Peter Books

I don't know about the past life recall that this deck is supposedly intended to help with, but for triggering profound insights about CURRENT daily life issues and relationships etc.. this is an eerily accurate pack of cards. The pictures alone are worth the purchase and bring out the meanings and associated astrological symbolism of each card with perfect clarity. I just hope these cards will remain in print and that someone may eventually convince/commission this talented artist Thea Weller to design a tarot deck as well...

I love this strange, weird and exquisite deck. I have over a 100 Tarot and Oracles and this is the most unusual one I have come across. The artwork is some of the most stunning out there. such little details done with precision and vibrancy. I can only hope the artist one day decides on doing a Tarot deck. The colours are amazing, this is high-quality printing. There are 78 cards and they are are 3x5 and very easy to shuffle and handle. It's a very substantial and top-notch production in every aspect.

It also has many more uses than the creators very limited ideas of how to use these cards. This is one of the few decks that shows the whole spectrum...from very very dark/frightening to blissfully happy....and everything in between. So many of the images come from myths, folktales and fairytales....it's bursting with archetypes. Many cards are so reminiscent of Tarot images (minors and majors). But it's not a Tarot at all and it's uses run the gamut from inner shadow work, persona/mask identification, relationship issues, storytelling, divination, self-growth, inspiration, creative writing prompts, spiritual pathworking/exploration and self-actualization. As you can see this deck's range is broad and many layered. The sky is the limit as to how this deck may be used. The images evoke some very strong reactions and can set your exploration and imagination off in many directions. You will find this is a deck you reach for again and again.

The LWB is wonderful (and very large) if sometimes a bit stilted because of the translation. The author can come across as sort of preachy and know-it all. Like his/her way is the way, the only way to look at the archetype and image/card, sometimes it's almost as if you're being yelled at

Per usual a strange and very different deck has a german only large book. Disappointing! I hear the book has meanings card a day, affirmations and much more, I would love to be able to read it! But the large LWB sets you off on the right direction and is very useful.

If just for the exquisite and sublime art in these cards this deck is worth owning, but it delivers so much more. Get it yourself and awaken the muse within.

The Symbolon deck is a pictorial representation of the twelve astrological archetypes and their relationships, all depicted as persons. Their content is based on hundreds of therapeutic sessions with patients and draws from fairy tales, mythology, religion and common archetypes.

You should consider the symbolon deck as a blueprint of the author's complete therapeutic knowledge.

It can be used to clarify astrological constellations, but the authors developed a set of twelve spreads to be used seperately from astrology. Ingrid Zinnel even defined meanings for them as "card of the day", with self-empowering statements.

The artist did an outstanding job. No other deck has these amount of breathtaking images.

Note that all literature describing the use of this deck is in German only.

I have had this deck for a few years and I still cannot figure it out! It pretty much does it on its own when I sit down to read for others. The images are startling, based on classical archetype. The is very little occult symbolism used other than astrology. This one could take or leave. It is not required to have a lot of information about this subject.

The booklet that comes with the deck is translated from German and is not easy to follow. I tossed it aside and begun to "feel" out each card. There are many images to reflect upon. They range from the silly to dire. In the hands of a serious therapist this could give great insight to many.

It is fun in beginners hands. This is NOT a Tarot deck. This means no books to study. The cards could lead to further study and divination.

Actually, you can tell about a person's life with this deck, as well as many other situations that a diviner would want to know. I have had this deck for years, and what made me search it out on this site is that I recommended it to someone else and I wanted her to recognise the deck! I love it, and it is worth the buy!

After the initial shock caused by the 09/11/2002 terrorist attacks on the United States, the need to better understand the mechanisms of terrorism, and above all the existing tools to fight it, has become more pressing and has been felt throughout the globe. As rarely a day goes by without some media reference to a possible or an actual terrorist attack, awareness of the available international instruments to fight terrorism is the key to understanding current affairs and the world of today. In the book Terrorism and the International Legal Order, Peter J. van Krieken shares with the reader his in-depth knowledge over international legal institutions.

In spite the complexity of the subject, the reader will be guided through some of the major legal instruments - UN and non-UN, international and regional - available in the fight against terrorism with relative ease. The detailed table of contents also offers the reader the possibility of glancing through the whole spectrum quickly and choosing, for example, to learn more precisely about the role of the UN or of some of its bodies (Security Council, General Assembly, ECOSOC, Trusteeship Council, ICJ) in the fight against international terrorism. Before the end of the book, the reader will come to grasp that these present instruments only need to have their effectiveness increased and that, with enhanced cooperation, they can serve as efficient tools in the fight against international terrorism.

Terrorism and the International Legal Order is recommended reading for anyone who wishes to understand more clearly and in a very concrete manner the challenges of today's world in the face of terrorism. It is equally recommended to all of those who remain shocked and unconditionally condemn terrorist acts of any kind. It is also recommended to those who realize that civil liberties cannot exist without safety and that at times concessions on the former must be made. Finally, to those rightly concerned about the balance between civil liberties and security, this book is a serious way of understanding the dangers posed by terrorism and possibly a new way to look at the balancing of both.

Terrorism and the International Legal Order is an excellent compilation of international law regarding terrorism. The book reviews important UN resolutions passed before and after September 11th, it presents definitions of terrorism throughout recent history in order to determine exactly what terrorism is, and it supplies information on the treatment of the topic by several UN bodies. Further, Van Kieken explores the connection between international terrorism and migration (laws), and refers to several cases while putting them in an international law context. The book also includes most relevant texts of UN conventions, resolutions, etc.
Overall, this book provides a clear and concise insight into the legal aspects regarding (international) terrorism. It is especially recommended to those who have a previous understanding of international law/institutions/relations, without which this volume might prove somewhat challenging to read. Also, it is very useful for students of international law/relations, or anyone attempting to grasp these issues surrounding terrorism.

Terrorism and the International Legal Order is an excellent compilation of international law regarding terrorism. The book reviews important UN resolutions passed before and after September 11th, it presents definitions of terrorism throughout recent history in order to determine exactly what terrorism is, and it supplies information on the treatment of the topic by several UN bodies. Further, Van Kieken explores the connection between international terrorism and migration (laws), and refers to several cases while putting them in an international law context. The book also includes most relevant texts of UN conventions, resolutions, etc.
Overall, this book provides a clear and concise insight into the legal aspects regarding (international) terrorism. It is especially recommended to those who have a previous understanding of international law/institutions/relations, without which this volume might prove somewhat challenging to read. Also, it is very useful for students of international law/relations, or anyone attempting to grasp these issues surrounding terrorism.

I find this book to be an excellent addition for those who already have some sort of background or knowledge of international relations and international law etc. It looks into certain aspects of terrorism - examning certain cases. By looking to each organ of the United Nations and its role within combatting terrorism, I find it to be of great use to my studies. The author not only offers facts and documentation - he deeply examines the issues at hand with reference to those facts and documents. By doing so he clarifies somewhat difficult to read UN documents and non-UN documents - explaining them in clear english. Not only did I add to my knowledge of international relations, I learned a lot of new things as well.

Since the tragic events of September 11th, there have been many books written about terrorism and the law but few are as balanced as van Krieken's Terrorism and the International Legal Order. Rather than focusing on the perpetrators or their acts, this book places terrorism in context with the various instruments of law. It is a must read for any student of international relations and/or international law. It is an excellent resource and guide to the relevant United Nations (UN) and non-UN conventions and legal instruments dealing with terrorism

The "red line" of the book is that terrorism is "unjustifiable" regardless of the perpetrators motives, actions or intentions. This, van Krieken points out, was not always the case. The General Assembly, especially in the 1960's during the years of decolonisation and self-determination, dared to sympathize with terrorists. In the General Assembly's Resolution 44/29 it sought to determine "the underlying misery, frustration and despair which cause some people to sacrifice human lives, including their own in an attempt to effect radical changes" (pg. 113). Such thinking, van Krieken argues, has never been legally nor morally correct and is no longer the accepted stance of the United Nations.

The book investigates each of the six arms of the Untied Nations (the General Assembly, Security Council, Secretariat, International Court of Justice, Economic and Social Council and the now defunct Trusteeship Council) and outlines their contribution to the fight against terrorism. Each of the arms has passed significant resolutions and reports and investigated incidences of terrorism which have contributed to the international legal order. Van Krieken, however, is quick to point out that the law is only a tool and not a goal in itself. While the law may view terrorism as illegal, politics may frustrate these laws. For example, the decision to provide the gunmen who seized the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem safe haven in Europe is in direct contrast to the intentions of Security Council Resolution 1373 which states that terrorists should never be allowed safe haven and that the principle of aut dedere aut judicare (prosecute or extradite) should be reinforced.

Remarkably, with all of the legal documents and conventions contained within this book, it is very readable especially for non-lawyers. At the same time, it is also a valuable resource for practitioners and academics. van Krieken is careful to always place terrorism in today's context; the discussion on crossborder issues and terrorism is particularly interesting and one that is usually forgotten. It therefore represents one of those rare marriages of "legalize" and common sense.

Despite over a hundred different definitions and the emotion associated with terrorism, van Krieken is able to tease out the new international legal order and make it tangible. His writing is clear and precise. The footnotes, rather than being a distraction, contribute to the reader's understanding of the thinking behind many of the resolutions and should not be missed. The one weakness of this book, however, is the lack of annotated index; this should be included in any new revisions of the book.

Terrorism is, sadly, not a new concept and one that we read about nearly every day in the newspaper. If you wish to place terrorism within the greater legal context, then this book is a must read.

Having travelled a couple of times to Prague and wandered its streets I found it lovely to revisit some of those sites in this wonderful quirky book. I can happily recommend it for both adults and children. Peter Sis is an illustrator extraordinaire!

The book is beautiful - both copy and illustration. My son's grandfather is from Prague, so I bought this book for him to read to my son. I was delighted to find it.

Both my 6-year-old daughter and I love this book so much. Beautiful illustration as the other works of Peter sis, with a facinating story.

Peter Sis, who has written and illustrated the Caldecott Honor books "Tibet Through the Red Box" and "Starry Messenger: Galileo Galilei," wrote "The Three Golden Keys" for his daughter, Madeline. The book begins with a handwritten letter to Madeline, explaining that while she was born in New York, in the New World, he wants to share with her the mystery of Prague, the city in which he was raised. So he spins the story of how his hot-air balloon was blown off course in a violent storm and landed in the Prague of his childhood. There he finds his wa yto his old home, only to find the house dark and three rusty padlocks on the door. He knows that he must find the keys to unlock the locks to get inside. Fortunately his old black cat shows up and as the man follows her through the winter streets of his childhood, they are filled with memories.

Three times in this story, as the seasons change, the man comes to a special place from his childhood, and in each place an old Czech legend is revealed to the man and his cat. The first is the legend of the night Bruncvik, the second the story of the Golem, and the third the story of Mast Hanus and his astronomical clock. Attached to each legend is a golden key, and once the man has collected them the city comes alive and he goes to open the door to his house and see what magical things await him there. Just be forewarned that when you kids read this book that they might be disappointed that their parents were not born in a distant land (fortunately I am safe on that score, although I have never been back to the city of my birth, but I would like to go, although by something other than a hot-air balloon).

The cover illustration for "The Three Golden Keys" does not give you any real indication of the visual delights inside. My only real issue with this book is that the three legends are each told in a single double-page spread, with twenty-four illustrations (approximately one-inch by one-and-a-half-inches each) surrounding the text section, which has captions for each (unnumbered) drawing after an introduction, surrounding a giant drawing of a key. Given that the rest of the book consists of full-page or double-page illustrations rich in detail and full of color, the little comic strip versions of the legends suffer a bit in comparison, although they are as finely detailed as the rest of the art work. Besides, it would not bother me if this book was two or three times longer to work everything in because you are not going to get tired of Sis's artwork.

I bought this book for my daughter when she was only three. Yes, way too young in some ways, but it immediately became her favorite book because it can be read on so many levels and the pictures carried her imagination to new places. It's the story of a man who somehow magically goes back in time to his home in Prague when he was a child. This introduced a sense of history, of other places defined by their unique history, even a sense of old Europe, to my daughter. You can read the book on many levels because it has small, detailed stored written in boxes and these can be saved for when a child gets older. It's really a magical book for any age. We've gone on to be Peter Sis fans and enjoy all of his stories. Some of them are little masterpieces.

"Tic Talk" is a down-to-earth book written by a kid for kids. In a time when we are reading and teaching lots about accepting and loving others, it's important to cross all the lines of understanding, including neurological. Each of us has some kind of challenge. Sometimes it's more visible than others. Everything that comes to us that's hard, challenges us to rise. Young author Dylan Peters, with the support of his family, teacher and friends, does exactly that--he rises to learn and teach acceptance. Peters doesn't stop there, though. He also declares that he will not let TS stand in the way of accomplishing his goals and he encourages readers to do the same.

This is a great book for kids, teaching understanding, reaching for your dreams and getting through the hard challenges. It's a great book for every school and every library or if TS has touched the life in some way (directly or indirectly) of a child you know. It's an award winning book of the "Eric Hoffer Award--Excellence in Independent Publishing."

The forward is by Jim Eisenreich, a major league baseball player with TS. The back of the book includes "10 Successful Strategies for working with children with Tourette Syndrome" by Brad Cohen, author of "Front of the Class: How Tourete Sydrome Made Me the Teacher I Never Had." There is also a list of additional resources including phone numbers and web sites.

This hardbound book has a substantial feel of high quality. It really is an all around great book.

Congratulations Dylan, on a project well done!


Laya Saul, author of the self-help book for teens, "You Don't Have to Learn Everything the Hard Way"

Great book for kids with tourettes. My son really enjoyed it. He realizes he is not the only one dealing with this. I highly recommend it.

This is a really excellent book. My 7 year old daughter has TS and for the first time is understanding she is not alone. She is starting to become worried what others will think of her Tourette's and I know that Dylan's story will help her tremendously. I am going to share it with her teacher and maybe share it with the classroom, as Dylan did in the story showing his amazing courage. This book will help children accept the differences in others.

Thank you Dylan and God Bless!!

Written by a 9-year-old boy who was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome at age 4, Tic Talk: Living with Tourette Syndrome tells young Dylan Peters' story about day-to-day life with Tourette Syndrome in his own words. Simple, colorful illustrations by Dylan's best friend Zachary Wendland drive home this straightforward, tell-it-like-it-is story. "TS causes uncontrollable body movements or sometimes repeating words, sounds, or phrases over and over. These are called tics. The biggest bummer about having tics is that you can't make them stop no matter how hard you try, and believe me I have tried! It's like your brain has a mission to annoy you and make everyone around you notice these bizarre actions." A set of ten successful strategies for working with children with Tourette Syndrome and a list of additional resources round out this highly recommended picturebook for school libraries and for teaching young people everywhere about Tourette Syndrome.

I had a great time listening to your story it was fascinating.
I really recommend this book to anyone! I learned alot about TS.
I thought he was brave to go to school.
I learned a lot about teasing and kindness.
I liked your book, it teaches a very important lesson about acceptance.
I think it is a good thing to share your problems with your friends and teachers. True friends like you for who you are.
Mrs. Cochran's second class
Mrs Giebler-Counselor

I liked this book because it had recipes for all of the soy foods I wanted to learn about, including some for soy protein powder.

I have been experimenting with tofu for a number of years and found this book to be not only a great way to learn more about how to prepare tofu, but also why I should be eating more soyfoods.

Wow this is a great book,the auther came up with such intresting dishes.He even made my kids like tofu.I'm giving this to all my friends,5 stars.

This book gives an excellent overview of soy products and cooking with them. I have tried about a dozen of the recipes and each one of them was delicious! This is a great book to use when trying to introduce more soy products into your diet!

I loved the recipes and nutritional information. There is even a list of manufacturers in the back of the book.

Readers young and old will relate to Honigsberg's message that too much picnic is no picnic at all. The main character, Cocoa Mole, shows us the consequences of overeating and illustrates that the better choice is to indulge in the company of friends rather than self-indulgence. With whimsical and likeable characters, fun and enticing descriptions, and a clear, solid message, this book is an enjoyable read and subtle tool for teaching healthful eating habits. It gently reminds us to think before we eat, regardless of the vast array of tasty morsels available. The illustrator brings the characters to life with beautiful detail and a dash of humor sprinkled throughout. After your first read you'll find your kids going back for a second helping of this book.

If you'd like to encourage healthful eating habits, I highly recommend you share this book with the children in your life. I've sent this book to many of my friend's kids and they've all eaten it up!

Too Much Picnic
Book Review
By Chrissa Ventrelle

As parents, we try logic, discipline, and even bribery to encourage our children to make healthy food choices. Despite our efforts, the Center for Disease Control reports that the number of overweight children in the U.S. has tripled since 1980. Perhaps a wiser alternative to our ceaseless cajoling is for our children to read Peter Honigsberg's imaginative tale, Too Much Picnic.

In Honigsberg's third children's book, we meet the loveably gluttonous Cocoa Mole as he heads to a community picnic complete with tasty treats like wiggle-worm sandwiches and beetle crackers. Cocoa foolishly gorges himself with second and third helpings of Mama Squirrel's nut bread and Mr. Fox's wild mushroom pizza and soon suffers from a miserable bellyache. As his animal friends play and swap stories, Cocoa falls into a dreamy sleep where a fantastical journey with three Munchie Monkeys teaches him the repercussions of overindulgence.

Honigsberg takes the universal experience of overeating and adds a dash of fantasy to engage kids in thinking about healthy eating. Unlike so many children's books that rely on a preachy formulaic tone, Honigsberg teaches gently without skimping on Cocoa's dreamy journey. This makes Too Much Picnic a nice compliment to a nonfiction title that focuses more on the nitty-gritty of healthy eating.

The memorable illustrations by Ryan Jones are even richer than the homemade cream that Mother Fox brings to the picnic. Children will delight in the playful illustrations, like one where Cocoa sits on the edge of a giant chocolate bundt cake surrounded by decadent desserts. Jones' whimsical style enhances the dreaminess of this story and reflects the talent and humor of this first-time illustrator.

Children ages 4-8 will devour Too Much Picnic. Parents will find them pulling this book off the shelf more than once.

At the community picnic one Cocoa Mole gets to eat as much as he wants: so he does. Then it's time to play - but he's too full, and falls asleep instead where he journeys into the world of dreams. Ryan Jones' drawings are exquisite and fun additions to the story of a greedy mole who discovers it's more fun to be with friends than to stuff himself!

This is a fantastic book. I send it to all my friends' children and they love it because it is beautifully illustrated and funny. My friends say they actually enjoy reading it to their children because they keep spotting clever little quips in the writing. It's about time someone wrote a children's book that encourages dialogue on the important topic of children & overeating.

How fortunate I was in my job to have received an advance copy of this wonderful book. As parents we have all slogged through other children's books with stories that adults can hardly tolerate. Here, you'll find the text as compelling for adults as it is enjoyable for the younger ones. The message is far from overbearing, yet one cannot help but be moved by the important point. And, on the topic of that ageless and timeless message, it is high time that someone broke through the wall of fear that typically, but unnecessarily, shields this topic from open discourse. I've mentioned this book to both of my sisters who each have children, and they cannot wait to get their own copies. I'm buying another one for my son's school's library. The artwork is also fun for children. I can best sum up my thoughts with this ironic twist - I just can't get enough of "Too Much Picnic." Read it yourself, and you'll understand why.

I look forward each day to this book. Rev. Peter Panagore gets the point across and makes a person think. Anyone has time, Two Minutes a day, to read a page in this book.

Because it is only two minutes, there was no excuse for "not enough time" to read it every day. A very useful tool.

I received this book as a Christmas gift from my only child who has been mentored by Peter Panagore. He, and his book, have had a wonderful influence in our lives. I keep it on the nightstand with the family Bible and I refer to it every day. This is not a collection of Maine stories about "Maine folks", even though I do recognize some stories and know some of the people. However, it is a set of truly inspirational thoughts that transcend religion, class and time and show the common thread of humanity in all of our lives. We all seem to be searching for answers and often we turn to God. I advise you to do so with Peter and his new book. I start my day off watching "Daily Devotions" and having a cup of tea, both of these actions seem to fortify me for the upcoming day. Give it a try!

Peter and I were childhood classmates and I had not seen or heard from him for 30 years until we recently reconnected at a high school reunion. Shortly thereafter I received an email from him about his book. About the same time I recived, as a Christmas gift from a good friend, my very first Bible. Not having ever read a single word of the Bible I was a bit intimidated about where to start so I decided to buy Peter's book to see if it would help. As I started reading Peter's stories daily and making them a part of my morning "wake-up" routine, I noticed that I started to feel more positive about how I approached my day. Shortly thereafter I accepted an invitation to join a bible study group with the friend who gave me my first Bible and am noticing even more postive changes in my life. Peter's way of weaving theme's from the Bible into ordinary daily life events, in short easy to read stories, is an incredible gift. You are not overwhelmed with "preaching" from his stories and leave each one feeling compelled to ask yourself how you can integrate the message into your life. I highly recommend Peter's book to anyone looking for a simple way to add more spirituality to your life. It certainly has helped me begin my long overdue relationship with God.

The amusing and inspirational anecdotes combined with the author's conversational and intelligent tone makes this an appropriate read for people of all faiths. No matter where you are in your life journey, the messages ring true and resonate. It's a perfect gift book for yourself or for anyone on your list who likes a good story but doesn't have the leisure time to devote to a full blown novel or conventional story collection.

I bought this book used In (Quote= Very Good Used Condition ) And I could have got a better copy at a used book store. It looked like it has rode in the trunk of a car for a few years -.- Other than that it is a great book a must read.

The only reason I gave it 5 stars is because it it a great read.

As far as the condition it was sent very crapy.

I consider this book to be rather better than Bucheim's "Das Boot" (although that movie was excellent)...Cremer's account is very readable, in a more straightforward way, to me. He was a true submariner - Bucheim was not (he was a military journalist). And Cremer remained in the naval industry after the war if I'm not mistaken...I'm not certain which book was written first, but obviously both were written some time after the war so one must wonder how different they would have been had they been written sooner. Perspective changes with time)...Bottom Line: I highly recommend Cremer's book.

This is the way his crew referred to Peter Cremer, and for good reason. When all his contemporary U-boat commander's were going missing in the Atlantic, Cremer kept bringing his boat and his men home. This was no easy feat as the reader will clearly see upon reading this excellent and informative book. In fact many times his U-boat, its crew and himself included often bore the severe scars gained while pulling life out of the seemingly unavoidable clutch that death had on them.

Of 40,000 men serving in the U-boat Arm from 1939-45 30,000 were lost at sea. Higher then any other arm of any participating nation. Yet there morale and conviction never failed. This book gives you a glimpse of the courage it took for those men to go out time and again, after injury, suffering and the eventual realization that despite their efforts and sacrafices they could not prevail. They could merely buy time that in the end ran out like the luck of so many of there comrades.

This is not just a history of the Man and Boat but also reviews the events from both sides to illuminate how the initiative changed and why. You will leave with a better understanding of the Battle of the Atlantic and a respect for a worthy adversary.

a direct quote from the book describing the U-boat crews,"Even in times of the most terrible defeat they preserved their cohesion and discipline.They endured long patrols under the most dangerous conditions and great privations.They were always ready to fight on,even with the heaviest losses.To the end of the war their spirit was unbroken.From watching the movie Das Boot,you get a really different picture of the crew morale aboard a German U-boat,especially after 1943,when the hunters became the hunted.Bucheims crew in his works remind one of the anti-war peaceniks of the 1960's.I have often wondered if his crew reflected more the Peace Movement of the 60's and early 70's since this is when he wrote his books.It seems Bucheim may have been trying to relate the experiences of the U-boatmen of WW2 to a new generation,but did he overstep his boundaries.Alot of WW2 German sailors believed he did,other endorsed Bucheim reluctantly.On the other hand a person could say that books like Cremer's are trying to apologize to the families of the men lost and to say anything critical at all would be a dishonor to the dead.From the pictures of the U-boatmen sometimes you can almost see a hopeless look in their eyes despite all the smiles.Remember a Captain is supposed to keep morale high at all costs,so his account might be a little(or alot) biased.Bucheim's account can be like a breath of fresh air,--at last some human traits we all can identify with--resentment at being used instead of the"Yavoh mein Capitan"of the lap doggie.

I'm just going to come out and say it, that, I found "U-boat Commander" a much better book than "Iron Coffins". There is much more tactical information, and Cremer served not only as a U-boat Commander, but also on Doenitz's staff.

Cremer, a KC winner, talks about the different types of torpedoes, and the technology used by both sides in the Battle of the Atlantic. Although, he heavily draws on Doenitz's memoir as a source, I think it does give an honest view of the battle of the Atlantic.

Interstingly, Cremer comes across as much less of a crybaby than Werner. I think Werner had "throat problems".

What a terrific book!

Unnatural Leadership stimulated my thinking on a number of levels. I read it on a cross-country plane trip, and came away feeling:
--A newfound sense of commitment to the work I'm doing;
--Energized about the possibilities of leveraging the principles as they relate to my own business;
--Eager to apply what I learned toward my own personal development efforts.

Not bad for a few hours where I might have otherwise plugged-in and zoned out!

Several things about the book make it stand out from the pack. First, the ideas are compelling and breakthrough. Second, it's written in a way that invites you to read it. Third, it's full of practical advice on how you can apply the principles described.

Most importantly, it's very clear that the authors have had the depth and breadth of hands-on experience to know--really know-- what the heck they're talking about. The book is not about theory. It's about what leaders really do to succeed in today's complex, rapidly changing world, as compared with what they once needed to do when their environments changed at a much slower, more predictable rate.

And there are some interesting surprises in this book. I, myself, am a management consultant, and thought I knew most of what there was to know about the latest-and-greatest ideas on the subject. Not so, I discovered when reading this book. You might say I was a bit humbled.

The bottom line is this. If you're connected to the world of Leadership Development in some way, and are interested in reading something breakthrough, compelling and really useful for a change, I suggest you read this book.

Pat

Dotlich and Cairo take a unique approach to a popular subject by writing a compelling book about the "unnatural" ways we must behave for effective leadership. Their ideas challenge our traditional leadership concepts and they do it in a very practical and innovative way. An easy to read book it's filled with lots of real examples of effective leaders. An added plus are exercises and practical tips for putting these ideas into immediate action. Definitely worth reading for those intersted in improving their own personal effectiveness as well as those in a position to drive leadership development in their companies.

I found Dotlich and Cairo's book very helpful in navigating the confusing space between what is taught in most leadership books/programs and what I've found works best. They balance up to the minute business smarts with valid academic research and history. GREAT READ.

What a terrific book!

Unnatural Leadership stimulated my thinking on a number of levels. I read it on a cross-country plane trip, and came away feeling:
--A newfound sense of commitment to the work I'm doing;
--Energized about the possibilities of leveraging the principles as they relate to my own business;
--Eager to apply what I learned toward my own personal development efforts.

Not bad for a few hours where I might have otherwise plugged-in and zoned out!

Several things about the book make it stand out from the pack. First, the ideas are compelling and breakthrough. Second, it's written in a way that invites you to read it. Third, it's full of practical advice on how you can apply the principles described.

Most importantly, it's very clear that the authors have had the depth and breadth of hands-on experience to know--really know-- what the heck they're talking about. The book is not about theory. It's about what leaders really do to succeed in today's complex, rapidly changing world, as compared with what they once needed to do when their environments changed at a much slower, more predictable rate.

And there are some interesting surprises in this book. I, myself, am a management consultant, and thought I knew most of what there was to know about the latest-and-greatest ideas on the subject. Not so, I discovered when reading this book. You might say I was a bit humbled.

The bottom line is this. If you're connected to the world of Leadership Development in some way, and are interested in reading something breakthrough, compelling and really useful for a change, I suggest you read this book.

Pat

Want THE definitive handbook on 21st century leadership?
This is it! David Dotlich and Peter Cairo have done a
fine job of ferreting out the qualities that comprise the
"new" type of leadership that's emerging in today's most
successful companies. "Unnatural Leadership" is a
tremendously illuminating book. Plus, it's a plain,
old-fashioned 'good read'. (Believe me, coming from a person
who generally finds business books unremittingly dull,
this is quite a compliment!) It's obvious authors Dotlich
and Cairo love what they do -- and their enthusiasm is
contagious!

Dr. Cappel's book provides a comprehensive glimpse into the higher education system at work in America today. She clearly explains what her criteria for a "utopian" environment are, and then goes on to describe how each of the chosen colleges reflects these. Her mode of investigation is fascinating, and it is apparent that she made the most of her experiences at all of the institutions she visited. This book proves that, even among the widespread mediocrity that has become evident in American colleges and universities today, there are a few schools out there that still insist on following a dream and a vision, and creating the perfect learning environment that provides students with the finest education possible.

This book has a chapter about Goddard College, where I am a graduate student. This college (Goddard)is definately "Utopian" and progressive. These colleges have made higher education both interesting and challenging for individualized education. This book is helpful in focusing on this unique type of education.

As a young student in the late 70's, I attended what was then called an "alternative education" school for two years of my elementary education. The knowledge I learned in this progressive school is a valuable part of who I am and what I have become. My fondest learning experiences came from these two crucial years. I am a strong advocate for progressive education and feel that new methods need to be examined and implemented in order to give students a proper education; reading Constance Cappel's Utopian Colleges gave me a glimpse into some educational institutions that are doing just that. I found it to be both interesting and intriguing in showing how some colleges are trying to change how we educate young adults in our country. An easy yet informative read, Utopian Colleges will introduce students and educators to some alternative teaching methods and educational philosophies; more publications such as this should be offered so students can be aware of the different choices they have for selecting a college for their higher education experience.

Dr. Cappel's book addresses both the history of utopian education and its present incarnation in Utopian Colleges. Speaking from personal experience, I know many of the stresses that provide for both compromise and solidarity within a utopian educational community do exist and have been greatly affected by their manifestations. The underlying work ethic the author shows to be true in the diverse selection of educational institutions featured in Utopian Colleges is a very important aspect of education that is generally ignored in mainstream education. Utopian Colleges shows that the utopian ideal in American post-secondary education was not a counter-culture product of the 1960's, but a long-held tenet which has sought to nurture the creative and intuitive genius to be found within each willing student. The extensive background information provided as a prelude to the present-day and historical outlines of several utopian colleges, along with the discussion of the nature of "utopia" itself are of great enough value alone to offset the cost of this book. This is a great text with which to begin a critique of the American educational system.

At this time when large universities such as Harvard accept money from bin Laden, the need for smaller "Utopian Colleges" becomes evident. Not only are the missions of these colleges more ethical, but their history of progressive education and its values give hope to American higher education. This book examines these colleges that create independant thinkers rather than the corporate robots of the major U.S. universities.