Ward Books

I am still fairly new to the world of both philosophy and moral theology and this book goes deep into both subjects. The Genius of John Paul II is not written as a scholarly tome that requires advanced degrees to decipher it, but as a book that is easily digestible to those such as me with just a passing knowledge of the vocabulary of philosophy. I had been aware that John Paul II as a philosopher owed much to St. Thomas Aquinas and phenomenology and that he was considered a personalist. Though I had been only vaguely aware of what the last term meant. I also think those with more familiarity of this subject will also find it useful. Avery Cardinal Dulles S.J. also reviews the book favorably.

The beauty of this book is that each chapter builds on the previous ones to really spell out John Paul II's coherent philosophy and lets you see how important this is to understand both John Paul II and his writings. The book draws from the corpus of John Paul II from his first book through the documents he produced as Pope. Mainly though the book draws from the encyclicals Veritatis Splendor, Fides et Ratio, and Evangelium Vitae.

While speaking about the late Popes view on faith, reason, and morals he brings up the comments of prominent dissenters and their specific criticism of the Pope's philosophy. These criticism of the Pope's writing are handily refuted, but in a fashion where you come to understand better what is being critiqued. It is rather interesting how much Manichaeism has crept into modern theology/philosophy and how their negative view of the integrity of the body/soul and equating of personhood in rationality has greatly affected so much. This error has multiplied and lead to so many other understandings that have been greatly harmful. It is a root cause to the Culture of Death and if a greater understanding of human personhood came about it would go far in eliminating much that has gone wrong in our culture. Unfortunately the integrity of personhood will not fit into a sound bite.

The beauty and the truth of John Paul II writing's rely much on his understanding of human personhood. Pope John Paul II takes the Kantian second imperative "Act so that you treat humanity, whether in you own person or in that of another, always as an end and never as a means only" and fulfills it, unlike Kant, by knowing what personhood is. That I can use "Kantian second imperative" in a sentence now shows you how much I learned from this book

Using the writings of Pope John Paul II the book goes to refute so many common moral theories that have unfortunately crept into Catholic academia. Topics such as proportionalism, consequentialism, and fundamental option theory are covered showing their weaknesses. So many modern theories try to refute the idea of intrinsic evils and invent or suggest that their are circumstances where they can be acceptable, where a moral calculus is made to weigh factors as if you can put good and evil on a scale and if one side is a smidgen heavier than the other you have your answer. The encyclical Veritatis Splendor addresses these topics and the late Pope certainly had no sympathy for these ideas.

"The Genius of John Paul II" truly gave me a greater understanding of the writings of Pope John Paul II and I am glad to say I came away both more knowledgeable and with a even greater appreciation of a Pope I so dearly loved. The domain name of my site splendor of truth is in honor of his encyclical Veritatis Splendor and after reading this book I think I will learn much more upon re-reading this encyclical which isn't exactly an easy read. This book is highly recommended.

The Legacy of Leadership is NOT just another biography about George Washington. After attending a lecture and book signing given by the author it is obvious that this book is a labor of love reflecting years of research. As stated in the preface "The purpose of this book is to bring George Washington back into the life of all Americans." Ward Burian has certainly accomplished that and more. This book is very readable, keeps your interest and fills in all the details you have long forgotten or never knew. I especially enjoyed the information provided on all the key players of the American Revolution and how they related to washington and to each other. Ward has done a great job of tying all the pieces together. A separate chapter on "The Genealogy of George Washinton" was most enlightening as I had never seen this information presented before. The chapter "Washington's Relevancy Today" confirms that this is not just a history book but that some ideas and principles are still valid for us in the 21st century. I most highly recommend this book for everyone. Even if you think you know a lot about Washington, be assured there is much more to the story then you ever imagined.

What's This Got To Do With Anything?
Jim Craigen & Chris Ward (All Grades)
What do fun and energizing activities have to do with learning? A lot! Brain research informs us that we must eliminate threat and provide a secure learning environment. This collection of teambuilders and classbuilders will help you create solidarity and cohesion among classmates. Brain science also teaches us that students' brains need oxygen and glucose. Feed your students' brains with the energizers in this book. This eclectic collection of over 300 brain-friendly activities will help you make your classroom a fun place to be and a great place to learn. 178 pages.

genius. Thought provoking ideas that will make your gifts unique. Since i bought this book, my gifts have been ooed and ahhed at. This book enlightens and inspires You to get your creative juices flowing.

Some ideas are childlike, whimsical, others can kindle various emotions of delight.

One of my favorites is to give a simple vase with a note attached: I welcome YOU to come weekly to my home and together we will gather flowers to brighten your home. Heartfelt, kind gestures are expressed in every gift giving idea.

Sincere and small this book is a gift to oneself, an invaluable guide to help one..fully express themselves.

Any serious work about Gilbert Keith Chesterton (I'm writing my Thesis about him) must start with this incredibly comprehensive biography made by a close friend of the Chesterton family.

Access to rare letters between Chesterton and his wife Frances, George Bernard Shaw, quoted passages of his most well-known and beloved books, novels, essays, articles and poems (even personal notes). Interviews with childhood friends, co-workers, friends, rivals. All of this make this over-600-paged book a must-have for anyone that wants an up close and personal account of this incredible human being.

From his early childhood, to his parents, his first friends, his first thoughts, his first writings, his first job, his wife, travels, his great books, joys and frustrations both personal and professional, everything up until his last day on this earth when after he died "Gilbert's pen lay on the table beside his bed and Father Vincent picked it up and kissed it."

I cannot stress enough the importance of this book. By far, the best biography of Chesterton ever written.

If you like Chesterton's books and feel compelled to know more about this man, this should be your first stop.

I liked this adventure. It was set up in a most unique way (as a choose-your-own-adventure style book). This allowed the use of the adventure either in a group or solo, you can either use the AD&D rules or a simplified version reprinted here, therefor, this could be an intro to AD&D (As long as you have the dice). All in all good, showing a great scope: Humor, adventure, drama, and even a bit of horror.

This is an amazing account of the way God blesses his children who dare to spend time seeking Him with their whole heart. The miracles of gold dustings and healings are prevalent and very real. The experiences encountered make one hungry for more of God's manifest presence. God longs to bless His people and this book is a testimony to that fact. God is making his presence known in ways that cannot be explained away by skeptics.

Everyone who is looking into opening up a therapeautic business whether it be small or large,should read this book,as it will give you an excellent resource of information on how to create an exceptional outstanding business.
I have been in this industry for many many years,working all over the world, when I read this book I especially liked the part on HOW TO STAFF A SALON " because you can have all the money in the world but if you don't have the right staff your business will never make it"
The management section is a must for manager's as it will help in understanding not only the paper work side to management but gives activities to do eg. a check list to motivating staff.
once you buy this book all the information you need to create the best business is at your fingertips time and time again

Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (9/07)

In his introduction to "The Gospel of Cesar Chavez" Mario T. Garcia profiles the events in the life and legacy of Cesar Chavez. His intent in this manuscript was to produce a book of the spiritual reflections of Chavez which would inspire the reader to reflect themselves on the topics covered in relation to their own spirituality.

Within the pages of the introduction Garcia has provided insight into the influences that most impacted the character -- virtue, theology, philosophy, and political views of Chavez. Among those who had a profound influence on Cesar's life was Father Donald McDonnell, the writings of St. Francis of Assisi, and the teachings of Gandhi. From these men Chavez took a stance on nonviolence and the importance of sacrificing for others. Another man who was a key influence on Cesar's life was Fred Ross, a community leader for Industrial Areas Foundation.

In his crusade against the injustice of the migrant farm worker Chavez organized the people for effectiveness in strikes and boycotts. In 1968 the well-publicized Grape Boycott which lasted two years took on the moral nature of Cesar's crusades. In a 25-day march from Delano, California to Sacramento Chavez was drawing attention to the need for social justice.

Chavez had a keen awareness of the power of mass media. At the end of a 25-day fast, Cesar invited Bobby Kennedy to receive communion with him.

The 17 chapters of reflections of Cesar Chavez are drawn from countless newspaper articles, interviews, editorials, and various studies completed earlier on the life of Chavez. Garcia chose those reflections that revealed Cesar's spiritual training, his thoughts on the power of faith, human dignity, self-sacrifice, and the poor.

Garcia also included Cesar's views on social justice, non-violence, and the teachings of Gandhi. Individual chapters divulge his view of a pilgrimage, his thoughts on fasting, prayer, and meditation. The final chapters explore the spirituality of antiracism, ecumenism, brotherhood, and the spirituality of non-discrimination.

In recent years I have understood more fully the plight of the farm worker, and the discrimination against various ethnic groups. Reading "The Gospel of Cesar Chavez" has given me a new appreciation of the dedication, and sacrifice Chavez made in his crusade to correct this injustice.

Garcia's work is meticulously researched and documented and provides a wealth of information on the motivation behind the amazing results and effectiveness of Cesar Chavez's leadership.

"The Gospel of Cesar Chavez" is a book, not only for academics, but for the general public, of all backgrounds, seeking spiritual guidance. Mario T. Garcia has successfully provided a model for faith in action through the life and Gospel of Cesar Chavez.

This book is a treasure chest of wisdom and a delight for the bibliophile. The author provides a vast resource of anecdotes, definitions, observations, curious facts and opinions all arranged alphabetically for ease of locating or musing on whatever topic you may be looking for. Bill Greene, author "Common Genius"