Allen Books

How blessed indeed we are to have these truths available to read and study. Thank you Joel Goldsmith!

Joel Goldsmith has been given a spiritual vision into living a life in Christ.

There are many steps to take in the spiritual life and sometimes we take one step forward and two steps backward.

There are days when all seems hopeless and your faith is waning and than you let go and let God and you reach the mountain top.

To stay at peace in your journey takes work and yet this is a paradox because grace will see you through.

I have read several of Joel Goldsmith's books before I read this one, but who could assimilate all that stuff in mere months? This book took me by surprise. It was bam bam bam, pearls everywhere, on every single page! To date, this is still THE best book I've ever read, whether by Joel or not, but then again, that's not a fair comparison. I am so blessed to have come upon this work.

I was skeptical about reading this book based on the first few pages. As I went further, I found Goldsmith's writing to be full of conviction and motivating. I will try meditation as a result of reading the book. Goldsmith frequently repeats points made earlier but with another twist added. This is good because it helps to remember the points that Goldsmith makes.

40 years after reading this book for the first time, I can read it again and still be amazed and astounded by the spiritual insight it contains. In consciousness it does not matter when something was first written -- it is the insight written on the pages that matters. You will be blessed to read the pages of this book.

I bought a copy of this book years ago, and loved it. When my last child was born I gave my book to the midwife as a 'thankyou' gift - and have always regretted not having a second copy for myself. So...I finally treated myself to another copy. The women's voices speak to me just as clearly after all these years. This is a very special book.

A wonderful book for quilters and lovers of history. Written in the first person, you are drawn into the simple lives of these women. A quick and rewarding read.

Reading about the lives of these women makes you appreciate the ease of modern life but the simjplicity of their days is enviable. Wonderful quilts too.

This book is facinating with it's history of American pioneer women. It contains real quotes from real people about the lives that they lived. If you have seen or been in the play you will be delighted to see that some of the show's monologues are word-for-word from this book! I't's a moving book and a moving play.

I have read many books about pioneering women who set up homes from scratch and quilted for practical and soul-fulfilling reasons. Usually though, those women are long gone and we are left with rather dry details of their lives. The joy of this book is that the women whose words are recorded in it are living, breathing members of that pioneer group, and, even though their experiences were in the 20th rather than the 19th century,the issues and incidents are the same and they tell a vibrant story.
The book records conversations amongst Texas quilting groups, to which the authors were invited and the ladies seem eager to tell stories of their early days in dug outs and cabins, their families scaping a life from the soil and their role in that. None of them ever sound hard done by or as if they wish their lives had been different. And they are all keen to express the creative and fulfilling role that quilting has had in their lives.
If you are not a quilter, you will still enjoy the strength, friendship and nobility that run through these conversations - they are a link with a passed era, which I felt honoured to share as I read.

As someone who was fortunate enough to work as one of the ground support crew for the Ravens, I can testify that Christopher Robbins has done an incredible job of journalism in this book.
I do not believe any American would have been allowed to describe the Ravens with such candor. Robbins' British nationality freed him from such constraints, and he used his freedom to the utmost.
There can be no better recommendation for this book than the fact that the Ravens veterans organization sells it through their own website.
And were these men truly the out-sized personalities described in the book?
All I can say is, man, did Robbins have to tone it down to make it believable.

Much has been written about the CIA's secret proxy war in Laos, but the detailed interviews and background research not only into the lives of the pilots, but of Laos itself, makes this an engrossing story.

Robbins incorporates the slang of the time (REMFs, Alternate, Cricket) to give a much more textured feel to the narratives of various missions, ongoing conflicts w/ their CIA handlers, and life in the field.

The level of dedication and commitment these indivduals displayed to 1) thier mission and 2) the Mon army who they supported is truly unbelievable.

This text does not glorify war or combat (indeed, the Ravens' mission was not direct combat engagement). Like, "A Bright Shining Lie", it describes the lives of driven individuals, with their own flaws, who found themselves and thier sympathies pulled in many directions by the wide variety of policies being implemented at the time.

The Ravens would be an eye opener to virtually 99% of Americans who knew nothing about the secret war in Laos. The pilots who flew as FACS , volunteered for a program that was called "the Steve Canyon Program". With it, the turned in all their identity of being a USAF pilot , and together with the CIA they directed with an extrememly high level of bravado and skill, other USAF air assets such as F-4's , T-28, f-105 and other A/C to bomb targets on the Ho Chi Minh trail and othe rplaces where the NVA were infiltrating into Laos , bringing tons of supplies to reinforce their agression. They also bombed and destroyed sites whenever they could also. THey were not the garden vairiety of USAF officers and were shunned by the REMFS' and suits that may have visited Long Thien (sp) their main secret base, generally referrred to as "Alternate" in an attempt to thro off the enemy that is was their primary base. They flew with "Hmong" backseaters and trained other Hmong to fly T-28, one of whom had flow many 1000's of missions before he was shot down and killed, and became a national hero. THe Hmong , were a fearless bunch , unlike the regular Lsaotians , who often ran at the mere sight of the enemy. The Ravens in their secret war accomplished an awful lot of good when you consider that the tonnage of bombs dropped elsewhere were often inneffective ( mostly becasue of the very restrictive ROE rather than pilots who couldn;t do the job). THe Ravens flew sometines 200 hours a month and I am sure some did more. It was common for them to be in the air 6-7 hours a day directing fire upon targets. They flew there small O-1's into fire ranging from small arms to large AAA, and many of them died but they did the job that has to be done with valor. Air America also had some of the most gutsy pilots flying rescue missions as well, often going in to rescue a Raven when the USAF choppers begged off because of enemy fire.
I'd love to meet some of these guys at their annual reunions.
I hope that someone makes a movie about these guys because their story needs to get out. The Ravens ROCK!

"The Ravens" is a fast-reading, fascinating, pedal-to-the-metal account of the young airforce pilots who were forward air controllers in Laos assisting the Hmong army that fought on the side of the United States. The Ravens flew tinny obsolete planes in a war that never really happened if one is to believe the official histories. There were about one hundred of them during the course of the war and they were a bold, brave, and wildly individualistic group. A goodly number came home in pieces or in body bags.

One of the Ravens set a record for crashing or being shot down eleven times -- but he pointed out that all eleven planes he crashed weren't worth the price of one fighter jet. There are amazing characters scattered all though this Land of Oz story. One Hmong pilot is estimated to have flown the incredible total of 5,000 missions before the fates caught up with him. General Vang Pao of the Hmong presides over the Ravens and he, like Afghan warlord Ahmad Shah Massoud, is a character of legend.

The author focuses on about a dozen of the Ravens and the bulk of the book concerns their exploits in the air supporting the Hmong army and leading American bombers and fighters to targets. There is also much here of the stupidity of the American military machine and the REMF's -- look up that acronym in the book if you aren't familiar with it -- that were a burden to the men on the front lines. The tale of Laos and the secret war is an epic of derring-do, tragedy, and abandonment. "The Ravens" tells one important chapter in the story.

Smallchief

Hard to put this book down. Who were these mysterious folks who wore cut-off jeans, cowboy hats, and sunglasses? A very interesting documentary about this secret operation. If a pilot was shot down they were to take shellfish poison and commit suicide, because officially, they didn't exist. What country is the most-bombed per capita in history of the world? Vietnam? No, Laos. There are frequent insights and descriptions into the personalities of this small group of daring people who took part in this widely unknown conflict and series of secret missions. It lasted 10 years. Military terminology, procedures, strategies, and informalities (the way things got done), are explained well in this book. The personalities, internal politics and military strategies within Laos of the U.S. military and political bureaucracy, and Viet Minh, are broken down in an easy-to-read and free-flowing way, that makes it interesting and enjoyable for the reader. Some battles were examined that most of the American public is still not aware of today.

There is a lot of information and real-life examples about endless catch-22-like SOPs and regulations that bound those who served in the Vietnam and the "other theater," (Laos).

Common expressions explained throughout the book explain what it meant when someone "went bamboo," or took a hit from the "golden BB." What is a "FAC" or a "REMF." Vets will be impressed when a civilian mentions these acronyms.

Like in Vietnam, the American military bureaucrats (suits) in downtown Vientiene offices were unaware and out-of-touch, yet, they were the ones creating and enforcing the rules and regulations, but not participating in the conflict. Therefore, they really didn't know what was going, and couldn't relate to the folks who put their life on the line every time they hopped in their officially non-existent jalopy. What is it like to realistically know that today may be your last day? Every day?

The picturesque and mystical description of Laos and its' people make one want to go there and see it for their own eyes. Thoses interested in history, foreign policy, and South East Asia in general will learn from and enjoy this book, which should be more well-known.

I bought this book about 4yrs ago and read it to my kids ever since.....My children love this book and are now reading it to me. We have even laid outside and counted the stars ourselves...

My mom knows the author and he gave it to me. He even autographed it for me. I read it over and over and can imagine I am one of the cousins. I always wanted a sister or girl cousin my age. It would be really fun to try to count all the stars at night and lay there looking up and just having fun like the girls in the book. I really like it and would recommend it to my friends.

Very delightful book. The quality, from the illustrations to the storyline, is first-class. A must reading for children.

Jane and her cousin Madison are two young girls who embark on a backyard adventure as they try to answer the night sky's greatest challenge -- numbering the stars in the sky. Karen Fulton's artwork fully complements Marky Allen's gentle and entertaining picturebook story. There Are 508 Stars In The Sky is enthusiastically recommended reading for any child who has ever gazed with wonder at the stars in the heavens and wondered the same thing as Jane and Madison!

I read this book and could not put it down. The rhythm and rhyme reminds of DR Seuss Marky Allen is a new DR. Seuss! The words in the book are very easy to understand. This is a book for a child who is learning to read. He or she will be able to read the book alone and understand it easily. The book shows that children have amazing fantacy and they can do anything such as count the stars in the sky. The pictures are happy and bright. As a teacher this is a book I will highly recomend to parents. This is also a book for children who find reading hard, the fantacy in this book will make them keep on reading. Finally this is a book for children with learning disabilities the combination that it is easy to understand with the bright pictures and colors will make the children to use their imagination and fantacy and teach them an excellent habit. The habit to read.

While the loss of both legs gets your attention, the way Allen has chosen to live his life since is the real story, making him a true American Hero. This book illistrates his courage and struggles openly as he shares the unabashed truth of his entire life with no holds barred.
I had the rare privledge of introducing Allen to a group of 200 stout hearted men where he highlighted his book "Wounded Soldier, Healing Warrior". He was an inspiration for all in attendance who learned he is indeed a healing warrior and patriot.
You are in for a real treat... an inspiring, must read.

I've had the privilege of knowing Allen and his family for some years. While I knew the stories behind his long and fruitful journey, in reading this book, I was still moved by the intensity of the pain that he met head on with steady determination. His testiment to Christ is clear. For those who will come to know him through this wondrerful book, his capacity to place himself in others' thoughts, sentiments and needs is also clear. So too is his wit throughout it all. Read this book for the journey to the sure, certain peace that we all seek. While his journey is unique, as is all of ours, his approach and commitment to the journey through his embrace of God and fellow man is universal. Allen's story is for the ages.

I read this book at a very important time in my life, when I needed to learn from a man of courage, faith, and selflessness. Allen Clark is all that, and this book moved me greatly. His open heart, quick wit, and trust in the Lord will inspire all who read it. It's not a book about Vietnam. It's a book about a man's journey through life under extraordinary circumstances who is lifted up by his faith and becomes a disciple we should all emulate.

Allen's book tells the story of a remarkable journey taken by an even more remarkable man. In the face of adversity, he summons the courage to face each situation head on, learns from it, strengthens his faith, and moves on to the next challenge. I highly recommend this book.

Allen Clark's book is a very poignant and compelling recounting of an American patriot's answering his country's call to arms. Set during the timultuous 60's when America was mired in those unpopular and far-off jungles and ricepaddies known as Vietnam, "Wounded Soldier, Healing Warrior" tells the story of a scrapy Texas kid who yearned to get into the Military Academy at West Point, how he graduated and became an elite Combat Special Forces Officer and then volunteered to go into battle overseas; how he was wounded and knocked down by the enemy and then how he was picked back up and learned to walk yet once again via the Guiding Hand of GOD. This is indeed a timeless story of one soldier's ability to triumph and overcome some of the most haunting and hurtful exeriences of war; A war fought first against the enemy without and then fought again against the enemy within. As a Vietnam veteran who knows both Allen Clark and some of the soldiers mentioned herein, I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who may need to encounter firsthand the very essence of HOPE, COURAGE, FAITH and LOVE.

Andrew Griffiths has written another classic. There are so many simple ideas (actually over 101!!) that will make a difference to my business.

I enjoy Griffiths writing style - he speaks with experience but doesnt talk down to you.

This book deserves a home in every small business owners library

Great for my business, these marketing ideas have helped me set up new ways of building my coaching and training business internationally! Loads of information, easy to read and great examples make this book a MUST for all small business owners!

This book is a simple, thorough, engaging manual of methods people can easily apply immediately to market their business. What I most appreciate are the many unusual ideas - and the passion Griffiths uses as he makes suggestions to the reader.

He has a very engaging, friendly style which any reader would enjoy - it is as if he is sitting beside you, cheering your efforts.

This is one of those books that belongs on the shelf of any business. Those with a limited marketing budget or a SOHO will find it especially helpful.

If you can't get advice from this book - you are not trying! An easy to read guide to marketing - logicial, practical - a common sense guide which can be applied to any business, anywhere. THis book, along with Andrew's other guides to business are written to genuinely help you - not to dewilder you. You never feel as though you are being spoken down to - rather you feel as though these steps are so easy, logical and cost effective they have to work. Highly recommended and congratulations Andrew.

"101 Ways to Market Your Business" by Andrew Griffiths is a sensational tool for any small business owner. It's simple to read and the ideas are easy to implement and best of all, don't cost a great deal of money. As a marketing manager for a shopping centre, we find business owners often need inspiration - and something that will help get them back on track. We buy this book in bulk and hand it out to those who need it - and it's great to see them implement the ideas and to see their businesses ultimately improve.

I always wanted to read Hegel, but I didn't know where to begin. Then one day I picked up Dr. Fox's book. The book is wonderful. It helped put Hegel and his ideas in perspective. Now I have a certain confidence when I read Hegel himself. I still use the book for reference, as well. So if you are looking for a book to understand Hegel's thoughts this is a great place to begin!

This book avoids superficiality and goes to the heart of Hegel's thought, but remains highly readable. It is sympathetic to his project without being uncritical. If you think Hegel is important but are wondering where to start in understanding him, this book is for you. More experienced scholars may also benefit from some of its insights.

What has already been said by the other reviewers I can only emphasize. Fox does a tremendous job of retaining the integrity of Hegel's philosophy while making it understandable to those who find him difficult. This book comes highly recommended for long time readers of Hegel and those who have just begun.

If you have had brief encounters with Hegel and feel compelled to read more deeply this provides a truly accessible, and at the same time authoritative, account of Hegel's more important ideas. It is very readable but also captures the complexity found in Hegel's wide-ranging system of thought. This book is ideal for anyone requiring a painless introduction, or reintroduction, to Hegelian philosophy. It is a short book that achieves much, and it is an important reminder of why Hegel remains a towering figure in modern thought.

Hegel is difficult, but this book is a pleasure. Writing truly in an accessible manner, Michael Fox has provided a valuable text for the general reader interested in this important philosopher, as well as students needing assistance with their reading and research.

I first read about this book in the New York Times. I went to Amazon and ordered it. It's an amazing work of fiction. Even more than that it's a real inside look at addiction, and the addiction crazed world of gambling. If there's one novel you should read this summer this it.

Preston has done it again. This guy keeps pumping out good books like Florida gives us sunshine and babes on the beach. I read this book in less than 48 hours, the story was very entertaining and easy to read, yet very deep and raw. I like his style, I like how he brings you around and delivers the punches when you least expect it. I love Grisham and Preston had a style that reminds me of him.
Thanks Preston...keep them coming.

Roger Pereira

This book is in my top 3 for stories about compulsive gambling. The other two are "Nicotine Dreams" and "Stung". I really enjoy reading about people with gambling addictions and these are 3 books in which the addiction rings true. Thanks for the great story. Loved the writing style.

What Fyodor Dostoevsky did for The Gambler over a hundred years ago, Preston Allen does for his bus driver "P" in All Or Nothing. A degenerate gambling addict on a losing streak, "P" will do anything for the big win, believing that one vast win will save him. He gets that win, and many more, and along the way you meet all different types of gamblers. Allen proves that this addiction crosses all barriers and does not discriminate on race, ethnicity, sex, age, or class line. Anyone can be taken prisoner and held hostage by this addiction, and intellect has nothing to do with it. "P" is a lovable, warm, and generous guy, and you are rooting for him all the way, but in the end, Allen proves that no matter what the stakes are, no matter how much you win....it is never enough. A fascinating, heartbreaking, beautifully written "must read" for anyone interested in the topic of gambling, or gambling addiction.

No Shame in His Game...

All or Nothing by Preston L. Allen is a gambler's confessional. I have read many books about gambling, but have never read anything that felt as personal as this book. Many times I gasped as I read to what lengths a gambler would go to chase his or her addiction. P is a married man with a family, a bus driver by profession and a gambler by addiction. There seems to be nothing in the world he loves more than gambling. Be it the lottery scratch-off tickets, slot machines or Vegas Casinos. P places nothing before the game.

Preston L. Allen goes below the surface with his tight prose and personal insight throughout the novel. There are times when it feels as if all he is going to write about is a game, then he will hit you with a choice P made in regards to his gambling and you are left stunned. In one passage, when P discusses what he did after the death of his son, it is absolutely amazing. Reading how he would win tens of thousands of dollars and almost immediately gamble it away will have you feeling his pain. The reader will also ache for his family who had so much faith in him and was often unaware of how much he was actually losing. All or Nothing is a true gambling expose'.

I recommend this book to anyone interested in a novel on a gambler's mindset or anyone who enjoys a well-written, thought-provoking novel.

Angelia Menchan
APOOO BookClub

I first read this book 4 years ago and keep it on my bedside table, having marked important pages over and over again. I have read the greats: from Augustine and Aquinas to T.Merton, C.S. Lewis and Chesterton and never before have I seen so many truths written so simply and yet elegantly. It is Biblicly based and is apropos for giving Christians of any age comfort and help in living in today's world.

I was amazed when my twin sister gave me this book which belonged to my mom over 45 years ago. In the book was her own higlighted parts that she found worth marking. Well I sort of gave up on religion and organized religion due to various personal reasons. I began reading the book about 2 months ago. It is only 127 pages long. It has literally changed my life and brought me back to a realtionship with our heavenly Father. It is simple to read and I promise you will not be dissapointed if you purchase this book. I have now bought 4 used versions for friends of mine and they absolutely have agreed with me on its simplicity to read and apply the teachings within the book. Please read it and may you get blessed as I have from the words within the book.

Sincerely,

Dr. Richard D. Golden

Believe it or not, I bought this book back in the early 1970's and have just now gotten around to reading it. It contains an amazing insight on how to pray to God. It has already changed the way I pray and I feel it will produce fruit in my spiritual life. The book is only 128 pages long, divided into 24 chapters. It is a very smooth read and is easy to put down & pick right back up again. A person could easily read it like a daily devotional if they chose to. Charles Allen truly had an insight and Christian faith that we can all benefit from. (next I plan on reading his autobiography) I highly recommend this book...though written years ago, it is very relevant for any one today.

I first bought this book about 6 years ago when I was really emotional down because.... I am still working on the pratice of praying but it has truly enlightened my outlook of my life and everyday situations that we just make problematic that may not be. I have given away over ten copies or more and will be buying more for gifts to my friends

This is really a must read for those who want to know more about prayers. It is up to the point and clear. I have learned a lot from it. It is also very uplifting.

Wonderful, thought-provoking book. The info on the author on the dust jacket is a valuable addition.

As a man thinketh is one of those rare books that are timeless. This is one of the most important books in my library, I read it daily. It's easy to read and understand, a must have for those looking for improvement in life.

This book has been around a long time. This is a classic book that explains how our thinking creates our reality. Just change your thinking if you want to be a different person, create better health, create wealth, create greatness. It will inspire you and help you understand that most of our shortcomings are our own thinking.

This is an excellent book. I was given this book by my father at a very young age and it has helped to form my view of the world and how it works. Although dated in some aspects, if you read it from the perspective of "what rings true for me" and take that with you it will serve you well.

This is one of my favorite books and it has been a tremendous influence in
my life. I have read it many times and it is fresh and life changing each time I pick it up to read again. I have given it as a gift many times.