Way Books

I must say that I am VERY Impressed with J.L.'s first novel! He really has a talent! This book was not only drama-filled, it was also very knowledgeable. It's sad to know that as much as it is fiction, there is quite a bit of fact in this story! Great Job J.L.! This is definitely a good read!

New York Times Bestselling author J. L. King's has crafted a novel that is sure to contain more truth than most readers can handle or imagine. James Kennedy is probably representative of more of ourselves than we want to admit, yet he gives us a clear model as to what can happen when your wants in life are fueled not by what you need but what you feel entitled to have.

When it comes to telling a story that is riveting and keeps you hanging on to every page, the mission is clearly accomplished. Bravo!

I just finished reading this book in one day. It was fast paced and pulled you in from the very first page. It's not too hard to figure out who the main character was based on. Someone very popular in today's culture. I truly enjoyed this book and recommend it very highly.

I am still pretty much speechless, but I will try my best to leave a helpful comment. This book had me at the sneak preview that I read online. Once the book arrived I could not put it down. Whereas the movie Cover scratched the surface, this book dives in deep! He is honest and pure in his ability to capture all perspectives of this lifestyle and its harsh consequences. Thus after seeing Cover and reading this book I truly feel that as a single Black woman I am damned! God Bless America!

But thanks for the good read and for the honesty. I look forward to more books from you Mr. King!

*but please keep it fictional because it helps to take away the sting of the reality of this...epidemic?*

J L King's first novel was undeniably an attention getting intriguing page turner. However, The ending left something to be desired.

the recipes and eating plans are fine, even healthy. They make a point to emphasize that its more than just a diet, it is a lifestyle. But I must say that I was disappointed to find such heavy reliance on studies that have been thoroughly debunked from Ancel Keys and The China Study. There is so much better data out there to support this way of eating then from epidemiology studies where the populations were cherry picked to support the conclusions.

I bought this book because I wanted to feed my family better and reduce our risk of heart disease, etc. The recipes are EXCELLENT! I am not someone who goes in for eating pineconey "health food" but I LOVE Japanese & Vietnamese food, and my husband LOVES Italian food as well. This book is the perfect combination and IT'S ACTUALLY GOOD FOR US!!

I like this book a lot. While the first half of the book may not be for everyone, I found that the background info there along with the refresher material on the type of fats, etc was good for me. I also liked the fact that the authors bolster what they say by scientific studies, all of which is documented should anyone want to investigate it further. The recipes (pgs 143-298) are straight forward. My only real criticism is I would have liked to have seen each recipe include caloric content with a breakdown of fats, cholesterol, sodium, protein, etc. The only other niggly I have is I was surprised to see recipes for soy hot dogs and burgers in a Mediterranean and Asian cookbook. I think these could have been safely omitted. Don't let these details sway you though. It is still a good book to have on the subject.

From: www.BasilAndSpice.com

Book Review: The Mediterrasian Way: A Cookbook and Guide to Health, Weight Loss, and Longevity, Combining the Best Features of Mediterranean and Asian Diets and Lifestyles

Authors Ric Watson and Trudy Thelander (Wiley '07)


Why is it that members of some specific cultures live long healthy lives? Seeking to answer this question, from Down Under comes a phenomenal first book by New Zealanders Ric Watson and Trudy Thelander--The Mediterrasian Way. It is a model of how to live healthily in the modern world using the time-tested cuisines and lifestyles of the Mediterraneans and Asians.

The Mediterrasian Way incorporates the most recent studies regarding nutrition, diet, exercise, and relaxation. Over 150 delicious recipes and beautiful photos of prepared dishes are included. A 14-day meal plan and the MediterrAsian.com website tie-in are also lifestyle change boosters.

Writing from his own experience, author Ric Watson explains how his tragic motorcycle accident altered his physical well being. The road to recovery was long and difficult, but by changing his diet from the standard meat and potatoes to traditional Mediterranean meals, he began to regain his health when doctors believed it was impossible.

The daughter of physicians, Trudy Thelander recalls her family relationship with her sister-in-law, a Chinese-Malaysian, who taught the author her own Asian cooking. Finding similarities between the two cultures, Ric and Trudy researched the basic elements of these 5,000 year old lifestyles. Both cultures include daily physical activity, a base diet of whole grain carbohydrates, fruits, beans, legumes, nuts, olive or vegetable oils, and vegetables. Both consume daily water, tea, and wine in moderation.

Further cutting-edge scientific research cited in their groundbreaking book includes The Seven Countries Study, The China Study, The Lyon Diet Heart Study, among others. The authors developed The MediterrAsian Balanced Meal System (MBMS) based on this background, showing how the Mediterranean or Asian meals are easily prepared, and allow for a greater volume of food with less caloric intake. More importantly, they demonstrate how the MBMS enhances the body's functioning with its use of vegetables, grains, legumes, fruits, and lean protein (poultry, seafood, soy products).

A best example is p. 95 of the book:

Western Style Meal: 1 quarter-pound burger with cheese, 1 large fry, 1 large soda, 1 ice cream sundae (1,679 calories)

Mediterranean Style Meal: Sicilian salmon and pasta with roasted red pepper, zucchini, basil, and pine nuts, 1 slice crusty whole grain bread drizzled with ½ T extra virgin olive oil, large salad with tomatoes, olives, romaine, and red onion, served with olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette, 1 glass red wine, bowl of mixed berries served with a scoop of sorbet (860 calories)

Asian Style Meal: Bowl of fragrant broccoli and mushroom soup, rice paper roll stuffed with chicken breast, snow pea sprouts, and peppers and served with a soy-sesame dipping sauce, Cantonese shrimp, cashew nut, and mixed vegetable stir-fry served over steamed long-grain rice, 1 glass cold beer, fresh fruit salad with mango, lychees, and pineapple (810 calories)

Each meal is generous portions, includes a drink and even dessert. Amazingly, calorie counts for the Mediterranean and Asian meals are about half that of the Western meal.

Living and eating the Mediterrasian Way can help prevent alzheimer's, stroke, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, and heart disease. It can lead to weight loss, increased energy levels, and a strong immune system; in essence The Mediterrasian Way is the secret to a longer and more enjoyable life.

The reader of The Mediterrasian Way will not just be able to try new recipes, but will understand why it is important to eat these foods. This book is not a diet book, it is a way of life, and should be in every American home for reading, tasting, and experiencing.

Mediterrasian cooking is something I've been searching for for a long time. Like Ric says in his author's bio, I was confused about what to eat. With all the news stories, articles and studies touting what is "good for you" and contradicting every other thing that you once thought was "good for you," I was deeply confused and ended up eating out a lot
-- fast and unhealthy food. I just felt off and knew there was another way. I also didn't want to cook for myself if all the recipes I ever found for "healthy cooking" were predominantly Western meals of baked chicken (boring), etc... and nothing with flare like the Asian food I love. Well, I'm writing this review now because I think this book and the www.mediterrasian.com website deserve all the praise in the world. It might not work for everyone (I don't think any ONE thing is the solution for EVERYONE), but I think for most people, the concepts about eating and the recipes will leave you feeling great, as it's done for me and my family.

I was putting off writing a review until I tried the plan and recipes for a while and it's been about a month now and the results have been great. I'm not a great cook, but the recipes are fun and easy to make and has made me want to become a better cook altogether. Most of the recipes are really delicious and they feel healthy. I especially like the Greek Salad Pitas, Shrimp and Asparagus pasta, Shrimp Fried Rice and Minestrone soup. I never thought I could make Minestrone soup and have it taste sooo good! There have been a few misses, like the Tuna and Brocolli Pasta with Red Sauce. I think I'll have to try that one again, it might've been my fault it didn't turn out great because almost everything I've made from the site and book has been really tasty. I've also definitely lost weight (clothes feel looser) and the best thing is that I FEEL better. Physically, there is a difference in how I feel now eating the Mediterrasian way (feeling full and satisfied most of the day and physically healthy) and the way I felt right before when I was eating out a lot (bloated, unsatisfied and like something was missing).

I really truly want to thank Ric and Trudy for dedicating themselves to spreading the word about eating this way and for creating recipes that taste so good. They really seem like dedicated and good people; you can see this in how detailed their website, book, and blog are. Thank you for trying to help people eat and live better!

"I interviewed Mike DiCerto on the AuthorsFirst radio show about his book
"Milky Way Marmalade." This book is awesome! The story just flows; it's
funny. The readers really get to know the characters, who are interesting;
each one different. If you like Douglass Adams' work, this is just as good
(in my humble opinion). Anyone who loves a riotous space adventure should
give this book a try."

"Milky way Marmalade" is a rather strange science fiction book. I liked it, and I enjoyed the style in which it was written. All in all, I can honestly said that I have never read something like it :)

Do you want some clues about why on earth I say that?. Well, I suppose I could start by telling you something about the plot. The main character is Caffrey Quark, a young man who sells exotic meat, and looks for unusual specimens all throughout the galaxy. Truth to be told, that business isn't an easy one: "The exotic meat collecting business relied on place and time. It relied on punctuality, and an encyclopedic knowledge of galactic fauna and their individual mating, scavenging, migrating, hibernating, hunting and dying habits. But perhaps more importantly, success in the business relied upon the planet containing the exotic edible to have the decency to be there when one arrived". That kind of job can be tiring after a while, specially for a sensitive man like Caffrey, who eventually decides he cannot go on killing "miracles of diversity", and decides to retire.

Caffrey doesn't know exactly what he is going to do, but destiny has something prepared for him... As he is travelling in his spaceship, "The Moby Dick", he finds an old box with Earth music, including "The Rollings Stones"'s "Satisfaction" and "Stairway to heaven" by Led Zeppelin. When Caffrey listens to those songs he receives a great shock, due to the fact that the music he knew was pretty boring, and nowhere nearly as good as that. Caffrey becomes obsessed with finding more of the music that has "kick-started his soul", and as a result ends up selling his spaceship and buying a transport with a "temporal twist engine" that takes him to the "original" Earth, in the past, "in a time where its future still held potential". There he goes to many live shows of Led Zeppelin, the Beatles, Yes and Genesis, among others, but also forms a rock band named "Marmalade skies".

Things were going too well to last, though, and soon enough people from his previous life will meddle in his new one, kidnapping his four bandmates, and forcing him in a quest for "L'Orange", the most important substance in the universe. Caffrey, a more or less normal man in bizarre circumstances, will be accompanied in his quest by Poe 33 (a robot who was supposed to take care of "L'Orange", but that seemingly lost it), his recovered spaceship,Angie (a very disgruntled main computer), a dog that is not a dog and Violet.

Why is Caffrey's quest important?. Simply because "L'Orange" can shape the universe, and there are people who want to shape one without music. As our unlikely hero understand that he goes from someone who says "I wish I understood my role in this little soap opera" to a person willing to do almost everything to save a world that has a place for the music he loves so much.

On the whole, I think that if you like science fiction and rock music, you will really appreciate "Milky way Marmalade", an unusual combination of both.

Belen Alcat

Reviewed by Susan Pettrone for Reader Views (9/06)

This fantastic tale of Caffrey Quark and his journey across time and space is one of those books that will leave you spellbound until you finally turn the last page and find out as Quark found out, what the one thing that brought meaning to his life really was about! Quark has endless musical connections throughout this book and they only serve to further develop his character through their use. It is amazing how the mere mention of a song within this book can conjure up so many images for the reader that mere words would fall short of doing. Music is after all the universal language and we see throughout "Milky Way Marmalade" language put to fantastic use by the author!

Throughout this book we meet colorful characters both in action, appearance and language such as Yin, the wonderful little "dog" he befriends, only to find he is actually another being equal in intelligence and cunning as Quark himself, Violet, a woman of spectacular beauty with, of course, fantastically "violet" eyes and a magical personality to match, POE 33, an android with a missing piece of his memory and the key to that is most important in Quark's life and to the music itself, and of course, Angie, Quark's computer-generated friend who spouts sugary "terms of endearment" in her quest to gain Quark's love. The phrases Angie uses often leave the reader laughing aloud with their obscurity and oddness, but for some readers create Angie's character as no other device could. These characters transcend all notions of "normalcy" and it is fact their oddities that endear them to the reader and cause them to have such depth of character and definition as integral parts of Quark's life. By the end of the book, the reader feels as though a part of Quark's life as well, a trait that I found to be especially endearing to myself as a reader!

"Milky Way Marmalade" is a book that spans so many ages, from young teens interested in fantasy and science fiction to adults wanting to escape from the realities of 9-5 and the high price of fuel. The adventures are many, the action dynamic and the storylines within so wonderfully woven that the transitions from one to another are seamless and wonderfully easy to follow for even the most casual reader! I would highly recommend this book to all readers from ages 12 through adult. It is a great book to "get away" from the world today and visit Quark in his world so different yet so very much like our own!

Milky Way Marmalade by Mike DiCerto is an unusual and whimsical science fiction adventure that brings together a collector of exotic meats, a blue android, a purple-eyed woman, a dog with a secret, a bizarre quest to save the Wisest Substance in the Universe (known as the mythical L'Orange), and perhaps also all life as well. A loopy, riotous, and high-spirited, original space romp, Milky Way Marmalade is a lot of fun and documents author Mike DiCerto as someone to keep track of!

An orange cube of gelatin contains the ultimate knowledge in of the universe. Called L'Orange, or the Akashic Records, or the Philosopher's Stone, or the Universal Hologram, and so on, it contains the past, present and future of all things. In the year 3265, Trinesmart Quark, II, a "procurer" of exotic foods, travels the universe in pursuit of his trade, until he tires of killing exotics merely for the satisfaction of the extremely wealthy and indulged. Soon he finds himself in pursuit of L'Orange and engaged in a surreal adventure.

Floating in the vastness of space, Caffrey discovers an ancient jukebox and recovers the sound of 20th century music. Living in a time when music no longer exists, Caffey finds that rock and roll speaks to his soul. His new passion lends new purpose to his life and he retire from procurement to spend his life on 20th century earth. But soon the android Poe 33, Portsmith to L'Orange finds him and ask for help. Suspiciously separated from L'Orange, Poe 33 needs Quark to help him before another entity can capture L'Orange and gain ultimate domination of the universe.

Author Michael DiCerto pens a novel that combines the outrageous fun of HITCHHIKER THROUGH THE GALLAXY and Monty Python with the search for cosmic meaning. Exotic imaginings and bizarre adventure lend MILKY WAY MARMALADE an irresistible appeal with its whimsical and outrageous style. Science fiction fans will discover DiCerto's gift of fabulous characterizations and wicked plotting lends a dynamic freshness to the genre. With rich nuances that become at once spiritual and satirical, MILKY WAY MARMALADE belongs on the keeper shelf. Very highly recommended.

Miss Elizabeth Mapp lives in the English village of Tilling and there she attempts to be part of the cream of Tilling's society. With a steady diet of gossip, Miss Mapp and her circle of fellow residents flavor their lives with eyes on the goal of status. Benson's sharply observed and satirical tale is part of the Mapp & Lucia series, which pokes fun at English society of the times. Like an early ancestor of "Dynasty" or anything else produced by Aaron Spelling, the Mapp and Lucia stories are big fun for any Anglophile or fan of camp literature.

This book from the hilarious pen of Benson, is odd in a certain way. After all, Miss Mapp is the queen of Tilling in the book, and undisputed depot who rules with an iron tongue! Where is our dear Lucia, Mapp's sworn enemy, and the pretender to the throne? Well, she is back in her original home of Riseholme, with her dear husband Peppino. Those who know the Mapp and Lucia Saga from the wonderful television series, might find it strange to have Mapp ruling the roost without interference, however it makes for a delightful read (with one oblique allusion to Lucia), and shows that Miss Mapp is a strong enough character to carry her own book. The most significant event (though hardly significant at all really) is the rumored duel between Puffin and Flint over the affections of Miss Mapp. What really occured on that misty morning? Read this brilliant piece of humor to find out. I love it!

Well, after meeting Queen Lucia, I quite enjoyed learning all about Tilling and its dear Miss Mapp. You will wonder who she visited in Riseholm, and you will die from the anticipation of the two ladies meeting up in subsequent books (you won't be disappointed!). The characters are fantastic, the situations are comic, and I absolutely loved this book! I am officially hooked on the entire series! I hope you will try it and love it just as much as I.

Not only will the Reader of today recognize Miss Mapp amongst her acquaintances, dear Reader is only too likely to see *herself* in caricature. (I, for one, am Diva Plaistow; no getting round it.) A delight from the first paragraph, "Miss Mapp" is even more enjoyable if you've read the first two in the Lucia chronicles. Librarina@netscape.net

Miss Mapp rules the tiny English village of Tilling- that is she rules those who matter. It is a tiny circle of people who have enough class to rate her attention - but she manipulates and lauds over them with machiavellian schemes, and intelligent surmises - and she is intelligent.

Benson has written a village with a range of gorgeous characters - from Diva who is Miss Mapp's great rival, to Irene the local artist who keeps embarrassing Miss Mapp with her prosaic pronouncements. Then there is the local Vicar who talks in a combination of Shakespearian English and Burnsian dialect. There is also Mrs Poppit who is an up and coming social climber (hardly worthy of Miss Mapp's notice) and the novel begins with Miss Mapps machinations to the Poppitt Bridge party.

Village life you see seems to run around Bridge parties. In this petty world of card games there is a great deal of opportunity to expose one another's weaknesses and Miss Mapp, in order to be the center of village life in Tilling finds no object too petty to exploit. This is a novel of small things made into huge issues because of the smallness of the village. There is Miss Mapps constant running battle to dress better than Diva, the competition over Mr Wyse's attentions (with his supposed comtessa sister), and the ever pressing desire to be the First To Know all the gossip in town.

The physical descriptions both through the characters minds and from Benson's pen are wonderful for instance Diva is always depicted as whirling around the place - her legs circling. Mrs Poppit is ever present in a huge and weighty sable coat.

This is a wonderful book, and beautifully written. Benson seems to me to be very influenced by Austen - there is the small and claustrophobic atmosphere of village life - the characters (Miss Mapp seems so like Mrs Norris of Austen's 'Mansfield Park') to me - and then there are the odd Austen Names (in this case the Coles feature strongly as a family that is not quite up to snuff - just as the Coles are in 'Emma'). If nothing else Benson writes of English village life in the 1920's with the same Ironic pen as Austen did of village life in the early nineteenth century.

Highly recommended if you want a couple of days of laughter.

Mr Maxtone Graham's work is a pure piece of art for all people with a love for classic liners and their times. It revives a (regrettably) lost way of life. A true bible.

I have two copies of this book and keep one on our boat in Ft Pierce, FL for guests to read and one at home for ME to re-read. Although we have cruised on the blue-water fleet numerous times, I love to read about the pre-jet crossings of a (seemingly) romantic and for the most part, by-gone era. When you read this book, it is so evocative tht you can close your eyes and almost imagine that you are there on a chilly quai in New York City about to depart for the great cities of Europe on one of the great liners. An absolute MUST READ for any ocean liner fan. I re-read this one often in the wee hours of the morning.

I devoured this book and you will too. John Maxtone-Graham is one of a kind, a marine historian who is urbane, erudite, and literate. He has written an absorbing book, filled with fun, details, anecdotes, and marine dreams. Here's to Big Ships and big dreams - That toast has a kind of 1920's ring to it. But I loved it. You will too.

I had the pleasure of meeting John Maxtone-Graham aboard the SS Norway in 1985. He autographed a copy of "The Only Way to Cross" and I have read it at least 3 times. I'll never tire of his detailed accounts of the ships and the people that made that era.

What I found really wonderful about the book was not only learning about the best parts of transatlantic travel but the worst as well. The section on Steerage as well as on the Boiler rooms show you every side of what life was like aboard the grandest ships to ever ply the oceans of the world.

If you buy only one book in your life buy this one!

This is a must read for any Oceanliner or ship fan. It will transport you back to the days when the steamship was truly the only way to cross. After reading this book you'll realize that those floating barge-hotels that Carnival and the other Megalines call ships will never be Luxury liners! Long live the SS Norway!

Truth resonates loud and clear from each page of this book!

Other reviewers of this book here have said it all, very well.

This is the most valuable book I own, for it has saved my life, many times.

Thank you Vernon Howard!

I highly recommend this book, in fact I've posted a video on YouTube you may go see at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixEo9_bA39E

In 2002, I had the most amazing year of my life. I was seeing things in a whole new way; life and everything on the planet looked wonderous; and I allowed myself the privilege of feeling whatever emotion arose - and being okay with them all! "This is the way man was meant to feel," I told myself. "And I've never felt better in my life!"

I've since slipped from that "high" and then wondered what it was I was doing right that created such wonderful emotional states. Only now am I beginning to discover the answer to that question: I read one-third of THIS BOOK in the months prior to my "enlightenment." Perhaps it was Vernon Howard's "Psycho-Pictography" that made the difference! If so, then this book is a little miracle-maker worthy of repeated readings! It must work imperceptibly - almost subliminally - at creating real life-changing results.

Time to read "Psycho-Pictography" again and test my theory. If it can again serve as a catalyst toward wonderful feeling-states, then I'm in for a wonderful 2005... and will never feel depressed or irrationally afraid again!

If you're depressed, lonely, panic-striken, confused about your place in the Universe, or haunted by irrational beliefs about yourself and the world, I recommend giving this book a crack at what it is that ails you. This could very well contain the answer(s) you seek.

I found this book in a used bookstore and have been carrying it around ever since. I usually dont get into self help type books. But this book is different. Ive since bought more products by Vernon Howard. This book describes the human dillema perfectly. Truth has never been spoken so clearly, Ive found nothing that equals this masterpiece. And if you give it a chance, you'll forever be changed.

This book is a great introduction into the philosophy of Vernon Howard. If you are new to the idea of self awakening, or acquiring good mental health, this is a good place to start. Compared to his other books, "Mystic Path To Cosmic Consciousness, The Power of Your Supermind, and "Esoteric Mind Power", this book seems on a beginner level. But that's good if you've never read these other books. I could recommend this, then the other books in that order.
The one and only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because the "Mental Pictures" didn't appeal to me that much. Some people need analogies and metaphores to help them to grasp a concept, I just tend to want to get to the heart of the teaching. The whole book is based on the idea of visualizing these concepts in this way, and others may find this enjoyable.
That is only a minor point, I do believe this book will ease you into the philosophy.

I've always been a big fan of "How To" books, especially ones like "Shaking the Money Tree" and "Writing Down the Bones," where a highly accomplished professional shares insider tricks and tips that I am able to use to solve a pressing problem.

Well, I recently had to pitch an idea for a new book. The subject (Citizen Journalism) was new for me, and I didn't know how to communicate my passion for the book and the importance of the subject. Then a friend told me about "Selling Your Story In 60 Seconds." I read the book in one afternoon, and using what I'd learned was able to pitch the idea successfully, four days later.

"Selling Your Story in 60 Seconds" is surprisingly well written and easy to read. Whether you are pitching a book, a script, or pitching an idea during fund raising--this book is essential.

This book on how to sell your story has an interesting perspective and will make you think of important facets of marketing your story you probably would not have thought about. Worthwhile.

I attended 2 of Michael's seminars at Screenwriting Expo '06 and this book contains the same "special" quality of Michael's in-person class: He wants you to succeed. The book is an Instruction Manual for understanding, crafting and marketing your story. The material is digestible for beginners, valuable for all levels of writing, simple and thorough. There is a nice balance of "Do" and "Don't" advice. The "Executives on Pitching" Section provides confirmation and flavor to the meaty material that precedes it. This book is not simply a compilation of quotes and buzzwords. Michael has command of his craft and endeavors with the heart of a mentor to infuse it in his readers. 2 thumbs up :)

Writers are lucky to have this book available - it provides them with much specific & essential guidance on their quest for perfection and success. And it makes things easier for us - film company executives - as well, because dealing with writers who have been enlightened by this book saves us time, compared to dealing with those who choose the shaky road of "trial & error". Thus this book is invaluable to both Writers and Executives. [...]

As an aspiring screenwriter, Mr. Hauge's title offered me a "guaranteed way" to get my screenplay read. Needless to say, this title sold me immediately. I finished reading it in one evening, and highlighter in hand, I went back and reread it again. It now closely resembles one of my college textbooks. I can't wait to implement Mr. Hauge's tips and suggestions as I enter the world of pitch fests, contests, and (hopefully) pitch meetings. When that time comes, I know I'll be well prepared and ready-to-go.

While I am biased becuase I stay at Marriott properties regularly, I did find this book useful. Bill speaks in a way that is easy to understand and shares some great tips on how to provide excellent service. Also, I learned some great mgm't related ideas as well. This book is not fancy, but deserves to be read.

If you've stayed in a Marriott hotel and you've wondered how they put everything together you'll learn about it in this book!

Everyone has probably seen a Marriott Hotel product on one of their drives. They are everywhere and have a diffeerent line of hotels to suit every need from Fairfield Inns, Residence Inns, Courtyard, Marriott, Ritz Carlton and others. What you may not know is the story of how those hotel came to be and what drives the success at Marriott. From their langthy Standards of Operation, to thier treatment of the thier employees is all explained for you to read. You get a great insight on a great company.

While this is not a biography, there are many biographical moments where Mr. Marriott give a little insight on him and why he does what he does at the company. He explains some of the moments from when his father started the busines, to his army days to his life now.

This is not you typical business how to book either because much of the information is geared to Marriott and the lodging industry while leaving it readable for all who want a book on success and business. He also helps to give insights on the Lodging and food industry and should be a must for Hotel and Management Students.

Since I work for a Marriott product, it has help me to understand the organization better which makes me a better employee and more focused. The company has a great reputation and this book helps to define what is expected.

He does explain the four rule of decision making which are:

1. Be willing to make decisions. He fells this are the most
important.
2. Do you homework. Just do not do it to obsession.
3. Listen to your heart. Some times your heart knows best.
4. Don't waiste time regretting. Sometimes a decision will look
better in hine sight, but some times you win, some times you
loose. Just roll with them.

This is a very inspriational book also. Where he speach about his personal experience with a heart attact and his religion.

Recommended for all.

In The Spirit To Serve, Bill Marriott offers advice on how to develop the type of management basics and solid core values that made his company an industry leader. These ideas are neither new nor radical. They are the simple lessons that Mr. Marriott has learned during his lifetime tenure at Marriott.

· Take a hands-on approach to your firm. Don't sit at your desk. Walk around your facility and interact with your employees. Make sure they know that you care about what they do.
· Managing well depends on listening well. Cultivate patience and keep an open mind when listening to ideas from employees and customers.
· Give your employees the tools they need to work. Make sure employees are properly trained for their jobs. After training, make sure there are support systems in place to assist employees.
· Offer exceptional employee incentives. Marriott has offered employees a toll-free consultation service, profit-sharing programs, promotion from within and several recognition programs.
· Encourage teamwork among workers. Create an environment in which the rewards of working together outweigh the rewards of individual interest.
· Don't take your partners for granted.
· Discover what works best and do it. Develop detailed standard operating procedures. The right way of doing things is worth making a habit.
· Balance who you are with where you are going. Maintain order within your organization while embracing change.
· Don't let growing pains destroy what you have built. Stay close to the daily grind of your business during periods of growth. Keep a close eye on quality control.
· Don't waffle over decision making. Stand by the decisions you make.
· Learn to recognize boom and bust signals. Pay attention to colleagues, reports and other indicators in your industry to get a realistic picture of what is happening. Don't be overconfident.

Ran into a copy of this succint biographical book at the Sydney Marriott alongside the Bible/Gita/Buddhist manual, and I wasn't too sanguine about something from the hospitality industry being too relevant to me. But this slim, easy read may actually connect with almost any business person. More so if you are in any way related to customer services or marketing.

Without skipping any beat on chapters of glorious prose, ala TypicalBusinessBook, it shoots straight from the gut about the tenets of Marriott -- how with sheer determination it shot to the big league from a small cottage inn, the MBE leadership style of Marriott (the younger Marriott that is) who prefers to walk his troops instead of boardroom inertia, lessons in team building, the importance of listening to all the levels of the organization, codifying past experiences into business philosophies (not the usual "Best Practices" bromide that is bandied about in elite echelons of business) etc etc.

In all respects, a hidden business gem of a book.

Now the million (ok, 11) dollar question. You can imagine how I got my copy. So would I *buy* this book if I had to? For the basement price, and for the simple but compelling REAL WORLD lessons, most likely yes.

Informative and wonderfully detailed, the stories are all enriching and compelling, each with its own personal touch.

I was very happy to finally find a book that covered the stories of women that chose surrogacy as a family building alternative. All the stories were heartfelt and inspiring and I was glued to the book from beginning to end! As an experienced surrogate to twins, I know first hand the emotions and rewards that come with a successful surrogacy arrangement. Great book Zara!! Two thumbs up! :)

This book is amazing! Anyone whis is involved in gestational surrogacy, whether you are the intended parents, the surrogate, or family members, should read this book. It is loaded with great "tips" and inspiration.

"Surrogacy was the Way" is a must read for anyone considering surrogacy as a family-building option. I read the book soon after I found out that my gestational surrogate was pregnant and it helped to relieve some of the anxiety I was feeling. I liked that all of the stories had the "happy ending" and that each woman seemed to genuinely share her worries and concerns about going through the surrogacy process. Reading the stories alleviated some of my own nervousness about surrogacy and it helped me to feel that I was not alone. I found it to be inspiring, calming, and real and I am so glad that Ms. Griswold wrote it. My mother, who also read the book, was so moved by the stories that she cried. There is no other book like this one out there and I am thankful that it came at the right time for me.

Surrogacy Was the Way is a wonderful book for anyone who is considering surrogacy, in the middle of a surrogacy, or just wants to know more and be supportive of a surrogacy. The book will make you cry and laugh. You will find at least one story in this book that will remind you of yourself.

The book is made up of 20 short stories (which are perfect for a busy person like me!) and is so easy and enjoyable to read. I would highly recommend this book!

This book details the true nature of space and time. It also details some of the most power forms of qigong/neigong available. This book is a must have for any person studying qigong/neigong.

Absolutely a MUST for anyone interested in the more spiritual aspects of martial arts or just meditation. The author has done a remarkable job of explaining that which is unexplainable in simple, easy-to-understand terms. This is truly a timeless work!

I had to write a school term paper. I chose Meditation but after researching it a bit, I changed the paper's subject. I only looked through this book I have not read it.

I've read the book, and re-read certain parts that I found interesting, and no, this is not a good book on meditation at all, I think people are just entranced by the cool cover.

First of all, almost none of this book actually talks about meditation. The beginning chapters have a few interesting ideas about the Tao, and some interesting theory about life in general is brought up. Key word is SOME. A lot of it is what I like to call pseudo-science BS. The author will say something kind of interesting, and then spend almost the same amount of time justifying this belief because there is some science somewhere out there that can support this belief.

Often in these situations the link to science seems fairly tenuous, and it doesn't really matter in the end, either you believe in the Tao or you don't. And chances are you do, because you bought the book. There are a few interesting parables in the book (i.e. stories about people seeking enlightenment), but many other Taoist books tell similar parables with a bit more skill. The author is not a skilled writer, sometimes the writing seems very dry and boring.

Really, only the last 30 or so pages of the book talk about meditation. The meditation discussion is based mostly on posture, which is ok, but it offers very little useful advice for someone trying to plumb the depths of their own mind. I've found at least, that it's easy to get stuck sometimes or not know where to proceed after a certain point in my own practice of meditation. The book offers very scant advice on the actual MEDITATIONs. Personally, I feel that anyone who tells you that this book is an "essential" read or some other such rot, is really misleading you. I have a book right now, -Wherever you go, there you are- which in my opinion is a way better book which attempts to give some actual guidance into meditation.

As for Taoist or life philosophies itself, the Chuang-Tzu, and the Tao Te Ching are the obvious places to start, and make a lot of the points the author brings up seem trivial. Anyway, at best it is a support book on Taoism for a couple of its parables or concepts, but doesn't deserve any special attention.

I purchased a previous edition of this book in 1991 and practiced the methods it describes for a while, then forgot about it for 15 years, and am now getting back into it. It continues to remain an excellent reference for me, and I am hopeful that I can stay "on the path" this time. In a world of false pretenders, The Tao of Meditation is truly a wonderful book that describes a wonderful method of meditation, and there is nothing else to buy once you have this book. I was sad to see that Grandmaster Jou Tsung Hwa had died on August 3rd, 1998. [...]