Stewart Books

We start our dinner with quotes we have found that we want to share or with a reading from this book. There are blessings from many faiths and countries and they are presented by the season they refer to.

The Dallas Morning News Review (Saturday, November 19, 2005)

Maintaining an attitude of gratefulness can change your entire perspective on life, says Taz Tagore, who speaks from personal experience.

Her family were refugees from East Africa, and by young adulthood, she'd become an overachiever with a Harvard MBA. A meditation retreat reawakened her to other dimensions of living.

Ms. Tagore wanted to share the ideas she's collected, so she started two nonprofit organizations - and wrote this book. The Reciprocity Foundation aims to match creative homeless youth with jobs in the arts; the Appreciate Network sells artistic products to raise money for the foundation [...].

In Seasons of Thanks, she takes readers through the year, briefly exploring a wide diversity of thanks-giving celebrations and practices from many faiths. Each page also highlights one or two blessings, mealtime graces, or selections of poetry.

The book would make a good thank-you gift (but note that its design-trendy type font might not be welcomed by older readers). It also would be a good addition to one's personal library, for morning or evening devotions, reference or an occasional reminder.

Linda Crosson

What I loved most about Seasons of Thanks is that
it is two books in one! The first time I saw it in a
bookstore, I quickly browsed all of the blessings,
poems and prayers highlighted in bold, colorful text.
Now that I own the book, I can read each chapter
carefully--it is filled with interesting stories and
facts about the significance of every major holiday
and season. This book has taught me to appreciate all
the special little moments in life.

Seasons of Thanks is the first book I have found
that truly integrates stories, rituals and blessings
from every culture and faith. As a person with an
interfaith family, it is always a challenge figuring
out what to say before a family dinner or holiday
meal. I loved all of the suggested blessings..even
the one's the author wrote herself. And the book
design will knock your socks off. This is a really
special collection.

A natural way to develop a practice of grateful living is to carry on the time-honored tradition of saying grace at mealtimes. Created around holidays celebrated by a wide variety of cultures throughout the year, this elegantly designed book is a rich source of stories and words to feed your soul and express your gratitude. Proceeds from the book go to Appreciate Network's program for homeless youth.

Gratefulness.org (A Network for Grateful Living), December, 2005

This book lays out wonderfully the metaphor of our life's journey. It is an important tool. I thoroughly enjoyed the interpretation and particularly liked the spatial models.

I have participated in a workshop led by Jesse Stewart and am now planning of leading a group using the book as a basis for discussion. I think the author's insights are quite significant for anyone and all ages as we go through life's trnsitions. The Wizard of Oz is known by all and this makes the concepts easier to understand. It is looking at a child's story thorugh an adults' eyes.

It was very readable and thought provoking. I found it opening doors to making a spiritual journey out of daily living.

Initially I thought this might be a flip review of the movie the Wizard of Oz, but rather found it to be a thorough textbook and very helpful to me and my practice. And the mandala made great sense at the end. I would like to use it as a group study book.

"Secrets of the Yellow Brick Road by Jesse Stewart is brilliant in conception and execution. This elucidation of a great myth is exciting, original and profoundly helpful." M. Scott Peck - author The Road Less Traveled

I just bought this book and love it. I am 30 and teaching myself to sew. This book includes easy to read and interpret illustrations and wording. It teaches sewing stitches by hand, embroidery, sewing on buttons, and sewing projects. The projects are cute, and it even shows how to make tassels and pom poms. This book is simple enough to teach anyone the basics of sewing. I highly recommend this book for any beginner!

Our children's sewing instructor uses this book for her guide. This is a wonderful book. It covers all of the basic bases. When the student is done with this book they can sew most anything and many stitches. Thank you for such a good product!!

Love this book. The feel of the paper and the illustrations are divine. This is one that lived up to the reviews I read and I am so happy to have it.
Even though it is a children's book it is a treasure to me and looks great displayed in my sewing room.
Evokes feeling of a bygone era and brings back a lot of wonderful old memories spent in the sewing room with my mum and granny.
You will love it too!!

I have so many books but this one is the best by far. From the explanations, to the projects, the lovely pictures and cute cover. I will recommend this book to anyone, this book will make a great gift to any young girl. I just love it!

This is the most charming, useful sewing book for children and adults alike! The vintage illustrations are worth the price alone and the projects are adorable and easy to do...I will treasure it and use it to teach my daughter how to sew!

This book is moving and inspriring to teens across the world

"Seen and Heard..." is a book that every adult should have to either remind themselves of what it is like to be a teenager or to be able to take ten steps back and help them evaluate/relate with their own children. This book gives an intelligent and insightful look into the drama of the life and thoughts of American teenagers in this particular generation.

This book will not teach parents about how to be better parents, but it does express many different viewpoints about being a teenager in this diverse culture of ours. The comments offered by the teens in this book are intelligent and razor-sharp, running the gamut of the emotional spectrum. Very metaphoric, their comments along with the stark black-and-white photographs carry the emotion home to the reader to embrace.

This book is a very nice package which makes an otherwise unreachable time for most adults come alive again, or, better yet, realistic again.

Seen and Heard...The title speaks to the content, which Mary Motley Kalergis welcomes from these ordinary/extraordinary Young People. I bought this for a dear Young Person in my life and began reading it when I got it home, prior to mailing it...What PROFOUND insight I was granted! What these children have to say will astound you with its depth, clarity, vision, and stark reality. Every voice illuminates a perspective worthy of considering. Each of them resonates with a sense of WHO they are--even as they question uncertainties about themselves and their futures--WHAT they know, HOW they see the world around them and all its beauty, hypocrisy and potential. Mostly this book is a testament to the LIFE of the generation now in our midst as young adults. They are an astounding 'addition' to a society that is destined to benefit from their outspoken, sincere sharing of what they believe.

This is beyond 'Required' reading...It is inviting, 'Inspired' reading...for anyone interesting in connecting on meaningful levels, and certainly for Young People looking for peers without the pressure...even ones they might never meet in their daily living experience.

Brava Mary!

As a particpant in the book, I was honored and grateful to have my story chosen to be shared with America. The experience was a wonderful carthartic one and allows me to have a published transcript and picture of exactly who I was at age 14, a person I am so different from now at age 20. Mary Kalergis has the wonderful ability to draw out things from people with her photographs, to divulge the deepest secrets of their hearts with her lens, to lock a single moment in time with one shot. Seen and Heard is a true snapshot of what it was like to be a young American growing up at the turn of the 21 century. I will treasure my signed copy forever.

I have had the wonderful opportunity to work with Mary Kalergis and Gary Chassman/Verve Editions in the design and development of Seen and Heard. The stunning photographs and rivoting text have made this one of my favorite projects. I am interested to hear what readers think of the design approach I have chosen. Your comments are welcome. Please direct them to Stacey Hood at Big Eyedea Visual Design. (bigeyedea@madriver.com) Thank you. Enjoy!

A "must read" for all who care about our Oceans and, especially, those who still have a "Jaws" view of sharks. Hopefully this will be another wake up call for the UN and fishing industry to put a stop the this slaughter. Share this book and video with as many people as you can.

This is a fantastic story and pictoral documentation of a amazing journey. The revelations about sharks and an industry of profound disregard for their well being, are profound. I could not put this book down. A shark, nature, or ecology minded readers must have book!

This book contains beautiful and shocking images about sharks and our oceans. While beautiful, they are at risk. This book details the tragic shark finning and one persons journey to expose just how barbaric it is. Our oceans are a vital part of our ecosystem and need to be respected. This book is something that everyone should see just to get an idea of what are oceans are all about, as well as what threatens the species that inhabit them. Never doubt that a small group of people can change the world; because that is all that ever has!

This book contains some of the most beautiful and stunning photgraphs of some of the oceans most important creatures. It is clear that a lot of hard work and care went into capturing the mystery and allure of sharks while bringing attention to a great cause.

By far the most striking and startling ocean photo book ever made. I really think you should buy it;) The more people we make aware of the plight of the oceans, the more likely we can turn the situation around as we've done for the whales.

Forget about Oh the Places You'll Go for a graduation gift. Reh has all the wisdom for college or high school grads and delivers it perfectly. I bought three copies....2 as college grad gifts and I needed one for myself to keep me sane and grounded! Reh rules!

I normally wouldn't have bought this, since I'm trying to *gasp* cut back on my book purchases (being a college student will do that to a person, sadly). Found it in the dollar bin at my local Petco, and am glad that I did. The way that little life tips are presented, and all the fun pictures...the way that Reh seems to like to stick her face right into the camera is fun!

What a great idea! Really smart and funny! Buy it if you have a dog and think they have their own personality. Also if you just want a really insightful book on life.

This book is excellent! I gave copies as gifts to my sisters and they loved them. Offers a great perspective on life in a light, humorous and furry way.I would recommend this to everyone. Reh is adorable!

I saw this book in this month's Glamour and just about died when I looked through it at Borders. I bought it for my Mom for Mother's Day, and my friend who is going through a hard time right now. This is a really funny book (like all the SimplyShe books), but it's also really insightful. If you're a dog lover, you must get this- we all know how much dogs de-stress our lives, but if we all thought like them too- we'd all be happy, all the time! This book is really is adorable, and a really great gift.

Instill courtesy in yourself and your family. Timeless advice, tactfully rendered. A good companion for "Manners Matter" by Hermine Hartley.

Both my sons received this book when they entered junior high many years ago. I especially liked it reminding the boys that if you swat someone with a towel in the shower you can expect it to be returned.

In the days of cotillion and other social occasions, my son surreptitiously found the information he needed in this book that just happened to be in his bookcase. He was openly delighted when the updated version arrived for his son's first birthday. It is written in such a manner that young boys don't feel preached to. I do disagree with the age classification you have given it.

This is a perfect book to give as a gift to new parents or grandparents of a baby boy. Most boys will not pick this up and read it. It will have to be 'assigned' with a bribe! This is not the fault of the book, but rather the nature of young boys. It may be better read to them or read by parents and then implimented. The authors have done a superb job in making this dry topic fun and interesting. Parents can brush up on manners at the same time. I think it is a must for any family with sons.I especially liked the pictures to give you concrete information. The section on how to choose a suit and knotting ties was excellent These are just a few of the wonderful lessons.Bravo!

My boys are grown - in their 30s and blessed with the manners that would make even the most picky parent proud. And it all started with this book. They've both told me they accepted it immediately because (1) it never preached or talked down to them, and (2) it gave them really cool ideas (like putting gum down the drain - let's forget about that). Each found it amazing that he was able to actually stand up, shake hands, and say "how do you do" without feeling like a dork, and then realizing that it made a real difference in how adults responded. That first success had them hooked, and they never looked back. Now it's time for the grandsons, and their dads are thrilled that the book is still going strong. And so is grandpa.

Lady Philosophy poses the question to the wearied and worried Boethius: "Then can you say, what is a man?" Boethius answers that he knows for certain that he is a "mortal, rational animal." "And do you not know," Lady Philosophy asks further, "that you are anything more?" "I am nothing more," Boethius replies. "Now I know," Lady Philosophy charges, "you have forgotten what you are" (Book I, Prose VI). In this Loeb Classical Library translation (translated by S.J. Tester), Boethius' Consolation of Philosophy and his theological tractates are rendered accessible to both the serious student as well as the leisured reader. The very fine English translation (save a few arguable points) is set side by side the Latin text which allows the student to pay deeper attention to Boethius himself as well as enter into a conversation with the translator. The notes offered throughout the Consolation help the reader to see just how embedded this work is within the ancient philosophical traditions of the Greco-Roman world. However, there is unfortunately only one explicit reference to the Book of Wisdom (following Aquinas), but it seems that the Consolation is equally indebted to the Jewish wisdom tradition. Although this link is under-represented in the notes, it is still a wonderfully referenced translation. The Consolation deals with the basic questions of the human condition and of reality as such. Journeying from the outward to the inner human being, which is also the journey of ascent to the divine, Boethius tackles the basic questions of what constitutes the good and its identity with happiness, which is all a part of deification. This is the lighter medicine of Boethius' consoling philosophy that increases in strength until Lady Philosophy brings Boethius to the question of divine foreknowledge and human freedom. If God foreknows all things, then is there ever a truly free act among voluntary beings? This is the great dilemma not only of Boethius' time but also of our time. Boethius will not stand for chaos or determinism; rather, he argues for the distinct intelligence of God that is in eternity (as he classically defined it) and which "with one glance of his mind distinguishes both those things necessarily coming to be and those not necessarily coming to be..." (Book V, Prose VI). This distinction between two intelligences (human and divine) brings Boethius to the point of prayer: "Nor vainly are our hopes placed in God, nor our prayers, which when they are right cannot be ineffectual" (Book V, Prose VI). In the history of human thought Boethius has not had the last word on this persistent question, but any student of philosophy or theology must spend time with Boethius before moving on. In the theological tractates (private correspondence) Boethius writes in a more explicitly Christian manner. Although, calling them "theological" tractates seems to imply that the Consolation is not theological which would be a wrong conclusion and one foreign to Boethius. The tractates speak to the same philosophical truth iterated in the Consolation, simply now within the specific economy of Christian language. Indeed, reading the tractates and the Consolation together makes for a fuller understanding of Boethius. The work of Boethius wielded enormous influence upon the emerging medieval and European civilization. Although a bit forgotten now, Boethius offers every student of theology, philosophy, literature or any other discipline concerned with the common good essential food for thought. This fine translation renders this enormously important work accessible to the widest possible readership. For that, this work is to be praised, bought and read.

Boethius was certainly a bright spot in the midst of a darkening world flooded by barbarians and intellectually on the decline. Boethius was among the few commentators and compilers of his age who endeavored to preserve the tenets of Greek Philosophy. His commentaries and translations of the original Greek texts of Aristotle were the only Latin translations known to the Western world until the renaissance and ultimately paved the way for Aquinas' "Summa Theologia." So, with this in mind, Boethius' works made a very significant impact upon the later scholastic philosophers, and to the whole of Catholic tradition as well. Italy, during Boethius' time, was under the rule of Theoderic the Ostrogoth, who unjustly imprisoned the statesman/philosopher, falsely accusing him of treason. While waiting for his execution, Boethius wrote his "Consolation of Philosophy." The book itself is among the masterpieces of all time, and the only thing as tragic as Boethius' untimely death is the fact that we were not able to obtain anymore works from this genius with the golden pen. Had he remained alive, it is very likely that we would have seen a sublime synthesis, in Latin, of Plato and Aristotle, not contradicting each other but complimenting one another. However, in short, this book is a small manifestation of what may have happened if he lived longer. What is interesting about this book is that it handles several different perspectives, namely that of the sorrowful Boethius and the consoling wisdom of Lady Philosophy, written both in eloquent prose and dazzling verse, which together ultimately culminates into a one of the most moving, inspiring, and thought provoking philosophical works of all time. The book is indefatigable, in that it never seems to quit opening new corridors of thought; and it is essential, because it is the philosopher's ideal breviary. It is interesting to note - and this is certainly not a negation to his Christian convictions - that while this Saint was awaiting his execution he remembered Athens, not Calvary. The other works contained in the volume are some minor Theological tractates: namely, "De Trinitate," "Utrem Pater Et Filius," "De Fide Catholica," "Quomodo Substanitiae," and "Contra Eutychen." While many individuals attempt to downplay Boethius' Christianity since "The Consolation" makes no direct mention of Christ, it nevertheless cannot be denied that many Christian elements underlay the theme of the work; and also it must be noted that when Boethius writes philosophy he is strictly writing philosophy and he writes theology he is strictly writing theology. Boethius is without a doubt the Christian Socrates.

The Consolation of Philosophy is among the best books I have ever read. I understand from a friend and authority that virtually every educated person in the West read this book until the 19th century and that there have been hundreds of translations. It is a pity that the work has all but dropped from the syllabus of Higher Education in the United States.

"The last of the Romans and the first of the scholastics" is a term often used of Boethius, a Christian of the late 5th, early 6th centuries. In fact, similar appellations are used for Augustine, who lived a century earlier. I suppose it is fair to say that the period from Augustine to Boethius represents the transition from classical to medieval thinking, and for an appreciation of how European thought evolved, you need to make the acquaintance of both.

Boethius's most famous work is The Consolation of Philosophy. The tone and content of the work are distinctively Stoical. I have said in another review that Marcus Aurelius's "Meditations" is Stoicism for monarchs, whereas "The Imitation of Christ" by Thomas A Kempis is Stoicism for monks. If so, then "Consolation" is Stoicism for martyrs. It has been argued that Stoicism formed the rational basis for the fledgling Christian theology and "Consolation" is strong evidence for that. So it is remarkable that the work, written by a Christian, makes no mention of Christianity. Boethius wanted to show (himself and his readers) that Reason alone, unaided by Faith could enable one to come to terms with the most dreadful suffering. Coming from a man who has lost status, wealth, everything, and is rotting in a prison cell, facing torture and death, it is an extraordinary achievement.

A believer in an omnipotent and omniscient god has a problem explaining the existence of free will. Actually, the atheist has just the same problem, reconciling determinism with free will. Boethius tackles the question head on, along with the related one of how evil can exist in a world designed by a god of perfect goodness. His is not the last word on these subjects -- nothing ever will be - but it is an indispensable contribution.

The Loeb Library edition includes some theological works by Boethius, to give a broader view of his thought, and has a parallel Latin text, which is nice to have even if, like me, your knowledge of the language is slight. Contrary to what the Amazon editorial suggests, the translation of "Consolation" in this edition is by SJ Tester. It is an accurate translation with a kind of taut elegance that is often more admirable than readable. If you want an authoritative edition of the works of Boethius, go with Loeb. If you want a more readable rendering of just the "Consolation", you may be better with another edition.

This volume contains the five little Tractates (De Trinitate, Utrum Pater et Filius, Quomodo Substantiae, De Fide Catholica, and Contra Eutychen), plus the monumental "Consolation of Philosophy" written by Anicius Manlius Severinus Boethius (A.D. 480-524) as he awaited his brutal execution. Most of the translation is the work of S.J. Tester, whose aim was "to produce throughout the volume a homogeneous rendering, reasonably literal, which would make philosophical sense." De Trinitate is a purely philosophical defense of the Christian doctrine of the Trinity. The "Consolation" is considered the last example of purely literary Latin of ancient times; a mingling of alternate dialogue and poems.

This was a really excellent message of hope and love. At first the title was off putting. I toyed with whether I wanted to read it or not. Finally I gave in and I was surprised at how much I cherished the characters. I knew within the first few pages what the title meant, but the story and the characters really made it worth the wait. It's a quick read and it really is true God brings us together for His purpose whether we know it or not.

The book was written with a twist that made you want to know what will happen with each of the characters. She made her characters realistic and people who you could identify with. I read the book in 2 days but if I had one day alone could have easily read it. I cried at the end and was pleased how well written a storyline could be. Definitely a must read!!!!

I am so greatful to the authors for writing a truly inspiring work. This book, had love, intimacy, respect, wisdom, parental challenges, marital conflicts, and much more I was captivated from the beginning until the end. I cried at the end.

I wasnt sure what to expect from this novel, but i must say I was very well pleased. The drama that unfolded within the story was so real and every day. I could certaininly relate and see a resemblenace among a few of my friends. I was glad to see the authors bring back respect and honor to our elderly and wise family members. and the ending "Oh My God"

Three Fifty-Seven A.M. by Hank Stewart and Kendra Norman-Bellamy, lets us peek into the lives of neighbors in a small community called Braxton Park. Kids play in the street and adults go on in their everyday lives of work and family responsibilities, but no one really knows what goes on behind closed doors. Well, no one but God and Ms. Essie Mae Richardson. Ms. Essie, the neighborhood matriarch, is a 77 year-old widow. She has sat on her front porch over the years and watched her surroundings grow and her neighbors come and go. But with a good eye, wisdom, and some keen hearing, she can see that there is trouble brewing along the way. She steps in with her kind and gentle spirit and lets God use her to bring peace and understanding to those around her and by doing so, she is blessed in return.

Elaine Demps loves her husband, Mason, but their marriage is going downhill fast and she does not know how to stop it. They do not communicate or spend any time together. Mason only comes home long enough to trade one car for another. Elaine feels frustrated and neglected. Soon enough, someone else begins to give Elaine the attention she deserves. The temptation bought on by this man may be the one thing that convinces her to give up on her marriage. Colin and Angel Stephens appear to be the perfect couple. They are married and Angel is pregnant with their first child. They have so many hopes for their family and they are on top of the world. Life could not be sweeter for them until one morning when one mistake occurs that could totally change the course of their lives. Immediately, their relationship, which was always so easy, shifts to something so difficult. Jennifer Mays is a single mother to 14 year-old Jerrod. Jerrod is headed down the wrong path fast and Jennifer, who is all alone, does not know what else to do to turn him around. She is helpless and he, because of suppressed hurt and anger, is rebellious and acting out.

Three Fifty-Seven A.M. is such a touching and engaging story. I was immediately drawn to Ms. Essie. Anyone fortunate enough to have had a woman like her in your life, like I have, will love her character. She is the backbone of this book just as she is the common link for the people of Braxton Park. Stewart and Bellamy give us great storytelling and wonderful characterizations. This is a smooth, quick read but it packs an emotional punch. I recommend this book to inspirational and Christian fiction fans and anyone who wants to be reminded of what it was like when Great-Grandma, Big Momma, or Madear were around.

Reviewed by Donielle
APOOO BookClub

This book has some wonderful examples of tile projects to inspire you to do your own. After I read the book I did my own project and it turned out well. The book is packed full of useful information to help anyone complete their own project.

I have always been an avid DIY'er and a passionate lover of tile, so I have just about every book on the subject. I've been waiting for the release this newest book TILE STYLE and let me tell you, it does not disappoint. Truly an all inclusive book, it covers in great detail everything tile including natural stone, glass, metal, mosaics, terra cotta, brick, porcelain, ceramic, cork and numerous decorative tiles. Not only will you learn the qualities of each, but how to chose, design with, install and care for them as well. The book is filled with beautiful photos of tiled rooms (even the installation sections are full color). And when it comes to the installation sections, this has to be one of the most detailed, yet simply presented of my entire collection. Plus, the projects incorporate the newest setting methods and materials in conjunction with the most current trends in kitchens, baths and flooring such as a granite tile countertop, a glass and metal backsplash and setting a travertine tile floor! Beautiful, extremely informative and cutting edge - a must have tile book!

Tile Style: Creating Beautiful Kitchens, Baths, and Interiors with Tile I am a professional interior designer and Tile Style is my new favorite tile book, and I buy alot of books. It offers not only great pictures for ideas etc., but is a great "how to" for anyone just starting out.

This book is chock full of gorgeous tile applications in a variety of styles. I especially love the mosaics. Pure eye candy!

This is a great book about tile. It has creative, inexpensive ways to upgrade your tile look and to help enhance your end result. There are beautiful pictures of tile work someone would actually install into their own home. Highly recommend this book for the person who is looking for creative ideas.