Corbin Books

Carolyn Corbin intertwined her future predictions of the 21st Century with leader/worker development to become a viable workforce in the future she predicted. While not outside the realm of common sense, her predictions are still eerily thought-provoking.

This book outlined the five steps to becoming a leader in the 21st Century. In Step One, she discussed assessing one's own leadership effectiveness and compared that to what skills will be needed for the future. She summarized major world changes into four "dynaforces" of the 21st Century...globalization, marketization, informatization, and democratization. Step Two was order the chaos. Many futures books discuss how to adapt to change or how to go with the flow...so I was exceedingly curious what exactly she proposed to "order" this. She thoroughly explained the future factors that will lead to change and chaos, and the more we understand these factors we can pro-actively work to diffuse as many chaotic factors as possible. Step Three provided many examples of blending multiple organizational models of profit, non-profit, government, religious, higher education, and more. She shows the limitless possibilities of applying successful models from organizations that have already dealt with issues to different types of organizations that will be confronting similar issues in the future. Steps Four and Five have to do with the individual-engaging employees on all levels of their person and providing a workforce that fosters their innovation.

She illuminates the skills we can develop today to prepare for tomorrow. Whether intentional or not, her description of the future makes one re-examine everything you think about current leadership training and how it does not adequately prepare employees for what is to come.

Being a retired Nacy Captain, I was asked to speak to Canadian Navy officers on the subject "Leadership in the New Millennium." I am pleased to tell you that the theme of my presentation was from Mrs. Corbin's book, "Great Leaders See The Future First." I found it to be a marvelous reference, and I held up my copy twice during the presentation saying, "If you have time for only one book, consider this one!"

As a result of this presentation, I was approached by the Association of Professional Engineers of Nova Scotia and asked to repeat my presentation at the kick off of National Engineering Week. Again, I referred to Mrs. Corbin's book and urged them to use it."

Carolyn Corbin's: Great Leaders see the Future First: Taking Your Organization to the Top in Five Revolutionary Steps, balances practical how-tos (in just about every paragraph) with great stories. Her bottom line: if you don't change from being what she calls a Level 1 leader (reactionary, always busy, focus on gathering & analyzing information, sacrifice innovation to pursue continuous improvement) you will be obsolete by 2010! To survive you must be moving to Corbin's Level 2 (strategizing, focusing on the whole person, leading at warp speed, improve through innovation).

Most of the book covers a quick way for moving from a level 1 to a level 2 leader by applying the following 5 steps:

1) Orchestrate a 360 degree worldview (use strategies to be "tossed" high in the air to see 5, 10, 25 years into the future)

2) Order the chaos (by controlling it)

3) Use a blend multiple organizational models (like for-profits, nonprofits, universities, military, religious institutions - because one will not longer do)

4) Engage the whole person (meet employee's physical and spiritual needs like day care, elder care, and providing work-place Chaplains)

5) Ignite innovation (via creativity, remove inhibitors, add humor)

You might think that 214 pages would go fast. But the book had an uncanny ability of slowing me down as I focused on my own style of leadership, my own organization's shortcomings. Every page is packed with something to move the reader from Level 1 to Level 2. For example, in the chapter 6 on "The Role of the 21st Century Leader" ideas included crafting an organizational mission statement in 10 (5 is preferable) key words, really listen to workers and act on their requests, understand other cultures, and move from a 20th century leader to a 21st century leader by changing from being:

boss --> coach
authoritarian --> participatory
tough --> tough and tender
informs --> listens
status from position --> status from working harder

Late in the book Corbin asks the reader to spend time going through two self-assessment exercise: 1) exploring your soul and 2) assessing your preferences and core competencies. My only critique of the work is the lack of more of these kinds of reflective exercises earlier in the book.

Although Great Leaders may not be as holistic as Steven Covey's Seven Habits of Highly Effective People which deals more deeply with all aspects of one's personal, business and professional life, I do recommend it for any leader who influences the future of their organization. I recommended it to two of our Human Resources personnel after they gave a "How to Managing Our Institution's Way" seminar.

Dave Harmeyer
Pepperdine University doctoral student (Ed.D. Educational Technology)

1. Synopsis:

Corbin's foresee that by 2010 great leaders must be at what she calls level 2 leaders, and in order to operate at this level these leaders must: Orchestrate a 360 degrees worldview, Order the chaos, blend multiple organizational, engage the whole person, and ignite innovation.

Orchestrate a 360 degree worldview includes two steps:1. Gather organizational intelligence by overcoming worldwide trends that occurs during periods of opportunity (or windows) and foresee the outcome (or issues); and 2. Understand the dyna-forces (interesting concept) created by these worldwide trends that originate systematic change. These dyna-forces are: globalization, marketization, informatization and democratization.

In order to overcome chaos, level 2 leaders need to figure out the root cause of the chaos (changes in speed, changes in rules or changes in structure), be aware of the new century organization models and be prepared for the role of the 21st century leader (level 2).

Level 2 leaders need to foresee the blending of multiple organization models during the next Century, foresee the driving of the 21st Century worker and be aware of the present blending of organizations and the strategies applied to blend those organizations.

Level 2 leaders will need to engage the 21st Century worker as a whole person and not by his/her skills and ignite innovation at any cost.

Corbin foresees a hermaphrodite workplace (androgynous) where man (FINALLY) will learn soft skill (typically considered feminine) by engaging in a spiritual search.

Final Comment:

This last statement along with numerous stereotypes, sexist and deeply Christian religious remarks, casts big doubts about the seriousness of the book. What a shame!

The title of this book should not be taken literally. What Corbin correctly suggests is that the most effective leaders are those who recognize, sooner than anyone else does, certain indicators of what often become emerging trends and perhaps even a new industry. Stated another way, they see the possible (perhaps probable) implications and consequences of events occurring now. I am reminded of countless such situations when someone (later characterized as a "visionary") said something like this: "If we can figure out how to pressurize the cabin, an airplane can transport people as well as cargo." Thus is how entirely new industries are developed. Corbin's book is about "becoming a great leader under a new set of global rules....Organizations are recognizing the value in looking ahead. Scanning the horizon for various internal and external trends, global changes, economic booms and busts, and demographic peaks and valleys is part of the regular routine in many enterprises." At least ideally, these organizations develop leadership at all levels, creating what Tichy characterizes as a "leadership engine."

Corbin's objective is to help her reader take her or his organization "to the top in five revolutionary steps." In the first chapter, she provides (Figure 1.1) a "Leadership Level Evaluation Exercise" which poses 22 questions. The respondent is thus able to calculate her or his score and thereby determine at which of two levels of leadership she or he is at the moment. Corbin then shifts her attention to the five "revolutionary steps" to which the book's subtitle refers. They are:

1. Orchestrate a 360 Degree Worldview (Chapters 1-3)

2. Order the Chaos (Chapters 4-6)

3. Blend Multiple Organizational Models (Chapters 7-9)

4. Engage the Whole Person (Chapter 10)

5. Ignite Innovation (Chapter 11)

Each of these steps is explained and then developed in detail. It is important to note that Corbin contrasts dominant characterizes of Level 1 and Level 2 leaders. For example, L1's react, emphasize hard skills, gather information, and manage positions whereas L2's strategize, focus on the whole person, lead at warp speed, and manage people flow. You get the idea. My own experience suggests that what Corbin calls a Level 1 leader is a believer and involved whereas a Level 2 leader is a zealot or evangelist and engaged. I urge you to check out a book which is entirely devoted to Level 2 leaders. Its title is Radicals and Visionaries, written by Thaddeus Wawro and now available in a paperback edition.

One of the book's most valuable chapters is the last, "Trumping the Competition", in which Corbin suggests that the Organizational Chaos Model (Figure 4.1) can help an organization to overcome its competition. "The goal is for your organization to change the rules, structure, and speed of its industry so that your competitors are thrown into chaos....The idea is to confuse the enemy. While the opponent is digging out of the confusion, the organization in the offensive position seizes the dominant position." She lists and then briefly discusses "The Nine Factors of Innovation" which can help to achieve such dominance, in process providing analyses of various industries to illustrate her key points. She concludes with a call to action, urging her reader to "execute boldly, step forward courageously, and lead responsibly as if your organization's prosperity depends on it -- because it does." I join her in wishing "Godspeed, great leader."

This is the 'source' information from which all useable functional,and common sense hitting instruction comes from.It's still just as relevant in '08 as it was back when the White Sox had those horrible uniforms.(and haircuts)
This book De-bunks a lot of the 'Red Herrings' of Hitting folklore. I am constantly amazed as a player and coach how much out and out, wrong information is out there.
Lau wrote this book right at the advent of the use of video. He was the first person to analyze a swing in all it's entirety. He not only came up with the '10 absolutes' but he points out what is NOT important...(stance,elbows up,staying back...whatever that means?)

No more 'squashing butterflies and squishing bugs'....
He speaks of the importance of:
Rhythm,weight shift
You Hit off of your FRONT foot.
You go back to get forward!
You do not keep your eye on the ball....Your head goes down when you swing.
and all importantly...tough as nails Charlie LAU talking about what most guys don't want to...fear and tension in hitting.

etc,etc,etc.

I was struggling at the plate when I bought this book. I was a power hitting .200 pull hitter. I retired from adult ball,hitting twice that. More importantly I taught everything I learned in this book to my son who has won a few league batting titles,though he still gets the occasional snide remark about how his swing 'looks' (LOL!)

I have taught many sub .150 hitting kids how to hit .400...it always lights up a kids face to find out I don't give a darn where his elbow is (or how many bugs he squashes)

I recently stepped into a cage after not having touched a bat in over a year. I drilled 10 consecutive line drives into the L-screen. I thought of Charlie's ghost smiling down as I imagined 'hitting the pitcher in the forehead' and driving it 'back through the box'

Charlie lives forever!!

I know this book isn't cheap because it's so hard to find (they need to reprint it!!)

BUT... It'll be worth every penny !!

-solpig

I read the first edition of this book when I was 14 years old. I followed all the advice to the letter. Subsequently, I led my baseball league in hitting with a .625 batting average. What a ringing endorsement, huh.

I was a scrawny little kid to whom baseball was everything. To my parent's dismay, I judged myself by how I played baseball. But I was scared of the baseball and lost as to how to go about hitting it. My coaches gave me harmful, misguided instructions like, "make sure it's a stike, then swing at it" and "snap those wrists". I was a wreck. Then one winter my Dad (like me, a George Brett/Wade Boggs fan) bought me this book. My Dad had never been able to hit either, but he and I dissected it over the course of a summer.

It was a lot of work, more work than any 12-year-old could could have undertaken without the guidance of an equally determined adult. But my Dad and I realized that hitting was a process, a method that could be learned. Lau taught that everything I had been told -with horrible results- was in fact wrong. You don't judge whether a pitch is a strike and then swing; you start your swing and let your reflexes hold you back. You don't swing hard with your arms; you swing easy and get your power from your whole body.

All spring we worked on it, practicing in the garage, spending literally hundreds of dollars at batting cages working on mechanics. That very next season, I was hitting the ball better, and I only improved from there. By the end of that season, I was a certified leadoff terror. My team won its league title thanks to a game-winning single by yours truly. I even hit a few home runs (by not trying to, as Lau teaches). I was deliriously happy.

Even since then I've been a good hitter. Not a power hitter (I'm much too small), but a solid doubles guy with surprising pop. What I learned from this book kept me in organized baseball through Babe Ruth and high school (simultaneously), college, and semi-professional leagues. I am a hideously slow runner who soon after puberty had to give up dreams of playing professionally, but to this day I can step in front of a pitcher or pitching machine -cold- and drive the ball. This book taught me how. If you really want to hit a baseball, buy it, read it, internalize it, and put your faith in it. It will serve you well.

I recommend this book for anyone wants to learn (or teach) advanced hitting techniques. Pictures and descriptions clearly explain common hitting problems and show correct swing mechanics. My 15-year old struggled through his first slump before we applied Lau's hitting fundamentals. He added fifty points to his batting average over the next month and hit 0.638 in a national tournament. I believe this book had a lot to do with his improvement.

If you want to learn to hit the right way, this might be the best investment you will ever make. Like another reviewer wrote, though, you must be willing to do the work to learn the lessons the book teaches. Also, if you just want to be a home run hitter, this book is not for you; a home run is only a pleasant mistake in the Charlie Lau/George Brett school, which teaches solid line-drive hitting. After studying this book, I became a Top 10 hitter in a highly-competitive Texas league. The Art of Hitting .300 is a baseball treasure.

"In A Promise to America: God's Guarantee, Carolyn Corbin gives me hope for our country. It makes me realize the important role that Christians play in protecting America from harm and in building a land of freedom wherein our children, their children, and generations to follow can realize the hopes and dreams that only God can provide. Although God never made a specific promise to America, He did make one to His people. And, as His people, Christians are critical in the healing of our land. This books tells me how I can help my country to be morally whole again."

Our small Bible study and discussion group in Las Vegas, Nevada, finished the book "A Promise to America: God's Guarantee" and had our last discussion recently. Actually, it probably wasn't our "last" discussion, as we all felt compelled to take some sort of action. We will be each other's accountability group now.

Following are some of the comments from our group:

"I had never really considered the present happenings in the world as something I could be involved in or have an effect on. After reading the book, I find that God is speaking to all Christians to follow His steps and help bring about His promise to heal our land. I want to see the America Carolyn describes at the end of the book become a reality. I am going to post that description as my prompting to pray. Our church is about to begin '40 Days of Purpose' and certainly our group has had our hearts and minds prepared for this churchwide study by "A Promise to America: God's Guarantee." --Carol Wayne.

"I have been involved in the goings-on of the world. I listen to 'Talk Radio' every day. I can now see a call to action for Christians." --Ron Wellman.

"We all have been watching the moral decay of our society, and felt there was nothing that could be done to stop it. After reading the book, I feel that there is hope that we can have an effect." -- Dave Halligan.

"I don't know if there was anything 'profound' in the book -- certainly all this should be familiar to Christians who are in the Word--however I appreciate how well she tied the Old Testament to Today." --Harlan Wayne.

"I have always recognized the call to action from God's Word in relation to my own life. I now see there is also a call to action on behalf of my country." --Susan Brager-Wellman.

"The Church has been uninvolved for quite awhile with politics and world events. I believe this a 'wake up call' for us all. Already I am hearing Christians beginning to say 'we won't just stand by and let this to happen,' and I believe this book will spur more on." --Phil Gingrich.

Submitted by

Harland and Carol Wayne

Carolyn Corbin, in A Promise to America: God's Guarantee, has reached into the depth of an Old Testament teaching to bring truths into today that should be more prevalent in our society. Carolyn's futuristic eye is able to see ahead and bring others to the awareness of God's promises, not only on a personal level, but also on a national level as well.

I have passed this book to several other people to read. I have also read it to a friend who is a resident of a local nursing home.

It appears to me that the words of wisdom Carolyn shares in this book as an action call to Americans, is also and maybe even more importantly a reminder and demand to each individual to heal his/her own private world, and that one by one we can, with God's help and guarantee, heal our neighborhood, town, city, state, country and world. Thought-provoking, and written with the obvious passion of her faith journey.

I count it a privilege to be a part of the group who taught from Carolyn Corbin's new book, A Promise to America, over the past several weeks. It was truly an inspiration to me to be a part of the first group to use the free Leader's Guide. I know everyone who used the guide felt it was very complimentary to the book.

As I read Chapter 8, God Will Heal Our Land, I felt the Holy Spirit directing me in a very unique way. The author's approach to 2 Chronicles 7:14 was so concise and direct that I felt the need to compare it to another great book, the Prayer of Jabez (1 Chronicles 4:10). The author has taken a single verse and analyzed it so well that it spoke to me in much the same way.

One of the things that impressed me the most is the Old Testament examples based on the Children of Israel and the New Testament application based on our personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

I pray that Carolyn Corbin's effort in preparing this book will be an inspiration to Christians throughout the United States. I feel she has done her part, now it is our turn to put our faith into action.

My parents attended the same church as Dr. Hsi but this book came to me through my fiance's mother, a retired nurse in CO, who is passing this book around as a must read after receiving a copy from my parents. Through the years, she was horrified to experience the reduction in her & her peers ability to provide proper care as a result of "managed care" & opted to move into insurance rather than continuing her successful career as a nurse.
This isn't a typical reading choice for me but was eye-opening & a quick, absorbing read. I'm sure my seatmates on two different plane rides were wondering what was wrong as I dabbed at my eyes in vain to stem the flow of tears.
Decent doctoring is something we take for granted & we don't always know how or are made to feel guilty or inadequate when we press for answers or explanations from an authority figure such as an esteemed specialist or doctor. We need to push for change & I only hope that books like this become mandatory in the medical study curriculum!

To say that this is a profoundly moving work is understatement. It should be mandatory reading for any patient or care giver, but more especially for any who would be called "Healer". Simply stated ... closing the chart is a magnificient work. It will no doubt become highly acclaimed and will be appreciated by any care giver or patient in the modern world of medicine. It is rich in texture and flavor, providing a remarkable insight into the progression of change that occurs when a family is faced with a profound illness,and must come face to face with the methdologies of modern medicine. This work will provide the next level of understanding in the process of illness, such as that initiated by Norman Cousins in Anatomy of An Illness.

He describes so well what family members go through when a loved one is terminally ill. Doctors do need to look at the whole person, their family and their spiritual side and treat people holistically.
He spoke quite well of the pain that is often inflicted on those who are the most helpless by those in the position to be most helpful. This definetly is a gift to be given to those in the medical field or those who are thinking of entering it.
Steve was my doctor when I was growing up and we went to the same church. I remember praying for him when the calls would go out that he needed surgery while praying for my aunt who was terminally ill at the same time...what he describes about being a patient is not far off from what my Aunt experienced while she was hospitalized in Arizona.

As a brief patient of Dr. Hsi's and a memeber of the healthcare industry for 25 years, this book struck at the core of my very being. I not only see what he experienced everyday in my line of work but also expierienced it on a different level for myself. Anyone thinking of pursueing a career in medicine, should let this book open your eyes and your heart. It would make sense to have this be required reading for every nurse, pre-med student, intern, resident or seasoned physician. I know with some it would fall on deaf ears, however if it only made a difference in a few, what a difference it could make in so many lives.
Many thanks to Beth Corbin-Hsi, Jim Belshaw and of course Steven D. Hsi, M.D who gives us wisdom and courage through his words even now.

I am a nursing student. I happened to notice this title on amazon. I have to tell you, that I know that I will be a better nurse because I read this book. I think that it should be a mandatory part of the curriculum in the every program for all of the health care professions. It is very difficult sometimes, to know what it is like for the patient. This book made that realization abunduntly clear. Dr. Hsi's story is an inspiration. Definitely read this book, whether you are a health care worker, a patient, or just looking for a good book to read!

I have a two year old that adore's this book. She enjoys the colorful art, the story, and the rhythym of the words as I read.

I also highly recommend this book because it is a more advanced read than your basic, see spot run, style book. I enjoy having a sprinkling of more advanced words for my child to enjoy.

If you are into children's books or are looking for the next "Too Loud Lilly" this is the one.

As an ex teacher and a lover of Children's books, this one gets a five star review. The author wrotes this one for kids, not parents. It has magic and a childish sense of compassion without moralizing or warnings. A charming read for children and those of us who have not let the child in us fade.

Wonderful story with beautiful illustrations, a delightful read! My two children (2 and 4) love when I read this story to them and ask me to read it again and again. Highly recommended for any child that believes in magic!

Apparently this is the first children's book by Susan Berger. Reading this book, it feels like she's been doing it for a long time. The story feels magical from beginning to end, and Kim Sponaugle's illustrations really bring that magic to life.

Jamie has the most wonderful dream - in fact, it was so wonderful, he wanted to buy the dream for his Mom.

His day starts out good - he's wearing his lucky purple socks, and Mom has made French toast for breakfast. He tells Mom he's going to buy her a dream. She tells him you can't buy a dream. Jamie reminds her that she's always told him that he could do anything he believed he could. She replies that is, indeed, what she told him, but also warned: "Seeing is believing".

He decides he'll ask his teacher about buying dreams. On the way to school, he tells the crossing guard about his wish to purchase a dream. He, also, tells Jamie: "Seeing is believing". His terrific teacher, Miss Mapleleaf, tells him the same thing!

On his way home from school, Jamie decides its time to find his dream. He wishes on a dandelion and puffball. His wishes take him on an adventure that you will never forget. He meets Chester, a unicorn, who tells Jamie: "Believing is seeing". Was Jamie able to fulfill his wish to buy his dream for his Mom?

Find out as you read this really fun story beautifully illustrated by none other than one of SFC's illustrators who has been with our magazine since the very beginning - Kim Sponaugle. This is author Susan Berger's first children's book, written with the help of her son, Christopher, who was nine years old at the time it was written. Bravo, Susan and Chris, for a wonderful debut book! This is a must-read book for any child that still believes in magic, no matter what age.

I just happened to pick up this book at the library because I enjoyed Fragments That Remain. The story about three sisters in post World War I Harlem swept me away into a time that is so important in African American history. Corbin did an excellent job interwoving the characters in actual events in history. The characters and the settings seemed more realistic, intriguing, and exciting. I could not put the book down. The pain and joy of these sisters and the people involved in their lives brought tears to my eyes and I wanted to intercede in their world (like their mother) and tell them you can do can better. But the reader is forced to let them live their lives and learn from their joy and pain just like their mother had to let go. I cannot wait to read his other novel.

I read this book in the early 90's and it still remains one of the best books I have read! It is a shame that this book is out of print and did not do better when first published. The story is so interesting and character development was done with such skill and finesse. Unlike a lot books I have read lately, my interest in the story and characters never waned. It took me a few months to finish the last few pages because I didn't want the story to end.

The book was very hard to put down, and more interesting than any tv show could ever be. It wasn't one of those types of books that was slow in the begining, interestings in the middle, but then ends in a way that doesn't make sense. This book is interesting from front to cover.

I found this book in a relatives book collection and now I refuse to return it. This is the first and only book that I have been able to read more than once and I can honestly say that I am anxious for a sequel.

Now, this was some good reading. I stumbled across this book around 1992-93 while in the library with my daughter. I hadn't read a book in 15 years. It opened my eyes to the world of reading. This book gave a clear view of life in Harlem during the 1920's, which must have been one of the most exciting times to be alive. It was so vividly written that I felt as if I knew every character. I could not put it down. I've recommended it to many, many others who also thoroughly enjoyed it. The only disappointment was no followup book. To this day, I yearn to find out what became of those three sisters. I haven't read anything yet that compares. Anyone who knows Mr. Corbin should let him know we await a sequel.

I have been using Corbin books in my wellness / fitness practice since the early 80's. In 1981 I moved to Houston, Texas and started to manage the Tenneco fitness center. We saw over 1,000 employees using the facility a day and faced a huge challenge of moving past the 20% of the population that already kept in shape daily.

Corbin books were "real", about real efforts in real environments. I could sit down and read a little of Corbin and not only pick up tips for my coach counseling, but also ideas for group challenges or behavior change efforts.

I have had plenty of mentors along my 30 years of worksite programming and many of them I have become good friends, but Corbin is one I have never met, but highly respect for his work and what he has given the fitness and wellness field.

I have a spot on my book shelf that is "Corbin" books and I bet after you have bought this one and used it, you will go back and start like me a little Corbin library. I can't imagine a wellness practitioner without Corbin on their book shelf.

This book is completely up to date and has useful information for both the student and the non-academic consumer. The labs are easy to accomplish and give a relatively accurate profile.

Even though this books was a required textbook for college, I am glad I had to pick it up. There has been some really good information in this book. We are moving through it quickly in class, but I have already flagged some sections that I know I want to go back and read again.

I am super impressed with this book. It is packed full of great information. I'm reading it for a class and wish I had more time to thoroughly read it but what I have read so far is fantastic. I have learned a lot.

I purchased this to complete Texas Tech's online correspondence health course. Amazon shipped it speedily as always and I was done with the class 2 weeks later. I have to say, I planned on selling this book because I didn't think it had anything new besides the whole "don't-do-drugs-exercise-eat-greens-etc." advice but it turns out this book has workout routines, stretches, dietary info, and a wellness plan that you can use for life as the title says... needless to say, this is the sort of book you will hang on to just because the information inside is simple yet crucial for day-to-day living.

Not a bad book, easy to follow. Had to purchase it for a correspondence class and it was cheaper to buy it here than from the school. (about $10 less)

My ex-wife swore by this book and I watched as her weight decreased. I got the book and now we have a bet on who is going to lose the weight first.
Six meals a day sounded pretty good, so I thought I would try it. I just started but I know it works because I watched her do it.

My daughter is taking a correspondence course from Texas Tech. The course is "Foundations in Personal Fitness", which she needs in order to graduate from high school. I am giving this book 5 stars because it is the correct book and edition required by Texas Tech, as of July 2005. I don't know how good the book is, but every few days she brings up something that she learned from this book.

Lani Massey Brown uses well-written fiction to make a point to those of us who are neither political wonks nor computer-types. This book is a real page-turner and a good read for anyone that likes high drama. Even if you don't care about how easy it is to steal an election, the perils that confront the characters in this book make it worth reading just for fun.

Lani Brown pulls off a topical and frightening scenario of 21st century electoral corruption in A Margin of Error: Ballots of Straw. Being the former tabulation manager for one Florida county's election committee, Brown has a unique insight into the machinations of our new voting systems, as well as a keen eye for a story. Her lead character, Cady Palmer, Deputy Elections Supervisor knows that Miami's election has been rigged by a high-tech stalker, but no one wants to hear it. People in power have spent a great deal of money to get the election results they wanted, and they don't care to undermine anything. Soon, Palmer's embroiled in a national conspiracy going to the highest reaches of government. This book reminded me of Don Bruns' Florida conspiracy/caper novel STUFF TO DIE FOR.

On break this summer, I holed up with some of my favorites, Grisham, Roberts, Koontz, Cornwell, Flynn and a Higgins Clark tossed in for good measure. Then with all the election brouhaha in the news, I switched to "A Margin of Error Ballots of Straw," expecting a high-tech rampage of murder, mayhem, and technical speak in overdrive...not. Susan Cady Palmer is a business woman challenged by all the under the table stuff most women in business don't talk about publicly. Her boss is a throwback, straight from Dilbert, but more perverse. Sexual harassment is his special kick-down Cady tool. She's put up with it for years. Until now, when the stakes soar to an all time high and she tells him to, "Put a sock on it." One of those snapshot moments. I wish I'd said that!

Then comes Cady's spy, Neal Charles. Glorious Isabella may not want to take Neal home, but I do. Move over, Cady.

"A Margin of Error: Ballots of Straw" is an unlikely love story. And oh, by the way, I'm a convert. Fiction, sure. But the facts jump off the page. Could a vast right, left, or center conspiracy hijack this or any election? Maybe it already has.

It's a realistic novel that will intrigue anyone interested in fair elections, especially for Florida voters.

Realistic scenarios in the voting process that should make you wonder if this could happen or if it has happened.

Makes you wonder if paperless voting machines should be banned.

Preface -- A Letter by Henry Corbin. Introduction to the Second Edition. One: An Exploded Cultural Sphere: the Death of God and the Rebirth of the Gods. Two: The Golden Ring and the Growing Blackness: Monotheism, Polytheism, and Theologizing. Three: Sleeping Beauties: Theology as Faith Seeking Understanding. Four: Stars, Sparks, and Luminous Fish Eyes: Psychology as Understanding Seeking Life. Five: The New Polytheism Fifty-One Theses and Some notes. Postscript The Laughter of the Gods. Notes. Appendix -- Psychology: Monotheistic or Polytheistic by James Hillman. Index.

_The New Polytheism_ is a treasure. It's the kind of book I've been longing to find: an intelligent, scholarly and thought-provoking treatise on polytheistic ways of thinking and creating meaning in the modern world. This is a must-read for modern polytheists and Neo-Pagans who hunger for something more substantial than the all-too-prevalent shallow, academically- and theologically-challenged fluff that seems to permeate Western polytheistic communities these days. I especially appreciated the commentary on the experience of polytheism as at first a frightening loss of center, but then a widening of perspective that challenges, inspires and invigorates as one begins to appreciate the diversity and richness of multiple ways of relating and functioning in many different aspects of life. I would love to be part of a group book study using this book.

I first discovered this book 12 years ago, while writing a formal credo for a religion class in college, and I found the book invaluable. I had to fight the urge to quote whole pages at a time. Not only did Mr. Miller explain the complexities of a polytheist-centered world-view clearly, but he did so with a poet's light touch. The only regret I had at the time, and have now, is that I was reading the book with a deadline hanging over my head, and could not luxuriate in his writing as much as I wanted (it is only this fact that makes me uncomfortable giving the book a perfect "5 star" rating).

It is a great sorrow that this book is out of print... But perhaps it will be reissued one day.

It is a pity that this quartet of David Miller's books: The New Polytheism, Christs, Three Faces of God and Hells and Holy Ghosts are out of print. They are simply brilliant examples of Archetypal Psychology's eye (that is, a polytheistic, mythopoeic, psyche-logical eye) turned on the beliefs of a montheistic faith. Not possible you think ? It is absolutely necessary I think, necessary to turn the two Doctors of the Soul (Jung and Hillman's) eyes on a faith whose soul has been long missing. For those Christians who have experienced the polytheism of their own soul and are seeking to integrate this experience into their faith these books are tailor made. I don't know of any other books that have attempted to do what David Miller has done. His accessible style in explaining complex notions is at least equal to that of Thomas Moore (of Care of the Soul fame).