K Books

The Tao Teh Ching is by far one of the best books I've ever read on spirituality, ontology, and leadership. The book is more than a historical text, and more than a simple book of collected wisdom, but rather,it presents the author's world view on everything to do with human existence, linking it through polymorphous concept of the Tao.

I would recommend this book for anyone who wants an introduction into Taoism, anyone who is interested in Ancient Chinese thought, or just someone who wants a different way of looking at the world.

Daniel Clausen
www.danielclausen.com

I absoutely love this edition of the "Tao Te Ching"! I've bought multiple coppies as gifts. It's simple read, it provides some feedback from the translator to help you think about what you just read in perhaps a different way or wiht better insight, and it's tiny which is great for traveling-it takes no more room then a pack of cards. This is convienient becuse I personaly find the content perfect for traveling. Reflecting on days past and events past happens naturally while suspended between one place and the next which makes relating to the content even easier.

The Tao Te Ching is not a manual for leadership, but rather, a description of all existence condensed into one philosophical work. It is, basically, a poetic discourse on the nature of "The Dao," nothing more. It should not be interpreted as a leadership manual. Even though it states what an ideal leader is, it gives no specific instructions anywhere on how to achieve that end.



The books says that for others to have confidence in you, you must be confident in yourself. Yeah, how do you achieve it? Where this truly a manual for leadership, it would be specific about the point. It isn't, because that is not was Lao Tzu was concerned with. All it really is, is an explanation on the nature of things the way Lao Tzu saw it, that is, "The Dao" as best Lao Tzu interpreted, and understood it.



As a book, this is pretty raw; it goes straight to the work itself. After a brief introduction, it gets right to it. No footnotes, no side notes (except only in one page I believe), just the work itself. This is not a life manual, nor is it a religious work; it is a spiritual philosophy that follows a higher form of logic. If one must present a hierarchy of logic, from basic to highest, it goes as follows;



1) First, there is Mathematics, from basic Arithmetic, to Calculus. Alongside Mathematics, mastery of language and rhetoric, from grammar, to writing.



2) When Mathematics and Language are mastered, one then studies Greek Philosophy, specifically, the works of Plato and Aristotle. After that, more complex forms of logic, eventually leading to abstract reasoning.



3) Once abstract reasoning has been mastered, then, and only then, do you read the Tao Te Ching, and actively try to think about, and absorb the message it attempts to convey.



Interpreted in this manner, the Tao Te Ching is a spiritual and philosophical work that at once negates and confirms itself so many times it is nearly impossible to understand unless the nuances of logic, abstraction and language as described by Plato are understood first. That is, Daoist thinking as presented here, paradoxically is a higher form of logic, but at the same time it negates logic in favor of instinct. I could go in circles all day regarding this, so, I'll keep it short; read Plato and Aristotle first, and I hope you are Math major honor student, or an M.I.T. grad. That's the only way you'll hope to understand this higher form of logic. I'm not saying you are not entitled to read it, I'm just saying, this is not a philosophical work for just any Tom, Dick or Harry.



Myself, I barely understand this work. From what little I do understand of the Tao Te Ching though, is that it is a higher form of logic. It does seem cryptic, even nonsensical, but, the truth is, it isn't. Again, it is a philosophy of paradoxes that relies on abstract logical reasoning easily on par with Newton's works. In the same way Physics is difficult because it deals with so many abstractions, the Tao Te Ching is difficult because IT IS an abstraction on a more complex level than Physics. Physics, at least, is a real science that can be proven. Daoist, is a self-negating, yet self-confirming philosophy.



Know that is what you are getting yourself into when you purchase this work, and I will warn, its not for everyone. Unless you have mastered language, have proficiency in math, and have read Plato and Aristotle, I will almost guarantee that if you try to analyze this work it will give you a lot of headaches. Again; there is nothing cryptic or mystical about it, its just a higher form of logic. By its very nature, when mastered, logic becomes an abstraction. The Tao Te Ching is a Philosophical abstraction presented as a poem.



If you're a fast reader you'll get through it within an hour. Everyone else, about two, but, make no mistake; even though its a lighter read than any ancient Greek philosophy, it is much harder to understand. Again, the best way to gain an understanding of it, is by mastering Mathematics and Language, studying logic, reading Plato and Aristotle, and THEN taking the time to actively think about the things said in this book. Again, let me warn any potential buyer, this is not at all a light read, brief though it may be.

Anyone who may be looking for a stripped-down edition of the Tao Te Ching, one without Introduction, Commentaries, or Footnotes, so that one may immediately come to grips with this most fascinating and profound of texts without any distracting impedimenta at all, could hardly do better than get hold of a copy of this book.

A brief description of its translator, Dr John C. H. Wu, will be found in the Introduction to Red Pine's 'Lao-tzu's Taoteching.' From Red Pine, who attended a graduate course on the Tao Te Ching given by Dr Wu at the College of Chinese Culture in Taiwan many years ago, we learn that he was a person of considerable attainments.

Besides translating the Tao Te Ching, Dr Wu also translated the New Testament, drafted his country's constitution, and served as China's ambassador to the Vatican and it's chief representative to the Hague. Clearly we are dealing here, not with some sort of 'mystical' dreamer, but with an accomplished scholar, diplomat, and man of the world, and one who must have realized the world has never stood in greater need of Lao Tzu's religion of peace than it does in our present era of aggression.

After a brief Foreword, and a couple of pages of Editor's Notes, we are immediately confronted by the text. Here is an example of Dr Wu's style from the opening of Chapter 29, slightly adjusted since it should be set out as poetry:

"Does anyone want to take the world and do what he wants with it? / I do not see how he can succeed. // The world is a sacred vessel, which must not be tampered with or grabbed after. / To tamper with it is to spoil it, and to grasp it is to lose it" (page 59).

In the present age of manipulators both great and small, could there be any more apt words for us than these? And could they have been expressed more effectively? One doubts it.

But it gets better. Classical Chinese is an extremely rich language, a language of multiple meanings. No English translation, no matter how good - and Dr Wu's is very good indeed - could possibly hope to capture more than a fraction of the meaning inherent in the Chinese text. Given this, we see the hand of the diplomat at work in Dr Wu's next move, for facing each page of the English translation he has given us Wang Pi's edition of the original Chinese text.

Evidently Dr Wu went to some pains to present us with a truly striking version of this text, for we are told that it is reproduced from the Lao Chieh Lao edition compiled by Ts'ai T'ing Kan, and privately printed in 1922. It would seem we have been given a collector's item, and it is certainly one of the most beautifully printed Chinese texts of the Tao Te Ching that I have ever seen.

The traditional full-form Chinese characters are printed in a large, clear, bold font, and even a beginner, after a week's study of the Chinese radicals, would have no trouble at all making out the structure of even the more complex characters. Somehow I get the feeling that Dr Wu would like YOU to become that beginner...

There is of course enough to keep anyone busy pondering for years in any competent English translation of the Tao Te Ching. But for those who may find themselves stirred by the visual beauty of the Chinese characters, each of which is an exquisitely balanced and supreme work of art, and who may be curious to learn more about them and how they work and what they mean, there are a number of books that would help.

One of them is the 'Gate of All Marvelous Things : A Guide to Reading the Tao Te Ching' by Gregory C. Richter. This is an interlinear edition of the Tao Te Ching which gives the Chinese text in simplified characters, pinyin transliterations, a literal word-by-word gloss and a final translation. By means of this book you can learn to read the original, or some of your favorite passages, in Chinese.

I think that if one or two of you were so impelled, Dr Wu would be left feeling very happy indeed. He seems to be a man with a keen desire to share the most important and beautiful things he has found in life.

It cannot be underemphasized that this edition has the traditional Chinese in its entirety, printed large enough to read, as well as the English translation. Having read only one other translation , I am not the most qualified to judge the translation's relative quality, but I can say that this is the best edition I have seen as far as clearly displaying the Chinese text.

A very readable book on modern history of a segment of society that might go unnoticed. We all know about the Stonewall Riots and the importance they played in the history of gays and lesbians in the United States. THE LAVENDER SCARE puts that event in perspective and points out how this was only a part of the fabric started by brave men and women who finally decided to speak out against government oppression long before Stonewall.

David K. Johnson's history is an excellent, well documented, and captiviating account of a largely forgotten aspect of the Cold War and McCarthy period. While the reputation of Senator McCarthy is alive today, few people are aware of how the anticommunist and anti-gay purges affected life for all Americans, creating a bitter climate of fear and recrimination that felt nation-wide. The political spirit of that time will resonate for everyone who reads the news today, as political leaders are motivated not by a sense of justice, but by a fear of getting branded as being on the "wrong side" of a political issue. As Mr. Johnson points out, the only blackmailing government workers were subject to was that from their own employers. The fear, ignorance, prejudice of that time is brought vividly back to life in Mr. Johnson's book, as is the extraordinary intellence and bravery of the few souls who sought to make a just change in thier country. This is truly an important tale of freedom in America.

Cold war and McCarthyism are familiar topics from historians as America's fear of Communists and its reaction to this fear are interpreted from every side of the political spectrum. David K. Johnson does something different and, in its special way, far more important. The author, in The Lavender Scare, looks at how the cold war fears were used to hound gay men and women out of the federal service and how this continued unabated long after the Communist hysteria died down. It is fascinating, and horrifying, to witness how politicians used their fear and ignorance of "the perverts" for their own political ends and used the fear of Communists as a cover for their attacks. The case presented in this book is well researched and the voices from both sides are used, even from those voices of the gay men and lesbians which had to be silent at the time. This books holds valuable lessons (and warnings) for our own fraught times. A valuable addition to the literature of the history of the Cold War.

Rarely does a work of history both capture a particular moment in time and resonate so deeply with issues alive in contemporary public culture. As the country debates the possibility of gay marriage and the possible meanings of these unions, David Johnson's The Lavender Scare reminds us that homosexuality has at least one other time been conjured up as the nation's "bugaboo" during a period of political shifts and broad cultural change. In an account that is as riveting as it is sobering, Johnson shows how "containment of sexuality was as central to 1950s America as containment of communism." The issue of homosexuality sat at the center of discussions about "national security" during the Cold War period, resulting in the persecution and ouster of hundreds of gay (and suspected gay) federal workers.
The book is written with marvelous grace and sensitivity. Johnson's brilliant skill at research and powers of analysis are in evidence on every page. Much to his credit, Johnson has used those skills to give voice to those from whom otherwise we might never have heard. The impressive narrative structure of The Lavender Scare makes it read like a fine novel. And the callous devastation, the lives lost and ruined by the tactics of a government in search of a moral center after WWII, makes one wish it were a work of fiction. But it is far from that.
The Lavender Scare, rather, is a work of consummate historical research and writing. The enduring contribution of the book is that it shows how the "McCarthy Era" had much less to do with "the Communist threat" and much more to do with homosexuality and "moral panic" than we could have possibly imagined. We will never again be able to think of the Cold War period in quite the same way. Johnson has complexified and clarified perhaps the most vital time in Post WWII American history. The book is certain take its place alongside George Chauncey's magisterial Gay New York.

What a great book! I never liked any type of history. I almost failed it in high school. This book has changed that for me. The only reason I read this book in the first place was because the author is a friend of mine, so I felt obligated to read it. Otherwise I never would have considered it. Well, I was glued to it the entire time reading it. Not only did I find it riveting, angering, thought provoking and scary, but I actually learned a lot about history that I never paid attention to in high school! I also found it quite timely, and I feel like we're going through many of the same things in politics now. (John Ashcroft = Joe McCarthy)

This book is a must read!

This work hits on a subject that is near and dear to my heart. Animals have played a very important part of my life for over sixty years now and they are just as important to me now as when I received my first puppy when I was about three years old. My wife and I have been very involved with our local humane society for many years now. That being said....

This work takes the reader for an inside look at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary located Southern Utah. Thousands of animals have been helped through this organization and Ms. Kelsey has given us a child's eye view of its workings, mission, needs, and indeed, delights. The book is designed to be read to children, and more specifically, is ideal for groups of children, although it is an absolute delight for the adult reader also. The photographs are quite professionally done and are works of art themselves. The author's easy style, humor and obvious enthusiasm for her subject shine through on ever page. She takes us on a verbal tour, supplemented by wonderful photographs, through this great organization. The author takes great pains in explaining the socialization process of these animals, stressing not only their physical needs, but emotional as well. This is a bit different than some of the works in this genre. We are given a peek at the different areas of this sanctuary, the bird house, horse area, pigs, dogs, cats, et al. Some individual stories of these critters are told as well as the source for many of the animals helped here.

This book is certainly designed for the class room. Its easy reading style and humor will be appreciated by the children. Each page is full of useful information and the photographs are well coordinated. Many questions are asked which are ideal for taking the children into a discussion. The author has also provided pages full of ideas for class projects, given some great web sites for further research, and above all, has infused an enthusiasm into her work which is rather contagious. Volunteerism is stressed here and the point is well made that everyone can do their little share to change what has become almost a national tragedy. Now don't misunderstand that statement. This is not a "sad puppy book," something that I find difficult to read to younger children. Everything here is upbeat and positive while still being quite truthful about the plight of these unwanted animals.

A WORD OF CAUTION: I am retired now and spend most of my days acting as a substitute teacher in local schools. We live in an area, Southern Missouri, which is more or less the puppy mill capital of the known universe. This is something my wife and I have fought for years and years. The author is quite harsh, and well she should be, when addressing this subject. The problem comes, in my case, where I will have a room full of about 25 students, and out of that 25, at least six or seven will have parents or grandparents who make their living as puppy mill owners. I plan to use this work at those schools, but I also plan to do a bit of verbal editing when this portion of the book is read to the students. While they need to know about such things, I am not about to be critical of their parents in front of their fellow students. Goodness knows I have had many heated conversations with the parents of these kids on this subject, indeed having been instrumental in shutting a few down, but don't feel the children should be subjected to the same line as I would give their mom and dad.

That being said, I cannot recommend this work highly enough. It is an absolute wealth of information and a delight to the ear and eye. The author has done a wonderful job here. I do wish there were more organizations out there like Best Friends...we certainly need them.

This colorful, friendly book is designed as a tool to help children, ages about five to eight (my guess), to learn about animal sanctuaries, animal shelters, and, in a subtle, gentle way, about the ugliness of animal abuse. I can easily imagine this book being used in a classroom of first-graders or second-graders.

The Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is an enormous refuge, for abused animals of all species, located in Utah. This book basically explains the nature and purpose of that sanctuary and, by extension, the nature and purpose of animal shelters and sanctuaries everywhere. The book, which is fifty-two pages long, accomplishes this by providing a verbal and photographic tour of the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, describing the animals there, giving you the stories of how they ended up there, and how the animals are cared for, while they live there. I appreciated how the photographs and the text definitely emphasized the animals. The book did not end up being a piece of promotional literature, that glorified the one facility, as if they were the only facility engaging in the support and caring of animals that have been abused or neglected.

Most of the book, if you calculated the area covered by writing versus photographs, is dedicated to beautiful photographs, with the written explanations and captions being smaller. However, the writing is clear, concise, and worded in ways where children are going to understand the ideas, without feeling that they are being talked down to. The writing also does a nice job of giving children enough information about how animals are sometimes mistreated or neglected, without getting so graphic that the children might be traumatized. The tone of the writing is that it assumes that children will usually care about, and sympathize with, animals, and I see that as accurate.

The photography is also fairly balanced, in that it does not portray the animals at the sanctuary as a collection of perfect specimens of petdom. It shows, and talks about, some of the difficulties that a potential adoptive family might face if the animals were brought into that family. I will that the photography is done in such a way that many children will likely, after seeing this book, want to bring a pet into their home. There appears to be a large number of highly photogenic animals at the sanctuary, or else the photographer did an excellent job of being patient and catching the animals at their best.

As I stated above, this book is meant to introduce us to the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, as well as to a series of books, with the same photographer, writers, and source material, but aimed at different topics.

There is a section, near the end of the book, that describes different kind of projects, for children and school classrooms to do, to help local animal shelters and sanctuaries. I really like that this section was included, as I can see children understanding and appreciating the book a lot, and immediately wanting to know what they can do to help. The section was done well, as all of the ideas mentioned are very feasible projects for a classroom or a school to do.

I am hoping, and suggesting any who might read this, who is connected to this series, that future topic for books include:

A description of good animal care, especially from a child's point of view.

A discussion of what children can do, if they believe that animals are being abused or neglected.

If I had a list a flaw, there is one small omission. When the book describes how people come to own dogs, it describes pet stores and "puppy mills" (not favorably) and animal shelters (favorably), but makes no mention of puppies obtained from responsible, caring breeders. I can imagine a child, whose family owns a dog obtained from a good breeder, wondering if his or her family obtained their pet in a good way or a bad way. That is a small point, that a teacher or parent could easily explain, but the book could have easily mentioned it.

I am a children's book author AND a regular volunteer at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. I am also the editor of this book. To be frank with you, the book needed little editing! Nola's writing is fresh, funny, and full of heart. I knew her when she was a dog caregiver at Best Friends, and I was deeply moved by her love for animals. This love shines on every page of Nola's book. It is indeed a book for people of all ages. Highly recommended!

I really like this book. It is a wonderful way to educate kids (and adults will enjoy it as well) about love, compassion, and respect for animals.

We need to teach our kids while they are young, to treat animals the way that they themselves would want to be treated.

What we sow in our children today, animals will reap tomorrow.

So if we want to end animal abuse, animal cruelty, animal murder (euthanizing healthy animals) etc, in the future, it will ONLY happen, if we teach our kids TODAY, that animals are living, breathing, feeling, loving, soul-filled children of God, just like we human animals are.

Trust me when I say that getting this gift for your child (or a fellow adult) will be a gift that keeps on giving and giving......because this book is about love, compassion and living in peace with, and taking care of, our animal friends.

[...]

Animals are a huge part of our society; but, far too often, they are mistreated and cast aside. Luckily, there are sanctuaries across the nation who provide these particular animals with lifelong homes where they can live in peace and harmony with loving caregivers, and fellow animals. Nora Lee Kelsey takes us behind-the-scenes of one of these particular sanctuaries - Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.

Over the years, southern Utah's Best Friends Animal Sanctuary has become one of the biggest animal sanctuaries in the nation. Home to dogs and cats, along with the less typical rabbits, horses, ducks, pigs, sheep, and many more, Best Friends makes a difference in the lives of animals on a daily basis. While many visit the location each year, others don't always have the means or time to make the trip. With Kelsey's LET'S GO VISIT BEST FRIENDS ANIMAL SANCTUARY, readers have the opportunity to do just that - from their very own homes!

Laden with gorgeous color photos, LET'S GO VISIT BEST FRIENDS ANIMAL SANCTUARY takes readers on a trip to Horse Haven, the Bunny House, Feathered Friends, Cat World, and Dogtown. At each stop, you have the opportunity to meet and greet with some of the residents of each area, learning their likes and dislikes, and glimpsing bits and pieces of what they do on a daily basis. After the trip is said and done, some of the Best Friends residents provide readers with tips on what they can do to help animals - even going so far as including websites you can visit.

I have loved Best Friends Animal Sanctuary ever since I learned about it more than ten years ago, so I was thrilled when I learned that Nora Lee Kelsey had taken the time to pen a gorgeous book about the location. The many pictures bring the animals to life; while the information packed onto each and every page provides the reader with enough facts to become a Best Friends Animal Sanctuary wiz! Perfect for animal lovers to read at home with their families, or as an instructional tool in the classroom, LET'S GO VISIT BEST FRIENDS ANIMAL SANCTUARY is a necessity for all. I could not have imagined a more perfect book. Two paws up!

Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer

this book very important to who's want to understand better in photography. it is importatnt becuase to expousre correctly it must to understand behind

This book is an excellent resource for anybody interested in the nature of light involved phenomena and atmospheric optics.

Prior to reading this book, communicating a love of and appreciation for the outdoor experience of natural phenomena was often frustrating. This book has provided me with a new lexicon that helps me bridge the gap between intuition and the elementary physics of the first-hand viewing perspective. At times there are sections that are a bit of a slog (e.g. the revelation of the nuances of viewing a scene through pane vs. plate glass) but that criticism is more than balanced by many excellent observations and curious examinations of the changing relationships between the observer and the scene viewed. After reading this book, I have embarked on reviewing many of the photos that I have taken in my travels. I have been astonished by the number details that had escaped me (and for which I had zero appreciation) prior to reading Minnaert's book. One of the techniques I have used extensively is viewing inverted digital photographs of panoramic scenes reflected in water using image editing software. The fact that the reflected scene is viewed from the perspective of an underwater observer (buy the book for a full explanation) is a relevation that provided me with some good natured fun at the expense of disorienting a friend when I inverted a photograph of lake scene from a hiking (or SCUBA diving?) trip to Alaska.

This deeply perceptive book changes our own perceptions of all kinds of light and color events in the outdoors. You will never see the same way again outdoors. Some examples involve elementary optics (which explain the visual phenomena) but nearly all the 278 short chapters can be appreciated by the visually alert reader. My favorite examples include dappled light, rainbows (there are always two), and differences between relected and transmitted light in seeing leaves and grass. The Dover edition is fine; the Springer-Verlag edition is better with its excellent color photographs.

One of the most phenomenal books I've ever seen. This book describes and explains in very easily read prose, the complex visual phenomena of the natural world. It is almost a meditation on the natural world outdoors. I read it often not just as a reference. Be sure to read the introduction to the work. An excellent buy--I have purchased five copies over the years as gifts.

This book is probably my favorite in the series, since Phoebe is the strongest woman character of the family. I also love the World War I era. But they are all wonderful. Elswyth Thane had a remarkable gift for historical fiction, placing romances that we actually care about amid the well-researched past.

I have read Dawn's Early Light and Yankee Stranger and can't wait to read the complete series. I would like to know the sequence of the books in the Williamsburg Novels. Your feedback would be appreciated.

While each of Ms Thane's books can be read and enjoyed individually, I think they are best appreciated if one reads them in order: "Dawn's Early Light," "Yankee Stranger," "Ever After," "The Light Heart," "Kissing Kin," "This was Tomorrow," and "Homing." This takes the Day-Sprague clan from the Revolutionary War well into the WWII era.

I read this book over 25 years ago and loved it. The enduring love story of shy, young Phoebe and strong, handsome soldier Oliver (set in the War years of the early 1900s) has remained strong in my memory all these years.

When Phoebe Sprague discovers that love may not mean the bland affection evoked by dependable, familiar, unexciting Miles Day, but rather the effervescent, shameless, delirious passion inspired by the revelation that is Oliver Campion, life enters a maze she never imagined. Endlessly, hopelessly separated by previous entanglements, Phoebe and Oliver weave in and out of each other's lives through peace and into war, touching but never holding in an agony of love denied. Meanwhile Rosalind Norton-Leigh, beautiful, light-hearted and naive, learns what it means to commit her life without love to a man who is a stranger in perspective, in background, and in temperament. These two main stories hang upon the framework provided by the years between the death of Victoria and the start of the First World War. But be forewarned: glorious and enthralling as the stories are, in this as in the final books of this series Ms. Thane's dislike for and contempt of what she perceives to be the "German Character" glare like a discord in a lovely symphony. One must remember that Thane spent all her summers in England between the World Wars, and that these novels were written just before and during the Second, so that her blatant anti-German prejudice becomes at least understandable -- but her verbal decimation of Germans as a nationality and as a culture can be as difficult to take as the casual racism of her earlier novels. Read this book for its virtues -- her description of the sinking of the Lusitania, London during the zeppelin raids, life in a German Schloss before the war, England in Thane's favorite elite trappings. Read it, if for no other reason, than for the embraceable, eye-popping and purely-a-joy character that is long lost cousin Sally Sprague. And read it most of all for the glorious human romances that adorn this scaffolding. If nothing else, this book will make you fall in love all over again with the wild, pulse-pounding idea of being once more (but maybe for the only time) truly in love.

Light On Yoga is my favorite book on yoga! With today's many Western teaching modalities and variety of teaching styles, it is nice to come back to the this book and review the traditional alignment for the many different asana's in yoga.
This truly is a reference book with in- depth description of the pose's along with photos of Iyengar demonstrating each asana.

As a yoga practitioner and teacher,this book has been a wonderful companion for many years. It would be very unusual indeed for a teacher to have either not heard of or own this book. The serious student would benefit from owning a copy also but for people new to yoga or who have physical restrictions, they may be better off looking at what people call "Therapeutic Yoga" these days. Hatha Yoga has always been a therapeutic discipline for over 5000 years but today we have the advantage of looking for specific areas that focus on a particular bias. Everyone should have the opportunity of learning how to master the mind-body complex. Camella Nair RYT author of "Aqua Kriya Yoga"

This book has a wealth of information for any practitioner of yoga, from beginner to advanced. The content is concise and practical, and the poses are sequenced in a way that allows for a gradual and safe progression in the practice. There are also dozens of practice sequences given for both improvement and how to treat common ailments through yoga. The introduction is especially valuable, as it offers a no fluff in-depth commentary on the philosophical thought behind the asana practice. I pick it up again and again and am still referring to it after nearly 15 years of owing it. My copy is dog eared and loved, and was well worth every penny.

An earlier reviewer mentioned that the photos and layout were not user friendly, and only gave the book two stars, which is a shame. This book was first printed in the mid 1960's - over 40 years ago! It was the first yoga book of it's kind to ever be printed, and it's content is timeless and as relevant today as ever. Mr. Iyengar even had to struggle with his then publisher to be allowed to include so many photos, as it was so expensive in those days to print such a book. I say hats off to the man who brought yoga to the west long before it was ready. He's a pioneer and a virtuoso of his craft, and his marvelous work should never be over overlooked just because it doesn't come in some glossy package fit for the masses.

One of the most complete books on asanas. And B. K. S. Iyengar don't just show you the picture. He goes on with explanations, benefits, variations, sequences, etc. If you are a serious practioner of asanas, this is the best and most complete reference. It goes well beyond what your asana hatha yoga teacher can do. For me, I find it a good reading to expand my knowledge on asanas, especially when I want to find something new to challenge my body. there is always something in this book that I cannot do yet, may be forever! This book is not intented to be a textbook on yoga, though. If you are beginner and don't intent to challenge your body too much, then this book may not be what you want. Try taking classes, and have a books such as " Yoga: The Iyengar Way" by Silva Mehta instead.

I am personally interested in asanas, but not so much as in doing all of the feats here. It all depends on why you want to do yoga. Don't forget that asana is only a small part (one of the eight limbs) of yoga. Even if you do asana with a meditative mind, you still miss what deep meditation can offer¯peace, health, a focused mind, and eventually bliss. And don't forget pranayama too. This book does contain some basic instruction on pranayama. But it's not comprehensive. And some long-time practioners of the Iyengar pranayama have reported undesirable side effects.

For a comprehensive and effective, non-sectarian approach to meditation and other advanced techniques in yoga, try Advanced Yoga Practices: Easy Lessons for Ecstatic Living by Yogani. Supplementing Iyengar yoga with these missing pieces will give you the best techniques you have for your body, mind and spirit.

This is the book for anyone who takes asanas seriously. There are so many variations and each asana properly explained.
If all you want is 1 yoga book, this is the book.
Note that this is Iyengar style yoga focusing on detailed alignment.
It is impossible for anyone to improve on this book as far as Iyengar yoga is concerned.

We each have our own unique journey and this certainly describes Kian Dwyer's life. Her pearls of wisdom sprinkled throughout the book are enhanced by her willingness to share her own life story. I was touched by Kian's personal eulogy that she included in the book. Her words have inspired me to also write my own. She seemed to share from deep within her heart and challenge each of us to make the world a better place by living from our own authentic self. There is much to celebrate in this joyous journey through life.

"Think about the eulogy you would want your best friend or family to read about you!"

Living Your Chosen Eulogy was written by a woman I met at writer's festival. She seemed to truly live her eulogy. Kindness and peace radiated from her.

This book's message is not about preparing for the end, but about living each day the best way possible. A eulogy is a tribute--high praise, showing respect, gratitude or affection, not a religious term--something that is usually read at funerals.

Dwyer believes that people should be able to tell who you are by the way you act, showing our choices and reactions to the world around us.

Each chapter has relevant quotes, many now in my "favorite's file." Her five chapters cover:

--Soul Discovery
--There's An Angel in All of Us
--Kill Them with Kindness
--Gifts from the Heart
--Living Your Chosen Eulogy

Dwyer wrote: If your closest friend or family had to use one word to describe you, what would they say? Ask them. Hmmm, that's both scary and thought-provoking and may be a humbling exercise for all of us.

When you travel your journey of daily events, be aware who travels at your side. What value does this person bring to you? What value do you bring to each other?

"If you listen to the wisdom in your soul and take action, you will find yourself headed in a direction that always leads to your highest good," says Dwyer.

"God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say 'thank you'? -- William A. Ward.

I really liked her chapter on thanks yous, a reminder we need often--that a thank you to someone could mean a lot and takes only a few of those 86,400 seconds to do it.

Armchair Interviews says: Each chapter ends with summarizing key points that really add to the value and allow you to quickly review and be reminded of the affirming thoughts in each chapter. What would your eulogy say, and would it please you?

Kian Dwyer has surpassed her earlier book, and given us another fine message of hope. It's very clear to this reader that she writes with passion and conviction. I recommend it most highly.
-- John Milton, small farmer, rural Minnesota

Kian Dwyer began her life's journey as an orphan in the Middle East. She was adopted by caring American parents and spent the rest of her youth growing up in Minnesota.

Kian has written a celebration of life. She shows us how to choose the way we live, how to develop integrity, and how to build and leave the legacy we desire.

In each chapter we learn the building blocks of successful living and how to use them to construct meaningful lives for ourselves. Kian shows us how important integrity is in all we do, say, and think.

Ultimately, we are prepared to write the eulogy we can grow into.

This is a book for all of the "Baby Boomer Generation" to read and
especially for their parents, to teach their grandchildren from. Do
you think it important to write a will? Read this book first! Perhaps
it is better to consider your eulogy first. Benefit now... from your own
heritage. The one you create every day... for your self.

Kian's written words are a validation to what I have observed.
A spiritual paradise, water knee deep on the earth. Human
condition, as such, we step in and out of this water. Not often
enough do we get down on our knees and bath in it. Her book
has helped my focus. She is an author who can express and teach. Kian's book
is a warm bath.

For example, paragraph two in the Foreword. She sums up
the world condition...pointing out self application, in lieu of the
world condition. Her words give hope, offer choice, Identify transformation, and
validate the tool at hand...all in one paragraph. Written in plain
simple language, anyone can understand. That is beautiful.

Norman Maclean is the only other author, I have read, who
can say so much with so few words.



Jack William Smith

Patent Illustrator, www.patent-illustrators.com

This book is worthwhile having and probably one of the best books I have.
It is in Urdu, Roman script, English translation and there is an interpretation.
Ghalib himself writes: "For how long shall I write about the anguish of the heart? Instead, I should go and show her my wounded fingers and the blood-dripping pen."

I think this poem says it all :o)

I just receieved this Book today and it looks like a life-long thing to have. All the Ghazals have been provided in Urdu for Urdu readers, in Hindi Transliterated in english with the complete english meaning. Though One I found "Hazaron khwahishen aisi" that's missing atleast 2 of the original Shers so I'm not sure if other ghazals have been abridged too?

A real gem of gift by Mr. Niyazi to the literary lovers who can know what a master-piece of work Ghalib left behind. Commendable job by the author translating the deewan..I recommend not to rush and read like a novel but a verse a day will be a pleasure..just experience.. it

shahab

I highly recommend this book to all lovers of urduu poetry. It is particularly useful to serious students of the Ghazal form for whom interpreting Ghalib has always been an "issue". Not only does Dr. Niazi dwell at length on the imageries used by Ghalib, but in many cases also gives contextual references to incidents in Ghalib's life to help interpret a couplet better. Again, some couplets/terms (eg. kAGhazI paErahan) are understood only within a historical/social context - and Dr. Niazi provides the same in such cases. Note that each couplet is followed by a LITERAL (not idiomatic) translation and then by an elaborate explication. The explication also addresses multiple inherent interpretations if they exist. Dr. Niazi also points out, in many cases, erroneous interpretations that are in vogue.

Budding/Fledgeling poets may use this work to enhance their own understanding of symbols and idioms as used in urduu poetry (in addition to making sense out of the obscurity that is Ghalib). For established scholars this book can serve as a ready reference (or sanity check!).

Note: While the couplets are presented first in the original persian script, they are also transliterated using the roman script for the benefit of those who do not read the original.

If you are like me-passionate about urdu poetry and shairy, but cant read urdu-this book is for you.
Ghalib, undoubtedely, is one of world's best writers ever. But everybody knows that, so lets just talk about this book.
This is indeed a labour of love. Just flipping through the pages, one can see how much hard word has gone into it. But more than that, you will realize how passionate the writer is about Ghalib and about urdu poetry. To translate and explain thousands of couplets is no mean feat. And I salute the auther for this wonderful work.
Each and every shair-couplet- of Ghalib has been given in urdu, also in roman script so that if you can speak hindi/urdu/hindustani, but cant read urdu, you can recite the couplets in original. Then he has translated it literally, in two sentences. Which is really wonderful work, and those who dont understand urdu can appreciate the beauty of ghalib's work.
But it doesn't end here, then the author goes on to explain what Ghalib meant by that couplet. Ghalib's poetry is not always forthcoming and easy to understand. It has many facets to it. A deep hidden meaning, philosophical overtures, social and political satires, historical and religious references-and most times-Ghalib's irreverence to them. And one can interpret it in many ways. The author explains in detail, going on to pages sometimes to explain one couplet. This is where the depth of author's hard work shows. I didn't always agree with him on the real or hidden meaning of some couplets-but then, that's Ghalib for you. You can take it the way you want, and the way one would interpret it would depend on that person himself.
The artwork was a bit disappointing but having said that, this book is worth its weight in gold.
I hope author is going to continue his work and give us Mir, Iqbal, Faiz-------. I for one would keep my ears close to ground and wait eagerly.

In Book 7 of the "Love Comes Softly" series, Belinda is spreading her wings and trying new things. She finds that Home is a great place to be.

I would recommend this book wholeheartedly. One word of advice though if you have decided to read the book after seeing the series on the Hallmark Channel,like I did, it might take a little bit to figure out where you are until you get a little further into it. Just keep reading you will come to a point in the book that will make the reading seem to match up where the series left off. I would suggest having book 8 and the Prairie Legacy series on hand because once you start reading you will not want to put the books down. If you are wondering if you should start with book 1 rather than starting with book 7 I would suggest that only because they are a great read and they grab your attention making you feel like you are actually there living each situation with the characters.

Belinda is featured in this seventh book of the series. Her brother, Dr. Luke has trained her well and she is working full time as his nurse. Her job takes a twist when a wealthy, elderly socialite suffers a stroke on the train and must be taken off and cared for in their small town. After the critical period, Belinda then becomes a private duty nurse in their small town.

Meanwhile, she has seen her 2 best friends and nieces Melissa and Amy Jo marry and move out west. Nursing has consumed so much of her time that she has hardly realized that life is passing and she does becomes aware of TWO possible suitors at the same, exact time - Jackson has returned as a Doctor and joins Luke's practice. Rand is an up and coming builder who has plans for a home for Belinda and himself. An offer to accompany the rich old woman to her home in Boston removes Belinda from the predicament of 2 suitors and no real love on her part.

Not only does she accompany, but she stays on at the Boston mansion of her employer. Never has she seen or even dreamed of such finery but she does learn to adjust. "Aunt Virgie" thinks of Belinda more as a daughter than a nurse which causes no small stir among the other household help. Matters are complicated even more when the old woman's grandson Peter comes to America for a visit. Will a friendship or romance develop between the two young people? Aunt Virginia hopes so, to keep her beloved Peter nearby.

Belinda travels abroad with her employer, and even though she is experiencing once in a lifetime events, she is empty and dissatisfied inside. Has she traded her peace of mind in a tiny prairie town for a life of luxury and discontentment?

I am excited to begin book eight in this series, Love Finds a Home.

I loved this book. It was such a fun and sweet story.

The continuing saga of Clark and Marty finds Belinda, their youngest child, traveling to faraway Boston as a private nurse. Her new life is much different from the one in the West, but Belinda adapts and enjoys her new life. Janette Oke has written this series so well that you feel that you are there and a part of the Davis family. This book is as rewarding as the six before it. Happy Reading!

This book is amazing. It has really helped me to become clear about what true justice and reciprocity look like in relationships -- and what ingredients must be in place for relationships to really thrive and grow.
It also shows how God (or The Creative/Sage/Higher Power/Tao) works with us to improve our relationships and bring them into harmony with the truth.
The true love relationship functions like a crucible, alchemical vessel, or "Ting", and the heat of conscious suffering endured for the realization of the good -- or creative non-action -- burns up the dross and purifies us and the relationship. There are no guarantees in this process. We have free will. But God is faithful; if we persevere in following the truth to the best of our ability, allowing ourselves to depend on God and be led through the process, we will be shown the way through -- or, if necessary, the way out -- at the proper time.
I think this book is especially great for women because it cuts through our social conditioning to always be "nice" and to value the preservation of harmony often at the expense of the truth and our own self-respect and dignity. It shows the way to clean up difficult or unequal relationships without fighting or arguments. It shows how to do this in an inner way that is completely calm and that strengthens our faith and our spiritual fiber -- by developing the capacity to remain humbly in the truth, relinquishing our defenses, and turning the problem and the solution over to the guidance of God.

This was my introduction into the writings of Carol K. Anothony and the I-Ching. I found it utterly insightful, so much so that I followed it up by her book-A Guide to the I-Ching. This particular book (Love, an Inner Connection) is highly recommended for those in couplings, but also gives perspective to the single seeker on self and relationships. I enjoyed reading it, so much of the information resonated with me, and I hope you too.

The book explores realms that are only seldom considered ,for their peculiar nature,and for not beeing easily"catalogued".. The paramount influence,Carol Anthony explains, it is not so much what we whish or desire..but rather what "we do".. " we cannot want the love from one person.." wanting something is still ego based talk..hence unsuccessful. " the way back.. ,straight into someone'heart is to "change the way we see them" as thoroughly as possible and as honestly..

This IS a formidable lesson! and Lesson # 2:.. "nothing can be hidden from, the loving heart of the person we are connected with.."no lies,regardless of their"size"or Color"(white?".).the two hearts are so intimately connected,and at such profound,non measurable level,that alienation soon ensues "The other" may never know the specifics,but the consequences are nevertless as damaging for the relation,that soon or later,breaks apart If the book would contain only these 2 formidable truth,would already be plenty..but thre are imbedded, in the generous and simple prose,hundreds of pure gems.... Such an exquisite voice. Such an exquisite lesson,for the avid heart,on its path to "redemption" Adolfo de' Martino

I recently made my chiropractor sell me this book right out of her waiting room. It is transorming my life -- not only my love life! It essentially shows one, in a very elegant and straightforward way, how to do the inner work of relationship with one's essential self, using the love relationship with "other" as the cauldron of transformation to relate only to the essential self in self and other, and not to wrestle with the ego of either.

As mentioned in a review below, the work involves seeing the partner as whole and perfect, and not being deceived by outer circumstances or actions caused by THEIR fearful ego. It sees the purpose of the love relationship as being drawn to oneself (and the partner) as the means to free each partner's essential self from ego, and beautifully expounds on the nuances involved in this simple, yet most difficult of paths.

There is nothing to "do" except find the trust in the love between you and that the universe is unfolding as it should. Anything else would be the ego's strategic attempt to control the situation, which is always doomed to failure.

I been applying the principles as I read the book (over and over!) and am finding a love being returned that I thought I had lost. This book reminds me that even if the ultimate outcome is not "being together" that by the time this becomes the self-evident next step, there will be no sadness or anger (to say nothing of NOT reinforcement of old negative self-talk about why this happened)but that the self that will have developed in the process will be ready to receive an even grander relationship than the one that got away.

I am online to purchase several copies, so I can give them to all of my girlfriends!

After working closely with Carol Anthony's "Guide to the I Ching" for a year, I found myself truly transformed in attitude and awareness. That work which continues, was hallmarked by an unexpected relationship and when I felt the powerlessness of loving another, I reached to "Love, an Inner Connection" because it was based in the principles I was familiar with. This book is absolutely necessary to guide you through the challenges of loving another. It requires that we grow up, discard useless attitudes and prejudices, and work from faith and discipline. It seeks to teach those who are willing to learn, that loving requires enormous perseverence and patience, and that relationships that are meant to last, indeed require work.

Mrs.Anthony's understanding of the I Ching and her unique talent of bringing an ancient text to our "current" issues serves as an inexhaustible source of inspiration and strength.