H Books

Of the many books I have borrowed from my dad, this was one that I have read repeatedly. Unlike some humor, I still chuckle every time I read "A hunker is not a squat" or the one about the grasshopper trap. This is one of three of Pat's books that I regularly give as gifts to those young men of impressionable age in their pre-teen and teen age years. Hopefully reading this book will enlighten both their minds and hearts.

I picked this book up at a liquidation sale at a used book store mainly because I liked the title and not knowing anything about the author. This was my first reading of Patrick McManus and now I just have to read more of his works. My better half was trying to watch TV while I was reading this and I kept interrupting by reading sections of the book. His comment was "I can relate to that." I got to the point where I couldn't read any more until I wiped my eyes. This is a must-read for anyone who needs a good laugh.

A book filled with humorous stories, this compilation of experiences was a treat to read! The Grasshopper Trap is only the second book I've read by Patrick McManus but now I want to track down all of his stories. McManus writes humor without the obscene, offensive language that seems so common everywhere these days. It's a refreshing, fun read with stories that entertain as well as remind us of a simpler, less frantic way of life.

The title of these comments is from one of the tales in this third collection of short stories I have read by Mr. Patrick F. McManus. The author has been writing the yarns and his versions of his childhood "true" stories for decades, and has now produced 12 collections of these essays in book form. Many of the stories are about being outdoors and failing miserably as a hunter and fisherman, but one gets the impression that to the extent he fails, he does with seeming intent. It's the outdoors he loves, not harming it or its inhabitants. When he does speak of a successful outing with his friends he complains so much about the "success" that again you can tell coming home empty handed is his real goal. A collection of stories is what he is after.

The best stories here range from his childhood when speaking of why an 8 year old is perfectly competent to own his first knife, while even one day short of the 8th anniversary would be nothing less than a felony were a knife to be given to such an infant. He goes on at length as to how men delude themselves in to their thinking they have convinced their wives how their gun collections multiply without a single purchase. And in a story entitled, "A Hunker Is Not A Squat", he explains how with the correct posture, a stick and a dirt floor, The United Nations would be unnecessary, and world conflicts would end.

Mr. McManus writes for everyone who enjoys a good laugh, uncontrived humor, and just simple observations about human nature. He does not preach about the solutions to world problems, claim a cure for the common cold, or how to get rich. He just gives the reader the gift of laughter, an invaluable gift.

I have always thought that Patrick McManus is the funniest writer on the planet. I read his stories when I need to laugh or relax. Sometimes I irritate my wife by reading it in bed. I try not to laugh out loud, but I only succeed in sounding like I am trying to muffle continuous sneezes.

However, not everyone gets it. I have been shocked by watching people read McManus without so much as a smile (though most start snorting like wild pigs on acid) . My only guess is that getting McManus requires a couple things. First, it requires some understanding of his experiences. He absolutely nails all of the stupid things 'outdoors men (outdoors people)' do and think, but don't want anybody to know about. Second, you have to see the self-deprecating aspect of his humor. Third, you can't look for great literature in integrated books. Patrick McManus is an excellent writer, if you see these as independent stories simply collected in a volume. They are meant for adults who want to laugh at themselves. So, If you are willing to or already meet the above three criteria, you will love this book.

By the way, I am a professor of clinical psychology and (other than worrying a little about McManus) I sometimes recommend this and other McManus books. I do this with people who have racing thoughts and anxiety at bedtime, and when I believe they have the necessary experiences to find it funny. It often works quite well. I think of his stories as little pieces of happiness. (Oh, that even makes me sick to hear. Sorry)

"Here is a beautifully and clearly structured book which gives the reader insight into some aspects of handwriting analysis. It is both instructive and entertaining. For each personality trait Peter Dennis gives a positive and a negative meaning, a truly wise approach reminding us that we can use every one of our faculties either for good or for evil." Edith Leslie, Certified Graphologist

"Here is a beautifully and clearly structured book which gives the reader insight into some aspects of handwriting analysis. It is both instructive and entertaining. For each personality trait Peter Dennis gives a positive and a negative meaning, a truly wise approach reminding us that we can use every one of our faculties either for good or for evil." Edith Leslie, Certified Graphologist

The new chapters in this third edition make this an invaluable resource to the beginning Graphologist as well as to the seasoned analyst. As well, this book will appeal to parents and
teachers who are genuinely interested in helping their children to learn and develop. It will help
those who are looking for meaningful relationships. And, it will help anyone interested in knowing about their level of emotional intelligence. A fascinating and practical book, and very easy to follow. Elaine Charal, Graphologist and Master Graphoanalyst, and owner of Positive Strokes.

This book is a great introduction to Handwriting Analysis and chapter 10, on the subject of 65 different signs of potential danger and dishonesty, is well worth the price of the whole book.

I can't say enough about this book. Being very basic, it is terrific as a guide to my beginner course. It is clear and concise, and very easy for non-handwriting analysts to understand. In addition, it covers different subjects such as compatibility in relationships, children and how we can help them learn and develop, as well as learning about our emotional intelligence. Included in this book are many traits that are defined in our personality. It's a book that I keep going back to as I attempt to learn more about the human personality. Very fascinating. Donna Browning, President of the Ontario Chapter of the International Graphoanalysis Society.

I received this book when I was 7 (I'm now 23) years old before starting lessons for the first time. It has remained one of my most beloved childhood memories and favorite book. A MUST have for all young riders and those who are young at heart!

I am a beginning adult rider and I absolutely loved this book, it is funny and helpful on all levels for beginners. I think all new riders should read it!

My husband and I were referred to this book by our riding instructor. We are both grown adults, but have no real horse experience. Even though this book seems to be geared toward children, it is very helpful for the adults who may not want to admit how little they know!!! This book answere all those questions you think may be too silly to ask your teacher! It's great for all ages!

The name of the book is Happy Horsemanship by Dorothy Henderson Pinch. The book is about how horses behave, how to control a horse, how to trot, stop, canter, gallop, jump, the tools used for taking care of a horse, the materials, you need to ride a horse, the different kinds of reins, what not to do, and how to take care of a horse.

I think this book is great. I think this book would be great for a child that is learning how to ride.-Kristine

Having instructed students and trained horses for over 35 years, it's still tough to find books good enough to recommend to people trying to learn about them. THIS book does it with flying colors.

Everything is in here: safety, compassion, how-to handle a horse and ride, along with why things are done the way they are. Presented in a fun & light-hearted way from the horse's point of view. Very understandable.

Even though the book was written in '66 it is superior to and far more practical than the tomes being written today that confuse an experienced horseperson, let alone a novice. Whether riding English (as illustrated) or Western this book tells what needs to be known.

I bought it for my 13 yo niece just starting with horses & have recommended it to adults who have spent years with horses.

This is not a religious book, no hell and brimstone when you turn the pages. I was not a Christian at the time and I had just witnessed my best friends death. When I read this book but I was searching for answers.

This book saved my life at a most desparate time. David Wilkerson knows tough times and his words of encouragement had me weeping in public as I was reading it. This man has been an bright light to many troubled people. He will be greatly rewarded for his compassion and servants heart.

I came across this book in a hospital gift shop about eight years ago. I had recently gone through a terrible break up and experience betrayal. I was hurting and even tough I was a Christian, it shook my faith. This book helped me to heal and I have grown tremendously, because of it.

This is THE finest book I have read on Christian living in this modern age. I have reread it many times and have given it to many people. I just ordered another box to give out!!!!!

I bought this book over 20 years ago when I was at my lowest point in life. Nothing could bring me out of it until I read "Have You Felt Like Giving Up Lately". David Wilkerson has a powerful way of empathizing with you. No matter how terrible your problems may be, he convinces you that God understands...kind of a "been there, done that" with love. And realizing that you are not alone in your struggles is a great comfort to your hurting heart. David gently and lovingly helps you see your life through God's eyes and the end result is a long term, positive "attitude adjustment".

I realized that I pulled this book off my shelf when again at a low point in life, literally 10 and now 20 years later. With this most recent read, I didn't even get through 1/2 the book before I found myself well adjusted again (heh, heh, kind of like chiropractics). This is one book you'll want to hold on to. And it's a much healthier way to pull yourself out of depression and hopelessness then any antidepressant drug!!!

I recommend this book to everyone and anyone, this is the best book I've ever read, it was so helpful it saved my sanity- I'm not the only one

I read it in one sitting, crying half the time, laughing the other half. It really made me think about life and death, and not trying suicide, as it would really be the wrong answer. If you're considering suicide, this book is a "must read"!!

About five years ago I was blessed to meet Joyce Brown, She had given me her book to read. I was going threw alote at that time I was addicted to drugs, a week after recieving the book I ended up in jail were Joyce Brown visited me. She brought me another book to finish reading I finished the book while in custody I can't tell you the power that book had on my life. I didn't get clean from drugs right away but that book gave me hope I no longer wanted to die. I am 16 month clean and sober and am under going treatment for hepitis c some days are really rough and seem almost unbearable, but I make it threw I believe in the message the book sends and to all those who are having a hard time in life I encourage you to read this book. It has had a life changeing effect on my life.
Joyce if you get a chance to read this I just want to say thank you for haveing the courage to write this book it has helped me immensley. I will allways have a special place in my heart for you. Barbara Cimino

Brown's book conveys spiritual truth in a simple (but not simplistic) manner. Perhaps theoutstanding feature of this book is not so much that it tells youentirely "new revelations", but rather that it infuses that whichyou have heard before with a spiritual sense of truth--a certain inspiration. Particularly recommended for those feeling depressed.

This is a book that is saving people's lives. I give high praise to Joyce Brown for being willing to share these private personal experiences so that others may find joy in living. I recommend this book to anyone struggling with finding meaning in life, and especially to those contemplating suicide. It can help. It can send you to your knees to give prayers of gratitude for being able to live in this beautiful world.

This is the most important book I have ever read. I have read everything I could find on the topic of near-death experiences for the last 32 years. This topic of what happens on the other side of our existence, it very important, comforting, uplifting and interesting. It also gives one knowledge of what is ahead. This books has all the answers to all the questions anyone will ever ask about what happens when one passes over to the other side of existence. It is all here in one book. I truly wish I would have had this book thirty years ago. I am purchasing at this time copies for my husband and all my children. The information contained in this book really gives the answer to the reason we are alive and here in this place. It tells us what the consquences of our actions do, what we should be thinking about and how we should live our lives every day. I recommend that this be required reading for everyone!

Revenge. The idea is sweet, but for most of us that's all it is - an idea. In David Brandin's novel 'The Horns of Moses', that idea becomes a reality.

Palestinian suicide bombers continue to heap death and destruction throughout Israel and David Green has had enough. Impatient with hopeless government negotiations and false promises of peace, David calls together his best friends and presents them with a plan. The plan is shocking and outrageous but David ultimately convinces them. The men travel to Israel and do the unthinkable - they take on the Arabs at their own game.

'The Horns of Moses' begins at a fast pace and keeps that pace until the end. David Brandin's knowledge of the workings of the American military and of the secret deals that go on behind the public's back in extensive. His characters are real and honest and all-too human. Their misgivings, doubts and ultimate decisions are well thought out and believable. I didn't know whether to cheer or condemn these anti-heroes.

Vigilante justice - 30 years ago his son was killed in the Yom Kippur War. Three decades later, his father still stews for vengeance, and seeks it in the "The Horns of Moses". Calling old friends, old favors, who deal with the moral implications of vengeance for acts of war that has long ago died, the debate rages on as David seeks only justice for his son - but is it a just justice or a petty selfish justice? "The Horns of Moses" is a highly recommended thriller that will make its readers think about what's right and what's wrong - a must for community library thriller collections as well.

Mr. Brandin has used a compelling story-telling talent to suggest a reversal of fortune to be wrought on the puppet-masters of the bloody murderers generated by Islamic terrorism. What might otherwise be a fantasy breathes from page one through the reality of the characters. Brandin makes it clear that deserved as table-turning may be, to execute it would have everybody aghast, including those who might most be expected to applaud bombing the bombers. I await History's serendipity to see if Art has preceded reality. If it has, the real thing is sure to make the news.

A real page-turner based on an outrageous premise: use the most despicable methods of our enemies against them. Great character development, and the descriptions of locales are fantastic; Brandin writes as only one with intimate knowledge of the locations could. Highly recommended, I basically read the entire book in one sitting!

The Horns of Moses tells a tale of cold, calculated revenge. The characters are vivid and credible. The scenes are detailed and authentic. The intrigue and layers of deceit weave a compelling story that takes the reader around the globe through several spy agencies and into the hearts and minds of killers. I found this book to be a thought provoking page turner and recommend it.

Very good book with lots of ideas and will have a go with drying once the summer products arrive.

This book looks great and I look forward to trying out the methods with my summer fruit!

This book makes useing the machine soooooo much easier. It has some really great ideas that I never would have thought of. If you have the machine this is the book to buy to help you get your moneys worth.

How to Dry Foods
This is a fabulous book.Just about everything you need
to know about drying anything that can be dried. Many great recipes
and dehydrator tips.An excellent choice and purchase.

I purchaised this book as I wanted to learn more about drying foods before investing in a dehydratator and also to know which mashine would accomodate my needs. The book gave me exactly the information I was looking for:
- modes for drying different types of foods from fruits and vegetables, through herbs, seeds and nuts, all the way to meets and fish; including special preparations as yougurts, soups and breads
- comparison of different drying techniques (sunlight and air, oven, different dehydratators) and recomendation for their best use according to product specifics
- recomendation on dehydratator's features and options depending on needs and results to be achieved.
It was definetelly a very good choice!

This is a wonderful straight forward, scripturally based book about our authority as Christians against evil of all kinds. Please read this with an open heart and mind. I have met this man and heard him speak in a small group of about 25 people. Even though he has an extensive education and years of practical experience tempered with humility, it's those qualities that he brings out in his books that makes them so easy to read. I would highly recommend ALL of his books for anyone that really wants to grow spiritually.

This book was part of a leaders class that I had taken at my church. When I started reading I couldn't put it down. Below is an exerpt from my report that I wrote up on this book.

This book to me was empowerment. I not only feel empowered to change the circumstances around me, but to be able to lead others to change the circumstances around themselves. Just in reading this book, I've learned to have a deeper faith and to not fear the dark world as I once did. I am now a woman speaking in authority. Although I may even see myself falling back at times, the Holy Spirit allows me to hear myself and challenges me to change my situation through prayer.

Throughout the book is a learning lesson, almost by the numbers, in dealing with exercising authority. It not only taught me my authority, but backed it up with the power behind the authority God gave me to remove strongholds, and gave examples on how to do so. Mr. Kraft's constant encouragement in dealing with demonic forces and experimenting with what my rights are, and also breaking down the legalistic issues behind the breaking of strongholds was all I needed to experiment within my own home on the strongholds there. God is so awesome because I began to see strongholds being broken almost immediately. I even had a spirit speak to me. There was no fear anymore.

"I Give You Authority" is essentially a book about spiritual warfare. It is excellent across many facets. One is its balanced, biblical approach. But what stands out above all else is Dr. Kraft's ability to anticipate questions in the mind of the reader and to address them. As an example, oftentimes, when one reads about spiritual warfare, at some point, one thinks: "This is too scary. Do I want to voluntarily enter this realm, or this ministry." Anticipating this, Charles Kraft writes in his book:

"On several occasions, people have come saying something like this: "I had fewer problems in life before I became a Christian than I have had since. Can you tell me why?"
In return, I ask, "If you were the enemy, whom would you attack -your friends, those who are on your side, and doing your bidding; or your enemies, those committed to Christ, who could hurt you?"
Other people ask whether, if they get into spiritual warfare, their families are in danger. I answer yes. Then I ask them how they prefer to lose a battle - running, hiding or fighting.
For we are at war, whether we like it or not. And in war, if we are not fighting - if we are simply standing around, or hiding from the reality of war, or actually running away from it - we are being defeated. I would rather lose while fighting than in any other way. If we are fighting, though we may lose some of the time, we often win."

What I like about the book is that Charles Kraft doesn't gloss over the difficult questions of spiritual warfare. Is someone who is committed to pushing back the boundaries of darkness likely to be on Satan's radar screen? The answer is yes. Isn't that foolish? Well, no. Because God who is our master is so much more powerful that the Evil One. What many of us don't know is that with the authority God confers to us, His children, we too are more powerful than the Evil One. "I Give You Authority" is eye-opening in that way. It tells us that as Christians, it is like God is deposited a million dollars in our bank account. We just need to know it and use it.

This is a step by step manual for mid-level spiritual warfare. As the bible tells us, we are all in the war, but we don't always know it. Kraft is an excellent writer, he tells us where the authority comes from, how to use it, why to use it, and when to use it. If you are a beginner, I'd recommend you start with Power Healing by Wimber and then move into this. Excellent book! Should be given out with bibles when you become a believer!

This is a classic. It is easy to read yet full of deep truths on the subject of authority and the Kingdom of God. Kraft reveals how the power of Christ is appropriated through the church and to every believer. It will transform peoples' understanding of ministry. It will empower and enthuse those who seek to serve Christ. Charles Kraft is a wonderful teacher. Reading this book is transformational. You will definitely never be the same again.

This is one of the best books on defining ones business and doing it right. I was totally engrossed with it. We had a meeting where 9 of us had read it and we followed what we had read and were very excited about the results accomlishing in one day.
A must read for anyone with a product or service that wants to grow and be and be an industry leader.

As a business owner, focus on growth is the essential driver of our performance and success. The Inside Advantage offers a clear, smart and strategic pathway to clarify your unique advantage in the marketplace and bring it to life in every aspect of your business.

Our agency leveraged these simple steps and helpful tools to hone our business strategy and nearly double our revenues and staff in one year.

Bob Bloom offers decades of advertising expertise, real world examples and actionable insights that make this a must read for entrepreneurs working at every stage, size and scope of business development.

I'm an avid reader of business books and I have to say this one ranks near the top. With all of the competition out there, it's crucial to not allow your company to get lost in the crowd. This book gives you an ACTION PLAN for identifying what makes your company unique and how to attract the best kind of customers for business growth. I've always been one to beat to my own drum, but this book reinforced the message and allowed me to refine my USP (unique selling position) even further. A great business tool! Thank you Bob, for sharing your wisdom!

This is an interesting twist on the Unique Selling Proposition (USP). The idea of which has been around a long, long time. Though the idea isn't new Bloom has renamed USP the uncommon offering in his honor. But just because the book lacks novelty doesn't mean it is without merit. In my opinion it is worth reading especially for the entrenched business looking to break-out into double digit growth. This book provides a simple plan for growth through solid, proven marketing principles and business simplification.

The uncommon offering, is the "Inside Advantage" and it all starts with what you are already doing according to Bloom. Discovering the hidden potential inside your business is about the `growth discovery processes.' Meaning you don't have to reinvent your business or branch out for more offerings making thing more complicated. Instead you will need to uncover and capitalize on you're ONE thing. That ONE thing your business does better than the competition. The growth discovery process is uncovering the hidden potential that already exists in your offering. Then Improve it.

This book offers us a four step process and each step is broken down into its own components. The four steps of the big picture are:

1) Find your CORE customers. Beyond demographics; beyond what you may think of when you think of your customers. It is interesting to look at possibilities for the WHO and consider all of the options, such as defining your core customers based on their value for; being the best braggers for your product, being the biggest customers, being the longest relationship with you, being the least lily to complain, being the most likely to repeat their business, being the most likely to not repeat and why. Then you may want to identify these same customers in your competitor's base. Do a little demographic shifting and look at the next step.
2) Discover and deliver your uncommon offering, just listen to your core customers. They will tell you what you do best and why they buy it from you. You will want to examine this from an external and internal base. Writing down all of the ideas and phases people use to describe your offering and distill it down to a statement of 10 to 15 words.
3) Develop persuasive strategies in written statements for action. Growing your business through refining your communication and thought association for your company and offering. To me this read like some of the better branding books I've read lately, but in a short abbreviated chapter. This is a lesson in statements in action to immediately associate your offering with your company.
4) Imaginative acts. Creative public relations or publicity stunts that are tied to your uncommon offering and for the benefit of your core customers. There are some very good examples of what other companies have done most of which you will be familiar with.

I can recommend this book to any company that is looking to break out of a rut they may be in. However, for most creative, progressive companies it will just be a good reminder of what works. This book does a very good job of chronologically drafting out a step by step process employed by the Author. (His record of success speaks for itself)

For the small, new business or start-up this book is good, but you will need to put it into context for the size of clients Bloom works with and the fact that they are very established.

I have read the book, seen Mr. Bloom speak and I have taken my team through the growth discovery process that Mr. Bloom has outlined in The Inside Advantage. His process has been an incredible insite for myself, my team, and our company. The process he describes helps a company discover WHO their core customer really is that they should target. This really helped us gain a more laser like focus for the customers of our software company that we did not have before. The WHAT and the HOW raised our awareness so that we could understand clearly what it is we have to offer and how we do it. The OWN IT is a key because it allowed us to define items that would ensure we executed.

Any of you that are big fans of Jim Collins book "Good to Great" and the hedgehog principle, will love this book. Why? Because discovering your hedgehog is not easy and "The Inside Advantage" gives you a process to look inside your company and gain insight and discovery that is hard to do. Mr. Bloom's process is so well described that you will not need a facilitator to follow it. It may not take you fully up to the mountain top to your Hedgehog but will get you high up the mountain so you see the top and find the rest of the way yourself.

The best reward for me as a CEO has been the many experiences in meetings and documentation that team members have referred to our WHO, WHAT, HOW and OWN IT that we learned from the process. The impact it is having is very apparent!

Mr. Wollman has created what is without a doubt the premiere handbook on astrology. Polished to a high sheen, his impactful wisdom imparts use-full knowledge on a host of topics in a clear lucid style. Since Mr. Wollman's astrological techniques have been TESTED-SELECTED you can be assured as to the quality of his work. (His research also proves that astrology is a powerful tool that can be used to forecast earthquakes.) I cannot wait until he releases the next edition. Bravo, Mr. Wollman!

If one were to look for one specific book to bridge the gap between 20th century understnding of astrology and the way in which the astrological discipline appears to be headed in the new millenium, Mr Wollmann's masterpiece would indeed be that work. Authoratative, innovative and very well reseached, this book will, doubtlessly serve as a model for how astrology books are written in the decades to come.

This excellent work is all it is purported to be! THE first choice of anyone intrigued by Astrology. Have Grant Lewi's "Heaven Knows What" and this wonderful book and you are set for the greatest adventure of your life!! The greatest thing about Mr. Wollmann's writing is his respect for the reader. Always thoughtful and perceptive to provide easily accessed references and a wealth of corroborative information. I cannot say enough good things about this first volume. Mr. Wollmann sets the standard for the spiritual/psychological/astrological paradigm of the 21st century. We can only benefit if there are many more volumes to come!!

This book blends many different philosophies and gives the message that using astrology can be a tool to self-understanding and transformation. I see now, that it is not a mysterious tool of divination but that it can be used to examine our existing beliefs, and that it is up to us what we do with that knowledge.

This is a book I would have liked to have had years ago. The ideas in this book challenge the reader to look at the responsibility they have for their own lives, and begin to teach how to do this using astrology.

The individual interpretations of placements are basic. The author has delved to the core of the meanings of the archetypes from a psychological perspective. The results are dynamic, all-encompassing (yet specific to the placement) keys, with which to begin delineations. This is something that has been lacking in many other astrology books with more shallow definitions.

There are several example delineations of charts which take the reader through the process of using this information in a complete chart, showing how the insight from the previous chapters can be used to "read" a chart.

Definitely a work of text-book caliber, not a coffee-table book.