E Books

This is one of the most readable books on Astrology, and probably the best primer on relationship astro-analysis. It is very well written. Being an intermediate student of Astrology, I was able to follow the discussion of the entire book quite easily. It is definitely not for the beginner, but i think this is a must have for every serious student of astrology.

Here is another gem written by Hart De Fouw, but this time with another great thinker and author Robert Svoboda.
Totally unique approach emphasizing the analysis of SAMA DASHA in some cases.
And of course the language is as exquisite as before.

Another insightful book by these two authors. Difficult concepts made understandable. It has helped clarify not only romantic relationships, but also given me insight into quite a number of other relationships in my life.

Here is another gem written by Hart De Fouw, but this time with another great thinker and author Robert Svoboda.
Totally unique approach emphasizing the analysis of SAMA DASHA in some cases.
And of course the language is as exquisite as before.

As a Western astrologer, I found this book to be by far the best introduction to relationship analysis using Eastern astrology. The authors are adept at teaching the fundamentals of this art in a broad but comprehensive survey, while introducing you to the language and culture of the jyotishi. This text therefore gives a Westerner a nice introduction to the jyotishi's perspective in such a way that a Westerner can understand Eastern astrology in context of its culture. The authors' periodic explanations of how the two systems are different are also insightful and valuable information. The authors are humorous, intelligent, well learned and their language is very practical and down to earth. What I am amazed at is how comprehensive this introductory survey is. Eastern astrology is an ancient, accurate and intricate art, and this text is a great starting point if you are pursuing this path of learning, particularly if you already have a Western perspective.

This is one of those types of books where once you finish reading it, you know you will no longer be the same. This book makes you take a hard look within yourself and get rid of the many things that cause us suffering- from ego, to narcissistic beliefs, to negative perceptions. It really does have a wonderful union between eastern and western perspectives. However, in order to make good use of this book, the reader must be willing to face and change the most uncomfortable and ugly sides of themselves. If you feel that you may not be ready to face such things or believe this is just an informative book, then this may not be the book for you. On the other hand, if you are willing to follow through the exercises and see how practicing true compassion can change your life and those around you, I would highly reccommend it.

Overall I would have to say this is an excellent book that combines principles of Psychology and Tibetan Buddhism with the focus on practices of compassion.

There are many techniques in this book that can help to cultivate compassion as well as insights and stories that help to illustrate his various ideas. For this I gave the book 5 stars.

That being said, There are times that the author seems to slide down a "slippery slope" into the worst sort of New Age thinking. For example, he seems to think that most difficulties in relationships are caused by one's own projections.

While one's inaccurate projections may be a part of many people's relationship dynamics, I think it is unrealistic to always assume that one's difficulties in relationships are based on this idea. This is an oversimplification of the reality of many situations and a poor attempt to fit everything into a nice little box.

For example, I have many friends who were born into or married into families to whom conflict and negativity is the norm (though in the case of those who married into it their spouses may not indulge in this behavior but rather their spouse's families) and they became unwilling participants often as targets in this web of negativity. One may have compassion for why their aggressors developed such negative behavior, but to blame the recipient of this aggression by saying that somehow it is a manifestation of their own projections is absurd and not helpful. All this does is lead to unwarranted confusion and guilt in the person being victimized and traps them in a vicious cycle.

Sometimes in spite of their best efforts there is nothing they can do but "draw a line in the sand" and tell their aggressors that if they cross the line that they are no longer welcome. This can be the most compassionate thing one can do because that can stimulate the aggressor to look at themselves in the mirror and try to help themselves. These aggressors, if given free reign (like petty dictators), typically just get worse rather than better unless confronted firmly. It's almost like a power hungry person craving more power.

All that being said....

Overall, the material presented does offer many useful insights from ancient Tibetan Buddhist practices. If the Dalai Lama is an example of the fruits of these practices then one would have to be impressed by their potential.

Some of the practices described here are also described in the book "Awakening The Buddha Within" by Lama Surya Das (aka Jeffrey Miller) which is a fabulous book. While that is not a psychology book per se, Buddhism is very much psychological in nature in and of itself.

My favorite book that contains insights of psychology and spirituality is "Yoga and The Quest For The True Self" by Stephen Cope (also a psychotherapist as well as scholar in residence at the Kripalu Center in Massachussetts). I found that I was able to relate better to the material in that book overall than the Ladner book. Stephen Cope's book is also not only incredibly informative but is written in a style that makes it a joy to read (I am currently reading it for the 3rd time and I know it is a book that will be an ongoing part of my spiritual life).

Still, if you are interested in the meeting of psychology with spirituality, I would recommend reading and trying to incorporate many of the ideas "The Lost Art Of Compassion" into your life. It is a very readable book in terms of it's language (you won't need to read it with an unabridged dictionary by your side) and the author does seem very knowledgeable and sincere.

Namaste

I underline the passages of books that are the key ideas within each section. This book has the most underlining of any book on Buddhism I have read, and that is quite a few. Ladner helped this thick headed westerner gain a deeper appreciation and realization of important Buddhist principles. It is also an enjoyable romp into the world of western psychology, made palatable by its lack of filler (typically endless "studies" done on undergrad students)and Ladner's deep appreciation for Buddhism's insights into human behavior, thought and psychology. A bonus is the last section where Ladner outlines each chapter of the book. GET THIS BOOK.

And it still blows my mind away! This book became my new bible at one point and really, it changed my life. I learned a lot from its user friendly approach... and while Im not able to practice everything it suggests I still strive for it.

I wouldnt call this a self help book persay... but an introduction to the brightest, most honest way of living anyone could attempt with love in their hearts. Its not cheesy, its not super mystical, but practical and logical.

Compassion isnt something youre simply born with... but something you can grow into. Something you practice in any walk of life.

I've read several books making Buddhist concepts accessible to Western/American readers -- and this is the best, the clearest, the most practically useful. It is also a book that would help followers of other faiths see the usefulness of Buddhist concepts and practices without threatening their present beliefs. In other words, this is a great book for Christians to read! It helps show many practical ways for all of us to become kinder, more accepting, more loving of others and ourselves. It also show us a way out of our own selfishness, our own fears about interacting with others. It could help marriages, families, relationships, friendships.

It is a wonderful book. I am sad to see that the bargain price suggests it hasn't sold well, but I am glad to see that its bargain price makes it easier for people to purchase. I have given more than one copy as a gift!

Read it!

Lucia Lucas (born Emmeline Smith) wished the world to know that the recent death of her husband's aunt, who was 83 years old and who had spent the last seven of them bed-ridden in a private lunatic asylum, was "a grievous blow". Suppressed were the facts that neither Lucia nor her husband had hitherto given much thought to the aunt, and the fact that when Lucia's husband last visited the aunt, seven years previously, she bit him. No, the world must be convinced that the death of "dear Aunt Amy" was not a "happy release", it was "a grievous blow", requiring the wearing of veils, the drawing of blinds, and stoically-born, inconsolable suffering.

So begins E F Benson's 1927 novel "Lucia In London", one of six in which the author chronicles the worlds of Riseholme and its social climbing leading resident, Lucia. I say "worlds" because we are presented with two worlds. There is the real world and the world of pretence. Most characters, especially Lucia live in both worlds. What they privately covet, the publically despise. What they really feel, for example at the death of an aunt, they suppress in order to pretend to something more publically admired.

Benson's chronicles are great fun. The pretence, the point scoring, the absurdity, are richly detailed. There's not much testosterone, but there's a chuckle at least in every sentence.

This is the ultimate book for social climbers everywhere - Lucia the Queen of the tiny town of Riseholm goes to London and takes the town by storm.

This is such a brilliant story - absolutely hilarious - full of the beauty of social sycophancy and insincerity. Everyone knowing what is going on except Lucia who is (almost always) triumphant.

When Lucia's husband's aunt dies they are left with a house in London (and when the news is received in Risehome much calculation is doneby everyone based on no real facts at all.) It is up to Lucia's sidekick, Georgie, to wheedle the news out of her about the house in London and the income.

Lucia, who has always stated how she loathes London has now (very reluctantly you understand) decided to go to London for the season. Her departure from Riseholme however has a number of effects - the first being the power vacuum in Riseholme itself, and secondly she really does end up taking London by storm. Even the most vague of acquaintances of hers are treated as close bosom friends and called by their first names and name dropped shamelessly by her everywhere. This goes on till there is a firm group of Luciaphils in London who are so astonished and appreciative of her powers as the Queen of Social climbing that they establish an informal club to help her and to admire her mastery at work.

In Riseholme life does not go on without Lucia, it goes on firmly DESPITE her - everyone is determined to make a success of their village in her absence to show how much she is not at all needed there. There is the museum to establish,and then Daisy Quantock has helped them all discover the Ouija Board and the powerful spirit Guide (Abfou). They spend a great deal of time 'weedj-ing' for signs of what to do next.

If you haven't discovered Lucia novels yet, you must - Benson writes wonderful sardonic stories full of the small, pettiness of village life and its power struggles. This is wonderful light, laugh out loud stuff.

Since the other reviews here relate to the printed version of the E.F. Benson book, I thought I'd chime in with a review that is specific to this CD version read by Geraldine McEwan.

McEwan starred as Lucia in the delightful "Mapp and Lucia" series in the mid-1980s. It's out on DVD now and I highly recommend you snatch it up immediately before it goes out of print. It's one of the very best British comedies ever.

In the series, McEwan establishes what I consider to be the definitive version of Lucia. She is so delightful that as soon as I found out her readings of two of the Lucia books had also been recorded, I bought them -- although I had never purchased books on tape/CD before.

Suffice it so say, I was not disappointed. McEwan is a wonderful reader who brings out all the wit of the books, and I can't stress enough how marvelous it is to hear her once again using her "Lucia voice."

This has my highest recommendation.

Continuing the extraordinary adventures of Lucia, Benson's delightful story is full of the gossip and social-climbing one comes to expect of Lucia. Peppino, Lucia's husband, inherits a fortune and a house in London after the death of his aunt. Lucia has been the queen of all of Riseholme for ages, with her court including her best friend Georgie, an eternal bachelor who embroiders. When she ascends to London, Riseholme is bereft and feeling slighted, but soon they plot their revenge. Unfortunately for them, Lucia conquers London's high society and overcomes all obstacles in her path to greatness. But can Lucia keep up the pace of London society? And does she plan to desert her beloved Riseholme forever? The Lucia series, beginning with "Queen Lucia", is a delicious concoction of maliciousness and snobbery that will convert any reader.

I prefer Lucia in the country, though it is fun to see her get her comeuppance so regularly. Using her best social-climbing instincts and refusing to be embarrassed, Lucia sets out to conquer London and mingle with the beau monde. Soon a secret group of "Luciaphiles" springs up; the social climbers who make up its rank never tire of watching her get into and out of all kinds of trouble.

This book is about a girl named Lucy. She just finished fourth grade and this is going to be the WEIRDEST summer of her whole life. Everything around her is changing. Her grandma (with Alzheimer's) moves in with them, her worst enemy might move in next door to her, and she begins to receive e-mails in some secret code! Lucy thinks that maybe, if she has someone (or something) to tell all her problems too, she might be able to come up with solutions to the problems. Does she? Read the book and find out!

i read this book in 3rd gread. i loved this book so muhc. afther i read it i lended it to m\y frineds and she loved it. if you like the internet and like tghe compiuter youll like this book. it i san very easy book to read but has a great story. afther reading this book i made mi own e-mial log. so inconculison. this is a good reads. that everyone will enjoy

Lucy gets an E-journal computer program and she writes about her summer in there. She explains how her mother, who has Alzheimer's disease, moves in with her, how her best friend betrays her, how she has to go to summer camp and doesn't want to, and how much she wants a ferret. Can Lucy make it through summer camp? Can she forgive her best friend for betraying her? Can Lucy finally get the ferret of her dreams? Find out her story section by section.
Lucy goes through many tough experiences, kind of like me. I really like this book because I really relate to Lucy and her stories. I would definitely recommend this book to any animal lovers who also enjoy a good laugh, and anyone else who might want want to learn about ferrets, cats, or Alzheimer's disease. So get reading!

I hate reading!!! When I saw this book at a school book fair. I Grabbed it! It looked so intresting. When I started to read this I loved it and I didn't want to stop! I could read this 10
times and still not want to stop! I am 12 years old and I sill love this book from when I was 10 in the 5th grade!!!!

I think this book is really cool and completely true.I loved it!!!!!

Dr. Showers has presented the most solid defense of the pre-trib rapture. So often the discussion of the rapture is focused solely on the event itself, but Dr. Showers' work is key, in that he places the rapture within it's biblical context, by specifically addressing the Day of the Lord. Without the preliminary concerns which he addresses, the placement of the rapture is much more of a case of inference, but when laid out in the context of the broader prophetic scheme, the placement at once becomes obvious. I would recommend this book to any and all who are studying the rapture.

Along side his other definitive work comparing dispensationalism and covenant theology "There Really Is A Difference", Dr. Showers has rendered us a great service with "Maranatha--Our Lord, Come!". His biblical and scholarly work will continue to set the standard in defending the premillennial, pre-tribulational rapture of the Church for a long time to come.

As stated in the Foreword, "With over one-third of the Bible devoted to the subject of prophecy, the essence of which is the Lord's return, we can ill afford to be uninformed or confused about a hope so basic to our lives...Indispensable to any comprehensive work on the Lord's coming is and examination of the question of Imminency--the "any moment" return of Christ."

Although "Maranatha" is a deeply rich and encompassing study of the Rapture of the Church, I only have time and space enough to mention the following quotes from Dr. Showers. These should be enough to show how important this matter is and what is at stake in our churches. It also serves as a reminder of the expectant living every believer needs each day to fulfill our Lord's Great Commission to every tribe, nation, tongue, and people.

In his chapter on Imminency, Dr. Showers states:
"The concept of the imminent coming of Christ is a significant inference for the Pretribulation Rapture of the church. To understand this concept, we must examine the meaning of the term "imminent."

The English word "imminent" comes from the Latin verb "immineo, imminere," which means to "overhang" or "project". In light of this, the English word "imminent" means "hanging over one's head, ready to befall or overtake one; close at hand in its incidence." Thus, an imminent event is one that is always hanging overhead, is constantly ready to befall or overtake a person, is always close at hand in the sense that it could happen at any moment. Other things may happen before the imminent event, but nothing else must take place before it happens. If something else must take place before an event can happen, that event is not imminent. The necessity of something else taking place first destroys the concept of Imminency."

Dr. Showers point here is very important. For example, this failing is seen clearly in the premillennial covenant (post-trib) position coming out of schools related to the EFCA that believes the Antichrist MUST be revealed first, and the Church MUST go through the Great Tribulation, BEFORE Christ can return. Since certain things MUST happen before the rapture can occur, this position does not allow for the, any moment, imminent return of Christ that is so often repeated in Scripture. Nowhere do we find that "imminent" equals "sometime soon"...and I have not been able to find anywhere in Scripture where the believer is to find his future hope an expectant living in looking for the Antichrist.

The Practical Effect of Imminency
Dr. Showers goes on to state, "The imminent coming of Christ should have an incredible practical effect on the lives of individual Christians and the church as a whole. The fact that the glorified, holy Son of God could step through the door of heaven at any moment is intended by God to be the most pressing, incessant motivation for holy living and aggressive ministry (including missions, evangelism, and Bible teaching) and the greatest cure for lethargy and apathy. It should make a difference in every Christian's values, actions, priorities, and goals...In addition, in 1 John 3:2-3 the apostle emphasized the impact that the truth of Christ's coming should have on Christians living now: "We know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is. And every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure."

Finally, with the biblical doctrine of Imminency under siege in some denominations like the EFCA, Dr. Shower's excellent discussion in Chapter 7 is vitally important to us today. Along with that we are seeing inroads being made against the consistent use of a single normative hermeneutic by "new" systems with misleading labels such as "Progressive" and "Historic" forms of premillennialism. If you scratch below the surface you will see that both of these are little more than Covenant Theology dressed up in sheep's clothing. These views also have a weaken view on the inspiration of Scripture and use a "complementary" hermeneutic. Pastors, church leaders, and pastoral search committees can no longer afford to be complacent or uninformed and assume that being "premillennial" or even "dispensational" means normative dispensational.

The Bible in Revelation 22 closes by saying, "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely...He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus."

Renald Showers is a very careful Bible expositor, and he does a great job with this study on the pretribulational rapture of the church. He has a very strong chapter on the imminency of Christ's return. He also makes it clear that the entire seven year tribulation period is a time where God's wrath is poured out on the earth, and that you cannot confine the time of wrath to the last portion of the period.

I was a bit confused by Showers' distinction between the broad day of the Lord which starts shortly after the rapture and lasts all the way through the 1000 year reign of Christ, and the short day of the Lord, which refers to the day of Christ's second coming. To me, the day of the Lord is time of divine judgment and wrath that lasts from the Rapture to the end of the tribulation period, but ceases at the start of the Millennium.

2 Thessalonians 2 is a tough passage for the pretribulational position, but I think that Showers did a good job expounding this text.

He also shows that the coming of Christ for His saints in John 14 and 1 Thessalonians 4 is different and distinct from the coming of Christ WITH His saints in Revelation 19.

He argues cogently for a two stage coming of Christ, the first stage being the rapture of the church into heaven, an event that can occur at any time, and the second stage being the coming of Christ at the end of the tribulation to set up His millennial kingdom.

This book is a bit stodgy and repetitive. Showers is not the most engaging writer in the world. But I feel that he has established a strong exegetical case for the pretribulational rapture of the church.

Subtitle's right, this is a "definitive" rapture study. Far more than the typical Daniel, Revelation, Thessalonians, I Corinthians stuff here. Hundreds (thousands?) of verses are cited as Showers scrutinizes the entire Word of God for inferences supporting his view that the rapture will be before the 7-year tribulation. Detailed analysis of the various birth pangs references, the Day of the Lord (narrow and broad), use of the word tribulation, significance of the Revelation 5 scroll...and that's all preliminary to getting to Part II! I'm unaware of any scripture stones Shower's left unturned to present both the big picture and the details. By far the best of the many rapture books I've read, 'Maranatha' is for the serious student, but so well-organized that even one not so familiar with the Bible can benefit.

"MARANATHA" is indeed a definitive study on the rapture. Like an exceptional corporate attorney, Renald Showers scrutinizes pointed details of scripture that address our Lord's coming for His bride. He addresses passages and details that others have overlooked, turning over every stone along the path. Not only does he present the views of the early church fathers, but he also focuses attention on pertinent rabbinical writings.

Regardless of your personal viewpoint, you must respect his attention to detail, his scholarship, and his forthright honesty in stating his position (from the beginning he makes it clear that he holds to a pretribulational rapture). Likewise, in presenting his case, he never makes a disparaging remark about those who do not agree with him. He simply focuses on the matter at hand.

This volume cannot be brushed aside. It is the strongest statement to champion the pretribulational viewpoint.

This is an excellent book. I have used it for medieval, folk/fairy tale, multiplication, critical thinking, and role playing studies. It is also just a wonderful story for read aloud at home or school. The illustrations are just beautiful.

...Nesbit writes beautifully and is clever and unpredictable enough that without going over the kids' heads, the reading adult can enjoy it too. The illustrations are excellent; I just wish the hardcover version was available!

A century-old thoughtful twist on the fairy tale genre by a classic Children's writer (would love to see reviews of some of her other works). Melisande is a princess subject to the usual misfortune: a wicked fairy not invited to the christening casts an evil spell on her--"The Princess shall be bald." Not to worry the King has a wish he was given by his fairy godmother locked in his safe, the Princess may use it however she wishes when she comes of age. At that point, the Queen says,

"Dearest, for my sake, wish what I tell you to." "Why, of course I will," said Melisande. The Queen whispered in her ear, and Melisande nodded. Then she said, "I wish I had golden hair a yard long, and that it would grow an inch every day, and grow twice as fast every time it was cut..."
"Stop!" cried the King..."You've done about enough." For he had a mathematical mind and could do the sums about the grains of wheat on the chessboard...

You can imagine what happens next. According to the formula, they promise the Princess's hand in marriage to the Prince who can solve this problem. One unfortunate attempt leaves her growing into a giant a la Alice in Wonderland. The final solution is very clever and I won't spoil it for you. There is a great deal of humor throughout and it is illustrated very well, though I'm not an uberfan of Lynch's caricatures.

I remember this book from middle school. I told people the story, and everyone thought I made it up! I'm glad to see that it's in print, and not just a figment of my imagination. If you love fairy tales, you'll like this book. A little strange, but worth the read.

From one irritated, uninvited guest comes the gift of baldness. From one poorly worded wish comes out of control hair. Add one prince determined to find the solution. Mix in Melisande's need to rescue her island home. How does it turn out? It adds up to an enchanting tale that delights both young and old. I've used the book in elementary classes as well as college classes--both were mesmerized.

From the very title of Dr. Mark Hillman's book, "My Therapist Is Making Me Nuts," we get the sense that maybe, just maybe, this book is going to be different from the thousands of others that clutter the self-help shelves of the local book store. After all, if Hillman could be irreverent enough to take a well-deserved poke at his own profession with the notion that therapists might actually be CAUSING problems, perhaps the pandering, know-it-all tone that generally typifies the field might be avoided.

Such faith is more than justified, as becomes clear from the opening lines of the introduction in which the train of thought that led to the book's writing is revealed. Eschewing the force-fed paradigms that characterize most of the books written by his fellow therapist-authors, Hillman takes an Everyman approach to the emotional and mental stumbling blocks and landmines over which most of us trip every day, year in and year out.

Taking the reader through a voyage of self-discovery, Hillman pulls back the curtain on such notions as operating fantasies, operating assumptions, and the deadly operating presumptions. Citing as examples such characters as Bixby and the Unfortunate Jones, Hillman uses humor to make his point and allows us to see ourselves in those examples. Page by page the reader learns about the motivating power of currencies of approval and gratification, of the difference between the person and the self, the role of culture in what we feel and believe, and the way we all sometimes go half-cocked chasing after things that are really not good for us.

As Hillman himself says in the book's opening pages, this volume isn't going solve every problem, make us rich, successful or beautiful. For that he suggests Martha Stewart. But for the rest of us who just want some tips on how to get through life, there could not be a more accessible, user-friendly tool.

Humor, self-awareness, insightful, understanding relationships -with yourself and your world.....Dr. Hillman has managed to provide an excellant written book that captures your attention from begining to end. There are two ways to approach this book -buy it and read it now or buy it and keep it by your bedside. Either way it will help you when "Life Happens". This is a great book for any age - if you are open to better understanding your-self this is a must read. But remember - buy 2 - you will want to keep one for yourself and one to give to someone special in your life!

My Therapist is Making Me Nuts by Mark Hillman is, in my judgment a "must read" book that will encourage introspection at the turn of every page. The book painlessly dissects and exposes the factors, suppositions, assumptions and ideations that individualize each of us, and the readers are encouraged to participate in the game of "who, what and how" we are.

Psychological anatomy is complex and the drama it produces is the theater of mankind, yet somehow, with wit, humor, and text that engages the reader directly, Hillman clarifies the intimate parts of personality, yours, mine and of course, his. His allusions demonstrate a robust familiarity with the vernacular of our times, from which he culls relevant examples to illustrate the pitfalls and sand traps that may obstruct and delay our progress. They may also help us peel away the veneers that disguise us from ourselves.

Hillman writes in a glib, conversational story-telling manner, replete with anecdotes that clarify obscure concepts of this difficult subject. Any words or phrases that interrupt your train of thought are further defined in the reader-friendly glossary.

Hillman describes "hope". "expectations". "presumptions" ,
"assumptions" as well as numerous other processes that either implement or retard our progress as human beings, and bundles them into the context of contemporary social and societal life. Even the short paragraph about rites of passage of different civilization invites comparison with college hazing, a seemingly foolish activity which may have roots buried deep in the recesses of our genetic past.

The proposition put forward that thought always precedes action may be true, but it is probably also true that many thoughts are generated by instincts over which we have little control. But if indeed Hillman is correct, that thoughts inevitably precede action, book is a mirror to show how the thoughts generated by instinct can be modified and often dealt with.

Read this book to learn more about yourself. Rarely does education come in such a palatable form.

Written like a true mensch, Dr. Mark Hillman breaks down the puzzles that keep us stuck in unproductive relationship patterns in safe and often funny slices-of-life that resonate, reassure and teach. I read the first hundred pages in a half hour -- it's that good! A must-read for those considering therapy or for those who have lived and learned through therapy -- Dr. Mark validates and nutures us all!

Being someone who is more comfortable reading a short magazine article while at the barbershop, this book looked like a daunting task to read. I was suprised at not being able to set Dr.Hillmans book down. I began to think this author had somehow written about me or some of my own life stumbles.
This book is about us all and the stumbles we all may make in life. I only could wish that this book had come to print years ago. Dr.Hillmans down to earth approach is simple to understand and his wit and humor helps to keep us focused on the basic principles he gives us in the book. It's written in a manner that is easy to read and understand. This book is a healthy source of guidlines of self-awareness to operate day to day in the real world. Thank You Dr. Hillman for putting together such a great resource for personal growth and understanding for everyday life.

Excellent information on the history of gemstones, understanding color and cuts. Exquisite examples, beautifully photographed. A must for anyone interested in gemstones or the history of jewelry.

This is a beautiful book with lots of interesting information on the gem collection.

This review is for the paperback version of the book, which I loved. It has a lovely balance of terrific photos & explanations of the various sources of the featured gems. It serves as a nice beginning reference when you have heard the terms sapphire & red sapphire (huh? I thought red gems were rubys or spinels) and would like to know more about which gems are related to others.

And did I say the photos are just wonderful? Enjoy!

If you have visited the National Collection and want a souvenir to remind you of the stunning array of unique World Class Gems then this is the book for you. Both the format of the book and the superlative quality of the photography make this book the next best thing to being in the exhibition hall. There is a fairly light weight coverage of the gemmology in the text, but it mostly focusses on the history and ownership of these fabulous gems. The National Collection is unique, no where else in the world is there such a concentration of fabulous jewels with such an interesting history, with the possible exception of the British Crown Jewels in the Tower of London. This book is a fitting celebration of such a marvellous collection.

"The National Gem Collection," by Jeffrey E. Post, features photographs by Chip Clark. The book is a beautiful celebration of the title collection, which is part of the Smithsonian Institution. The informative text discusses the history of the collection, facts about types of different gemstones, and specific pieces in the collection.

The full-color photography is really stunning, and brings a rich assortment of gems to glorious life. Some of the historic pieces pictured are the blue Hope Diamond, the diamond Napoleon Necklace, the Hooker Emerald, and more. Also shown are a colorful collection of "fancy" diamonds, a rare red diamond, the 858-carat uncut Gachala Emerald, the delightful "pink tutu" (a band of dainty rose quartz crystals on a large smoky quartz crystal), a dazzling group of fire opals, a lapis lazuli carving from Afghanistan, and more.

I appreciate how the book celebrates gemstones at various stages: uncut, cut, and set in artfully crafted pieces of jewelry. Many different types of gemstones--aquamarine, garnet, spinel, chrysoberyl, turquoise, etc.--are covered. Features such as a scanning electron microscope photo of the inner structure of an opal give the reader a deeper understanding of the science behind gems. From start to finish, this book is a marvelous feast for both the eyes and the brain.

The information in this book is practical,concise and easy to understand. The book is a can't miss guide, including structured exercises,for anybody that believes personal improvement is the key to mastering change and leading a meaningful life. A welcome addition to any self help library.

I greatly enjoyed the easy-read factor. The writing is clear, straight forward and enjoyable, especially the "gemful" stories along the way. The Near-Life Experience concept is fresh, focused and gives emphasis to the sacred -- the extraordinary in the ordinary.

I appreciated the challenges of gaining insight from self assessment and from feedback from others. The simple, basic and loving approach of acceptance, affirmation and care for every person and circumstance is refreshing and energizing. Near-Life Experiences is insightful and inspirational. Thanks Tom!

"Near-Life Experiences" is a profound statement that caused me to re-think my priorities on a daily basis. Goals and achievements are important, but if you lack balance, there is no victory. Tom McQueen puts this message in an easy read filled with wisdom gained in his own "near-life" experiences. Anyone seeking balance and fulfillment in their spiritual, family or career life will benefit from reading this book and applying the simple recommendations for truly valuing the "near-life" experiences we have each day.

This is a small book in size but a giant in scope. Tom McQueen offers the simplest suggestions on how to get the most out of your personal, professional and spiritual life. He provides examples of how to find new meaning in everyday experiences. He makes you think about everybody you care about and then suggests how to get the most out of these relationships.

There are books that claim to be real helpful and then there are books that really help! Tom McQueen's book is one of those books that really help!

I can't remember in sixty years when I have read something that has had such a meaningful impact on my life.

"Near-Life Experiences: Discovering New Powers for Personal Growth" should be a featured book on Oprah and every other book list in America.

With what our country has been through lately in Washington, capitalizing on our "near-life experiences" would be a blessing for us all.

One of the best all around references I have found. It gives you the important info you need and cuts out the fluff.

This book is a must for chiropractors who's practice includes pediatric patients. It is a one stop source for everything I have needed in practice.

The 17th edition of the Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics is available now. I have seen it on the publisher's website. This textbook is one of the main physician-level educational sources for pediatrics, and I highly recommend it for the personal libraries of all medical professionals as well as those in training. No matter what your field, there will always be the potential that you will become responsible for caring for a child. However, it is usually best to find the latest edition for any textbook.

THis is THE textbook of pediatrics. I own Rudolphs and Oski's as well. This is the book to buy (or read if you have MDconsult). It has the best diagrams, graphs, authors, and is the easiest to read. Don't waste your time with the minibooks such as currents or the mini Nelson's. Just read this one. You'll be glad.

When I was on my PA Peds rotation, I often consulted this great reference in the medical library. Now, that I have my own book, I know its value. There is no other Pediatrics book out there that is better than this one. Don't waste your money on less expensive books like Current Pediatrics which doesn't cover half as many topics as Nelson. Also, for a great little pocket books, try Harriet Lane and Current Clinical Strategies Pediatrics 5 Minute Review.