J Books

I found Judith Wurtman's book The Serotinin Power Diet to be the only book that deals with what I consider, really counts: Hunger control.
Through their year's of research at MIT they have learned what triggers binging and hunger and teaches you what to eat, before attending social events etc. It teaches you how to control you appetite so you can go into any situation and control yourself and not overeat. So you loose weight easily.
I don't follow her diet I just follow her concept and principles as to how to feed myself for not being hungry, particularly when I have social events.
Being at home it is easy to follow any plan; it the going out with friends etc that makes it difficult. But that's the key; She has taught me how not to be hungry.
I have lost 15 pounds in a little less than three months and I am on my way to normalize my body weight and speciallly, lower my glucose.
First time something works for me.
R Hirst
Miami Fla

I do not understand...I thought when you go on an anti-depressant it was suppose to help balance your unbalanced hormones and chemicals? I thought it was suppose to give us more serotonin, not less?? I was first put on an antidepressant when a doctor told me it would help give me energy (I was not depressed, I had a long battle with mono and still had fevers and fatigue). I gained about 60 pounds, did not get any energy, felt "odd", not quite myself. It was not fun. Eventually went off the pills for a few years. Then started having anxiety and not feeling very good (blood work showed my hormones were really unbalanced, had me in "post-menopausal" in some areas, even though I was only 30 yrs. old and still menstruating, but just my hormones in general seemed all out of whack),so I was put back on another antidepressant. I thought these meds were suppose to help us feel better, more calm, less stressed, sleep better, put us in balance, etc. Why do they seem to do little other than cause major weight gain? I am considering buying this book. If you follow the diet, does it help you more than antidepressants? Anyone gone off their antidepressants after following the diet for a while? (I'm not talking about those with bi-polar and major depression for whom the meds have truly helped and been benefical, but for anyone who has had doctors pop them on antidepressants when you weren't really depressed?).

I ran across the Serotonin Diet recently in a magazine article. The magazine gave a Cliff's Note version of the "pure carb" snacking concept. I at first dismissed this concept, me being a Low Carb convert. But, I have always struggled with binge eating. Even after losing 60# recently (low carb dieting) I was still not in control. Although I have maintained my weight loss it is a constant binge then diet cycle. I live in constant fear that I will lose the battle. I read this article on the second day of a 2-day binge. The next day I was resolved to be good on my diet to recover from the bingeing I had been doing. In the afternoon (my binges always hit in the afternoon and/or evenings) I could feel a binge coming on (uncontrollable urge to go get something "bad" out of the work vending machine). I remembered the article I had read and instead I bought a bag of Rold gold pretzels and ate those. I was astounded at how it filled me up and took the binge urge away - nothing has ever worked like this before in my life!! Absolutely amazing. The following day I again had the binge urge and again I bought the pretzels and again another binge was averted. It seems as though it takes time for these urges to go away (maybe they never do) but I now have a tool for fighting back other then willpower (which has never worked on binge urges)

I have just ordered the book and hope to learn more about how to make this a lifestyle and never have to worry about binging again.

This is fabulous. I find myself feeling much healthier by following the simple steps and regulated snacking. It really shocked me the difference this diet (now a lifestyle) made in my life. I feel better, my body functions better and in conjunction with yoga, the overall quality of my life has improved.

We've all done it- eating a whole bag of potato chips or more cookies than we'd like to admit when trying to deal with stress, anxiety, fatigue, or sadness. The thing is that it works. After eating that comfort food, we feel like we can face the world once again. So food becomes a refuge and the scale reflects it.

Then, along comes the Atkins diet. No carbs. Truthfully, how long did it take you to cheat during your first bout of PMS? Even when you were being "good", how bad were the carb cravings?

The Serotonin Power Diet makes carbs permissible once again, in moderation and at the right times. One small carbohydrate filled snack, eaten about an hour before a meal can actually reduce your appetite allowing you to eat appropriate portions of healthy foods without cravings or feeling like you are actually on a diet.

Unlike many diets, I can see The Serotonin Power Diet actually fitting into my everyday lifestyle. Craving carbs during PMS or when I'm tired often derails my nutritional efforts. Having a small snack seems to alleviate that feeling that I've failed in my efforts and relieves my cravings.

This book should be considered absolutely required reading for anyone studying sociology or psychology, or anything else. This book is written so well it elucidates some of the most profound and insightful psycho-social theories in plain english, although some familiarity with basic social science terminology is a prerequisite for thorough comprehension. Its impossible to give a complete synopsis of it in a brief review, but overall the book covers the construction of social reality in complete detail, from institutions to the microsocial world of individual identity construction. The section on society as subjective reality, and the subsection on identity, is of absolute importance for psychologists like myself who work with identity problems like DID. Too often psychotherapy of the self and identity ignores the underlying fact that these are dialectic social products. The foundation of self improvement and change is this awareness of the socially constructed self. This book explains all of this with great clarity and alot of useful examples. This book is the most profound, important book I have ever read, it is the most important book in the entire world. Read this book and you will never see anything the same way again. Be prepared!

The book establishes the concept, practice and impacts of social construction theory: a theory of human interaction, relating, and community building. We are beginning to understand that rational choice theory is limited, its bounded not only by the idea that individual human thought is restricted and not omniscient, but further restricted by a retro-evolutionist position that although seemingly "natural" posits mankind in an animal survival mentality. Not untrue, but not the whole story. The whole story is one of trans-rationality in which evolution unites perception and conception of reality into what may, in fact, be omniscient. The bounds of our "bounded rationality" may be boundless established only by our imagination and practical application of social collaboration most effectively operationalized as language: we language our world. We say it is so, and then work to construct the potential of the utterance. If nothing else, it takes the victimization out of survival and ushers in a new definition of adult human potential and also redefines the practicality of accountability.

I was first introduced to this book in 1970, in a high school class. The concept of "reification", whereby a manmade item is given a cosmic status, was important to me then and still is now. As for some others, the book inspired me to become a sociology major. The thinking, along with the related book The Sacred Canopy, greatly challenged my religious beliefs, as the man-made quality all such beliefs and doctrines becomes apparent. The thinking has also helped me navigate through many conflicts without giving into the man-made reality of the majority. If one truly wants to be an individual, or believes in liberation, this book is essential.

The book begins with the defining statement of its thesis (page 1): "The basic contentions of the argument of this book are implicit in its title, namely, that reality is socially constructed. . . ." The essence of this: our understanding of what is "real" is something that comes from our living in a social world. That social world is a major part of defining what "reality" is.

The book is not necessarily an easy read. But the authors' argument is important and the reader will be rewarded by "toughing it out." Even if one disagree with Berger and Luckmann, it is important to grapple with and address their arguments.

One of the major issues of the human condition is that we become convinced that we "know" reality" and reject other people's views of "reality"--when, in fact, as the authors argue, "reality is a construction of society." Much conflict, then, is a battle over constructions--and not a battle over objective reality.

Human nature's role? The book winds up with a telling comment here (page 183): "Man is biologically predestined to construct and to inhabit a world with others. This world becomes for him the dominant and definitive reality. Its limits are set by nature, but, once constructed, this world acts back upon nature. . . . In this same dialectic man produces reality and thereby produces himself."

This is an important work on how people come to understand the world around them and how that perception, in its turn, affects their behavior. Many readers will be uncomfortable with this argument, but it is an important issue to address. And this book is one of those key venues where such an interaction between readers and ideas can take place.

A very thought-provoking book. It really challenges you, but in a friendly way. The writing is crystal clear, warm and often witty. No need to "crack the code" of terminology: you get straight at the ideas. THAT is where the challenge is.

Berger and Luckmann have crafted a fascinating argument, drawing on earlier sociological classics (Weber and Durkheim in particular) but also incorporating key insights and concerns from phenomenology, exitentialism, and pragmatism. So there's a pedigree. But you don't need to be confident about or even familiar with Berger and Luckmann's predecessors to understand and appreciate this work. It stands alone as a classic in its own right.

In fact, I appreciate the earlier works more AFTER having read the Social Construction of Reality. That's probably because Berger and Luckmann are so skilled and generous in explaining the best of what other theorists have to offer.

I've read my share of books on Mormonism over the years, having found myself living among the LDS for six years. Looking at their religion forces you to consider what it is about Christianity that makes it distinctly "Christian", and I found the historic Christian faith to be richer and more intensely beautiful than I had formerly known it to be. This book explains the differences.
I have several wonderful Mormon friends and they believe with their whole LIVES that Joseph Smith really was a prophet. They are neither stupid or particularly gullible. I do believe that they are LOST, something Christians should more readily keep in mind. So many books on Mormonism seem to center on efforts to belittle Mormons and their beliefs. This book does neither. It will help you to think of Mormonism as a kind of "spiritual Titanic"...looks like an unsinkable ocean liner...plush, comfortable, but it won't get you to other shore. This book gently reaches out with "rowboat"-style truth. Pay special attention to the portion about "defining terms". The LDS and Christians often share a surface vocabulary but you'll quickly find that certain terms like "grace" and "salvation" mean totally different things to each.
Buy this book, in fact, buy two copies. Give one to your public library.

This is an excellent book for anyone who may not fully understand or are curious about the fundamental Mormon beliefs. The author, then in turn, shows compassionate and thought provoking methods for sharing the truth of the gospel of Jesus with Mormons. Highly recommend!!

There are any number of books that cover the religion of Mormonism, but Cares' is one of the best. He deals with pertinent issues that don't fly over the average layperson's head. In addition he provides specific references that anyone can write into their Bibles (along with other LDS scriptures) in order to become efficient in sharing one's faith. Cares' attitude of "sharing in love" is also appreciated, as it is evident that he has no bone to pick or desires an "anti-Mormon" label. I have only two minor complaints. 1) There are a number of grammatical/ spelling/ layout errors that could easily be cleaned up with a good editor/ proofreader. 2) The book doesn't appear to be on a publisher's current list...this is a timeless piece that somebody ought to pick up. For Christians hoping to have a healthy dialogue with their LDS friends and neighbors, I suggest this as one of the books you purchase.

Over the past two years, my wife and I have read literally dozens of books about and from the LDS church. This is one of, if not the best I've read.

I appreciate Pastor Cares informative, yet sensitive approach-emphasizing both knowledge and compassion for friends, neighbors and even family members in the LDS church. While many Mormons are great, moral and upright people, they are in bondage to a religious system that demands perfection. Therefore, I also appreciate his caution not to argue theology, especially by "Majoring in the minors," but to share our witness as Christians in God's Law (those demands for perfection that can never be met) and Gospel (God's perfecting unconditional love-grace- in Jesus that has made us perfect by his life, death and resurrection).

I highly recommend this book to any one who either wants to know more about their neighbors' faith. I especially recommend this book to those who wish to go further and share the hope that is within them in the Good News of Jesus Christ.

This book was SO eye-opening. I've read about 10 other Mormonism analysis books and I've had discussions with Mormons for over six months. This one is definitely the best book on the subject.

This book changed everything for me. My eyes were suddenly opened to the idea that I was approaching witnessing entirely wrong. I was getting bogged down with logic and minutia and taking my focus away from Christ. Clearly, that's how our discussions should focus, as with any Christian witness. I still pray for those Mormon boys that I had discussions with, and wish I had it to do over again, knowing what I do now. This book was an emotional read for me.

Of course, it's good to be prepared by knowing how Mormons think. They have different different definitions of generally accepted Christian words, so right away we're speaking a different language. Simple words -- like salvation, sin, heaven, eternal life -- have very differnt meanings under Mormonism. This book will enlighten you on those, and others.

Other books have more information about Mormon beliefs and more details and more rebuttals to their arguments, but this one gives you the best ammunition. Don't tear down a Mormon and leave them with nothing to believe in. Focus on Christ, and him crucified.

This book features fairies and is in the children's fantasy genre, but it is about much more. It has relevance to yesterday, today, and tomorrow, and I believe it could appeal to anyone who ever loved great children's stories, of the kind that make you think as well as carry you away.

The importance of this book is both small and large, and I don't just mean the fairies as opposed to the ogres in the story. The smaller message is "use your head, appreciate simple things, and learn to live with less." The larger message is "something really terrible can happen if you don't." That "something" is pretty horrible and could destroy the Earth and humanity. I hope this book has the effect on others that it has had on me. I couldn't stop thinking about it after I read it. The writer of this book mixes a fun story with a message that really hits home in our modern world. For myself, I plan to pay more attention to what I actually need versus what I want.

I did enjoy the storyline of fairies going on a mission, solving puzzles, discovering new things, completing a scavenger hunt, writing poetry, etc... But I also can't stop thinking about my impact on the world, even though I am just one person. Along with a great story, this book contains classic-style illustrations (looks like a variety of media-ink, watercolor, acrylic) and fun activities in the back. The activities in the back are designed mainly to appeal to children, but the book itself is geared to everyone. I think the message might mean different things to different people depending on our ages and experiences, but it is definitely relevant.

My daughter and I loved reading this book. After we read it, she talked about it so much that we decided to read it again.

The scarecrow is a nice character in this book, friend to the Princess of Haiku and guide to help the fairies in finding her. The ogres are also good characters and somewhat funny, playing marbles with coconuts and hopscotch with giant river stones.

The adventure has the fairies solving puzzles, going on a scavenger hunt, and writing poetry to free the Spirit of Simplicity (aka The Princess of Haiku) from an evil spell. The scavenger hunt was particularly wonderful because they were looking for things like the whisper of butterfly wings and the smell of rain and music in the water.

What really drew me to this book was remembering the fun and games from my childhood. My daughter wanted to know more about string games and handclap games, and she asked me about getting a kite. I hope she continues to show an interest in these things instead of so much focus on the handheld games and other electronic type stuff.

This is a good book and I do recommend it.

This book stresses choices and particularly making wise choices. When the fairies are asked to choose between a pebble and a giant ruby, they must choose the pebble because they are looking for simplicity. Their problem solving must also seek the simple solution. A door with many keys (the fairies can only choose one key and can only try one time to unlock the door) is already unlocked and does not require any of the keys - in other words, the simple solution. Fortunately, the clever fairies are using their heads in this story and do make the right choices

You'd think a story about a princess would be all frilly, but this is not at all. It is about poetry, simplicity and learning about what's really important in the world. The fairies learn simple and valuable lessons on their journey. While they are on their fairy mission, even when faced with a serious task, they take enjoyment in simple pleasures surrounding them. One of the things I liked most about this book was the fact that I was never able to predict what was going to happen next. Over and over again I was surprised by what was happening, and this made me want to keep reading. My ten yr. old niece loves this book, I am reading it aloud to my own children and I will be recommending this fairy tale to friends.

How the whole thing started is important. That's what I think is so interesting. Sure, the fairies go on an exciting mission, but the whole thing started with a book of poetry being destroyed. That's the larger message of this book. Human beings recognizing that even our smallest actions can have gigantic consequences, like the butterfly effect. I liked the way this story was put together. It's like I was tricked into enjoying it so much because it's magical and fun, but I was reminded of how serious even our littlest mistakes can be.

In February of 1961 when Jeff Apple was born, very little was known about autism. Autism research, still in its infancy literally grew up with Jeff.

The boy first displayed alarming behavior at 2, during the late summer of 1963. His sister Jane, 5 and brother Bobby, 12 were naturally frightened to see Jeff battering himself. The summer of 1963 saw Jeff's first trip to emergency for Self Injurious Behaviors (SIB).

Jeff's alarming behavior escalated over time; no day care could keep him for very long as few people were able to meet his needs. Finally, in 1967 a special program opened that accepted Jeff. A well-trained staff were able to work with the boy and even taught him self-care skills. Jeff made some progress, but remained largely nonverbal and his SIBs continued escalating. In 1968 the boy demolished his grandparents' Recreational Vehicle; he would roam the house at night and smash things.

By 1970, Jeff's behavior had deteriorated to where he needed constant care and his immediate family needed respite. On January 14, 1971 Jeff was enrolled at the Murdoch Institute, a place where he stayed for the remainder of his life.

At Murdoch, Jeff was closely monitored; restrained; given light electric shocks when he attacked himself and was rewarded with trips to various staff members' homes. Jeff also enjoyed visits to his own home. Luckily, the Happy Time School which provided Jeff his first taste of school success took him intermittently; he still remained under the protective wing of Murdoch.

Sadly, Jeff's clock ran out of time in January of 1990. He died at age 28 from self inflicted injuries.

This book is as rich as the beautiful North Carolina country side where Jeff lived; the rich descriptions of North Carolina and the inclusion of Scripture added hope and color to this personal account. One thing that was evident throughout this book was the unconditional love the Apples had for Jeff; at no time is this ever called into question. One can only hope that Jeff has found peace at last and that Patricia Apple, widowed for several years can take comfort in knowing she, George and their older children did everything possible to ensure a life of humane quality for Jeff. Despite the misleading statement of the title song, "God Didn't Make Little Green Apples," a singularly inane song, one can liken the "green Apple" image to Jeff. Green apples need time to ripen and they need more love and guidance.

I recommend you read Thelma Wheatley's "My Sad Is All Gone," a book about another young man with severe autism who displayed SIBs. (Interestingly, the two young men have linked or similar themed surnames, Julian Orchard and Jeff Apple). These two books go together well, like Lennon & McCartney.

In this book, the quality of the human spirit shows itself in it's mightiest face...that of unconditional love. Beautifully written, eloquent in it's reality, the author takes us right there. We are in the Apple's home & lives...we smell the bacon on that first day...& then we feel the first suspicions along with Jeff's mother. Ultimately, we feel the love, the hope, the frustration, the fear & sadly, the grief. We are there in the silent moments, the sunny moments, the despairing moments & the final moments. Our hearts go out to the Apples, their courage, fortitude & dignity...but most of all for their love. No parent should let this book pass them by, no parent who picks this book up will put it down, particularly any parents of special children. This book is for every caring human being, parent or not, as they will not, can not, walk away from it untouched .. or uninspired.
On a personal note, I was told I should read this book with with a box of tissues to hand. Being a person not much inclined to tears, I took that advice with a grain of salt. My mistake. The only salt around me when I read Spinning Straw was in my eyes & on my face, as it is at this moment recalling the book as I write this review. A "must read".
To Patricia Apple, a woman of indomitable courage & to Phyllis Green, who weaves words into pictures, all my respects.

Spinning Straw... It's a great book. It's written as if you are living the experience. You really feel like you know the characters, especially Jeff! The book shows so much love and caring, it makes you want to do the same if you don't already. I recommend the book because it's jsut plan excellent!! you'll see as soon as you buy it! And the author, well she's great too! The best in the world; take it from someone that knows her personally. Great Book, way to go P. Green

I could not put this book down! It made me cry, it made me angry, but most of all, it made me glad there are people in the world like Phyllis Jean Green who care enough to write this painful but SOARING story about autism and self-injurious behaviour.

This non fiction shows the struggles of a family raising an autistic child with SIB at a time before information is available about the disability. The author, Phyllis Green, brings this family into the hearts and souls of the reader. The book is also illustrated with actual photographs of the family. Spinning Straw is a plus for a remarkable movie about real life situations of families who are faced with the struggles that stem from disabilities like autism. Green's language is down-to-earth and pragmatic. She brings tears, laughter and the real life of the family into full circle.

I read this wonderful book as a young man back in the sixties and I have just ordered a new version to recapture its wonderful moments

But I also saw the film version many years ago.

No I would be wery exited if anyone could lead me to a DVD or VHS version of the film

How gratifying to read the other reviews, and to learn that others have also experienced and loved this book at different times in their lives. The remarkable thing about it is how Dr. Munthe speaks to us in different ways at different ages. As a teenager, I was impressed by the passions, even though a lot of the details were above my head. In my late twenties, the way he tried to balance career and his love for San Michele was very meaningful. As a 44-year-old, I was impressed (and saddened) with the loneliness of Dr. Munthe's struggle, with really only his animals for company. While he speaks of friends, he shares little about them. And nothing about a lasting romantic involvement.

We all have our San Micheles. They may not be homes, but they are ideals toward which we strive. But for me, it exists only in my mind. Dr. Munthe was in some ways very lucky, yet also cursed, to be able to bring it to life.

The only frustrating aspect of "San Michele" is that it is, as its author notes, a fragment. I am interested to learn more of this fascinating man. Does anyone know if any biographies are in print, or in English? Thank you.

I came to this strange and wonderful book without the slightest inkling of what it was about -- simply because it was in the recommended reading for many guidebooks about Italy. First and foremost, it is an autobiography of a great physician and animal lover who just happened to spend some years of his life on Capri.

Autobiographies can make for strange reading, especially when there are obvious omissions. Although Axel Munthe frequently accuses himself of being a ladies' man, there is no mention of any love interest by name or even generic description. (That reminds me of film director Josef von Sternberg's FUN IN A CHINESE LAUNDRY, where we learn in passing that the author was married because of a cryptic mention in a subordinate clause 300 pages into the book.) Also missing is any mention of Munthe's childhood, although I understand there is at least one other autobiography written by him (MEMORIES AND VAGARIES), which I have not read.

There is, however, one section that does not appear in any autobiography that I have ever seen: An anticipation of Munthe's Last Judgment in Heaven following his death, with St. Peter, Moses, Athanasius, and St. Francis joining in the discussion.

STORY OF SAN MICHELE ranges from Paris to Lapland, Rome, Naples, Calabria, and Capri. We see duels, medical cases of wealthy women with imaginary diseases, demonic housekeepers, quacks, midwives, prostitutes, victims of cholera and earthquakes, brigands, shamans, and even an alcoholic ape. Munthe is a magnificent raconteur, and his book is a joy to read and reread.

How can one write a review of The Story of San Michele that comes close to doing justice to the book? There are many humorous episodes, such as The Giant and Mamsell Agata, touches of the macabre in the description of the cholera epidemic in Naples, misadventures, like the journey to Sweden accompanying a young man (then his corpse). There are also angry moments, as when his dog Tom is brutally kicked by the slimy Vicomte Maurice. Who could not be moved by the story of the boy John, who was rescued by Munthe but never lived long enough to find a loving home. It is a book that includes many memorable events in a life that was very full indeed. Many of the chapters in this book could be made into marvelous films, given the right adaptation.

The Story of San Michele is very well written, to say the least, and the many people, events and personal feelings of the author combine to make this a special adventure. Perhaps most special of all is Axel Munthe's relationship to animals that allowed him to get close, even to "wild" animals and have a special relationship with them. He was a man who held nature and all life in special regard but was pragmatic in the face of illness and death.

I have had a copy since 1988 and I have given Axel Munthe's book as a gift and been thanked for the introduction. I could not recommend this book highly enough.

My father had mentioned this book to me as a teenager. I read portions of it then, but have always wanted to read it in full. Finally, I found a paperback edition and found an absorbing and thought stimulating book. Dr. Munthe's care of the sick, his love of animals and the characters he describes, all will stay in my memory. This is not a book that you read once. I plan to read it again and again. Hopefully I will be able to visit Villa St. Michele some day and see the beauty of the place that he saw. I hope to find a bound edition with the photographs.

This book has made the rounds of all our friends, crisscrossing the globe in the process -and for good reason, it's hilarious! A friend was given an early copy on a plane somewhere between Japan and Ireland during the last World Cup. Back in the US, my Irish husband (a once-bartender at McDaid's), laughed so hard tears rolled down his cheeks. Not wanting to miss out, I grabbed the book as soon as he put it down, then promptly ordered 5 copies for friends.

There is definitley some Dublin slang in this book, and being American, I had to ask translations for a few of the words - but that's part of the fun. The characters are vivid, and anyone who's worked in IT or for a big consulting firm can relate to the main character. It's a quick, funny read.

A great read. Related well to the characters - very funny - had to know what was going to happen next.

One of the funniest books on the planet.
Read it in a single sitting and laughed out loud for the duration. I'll never look at my bath in the same way again.
Very resilient indeed!

A truly excellent read. It has been some time since I enjoyed a book so much. Having lived in Japan for a few years I can certainly relate to many of the scenes and characters depicted in it. Brilliantly funny with a story line that keeps you guessing right up till the end. I couldn't put the book down and like many others who have reviewed the book here, I am eagerly awaiting Superchick 2.

Comparisons with Nick Hornby are apt, with a bit of Roddy Doyle on the side! The conversational back and forth is the highlight for me, it reminds of some of the great pub conversations you get into in Ireland. The reality of it all is what makes it so funny, you can just picture it - seems destined for a film adaptation...?

This book is so well written, funny, and has truly helped me to question my fear and dare again to be the person i most want to be. i yearn less for a partner to complete me and now am more curious about the ways i can draw out of myself the qualities i so often seek in others.

I enjoyed Tama's writing style and honesty. This story is inspirational to people who are stopped by 'shoulds' and judgment in their lives. She shows us how to trust our inner voice during times of change, how to remain constant and sacrifice the superfluous for what matters most. She is an example of making a difference in this world by having the courage to follow her true path.

Tama Kieves was a successful Harvard grad/lawyer who walked away from her office with a view and high paying job to do what she most wanted to do. When she made her choice to jump in with both feet, she lowered her expenses and took a waitress job to sustain herself while she followed her dream.

She believes that people can and should be able to make a living doing whatever they are naturally gifted at and love to do. She wrote this book and when it didn't get picked up by a publisher, she self published it and then a major company approached her and bought it.

I have read a lot of self help and "Do what you love.." type books and I have to say that this one is awesome. I couldn't put it down. There is so much good advice on just about every page, and the thing is, it's all stuff she knows because she's experienced it.

I wish I had known that the secret to life is doing what you love to do when I first started working. But then, how would we know what we love if we didn't do all those things that we didn't/don't love in the first place?

This is a great book that I highly recommend and would give as gifts.

I loved this book! I finished it feeling inspired to pursue my own dreams of creating a life that my heart is telling me I want to pursue. If you are trying to take a leap of faith into a career or path that scares you and excites you, and if you are tired of trying to figure it out with resources that ask you to endlessly list your interests, talents and abilities to no avail, I'd say buy this book! I'd also recommend Your Heart's Desire by Sonia Choquette if you are having trouble figuring out what it is exactly that you want.

Tama J. Kieves is more than an author. At heart, she is a poet. And it really shows in "This Time I Dance!" This book is not only informative, but it is also a pure pleasure to read. From start to finish, it is packed with lush descriptions and magical metaphors that elevate this work of non-fiction to a work of art. "This Time I Dance" will not only inspire you to discover your passion in life and give you some practical suggestions for living your dream, but the pure artistry of its words will start your heart dancing before you even put the book down! This is a book you are going to treasure!

Steven Lane Taylor, Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat: A Guide For Living Life In The Divine Flow

This story is not so much about laughter as it is about small people caring about saving laughter in certain parts of the world when the Shell of Laughter is stolen by an evil spirit named Killjoy Crosspatch.

The fairies learn what laughter is made of including eighteen tickle feathers, the sound of puppies barking, a two-part joke, Christmas snow, and a few other things. They also learn how laughter is spread around the world and that we must have some sorrow as a balance in the world in order to know what laughter and happiness are.

I like the flow and length of this book because it held my kids' interest and was a quick two-night bedtime read. My son is four and liked the story as much as my daughter, six. I have read them the first two books in this series. My son wanted to know if the brownies were going to get to lead some of the adventures instead of just helping the fairies. I won't be telling him that it looks like that isn't going to happen since this is The "Fairy" Chronicles because I want him to continue to enjoy the stories..

This is a good Smile and Feel-Good book and we will be reading it again. I recommend it for kids of all ages.

The leprechaun in this story might make you laugh. If he doesn't, Snickers the hedgehog will. You might also get a kick out of the things laughter is made of, I did. All of these fun things are inside the shell of laughter and mix themselves up in correct proportions to produce laughter. An elf then spreads the laughter over the world using the winds of the world. And because he does this, we can all have a laugh. Great story!

These are not the fairies of yesteryear. Nor are they ultra-mod or futuristic. Creative use of characters, good writing and a nice flow of events make this an enjoyable book. Recommended.

Thistle and the Shell of Laughter is a lovely fairytale story about fairies, but it is also a tale of the need for balance in our world. Two concepts are prominent in this book. First, that tears and laughter must both exist and second, that without sorrow we wouldn't know what happiness was. There is also a clever balance of characters in this book, real balancing fantasy (hedgehog, elk, rabbit, tortoise, bird vs. unicorns, elf, gnome, witch, fairies). The Stone of Tears balances the Shell of Laughter. The elf twins balance each other (Staid vs. Blithe).

Many fairytales don't present their lessons and themes as well as this one does. I was impressed when I read the second book in this series by how small the Web of Dreams was. I am even more impressed with this story because it is extremely clever. I don't believe a child will be able to pinpoint the theme, but will enjoy the story. As an adult reader, I find myself reminiscing about the fairytales I read as a child because this is a new version of some of those classic and clever stories.

Thistle is a fairy. It is just before Christmas, and she is at a sleepover with her friends. They go to Fairy Circle and see unicorns. The Shell of Laughter is stolen from an elf who takes it around the world so everyone will have laughter. Thistle goes to find the shell. Other people help her. A hedgehog giggles and helps her. They go through the forest and find the shell and a mean spirit who stole it. The end is happy because there will be laughter in the world again. The fairies go home for Christmas. I liked this book, and I will read it again.

This is a wonderful 1st Bible for infants and toddlers! I've purchased it twice because the 1st copy was so "well loved" and showed it. The short rhymes that make up each story and colorful pictures are perfect for a young child with limited attention span. My son is 2 1/2 and has enjoyed hearing the stories since 18 months. My daughter started with this bible as well, and was able to remember many key Bible stories by the time she was old enough for Sunday school, simple because of the rhymes she had heard.

My 2-year-old loves having her very own Bible and reads stories from the book every night. The rhymes are simple, yet thoughtful and humorous at times, and the sing-song cadence allows toddlers to quickly memorize the stories. My daughter's favorite story is about "Noah's boat," as she says, and after a few weeks was able to recite the story herself. We even bought her a toy ark to reinforce the story. She has now memorized several of her favorite stories.

It's been such a joy to see her, at an early age, enjoy reading about God, Jesus, and the lives of His followers.

I checked this book out of the library. My daughter generally gets easily distracted when I read to her. After reading several books with me feeling like I was reading to myself instead of to her, I pulled this book out. She looked at every page, every picture, as I read the rhymes. We finished the Old Testament. I asked her if she wanted to put it aside for the next day. She asked me to keep reading--we read the whole book in one sitting! Amazing. The rhymes are simple and accurate but leave out the "bad" things. It is a very happy book. This would be a great introduction to the Bible for baby and toddler up through age 4.

We got this Bible years ago for our oldest daughter (now 4, we started when she was 1). As we read the stories, we dated the corner of the page. Now we are reading it to our younger daughter (now 2). She askes for Bible each night as part of our bedtime routine and loves to "read" it throughout the day. My four year old now reads this Bible independently and I love to listen to my oldest read the stories to my youngest. I have given several of these to friends with young children.

My entire congregation loves this beautiful book. It's now a tradition that our ladies' group gifts one of these to every baby baptized at our church: we used to give bibles which an infant would have no immediate use for. It's beautiful illustrations grab even the smallest child's attention and it's stories are captivating -- mothers even tell me they've read each so often that they have it memorized and their child is big enough to turn the pages while Mom recites the words while driving or making dinner!