E Books

My father served on board this ship but he only told me a few stories as I was growing up about his time in the Navy. He was on board both in the Atlantic and the Pacific.
Now it has been told of what these average everyday citizens did for our county sixty years ago. GOD Bless them all!
If you are looking for a book that describes the daily life on board a "Picket Ship" and one that hepled develop and deploy the UDT teams which were the fore-runners of todays SEALS in the Pacific, then you need to read this book.
Very well written.

I was very happy to see the amount of research that went into writing this book. Dr. Grenga has provided only verifiable details of the men and their life on the USS Barr. By doing so she has created a permanent memory for our soldiers who defended us during WWII. His brother was one of soldiers who served our nation. Her account of Sailor's diary is not only true but makes an interesting reading. This book uncovers another facet of the life on the ship for our brave soldiers.

My name is Leslie Irene Hubenthal Tietje.I am a daughter of John William Hubenthal. My father served on the USS Barr. He participated in the creation of this book, Movies On The Fantail. Ms Grenga was so kind as to send a copy of this book me, as well as others in my family. This is one beautiful book. I want more copies, as each and every friend I have shown it too have had a large interest in having a copy.

Certainly, the love of my father is intertwined with the love of this book. One of my favorite photographs of my father, taken on the USS Barr, appears in the first few pages of this book. This picture of my father in his youth sat me down squarely to reconsider his efforts, experiences, remembrances, as well as the lives of others that have shared his life.

Thank you, Ms Grenga, for an extremely fine and appreciated documentation of history. Your gift will not be forgotten.
John's Daughter: Leslie Irene Hubenthal Tietje

An excellent piece of history with captivating stories from those who can tell them best....the heroes of that time.

Helen Grenga has hit a homerun by taking what could be forgotten words and forgotten men and putting their heroic exploits to print. With so many WWII veterans passing everyday I wish everyone would preserve the words and lives of these brave young men who sailed in harms way for our GREAT Country. Outstanding!

One of my favorite books for the last 30 years. A wonderful set of stories about kids who use their brains to figure out problems and have adventures. Positive stories that are well written.

The Mad Scientists solve a bank robbery, get outfoxed by Harmon Muldoon, save Mammoth Falls from a drought, invade the town with a UFO, then finally get even with Harmon and his gang in a satisfying and exciting sequel to The Mad Scientists' Club. Using classic technology and, of course, their noodles, the MSC romps through 5 short stories which are more complex than the originals, yet retain their smart and fun flavor. Henry thinks, Jeff leads, Mortimer snarks, Homer climbs, Charlie narrates, Harmon interferes, and Freddy and Dinky get kidnapped...twice! This book is great for boys AND girls 9-12 (and also for 42-year old women like me!) I'm so happy I found this book again after 30 years...it was worth the wait and then some!

If you loved Bertrand R. Brinley's first collection of stories about The Mad Scientists of Mammoth Falls The Mad Scientists' Club or the two novels: The Big Kerplop!: The Original Adventure of the Mad Scientists' Club and The Big Chunk of Ice: The Last Known Adventure of the Mad Scientists' Club, then you'll also love "The New Adventures of The Mad Scientists' Club". The boys return in five new stories, again mixing simple yet sound science and a gently wicked sense of fun.

In "Big Chief Rainmaker", a story originally planned for inclusion in the first book, the boys make clever use of simple scientific principles to break a killer drought by making it rain. Unfortunately, making it STOP raining, turns out to be a good deal harder.

In "The Telltale Transmitter" while investigating a series of unexplained seismic anomalies, the boys make an unexpected discovery.

In "The Cool Cavern" the boys acquire a WWII-era midget two-man Japanese submarine and stash it in a cavern behind Mammoth Falls' namesake Mammoth Falls while restoring it to functioning. Then one night the cavern roof collapses, hopelessly trapping Harmon Muldoon's gang, who had come to spy on the submarine, behind tons of fallen rocks. Or are they?

In "The Flying Sorcerer" Dinky Poore is so obsessed about wanting to see a UFO that he quits showing up for club meetings, until his fellow club members promise to build him a UFO. Hi-jinks ensue.

In "The Great Confrontation" Harmon Muldoon's gang kidnaps Dinky Poore and Harmon's cousin, Freddy Muldoon, and offers to trade them for the submarine and the right to use the Cool Cavern. Boy, are they going to be sorry!

As a boy, while I enjoyed this book very much, I never liked it as well or reread it as often as the first one, and after rereading it as a man I think I know why. It isn't the writing, which if anything has improved; it is the story topics. If the first book could be re-titled "The Mad Scientists' Club Triumphant", this book could be re-titled "The Mad Scientists' Club Get Their Comeuppance". In "Big Chief Rainmaker" the boys go from heroes to goats, and in "The Cool Cavern" the boys get made utter fools of. "The Telltale Transmitter" turns out to be a fairly conventional crime-solving, and even the wackiest story of all, "The Flying Sorcerer", is essentially "The Strange Sea Monster of Strawberry Lake" redux, except with a less triumphal ending, and it isn't until "The Final Confrontation" that the boys finally get even with Harmon Muldoon's gang for the events of "The Cool Cavern". The result is a little more downbeat than I prefer. In addition I regret the lost story possibilities of the restored midget submarine, which Brinley never made use of.

Note: the Purple House reprint of The New Adventures of the Mad Scientists' Club is worth picking up even if you own an older edition because it includes an introduction written by Bertrand's son Sheridan and a chronological listing of the stories so you can read them in the order they were written (the order of the stories in the book was not changed). Reading them chronologically clears up some confusion over places, geographical references, and characters.

Not many books can capture your imagination like the Mad Scientists books. I read these back in the late 60s and still have my original copy. Its been reread dozens of times and by the way where is Mammoth Falls? The location was always elusive. References to Chicago, the Air Force Base nearby, and the description of Strawberry Lake was most unusual. I keep two copies of the republished books on my shelf. I rarely rate 5 stars but this one gets it because after 40 years its still one of my favorites.

When I was growing up, I really enjoyed reading the 'Mad Scientists Club' and its influence may partly explain why I ended up in engineering research. Until recently I had forgotten all about it until I was looking at books by my favorite authors as a youth, such as Stephen Meader and Jim Kjelgaard. I came across the Brinley books and I decided to re-read the original and discovered much to my delight that there was a sequel of short stories and two additional full-length books by Brinley.

I read the sequel, 'The New Adventures of the Mad Scientists' Club'and I was both ecstatic and a little dismayed. The stories are uniquely excellent melding adventurous vignettes with some science. However, I noticed that the sequel showed some changes in personalities from the first book. I was a little surprised to see that in The Flying Sorcerer' Henry was both not fully truthful with Colonel March, but even after he was told how much personal trouble he was causing him, Henry proposed that the club continue with additional flights of the flying saucer. The readers had been told in 'The Cool Cavern' that Col. March had done them a big favor in helping them acquire the plexiglass nose from an old B-17 bomber for their midget sub. I guess it did not seem in character for them to treat their friends so shabbily. I know that the Mad Scientists are supposed to represent our rebellious American youth who do not respect authority, but I thought the stunt was taken a bit too far. Moreover, I was surprised when I read that Mortimer Dalrymple stole the rotor from Col. March's Air Force car, which is not only a dirty trick, but patently illegal. I am not sure if it was the length of time between Brinley's writing of his first story in 1960 to his last in 1968, but the characters in the sequel seem to not be as 'kind and gentle' as in the first book.

Regardless, I still really enjoyed reading the sequel and I plan on reading the two re-published full-length books.

This book is incredible! What detail & foreknowledge is involved in the inspired word of God. If you think the Bible is a masterpiece now you will not be disappointed after reading "Number in Scripture." It brought home to me how little we actually conceptualize about the workings of God.

Not only that, but it also helps with finding significance and greater meaning and understanding in scripture.

I had not read up on this subject before & found it truly inspiring.

E.W. Bullinger was a genius and I think every Pastor and Sunday School Teacher should have a copy of this book. It is somewhat technical reading but very interesting to see how numbers are so important in the Bible.

EVERY CHRISTIAN SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO READ/LEARN THE 'SECRET' GOSPEL
HIDDEN IN THE NUMBERS..........THIS BOOK IS THE BEST WRITTEN ON THAT SUBJECT.

IT WAS GREAT, I LEARNED A LOT. IT POINTS OUT THINGS WE NEVER THINK ABOUT.

"As for God His WAY is perfect" (PS.xviii.30). "The Law of the Lord is perfect" (Ps. xix. 7). "They are both perfect in power, perfect in holiness and righteousness, perfect in design, perfect in execution, perfect in thier object and end, and, may we not say, perfect in number."
E.W. Bullinger

It makes since does it not? If the words that God uses are perfect then why not the numbers? Thus, we have this monumental study by E.W. Bullinger. This book is broken into two sections, the first section examines the supernatural design of the Bible. The second section examines the spiritual significance of numbers. However, this book isn't just about numbers, it is an example of the beautiful accuracy and the infallability of God's perfect Word. The Bible flows in perfect harmony from the beginning to the end. After reading this book, never will you view the Bible as nothing more then just an "Old Book" written by religious zealots that collects dust on your bookshelf. Nor will you view the Bible as having no relevance in today's "modern" world. You will begin to see it as it really is, and that is, PERFECT!!!

God Bless ya!

Once Upon A Curse is a book that every book lover should read (after you've read The Frog Princess and Dragon's Breath of course)... It has time travel, fairys, dragons, harpies, and other magical creatures too. Captivating with kind and snotty ancestors that Princess Emma meets when she's trying to solve the family curse's mysteries... along with Eadric, Lil, and some magic she's bound for a journey no one's gone on before!

We bought the Frog Princess from a school bookfair. I've been reading it to my 8 year old daughter. We both enjoyed the book so much, I bought the next two in the series on Amazon. These are wonderfully funny, engaging stories. This is a children's auther I would highly recommend.

Ilove the romance in this book.Emma and Eadric
are very funny characters.I love the magic in this book.
I hope to keep reading the series!

This book is just one of the wonderful books in this series. An absolute family treasure and fun for the whole family.

This was a fun book that has been passed around in family. I read it first and then passed it to my 13 yr. old daughter who then passed it to my 10 yr. old daughter. We've all laughed with delight at some of the exploits our "heroes" manage to involve themselves in. A must read! Grab the whole series while you're at it!

This is by far the best mother's devotional I have ever read! I just can't get enough of this book. Once I'm done reading it I find myself reading it all over again a few months later. I love how I can relate to Mary in her readings. This book was just what I needed this last month! Her book is such an encouragement to me and I am so thankful that I bought this book. Thank-you Mary! I am planning on buying more books from this author.

Before you buy this book, know it is a DEVOTIONAL. I thought it was a parenting book. It's not. It's still a fantastic book, just not what I expected.The author is funny and down-to-earth. She highlights the divine in the mundane, drawing readers into a more personal awareness of God in the midst of everyday chaos of parenting. It's a drink of cool water to a parched soul.

The chapters are short, most just three pages. Each begins with a personal story then evolves into an applicable reflection of what God wants for us. It's the perfect format for busy moms.

Final Thoughts: Intellectual, witty and relevant. Definitely recommended.

This book has made a huge difference in my outlook. It gives me encouraging words to think about the entire day as I embark on the challenge to be the best mom, wife and person I can be. I highly recommend it!

When I first read this book as a young Christian, I found it convicting and encouraging in a way that truly challenged me to call upon the Lord to transform me into the mom He had called me to be. I was very touched by the honesty with which Mary DeMuth writes with. She sincerely shares her struggles as a mom and how she finds strength in the Lord to fulfill this blessed calling. I was really able to relate to her and found myself nodding my head again and again as I recalled very similar situations with my own children.
I found this book to be such an encouragement and such a challenge to be a better mom (through Christ who strengthens me) that I wanted to share it with other moms. Now, my friend and I have begun a Mom's Helping Mom's ministry, in which we get together with other young moms and we all use Mary DeMuth's book as a devotional at our meetings to discuss the issues relating to being a mom and to encourage each other as we fulfill this high calling and find strength in the Lord to raise these precious gifts that He has blessed us with in a way that glorifies His name.

I highly recommend Ordinary Mom, Extraordinary God...and I recommend that once you read it - you don't hold on to it - but pass it on to another mom that you know will be touched by it!

There's nothing ordinary about this book! I truly LOVED reading it! I just bought it a couple of weeks ago and have already ordered two more copies to give as gifts. It's just too good not to share. Mary speaks from the heart with humor and passion as she shares her real-life experiences in raising her family under the guidance and grace of God. As a mother of two young children, I will undoubtedly turn to Mary's encouraging and inspirational words again and again in the years to come.

I couldn't believe the depths Ellmann takes the reader in his biography of Oscar Wilde. Everything; every aspect of Wilde's life is thoroughly explored. The best single word review of this book would be just that; thorough.

On the other hand, the text is very dry at times, and you may find yourself frusterated. It always seems that, too often, biographies fall victim of the "dry writer."

Just as to know James Joyce, discover his daughter, the spark of his own genius.

Lady Wilde was a writer and Irish revolutionary who raised her son to infiltrate the highest ranks of the empire and expose their foibles, faults, cruelties and hidden shames, which he so fully did through his theatre work and other writings. He was investigating the widespread homosexuality of the British aristocracy when he was arested for his prying and blamed for that which he himself investigated and reported. He was silenced through breaking imprisonment (read his post-prison poetry, and the uneven yet revelatory De Profundis written from prison) which debilitated, discouraged and killed him a few short years after his release.

TO know Wilde, know his mother: Speranza, Lady Wilde, whose wonderful works of Irish history and legends are now available on amazon.com only in Spanish translation. Several good biographies are also available at unattainable price.

Know alos his son. Wilde was a loving family man who wrote wonderful bedtime stories for his own beloved children. What broke him in prison was losing them, as he writes in De Profundis.

Ellman's is a fine biography. Find out far more about Wilde than the popular and shallow slander urgently promoted by the Empire

Imagine the challenges facing a Wilde biographer: the contradictions of an outrageous, larger-than-life subject whose brittle public persona masked his inner torments; Wilde's enormous drive, which led to success and acclaim, but also set in motion his ultimate fall from grace. Worse: so much already written, including Wilde's own glittering one-liners - what could anyone presume to add to the already crowded record?

Professor Ellmann, who worked for almost twenty years on this book, doesn't fail to deliver. In what will clearly be the definitive biography, he lays out details of Wilde's life, illuminates the work, and cuts through the brilliant and brittle public persona to show us Wilde's soul. All of this is accomplished with wit, intelligence and compassion -- this book confirmed Ellmann's status as the English professor I always wished I'd had. Professor Ellmann doesn't make a single misstep in this astonishing biography.

His final assessment of Wilde:

"He belongs to our world more than to Victoria's. Now, beyond the reach of scandal, his best writings validated by time, he comes before us still, a towering figure, laughing and weeping, with parables and paradoxes, so generous, so amusing, and so right."

If I may be forgiven a paraphrase of Ellmann's own words, this biography is also "generous, amusing, and so right."

I had just finished this book ten minutes ago and I am completely in love with the man. His life was one of both tragedy and creativity. I felt so sad for him in the last part of his life. He was an amazing soul and this bio accented it. A must read!

I remember reading this book when I was 16 and being blown away by the erudition. Even to this day it's probably the most erudite biography I've ever read. The scholarly weight and depth of this book is tremendous. It is amazingly comprehensive. This is the kind of book that takes 20 years to write and must be a labor of love for the writer--the writer must really love his subject, in this case, Wilde. And one has every indication from the book that Richard Ellman did. His portrait of Wilde is no less sympathetic as it is complete. This must be the definitive biography which all other Wilde bios should be measured against. A superlative achievement.

David Rehak
author of "A Young Girl's Crimes"

A friend loaned me this book to read when I traveled to my parents to help my father take care of my mother who suffers from Alzheimer's.

This story was tender and beautiful. Very well written. A must read for anyone who has a family member suffering from Alzheimer'. A caregiver might feel better understood and even have a chuckle or two.

I read this book as part of Greenville, SC's Amazing Read program. The book tells the story of 3 generations coming together to battle common problems: Alzheimer's, car accident, single parenting. It is told from the father/grandfather's point of view, a simple housepainter. The prose flows like an easy conversation over coffee. No long descriptions of how the rain fell through the trees, but enough details to create an image.
The story has twists and turns to keep the reader interested, but the story is a bit predictable by the end. As I finished reading, I felt the characters, understood them, loved them and learned from them.

With elegantly-crafted understatement Tommy Hays compassionately relays problems spawned by "Alzheimer's in the family." At the same time, he manages to sensitively honor the reader's comfort zone. The result is a triumph for the author, for the reader, and for characters whose real life challenges and choices point the way for the rest of us. Thank you, Tommy Hayes.

This is a beautifully, sparingly written story about an older couple dealing with the changes, sadness, and humor, too, that Alzheimers' disease brings to a relationship. There are several love (romantic and familial) stories in it; the husband and wife, the grandfather and his grandson, 2 fathers and sons, and an unmarried man and women. In spite of dealing openly with the the effects of Alzheimers' disease on family members, this is NOT a depressing book. It is sweet and hopeful, yet poignant and sad at the same time. I highly recommend it.

We all probably know a Prate Marshbanks. He's a good person who thinks he's as tough as can be, but in reality he's a softie. Family comes first, not afraid of a day's work, intelligent but his greatest asset is common sense. We all know the type, and if by chance you don't, Tommy Hays creates this exact character in his book THE PLEASURE WAS MINE.

THE PLEASURE WAS MINE tells the story of Prate, who in his senior years has to take care of his wife Irene. Irene was once the most beautiful girl in the town, a lawyer's daughter, and English teacher, someone who in Prate's estimation was too good for him. Yet the two have a wonderful marriage, raise a son together, and at least as far as Prate is concerned, the two never fall out of love. This love and dedication is being tested now that Irene has Alzheimer's. Prate spends most of his days caring for Irene, but his routine is disrupted when his son Newell calls and asks him to baby-sit for Jackson, Newell's son. Prate reluctantly agrees believing his widowed son may need some time away but he wonders how he's entertain a sullen, bookish, and somewhat quirky young boy like Jackson. The two bond, and this bonding creates a new family dynamic.

The beauty of this book is due to Tommy Hays' carefully structured writing. This book could easily go in at least five different directions, but Hays is careful to present the story through Prate's eyes and by doing so, we become immersed in this man's story and grow to feel for him and the other characters in the story. Readers may think that a husband caring for an ailing wife with Alzheimer's is similar to the story of THE NOTEBOOK, Hays avoids sentimentality. Prate always has a bit of an edge which keeps him real and anyone who either has cared for someone with Alzheimer's, or knows someone who has, will appreciate the accuracy of the story and Prate's emotions.

I know I'm not the only reader who fell in love with this book, and it's my guess that others will too. Enjoy!

The book was used but looked brand new, came quickly and with it looking so clean, I should have no problems selling it back. Thanks!

If students plan to do well in class, this is definitely a got to have study guide for any student taking beginning Psychology.

I got this book very quickly and in great shape! I believe I did a great buy! I definately recommend buying from here.

This is a very interesting text!Chapters are a bit long & boring at times but overall great material. I just wish my professor didnt read the text word for word! Not the books fault! LOL

When asked to choose a book to use in my Introduction to Psychology class, I was somewhat unsure because there are armadas of books out there. For students, I think someone should take in price as a factor, look at what they are given in the way of student-aid and multimedia, and how good the book really happens to be. I initially chose this book because I knew someone that had used an older version of it and said that it was a good choice and, well, I couldn't be happier.

As far as the cost of the book, it really isn't bad for a new book. It keeps up with newer stuff, not really leaving you behind with outmoded material you really shouldn't learn anyhow. It also adds in newer elements to the study of the subject, allowing a student to feel out the subject without feeling like they've stepped onto the Intro bandwagon. This isn't to say that all the beginner's concepts aren't covered because they are - this is simply to say that the book takes the subjects and runs with them a lot more than most beginner material. Another thing to take into account if you are teaching a class are the number of chapters vs. the filler material. With classes becoming shorter now (many schools now have a 14 week series v. a 16 week one) the material needs to be able to sink in faster.
Happily for the students reading this, the material will do that AND the book will come with A LOT of help to making testing a positive experience.

One nice thing that comes with the book is the Concept Charts, making it east for people to see the ideas "come to life." It is easier to explain how a science goes from an idea to a modern approach by placing it in a nice graph, and the points that are added make it easier still to separate one person from another. The Chart book follows along with the book amazingly, too; I looked into it first off and saw that it took into account everything the Chapters were trying to say.

Running through the book, it covers: Evolution of Psychology, Researching, Biological Biases for Psychology, Sensation and Perception, Variations on Consciousness, Learning, Memory, Language and Thought, Intelligence and Testing, Motivation and Emotion, Development across the Life Span, Personality, Stress and Coping, Disorders, Treatment, and Social behavior. Combine this with the CD, web help, and you've got a full book of concepts.

If your teacher picked this out, MAKE SURE you get the concept charts with your book. It is good, will help you if you are going into any field dealing with psychology, and is a book that is worth keeping instead of recycling.

Owned my first couple for years and gave it away to a relative. Had to buy another copy. It is the very best of the all-around food preservation books on the market. It is a must for the reference shelf.

This book will tell you everything you need to know to preserve your own food. It covers canning, freezing, drying, smoking and root cellars.

I found it very helpful, but a little intimidating. They emphasize safety, and they definitely should, but almost to the point of scaring you to death! I think sometimes the completeness makes the whole process seem much harder than it really is.

I've made two batches of jam so far, and all went well.

All in all the book is great, but I'd also read through the Ball books, as they make the process seem easier.

We have used this book for years for the preservation and keeping of food. It is complete, easy to understand and thorough. Highly Recommended for beginners and seasoned canners. The perfect reference book.

I was just ordering a replacement book for the one that I have been using for years that is falling apart. It is the only canning book that you will ever need. All you need to know to do safe and delicions canning as well as other food preservation techniques are in there. I have a designation from the NC Extension Service of Master Food Preserver, so you can trust my opinion.

This is the only book that I have found that tells me how to preserve figs.
You cannot find these type of books in the Midwest.
This was a gift to my friend that lived in the midwest but has now located to Arizona that is fortunate enough to have these beautiful trees!
The rest of the book is excellent and comparable to what I already have, but this has figs! Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!!

Simon,

I appreciate you for sharing your own personal journey to find your brilliance. Your book inspired me to write my own book! You helped me to find my brillinance. I highly urge you all to read Simon's book!
Do not waste time! Do it now! I am grateful to you, Simon.


Sincerely,

Lana

Through four simple steps in the book, RELEASE YOUR BRILLIANCE, author Simon T. Bailey explains how to discover and activate the unique individuality in each one of us that will make the world a brighter place for all of us. He uses the analogy of diamond hunting and developing. He points out that no matter what our limits we have hidden abilities that define purpose, a "universal assignment."

Unfortunately society's stereotypes of "average" behavior encourages repression of peculiarities that could be channeled into productive, self enriching patterns, if we only knew how. This book is the guide that reduces what sounds like a monumental job to an easy, common sense approach based on eight aspects of personality. It furnishes everything needed for the task, including a website, www.releasingbrilliance.com, and an offer for a free CD.

I particularly like the comfortably embracing tone which will motivate everyone who wants more satisfaction from life regardless of priorities. Reading the book RELEASE YOUR BRILLIANCE by Simon T. Bailey is a single New Year's Resolution that will encompass all the details of a long list of "do's and don'ts" and result in a more productive, contented, shining NEW YOU!

I bought this book a month ago at the airport for a quick read on the way to a business meeting. Being in sales, I am always looking for a quick pick-me-up to get me moving in the New Year. I was completely shocked to be moved to tears in the first chapter. The exercise of finding my "Universal Assignment" or true purpose in life caused me to dig deep and really think about what I am doing with my life. Subsequent chapters gave me a roadmap and hope that I will be able to achieve my ultimate goals for my family and career, while motivating me to leave a positive mark on the world as well.

I found this book incredibly inspirational and the exercises caused me to create an action plan and not just read it and think "What a great idea!" put it down and never think about it again. Bailey shows us how simple it can be to become the person you always wanted to be--before your life got in the way. I have been truly moved by this book and I have read hundreds.

This is not just an interesting way to spin the same old thing, it is a new dimension in self discovery. So simple and yet so poignant, it will leave you with a real sense of who you are and where you are going.

"As Americas' first Sales Stylist I know how important it is for professionals to feel their ideas are..well.."Brilliant". Simon T. does a tremendous job of making the reader believe they are the diamond in the rough just waiting to shine! I now give my coaching clients "Release Your Brilliance" to further incent them to bring their true genius to the world."

Jennifer Abernethy
The Sales Lounge
[...]

So many self-help books are long on details of how to improve but short on an analytical framework that would help a reader to remember much about the book even one week later. Author Simon Bailey has skillfully used the analogy of each of us being like a diamond to provide an easily understood framework for polishing our god given blessings.

This is a power packed gem because of the way Bailey builds self-help concepts around the diamond analogy. For example, Zig Ziglar was the first to introduce me to the "wheel of life" concept wherein one evaluates ones status in eight different aspect of one's life (e.g., spiritual, physical, financial, etc.). Bailey has beautifully retrofitted that concept to tie into his diamond analogy.

I especially liked the author's chapter on "authenticity." Many are writing on this subject, but some who do so give me goose bumps what with their stretching of their credentials even as they challenge the reader to be authentic. Bailey seems to be much closer to the authentic he pleads for us to be than some of the new wizards on the self help scene. I felt incredibly comfortable with the author, his personal stories, and his positioning of where he is on his life journey.

Likewise, his comments on investing in relationship capital were very thoughtful and seemingly from the heart.

I could go on and on, but doing so would have me standing between my review and your reading this gem. Sure you will find more comprehensive self-help books, but few provide a better framework for a life companion. Definitely a five star book.