Morgan Books

If you follow the Dalai Lama at all, you have to have this book. The authors are people who are fortunate enough to be or who have been close to him, plus there is one essay he wrote himself. He may be just a simple monk, but the world loves him unconditionally.

A Simple Monk is a collection of essays and interviews that together paint a picture of the life and works of the 14th Dalai Lama. This coffee table book was published as a means of raising funds for Tibet House in New York. The pieces are interesting but sometimes the glowing and over written text contrasts against His Holiness's humility and moniker of "a simple monk."

As it is a coffee table book, every page has at least one full color photograph. They are colorful and beautiful but often times unrelated to the text on the page. They also seem to come out of order. A greater coherence between the text and the illustrations would have helped to paint a richer portrait of the Dalai Lama.


I enjoyed the book but had trouble reading it because of its size. My daughter is a new born and loves to held. The book is too large to read easily one handed so I had to sneak a few pages whenever she was napping.

The two excerpts I enjoyed the most were the interview with the late Spalding Gray and the article on the Dalai Lama's journey to Hollywood. The Spalding Gray interview especially touched me for a number of reasons. First I could feel Gray's sadness; he was clearly looking for some way of easing his inner turmoil. Second I enjoyed the spontaneity of the interview; it felt like the best glimpse of the Dalai Lama as a person. Finally the interview took place in a city I hold dear to my heart as it was the first place I lived as an adult and on my own.

The journey to Hollywood interested me for two reasons. The first is that I majored in film so I understand how the business works and found the meeting of cultures fascinating. I can't say we (Californians) did very well with how we behaved while waiting for the arrival of His Holiness. Second, my husband and I had just recently argued over how the Dalai Lama would act in such a situation and my husband couldn't believe he'd even allow himself to be in a situation like a Hollywood pitch party.

Finally the photographs in the book are beautiful. I wish there were more of them!

A Simple Monk presents Robert Thurman's gathering of writings on the Dalai Lama, presenting such writings and reflections in a new visual biography which adds full-color images by photojournalist Alison Wright. The result is much more than your usual collection of quotes: a fine, rich gift edition.

This is simply a beautiful book. Early this morning, I gave
it one star and was a bit mean. It didn't get through the submission process. I said words to the effect that the Dali Lama was dictatorial about religious freedom. And that he suppressed religious freedom in 1977 in regards to the Dorje Shugden controversy. I talked to a NKT Buddhist nun this afternoon. And she told me that if you are devoted to the Dali Lama as your teacher, then your practice is pure and you are practicing the dharma fully. This is such a wonderful book. With essays written by different authors. And the pictures are almost breath-taking. The layout of the pages is stunning.
And it just fabulous to read. I know that you will enjoy it. It
is a real gem. And perhaps we should leave politics behind.

The "a reader from Yellow River" inspired me to order this book and the corresponding video, as a message of compassion and peace, which is what we - and most of all me - needs in our world, at all times and right now.

It's a message that in particular, we as Amercians, after the "events of September 11" - now and in the present - need to hear, listen and LEARN. This review was so thoughtful, comprehensive and detailed that I can't wait to get the book and read it "through and through." The "reader from Yellow River" made the money sound more than worth it, and I'm sure it will be!

"What price peace?"

What price is peace worth? "It's worth it's weight in gold."

The question is, "how do we achieve this?"

I hope the answer (or part of "the answer") can be found in this book. Will let you know what I learn.

It is awonderful book. I loved the recipes. GREAT BOOK TO GIVE AS A GIFT.

The other day I went through my cookbooks, to see if I could weed some out, because I have too many to mention. It's hard getting rid of a cookbook, especially one with a few recipes in it that you've come to love. But I've scanned the recipes I need to keep forever into my MacBook. However, there were an even dozen I couldn't part with. These are books I turn to time and time again, even though I consider myself somewhat of a gourmet chef.

THE SUGAR MILL CARIBBEAN COOKBOOK is one of the ones I just had to keep, if only for the "Beach Breakfast" recipe right at the beginning of the book on page 4. Ms. Jinx is oh so right when she says the "spicy combination of Caribbean black beans and eggs give any morning a zingy lift-off." But, of course, you don't keep a cookbook for only one recipe, but not to worry, there is plenty more in this wonderful cookbook, like the "Lobster or Crab Eggs Benedict". Now that's a wonderful menu for a Sunday brunch and it goes perfectly with a Bloody Mary.

But please don't think this book is just about breakfast just because I chose to highlight a couple of good ones. If you want a satisfying, but not overfilling evening meal, try the "Fish with Coral Sunset Sauce" on page 122, it is simply divine. Then there is the "Pan-Seared Scallops with Tomato-Mango Salsa" on page 133, or the "Garden Patch Pasta" on page 102 and I better stop here, because I could go on and on, gushing about the wonderful recipes in this cookbook, but I think you have the picture by now. I really love this book, probably because every recipe in it is to die for.

I had been eyeing this book for quite awhile, for more than a year actually, because my husband and I were going to the BVI for our honeymoon. When we finally went on our honeymoon, through dumb luck and fate, we got a room down the road from the Sugar Mill, and we decided to go to their famous restaurant for a night out. That night out turned into one of the most fantastic, memorable dining experiences we'd ever had... The night was like something out of a fancy movie. Blown away by the food, I bought the cookbook at the gift shop after dinner. Flipping through it in the hotel, I almost couldn't wait to go home and try out some of their recipes. I ended up scribbling down drink mixes we had when we went out and about town in the BVI, so this cookbook has turned into a honeymoon food scrapbook for me.

Now, I know that back story makes me a little biased, but I have to say that even if I just bought it without going to the restaurant, I'd still think this cookbook is superb. It's so clearly written and each recipe has a little paragraph "bio" associated with it discussing either its creation, history, or interesting info on the ingredients or the tradition behind the food. That little paragraph adds to the local color and feel that resonates through this whole cookbook. You can almost taste and feel the Caribbean when you read this book. Another thing I really like is that this book will give you the recipe as it's served at their restaurant, adding to the authentic feel of the book... But the book also acknowledges that some of the ingredients easily available to them in the BVI might be hard to impossible to find on the mainland, so they give you feasible substitutions that don't hurt the taste or presentation at all. Also included are little blurbs on the various Caribbean islands, customs, or other interesting facts.

I'd say most of these recipes are what I like to call "grown-up recipes." Meaning, not all of them you'll throw together in 30 minutes, that these recipes are sophisticated, adult foods that will probably require a little planning and time, perfect for special occasions (or a nice dinner you'd like to feel like a special occasion). I know this is a big negative for some people, but for me it's nice to own a recipe book that involves some serious cooking. I own far too many cookbooks with recipes that call for throwing together various canned soups and canned vegetables, or other processed foods like Bisquick or freezer rolls, and baking it for 30 minutes, and serving. It's nice to have a recipe book that doesn't include 45 different ways to use "cream of" Campbell's soups, and talks about cooking with things like star fruit and plantains and all sorts of exotic fruits and ingredients you see at the grocery store and wonder "I wonder what you use that for?" :D This is certainly a "from scratch" cookbook, not a "30 minute meals" sort of deal.

The categories in this book are: Sunrise Specials (breakfast foods), Snacks, Nibbles, and Island Appetizers, Carnival of Soups, Calypso Salads and Side Dishes, Pastas Under the Palms, From the Fish Pot (seafood), Birds of Paradise (poultry), Tropical Meat Waves (all other meat), Sugar Island Sweets (desserts), and Trade Wind Cocktails (an essential for summer parties as it's the drink recipes... :D). Some of my favorite recipes are curried citrus rice, christophene and sausage filled flank steak, lime cream pasta, pina colada pancakes and cake (the latter being my husband's new favorite birthday cake), lobster chowder, and conch chowder. And I have a list of "need to try" recipes from this book as long as my arm.

I love this cookbook. It's the BVI wrapped up in a 245 page book. There are only two downsides as far as I can see to this book... The first one being that it doesn't include this awesome drink recipe that we had while we were there and are just dying to have again but nobody knows how to make... And the second being that every time I cook something from it, my husband and I remember how much fun we had and how beautiful this restaurant was, and then we start missing Tortola terribly... :)

My husband and I both love to cook and we picked up this cookbook shortly before our carribean cruise to introduce ourselves to the cuisine. We haven't stopped using the book since. The recipes are easy to follow and a great selection. The ingredients are for the most part easy to find or substitute for. I've won several cook-offs with recipes from this book, the rum glazed ribs and black bottom banana pie is to die for.

I live in the Florida keys and foods from the islands of the caribbean are all over the islands, however, this book of recipes by far expands ones selection of choices. The recipes are well written for following instructions easily. the added info in the side bars is interesting and easily put to use with other recipes in the book. If you like food from the islands, all the islands of the caribbean, this book is a source for a quick trip to the island of your choice.
I lost my first copy to Wilma (the huricane). Had to buy another because this book is that good. But it, you'll love it! ;-)

This book is so clever and fun and surprising, I read it twice--and the second time, I read it aloud to my nephew, who was riveted. He loved the illustrations and all the "real life" stuff that helps you solve the mystery--the postcards, the ad about the secret service hiring. And he LOVED the sidebar about how to compare fingerprints; he's fingerprinted half of Los Angeles by now...and, of course, he's waiting for me to visit again so we can read the next book in the series together. Any book that gets a kid to do THAT deserves a medal!

Wow!! What a great series. As a homeschooling mom, I could not be more happy with this series of books. My 10 year old is enthralled - I even loved the book when I pre-read it! The mystery is detailed just enough to capture and hold the young reader's attention. The historical facts are delivered in a manner that entertains without lecturing. Keep it up Bill Doyle!

I started the book and didn't put it down until I was done. I really loved it!!! I want Mom to get me number 3, 4 & 5 .... I can't wait until they are out!

I loved this book! I finished it (with the help of my dad) over the course of three nights and tried to guess all of the mysteries. I can't wait to see what characters are in the next book. What happens to Asyla???

My students are waiting in line to read this book! Its illustrations support and add interest to the historical elements of the story. Light humor, appealing characterizations, and intrique accessible to 5th graders make it a must read.

Okay, I'm hooked...attracted by a "Weedless Widow"! Even with the photo on the cover, I didn't "get" the title...I knew it would be something more pleasant than it would seem...but was surprised and amused at what a "Weedless Widow" truly is! Having wrestled with agoraphobia myself, I am sympathetic to Sheila's plight...and was quite worried about her in this mystery. Happy to know she's back with Greer and Jeff...and look forward to spending more time with them and Jeff's Woodie!

I don't understand why this excellent series doesn't stay in print. This book, the second in the series and published quite recently in 2002, is just as good as book one, Death is a Cabaret. I've scavenged the web to find the rest of the series. Luckily, the most recent titles are still in print, but if they disappear as quickly as the first volumes, you'd best get them now. The mysteries are excellent, the antiques information plentiful but not distracting, and the characters fully realized. This series is *excellent.*

I am fast becoming a Debbie Morgan fan. I have to say that I was encouraged to read the first book by my mother. I wasn't really interested in reading it because it was about antiques and I am not a fan of them. However I was wrong. That book is for anyone who loves a mystery. It doesn't matter if you like antiques or not. So I was more open to reading this one when it came out. However, I do have to admit that I was also wary. It seems that after the first book in a series, the others just start going down hill. I am very happy to admit that this isn't the case with this series. I would say that the second book is as good as the first one. I had some questions left over after reading about Jeff's wife, but that didn't stop me from loving this book. I think that the writing is just as good and that part of the reason I enjoyed this book more then the first was because she spent more time talking about Jeff and his life. She talks about his friends and what they mean to him and she also talks about his life with his wife and her fear of the great outdoors. I'm sorry that I don't know the name of that fear. I would say to anyone who enjoys a good mystery to check this book out because it has become one of my all-time favorite books out there. I can't wait to find out what happens in the third book. I think that Debbie is going to be around for a very long time because she is able to make all the books in a series just as good (and exciting) as the first one, which is a talent that not a lot of authors have. That is in my experience. So in the end I think that everyone should read this book because there is no way that you can't love it. I even think that you would be OK reading the second book before reading the first. You won't be lost because there isn't really any mention about what happened in the first book (in the second book), but I do suggest that you read all of the books on Jeff. Enjoy and I hope you are able to solve the mystery before Jeff does. Have fun reading everyone!

Deborah Morgan doesn't miss a beat with The Weedless Widow, the follow-up to her debut novel, Death is a Cabaret. This second book, reminiscent of Ravel's Bolero, a constantly building crescendo from the opening note.

The story begins innocently enough with Jeff Talbot, ex-FBI agent turned antique picker, preparing for a relaxing weekend of fishing in a tranquil Pacific northwest stream with a few of his cronies. Jeff's expectations of a worry free vacation quickly evaporate when he stops at his favorite bait and tackle shop and finds the proprietor on the floor, brutally murdered.

Jeff does his best to stay out of the investigation and let the local sheriff handle it but he is drawn back into the case when the lady sheriff enlists his aid in order to pick his brain regarding a possible connection to some stolen antique fishing lures. The more Jeff probes the purloined fishing tackle, the more nervous the perpetrator becomes. Things get really serious for Jeff when his wife is kidnapped.

This novel has just the right mix of characters with very distinct personalities, each drawn vividly enough to make the story easy to follow. Every person plays a significant role keeping the tale quite lively and the plot flows very well at an ever accelerating pace.

Deborah Morgan has another winner here, a very pleasurable read. I'm sure that Jeff Talbot will be around for a long time.

Ahah! Another second book that lives up to the expectations created by the first one. Deborah Morgan's first mystery novel 'Death is a Cabaret' was marvelous, I thought, and I'm delighted to say I was not one teensy bit disappointed in this one.

Jeff Talbot is a most interesting character, very real and multi-faceted, and one of the author's greatest strengths is how well she gets in his head. A former FBI agent, Jeff is now an antique 'picker' searching out delectable items for his antique dealer friends and acquaintances. His wife, Sheila is housebound, due to a severe case of agoraphobia. She's become a whiz on the web, providing valuable assistance when Jeff is out in the field.

The Weedless Widow is an antique fishing lure, appropriate to the setting of the Northwest US, in and around Seattle, where water is everywhere. Jeff and several of his pals--of varying backgrounds--have traditionally spent time at a fishing camp, doing the 'male bonding' thing, enjoying each other's company, the fishing, and good food. Until this current trip, when he discovers Bill Rhodes, the owner of The Weedless Widow and host for the weekend, lying dead on the floor of his fishing tackle and bait store, surrounded by an assortment of tropical fish. Not all the fish are dead, however, and one of the clues to the time of death is how long a certain fish can exist out of water.

There are several other esoteric-type clues, too; in a computer, for instance, or the recently-renovated home of the dead man, or the fishing regalia of the camp-mates. In addition, it seems that Bill's extensive collection of antique lures is missing, but Bill had been hot on the trail of the thief. Could this be why he was murdered? All in all, the clues are fairly distributed, and lead to the logical solution.

One of the better fictional characters I've met in recent years is the Sheriff who keeps the law and order intact. Colleen McIvers is recuperating from a bout with cancer, but doesn't let that get in her way, as she sifts through the various clues while searching for the killer.

Along the way, Sheila is kidnapped, and Jeff has to realign his priorities all the while dealing with treachery among those he thought were his best friends.

There is a webliography as well as a bibliography at the back of the book, providing information on the many sources consulted by the author during the writing of the book. It's a fabulous treat. Now, it's just wait for the next one in the series.

This very fine history of North America covers 10,000 or so years of exploration and settlement all in one volume. It is written in a clear, concise prose, and although it is loaded with facts and anecdotes it is never dry. Morgan starts out by describing the peopling of North America via the Bering land bridge. Then he moves into the stories of the European explorers and early settlers, and how they deal with the Native Americans. After many hardships and failures, the Spanish end up with permanent settlements in the south, the French in the north and the English on the Atlantic Coast. Morgan then describes the emergence of the Americans and how they eventually dominate the continent and displace Europeans and Native Americans alike.

I highly recommend this if you enjoy American history.

Beginning with the passage of people across the Bering Strait, Wilderness at Dawn : The Settling of the North American Continent takes us through the westward expansion of the United States. Carefull attention is given to the Spanish, French and British influences on the American way of life. An excellent and concise reference for anyone interested in North American History. Easy to read, and full of real life history

Breathtaking approach to a well known subject. History from the people's viewpoint. No dull dates, battles, generals, presidents; but living, breathing stories by and of the most unique and most common. Must also read Shovel of Stars, the sequel (also 10)

Ted Morgan's "Wilderness at Dawn" is one of the best of a crop of North American colonial histories published since 1990. Rather than a comprehensive history, it is a series of incidents that add up to a very readable whole. Morgan begins with pre-Columbian history and goes on to relate the experiences of the Spanish, French, Dutch, and various flavors of English colonies. One of my favorite stories is how the godly Pilgrims found themselves neighbors to a riotous colony led by one Thomas Morton. Before Miles Standish put their rivals out of business, Morton's drunken crew traded guns and booze to the Indians in exchange for beaver pelts and sexual favors. Anyone who believes history is boring has not read Ted Morgan's and other recent works about the American colonies. The last section of this book addresses the problems of post-Revolutionary War colonization, including chapters about the appalling dangers of trans-Appalachian settlement and about how the Old Northwest was surveyed.

Reading these first person accounts of day-to-day and moment-to-moment life in pre-Colonial America gave me such an appreciation for what our predecessors went through to make our country the great one it is today. This is the book our children should read in their American history classes. Exceptionally well-written, with a "you are there" feel to it. Makes me want to learn more about the young George Washington after reading about his escape from the center of the freezing river. Well-written, entertaining and informative. I'm lapsing into cliches, but this book is a MUST READ. Just brilliant. You'll admire the everyday people who built our country one day at a time, and never tire of reading about their adventures. I hated to see it end, so thank God there's a sequel!

This book is a must read for any of us with even the slightest symptom of an "age attack", or know of someone who has. It is an easy read, but the tips and advice are so well presented you will actually remember them and be energized to try them out. A great gift idea.

I bought this book for my mom, read it myself and decided to give it to my husband who just turned 34... It's really inspirational for all ages! Loved it and strongly recommend it around me.

AgeEsteem: Growing a Positive Attitude Toward Aging This is a joyous book whether one reads it straight through or a section at a time. Bonnie Fatio explains events with ease and without distracting detail. This leads the reader to muse, "Yes, I know these people, and I want to emulate them. I never knew how easy it was to find happiness or 'gifts' in simple pleasures, such as waking up in the morning, swimming, walking in the rain, journaling, reaching for others' support when serious illness attacks, sharing what I enjoy, or realizing my own smile may brighten someone else's day." This book is for all readers who have ever pondered "age."

AgeEsteem ethusiastically and powerfully speaks to each reader while inspiring the reader to reflect on life in a delightfully enchanting manner. Readers will discover a new perspctive while joyfully expereincing the content. Don't miss this opportunity to have an even more extarodinary life.

What a great book--fun and full of good information. Everyone is aging and should be enjoying it to the fullest. Read this book to help you learn how fulfilling aging can be. It is full of good tips and delightful stories and will be appreciated whatever your age. Read the book, catch the bug and help change the way we all think about aging!!

Business Process Change provides a very clear and comprehensive discussion of the methodologies surrounding successful business process management. This has become my new guide for developing a BPM Group within our organization. I very much look forward to more writings by Paul Harmon.

This is about the best Business Process book I have read so far. I worked in a IT transformation for a big Telecommunications company which entailed adopting a new approach to Business Process and Operational Process Development and I found this book very useful. This book with the book Business Process Management - Practical Guide to Successful Implementation provided me with most of the knowledge needed.

I have been leading business process management projects and working in the BPM space since the late 1990's. I found this book to be as complete and well written as any reference could hope to be.

From my perspective, this book does for BPM what Harold Kerzner's books do for project management - set the standard for others to follow.

I think this is the best book that I have seen that allows an organization to consider business process at the enterprise and department level. I have been engaged in business process management in the government for years, trying to define the processes, trying to communicate them, trying to improve them. This is by far the best treatment and guide I have seen. This is what I have been looking for and couldn't find.

In 2004, I worked in a business unit at my company that had experienced a period of declining performance. Our senior management felt that one of the causes was work processes that had become cumbersome and inefficient over the years. I was asked to sponsor a process improvement initiative to try to simplify and streamline how we did work. I didn't know where to start, so I went on a crash course to learn everything I could about improving business processes. I read some great books by Geary Rummler, Roger Burlton, Michael Hammer, and many others. I learned about things like process modeling, process redesign, process improvement, process automation, BPM tools, swimlanes, value chains, CMMI, process owners, Six Sigma, Lean, process architectures--and the role of IT in enabling all of this.

This intense study provided me with a valuable foundation of knowledge, but I still didn't know how pull all of the pieces together. Organizations are extremely complex systems. To improve performance, which approaches work best under which situations? Which tools to use? What skills are needed to improve and redesign processes? What's appropriate, and what's not?

In early 2005, I discovered Business Process Change, First Edition, by Paul Harmon. This book provided me with the big picture perspective of the BPM world that I sorely needed. It helped me to ask the right questions and to structure our process improvement plans more effectively. The issues we have been addressing require long term solutions, and this work continues today. But, we are building an infrastructure that will integrate people and technology into our process change initiatives to ensure the sustainability of our efforts and results.

The First Edition not only helped me organize a more effective process improvement strategy in our business unit, but I also consider the knowledge and perspective gained to be a significant factor in my being selected to lead our relatively new Center for Process Excellence (CPE), a central BPM group located in our corporate offices. The mission of our CPE is to promote a process-based culture throughout our company. We currently lead process improvement and redesign projects to solve specific business problems, and we have begun to develop process modeling skills in our lines of business. We are now focusing on establishing an enterprise business process architecture for our organization and securing executive support for large-scale business transformation.

Thankfully, I now have the Second Edition to consult as we continue on our process journey and take our work to even higher, more ambitious levels. I bought my copy two weeks ago, and while I haven't read it cover-to-cover yet, I have read enough to know that this is not the First Edition with just some cosmetic changes. It is a complete overhaul. It reflects the newest and best thinking in business process change and management today. Like the First Edition, it is a surprisingly clear, practical and useful guide. That's the bottom line for me--what works and how can I use it.

If there was ever a must read book for business process change professionals, this is it.

Life is tough enough, why not use every tool in your arsenal to reach your potential? Written in easy to understand language, Rowley uses motivating stories to communicate many of his strategies for success. The book touches on the mental, physical as well as the spiritual game of success. If you want to achieve more, if you believe you're destined for greatness, this book is a must read. Each chapter ends with easy-to-implement action steps to help you "Climb your ladder of success."

Ladder of Success is a motivational read. The author's conversational, story telling writing style makes many of his tips easy to remember - he doesn't present "to do" lists - he presents concepts in a story format. This makes the lessons learned easier for me to remember. His desire to help others succeed permeates the book, and is infectous - when done I really felt like I wanted to be more successful, if for no other reason than to help the author achieve his goal of helping others succeed.

5 stars for a positive, memorable, fun yet educational book.

This is an excellent book that is both informative and written in an entertaining fashion. John has piqued my mind and got me thinking about the reality of what he says. I do need energy to fuel my passions. I should not let them die but stoke their fire. Get going and soar!

I wish we all could summarize our life story in one book. If you think about it, everybody should have his or her life recorded..... In a book, nonetheless. Is your life not worth recording? Some have more to say than others or want to say more than others. We all have unique life stories, experiences worth sharing. Why not learn from each other? Some can benefit from others who possess lots of energy and knowledge. John has an endless supply of both. I have known John for many years and have listened to his advice over the years. I have seen him action networking at the Arnold Classic in Columbus, Ohio. Nothing holds John back from constantly learning, communicating with people, asking questions, giving examples, just plain being a great communicator. John gets the most out of a situation, analyzes it, retains it and he put that knowledge down on paper. Actually, he wrote a book! After reading his book, I can attest it's all John Rowley. I learned so much more about John's beliefs by reading his book and will refer to it as my life unfolds. His book cuts right to the chase. John makes his point and moves on to the next point. Great book to read if you "don't have the time", because once you start, you will fast realize you do have the time. John blends his professional life with maintaining a healthy life style. By referencing both in the book, he breaks his points down in very understanding language. I have always been active in maintaining my health so I can relate to his beliefs. I can't control my genetics but I can show up in the gym on a regular basis. In fact, I am in the bonus videos that come with the book. You always find time in life to do the important things and this book is worth the time spent reading it. Great book John, A+.

This is a great book! Very informative and entertaining. The author is down to earth and non-assuming. I don't think the same way I did before I read this book. This is a really great read - You won't be disappointed!