Stone Books

MAYA WITH SELF CONFIDENCE AS A WARRIOR DISCOVERS SHE CAN CHANGE HER ATTITUDE AND FORGIVE. DANE ALSO A WARRIOR DISCOVERS HE CAN BE STRONG IN HIS OWN RIGHT AND BE SUPPORTIVE OF MAYA TOO. A GREAT RELATIOINSHIP AND A GREAT BOOK. I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN.

I've been a fan of Morgan's Mercenaries, and this book was NOT a dissapointment!! Definitely hard to put down. As far as I'm concerned, this is a great investment!

If you follow the tales of Morgan Mercenaries's you will love this addition to your collection.
Dane is a man in need of learning a lesson of life and Maya's just the woman to teach it to him....while finding herself in need of one as well!
As for the choppers and women in black....you'll just have to buy the book to get *those* answers!

This time, it's Capt. Maya Stevenson and Major Dane York's turn, and it's one of the best yet. The adventure in this book kept me totally glued, yet the powerful and realistic love story truly moved my heart. As usual, Ms. McKenna gives us the best of both worlds, illustrating what romantic adventure is all about. It was wonderful reading about a strong, dynamic woman, and a man willing to become all that he can be...two people I would definitely want to know in reality, and have on my side! I'm looking forward to the next set of stories featuring the women of the Black Jaguar Squadron...NONE of them should be missed!

Highest recommendation---5 stars.

The synopsis listed for this book is incorrect.The main characters in this novel are not Mike Houston & Ann Parson,they are the major characters in her previous book Heart of the Jaguar.The characters for this novel are Captain Maya Stevenson & Major Dane York.Maya is the sister of Inca from some of the previous Morgan's Mercenaries novels.

A fine, wise book. Direct, simple and useful. It helps one focus on what is truly important. Naikan is beautifully produced and a pleasure to read and hold. Author Gregg Krech has a graceful prose style that provides the reader with a clear, insightful roadmap. A welcome addition for those who value a purposeful, personal library.

This book offers much to anyone interested in cultivating a grateful outlook in life through reflection. Inspiring quotes, poetry and practical exercises complement the text, which describes Naikan's Japanese roots, but is presented in a Westerner-friendly way. There's even a little section on Benjamin Franklin's efforts at self-reflection. The book's format lends itself to dipping in for a quick tidbit as well as a cover-to-cover read. Readers may find themselves thanking their socks for keeping them warm, or enjoying a pizza with mindful attention. Very inspiring!

I hope to buy copies of this book for Christmas this year to give to all of the people I love. I read this book and applied its principles to my life and especially my relationship with my husband. It is transformative! By using the techniques discussed in this book, which are really very simple to use, you gain a truer, fuller picture of what is happening in any relationship in which you are involved. It has helped me to truly appreciate my husband, something that hasn't happened in a very long time. Of course, he feels that appreciation and the result has been a wonderful transformation of our relationship. I recommend this book for everyone as I can't imagine anyone for whom it would not be life changing in some degree.

As an aging pilgrim who has tried to improve her life via the zigzag path of running, meditation, simplicity and organic gardening, I find Greg Krech's Naikan an astoundingly effective small volume. As someone said, the practice of Naikan is about " What is" rather than " What was" or "What might have been." Like most Americans, I find it reassuring that the ancient Naikan techniques fit into my fast forward world easily. Thanks, Gregg Krech, for providing a better map for my life journey.

Naikan: Gratitude, Grace, And The Japanese Art Of Self-Reflection by Gregg Krech (Executive Director, ToDo Institute, Middlebury, Vermont) is an accessible, "reader friendly" guide to the spiritual art of mental composure and cleansing through an ancient tradition of harmony and balance. Individual chapters address the nature of Naikan, and its practice and usefulness in everyday life. Offering simple exercises that the reader can do to train himself or herself in this healing and revealing way of deeper understanding, Naikan is a fascinating and meaningful guide, and highly recommended reading for anyone seeking to improve themselves in general, and their emotional well-being in particular.

As an individual that was sexually abused, I found this book to speak volumes of my experience. This book allowed me to begin my journey of healing - of becoming whole. It inspired me to begin counseling for the abuse I suffered which will allow me to become a participant in society - no longer isolated and empty.

This book clearly shows how sexually abused non-white women are still forced into a double bind. If they publically disown non-white men who have sexually abused them, the women in turn are accused of being traitors to their ethnic group. Sexual abuse is endemic in all cultures and ethnicities. This book shows how non-white women and girls can heal, but only their cultures and communities are no longer prepared to excuse male sexual violence. This book shows women and girls can heal, but seual abuse and racism go hand-in-hand, they are not separate issues as the author clearly shows. An invaluable book which is a must read as it shows the clear connection between sexual abuse and racism.

Review of No Secrets, No Lies: How Black Families Can Heal From Sexual Abuse by
Robin D. Stone, 2004, Broadway Books, NY. Hardcover ISBN 0- 7679-1344-2

I chose to review this book to gain a cultural perspective on the subject of sexual abuse. It was recommended to me by a reader of my book (Beyond the Tears: A True Survivor's Story) as study material for my Project for TEARS: Telling Everyone About Rape & Sexual Assault. I borrowed No Secrets, No Lies from the public library.

The author of No Secrets, No Lies is a survivor of sexual assault. She has been an editor for Essence magazine, The New York Times, the Boston Globe, the Detroit Free Press, and Family Circle. She also teaches journalism at New York University. This impressive writing experience is evident in her clear, concise, compassionate, and culturally enlightening work: No Secrets, No Lies. Throughout the book, Stone offers "Fast Facts" in the margin, adding relevant material to the readers' knowledge. For example, Stone states, "Blacks are sexually victimized in childhood at the same rate as Whites. In one survey, they reported being more severely abused with greater force." Stone cites her sources in an extensive "notes" section. She also offers a valuable resource list and index.

The title of the first chapter is: "Was It Sexual Abuse?" Stone writes, "For many of us, we have buried sexual abuse so deep into our psyches that we would never connect it to today's physical illnesses and pain, our depression or addiction, our inability to hold a job, get out of debt, find satisfaction in a relationship, nurture our children, or simply say no to people or situations that do us harm." Indeed. No matter the gender, race, religion, socio-economic class, or ethnicity, victims of sexual abuse will experience the devastating ramifications. Victims suffer initially with the abuse, then again with each result that limits our human potential. Stone tells the reader: "in addition to the trauma of sexual violation, survivors must also deal with the trauma of being born and raised in a racist and sexist culture." And therein lies the roots of our troubled society.

Stone offers case examples in each chapter. We read about Kim, who says, "I'm always afraid that people will leave if they see the real me." The "real me" is the child who was molested by her stepfather until she was nineteen; even as a young woman, he slapped her for resisting. Kim's mother kicked Kim out of the house, leaving Kim to fend for herself with friends. Kim learns that a relative had sexually abused her mother. This addresses the frightening fact that perpetration is all too often generational.

The author incorporates the limitations placed upon Black survivors. "When Blacks seek help from White institutions [they] find little sympathy or understanding." "Blacks [have] a deep mistrust of a majority White medical profession. Blacks have been slow to embrace traditional therapy." "We often find ourselves sitting across from a counselor who hasn't a clue about the complexities of our culture, our history, and our challenges, and who can only see our problems solely from a White or middle-class perspective." However, Stone encourages counseling: "We have historically turned to our own support systems...sister circles...but for many of us the problems associated with being sexually abused run far too deep for untrained experts to help us tackle them in a meaningful way." Stone tells the reader: "...experts have developed multicultural approaches to therapy that incorporate the values, customs, and traditions of non-Whites." In chapter four, Stone suggests methods to finding "African-Centered Healing." Stone uses a statement from Rhonda Wells-Wilbon, a social work professor and sexual assault survivor, to define "African-Centered" as: "using Africa as a geographical and cultural starting point for the study of African people." Stone then shares Rhonda Wells-Wilbon's Aya Model: Ten Steps Toward Healing" for a culturally sensitive method.

At the end of each chapter, the author offers a "Help Yourself" section. In chapter 5, "Protecting and Saving Our Children," Stone tells the reader to "act on suspicion" and "get involved." She also offers "The Child's Bill of Rights." In the final chapter, "Reconciliation...and Moving On" Stone offers exercises to confront an abuser, if the victim finds it necessary for healing.

This book is a must have for my resource library, so I promptly ordered my own copy, which is now available in paperback.

Robin D. Stone, a former executive with Essence Magazine, Boston Globe and New York Times has covered every possible aspect and cause of sexual abuse in her newly released book, "No Secrets, No Lies - How Black Families Can Heal from Sexual Abuse." She accurately discusses the reasons and terrifying consequences that are plaguing numerous African-American families that have suffered from sexual assault. The powerful resource guide seeks to assist families to thoroughly understand, prevent and overcome the devastating impact of sexual abuse on adult survivors.

Ms. Stone, an abuse survivor herself, realistically has written a one of a kind book that addresses the physical, emotional and psychological scarring and horrific effects of sexual abuse within the dysfunctional family. Through a collection of powerful and deep personal interviews with abuse victims, abusers and additional family members, "No secrets, No Lies" speaks out to survivors, parents, caregivers, family members and friends designating and furnishing detailed and practical steps for imperative healing.

The book is divided into three distinct parts. It covers immensely important material on the background and "WHYS" of child sexual abuse, interviews with more than thirty survivors and then easy to follow guidelines by professional experts who work with and treat the survivor and the abuser. Included also are compelling advice, poignant anecdotes, as well as contact information for legal help, therapists and advocacy groups throughout the USA. It provides invaluable insight necessary for overcoming and understanding the horrific, overwhelming experiences and effects for recovery and resolution.

This book is an eye opener that sexual abuse is wide spread, vastly occurring and must be recognized. The sexual abuser must be reported to the proper authorities, regardless of who it is because this is a criminal offense. The offense should be dealt with, the abuser charged and the acts eradicated for the sake of the innocent victim, the child. No longer should this evil atrocity be kept silent.

Readincolor Reviewer
Emily Means Willis

Several years ago and still today, the term sexual abuse was not talked about in the African-American community. NO SECRETS, NO LIES: HOW BLACK FAMILIES CAN HEAL FROM SEXUAL ABUSE by Robin D. Stone, a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, is a book that discloses the actual stories as told by the victims. In each chapter, Stone provides us with self-help instructions in overcoming such a devastating act of violence.

In most cases of sexual abuse, the victim is ignored or made to believe that what happened was just their imagination. Children are easy prey because the perpetrator can easily entice them with money, candy or toys, etc. The perpetrator can be anyone - a family member, the next-door neighbor, a school employee or the well-respected member of the church. Threats of bodily harm to the victim or members of his/her family, aids the perpetrator in committing this violation.

We are all under the assumption that only women are sexually abused, but there are a vast number of men who are abused by men and in some cases women. Most males do not report that they have been abused because of the label placed on them by society as growing up and becoming gay. They also deal with issues concerning their masculinity and have feelings of being inadequate and vulnerable.

Once a victim has revealed that they have been sexually abused, some are shunned by family members or made to feel that what happened was their fault. Victims with understanding family members, such in the case of Ms. Stone, sometimes years later, still suffer from being abused. Through Stone's self-help guides at the end of each chapter, and each survivor that shares their story, victims of sexual abuse will understand that what happened was not their fault.

This book was an eye opener for me because it brings to the forefront the effects that being sexually abused can have on the victims. Even after the abuse has stopped, victims continue to suffer. NO SECRETS NO LIES: HOW BLACK FAMILIES CAN HEAL FROM SEXUAL ABUSE was very informative and lists many resources for use by victims of sexual abuse.(...)

Without a doubt, Mrs. Stone's strength, heart and intelligence is highly inspirational. Her story not only inspires but also reiterates the importance of honest conversation, being frank and valuing one's own self. She went through an incomprehensible and agonizing experience but through it all demonstrated a balance between total selflessness and self worth and preservation. Every important lesson we learn in life but lack the courage to utilize, like humility, self respect,forgiveness, kindness and honesty, Mrs. Stone bravely and effortlessly exercised.

She reminds us all that the worst can happen to the best of us and that no one is above reproach. None of us is qualified to judge but it is our personal responsibility to be strong, to be kind, use the brain we have and be the best person we can be when we can. Carl was his best when he was.

Thanks Mrs.Stone for showing that we can survive betrayal, adversity and hardship without compromising our values.

I love this book!! I first heard about it when the Observer had carried exerts from the book before it was released. Mrs. Stone is a brave woman and her story is one of inspiration. I couldn't put this book down, I read it in 2 days. Mrs. Stone thank you sharing your story and putting a face on the AIDS in Jamaica.

No Stone Unturned by Rosemarie Stone is an amazing read. Ms. Stone shared with us her life changing experience with HIV/AIDS. Ms. Stone's diagnosis came about due to the illness of her husband. Rosemarie Stone lovingly care for her husband until his death, while at the same time contending with her diagnosis of HIV. Ms. Stone and her husband kept their Positive HIV/AIDS status from family and friends for a long time. I had teary eyes at times while reading this book. I felt sad reading about the betrayals, the unkindness, and the stigmatizatiom from others, including friends. Although there is a wealth of information about HIV/AIDS, people are still not well informed, and therefore are afraid of people with the disease. The AIDS fact sheet at the end of the book is great. No Stone Unturned, is very informative, please get yourself a copy.

Rosemarie Stone is a very strong woman, and for her to pull herself out from the depravity that some of her closest friends/relativities subjected her to, is truly motivating and also heartrending. She embodies all that a dedicated wife, mother, and motivator is supposed to be. In conservative Jamaica her life experience could be no better or worst; she hit rock bottom and now she has risen.

Thanks Mrs. Stone for opening up to the world with your story. I loved it!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This book has really struck a chord. The writer had me on an emotional journey that was riveting, provocative, inspirational and life changing. It is a true love story about an amazing individual and how HIV has affected every facet of her life. This is a must read! I must meet this woman.

In case you never realized that nuns are people, this will broaden your point of view. Nuns enjoy having fun just like the rest of us. This is good for a chuckle.

I bought this calendar as a joke and ended up loving it. For one, the pictures bring a smile to your face everytime you look at it. I look forward to each month to see what the nuns are up to. Secondly, the boxes are nice and big to write in. I write my work schedule on it and it works great. I will be buying the 2009 version as well!

This is the 2nd year we purchased this calender. The nostalgic nun pics are great-the captions are just plain funny. Kind of miss those habits! Especially love the July pic-gotta see it for yourself!

I love this calendar and get it for a friend every year. How fun is it to watch those we revere being so human?!

I've been wanting to get one of these since I saw a friend's last year! The photos and captions are wonderful! I like it so much, I got one for my cubicle too. I get a lot of positive comments and smiles from people when they see it!

Julie Belmont's The Path to Personal Success and Freedom, Turning Hurdles into Stepping Stones, is not a self-help book in the slick tradition of the "you are your own best friend" bestsellers intended to mine public uncertainty for profit. Ms. Belmont's book is heartfelt and positive, not just life-directed but life-affirming-and based on the realities we face every time we look into a mirror. We are not only our own best friend, she says, but our own worst enemy. Until we face that reality and defeat the enemy within, we will never live up to our full potential.

How do we undertake this process? With a step-by-step approach that includes interviews with individuals successful in health care and wellness, business, and the arts, The Path to Personal Success and Freedoms guides us through exercises to identify and separate the negative messages and influences in our lives from the positive. Furthermore, it establishes a framework within which the positives can thrive as the negatives wither. Particularly satisfying are the many opportunities for the reader to write his or her own goals and establish personal affirmations tailored to the individual's needs and dreams. Thus, while it reflects its author's beliefs and sensibilities, the book also serves as a mirror for the reader to study the self and find his or her truest and most productive face.

Honest and refreshing, The Path to Personal Success and Freedom is a worthy read for both the searching and the cynical. Julie Belmont is a real person with real concerns who addresses the need of real people to find liberation and fulfillment. Well done.

Gary Earl Ross, author and playwright

Whether you carry an attache case or a backpack here's a book that won't gather dust in your bookcase! Julie Belmont's "The Path to Personal Success and Freedom" isn't really a self-help book because it feels like Julie is right there to guide and encourage you. This is one book best kept conveniently nearby -- it contains information that's like receiving good advice from a caring friend. Written in a warm conversational style, her book is packed with wisdom, take-action exercises, even sample meditations. She counsels by examples from her own experiences and those of others. Whenever you start to doubt yourself (and we all do from time to time) pick up Julie's book and let her profound, upbeat words empower you to transform old patterns of negative thinking into the positive lifestyle that will set you free. Petra Von Hulick, Interior Designer

This book is short, simple, concise and to the point. I read it in one evening and started implementing the tactics into my life the very next day. I am amazed about the positive changes it has brought about. I find taking action is so much easier then procrastinating and having to deal with yet another day of guilt.
It makes a great reference book to keep me on track. I want more books from this author, she writes as if she is talking to a friend. I love that!

This book is a must read. It is down right good for the soul. Dare yourself to read this book, and get yourself out of the chair of procrastination. Take the challenge to begin the process towards living your dreams more fully. This book is the recipe for success. Don't waste any more time waiting. Begin today, begin with this book!!!!

Finally, someone has put the things we need to know about how to do more, have more, be more into a format that is easy to read and easy to understand. Julie's book is a blessing for those of us who simply want to know what we need to do to get where we want to go. This book can be read in a couple of hours and for the busy person (and who isn't busy?) this is a Godsend. Great book!

This book is too funny. You don't have to be a social terrorist or a cigar smoker to laugh your head off as you read about Jack's adventures.

I finished reading "Politically Correct Cigar Smoking for Social Terrorists" late last night. I have to say it's one of the most enjoyable reads I've had in a long while! Who would think that a book about Cigars would be so entertaining? There were many funny moments that I'm sure had my children wondering what their mother was doing at 2 a.m. to cause her to laugh like a maniac! My favorite chapters were "The Ant and the Grasshopper Revisited" and "The Princess and the Cigar ...An Irish Legend" I laughed so hard at those, I nearly fell off the bed! I hope there will be more from this talented writer soon!

If you are as fed up with the "political correct" stuff as so many real Americans are; if you are sick of Bill, Hillary, Janet Reno and their kind; and if you long to twist their liberalist dictatorial Puritan tails and thumb your noses at them.......this book if for you! It is hilarious, a wonderful read, and a joy to every true American sick of all the PC garbage strewn around the United States since January 1993.

There aren't many books that make me laugh out loud as I read, but this one did it repeatedly. I think that anyone, absolutely anyone, would enjoy this book. It's not as much about cigar smoking as it is about Riepe's tremendously funny view of the world, and the ills contained therein.

This is THE book for those who've ever harbored the urge to hunt down political correctness and stomp it out like a spent cigar butt. Jack Riepe has written what few would dare--in a way that left me laughing and thinking. I'm neither a cigar smoker nor a social terrorist, but as Riepe wields humor's universal language, commenting on everything from love to politics, he laughs easily at himself--and I laughed along with him. Warm, funny, and full of foibles. Don't miss my personal favorite, "The 200th Cigar," just the kind of tale that makes you want to read aloud to those around you. A great book to share.

This is a wonderfully written and sincere account of a young woman's spiritual journey with a remarkable teacher, Rudi. Inspiring, and heartfelt, with a clear writing style. Well done!

Rudi and The Green Apple is a must-read for anyone truly interested in using the teachings of yoga for spiritual growth. While the stories it shares are told in an easy, conversational style, what it transmits is profound. The book itself helps us gaze into the life of an incredible yogi and partake of some of his depth and power through the eyes of a young student. This kind of guru-disciple relationship is not common in our society but as this book reveals, it can give us the tools for transformation so many of us seek. This is a book I will return to many times as I try to understand in my own life how the spiritual path of yoga truly works.

This beautiful book gives the reader a taste of the special relationship that exsists between a guru and disciple. In this heart touching story Faith paints a vivid picture of her teacher, Rudi. His personality, teachings, and enthusiastic love for people is clearly conveyed for the reader. It is easy to feel a great affection for this man too!

Faith tells the story of how this special person came into her life and tranformed her world, and her view herself. There are really nice pictures and illustrations as well as a recipe that adds nicely to the book. A wonderful, inspiring story!

This book inspired me to dig deeper into my own soul. I laughed, I cried, my heart broke open as I read. Faith Stone, with word snapshots, shows us the life and teachings of a unique and extraordinary American Yogi, Swami Rudrananda. She writes honestly, simply, and with depth about her experiences while studying with him and about how she has applied what she learned to her own life. This is not a meditation manual. Rather, it is a juicy, zesty, deliciously dramatic adventure into realms of consciousness that one might think are not attainable for the ordinary person.....BUT...Read this book and think again! Beautiful layout and illustrations harmonize perfectly with the text.

It is a rare privilege to read this beautifully designed and sweetly written book about the even more rare privilege of being the student of a Siddah Yogi in the U.S. Author Faith Stone writes from her heart about her almost unbelievable experiences as the student of Swami Rudrananda. In the process she manages to convey a good overview and very down-to-earth explanation of Rudi's teachings. The book is filled with love, spiritual wisdom and beautiful art work. A very moving book--not to be missed by spiritual seekers! It is truly a precious gift.

This book is astounding, a great read that also teaches you more than you can believe about life and history and politics in the heart of the West Bank. Read it and you will be a wiser person and have a good time too.

This book is astounding, a great read that also teaches you more than you can believe about life and history and politics in the heart of the West Band. Read it and you will be a wiser person and have a good time too.

This book is astounding, a great read that also teaches you more than you can believe about life and history and politics in the heart of Africa. Read it and you will be a wiser person and have a good time too.

This book, although written a decade ago, is an insider's prescient account of how Hamas was born on the West Bank and why. It also is a terrific read, with true literary quality. Almost like a novel. And enlightening for policymakers and anyone else trying to understand the fundamentals of the Middle East.

This book is astounding, a great read that also teaches you more than you can believe about life and history and politics in the heart of the West Bank. Read it and you will be a wiser person and have a good time too.

The best cookbook I've ever owned.
Just like the other reviews say,recipes are easily laid out,simple,and ingredients are easy to get; or you may have them in your pantry already.
Plus,it's got a little of everything-not just indian recipes...something from each region,and appetizers,breakfasts,etc.

You could easily add meat to the recipes if you are not vegetarian. But definitely get this book-you will not be disappointed. My dad copied the recipe for Morrocan stew and added meat to his.

I have given this book countless times,as a gift. It's just beautiful.
If you are a seasoned cook,you will find inspiration and appreciate the simple elegance of the recipes.
If you are trying to increase your kitchen know-how,you will find this book accessible and do-able. If you have children,they will likely enjoy many of these recipes. My child does!
Get this book,and enjoy!

Of all the vegetarian cookbooks I've come across, this one is among the best. I've tried other cookbooks such as Moosewood and was never satisfied. This book actually has entrees that aren't just a collection of Middle Eastern dishes. They are original, yet simple and easy to follow and don't require a trip to specialty stores for that one ingredient you've never heard of. The dishes that I've prepared from this book have been enjoyed by vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, so if you're family is divided on such issues, have no fear.

This is my all time favorite cookbook. Anyone can use it and get terrific results. It's laid out in a very organized fashion making it easy to read and follow. My favorite recipes? Ashram lentil soup, and the Zucchini Pinenut Tamales!!

I own about 45 Vegan and Vegetarian cookbooks and this one is the best! Head and shoulders above the rest. It's recipes are easy to make. They are also incredibly delicious and nutritious! No need to sacrifice taste for good health when you have this gem in your library. The Indian breakfast cereal is now a staple in our house. If you don't own this book do yourself a favor and purchase it. You won't be sorry!

EASILY READ,EASY TO USE!