D Books

This is a very moving tribute written by a daughter about her mother. It is also well-researched and well-written, shedding new light on the movement of mail through work camps and even concentration camps. Sala's story of survival and redemption is remarkable, and the reader can well imagine the emotional roller-coaster the author must have experienced uncovering her mother's story.

The story of Polish Jews who were lucky enough not to be sent directly to the death camps, yet unlucky enough not to make it onto Schindler's list or find some other long-term refuge. Writing mostly about her mother's family as they lived for six years on the precipice, Kirschner produces something amazing: an important piece of scholarship that never feels like a historical tome. Rather, it stands on its own as a deeply moving, character-based story that will leave you wanting to revisit passages about remarkably brave and beautiful people -- some survivors, some not -- who were nearly forgotten by history. Despite Kirschner's proximity to the story, she never forces herself into the narrative; rather, she weaves personal elements into the story only when they can add a new and critical dimension. The result is a book that deserves to be dog-eared and passed around repeatedly.

Ann Kirschner meticulously weaves the story of her mother's survival with the overwhelming accounts of the Holocaust...a fine balance between biography and history lesson.

I was so moved by this book I will include share my heartfelt comments to the author.
Just want to THANK YOU for such an amazing book! Your decision to share your mothers personal life with readers who benefit so from your investment of labor and emotion is generous and to be admired! When you were complete it must have looked like E=Mc squared did to Einstein! Simple on the surface with the complexity of the universes author within. My highest regards to you and Sala Kirschner.
Glenn from Tampa Fl and sometimes Lake Tahoe Nv

I picked this book, figuring it would be an interesting read. It is, hands down, one of the best books I have read regarding the Holocaust. What a wonderful book! Where other books have let me down, this book did not. It is a must read.

This is a wonderful book that does not hide nor apologize for the fact that it is really a compilation of 60 sermons delivered by the author. Each chapter is one complete sermon. This will be helpful and instructive to some and confusing and frustrating to others. I, for one, love it. The illustrations he uses are very good but the questions he uses to cause one to search their own heart in light of the scripture are fantastic. He applies the passages being studied to real life in meaningful ways inviting the reader to interact with the passage and allow it to have its work on their heart.

This is NOT a preachy book but is it a book full of preaching...many a pastor would do well to study this book for its instruction on how to put a sermon together.

BTW, if you wish to purchase the electronic version of this two-volume-in-one-book BE AWARE that only Volume one is included in the electronic version.

This is a wonderful book and well worth the time to invest in reading it. I would urge you to buy this timely book.

Through forceful, powerful, blatant, bold Calvinistic and evangelistic sermons, Pastor Jones did a marathon preaching on one of, if not the most controversial and heavily debated Sermon on the Mount; shattering other man-centered, self-centered, legalistic, antinomian, perfectionist interpretations. I have to admit before I read these sermons, I had most of my interpretations wrong. Here are some observations from what I took in. First, the Sermon on the Mount is not a social gospel where all it cares about is the actions, ethics and morale of the story. Though important, they are neither the meat nor the center of it; Christ the Preacher is. Not only is this so, but as Pastor Jones remarked in the concluding sermon, that throughout the course of it, Christ declares, I would say, both implicitly and explicitly, that he is the true giver, interpreter and center of the law. Second, no one can rightly live out the principles taught in it unaided unless one is a believer relying on the grace and power of God who enables him to do so. Third, it is not something one has to do to become a Christian. Instead, it shows what Christians should become as a result of a new gracious ruling principle in their hearts. Fourth, in some cases like turning to the other cheek, going extra miles, giving away both the cloak and the coat, loaning to those in need, not committing adultery, it is the general bigger-picture principles behind the detailed examples that was to be conveyed, not the actions themselves that are the most important. I wouldn't write what they are here, but let the readers discover on their own. Fifth; on the other hand, it involves some details which Pastor Jones beautifully expounds within the general description or principles, for example, on what the Lord's prayer means and how it is to be prayed properly with the right heart and attitude, how to determine the characteristics and signs of false prophets and professors, what it means to enter through the straight gate and going through the narrow way, what building house on sands and rock by the foolish and wise man signify and how we know which one of these categories we fall into. These are stunningly soul-searching; something critical that those of us who confess to be Christians should test ourselves with. Here is one of his quotes worth musing on what it urges us to do in regard to entering the strait gate,

"You have to go out of your way to find this gate. You will have to analyze yourself and be very honest with yourself, and having refused to hold back, say, `I am going on with this until I discover exactly what I have to do'. Here are so many who do not find this way of life because they have never sought the gate and entered in.... [it involves] fasting, sweating and praying... we must give ourselves no rest or peace until we know for certain that we are on this way."

And lastly, without trying to be simplistic, the underlying principle of it all is that it is the spirit, not the letters that matters. It is the heart, the desire, the attitude, the character and the outlook on one's life, not the actions, that Christ is concerned the most and therefore focuses his sermons on to graciously rebuke, correct and encourage. Despite his sober and frightening warnings, we should not lose heart but continue to persevere to the end to follow him for he who has began a good work in us will never leave us nor forsake us and will carry it on to completion.

This book is exceptionally rich in spiritual understanding, easy to follow and written from the heart of the author. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones knows how to bring out the truth of God's scripture. The book is actually two volumes in one, comprised of 60 sermons from Matthew 5, 6 and 7. The sermons will challenge you to review your Christian walk in contrast to the Word of God. Every sermon presented in this book brings the reader back to the foot of the Cross of Christ for self examination. It is a very humbling book, written to the heart of those that love God and his Son, Jesus Christ. This book will spiritually enrich your walk and strengthen your relationship with Christ. If you are searching for an in-depth study of The Sermon on the Mount you will not find a better book than this one. This is not a book you will read only once.

This book on the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) is one of the best books ever produced by Martyn Lloyd-Jones. If you have never encountered Lloyd-Jones then you will be blessed as you read this book and discover a man with a passion for both the Word of God and the God of the Word.

Lloyd-Jones, according to John Piper, is one of the last true Calvinistic Methodist from the days of George Whitefield. Here was a man who not only embraced Reformed Calvinism but also embraced a passion for God from the likes of Whitefield and John Wesley. He not only wanted to study the Bible and teach it clearly but he wanted to give people a hunger for Jesus that would become evident in holiness in life and character.

In this book, Dr. Lloyd-Jones explores the implications of the Sermon on the Mount for the Christian. He works his way slowly through each passage giving not only the content of the passage but many points of application for your life. I would encourage you to have your Bible open to Matthew 5-7 as you read this book and even more to memorize the passage (Psalm 119:11). This is a solid book well worth the price and its also a book you will refer to again and again.

I have enjoyed this book so much. I have gotten so many little gems from it and so much wisdom. Things that I knew I should have been doing with my grandson but such great eyeopeners. This is a great book for 3yrs and older. I will be odering more copies as gifts. Teresa

This book is a simple, inspiring parenting book. I give it to anyone I know who has children. And if you read it more than once, you will get more out of it every time. It's about raising kids, it's about living a full life.

I was given this book as a gift when my son was a baby. I was instantly drawn to the message. Mr. Vannoy's advice is from the heart and carries a loving and respectful message. I have read and re-read the book at least a half dozen times and once in a while, I'll pick it up and open to any chapter, just to give myself a parenting boost. It really lifts the spirits and reinforces that we can have deep and meaningful relationships with our children based on love and respect for each other. Over the years, there have been many times where I given thanks that this book came into my life at just the right time. I'm proud to say, it's played an important role in the Mom that I am, which my kids will tell you, is the best!

I've ordered plenty of copies of this book to give out to new parents, including it with their baby shower gifts. And I gave a copy to my cousin, when she married a man, who came with 2 teenage sons.

A big thank you to Stephen Vannoy for writing this important book. A must read for every adult that influences the lives of children.

I first read this book five years ago and just came back to it as I was confronted with some parenting challenges. What is most clear to me about author Steven Vannoy is that he's not a therapist or "expert." He's just a very observant parent and great teacher. Other reviewers said it perfectly: it's simply the best book on parenting ever.

Steven Vannoy and Catherine Schneider have encapsulated everything that we need to know to parent effectively from the get-go! I am recommending them to all my friends who are becomming new parents. Thanks!

Jason writes out in detail the 50 steps to personal magnetism that explains what attracts others to us, our product we offer, and what we stand for. I have read some of these concepts before, but Jason Hartman's "Become the Brand of Choice" puts all the powerful distinctions (50) together in one place in a simple and easily understood format. I would definitely recommend this book to other entreprenuers! Joe Milunas, President of REInvestingPartners.com

Jason writes out in detail the 50 steps to personal magnetism that explains what attracts others to us, our product we offer, and what we stand for. I have read some of these concepts before, but Jason Hartman's "Become the Brand of Choice" puts all the powerful distinctions (50) together in one place in a simple and easily understood format. I would definitely recommend this book to other entreprenuers! [...]

Jason Hartman's common sense approach and easy
to comprehend delivery gives you the desire to want to know more.
If you want to understand what Branding is all about...
read Jason Hartman's Book: "Become the Brand of Choice"!

Jason writes out in detail the 50 steps to personal magnetism that explains what attracts others to us, our product we offer, and what we stand for. I have read some of these concepts before, but Jason Hartman's "Become the Brand of Choice" puts all the powerful distinctions (50) together in one place in a simple and easily understood format. I would definitely recommend this book to other entreprenuers! Joe Milunas, President of REInvestingPartners.com

Jason's humanly sensitive and ethical approach is commendable. You can tell early on that he's a sincere and likeable guy with loads of integrity, and it's easy to understand why his relationship marketing approach is so successful. It didn't take long for me to completely trust the author -- not something I can always say about marketing books. The book is written in a very accessible conversational style which lends great clarity and makes it an enjoyable read and readily applicable. The goal-setting tips are valuable for application to every area of life. I detect a lot of Napoleon Hill's concepts coming through ("Think and Grow Rich"), but have to say that the way Jason lays them out and applies them is even more readily grasped by me than the original Hill book (which is another excellent read, by the way).

I was given this book as a gift from my son. I read it on an airplane and laughed and cried so much that at the end of the flight, the man sitting next to me said, "you are quite an emotional lady!" I bought a copy of this book for the lady that helped me when I got stranded when the flight was delayed a day. She read one of the stories in it while I was changing clothes and I found her in tears when I returned. It's a great feel-good book.

In this collection of stories from and about mothers, there is something for everyone. Whether you need to be inspired, comforted, or amused, whether if you are looking for a laugh or a cry you can find a story for your mood. The Chicken Soup authors always know how to pick a collection of stories that truly brings the subject to light, a tear to your eye, and a smile to your lips! This time, what a worthy topic: mothers. As a positive psychologist in private practice I certainly know the powerful and permanent importance of our mothers in all of our lives!

I CAN NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN! Some real tear jerkers too. A must for all moms.

my family got this as a gift about 8 years ago. I don't remember much about it but I remember the stories about the mother losing her son during a skiing accident, the girl who bought her mom bobby pins for her birthday and the story where they're celebrating a grandmother's birthday and she dies at the end of the party after seeing her entire family at the celebration.

AFTER READING THIS I AM REASSURED THAT GOOD HONEST BOOKS ARE FINALLY MAKING A COME-BACK!!!!!!

This book helped me realize my negative behavior and take steps to begin healthly relationships, instead of addictive ones.

This book is for men and women because both sexes suffer from this problem. For along time, I had become obsesse over a man to the point that I couldn't work or even think straight. This book made me feel like I wasn't alone. It also helped to explain why I had become obsessed and what I could do to deal with it. I have no doubt this book will help millions.

People often think that only women become obsessed with someone. It's good to see that someone has written a book for both women and men about the very real problem of obsessive, controlling relationships. John Moore's book cuts through all of the psychological mumbo jumbo and gets right to the heart of why a person becomes so obsessed with a love interest that stalking is the result. Thank you Mr. Moore for offering us all a book that is sure to become a classic.

I recently got found out about this book from a friend and all I can say is God Bless you John Moore. For years I had been caught up in a very controlling, abusive relationship with my husband. I never understood why he treated me the way he did until I read several of the case studies from your book. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to find out more about why control happens in relationships. I will treasure this book always and forever!

I read Moore's book and was very impressed with each of the case studies. In some way, each person's story spoke to my own situation in a controlling relationship. There were many times that I had to put the book aside because it hurt too much to keep reading. As I kept turning the pages, I saw all of the patterns in my own life and then the lightbulb went off and I thought, "That's me!" If you are in a controlling relationship or are obsessed with someone else, you have to get this book. It will change your life forever.

This book was given to me when I was nine, and is a long-standing favorite. I'm now in my late teens, but every November I read it again for old time's sake around Thanksgiving, and every year I love it. It speaks many truths about life in general, and Constance is an engaging and highly relatable character. I looked online out of interest to see if it was as widely read as I thought it should be, and thankfully it appears to be. This book would make an excellent gift for a young girl; it is gaurenteed to be a book she will read over and over again and always hold a special place in her heart.

I picked up "Constance" somewhere - I have no idea where, but my copy is old and yellowed and falling apart. I read it and fell in love with it. I must say - my old copy has a fantastic cover and I much prefer it to the one depicted here. But that's by the by... =)

I'm teaching my (7th grade) son the 1600-1850 time period this year and was able to pull "Constance" off the shelf and introduce him to its delights. It has been the ONLY book he has begged me to continue to read to him outside of planned school reading times. WOO HOO! It warms the cockles of this mother's heart. We've laughed at the funny bits, sobbed our hearts out at the sad bits, and marveled how these people, with their numbers decimated that very first spring, worked together to make a successful community.

We'll be finishing the book tomorrow. I drove him bananas by reading the first sentence of tomorrow's reading, telling him WHO proposed but NOT what the answer or consequence was. He says I'm an evil mother. =D I laughed with joy at his enthusiasm for the book.

This is one of the books that stays in your heart. I first read this some 30 years ago, loved it, re-read it several times, lost track of it, found it again a couple of years ago, and -- surprisingly enough, since I certainly can't say this about all the books I loved when I was in my early teens -- I still loved it. Constance, as she is written in this story, is a very real person to me. I don't know if the real Constance Hopkins was anything like the one in this book, and I don't really care, but Patricia Clapp has done an excellent job here of making two-dimensional history come to life.

I got this book on a trip to the East Coast when I was ten years old and fell in love. It was my favorite book during all of my early teen years; and though I haven't read it in years, I think it will always hold the place in my heart as my favorite book.

I read this long before I knew a key fact about Constance Hopkins, and I thought it was terrific. Of course, I still do. The tone of high spirits forced into apparent submission is perfect. I do think the cover illustration on the Beech Tree edition is awful; the cover on the Dell edition is far better.

Key fact: she is my nine-times-great-grandmother. (Patricia Clapp, the author, is also descended from Constance.) I have dug around in other books and on-line sources about Plimouth Plantation, and the historical facts are dead-on. I don't at the moment remember whether "Constance" mentions that her father was not a Puritan, Dissenter, Separatist; he came not for religious reasons but because he wanted his own farm. Constance, her husband Nicholas, and her brother Giles left Plymouth for the same reason in 1644 -- and also because they were fed up with the Puritan oligarchy in Plymouth.

So her family represents, in many ways, the American quest for independence and farmland -- the Jeffersonian ideal of the free citizen. (Constance's descendants were still farming as late as 1940, though my father left the farm in 1921, finding farming a new form of tyranny.)

Dr Robert Ballard will forever remain the man who found the Titanic. In so doing, he became the world's most famous ocean explorer who found the world's most famous ship.

It is not for me to inform readers of the story of the Titanic. Almost everyone grew up knowing something about that ship - even if the finer points of information they thought they knew were inaccurate.

Having then achieved the outstanding feat of finding this elusive shipwreck, Bob Ballard has put together the most complete - and yet again "outstanding," tale of search, discovery and finally success, coupled with an accurate portrayal of the life and death of the ship itself. All the facts and historic photographs are there - and, speaking as a professional shipwreck historian, he really has done the most thorough job of work here.

Finally, he has put together the most (and I deliberately use that word again) "outstanding" collection of artwork created by Ken Marschall. I may be wrong, but it seems to me nobody had heard of this artist until the first editions of this book appeared - now he is a household name amongst those in the know.

From thousands of photographic images taken far below the surface, Bob Ballard created montage after montage of the various sections and profiles of the wreck (i.e. big photographs made up of thousands of little photographs) so that Mr Marschall was able to provide us with paintings which look like single colour photographs of this and that section which go together to make up the entire wreck.

I congratulate Dr Ballard on an excellent and professional job of work. Altogether, the most outstanding book for which 5 stars are not enough.

NM

This book describes the discovery of the Titanic in a perfect way. Besides telling the sad story of her maiden voyage, that ended so tragically, Dr. Ballard describes his own struggle to complete his long time wish to find Titanic. He talks about troubles raising funds, the tragedy of almost losing the discovery to another expedition and the very exhaustive and mostly boring search. But also about the joy of finally finding the wreck and his emotions during all of this. All this is told from a integer point of view, also crediting the other people for their part in the discovery. The book includes many photographs and two nice full-color foldouts of the wreck. This new edition also includes a chapter in which Dr. Ballard comments on more recent visits, conducted by others, to the Titanic and his views on the (commercial) salvaging of Titanic wreckage.

The ever interesting Titanic lives on.

The best part about this book is almost being there with Ballard as this great ship is seen again by human eyes for the very first time in many decades. And of course the great images (both the actual pictures and the illustrations of how the parts of the wreck are situated on the bottom) that this book contains.

Very worth while if great historic event in general and the Titanic in particular are among your interests.

I bought this book soon after the hype brought on by the film. I have always been a history fan. The stories surrounding the fate of the Titanic have always intrigued me.

I knew of Ballard from previous expeditions that he had done. I have seen his work on The Discovery Channel and The Learning Channel.

This book is well thought out. From the search in the early days to the actual discovery and exploration. It's amazing how Ballard was able to stick with it over the years and the difficult times.

The book is written more as a story than as a text book. Plenty of history. The underwater photos are magnificent. I read the book and just wonder at all the problems that they had to overcome. The setbacks. The failures. It's all here in an easy to read and follow book.

If you are at all interested in the Titanic and it's discovery, this is a good book to read.

This is a sensational book.I have read this one quite a bit.
I love the bit where they find the boiler on the bottom of the ocean.
It talks about the trials they went through trying to find the elusive Titanic.Nobody had seen that ship since it sunk in 1912.
I have always loved reading about that ship,something about the whole story has fascinated me.
I think the era it all happened in,as well as the beauty of the ship itself.It certainly had a mystique of its own.
To look at the pictures of the ship how it has deteriorated over time is very ghostly.To see objects such as dolls heads and boots realy shows you the tragedy that once happened on a very cold night.
The stupidity to push the ship full speed through an iceberg field maked the mind boggle.Playing dice with all those lives,and to top it all off the lack of life boats on board.
Dr.Robert D. Ballard became a legend himself after the discovery of the most famous ship to ever hit the waves.

The Ebony Tree has so much truth to it that it makes you feel as if you are a part of it. This novel belongs in all libraries and schools. Excellently written. Like Alex Haley's novel Roots whether fact or fiction, The Ebony Tree encourages you to look at your own background.

The Ebony Tree couldn't seem more real. It's a very wholesome story. You don't see any 'sugar coating' as you read about what the women in this novel went through for the welfare of their children, and to keep their hopes and dreams alive.

The story tugged at my heart because it made me think about my own mother and grandmothers.

It's a novel I will hold onto and enjoy reading again.

The Ebony Tree is a CLASSIC. I loved every drop of it. The author is TRULY and I mean TRULY a master at her craft. This book was wonderfully written, compelling and thought-provoking. I thoroughly enjoyed following on the journey of Jewel's life, the main character. Again, this book is WONDERFUL. Ms. Thompson put so much passion into writing this wonderful book. I cannot wait to read her other books. I'm a fan for life!

The Ebony Tree by Maxine Thompson is a journey back in time into the lives of The Shepherd family. Thompson does a wonderful job of placing you right into their lives as if you were a member of the family.

Jewel Shepherd has many secrets that she has kept from her kids. No one really knows the real Jewel, and at times she wonders if she really knows herself. She loves her children, and surprisingly, her husband, Solly - even though he has tried her patience time and time again. Jewel wonders what brought her to Delray, Michigan, and how will she get out with her children intact. Her youngest, Imani, has decided that it is time they find out how the Shepherd family came to be. Therefore, she tries to capture 53 years of marriage on tape. Unfortunately, being the youngest she does not know how to read between the lines of the web her mother has weaved. Only her older siblings know the truth.

I loved the history, loved the family life - even if it was not so perfect, it was real. This book will make you think about the relationship you have with your own mother, and wonder what secrets may be hidden between the stories she has told you. I recommend this book to all of those who are history buffs at heart. The Ebony Tree by Maxine Thompson won't disappoint you.

Jacki

APOOO BookClub

Maxine E. Thompson's, The Ebony Tree, vividly depicts the coming of age of the Shepherd family in Delrey, Michigan during the oppressive 1950's. The Ebony Tree narrates the sometimes woeful and disconcerting tales of matriarch, Jewel Shepherd. A woman who sacrificed aspirations and individuality to rear a family during the darkest moments in her life.

It is 1993 and Imani Shepherd puts her journalistic training to use by interviewing her elderly parents regarding their lineage. Instead of a family gushing with pride, her mother, Jewel is tight-lipped and filled with indignity. Through hesitancy, Jewel relates the story of abandonment by her mother, Luralee; tutelage from Aunt Beulah that boys are superior to girls; husband Solly's infidelity and drunkenness; and the ill-treatment she bestowed upon eldest daughter, Midge, because she was a girl. A woman in that era did not have the resources nor the wherewithal that Imani has today to be an independent woman in control of her own destiny. Therefore, Imani would never understand Jewel's feelings of degradation or regrets of leaving her family in Richmond, California. These secrets, Jewel would rather keep hidden from her twenty-five year old daughter. Secrets too painful to utter, yet necessary to provide healing and answers for a young woman seeking insight into her family tree.

Protagonist Jewel Shepherd is a thought-provoking character; a woman before her time. Women will identify with her...cry with her...and rejoice with her as Jewel struggles to shed memories of the past and reach for a brighter future. Maxine E. Thompson's The Ebony Tree is a paradigm of the struggles African-American mothers have endured in raising black children.

Reviewed by Nicki Lancaster
APOOO BookClub

I really enjoyed this book and thought that the message was powerful and easy to digest. I've also seen that a new version is coming out next month in bookstores and is completely updated with new stories and research.

The Quickbook is the only book on emotional intelligence that is compelling. I found the book easy to read and understand and had success introducing it in my company. I'm looking forward to obtaining the new edition in a few months when it is published by Simon and Schuster.

I bought the book to help with my diet because I've noticed that my emotions and what I do with them has a big effect upon when I eat and what I eat. Emotional intelligence was extremely helpful in understanding what to do with my feelings on the rough days, and is making the diet go much better. I thought the online emotional intelligence test that came with the book is neat.

I bought this book for four reasons: 1. Rave reviews here, 2. Intro by Patrick Lencioni, 3. Review by Dalai Lama, and 4. that the work is based on lots of research.

While I agree that the book is easy to read, I did not experience much substance in the book, and I think it only provided a very basic introduction to Emotional Intelligence. Given all the research the authors clamim to have done, there is not much analysis or explanation of what the research means. The 2nd star in this rating comes from the self-assessment.

There are many other books on EQ out there (Goleman for example) that provide much more substance and depth.

This is a brilliant condensed volume of information designed to inspire and inform the reader on the benefits of developing emotional intelligence. Emotional Intelligence is the basis of success, it allows you to cope constructively with no matter what ever life hands you. The online test also gives the reader greater insight into how their skills can be developed.
Well done. I would recomend this to my clients and readers as being a no nonsense resource. I have studdied and worked with developing resources arround Emotional Intelligence for years and this is good.
A great practical down to earth book which reinforces values "A wonderfuly practical book that will change your life." TRUITY Williams from Wanabelong, author of Workbook of Choices, Sweetest Revenge - a successful life and Feathers in the Mist.