Green Books

Let us stop talking about the environment and the need to protect it and start DOING SOMETHING, ANYTHING to achieve a better path towards a more SUSTAINABLE SOCIETY AND WAY OF LIFE! THE TIME IS NOW! I do hope its not too late.
Anselmo De Portu, Environmental Planner

Ray Anderson is the CEO of Interface Corporation, a manufacturer of carpet tiles for businesses and hotel chains. After reading Paul Hawken's The Ecology of Commerce and Daniel Quinn's Ishmael, Anderson revolutionized his beliefs and how his company does business. He is now striving for 100-percent sustainability by having zero waste, reusing materials, not using non-renewable resources, such as petroleum, and by leasing his carpet rather than selling it. Why this is important: 1) The obvious reasons such as not being wasteful and polluting, 2) Interface is now a model for all industry, 3) Anderson shows how sustainability is more profitable, and 4) Anderson's model shows that it only takes changing minds to be a successfully revolutionary--not street protests, letters to the editor, petitions, meditation, spiritual consciousness, believing in God, lobbying Congress, protesting governments and/or corporations, and all the typically tried and often painfully slow ways to enact positive change. Brilliant.

This book deserves more than five stars.

Mr. Anderson has taken an important step forward in leading Interface Corporation towards becoming ecologically neutral. By that phrase, ecologically neutral, I mean taking nothing from and adding nothing to the environment. This concept has become a popular one in Europe beginning in Sweden, in the form of The Natural Step, but has been much more slowly adopted in the United States. Those who are interested in understanding the processes by which a company can pursue improved environmental performance will find many helpful examples in Mid-Course Correction.

What if you don't care about your company's impact on the environment? Mr. Anderson makes a powerful argument based on his experiences at Interface that you should. First, it is much cheaper to produce goods and services if you use less materials and waste less. This means higher profits. Do you care about profits? Second, the pursuit of sustainability attracts many new customers and better supplier relationships. That also means higher profits. Third, people feel better about themselves. Do you like to feel better about yourself? Fourth, perhaps you should rethink your position about the environment. Even if we have enough for now, if we waste it, we are robbing our own descendents at some point of a good quality life. Mr. Anderson describes many cases of where despoilage of nature from overuse has been very expensive and undesirable by anyone's standard.

He also cites many of the leading books on the benefits of an ecologically sustainable business world. In fact, this movement will become a disruptive technology by making those who waste unable to compete with those who do not. Think about it.

To me, the value in the book is in Mr. Anderson's fine example of how to lead towards becoming environmentally sustainable as a company. I have been aware of most of the arguments in favor of this (including The Natural Step), but could not imagine how an American company would go about pursuing this goal. I also could not imagine how it could be reconciled with public ownership of stock. So much for my tiny imagination. Now, with Mr. Anderson's book, I can understand (and so can you) that becoming a sustainable enterprise is simply good business as well as being a good citizen. That will make sense to almost anyone.

After you read this wonderful book, I encourage you to share you copy with another person and ask them to do the same. This message needs to be spread if our companies are to fulfill their potential, and we are to have a world that we can all be proud of and enjoy living in. Then, I urge you to take this one step further, and think about how your family could become an ecologically sustainable unit.

Do good and do well!

This is the personal and eco-spiritual journey of Ray Anderson - the CEO of Interface, Inc., the world's largest producer of floor coverings. The book chronicals Ray Anderson's mid-life "change of heart" concerning the negative impact his business was having on the eco-systems of earth. Moved by this new awareness, Anderson sets off on an intensive study of the topic (much of which he writes about here) and sets the audacious goal of transforming his company into the first truly sustainable enterprise (which is a work in-progess of course).

Admittedly, much of what Mr. Anderson writes here is an amalgam of the writings of the major environmental proponents of the 80's & 90's, but told in a personalized way as it relates to Interface's carpeting business. He forms a framework and rationale of why sustainable business is essential and gives many useful stories of how Interface struggled to define and achieve continuous improvement in the quest for sustainability - a journey Anderson likens to "climbing Mt. Everest."

Some highlights I found useful include:
+ A vision of prototypical sustainable company of the 21st century
+ The case how technology must move from being part of the problem to being part of the solution to non-sustainability
+ Interface's seven-front plan for achieving sustainability (nice color charts)
+ A great example of how Interface is moving from selling consumable products to be discarded (floorcovering) to providing an ongoing service (replaceable floorcovering that is taken back and recycled using zero-waste, solar-energy processes).

While this book is now 10 years old, it is still relevant and useful - although some concepts are dated (eg: solar is now economically realizable in many places but not written as such). For readers who like books that tell a story, there should be much inspiration here in the author's memoirs. And for those who look for the "how-to" lists, there is a wonderful, comprehensive list of 200-some practices a company can implement to achieve greater sustainability. Those with responsibily to implement sustainable practices should find these highly practical actions invaluable (worth buying the book just for this).

In any societal movement, true visionaries are needed to set the bar and define ultimate goals. Interface is one such organization. However, no organization, business or community is anywhere near being truly sustainable so far. Interface is no where near it, and their recyclable carpet "leasing" program has not quite been a big success - so far - as they miscalculated some customer behaviors needed to change. But it is better than it was years ago which is the basic journey towards truly sustainable products and operations.

I would highly recommend this book for those of you who are convinced big business will eventually destroy our earth.

I was impressed that a non-scientist/engineer would even attempt to write a book like this. His excitement about the potential for saving the environment came through in his text. He laid out the goals his company had set for achieving a state beyond zero waste, returning to the earth as much as was taken from it. I believe it takes a visionary to apply such abstract ideas and commit to making them real. And the fact that he was able to make a business arguement for sustainable development was reassuring because, realistically, if businesses can be convinced that this will help them make money, it is much more likely to happen. That's clearly what I saw with the pollution prevention movement and it just might happen here.

This book is wonderful. I paid full price for it and would gladly do so again in order to give it as a gift to others. I highly recomend it.

I have owned this book for several years and read it cover to cover, most parts more than once. It is a good read and I like the way it is set up, and the author's enthusiasm is appreciated. There is much good information inside, but unfortunately, there is misinformation to a degree that I think is inexcusable. For example, the drawings of "evening primrose" actually show primrose, which is a totally different plant in an entirely different family. But the text clearly describes eating the root of evening primrose. So it seems like he didn't even know what evening primrose was, had never tried it, but copied his information on how to use it, even the description of its flavor, from another book. The text sure makes it sound like he's had experience from the plant. I think its disingenuous and a disservice to the reader. This is the most glaring example of many errors. Otherwise, it is a good book.

I was amazed at all the information this book gave me. I have learned so many things, to see all the bounty we can have in our own backyard! Practical and easy to read. I recommend this book to all nature and food lovers.

I haven't met many people who can point out at least ten different plants in the average yard and can tell you how to cook them. Mr. Henderson does an outstanding job of identifying wild, and not-so-wild, edibles common to almost every neighborhood. His recipes are easy to follow and delicious.

Even if you are not planning to run right out to the nearest shrub and harvest its leaves for dinner, I recommend this book. Mr. Henderson's prose is worth reading, whatever the content. His witty, humorous style enlivens a book full of excellent information.

The Neighborhood Forager is a very informative and enjoyable book. It not only tells about the plants in our backyards and by-ways but gives historical information, recipes, warnings and dyer's tips.

Mr. Henderson writes with humor and personal anecdotes which makes the book a good read even if you're not into foraging.

I am a children's pastor and I highly reccommend this book. I use it for my lessons and also in class.

The NIV Study Bible is very popular with adult readers because of its easy readability and the excellent study notes on every page. This wonderful New Adventure Kid's NIV Study Bible is a colorful, involving study Bible with many inserted pages that are personal to young kids, relating to their lives and families. There are question pages, lists of facts interesting to kids by category, and a page in the front where the child can write his or her name, who gave him/her the Bible, and for what occasion. I found this Bible for my youngest godson (age 9), and his mother tells me he is reading it often! I'm getting it for my daughter who turns eight this summer, and I'm certain she will love it! Your kids 8-12 will also, whether they are already Christians, simply interested, curious, or actively seeking to learn more about God's word. God Bless anyone reading my review- hope it helps you made a decision!

You can call me StoryMaker. The New Adventure Bible is a great Bible for kids. The features help kids like me understand the Bible! It also has just-plan-interesting features. They also explain each book of the Bible, witch helps you learn too. Plus, just plain Bible text is good. Bibles are good books, even without a bunch of features. The features really help me understand and the features are just plain fun! Overall, if you are/have a kid who wants to understand the Bible, this is a great choice. Signed, StoryMaker. "Gotta trust the kid's review!"

This Bible is great for young readers and will keep them going well in to High School. There are many graphics throughout this Bible and special interest comments that explain why people did things the way they did or why they wore a particular type of clothing. Our church gave this New Adventure Bible to all children graduating into the third grade. The NIV translation is pretty understandable to young readers. Each book has an introduction that is designed towards the young reader. There are also special pages to enhance a childs understanding: for example in addition to the actual text of the ten commandments - is a special page with pretty graphics that re-word the commandments in language for youth. A special page explains "How to pray" - another summarizes Old Testament Prophets, and yet another page called "Getting to know Jesus" helps kids understand what it means to be a Christian. Just like the 'grown up' Bible - this book is a Red Letter edition. My fifteen year old still loves this Bible.

The one and only King James Version. This Bible has everything that a growing child needs. There is the original text combined with easy to follow descriptions and explanations to help your child understand the ideas that are presented. There are special sections such as "Words to Remember", "Let's Live It", "Life in Bible Times", and trivia in the "Did You Know". This is a must have for yout child if you are concerned about what text your child is reading.

The Rosary was in my grandmother's library when I was a young teenager, and it's been my favorite book since then. The heroine inspired me to name our daughter, Jane. In my retirement years, I dreamed of writing romance novels as pure and memorable as Barclay's. Steeple Hill has published four of my books. Most have won awards, but none of them come close to being as good as hers. -- Patt Marr

The Rosary is simply the book I love most, if I had to choose one book from my library, to have till the end of my life, this would be the Rosary. I read it every few months.
The Rosary takes you to delicate gardens of England mansions in 1900s and tells a story about two most loved people of the British high society. They are Jane Champion and Garth Dalmain who are in love but face a great obstacle. The story is about those two and their struggle to come together. It also gives a taste of lives of British socielites at those times. The language of book is especially delicious, and it has its own sense of humor. I love this book!

Written in 1910, THE ROSARY still proves to be a very successful story in the year 2003. By today's standards, it may be described as quaint but still very enjoyable. The writing is lyrical, descriptive, and charming; the love storyline is ageless.

The story revolves around Jane Champion and Garth Dalmain. Jane is talented, smart, good-natured and independent. However she is a unique heroine because unlike the female protagonists in many romance stories, Jane is described as homely-looking. She is also older than the hero, Garth - a vibrant, energetic, gifted, and extraordinarily handsome man.

The title refers to a popular song written in 1898 by composers Ethelbert Nevin and Robert Cameron Rogers. Garth realizes that he is in love with Jane after hearing her sing the song at a public performance. When he declares his love to Jane and wants to marry her, she turns him down, although she also loves him; Jane doesn't believe that Garth will be truly happy living with a plain-looking woman for the rest of his life. Broken-hearted, the two part ways but reunite, later, under sad and unexpected circumstances.

How do Jane and Garth finally accept each other? Writer Florence Barclay writes a story that makes you want to keep reading till you find out how the lovers reunite.

I first heard about THE ROSARY, a few years ago, on a T.V. program that reported a true story of a woman who always mentioned the book. A relative of hers decided to search for the then out-of-print book and give it to her as a surprise gift. Through what could only be described as a miracle, the relative eventually found the book. Fascinated with the story of the woman's attachment to the book, I decided to look for it. I couldn't find the book anywhere. Years later, I happened to mentioned THE ROSARY to a friend. Guess where she found it? On Amazon.com! I think it's great that anyone can find the book (and many other things) here!

If you like stories like Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice, Persuasion, and Sense and Sensibility, you'll enjoy this tale. Reading THE ROSARY is like taking a breath of fresh air.

Fafa Demasio

The book is the story of how, with the help of God and godly friends, a seemingly star-crossed couple face misunderstanding, heartbreak, and tragedy.

Love stories often disappoint these days, perhaps because the characters seem smaller than life, but The Rosary satisfies because the characters are larger than life. When I first read this story many years ago, even though I wasn't old enough to fully understand or appreciate it, since I didn't even know what a rosary was at the time, I do recall that it stirred me deeply. Now, having just re-read it for the first time in decades, I am amazed at its continuing power to touch emotions and inspire ideals, even though it was written almost a century ago.

Admittedly, the author is no Charlotte Bronte. The writing is weak in places, and sometimes the dialogue drags. But it doesn't matter; the hero and heroine are so appealing, you have to keep reading. The heroine Jane Champion is on the surface a plain Jane, somewhat like Bronte's Jane Eyre except that she has a larger frame than Eyre's and a far more assertive personality. Indeed, she has such great inner strength and beauty that one wonders how so many men can overlook her. When an unlikely man unexpectedly catches a glimpse into her soul, he responds by falling deeply in love with her. But having so little experience with love, she doesn't recognize it, or trust it, when it finally comes.

The hero is the opposite of Bronte's Mr. Rochester. He is extremely goodlooking, youthful, lighthearted, artistic, and in high demand in society. Surprisingly, it turns out that he too has great depth of character. His love, once given, appears irretractable and untarnishable.

The Rosary is a reminder that the love between The One Man and The One Woman, as the author expresses it, can be an ennobling sacrament that, if given the opportunity, can empower them to become the full persons that God has created them to be.

This is what Literature is supposed to be. This book will have you wishing you lived 150 years ago or more. The characters exude class and right living, compassion, faith, and a love of all things right. It will take you away on flights of fancy without all the vulgarity and sexuality in today's books. This is a book for a "Lady's" reading and reposing.

The sixties always seem to belie precise packaging and universally satisfying accounts. Some fiction readers want entertainment rather than the companion challenge of critical thought. Green does not cater to somnambulistic, bedtime reading. What makes the book so different is that this book reveals the experience of Vietnam from the university perspective. It is an intensely provoking but compelling journey into a sixties' experience under the black cloud of drugs, experimentation, cultural upheaval, and civil unrest. It does not advocate but rather provides perspective. Green captures almost every facet of this historical chapter by uncovering the struggle for women's rights, the emergence of gay liberation, the competing lure and nightmare of drugs, the intellectual and political battles, and the intersection of self-interest and patriotism. He does this with fluid language and shockingly truthful imagery. He tells a story about this ambiguous era that nobody else seems to have been able to tell. It is not an idealized journey into nostalgia, nor does it demonize an era, often bashed today by conservative critics. Since I'm in my early fifties now, I can say with some confidence that baby boomers who lived through this time, especially in a university setting, will see versions of themselves in Green's prose. They will smile at the lead character's naive bewilderment, sense the pain of his lost love in a time of free love, and maybe understand better their own passion and purpose when activism and idealism meant everything. For me, the most interesting aspect of Green's writing style is its simplicity and clarity, obviously influenced by his background as a copywriter. On the other hand, sometimes his writing has deeper symbolic implications that require thought and reflection. He does not always just show; sometimes he reveals. I like this in his style because it reminds me of some of the sixties' era writers that may have influenced the author -- Herman Hesse, for example. If you are a baby boomer who lived through the Vietnam War era within a university setting, then this book is definitely for you. This book is simply clear and courageous.

The author's lead character, Ryan Sterling, manifests the anger, confusion, passion, and striving so typical of college students during the Vietnam War. Ryan conforms and defies. He strives for knowledge and novel experiences with equal tenacity and always attempts to gather perspective in a time of extreme social upheaval. He makes many typical mistakes but also reveals a heightened sense of self-sacrifice. Ryan is a paradigmatic composite of the young men who faced the prospect of war, who attempted to escape its unrelenting pressures, and who found some safety in love and learning. Green has constructed a truly powerful narrative of what it meant to be caught up in such an oppressive and tumultuous time in American history. Beyond the sensitive and intelligent lead character, Brent Green has assembled a powerful cast of support roles, with each new character presenting another face of the times: a jocular feminist, an audacious gay couple, a severe drug dealer, a worldly Vietnam vet, and so on. To my knowledge, no other author thus far has successfully pulled together such a true and revealing cast to portray the Vietnam War from the university perspective. Green's carefully hewn characters add depth and texture to Ryan's difficult odyssey through the school year, beginning in August 1969 and ending, tragically, in May 1970. This book must go on the A-list for scholars and today's students seeking deeper insights about the impact of the War on real people. The story starts slowly with perhaps more contextual detail than might be necessary. I assume the author took time to set the stage in his first several chapters so those who did not experience the era personally would have a better foundation. However, the book quickly picks up momentum, and the story becomes more absorbing with each new chapter and memorable character. For a first-time novelist, Green shows a seasoned understanding of the writing craft and highly sensual depiction of an important historical period.

The author obviously has a serious and thoughtful point-of-view about the sixties. You finish the book with a clearer understanding of how all the ambiguity and experimentation, the outrage and turmoil, moved society positively forward. I share the author's implied belief that democratic mobilization on college campuses during Vietnam helped point America where it needed to go -- toward a more caring, inclusive, and participatory society. But even with this apparently serious intent, Green still wrote a damn entertaining book full of humorous encounters and events. I found myself giggling at one moment and swallowing hard in another. A note of caution: This book is not for those who are uncomfortable with explicit sexual escapades, unabashed drug experimentation, or uncensored glimpses into alternative lifestyles. It's amazing to me that more books have not appeared like this. I hope other serious writers from the sixties will read this novel and craft such equally powerful stories about one of America's most confusing, conflicting eras.

Green goes one large step farther than others have in the limited compendium of literature about the sixties. He captures the emotional experience without falling prey to nostalgia, stereotypes, or overworked clichés. He captures the deep ambivalence to which most survivors of the student antiwar movement will attest. He captures the fragility of do-your-own-thing relationships and trust built on hope. He gathers an odd assortment of characters that together paint an accurate montage of a confusing period of history. Most of all, I liked how the author used symbolic imagery throughout to reveal a broader context, such as religious icons in a campus chapel that forced greater moral debate within the protagonist, Ryan. He simply does not allow lazy McReaders, people looking for homogenized, diminished copy aimed at the lowest common denominator. You might need a dictionary occasionally, but some of his atypical word choices drive home panoply of meaning. Read this book if you are either a serious student or thoughtful survivor of the sixties.

Just last week, at Thanksgiving I found myself in a deja vu scene when one of my wife's nephews burst into the room, red faced and angry raving about how he didn't want any more of his tax money (he's in his early twenties) going for more recounts in Florida. When I informed him that the campaigns paid for the recounts, he said "Well, I know they're getting my money somehow." I zoomed back thirty years to a Thanksgiving at my family's home when I was the enraged twenty year old. Nixon was bombing seemingly everything in Southeast Asia and I was prime potential labor for the effort. It wasn't my money I feared losing - it was my life. I must have made much in the same impression on some of the guests as my wife's nephew. Having just finished reading Noble Chaos, my recollection of that era have come to the fore. Brent Green tells this story of youth and social upheaval from the perspective of the regular Midwest kid who grew up a Boy Scout, a good student, and a good citizen. This is the way many of us fell into that maelstrom of change - kids who grew up under the nuclear shadow facing the prospect of old fashioned hot lead. Into the mix, issues of race, sexuality and intolerance pushed from all directions. We still haven't resolved many of them, but all got an airing in that time. This book would be a great gift for your baby boomer dad or mom, or anyone who might benefit from a unique perspective of the late sixties, early seventies.

This delightful collection of short stories was based on Rose Wilder Lane's life as she was growing up. She accurately
described the issues women faced at around the turn of a century, especially that of being an old maid! An old maid if
you're not married by your mid-20's? Wow!

The stories in this book was a combination of humorous and some seriousness. The characters were realistic and seem to come to life for that time period.

I bought my copy at the museum in Mansfield because I always wanted to read Rose's work. This book is a gem. The essay introducing the book is worth getting the book but each story is a gem on its own. Her voice is fresh and rings well today. You would not know she lived in the first half of the 20th century.

I have loaned this book out to 2 people now and all of us are knocked out at how good Rose was. Purchase it, read it. Rose was well known in the early part of last century for good reason. Let's bring this author back to the audience she richly deserves today.

This is a hidden jewel in american literature: a detailed portrait of life before women's right to vote was a federal law, before Margaret Sanger, before Rosie the Riveter. The author survived small town life, and lived to tell and in her own way celebrate it. I will be giving this book to all the tweenager girls I know (and my own daughter when she is old enough!).

This book is wonderful, funny and hearwarming. My great aunt was born in the same era and used to tell me similar stories in this fashion. What a life women had in the olden days, there are not many real life accounts in print that are honest and true. This one is. What a fun book to read.

Rose is just as gripping a writer as her mother, although with a far more adult narrative style.

Miss Read's novels capture the best aspects of the small town provincial novel--the sense of connection, the wry Austenisms--while leaving the sentimentality and pollyanna-ism sometimes afflicting the genre to her lesser imitators. A Peaceful Retirement brings us another step--perhaps a final step--nearer to the end of this series. I recommend this series, and this book within the series, to anyone who wishes that a novel might have both a 20th C. awareness and a somewhat 19th C. sense of perspective....Most people have not discovered Miss Read, and one somehow wonders if "most people" really ought to. But I am certainly glad that I did....

Miss Read has written over 40 titles, with this final tome describing how her headmistress heroine copes with her new-found life of leisure.

In an afterword, the author says she is laying down her pen "with a thankful heart". It is all the more surprising therefore that these final tales show no sign of staleness. In fact, "A Peaceful Retirement" is quite playful in tone as Miss Read copes valiantly with a series of unlooked-for marriage proposals.

Given that the school year is so regular the author manages to describe events such as Christmas celebrations and harvest festivals with no sense of repetition, and as ever captures the tensions between town and country living, children's and adult worlds and men and women beautifully.

With this book Dora Saint, the real-life Miss Read, can take her own retirement from authorship knowing that she has served her readers well.

I just finished reading "A Peaceful Retirement". Just like her other books, it was excellent reading. I was sorry when the book ended because I wanted to read more. Few years ago I wrote Miss Read a letter stating I loved all her books. She was kind enough to write me a handwritten letter in reply. After a hetic day, I look forward to reading her books and revisit the loveable characters in the quiet town.

I enjoyed this book just as much as I have all the other books written by Miss Read. The reason that I enjoyed this book so much was that it was like catching up with old friends and being transported back to the Village and all the surrounding scenery which captures my imagination. I recommend that you read not only this book but all those that Miss Read (Dora Saint) has written for anyone that enjoys people and a very descriptive story which includes the lovely countryside that one can only imagine. I will miss my friends very much. Thank You Dora Saint for giving me many hours of pleasure.

I just finished reading "A Peaceful Retirement". Just like her other books, it was excellent reading. I was sorry when the book ended because I wanted to read more. Few years ago I wrote Miss Read a letter stating I loved all her books. She was kind enough to write me a handwritten letter in reply. After a hetic day, I look forward to reading her books and revisit the loveable characters in the quiet town.

Baxter's time was not too unlike our own. Despite there being a large theological agreement that there must be discipline within the Church, very few leaders in the church are willing to carry it out. Baxter reminds us, and convincingly so, that we must do so for not only the good of the soul of the individual, but for the rest of the Church, and even ourselves. Most of the book rotates around the subject of discipline in the pastoral ministry. It also contains many other details concerning the ministry that would be good for any aspiring, or current pastor to read.

The only reason I give the book 4 stars instead of 5 is because this version is the abridged version of what Baxter wrote years ago. However, there is nothing that would tell you this unless you read the preface. I was a little disturbed upon originally reading the preface that this was the case, and that the original work is closer to 700 pages (depending on margins and type settings). This book has a rather tiny font size, and very little margin, so even though it is only over 100 pages, if it were in the typical type setting you see in most books, it would probably be closer to 3-400 pages.

Also, the ancient Elizabethean english has been revised for the modern reader, which probably accounts for the shorter number of pages.

Don't let any of this distract you from getting this book though, there are still many redeeming qualities to it.

The Reformed Pastor was actually very different than I anticipated, being nothing about reformed theology or even theology at all. "Reformed Pastor" actually means reforming pastors, using the word the same way we would say "reformed hardened criminal." Hmmm. I guess that already tells you this book isn't one of those "feel-good" books.

Richard Baxter was famous for two things: being a tremendous pastor to a town in England, and getting constantly into trouble for being so blunt that he would make enemies of his friends. This book is about being a tremendous pastor, and it is very very blunt.

It is an extended lecture he proposed to give to a local ministerial association in 1656. The book uses as its foundation and framework Acts 20:28: "Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood." The book first deals with pastors "taking heed" to their own spiritual state and life, and then turns its attention to taking heed to all the flock.

As to the topic of taking heed to their own spiritual lives, Baxter starts at the beginning, with making sure the reader is truly a Christian, and progresses through disciplines, qualifications, and indwelling sin. He next emphasizes the reasons why a pastor must be rigorous in his own spiritual life. He expounds reasons such as how many eyes are on the man of God, how difficult the work is, and how the honor of Christ depends on it. He reminds his reader of many practical insights, such as "all that a minister does is a kind of preaching" and to avoid the error of men who "study hard to preach exactly, and study little or not at all to live exactly."

After dealing with the pastor's personal life, he tackles the pastor's responsibility to shepherd his congregation. His most radical recommendation, radical back then and almost unthinkable to American churches today, is for a pastor to personally visit and catechize people (for those unfamiliar with the term, it means to teach a list of several hundred questions and answers of basic theology). Specifically, he says a pastor should catechize each and every family, in the pastor's entire town, each and every year. In Baxter's town that meant 2000 people in 800 families, that he and his associate pastor took two full days every week to go through the whole town every year.

He bluntly states, "If the pastoral office consists of overseeing all the flock, then surely the number of souls under the care of each pastor must not be greater than he is able to take such heed as to here is required." Yea, and I'm sure the pastoral staff of most churches personally know every member of their flock. And yes, I know that we consider Sunday School teachers or small group leaders to be "overseeing the flock"- but how many of those leaders in our churches see themselves as shepherds, have been theologically trained and commissioned as overseers, one-on-one ask them regularly about their spiritual life, and are seen by the members of their class or group as having spiritual responsibility over them?

But it was a radical idea even back then, so much so that Baxter takes dozens of pages to specifically give all the reasons why every pastor should devote himself to this universal visitation and dozens more pages to specifically answer a whole series of objections to the work. In short, he says that he had found that an hour of focused questions concerning a person's spiritual state was often more helpful than years of listening to sermons for their spiritual growth. It's hard to argue with that conclusion, and harder to argue with the marked growth (in both numbers and spiritual maturity) that history shows that his church had under his pastorship.

As to objections to why not do it, he says that they all are variations on the theme of "I'm too lazy or greedy" which he viciously attacks as unworthy of any follower of Christ, let alone a pastor. To laziness, he asks "Are these works to be done with a careless mind, or a lazy hand? O see, then, that this work be done with all your might!"

To greed, he states that if a pastor has too many families in his church for him to visit individually, then he should hire another pastor out of his own salary to help him. He challenges, "What! Do you call yourselves ministers of the gospel, and yet are the souls of men so base in your eyes, that you had rather they eternally perish, than that you and your family should live in a low and poor condition?" Whoa there, Baxter must have never read Your Best Life Now!

The book is chock full with other helpful insights and wry comments, such as "All our teaching must be as plain and simple as possible." "Is it not a pity, then, that our hearts are not as orthodox as our heads?" "It is a contradiction in terms, to be a Christian, and not humble." "We must study how to convince and get within men, and how to bring each truth to the quick." "In the name of God, brethren, labour to awaken your own hearts, before you go to the pulpit, that you may be fit to awaken the hearts of sinners." And my list could go on and on and on. I have already discussed his specific instructions on personal evangelism in another article.

After reading The Reformed Pastor, I have to agree with Spurgeon, Packer, Dever and all the other big kahunas- this is absolutely essential reading for any man called to the ministry, to pin him against the wall and make him take stock of his ministry, his priorities, and his life before God, and to make him deeply consider about how best to "take heed over" himself and all his flock.

It would be silly to say that you NEED to read this book before entering into the ministry. God has used many a man who have probably never even heard of Baxter or "the reformed christian."
However, if you are considering purchasing this book, then I would say dont even think twice. Besides the "pastoral epistles" of Paul (1st & 2nd Timothy, and Titus) I know of no other piece of work that will prepare you and teach you the way that those who lead the church ought to be. I would recommend it to anyone who has a heart for the Lords work, not just pastors.
Richard Baxter was a man full of the Holy Spirit. The words in this book will illuminate your soul, and convict you to the point of crying out to God and running to the cross of Christ. It can be a very painful book in many areas because it will cause you to look at yourself and wonder if you are really walking the life that The Lord wants from those who lead his people.
Its very difficult to find the words to describe how incredible this book is. I have to read it in tiny little sections instead of by chapters because there is so much depth to it. and each small section will bring me to tears.
Physically, this book weighs about as much as any other paper back. Spiritualy, you wont be able to lift it off the ground, much less turn a page

This is no candy or soup for the soul, its solid and challenging real world meat for the work of the ministry. Baxter challenges us to a kind of ministry that exceeds human ability alone. Such a ministry drives us to our only hope for that ability and keeps us returning to the everlasting arms of our heavenly father.

I read this book because so many people have spoken of it as a classic. Having now finished it, I must say I am a little disappointed with the content. I expected profound and striking ideas. In these pages however, were no new principles I have not already learned.

The smallness of Baxter's content however, is far exceeded by the substance of his character. It is his character, his pastoral passion for ministry that makes this book the classic it has become. His single-minded devotion to God and his tender, shepherd's heart for his flock have inspired pastors for over 300 years.

This book is not an easy read. The English language has changed substantially over 300 years, and as a result the essence of Baxter's pastoral passion is undoubtedly distorted. Still, this volume IS a classic, and is a must-read for any pastor wanting to refine and/or restore his motivation for ministry.

Green is in an expert in the area of neurocognition, a concept that he explains with clarity and humor in this wonderfully written book. For instance he describes one neurocognitive test (startle blink or PPI: p. 116) as a procedure that "can be used aross an entire mammalian spectrum from mice to rats to college sophomores". He goes on to explain why this test is an important research tool for schizophrenia.

Green presents a well reasoned argument that underlying neurocognitive deficits are the key factor causing disability (functional impairment) in schizophrenia due to their links to poor social skills for example. He advocates both for new drugs to address the neurocognitve deficits and training and therapy to address neurocognitive deficits, social skills, and functional impairment. Green is optimistic that combining these approaches will lead to better lives for those living with schizophrenia. While he is primarily a neuroscientist, Green uses excellent examples ranging from the biblical Nebuchadrezzar to long-term psychiatric case studies to illustrate the important social aspects of good outcomes for schizophrenia.

In conclusion (p 167) he states: "Fundamentally, schizophrenia is an illness of disrupted neural connections and these problems in connections lead to neurocognitive deficits. The neurocognitive deficits, among other factors lead to functional impairment and its striking disability. In addition the illness has characteristic symptoms (psychotic, negative, and disorganized) during the active phase that are the focus of treatment. Though the scope of the explanation is sweeping ranging from neurons to social interactions, there is nothing particularly mysterious about this formulation."

The discussion of technical details of neurocognitive tests such as functional MRI and PET brain imaging veers into the highly technical; this will be challenging though informative for readers with less medical-technical background. Overall, you should read this book for the breadth of insight and balanced approach to treatment that Green presents here.

I was just looking for a layman's book on schizophrenia. This one is just too technical for me.

This book is very informative. It presents neurodevelpmental, genetic, neurocognitive, and brain imaging insights in recent schizophrenia research. Evidence suggests that schizophrenics may have smaller brains and larger cavities in their brains. Also they experience neurocognive deficits particularly in social situations, which partially explains the finding that they have trouble maintaining continuous employment.

Schizoprenia Revealed is a well-written and informative book about this often misunderstood illness. Michael Foster Green gives us some insight into some possible causes, what's physically going on at the neuronal level, the social and functional issues, the various treatments over the last century and much more. The content flows well and should be able to be understood by laypersons and professionals alike. It is not filled with incomprehensible jargon but is descriptive enough to convey the science behind the illness, it's research and treatments etc. I recommend this book to anyone who suffers from Schizoprenia, patient's families and anyone who is interested in learning more about the illness.

This book was an excellent review of schizophrenia and I recommend it to anyone interested in gaining general knowledge about this severe mental disorder.

Paul Bowles's collection of travel pieces dating from 1950-1963 reveals a love of solitude and the unfamiliar road in a time when American influence began to dominate the post-war world. Seeking refuge from growing American conformity at home, Tangier, Morocco became Bowles's permanent address in 1947. Tangier made an ideal jumping-off point for Bowles, who visited Sri Lanka (Ceylon) in 1950, Cape Coromin, India in 1952, Istanbul, Turkey in 1953, and made frequent trips into Morocco and the Sahara, where he documented and recorded its music and musicians.

His travel writing can be at once witty and withering. Many of his observations are about the discomforts and disappointments of traveling; reading the more sour reports one might wonder why he put himself through all the trouble. Bowles obviously relished his role as the cultural outsider, and enjoyed writing about drugs, sex, and traditions the West found taboo. The people he describes are individuals, sketched boldly and without reserve. A trip to Ketama, "the kif center of all North Africa," becomes a chance to provide an extensive description of Morocco's drug culture.

His willingness to describe the whole of his experience makes Bowles's writing more than mere reporting -- from an unexpected swarm of flies, to the unrelenting sun, to the cool desert night and the noisy neighbors in an overcrowded hotel. He was blunt about writing these pieces for pay (and published in American travel magazines) but the result remains an engaging and entertaining collection.

Unable to write a review of the above title; the book was given to someone as a gift. The book was chosen because the author is a favorite of the person who received it.

Bought as a gift. Have not read it, though I will eventually

I must disagree with the review written by T. Ross. The essays on travel are not dated any more than Paul Bowles wonderful prose is, which borders on the poetic. Certainly these essays were written in the fifties, but Bowles portraits of North Africans (and European settlers) are so vivid one can almost feel them breathe. The essay concerning Mustafa, a male Muslim and his beliefs should be required reading for the State Department, the Pentagon, and the Administration. As a poet and writer I appreciated Bowles style and his skill in presenting physical, philosophical and emotional landscapes. I highly recommend this book.

I like this book better than some of Mr. Bowles' longer fictional efforts. He is good at relatively short accounts, where his rich life experiences are related through highly descriptive prose. Bowles captures the abnormal psychology of the planet itself moreso than that of the individual, which is better left to Camus or Faulkner. Also, he is able to find some humor and meaning in the Western-Arab relationship, which helps relieve some of the strain of our current showdown, which Mr. Bowles foresaw. Especially funny to me is an account by Bowles of finding a filthy rag at the bottom of a pail of murky water he and his Arab travelmate had been using for drinking water. They up and left the "hotel" (and town) that day.

Also of interest are chapters on Ceylon.

Bowles seems to be more capable writing about real people and events than he is when functioning in the only slightly altered world of his fiction. I think it has something to do with him being an emotional loner. Like Sartre, he is more of an observer, more of a thinker, than a writer, so his fictional characterizations are, like Sartre's, often wooden and unconvincing (to me at least). To this viewpoint, he would strongly object I think. But, notice I refrain from calling him a moralist or a philosopher. If he were a painter, I would classify him as a post-impressionist like Matisse (great colorist, intriguing designs, romantic, but limited by "decorative" priorities.) And, like Matisse, he never really shocks me like a true Fauve because, no matter how gruesome the details of the narrative, his narrative voice is always too cultivated. He can't help it; he's from New England. For his fictional style to match the content, his manner would need to be cruder, like Kirchner or Vlaminck. And he is really not a portrait artist like Dickens, Joyce or Faulkner either. Or, maybe it's that his portraits capture places and milieus moreso than individual psyches. In this book, it doesn't matter because he is truly in his element: he travels wildly, observes meticulously and remembers creatively.