Way Books

This book is a great read for anyone who is a student of life, not just of a martial art. It is philosophical, historical, and somewhat autobiographical in nature, and its lessons can apply to everyday life. I found the short chapter entitled "YU" or "Bravery" particularly relevant and moving to me personally.

Peter writes that "There is a grace, a depth and a character to the movement of the expert, akin to the fit of a well-broken pair of boots." Peter personifies this. He seems to glide gracefully through life. He is always the gentleman; always the master willing to lend his hand and expertise to the willing and eager student. At times, even in his own well-worn pair of boots! It is an honor to know a man of his character.

This collection of short stories is very philosophical and eclectic spanning a wide range of topics that all have to do with personal growth. The story Ihtaram: A Civil Code takes place takes decades ago on the Arabian Peninsula. The author incorporates Bushido principles as he tells of a good host allowing a murder to happen rather than violate the code of hospitality. The point of this extreme story is to show that the host chose to find resolution by working within the mandated code. I don't exactly agree with this viewpoint but the story was intriguing. I also loved the calligraphy and the quotations.

....ask those who have gone before. Sometimes, I struggle to blend eastern thought with everyday western living. Peter Hobart helps by taking years of experience and distilling it down to an essence over a few pages. Pick out either an idea or concept listed, and gain a new thought (or revisit an old one semi forgotten) to work on. Not just for the martial artist, also for those who wish to live, rather then exist.
The chapters may be thin, so what?! Never say in 300 words what can be said in 30.So, if you are wanting to stetch your mind, or just want a degree of clarity in everyday living, then perhaps this is the book for you.

I thoroughly enjoyed "Kishido: The Way of the Western Warrior" by Peter Hobart. The book can be read pretty quickly. It contains 50 short chapters in 161 pages and then includes a short Glossary of Japanese terms used in the book as well. While the chapters are short, the contain some very important lessons.

The book is a series of lessons that Hobart's martial art master passed to his students while not only teaching martial arts, but teaching virtues embedded in all traditional martial ways. The instructor taught through example that conduct is just as important as ability. He exemplified integrity, dignity, courtesy, chivalry, truth, trust, benevolence, and wisdom. He passed these lessons to his students, and now Hobart has written them down so the reader can blend the philosophical and spiritual concepts found in martial arts with the physical and technical training of their specific art.

The lessons include:

Part I: Foundation

1. Kishido The Way of the Western Warrior
2. Bumon Lineage
3. Shoshin An Open Mind
4. Junshin A Pure Heart
5. Fudoshin A Determined Spirit
6. Ihtaram A Civil Code
7. Enkyoku The Winding Way
8. Ganshiki Insight
9. Discretio Mater Virtutis Restraint
10. Noblesse Oblige Obligation

Part II: Range

1. Bangei Versatility
2. Bunbuichi Sword and Brush
3. Bokuden, Ima Anachronism?
4. Koji The Master Texts
5. Nihongo The Lingua Franca
6. Shika, Doka, Renga Expression
7. Heiho Strategy
8. Koan Mumonkan
9. Kanpo Healing
10. Garyotensei The Eyes of the Dragon

Part III: Strategy

1. Yohei Mercenaries and Merchants
2. Gi Right Decision
3. Yu Bravery
4. Jin Benevolence
5. Rei Right Action
6. Makoto Truth
7. Meiyo A Matter of Honor
8. Chugi Loyalty
9. Ichigo, Ichie The Power of One
10. Hanare Time to Let Go

Part IV: Harmony

1. The Dao Interconnectedness
2. Docere Versus Ducere Instructors and Educators
3. Primum Est Non Nocere First Do No Harm
4. Chaqun A Son Gout Horses for Courses
5. Shojin Demagogues and Curmudgeons
6. Stare Decisis Tradition
7. Girei Professional Courtesy
8. Kiki Opportunity
9. Kouhei No One is Above the Law
10. Tatsutoriatowonigosazu Leave Things a Little Better Than You Found Them

Part V: Void

1. Kotan Elegant Simplicity
2. Heisei Serenity
3. Fuga Refinement
4. Enryo Reserve
5. Panache A White Plume
6. Gyakute The Unexpected
7. Hokosaki Advance and Be Recognized!
8. Okunote The Other Hand
9. Matsunen The Final Days
10. Renzoku Passing the Torch


As you can see, there are quite a few topics with quite a range of lessons. I think some of the most important are illustrated in the final chapter, those of gi, yu, jin, rei, makoto, meiyo, and chugi; or Right Decision, Bravery, Benevolence, Right Action, Truth, Honor, and Loyalty.

The book is full of stories and examples of how the master not only taught the lessons, but lived them as well. I'll say again, you can read through this book quite quickly, but it will mean more if you savor each lesson and look to see if you are applying it to your own life. I know I related many of the lessons to teachings that I've had from my instructors and I looked for ways that I could better live by the code outlined in this book to make me a better teacher as well. I hope to be an example of these traits to my students also, and I truly believe if you are going to teach someone skills that can hurt or kill someone, you must also instill the positive character traits so that person will only use those skills if necessary and will never misuse the teachings.

I highly recommend this book. I believe the teachings Hobart has shared from the wise master will enhance your own martial art journey.

Reviewed by Alain Burrese, author of Hard-Won Wisdom From the School of Hard Knocks and the dvds: Hapkido Hoshinsul, Streetfighting Essentials, Hapkido Cane, the Lock On Joint Locking Essentials series and articles including a regular column on negotiation for The Montana Lawyer. Alain Also wrote a series of articles called Lessons From The Apprentice.

Kishido: The Way of the Western Warrior
I've been studying martial arts for over 35 years (karate, aikido, iaido, and tai chi), and I'm also an amateur historian. Along the Way I've read a good deal (in translation largely) about budo and the historical contexts in which it evolved.

Recently I went in search of books to give as gifts to some of my students, and largely based on reviews at Amazon I picked 'Kishido'. However, to assure that it was 'worthy' for my purposes, I read it before presenting it. I could barely put this book down until I finished it. I've found little else that I've read that has touched me so profoundly and captured the essence of the martial arts, including autobiographies of the masters of the past century.

Not only did I present this to my students, I've now shared it with my peers and teachers, as well as added it to my library. This is one book I'll read more than once, and I highly recommend it to anyone who shares my love of budo.

Well written, with really interesting vignettes of Eleanor's life. I found this to be one of the most (personally) motivational books I've read in a long time. It's a story of overcoming the odds, and bucking the social norms of her day, to voice her passion for particular social issues. I also appreciated the tie-in to current leadership theory and thinking...with great examples of her approach to people and problems.

This is the only nonfiction book I've ever read and completed voluntarily. In fact it is the only "self-help" book...which I think it fits in that category...that I have read past the first chapter. It is extremely compellingly written. I don't know whether it's the subject matter, or Dr. Gerber's style, but I started the book on an airplane, and was unable to put it down. It is for sure the only nonfiction book I have ever read that made me cry. Dr. Gerber makes points about leadership..what makes good leaders, the special role that women have in nuturing families, and how that is completely unrecognized in our society as having any value in preparring women for professional positions...how the simple concept of having passion for the cause you are leading is essential for effective leadership.....she makes these points in a deceptively casual conversational manner where you don't feel like she's teaching you, but in the end you realize you have learned a great deal...about life, about leading, and about yourself. Where I cried was where she said you have to be authentic in what you are leading.....meaning (I think) that you have to BELIEVE in it, which is different from having passion. Such a simple concept, but so true. How many leaders do you see, that truly believe in what they are doing? vs how many chairmen of departments do you see that appear to be there for the accrutriments?
This book literally changed my life. sounds ridiculous, but it did. Made me do a LOT of soulsearching.
I urge anyone, male or female, wondering whether you are leading as effectively as you can, or wondering whether you should be taking on a leadership position, to read this.

After reading about Colin Powel's style, Bush's War and Guiliani's book on Leadership, it was a nice break to read about one of history's greatest first ladies--Eleanor Roosevelt. It also served as a checkpoint for myself to have a peek at the early 20th century and the beginnings of the UN in light of recent events. This book was written by Robin Gerber who is a senior scholar at the Academy of Leadership which is part of the University of Maryland. Not only a biography of Eleanor, it's also a how-to on leadership and includes side information about how other women implement Eleanor's style in their lives today.
Key Takeaways:
Give Voice to Your Leadership--ER did not start out a brilliant and inspiring public speaker, she had to practice at it. She eventually managed to be an effective communicator through both speech and her writing in columns. She held press conferences at the White House for women reporters only--she identified an audience she could reach and began speaking to them.
Embrace Risk--despite many folks including herself being unsure of her and her role, at Truman's request ER took on a role within the formation of the UN and went on to be a leading proponant of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. She took this on shortly after the death of FDR--a time when she could have retired. Instead she started on a second life.
Never Stop Learning--this keeps coming up in the lives of leaders--they have an interest in the world and learning about it. ER traveled extensively in the latter part of her life and took a good deal of interest in learning about the world and the various cultures enhabiting it. She traveled throughout the middle east and India. She also used her columns, and speeches as a tool to educate others.

At 46, I found the book both affirming and inspiring. Ms. Gerber shows, through the life of the great ER, how painful life experiences can enhance both self awareness and empathy, and even more amazingly, how suffering a betrayal can be liberating. Her discussion on the special leadership skills developed through motherhood make clear the public interest in cultivating women leaders. The book is both a very accesible, good read and an effective step-by-step leadership guide.

At 46, I found the book both affirming and inspiring. Ms. Gerber shows, through the life of the great ER, how painful life experiences can enhance both self awareness and empathy, and even more amazingly, how suffering a betrayal can be liberating. Her discussion on the special leadership skills developed through motherhood make clear the public interest in cultivating women leaders. The book is both a very accesible, good read and an effective step-by-step leadership guide.

Really pleased that the author Stephen Neafey has shared his experiance of living his life with a diagnosis of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome(FAS). This book will give readers HOPE! The book also shares coping strategies which will also help. Living with FAS for many due to the lack of information and ignorance throughout the professional sector especially here in the UK, is a nightmare for all.

I took the book to a support group meeting here within the UK and one of the members took the book to read. This says it all.

Thank you Stephen.

Gloria Armistead
Founder & Full time volunteer coordinator and parent to a Teen with a FAS dianosis.

www.fasaware.co.uk

The Long Way to Simple, you must get it. It is the best book and makes understanding FASD much clearer. I highly reccomend this book!

Barbara V

This is an amazing book which can help adults with FASD learn more about the condition, and find ways to help themselves in their daily lives. Steve's story and the ways he has discovered to get around the problems of a person with FASD can show how the brain can function in different ways to achieve a better way of living. I highly recommend this book to those with FASD and those working with them.

It is very hard to know what to do when entrusted with the care of a FAS mind.
The in depth practical look given in this book is such a breath of fresh air.
The many facets, the sadness and the ultimate joy and all the possibilities.
This book is so comforting in many ways. I highly recommend it!.

This is the book I've been waiting for -- a practical, hands-on guide for people living with FASD, and for those who love them! This book is full of stories and ideas that are easy to put to use. I will definitely recommend it to families and professionals.

The hero is a con man, but the author certainly isn't. He provides an excellent story here while at the same time providing a Christian witness in a realistic fashion. The courtroom scene in which the con man tries to plead guilty to impersonating a minister is a real hoot. This was a real western where you could smell the powder of Colt 45 and see dust from the wheels of the stagecoach. It also was evidence that even in the wild west, there was a law superior to even the gun.

In this inspirational western, Burns introduces us to Amos Taylor, an outlaw whose only concern is taking care of himself.

Amos comes up with a great idea: he's going to pretend to be a preacher to throw suspicion off of him. And it works! Now his only problem is that people expect him to preach on Sunday.

With help from Joseph, a blind man who happens to be a devout Christian, Amos successfully preaches his first sermon. He quickly figures out that the contribution plate passes every Sunday. He doesn't even have to believe what he's preaching, and the people just eat it up. He also begins courting Miss Judy Valentine, a sweet young lady who wouldn't have given an outlaw the time of day.

To come up with some extra money, Amos pulls a "dodge" on the Prescott brothers in a nearby town. Outraged, they go on the hunt for Amos.

Meanwhile, instead of using the sermon that Joseph helped him prepare, Amos decides to preach what he wants to preach. Quickly, the townspeople figure out that they have been duped, and put Amos in jail.

Joseph intercedes on Amos' behalf to the county judge, and Amos gets community service--preaching--instead of jail time. But will the townspeople trust him after what he's done? Will the Prescotts catch up with Amos? Will he finally believe what he has been preaching all this time?

Burns has masterfully painted an accurate picture of the old West. Dialogue, characteristics, setting, all are weaved together to create a wonderful western read. The novel does include a lot of Scripture and a strong inspirational message, which is expected, as the main character of the book is a preacher. Burns handles the message carefully, without coloring it with his own views. Burns also shows Amos' struggle with his past versus what he is learning in a realistic way that many readers will relate to.

Armchair Interviews says: Terry Burns is a very prolific writer in this Western genre. If you like westerns and inspirationals, this is a must-read.

Terry Burns has crafted a deceptively simple, often humorous story that reveals layers of profound truth as you turn the pages. And turn those pages, you will! Whether you like Westerns or not, you'll be captivated by this story of a thief's redemption. Burns brings his characters to life with a deft and easy touch, and before you know it, you not only care deeply about their fates, but you're actually rooting for the "bad" guy to see the light and laughing out loud as his well-laid plans lead him to a reward considerably more valuable than what he had in mind. Read this story for entertainment, but don't be surprised if you find yourself moved in ways you didn't expect.

"Mysterious Ways" is the story of Amos Taylor, accomplished conman and thief. Fresh from the successful hold-up of a stagecoach and looking for a way to lay low for a while, Amos spots a minister's outfit drying on a clothesline. Thinking he has stumbled onto the perfect disguise, Amos dons the clothes and wanders into the town of Sweetwater. As expected, he is mistaken for a circuit-riding preacher and is soon roped into conducting church services for the local congregation.

When his secret is discovered by a blind man working in the jail, Amos expects to be turned in. Instead, the blind man, Joseph, understands that, while Amos is operating under false pretenses, he is bringing good to pass. So, under threat of exposure, Joseph forces Amos to continue the pretense. As the two continue, Joe's faith begins to influence Amos. But the will the lawbreaker allow himself to be won?

"Mysterious Ways" is a well-written, entertaining story played out against the background of the Old West. Highly recommended.

Craig Hart - CraigHart.net/ChristianLit Magazine

Terry Burns has a way with characterization, and his inspirational western "Mysterious Ways" kept me turning the pages until the end. Not an easy feat, because I usually shy away from westerns. But this story, with clean language, a quick paced-plot and Scriptural content, compelled me to keep on reading. I will be watching for Terry's next book!

I never had a definition so wrong in my life. I liked the fact the Winston Churchill thought American Conservatives were liberal. We let this current administration change the meaning of a word and in the process, steer us in the wrong direction.

I totally agree and cannot add more to the reviews already here. The Republican Party up until about 1990 was a party of optimism ("It's Morning in America"), belief in individual freedom, anti-communism, and belief in a strong national defense, and "getting government off our backs".

Today: a party fixated on tradition and "traditional family values", moralizing, forcing one's personal morality on others, being against science and evolution (!!), and being against abortion choice, and homosexuals. In short, a primitive party that is no longer looking forward, but looking back into the past.

The only thing I can do here is directly site the most recent Texas Republican Party platform. The GOP here in Texas has been taken over by fundamentalist Christians, as the author states. Here are some quotes from their platform (I think that this speaks for itself. This is also a reason that I, a lifelong Republican and huge fan of Ronald Reagan, no longer vote Republican in Texas [my comments in brackets]):

"We believe that human life is sacred, created in the image of God [this is a theological belief, not a political statement]. Life begins at the moment of fertilization and ends at the point of natural death. All innocent human life must be protected. [whereas, it is o.k., in Texas, to kill people on death row, even if you are not 100% sure they really did the crime !, and then call this law and order].

We understand that the Ten Commandments are the basis of our basic freedoms and the cornerstone of our Western legal tradition [no, the 10 Commandments were rules for the ancient Jews, not a basis of freedoms]. We therefore oppose any governmental action to restrict, prohibit, or remove public display of the Decalogue or other religious symbols. [thus, completely removing the wall between church and state].

We support the adoption of the Pledge Protection Act. We decry any unconstitutional act of judicial tyranny that would demand removal of the words "One Nation under God" from the Pledge of Allegiance [those words: "One Nation Under God" were put into the pledge in 1954, and were not in it before then]. We also demand that the National Motto "In God We Trust" and National Anthem be protected from legislative and judicial attack.

We support the traditional definition of marriage as a God-ordained, legal and moral commitment only between a natural man and a natural woman [sorry, transvestites !], which is the foundational unit of a healthy society, and we oppose the assault on marriage by judicial activists.

We call upon the Texas Legislature to rescind no- fault divorce laws [i.e. taking away another personal choice from the people, and mandating a narrow personal belief system]. For these reasons we support Covenant Marriage [another narrow convention, forced on others], which has proven effective in stemming the tide of divorce [at what cost in personal liberaty ? Where is the evidence ? Effective in what sense ? Keeping people who dislike each other in a loveless marriage ?]. We recommend the following provisions in line with this concept: 1) pre-marital counseling [is that part of "traditional" marriage ? Who is "assaulting marriage" now ?] and, 2) a pre-nuptial agreement that when problems arise within the marriage, both parties will agree to marriage counseling [read: be forced to] with the intent of restoring the marriage to its proper balance and harmony [read: forcing people to stay together, against their wishes].

We believe that the practice of sodomy [defined as ...?] tears at the fabric of society [proof ?], contributes to the breakdown of the family unit, and leads to the spread of dangerous, communicable diseases. Homosexual behavior is contrary to the fundamental, unchanging truths [which ones ?] that have been ordained by God [Judeo-Christian morality is thus to rule over people who are not even religious], recognized by our country's founders [no, Benjamin Franklin was actually kind of a randy devil, and George Washington didn't go to church, and Jefferson called the Bible non-sensical], and shared by the majority of Texans [so, the majority is to dictate to the minority].

We believe, as do the vast majority of Texans, that pornography is repulsive [defined as ?], addictive [evidence, please] and contributes to deviant criminal behavior [again, evidence is lacking here].

We support the objective teaching and equal treatment of scientific strengths and weaknesses of scientific theories [i.e. we want to throw science out the window whenever it conflicts with our primitive religious views], including Intelligent Design. We believe theories of life origins and environmental theories should be taught as scientific theory not scientific law ["we", being non-scientists]; that social studies and other curriculum should not be based on any one theory [unless of course that "one theory" is ours].

We believe that properly applied capital punishment is legitimate, is an effective deterrent, and should be swift and unencumbered. When applied to the crime of murder, it raises the value of human life. [idiotic statement. Killing people raises the value of life. Plus, everyone knows that Texas's application of the death penalty is anything but "properly applied".

I've longed for this book. When my high school friend and I reconnected after more than 50 years, he was astonished that I identified myself as a liberal and I was astounded that he called himself a conservative. How could two people who had so much in common be so different in such essential ways? "But your father was a Republican," he said. "Yes, I agreed, but he was a Goldwater Republican. I'm pretty sure he wouldn't be voting for today's Republicans."

I've been searching since to find answers to the questions this encounter has raised. One friend, for example, said, "I'm a Republican because I'm a social liberal and a fiscal conservative." But it seemed to me that the Republican for whom he was voting had turned that on its head. I really want a personal understanding of what motivates these conservative friends of mine. Frankly, I have no trouble understanding those who think like me. Of course, who does have difficulty with those who agree with them?

And then comes this wonderful book, for which I am more than grateful. There it is, on page 15: "This book is ... a story of how we `conservatives' have moved from Barry Goldwater and the love of freedom to wiretaps, secret prisons, government intrusion into the most intimate private decisions, and the unprecedented assertion of federal authority and a presidency and bureaucracy that places itself above the law. The movement that once championed strict limits on federal power now recognizes virtually no limits at all. This book will be about how that came to be, how conservatism has become the enemy of all it once stood for and about what must be done to take the movement back from those who have stolen it."

Maybe I could be a conservative.

Former congressman Edwards clearly and passionaltely articulates how the Conservative movement has changed, especially since the presidency of Ronald Reagan. Fascinating reading for liberals to understand the original conservative movement, and for conservatives to see how they have abdicated their constitutional responsibility.

This book is terrific and rare, offering accessible insight into the reasons why what passes for conservative politics and policies today is bad for the country, let alone conservatives. Reclaiming Conservatism is not merely a primer for conservatives to remember their principles and their roots, although Edwards would no doubt welcome such an outcome. It sheds light on how far off the ranch Newt Gingrich and Bush II have taken the conservative movement - you have to read what Edwards has to say about them! - but it also shows liberals the kind of conservative opponents they should welcome battling and, most importantly, getting down to work with again and ironing out compromises.

But Edwards's points go deeper. He draws meaning and relevance from the Constitution and demonstrates how Congress as an institution needs to reassert itself and stop doing the Executive's bidding. His illustrations of how the president may be the head of state but not the head of government are refreshingly clear, and he reminds us again of the beauty of the constitutional system of checks and balances that has been sullied by leading Republicans in this administration and recent Congresses. Even political veterans will be sure to learn something, but you don't need to be an insider to benefit from Edwards's insights. Now we have to find someone to so well write "Reclaiming Liberalism" and urge politicians and citizens alike to read them both!

I found the book Scam-Proof Your Life to be very thorough in covering all catagories noted in the Table of Contents.I especially liked the "go-to" sources for filing complaints. I found, however, that the inserted information in each catagory interrupted the flow of the commentary and disturbed my "train of thought". Overall, there is a wealth of useful information in this book.

What a find -- everyone needs this book! It's filled with pages and pages of great information that can save you money and aggravation. Many thanks to this author.

So informative. I was unaware of all the ways I could be scamed. I hightly recommend this book, very educational for young and old.

Scam-Proof Your Life is a really good book with lots of information that will teach you ways to protect yourself against the scams and frauds we face everyday. It seems like we are constantly faced with people trying to cheat us out of our money. This book is both fun to read, and very informative, and will make you aware of some of the scams used by these criminals to steal your money!

This book should be required reading for the entire country. A crisp and invigorating read, 'Scam Proof,' by Sid Kirchheimer, is packed with information on topics ranging from Telephone Service to Identity Theft; chapters 3, 7, and 8 are especially informative. The length to which the credit card companies will go to fleece Americans borders on the criminal. Furthermore, the similarities that exist between the unfair but legal practices of some of America's most powerful institutions and the ambitious professional conmen of the day are unsettling. Get ready to feel paranoid and disappointed, because this book is an eye opener.

This is a very well-written book, in plain English, with clear answers to difficult questions. I appreciated the Biblical support for each conclusion drawn because I wanted to know what the Bible said about this topic, not what somebody's opinions were. It was also very interesting, never boring. I highly recommend this book!! Thank you, Dr. Walston!

Walston has done it again! I have been a pastor for thirteen years, and regarding marriage, divorce, and remarriage, I can find no better resource on the subject. Walston shows his ability to reach his audience; although he is a very well-educated individual, he doesn't boggle down the mind of his readers with scholarly terms and definitions.

The book is good for the graduate level students as well as the lay person in the congregation that has a heart to minister and counsel those that are just starting off in marriage and those that are looking for answers in their struggling marriages.

With the study questions for each chapter, the reader(s) will find this book becoming a practical study of biblical insight and knowledge.

This book is highly recommended.

Dr. Rick Walston brings more than two decades of ministerial experience to this work that examines the biblical view of marriage, divorce, and remarriage. He writes with a pastor's heart while sharing real-life stories that he has encountered over the years during counseling couples.

I highly recommend that ministers read this book so that they can learn from Dr. Walston's insights and experiences so that they know how to better minister to those who are struggling in a marriage, divorce, or remarriage.

Likewise, I highly recommend this book to anyone who is currently married because there are biblical lessons that can be learned from it that can strengthen the marriage covenant. This book is also helpful for the individual who has gone through the tradegy of divorce: God is capable and able to help individuals through the healing process that follows the divorce. Furthermore, those who have experienced divorce and are now remarried can learn biblical truth on their situation as well.

I was amazed at the way that Dr. Walston wrote this book . . . it was almost like reading a novel, but it was full of theological insight. The real-life stories at the start of each chapter really sets the stage for the truths that are to come. I learned about divorce and remarriage the hard way, "school of hard knocks." Then I learned about my real-life D&R in the context of the Bible and What God has to say about it through this book. I wish I had known about these things that Walston teaches on years ago; perhaps, then I would not have made the mistakes that I did. I've been recommending this book to many friends.

After Reading Dr. Walston's other book, "The Speaking in Tongues Controversy: The Initial, Physical Evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit Debate," I was excited to read this book, so I bought it immediately. I was not disappointed. Walston demonstrates the same level of Biblical scholarship in this book as he does in his other book, yet all the while making it easily understandable for the lay-person. His writing is clear and easy to understand. He takes some very difficult issues (and passages of Scripture) and makes them very clear. This book has now become my primary text for premarital, divorce, and remarriage counseling. If you are divorced and remarried or you minister to people who are, you need this book. It is, in my humble opinion, the single best book on these difficult subjects.

A lot of us business people have management ideas...but few of us ever come to grips with how to implement them in any meaningful way.

Jay Goltz was smart: He offers the simple idea...shows how he learned (usually the hard way) how that concept applied to his business...then suggests action stepls.

The short but sweet resenttion of each keeps the reader interested.

If only one idea w worthwhile, this book would have been a good investment.

For me, it was a GREAT investment, for I continue to review it (so easy to do) and add to the list of changes I want to make in my own buisness.

Nice going, Jay.

Sometimes I think would be entreprenuers can get too wrapped up in reading books on entreprenuership instead of taking action. There are so many books out there to choose from and occasionally I'll get into book reading mode which when done in excess is not a good thing. This is one such book that is an exception. Any entreprenuer has their tales of failure and I know from experience that some such tales are quite expensive. This book's lessons on hiring people will probably save me MUCH more than the $12 or so that the book cost. In buying the book I thought of all the mistakes I'd made and figured if this book lets me read about instead of make just one such mistake then it'll pay for itself. It has. And what's more... it's very easy to digest and fun to read as it's broken into simply 1-2 page lessons. There are sesions on Employment, Marketing, Being the Boss... etc. Each lesson is presented with a leader line of what one might think and then goes on to talk about the reality of the principle in running a daily business. What more can I say... great book.

Look; the US economy is all about small business. 90% of what we read is written by accountants or academics, (and I count people who write and/or advise other people based on research - instead of 'doing' - as academics also.)

Once in a while you get real street smarts. This book is one. here's your chance to spend a few bucks, read for a few hours, and learn a few things that will save you grief and aggravation if you are running a business. What else could you possibly want from a business book?

This is probably the only entrepeneurial book I have ever read, but I would highly recommend it to anyone contemplating going into retail. The lessons Jay Goltz shares in this book are important, whether you're a 'lone ranger' going-it-alone retailer, or an administrative type. How, as a picture framer and administrator, he juggles all his balls in the air, and hats he wears, is impressive indeed. My own hat goes off to him. An aquaintance of mine (like myself, a picture framer)recommended this book to me, and I'm glad he did. The author speaks in broad enough terms so that you certainly don't need to be a picture framer to apply the valuable lessons he's sharing. Definitely worth reading for anyone at all interested in getting it right in business. Go Jay!

This book stands out in a crowded field of business books. Each topic is listed at the top of a new page, making the book easy to read and reference. From the importance of customer service and finding quality vendors, to dealing with employees and the government, Golz provides real-world advice that is valuable for any new entrepreneur.

I read a lot of business books and many get recycled, but this one is a keeper. It's the kind of book you want to share with an entrepreneurial friend--a great read for anyone entering into entrepreneurship.

Wonderful book. Written with such love for humans AND animals. Anywone who reads it will have a great appreciation for the empathy within ourselves that this book inspires.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking into animal rights issues. It keeps the attention and is an easy read. I think some of the writing is a little on the juvenile side, with the Britney Spears/Paris Hilton and pop culture references, but it really gets the point across without going into the graphic detail of the shock doctrine of the PETA folk. It does offer however links to the websites that show the videos if that is your thing. Animal abuse, be it vivisection, breeders, puppy mills, factory farming, the fur trade, the hoax of "free range" farming is all covered and then some. This book is written with emotion and dedication. Some sections may make you cry, some might make you sick to your stomach or make you want to take action. If you always wanted to learn about animals rights this is your starter place. You can move on up to other more "adult" reading from here. It is the MTV version of Animal Liberation. I do really think this book should be read by as many people as possible that are concerned about what they put in their mouths or wear on their feet or backs. Go veg!!!

After reading this book, I quickly ordered 10 more copies and am giving them out as presents to all my friends. It's as described, a wonderfully educational book about animal rights without the radical, in your face approach. It's as light hearted as you can get, considering the subject matter. The cartoons and references really drive home the point behind the title. Gives you quick answers and come backs to some really silly comments people make when they realize you're an "animal softie." I highly recommend it!!

"Thanking the Monkey" is packed full of info about various animal issues (animals used as food, in research, for entertainment, for clothing). Dawn peppers humor and animal-themed comics throughout and lets readers come to their own conclusions about how they choose to view animals.

Karen Dawn's "Thanking the Monkey" takes a gentle, reasoned, just-the-facts-ma'am approach to animal rights on all dimensions--the ones exploited for food, the ones in fur farms, the ones kept in the "entertainment" businesses, the ones used in research laboratories, and even puppy mills and municipal breed bans against pit bulls. She uses pictures of her own dogs, pro-animal cartoons from such brilliant artists as Patrick McDonnell ("Mutts") and Dan Piraro ("Bizarro"), drawings, and quotes from pro-animal celebrities to take some weight from what can be some rather heavy subjects.

The last two sections deal with the environmental effects of animal exploitation and how some advocacy groups are shockingly anti-animal, and how the reader can put his or her knowledge into action.

Chock-full of resources and information, "Thanking the Monkey" is a perfect book for anyone concerned about animals and the environment.

The Mom's Choice Awards® honors excellence in family-friendly media, products and services. An esteemed panel of judges includes education, media and other experts as well as parents, children, librarians, performing artists, producers, medical and business professionals, authors, scientists and others. A sampling of the panel members includes: Dr. Twila C. Liggett, Ten-time Emmy-winner, professor and founder of Reading Rainbow; Julie Aigner-Clark, Creator of Baby Einstein and The Safe Side Project; Jodee Blanco, New York Times Best-Selling Author; LeAnn Thieman, Motivational speaker and coauthor of seven Chicken Soup For The Soul books; Florrie Binford-Kichler, Founder of Patria Press, Inc.- an award-winning independent publisher and Member of The Children's Book Council; Tara Paterson, Certified Parent Coach, and founder of The Just For Mom Foundation(tm) and the Mom's Choice Awards®. Parents and educators look for the Mom's Choice Awards® seal in selecting quality materials and products for children and families. This book has been honored by this distinguished award.

"Tween Time" is an enlightening and inspiring approach to the "tween" years. The importance of these years is often overlooked by both parents and pediatricians alike because most kids are "easier" during these years - no longer a young child, more independent, healthy, curious, eager to learn, but not YET a pubertal teen. These years, though, are the crucial foundation for teen, young adult, and adult life. Much of what occurs during these years will be part of a child's character forever. Creative, attentive, involved parenting during the years is the vital key to later success. This book deveops and shapes that key. A Must-Have for Parents of Tweens!

This book truly puts a finger on the pulse of our Tweens! As a parent of a Tween, I have first hand experience with what a trial and error bonding can be at this age. Tween Time has given me a secret tool that has been a God Send. At this age my son is trying on adult behaviors, activities, and emotions and the "52 Ways to Celebrate Life with Kids Ages 8-12" lets us experience time together free of any age, coolness, or emotionally charged activities. Thank you Ginny Bishop for passing along such a gem!

As a mother of three boys (two are tweens), I really enjoyed reading this book for ideas of ways to spend truly quality time with them. The ideas are for REAL people. They involve me -- and my kids -- in the community, so we find ways to give to others while giving to ourselves. The illustrations and lay out are also wonderful. It is so fun just to browse through and read tidbits. Congrats to Ginny Bishop and her daughter for creating such a wonderful and timely book... We need to focus more on our Tweens before they become Teens!

Having kids today is a bigger challenge than ever before. Marketers and advertisters are targeting children with so much force to create loyal customers from an early age, it makes it impossible to compete. There are so many 'things' out there for kids to want and need- I feel like so many parents have no choice but to succumb to these pressures. Tween Time is such a refreshing look in to interacting with your kids and getting back to the things that are important in families and in the parent-child relationship. The Tween years are so important- they provide the building blocks to the challenging teen years. Your kids need you more than any toy, TV show, video game, or junk food. Tween Time is a valuable addition to any family library.