books lets you travel with Adam in his personal story of his road back after being completely paralyzed. This boo is a truly motivational book in which i recommend anyone, not just Penn State fans, to read.

This truley is an excellent book. I grew up in the same neighborhood with Adam, attended the same HS (graduate a year after) and every bit of information (names, dates, etc) are all correct. All the information about his character is completely true, he really is an inspirational person. Growing up in a huge suburban high school with him, it really was a very competitive atmosphere. Everyone seemed to love him because he was one of the brightest (one of the highest GPAs of his class, scholar athlete and best athlete in the school) along with being one of the most modest, down to early people ever. If someone had the will to succeed it is him. I recommend this book to anyone overcoming obstacles, down on their luck,athletes and basically anyone because it is the type of book that you can not put down.

After finding out that Adam Taliaferro couldnt walk again ever. His father and mother urged him to push on. His spirits were high always no matter what. This is a triumphant story about courage and self-determination and a little help from some up above

This book is good for anyone whether you are a football fan or not. I personally am a football fan, and I would especially recommend this book for those football fans out there. This book is inspirational and well documented. It is also at a good price now, and it is a quick read.

All too often in today's world of youth sports; parents, coaches and players miss the meaning of sportsmanship. Having been involved in youth sports for 14 years, I have witnessed over bearing parents and tenacious coaches. I suggest they keep a copy of "Miracle in the Making" in their equipment bags. This book highlights the true meaning of a parent/child relationship and a coach/player relationship. Adam is the definition of courage, kindness and strength. His family's support during his recovery is awe-inspiring. The writers did a terrific job of bringing me along on Adam's journey to recovery. I will be on the sidelines cheering; watching as Adam wins the biggest game of his life!

We've tried over 20 of the recipes to date and have liked all but two of them. I like to try one new recipe out of this book each week. Some of my favorite recipes thus far are: Calico Beans, Hamburger Soup, Roast Pork with Red Cabbage and Apples, Chicken Breast with Sherry-Sour Cream Sauce, Buttermilk Baking Powder Biscuits, and Oatmeal Cherry Muffins. I like to cook, but do not often add to my collection of cookbooks. After borrowing this one from the library several times I finally decided it was worth owning. I highly recommend this cookbook; in my mind it ranks with Joy of Cooking for utility.

I got this book directly from the author after hearing her speak on nutrition for cancer patients. But although she also has a couple of cookbooks related to cancer, this book has great, simple dishes that the whole family loves. She has taken many "old favorites" and made them healthier, though no less tasty. My picky kids quickly found a number of favorites from this book, including Beef Stroganoff and Meatballs in Sour Cream Sauce. I also recommend Weihofen's "Moms Updated Quick Meals Recipe Box"; I was keeping my eyes out for that one and bought it here as soon as it was published (early 2006).

My very picky 10 year old daughter loves the Fettucini Alfredo! This cookbook is awesome and it is the one book that I refer to constantly. The children at her school loved the Peanut Butter Cornflake Nuggets. This book is awesome and I may have to buy another because the pages are starting to fall out from usage!

I am an avid cook and this is by far one of my favorite cookbooks and the one that I use more than any other. The recipes are quick and easy to prepare -- perfect for mid-week dinners. The ingredients are easy to find, and the recipes have been made healthier without sacrificing flavor. Our personal favorites are the hash brown casserole, apricot-glazed chicken, lemon bars, and porcupine meatballs. I highly recommend this book!

The recipe for Veggie Cheese Pie calls for 1/2 cup salt. Try 1/2 teaspoon. Other than this misprint I have enjoyed this recipe book. Great for beginners.