Anderson Books

Not earth-shattering or impressive, still this collection of stories written by President Ronald Reagan is a worthwhile glimpse into the thinking of our former president. Each story is brief, a format that lends itself well to a person whose habit is to read a book little bits at a time due to a busy schedule. I found the stories insightful and well done, further demonstrating to me the depth and integrity of someone I've admired for many years.

For the most part, this little book consists of brief, non-political, stories written by Ronald Reagan for delivery on his five minute radio program in the 1970's. Some are his own. Others are based on stories which he had read or heard and which apparently touched him in some way and which he felt were worthy of repeating to a broader audience. My expectations weren't very high when I began reading the book; probably because there have just been too many such books compiled in recent years. If I'd noticed that the book was produced by the same people who earlier produced "Reagan, In His Own Hand..." they wouldn't have been quite so low.

In any case, this small book exceeded my expectations. Taken separately, its stories are quite topical and quite interesting. Taken together, they tell us a little bit more about our 40th president and it becomes clearer than ever that he was not only a great president and a great human being but also a master story teller. In my view, this book should be of interest to anyone who is interested in Ronald Reagan as well as those who simply appreciate a good story well told.

On Sept. 20, 1983 during my freshman year at the University of South Carolina, RR came to speak. When some students of the far left heckled him, he replied "Is there an echo out there?" and disarmed them. He also entertained the crowd with folksy anecdotes of his days at Eureka College that we as students could identify with. Most of the students (myself included) who disagreed with many of his policies and would never vote for him in susequent elections agreed that RR had a gift with a story and with an audience.

This is the RR that appears in this book. These are the folksy anecdotes that he shared mostly with radio audiences and a few are from his presidential days and some go as far back as his newspaper columns in the 1930s. Much of this makes for good light reading, such as his impressions of hollywood in the 30s and his joy of his parents coming out for a visit, the tale of his hosting a black fellow athlete at his home when a hotel refused to house him, and of the girl who braved a crowd of student demonstrators to shake his hand, as ell as his observations on death.

Unlike some other compliations of RR's writings, tales such as these transcend political opinion. This would make good bedside reading or on a short flight.

If you appreciate Ronald Reagan, you will LOVE this book! If you ever felt you'd like to know him better -- read this book! His stories and examples are right to the point. His title, The Great Communicator, is well deserved!

This is a compilation of transcripts of Ronald Reagan's radio talk-show from the late 1970's. Reagan always loved to use stories to communicate ideas and give advice, and this collection is replete with perfect examples of that. I believe that the four components of leadership are:

1) A clear vision of a better future; 2) The ability to communicate that vision; 3) The ability to get others to want to listen to your ideas and to believe you; 4) The ability to translate your vision into action

Whatever you might think of Reagan's vision for America or of the actions he took, this book shows us how he excelled at communicating his vision and pulling people into it. He was not called "The Great Communicator" without reason, and this book shows you that reason clearly. This is a treasure for Reagan fans, and for anyone who wants ideas on how to be more charismatic.

The Surfer Spirit is a therapeutic and philosophical journey with nature as healer and instiller of true values. It is an exquisite experience of being with the ocean with all its moods and majesty and inspires peace, awe and connection to spirit. For all, including those who have drifted from their true nature, it is a happy homecoming.

Sundae Merrick, Author of "Divine Reason & Rhyme, Access Higher Guidance and Nature's
Wisdom"

Great insights for anyone on water or land, on a board or in a board room. This book beautifully illustrates the surfer spirit that's transferable to the challenges and unpredictability of one's day and encourages us to live in the moment and celebrate life.

Soul surfers unite! At last, an inspirational book of oceanic depth that directly connects our humanity to the mystery of the sea. Gorgeous photography perfectly matched with minimal zen copy. Made this old weekend warrior dig out the tanker and get back in the line-up. Get this book and get out there... who feels it knows it!

Why do we surf? How about asking why do we breathe? The Surfer Spirit captures the very essence of the spirit of surfing because it reminds us of the universal spirit in each one of us. Surfing is connection with our innermost pre-terrestrial aquatic beginnings in the ocean. We are blissed out and humbled at the same time. This book will inspire you and make you feel lucky to experience our human existance.

"I want to remind people of the power they have when they tap into their passion, and feed and nurture their unique spirit." ~ Cynthia Derosier

With page after page of shimmering liquid playgrounds, "The Surfer Spirit" invites you into a world of surfer meditations to convey insights born of a love of surfing. This is a book for surfers and non-surfers because the message helps to build self-esteem and leads the reader back to a deeper understanding of their true self.

Cynthia Desroisier is a surfer who sees a connection between surfing and the choices we make in our daily life. As she says: "I rise to life's challenges." With Co-Writer, Tim Anderson, she also writes with a sense of poetic perfection when she explains the spiritual aspect of surfing:

"We who surf
Live life out
Breathe life in
And pray in our own way

Our boards and bodies are
instruments improvising
The sweet songs of our souls."

The photography in "The Surfer Spirit" is especially fascinating and beautiful. The images truly capture the excitement of surfing and Jeff Devine and John Bilderback's photographs are spectacular with a sparkling crystalline beauty.

A Surf Safari to Iceland, World Surfing in Indonesia, Pipelines in Hawaii and Beach Haven, New Jersey are all featured. Beaches of lavender waves rolling into shore contrast with a calm azure stillness.

Cynthia Derosier's professional skills as an art director and designer are evident throughout this beautiful surfing experience. The cover is made with a natural-colored canvas material and the pages are all printed with environmentally friendly soy-based inks. The high quality art paper and a ribbon bookmark make this a perfect gift.

A portion of the proceeds from this book also go to The Surfrider Foundation to encourage care for the ocean environment. The Surfrider Foundation also incorporates the lessons from this book into a program to teach surfing, ocean ecology and water safety.

Highly recommended as a book to treasure!

~The Rebecca Review

This is a wonderful cookbook. I've made 4 recipies from it that were absolutely outstanding. One recipe in particular...the spanish rice is above and beyond. I think it's because neither me or my husband are big fans of spanish rice and I made it on a whim. It's so good that he's asked for it a couple of times since I made it.
Pictures are wonderful and because I am a Texan I am very pleased with the fact that it's written by someone who has lived here for a long time the recipies are exactly the kinds of things that we would eat.....
I've recommended the book to friends and even bought another one for a gift.

NPSBookie order # 464878 One book, TEXAS ON THE PLATE arrived in a tiemly fshion. However, the spine was broken, and prompt communications from NPSBookie offered a refund since they had no other copy for exchange. I countered with request for a discount. They agreed to a $3.00 discount, and I accepted since I could use the book personally rather than gift as I had anticipated.

The recipes are wonderful and the book itself full of gorgeous photos, drawings and, in general, just wonderfully produced. I'm buying several for Christmas gifts for out-of-state relatives and friends. I'm new to the state and this is a fabulous introduction to the food and customs.

Definitely goes "beyond bbq and chili" to wonderful fusion of the traditional and the most up-to-date. You will not be sorry you bought this.

This is a beautiful cookbook! Even if you have lived in Texas your whole life, you will see places you haven't glimpsed. Having been born in Texas and raised on the variety of foods available here, I love how these recipes take it to a higher level. The recipes are perfect...though not always easy, they are always worthy of the effort. I made the cover dish first thing and got raves from all who ate it. I love the way she pairs the Texas wines with each meal. And she tells so much about Texas...research well done!

Terry Thompson-Anderson has produced a marvelous collection of Texas recipes, beautiful photos of food and scenery from around the Lone Star state, and a wonderful contribution to the exciting new Texas cuisine that is sweeping the southwest and beyond. As a native Texan I found the book not only a delight to the eyes, but a wondrous and far-ranging assortment of recipes with ingredients and influences from all over the state. Of special note are such heady entrees as the "Slow-Smoked Quail on Savory Bread Pudding withThree-Chili Sauce" (using Scamorza Cheese from the Mozzarella Company in Dallas) and the "Grilled Medallions of Venison Backstrap with Ancho Chili and Honey Sauce" - fabulous! Throughout there are wine recommendations from the growing number of Texas wineries; definitions of cooking terms and ingredients; and a "Texas Cook's Pantry" telling where to find hard-to-get ingredients. Texas on the Plate is a delight to use and a pleasure to read.

The story is touching and the illustrations are haunting. The ethos of the old man, to make something out of seemingly nothing, is a wonderful trait that many would be lucky to emulate. The language is poetic and the artwork striking. I would recommend this book to be part of any school library collection for its content, language, images and message.

I was drawn into this book the first time by the beautifully intricate illustrations. It has a dark, lonely feel to it, and reminds me somewhat of Maurice Sendak's work (especially the work of Dear Mili). On a second read, I enjoyed how the text is spare and achingly poetic. It's just a gorgeous, gorgeous book.

I used this book in a 3rd grade class as the last lesson in a rainforest unit and it worked wonderfully well. After reading the story, the students loved doing a picture walk of the beautiful illustrations and noticed many interesting things about them not obvious from the first perusal.

The Tin Forest is recommended for readers from 4-8, but this book, to me, is a wonderful book for all ages. The story teaches the lesson of hanging onto one's dream, of not letting it go, of nourishing it, tending to it, until it indeed sprouts leaves and blossoms into a life of its own. The old man constantly held onto his dream, and never gave up what he wanted to achieve. He had hope and that hope spurred him on. The forest he constantly dreamed of became a reality.

He lived in forgotten place, where he was surrounded by trash and objects that others once wanted, but no longer did. He tirelessly cleared away the trash, organized it, and dreamed at night of his forest with wild animals and lush flowers. One day, the idea came to him of making his own forest, if one was not going to spout up amidst all of the garbage. He made a forest of "things", a forest of tin, fashioned only after his own imagination and the books he devoured each night. He made trees, and flowers, and plants and the wild creatures that would inhabit his forest. Then one day, a visitor arrived in the form of a colorful bird, eating the crumbs the old man gave him, and singing his thanks back to the man. Sadly, the bird left the next morning, which left the old man very lonely.

Yet, the next day, the old man awoke to the melody of his visitor and his mate. They brought seeds to plant and decided to make their home here, in the tin forest. Soon, green shoots sprouted, flowers bloomed and various wild animals came to the forest to make their home. . . . "And in the house lived an old man who never stopped dreaming."

This book is just precious and the illustrations are just as wonderful and precious. I absolutely LOVED this book! A wonderful tale of teaching children that nothing is beyond their grasp.

"There was once a wide, windswept place . . . . but where there is a dream, hope can grow."

"There was once a wide, windswept place near nowhere and close to forgotten, that was filled with all the things that no one wanted. Right in the middle was a small house, with small windows, that looked out on other people's garbage and bad weather. In the house lived an old man..." The old man had a big dream. Every night when he went to bed, he dreamed he lived in a lush, wonderful forest, full of exotic plants, flowers, and trees, wild animals, and beautiful birds. But each morning when he woke up, nothing had changed. Then one day he noticed a broken light fixture, and realized how much it looked like a flower, and an idea began to bloom. Soon all the trash, garbage, and bent metal pieces began to take shape as the old man created his own "tin forest", just the way he remembered it in his mind. And then one day, a beautiful bird landed on one of his tin branches..... Helen Ward and Wayne Anderson have authored an engaging and whimsical story, with a gentle message, that won't be lost on young readers. Ms Ward's simple, lyrical, yet eloquent text is full of imagery and magic, and beautifully complemented by Mr Anderson's evocative and detailed artwork that blooms from dull sad grays to vibrant gold and warm, joyful colors. Together word and art will send little imaginations soaring as the old man's dream becomes real. Perfect for youngsters 4-8, The Tin Forest is a masterpiece to treasure and share, and a reminder that with imagination and hope, all your dreams can come true.

I really enjoyed reading To Catch A Fallen Star. It was so easy to read and such an inspiration. I read this book in two days. It was such a refreshing change from other books I have read. I look forward to reading June's next book.

This book is a great read for non-christian and christian alike. We all face difficulties in our lives and this book shows by example the value of living our faith. I was able to identify with many of the characters and could not wait until the next chapter to see what would happen.

I really liked the southern setting; it allowed me to easily identify with the characters. If had not known better, I would think this book was based in my home town featuring people that I know.

June definitely got it right. I used this book for my daily devotional because of the scripture references. I am now looking forward to another book, hopefully in this series.

God bless you.

All of my favorites--inspirational, funny and Southern! Great book, quick read--couldn't put it down. The ending surely will lead to the next book. God is certainly using author as a vessel to spread the Word. Great job!

This is a fun book to read and a book that makes you feel good. It will challenge readers to reflect on their faith and how it fits into their everyday life.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It's very easy reading. I think I read it in about three evenings. The author did a great job making the characters believable, the flow of the story was good and the descriptions of the venues, etc were vivid. I think this author has a great career ahead of her. I'm looking forward to reading more from her. This book also reminded me of how easy it really is to share the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. I pray that this book falls into the hands of all who may need to be reminded of or who need to know for the first time of the love of our Lord.

Having done retreats with the author, I thoroughly enjoyed having these printed words to read or re read at my own pace. Reb is a teacher and master with few peers; his command of the dharma and penetrating insights never fail to amaze this listener. This text may not be for someone completely new to the practice. We're all beginners, but if you've sat for a while and done a sesshin or two, this is a terrific book.

I want to caution that this book is not exactly easy. It requires a little deep reading and thinking and it's not a beginner's book. It's a real help however to ordinary people like myself who live in the suburbs and try to practice Buddhism. Even though the author seems to have been a monk most of his life. The reason it is a help is that it presents an American background and understanding to the teachings of Suzuki Roshi (Zen Mind Beginner's Mind) which are often sort of alien and incomprehensible in the original. The book is also very warm like the smiles. To get some more insight into the title, you might want to check out Gary Snyder's Cold Mountain Poems, or the Burton Watson translation of Cold Mountain (Chinese Zen Poet Han Shan).

I would like to start off by saying that you must read this book. Anyone who practices meditation will find this book rewarding--both seasoned practitioners and newcomers to the Buddhist path. The author has a special gift for relating the insights of traditional Zen teaching stories in a refreshingly contemporary manner. I felt like I was actually at the retreats as I read the stories. As mentioned elsewhere; Anderson, who teaches in the tradition of the great Zen master Suzuki Roshi, shows himself to be a worthy inheritor of this lineage and a powerful teacher in his own right.

Book Review: Warm Smiles from Cold Mountains, Dharma Talks on Zen Meditation by Reb Anderson

Have you ever wondered why so many Westerners are getting involved with the many facets of Buddhism? Have you ever wondered what's so different about it? Warm Smiles from Cold Mountains is a book that answers these questions in an easy to understand simplistic way. Through stories and his personal experiences, Reb Anderson gives us an opportunity to look at our journey with fresh eyes and different awarenesses. Warm Smiles is filled with deep appreciation for daily intentional living and being in each moment as it arrives.

Don't try to read this book like a novel; there's just too much there to ponder and you'll miss a great deal if you do. I believe you'll read it through once, perhaps twice then keep it handy for day to day use. One thing I do with inspirational books is to keep them next to my favorite chair and periodically just open to any page and read whatever is there. Often, if there's something troubling my mind or I'm attempting to sort out an issue, I'll just open to a page in a book of this type. As I read that page, I'll usually relax a bit, pay great attention to what I opened to and discover that all is solved and answers are given. This is a look into a mirror, take your time, allow it to resonate deep inside your Being, meditate with the pages of this book.

I want to thank Reb for giving me an opportunity to see that Buddhism creates no conflict with anything in my daily personal life or belief systems. I was particularly drawn to Chapter Eight, "Life Is Not Killed." What a delicious way of viewing life. I recommend you check it out for yourself; it truly creates "warm smiles."

Jyoti Hansa, Vermont

There comes a point in some people's lives when they get a sense of their place in the universe. Sometimes it comes mystically, intuitively. Sometimes it comes from an accumulation of scientific data. In either case, it might well be mistaken. But we're building a picture here.

Reb Anderson presents an intuitive view of the universe, largely based on Buddhist tradition. He talks about what sitting (zazen) really is. He talks about the value of studying the paradoxical koans. He does, in fact, bring a broad and ancient tradition into the present. This is always a perplexing perspective, since Buddha himself pointed out that the essential realization would have to come outside of dogma or scripture. Still, if it were'nt for accumulated knowledge, what new would be possible?

For a just-the-facts ma'am approach to both views, you could, maybe should, read this book in conjunction with the recent The Elegant Universe-a popularization of String Theory that threatens at spots to get rather difficult-and you would truly have the Theory of Everything. From physics to zazen, we're looking for a way to adapt, to fit. The more we look, the more we see. It is a large, large universe. Reb Anderson shows us how to deal with it in terms of Zen; he is gentle, insightful, radical, and brilliant.

How do you come back from view of the universe that actually couldn't care less to some sort of ethical system? Why would you need or want to? I think Reb Anderson comes close to making this clear. I think he appreciates how vast the energy is and what kind of liberation is involved. (I don't really think it matters that he is a westerner with a life of Zen behind him.) As a starting point a reader might consider Anderson's statement: "I put quite a bit of effort into order, and I try to put almost no effort into control."

Joan Anderson shares her wealth of experiences to gain a different lifestyle for one's self.
The book provides many useful stages to work through that sets your life into a pathway that pleases yourself and breaking away from being a people pleaser & forgetting what one's own dreams are.
The book does this in a pleasing gentle way & it is also where many woman are after family have grown & one's life's work seems to be over but we ask what now ...
Loved A Year by The Sea by the same author.

Women have had it especially hard for many centuries. Only in the last 100 years in North America have we been able to be ourselves. However, through social dictation ... women fall prey to living for others. This is a fascinating account of how to bring back one's self after many years of being lost in others' agendas.

Joan Anderson, the gifted author of "A year by the sea" and "A walk on the beach" has written yet another book that speaks to the heart and soul of every woman who has reached a crossroads in her life.

This book is an outline of her weekend retreats at Cape Cod. In it she shares not only her program and thoughts, but also the experiences of participants and exercises that the reader can do at home. The exercises are more than thought provoking (never ending crossroads), revealing (the calendar exercise), and renewing (The self and others circle). They are indeed the road map back to your true and authentic self.

If you have gone through a divorce, death, loss of job, empty nest, or are just wondering 'what next?' this book is an invaluable compass to aid you in seeing options and new directions. To quote her dear friend Joan Erickson, "We do not receive wisdom - we discover it for ourselves after a journey through the wilderness."

Joan Anderson does not seek to give you the answers, but to help you discover the questions within yourself. Her writing is encouraging, honest and perhaps most important, heartfelt. You can't go wrong buying this book for yourself or as a gift for a friend.

I'm not a big fan of self-help books and am pretty cautious in my response to readings like this. A Weekend to Change Your Life, however is one of the true exceptions I've had the pleasure to read. The author is not preaching or in any way a know-it-all but she challenges very basic feelings and emotions in each and every person, whether we admit to them or not. And in going thru her exercises we are drawn into trying her suggestions and digging deep into our souls to see why we do so many of the things we do. The author has deep, deep respect for the uniqueness and value of every emotion and individual. She doesn't judge or ever try to criticize or downgrade. She teaches us acceptance and deeper understanding of whatever is causing our innermost private thoughts and feelings. It's truly a treasure and one that I highly recommend for every woman, no matter how old. I readily admit that one of the feelings I deal with most often is that "I'm too old; I'm 73 years old; I'd like to do this or that, but I don't have enough time left to start now, etc." Nonsense! Joan Anderson has prompted me to try, even at this ripe old age to at the very least try and to live each day left to maximum fullillment and satisfaction. !

It is a sad reality that so many people have their identities molded by the wants and needs of others. And I think that few would dispute that this is more likely to happen to women. There are powerful social and perhaps biological reasons why this might be. But the important point is that there are millions of people who are not fulfilling their potential. And there are many men who are stuck in the same bind.

We are all combinations not just of male and female biology but also of a set of identities that together form our sense of self. There is very good evidence that the female sense of self is closely related to her relationships, while the male sense of self is usually more closely linked to achievement. Though there are clearly personal and cultural variations, the implication is that most men and most women will likely find different techniques of healing and integration to be effective for each of them.

This is a terrific book in which Joan Anderson shares some of the exercises and activities that she has developed to encourage change and growth. One of her models is based on the work of the German-born psychoanalyst Erik Erikson, who delineated eight stages of life from infancy to old age. Joan suggests listing the gains and losses from each phase in order to help us identify our personal strengths. This is a fine example of drawing strength from the natural reversals that we all experience and using them to develop resilience. She also guides us to other exercises and techniques that make very good sense, and some of which I've found very useful, despite having a Y-chromosome!

So while designed to help women, this is also a book for men who want or need to learn more about their feminine nature, and who care about the women in their lives.

This is a book that is practical, wise and compassionate.

Highly recommended.


Richard G. Petty, MD, author of Healing, Meaning and Purpose: The Magical Power of the Emerging Laws of Life

As a retired HR exec I frequently assist friends and relatives with their resumes and the job hunting process. This book has been a staple for me and those I help for many years. I first found it when my own company was bought out and I was laid off. It helped me and is full of wonderful advice that is useful for any job hunter. Absolutely the first book I recommend to people who are looking for job hunting help. I bought this copy because I wanted to make sure I had a spare copy in case the one that I lend out all the time fails to come home someday!

This is an excellent book. Together with other books, this is what is needed in a job search. The author has done a great job in pulling together the elements which spell success in the quest for employment. I recommend it.

Wayne D. Ford, Ph.D., author of "The Accelerated Job Search" docwifford@msn.com

When I was out of work, and wanting to make a career change, I went to the library and, literally, checked out a three foot stack of resume and cover letter books.

I sat them next to my couch, got a glass of iced tea and went to work perusing the pages. Right away it was evident that, for the most part, the only thing different about these how to tomes was their cover. Inside was the same tired advice and the same over used examples of resumes and cover letters.

Guess what? As an employee candidate your job is to stand out from the crowd, not blend in with it.

I had just about given up on my reading (and was getting more depressed by the minute) when I came across "Who's Hiring Who?" I could tell right away that it was different, the question was, would I have the guts to run free, as the book encouraged, or would I continue to run with the herd?

When I read "Who's Hiring Who" I was three months into a job search. After this much time spent looking for work (and I was at it 12 hours a day!) I told myself that my resume, which took form based upon a lot of the ancient advice in the mainstream resume books, wasn't working and I wasn't going to lose anything by trying the advice in "Who's Hiring Who?"

It took me a week to read the book, really think about the suggestions it made, and then distill it's principles into my new QUALIFICAITONS BRIEF. No more resumes! Other no mores? No more worrying about a spotty work history. No more worrying about an incomplete (that means little or no college) education. The book tells you the best ways to accentuate the positive and marginalize the negative.

Within two weeks I had several job offers on the table. Within a month I had done more than get a job, I had successfully changed careers and was working for a hot software company with benefits out the wazoo and a pay rate higher than I'd hoped for!

(Since then I've read Tom Peter's book, "Circle of Innovation" (I think that was the book), which, when talking about resumes says who cares about education, companies want to know what you've done. What have your successes been? This is one thing "Who's Hiring Who?" focuses on.)

My advice to you? Buy the book, follow its advice and have the guts to change!

I bought this book a few years ago, right before I moved to a new city. I have to say it is one of the BEST books, if not THE best book available for writing that all-important resume. Contrary to the individual who said it needed updated due to resumes being entered and searched via a database, I think the book is just fine as it is. This book does NOT tell you how to write a traditional resume, which is probably why the reviewer didn't think it worked and needed updated for database search...it isn't formatted like the online resume searches. However, it does instruct the reader on how to write something even better: a Qualifications Brief. A resume and a qualifications brief are similar and are meant to do the same things, but whereas a resume describes a persons past positions and his or her responsibilities, a QB describes the actual QUALIFICATIONS the person has that makes him or her the right candidate for the specific job for which he or she is applying. That makes all the difference to the employer, who gathers his or her important first impression of the applicant from the submitted dull resume or uniquely different QB. I know from personal experience: I sent out two QBs after I moved and I got call-backs for BOTH submissions. I'm currently in my 5th year of employment for one of them. I also wrote a QB up for a friend of mine and she too got hired within days of sending it out. Neither of us have ever had such prompt responses when sending out a normal, traditional resume. My advice: buy this book; it's definitely worth every penny!

I used to think that this was the best resume book on the market. It helps you to understand that a resume should be something carefully crafted and designed with a goal in mind. I'm just not sure how useful it is in 2000. Today your resume is entered into a database and a search is done on key words to find you. This book needs to be updated. The last update was in 1989. A lot has changed in the hiring industry since then. Why has this book not been updated?

Work with Passion is the best book I've read about finding work you love to do. Nancy Anderson writes in a clear, direct style and her wisdom and humor come through in the book. One thing I like is that while I am working on the steps she outlines, she also addresses the fear and anxiety that crop up when I start making changes. I've read other popular books on career help, but this one has the right mix of information, examples, emotional support, and common sense. I recommend it to anyone searching for the right career.

"Do not let mediocre people discourage you," writes Nancy Anderson as she encourages her readers to discover the passion within and apply it to their lives. Such passion will attract other people to you. She notes, "People cooperate with people for mutual gain in a trade-off situation."

On the examined life, she includes an exercise whereby you can write the epitaph for your life. In essence, mine was to live passionately as a steward to Jesus Christ, maximizing the resouces He provided for me to serve as steward over.

She has some insightful things to say about how our work defines us, telling us, "It is through the dignity of the work we do that we achieve self-esteem in life." Anderson is a big advocate of enjoying life's journey, reminding readers that life can be adventurous and provide satisfaction.

Nancy Anderson's unique book, Work with Passion, is unlike anything I've ever read. It's a one-of-a-kind, hands-on, practical approach to getting paid to do what comes naturally to you. This is not a job hunt book. It's about the process that takes you to knowing your life's work, what's enjoyable for you, the job or business that uses all of your talents and skills. Doing this work gives you deep personal satisfaction, and all the money you need.

Work with Passion is different from other career books because it connects the emotional and psychological intricacies of early family life to the subconscious blocks that inhibit personal and financial success. I discovered this connection six years ago after I worked through the exercises in the book. I am still amazed by the transformation and changes that have occurred and are still occurring in my life since then. The process was slow and often painful, but it led me to freedom from the past. I've learned that the journey should be enjoyed because that's how you come to know yourself and what you love. The hardest part was letting go of what's familiar and trusting in the unknown. It's been a struggle to dissolve the myth that work should be drudgery, but three years ago I moved to Madrid, Spain and created my own business doing what I love most, language and communication coaching. The journey and process are still unfolding, but thanks to the work Nancy's book encouraged me to do, I'm at a place in my life that I had only dreamt of when I was younger.

Nancy Anderson doesn't just show you how to find a career you're passionate about she shows you how to find a life you're passionate about!

As I worked my way through my autobiography, and the other enlightening excercises in the book, I watched the hardened exterior of my old life crack and fall away, exposing the shine of a new life as bright as freshly polished silver.

I recommend this book to anyone who is tired of being and working the way others think they "should" and to those who are tired of making excuses for not doing the work they love and living the life they deserve.

Life is precious, live it now. This book will show you how.

This book was the foundation upon which I was able to change my life from that of an frustrated CEO to an independent business woman, wife, mother and friend. Nancy's process uncovered so many "ahh hahhhhh" moments that the dots connected themselves. I found myself breathing deeper, living lighter and seeing a brighter future. All of my relationships have improved -- including the one with myself! It has been three years since I started the my "Work With Passion" journey and my life is amazingly fulfilled. I thank Nancy and her guidance for showing me the way. I now recommend this book to all of my friends. An easy way to find a better life path.

This was an excellent read. Although I really enjoyed Vol. 1, Vol. 2 mainly deals with the All-Star Squadron series, which is the series I read growing up. It was a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes of one of my favorite super-hero teams. Highly recommended.

This book follows up on the All Star Companion, Volume One, and is a collection of articles and recollections of DC's golden age heroes (namely the Justice Society of America, and The All-Star Squadron). There are some unique insights and interesting stories about these classic characters, and the book is filled with some rare and intriguing art. The wrap-around cover by Carlos Pacheco is fantastic.

For me, the most interesting feature was a complete synopsis (issue by issue) of the All-Star Squadron comics, complete with cover reproductions and background notes. There were also supposed to be notes on the Young All-Stars comic, but space constraints pushed this material out of the book (though it will appear in volume three). This is nothing short of a phenomenal read for fans of comicdom's golden age.

Collections strong in comic book artists and art will find this history of the Justice Society of America and friends to be moving: it provides more secrets of the comic characters from the 1940s through the 1980s, surveying major issues and events, providing black and white reproductions of pages, and detailing behind-the-scenes influences on adventures and character appearances. An excellent companion for any who have followed the strip and seek more information on historical progression.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

I have always been a huge fan of the JSA. In my younger days, I collected every issue of All Star Squadron. As I got older and married, I sold my collection to younger enthusiasts. Now, I can revisit my former passion in this book that describes all the issues of All-Star Squadron as well as interesting articles about the history of All-Star Comics and the JSA. If you are interested in greater understanding of the history of JSA, I heartily recommend this book.

If you liked All-Star Companion vol.1, you'll enjoy vol.2. More info on the Justice Society, plus an issue by issue review of The All-Star Squadron. I'm looking forward to vol.3!