Way Books

Marjorie Meyer Arsht's literary gem of a book takes its reader on a journey of time and places with vivid details, invoking emotions from laughter to tears as the reader takes the challenging, personal journeys right alongside Marjorie. Her writing style makes for an enjoyable reading experience. I recommend it for everyone's personal library regardless of where they live, what their political or religious affiliation. My only complaint is that I wasn't ready for it to end when I came to the last page!

Marjorie's account shows just how much a gifted, caring person can
accomplish with the mind set of overcoming all obstacles of foes, families, and deterrants on the path of making this a better world for having been blessed by such wisdom and perseverance inspired to
improve the lives of others less capable of doing it for themselves.
Alliene and Wylie W. Vale

Yoakum's loss was our gain. This is an exceedingly well-written memoir of a remarkable life. It is the rare memorist who can not only tell her story, but make the reader feel he is right there along with her. I'm ready for her next chapters.

My mother, Elaine Kuper, and I enjoyed the book from our different perspectives---hers, from her active involvement at Beth Israel having taught Sunday School for 25 years (and my grandmother, Lorraine Hofeller having taught for 40 years!) My family's membership of Temple Beth Israel goes back to 1934--My interest focused on the amazing history of Texas politics! This book truly underscores the fact that one person can make a difference!

"All The Way From Yoakum" is a marvelous book about an extraordinary woman. It is an historical document as well--about Jewish life in small-town Texas, the rise of the Texas Republican Party and the evolution of race relations in the South. By any standard, Marjorie Arsht is an unforgettable person and this book brings her vividly alive.
Allan Brownfeld

Although this book is required reading, not only for ARMY OCS, but also for other applications, it is quite possibly the most BORING read ever.

While the information is quite valid *and* genius, basically the ARMY's system on leadership, it is just plain boring... Sorry, it's the truth.

For the price, the information is golden. In fact, even if the price were higher it would still be worth what you pay. But even still, this was a painful 171 pages to read!!

BUY IT. READ IT. GET IT OVER WITH...! :)

This is a great resource for individuals looking for some leadership pointers.

The world's benchmark with respect to leadership is the market driven capitalist company, however it seems they have lost their way when compared to the US Army. After you read this book you will be shocked to find out how far ahead of private business the US Army is in the area of Leadership.

Ultimately the US Army has determined that in some fashion everyone that reports to you is also a leader and needs to be trained and respected as such. The US Army's leaders are actively developed at all levels so that they can lead and develop others - no lip service here.

Since I became a civilian a few years ago, I've struggled somewhat with explaining to my team how to adapt what I "know" about Army leadership into terms they can understand.

This book does a great job of putting the fundamentals of Army leadership into terms civilians can understand, and better yet, implement or integrate into their leadership experience.

The fundamentals apply to every organization, and I highly recommend it to any student of leadership!

I recently re-read this book, curious to know to what extent its content remains relevant. My conclusion? It is even more relevant today than it was when first published in 2004. In Richard E. Cavanagh's Foreword, he recalls a discussion during dinner with Peter Drucker and Jack Welch who shared the same opinion that the United States military services do the best job developing leaders. What we have in this volume is an adaptation by Frances Hesselbein and General Eric K. Shinseki (USA Ret.) of Field Manual 22-100, Army Leadership, with assistance from Alan Shrader. Hesselbein and Shinseki also wrote the Introduction. The material is carefully organized within seven chapters, followed by a Conclusion that reviews the most important points, correctly noting the unique and compelling role that the U.S. Army has played since June 14, 1775, when the Continental Congress authorized enlistment of riflemen to serve the United Colonies for one year.

With regard to the book's title, "Army leadership begins with what the leader must Be, the values and attributes that shape a leader's character...People want leaders who are honest, competent, forward-looking, and inspiring...People willingly follow only those who know what they are doing. One of the quickest ways for a leader to lose trust and commitment of followers is to demonstrate incompetence...Character and competence, the Be and the Know, underlie everything a leader does. But character and knowledge - while absolutely necessary - are not enough. Leaders act; they Do...They solve problems, overcome obstacles, strengthen teamwork, and achieve objectives. They use leadership to produce results."

I realize that these concepts seem simple. In one sense they are. However, in this context, I am reminded of what Oliver Wendell Holmes once said: "I would not give a fig for the simplicity this side of complexity, but I would give my life for the simplicity on the other side of complexity." The challenge to any organization when developing leaders is to guide those involved to the other side of complexity." The composite of excerpts from Be-Know-Do identifies core concepts, to be sure, but it also describes the character, competence, knowledge, and results-driven initiative that the U.S. Army seeks to develop within every one of its soldiers, regardless of rank. "No one is only a leader; each person in an organization is also a follower and part of a team. In fact, the old distinction between leaders and followers has blurred; complex twenty-first-century organizations require individuals to move seamlessly from one role to another in an organization, from leadership to `followership,' and back again."

Hesselbein and Shinseki are to be commended for their skillful adaptation of Field Manual 22-100, Army Leadership, but also for the inclusion within the narrative of relevant material from sources outside the U.S. Army organization. For example, they quote prominent business thinkers throughout the narrative: James Kouzes and Barry Posner on leadership by example (page 24), John Gardner on the importance of a shared vision (page 30), Patrick Lencioni on teamwork (page 86), and John Kotter on a leader's "quest for learning" (page 132). Readers will also appreciate the provision of various "Exhibits" such as 5.1 that provides a brilliant illustration of Team-Building Stages.

Those who share my high regard for this volume are urged to check out Frances Hesselbein's other works that include The Leader of the Future 2: Visions, Strategies, and Practices for the New Era co-authored with Marshall Goldsmith, On Leading Change: A Leader to Leader Guide co-authored with Rob Johnston, and Leading for Innovation: and Organizing for Results co-edited with Goldsmith and Iain Somerville. Also, I highly recommend the wealth of resources available at the Leader to Leader Institute (http://www.leadertoleader.org/), a non-profit and tax exempt organization that includes a subscription to its magazine among several membership benefits.

I don't know Paul before I got this book. This is the best business book I have read all year.

It's been responsible for helping me double my business in the last two months!

Most of the principles inside will apply to corporate businesses but I took just two of the principles in it, took action on them, and saw radical results. It's not the specific strategies that helped me see these results, it was the change in perspective on doing things that this book certainly provided me.

I recommend it to anyone who wants to grow their business fast.

Fabian Tan

I just finished reading Be Unreasonable. I read it on the treadmill, exercise bike and other stationary machines designed to get the job done. I cannot begin to tell you how much I love it.

I read a lot of these books. I'm a host, author, speaker and coach, so you can see by the nature of my work that I am passionate about helping people focus on the desired outcome and ultimately achieve it.

I am going to do something with this book I rarely do. I'm going to the gym tomorrow, and I'm going to read Be Unreasonable again. There are so many important points, I want to make sure I can take the concepts and put them into play with my organization and those I serve. Bravo, it is a masterful body of work.

One of the better self help books. I passed it along to my 2 sons and both have benefited from the power of the advice.

Entrepreneurism is at an all-time high. The days of thousands competing for a single job have been replaced by hundreds of businesses competing for the same customer.

How will you stand out?

This book gives you the courage to get out and be a little unreasonable, a little unconventional, a little unusual and go for the unknown, so you can have unstoppable business success.

I am a fast reader, and I can zip through the average business book on a plane trip. You know . . .yadda, yadda, yadda, think outside the box . . .yadda, yadda, yadda, be proactive . . .

"Be Unreasonable" is NOT your average business book. I found myself stopping every few pages to absorb the powerful concepts presented, think about what they mean to me, and generate ideas that will transform my business. This is real-world information, and Paul Lemberg shows us how real businesses have used being unreasonable to overcome obstacles and achieve remarkable success.

It is hard to pick one part of the book that is "best," but if I had to choose one chapter it would be the one on Unreasonable Thinking. Every page had me thinking of new ideas and changing the way I look at things.

Stop reading this review right now, and order your copy of "Be Unreasonable." And do not put it on the shelf with all those other books that you haven't gotten around to reading yet. Set aside some time every day to read a part of the book, then reflect on what being unreasonable can do for you. It will change your business, and your life.

And the next time someone tells you that you are being unreasonable, simply say, "Thank you!"

Cathy Stucker, IdeaLady.com

Having gone back to this wonderful book on more than one occasion, it compelled me to proclaim it's abundant worth to the world. For those who have no knowledge of Benedictine Spirituality or monasticism, it is a great way to learn more in an easy to comprehend format. For those people who have visited monasteries, participated in retreats and/or been taught in Benedictine schools, it still speaks very clearly to the more experienced reader. That blanket coverage of a wide spectrum of believers is what makes this effort so special.
I am fortunate to have had some tremendous Benedictine monk friends, and the subjects covered in this book are done so in a way that you want to holler "bullseye" at the conclusion of each chapter. This is truly thought-provoking writing and reflection at it's best. The authors are to be commended for such a concise, yet complete explanation of how St. Benedict (and his rule) is indeed a worthwhile tool, even today.
I would say that with all the hype that surrounds some of the offerings in the world of books, this one has virtually none (hype). However, it delivers ten-fold on what may appear to be a rather simplistic exploration of the structural pillars of Benedictine wisdom and traditions.
To see how we can can increase our stability, be more attuned to humility, become more authentic and disciplined in our faith, while also lessening our need for possessions and conflict...what other priceless virtues can we incorporate in our lives? The answer? There are 2 dozen more wonderful attributes covered in this outstanding gem of a book.
You will most definitely read it once, and undoubtedly again...multiple times. Or, if you are like me, it is a simple treasure to be passed along to a friend in need when the time arises. Upon it's return, the rave reviews continue, cementing your own feelings and helping to soothe the bumpy roads that life lets us travel from time to time. Let this help be your own personal roadmap to a deeper understanding of the time honored monastic communities that thrive today...and all the way back...a millenium and a half ago.
May the Benedictine monastic communities continue to floursih in the world, never letting us lose sight of the tremdously valuable teachings of Saint Benedict!

In the rush of our lifestyle, instant is the watchword for our culture. BENEDICT'S WAY by Lonni Collins Pratt and Father Daniel Homan, OSB, helps you take a deep breath and learn from an unexpected source of strength. St. Benedict is often credited as being the father of Western monasticism. He lived in a time when chaos rocked Christianity and the situation seemed to be worsening with every passing day. In the middle of such chaos, Benedict was a man with order, sense and peace. Doesn't the quest for balance resonate with most of us?

The authors describe their purpose saying, "This book is our attempt to enliven the Rule of St. Benedict for those who have never read it, as well as those who are already familiar with the Rule." Father Homan is prior major of St. Benedict Monastery in Oxford, Michigan and has lived the Rule of St. Benedict for forty years. Lonni Pratt is an award-winning journalist and a Catholic laywoman who has informally associated with the monastery through friendship. The pair of authors have a common interest in Benedictine spirituality.

Thirty short chapters enlighten the reader about keys to spirituality like listening, prayer, work, stability, friendship, balance and celebration. Each chapter includes a quote from St. Benedict, then a brief section from a scholar of St. Benedict. Also a short devotional thought is included and a section of application called, "Going Inward." As the Rule of St. Benedict says about joy, "As we journey I this way of life and in faith, we shall run on the path...our hearts overflowing with the inexpressible delight of love."

Readers can expect insight and wisdom as they learn from St. Benedict. You can read the book daily in the morning or before bed or as a refreshing break in the middle of a hectic day at work.

Benedict's Way guides the reader easily into understanding God's intentions of our time here on earth. We have created a fast paced lifestyle that is self serving causing much anxiety. This is evident by the ever increaing need for lifestyle managing drugs. Our current society with all its technology and materialism has the highest rates of divorce, depression, sucide, etc., in history. It seems that all this financial wealth has done little to make us truly happy. Is it possible that God in is infinite wisdom understood this and inspired spiritual teachers like Buddha, Mother Terresa, and St. Benedict to teach us how to live?

Pratt and Homan have challenged the reader to look at their own life and reflect on it. For me personally this book has opened my eyes to my own self serving ways. Each chapter is thought provoking and one of my favorites Balance and Celebration caused me to pause and look at how I approach my family time, work time, personal time, spritual time, etc.

The format makes this an easy read with each chapter ending in a reflective prayer. Another great aspect of the book is the suggested reading section that includes web-sites to visit.

This book is a must read for anyone serious about living a simplier spirit filled life.

I'm new to Benedictine spirituality but am learning to value the simple things. I thought that made this book a good place to start my Benedictine journey. The book challenged my long-held ideas about spirituality and the nature of the universe and I came away feeling good about myself believing that maybe the universe is a good place after all. It helped me. I think that's what I really needed from a book rather than advice on Benedictine spirituality although I'm confident that is also a strength for this book. We all want balance and this really does help.

Of the reviewers posted here, I think I am probably the only one who read Radical Hospitality, the other book by these authors, before reading Benedict's Way. I like Radical Hospitality better if only because it spoke to me about how I need to make some changes in my life. Benedict's Way is a great book for anyone who wants to go a little deeper into benedictine spirituality but isn't much into serious scholarship. My brother is a Benedictine monk and he showed me a review of the book that came out recently. It talked about how this book is written in a simple and direct style but there is an evident scholarship lurking in the backgrounds of the authors. They just don't seem to be showy about it. Which is very good news for the reader who wants depth without pretentiousness. Even if you do read Radical Hospitality first, you'll love this book.

I read a library copy of "Donovan's Daughter" and so thoroughly enjoyed it, that I now have a copy on order. I want to own this series from the very beginning.

Lexy Connor is a great heroine. She is well past the first blush of youth, but is smart, vital and ready to do anything for a friend.

She searches for the true parentage of Tally, a young woman who is being threatened even though she knows nothing of her true background. Her parents have been dead for years. She comes to Lexy because Lexy knew her adoptive parents.

With few clues to go on, Lexy (along with her delightful dog) goes across country to solve a mystery that puts her and some of her friends in grave danger.

Don't miss this exciting and humorous first mystery with an unforgettable heroine.

When Lexy Connor gets a call for help from Tally Richard, she's very willing to help. Adopted as a child, Tally had been delving into her birth-parents and received a mysterious telephone calling regarding them. But before Tally could find out much, the informant was murdered. Now Tally is fleeing the killer who is seeking to protect a family secret by ending her inquiry -- and her life! Chandler's Daughter is a Lexy Connor mystery and continues to document Truly Donovan as a skilled and consistently entertaining storyteller who plays fair with the reader in an action thriller that grips the attention from first page to last.

This book was a great light hearted mystery. If a book dosnt keep my intrest in the first couple of chapters then I dont read it, but Chandler's Daughter kept my intrest, and befor I knew it I was done with the book. I really recommead it!

Truly Donovan's debut mystery CHANDLER'S DAUGHTER is the beginning of a wonderful cozy mystery series.

As I read, I found myself taken with Ms. Donovan's single, plus-size, middle-aged, amateur sleuth Lexy Connor. She is witty, intelligent and delightful!

Lexy lives in Gunbarrel, Colorado, where she runs her own software consulting company. She loves to eat out with friends and owns a lovable, well-mannered Westie named Molly. Those of us who can't live without our mysteries, Internet or email, will find a comrade in Lexy as she is blessed with the same passions.

In her debut mystery, Lexy finds her quiet Colorado world shaken when her friend Tally calls for help. Tally offers to pay Lexy her usual software consultation fee, if she will solve the mystery of a dead stranger Tally was supposed to meet. This mystery has Lexy traveling the country (a trip you don't want to miss) in an attempt to find the murderer who is also hunting for her friend.

Good little mystery. Nothing earth shattering but a good first book. Few minor details wrong such as "Rotties thumped their tails". I know you're a Westie lover, Truly, but you should know Rotties don't have tails.

Peter Cicero use of storytelling to get across a thought provoking and very simple process of changing a business is exactly what every manager and business owner needs to read whether he believes his company is perfect or far from it. His ideas are simple and straight forward but I believe can make a difference when used. I am passing this onto my education department at work and my bosses because I believe his ideas can make a difference.

I enjoyed how this book uses narrative storytelling to explain key concepts. I also liked that the author provided a simple summary of the key concepts along the way. I remember thinking there is a very Chinese Kung Fu-like element to this book. As you might know, the Chinese kung-fu masters studied nature to design combat styles. Paul Cicero uses a similar technique to develop a busines philosophy. I really think Cicero is on to something. I think the MOOSE might just be the next big management concept.

This is a great business book. It is a wonderful read and teaches people how to transform their lives and their workplace. I love how Cicero takes what we can learn from nature (the moose) into the workplace. It is a great new way to think about your life!

Choose the MOOSE! is an excellant business book. I love the way that Cicero takes what a moose does in the wild and translates it to what we can do to thrive in any situation. Cicero hits the nail on the head when he says that corporate america is only focusing on the numbers. After reading Choose the MOOSE! I actually ENJOY going to work.

If you are looking to better your working conditions then this is the book for you. In a great story form, Peter Cicero works magic in the way he helps businesses transform themselves by growing their employees. I have read most of the business books out there today and Choose the MOOSE! beats them all.

Bravo and encore, Darren Reed!

Your 'poetic celebration' of women is a triumph and treasure for the Human family! Your clear and balanced writing style is pure simplicity and gives tremendous power to each poem, phrase and word! COCO WAYS is a keeper, definitely!

Darren Reed's poems visit our lives with memories that are past and of things to be. His first poem talking of the switch whippings reminded me of many a time I had to pick my own switch before the whipping. I can picture his characters clearly in my mind. This young man has a gift. I look forward to his future works. He will go far!

Coco Ways is an intimate glipse into the heart and soul of the author. It is refreshingly candid and honest. Its themes and subjects are not only readily transferable to any reader, be it male, female, black, hispanic or other, but they trandscend the personal experience and broach significant social issues . Even for the less than enthusiastic poetry reader, Coco Ways will evoke and validate our most primal sentiment- the love of our mothers.

I think that the book was very relative to me and how my history was and still is when I was growing up. I just love my favorite poem "Things Done Changed" because I think that it relates to me the most. I also think that the uncle poem intitled " Guess What" was really relative because that is very true. I can feel you on that one. Well gotta go. By the way my name is Franklin Dealno Roberson and I am your student. All I have to say is that your book is astonishing! Check you later. Peace, Stanklin

Mr. Reed brings the subtleties of the old school classics into being with new world soul. If I were to describe his style of writing it would have to be dubbed as hip-hop waltzing with elegance. This young man is destined to be recognized as a literary force in the future. The very near future! Langston has a son named Darren Reed.

The art of an inner compass is outlined in 52 lessons and excercies in this gem from Lynn Robinson. Life is meant to be lived and it is best lived when you navigate the seas of walking on earth. So few people understand the critical importance of being tuned into our inner wisdom. How do we start in a cranial world of logic and reason? Our intuition and through developing it as our ally in choice-making. Compass of the Soul provides techniques that strengthen our intuitive voice and our capacity to trust ourselves. Robinson is a masterful teacher who helps students understand the delicate balance of blending our intuition with intellect. This is practical, do-able, and for those of us who live in reality. Robinson is no nonsense and there is no "scary spooky" language in her writings. Overall, keep this compass handy so you can always tune into your very own North Star, and steer the course.

This was a tremendous help in agonizing a decision. One option looked good but felt terrible. Another was ok but felt like the lesser of two evils. I went with the latter and just couldn't shake a sense of regret that I erred in my choice. A few months later I ran into a friend of a friend who was familiar with the two organizations involved. Our conversation resulted in my negative vibes being verified 100%. It was errie and it was frightening to listen to my inner compass. But once this truth was revealed, I knew that I had made the right choice to walk away and ended up sparing myself some real stress. Now I trust myself much more than before and leave second guessing out of it.

Other books to consider: Finding Your North Star by Martha Beck, The Intuitive Way by Penney Peirce, The Psychci Pathway by Sonia Choquette, and The Vein of Gold by Julia Cameron. For those with a shamanic/Native American interest you can also look at Anam Cara (Celtic ways), and What We Ache For by Oriah Moutain Dreamer.

My husband used to tease me about the "women's books" I was always reading. So the other day when I found "Compass of the Soul" lying on top of the Sunday sports section, I knew I had him. At dinner, I told him my intuition had informed me that someone besides me was reading a "woman's book" with a golden cover. He put down his forkful of spaghetti, looked me straight in the eye, and told me I was right and he wanted to talk about it. We did. And now he wants to read the author's previous book, "Divine Intuition." Go figure. Guess I'll have to check out the sports pages now. Conclusion: This is an inspiring guide for anyone of any gender who wants to start living their dreams. I especially recommend it for couples. 

If you've ever wondered what was missing in your life and would like to figure out what you really want, COMPASS OF THE SOUL is the book for you! Each of the ideas suggested in this book's 52 easy-to-read chapters includes real-life stories, practical suggestions, and straightforward intuition exercises you can put to immediate use in your life. Author Lynn Robinson excels at making sublime spiritual concepts accessible and comprehensible as she shares wisdom she's gleaned from years of helping people make their dreams come true.

Could you benefit from finding a way to recognize something good when almost everything seems to be going wrong? Would you like to know how to focus your thoughts on what you really want, rather than what you're afraid will happen or upset about having happened in the past? Let COMPASS OF THE SOUL help you rediscover your spiritual center and reacquaint you with the inner guidance system you were born with.

This book is perfect for giving you a boost every time you read it -- whether you choose to devour it in one single sitting or savor each of it's 52 chapters every week for a year. COMPASS OF THE SOUL is a rare gem of exceptional clarity and insight that is destined to be a classic book for anyone seeking personal coaching and spiritual guidance.

This is a great book and reminds me of everything I need to touch base with. I love that you can pick it up at any chapter. I love the way Lynn made it short and to the point, but full of meaning.

This book was awesome. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is very compassionate with great ideas and much wisdom. Thank you to Lynn Robinson for a wonderful, thoughtful, invaluable book that really makes you think and change your life for the better. I encourage anyone to read this book. There is no one who could not benefit from this marvelous book.

The illustrations are cute and it captures the theme well!

Definitely a great gift!

So many types of love!-Identified and perfectly illustrated. This adorable book explores the many aspects of love. Many, I'd never thought of. A lot of these you've probably experienced and didn't know quite how to describe it. The illustrations are so fitting, but really, what else would we expect from Sandra Boynton?

This book is great for ANY age! Lots of humor that adults can appreciate, but still cute for kids too. Really great gift idea for valentines day, anniversary, wedding or, just because.

This was the third book by Boyton that I bought. I wish I could buy them all!
'Consider Love' is a romantic and funny book and I thouroughly reccomend it.

I found this cute book at my college bookstore and bought it for my husband for Valentines Day. I had no idea that Boynton had written any non-board books.

This book contains the classic Boynton wit and humor, along with the adorable illustrations of hippos, pigs, and dozens of other animals. It illustrates all different types of love. I think that one of my favorite parts is actually on the back cover - it says that Sandra Boynton is an "internationally ignored authority on romance."

This is a very cute little book and is great as a gift for that special someone, or for anyone that you love.

"Consider Love", is another delightfully charming book created by the talented Sandra Boynton. I have been buying her books to read to my daughter for years and I always find myself chuckling at the adorable illustrations and nice message tucked into her jaunty rhythmic style of writing. The best thing to do when first reading one of her books is to read it through once, then go back and look at each little character drawn, to capture their little expressions and mannerisms. My daughter is now nine years old and we both love "Consider Love". It is a colorful, fun,and interesting look at the many different forms that love may take. I highly recommend it to anyone who has little ones near by!

This book is the best I have ever read on dog behavior. It is very specific and gently leads you to the place where your dog is absolutely comfortable with you as you are with him/her. A must read for any pet owner.

This is a beautiful and inspiring book. It is full of photos and case studies of dogs that are entertaining to read. Just like episodes of The Dog Whisperer we witness dogs and their owners as they find a healthy balance of love, commitment and training that make everyone involved happy.

I thought I knew how to raise and enjoy dogs but when I read this book and others by the Monks of New Skete, I realized I was missing so much.
Now I recommmend it to everyone getting a new puppy and older dog owners as well. Dogs are awesome and having them as a part of our life is a special blessing.

I was having sushi with a good friend and we were discussing pets and the difference between dogs and cats. Being a cat lover from the time I can remember I was not too interested in hearing about dogs, who I perceived as basically big dirty dumb animals. My friend had a different take; she said, "cats are nature's serial killers, but dogs were put here to teach us how to love."

When my husband and I moved to the Caribbean I brought three cats over with me. One night a local stray dog, a "potcake" as we say, came to visit. "Don't feed it!", I yelled, "or it will keep coming back!" Well, he did feed her and she did come back and now we have no cats but are the proud owner of a 65 pound potcake named Smiley (the best dog in the world). Hmmm....

She came housebroken and relatively social, but liked to run off, was overprotective, and did not play well with other dogs. Luckily I found a great dog trainer and groomer, and Smiley entered doggie day care with training and socialization. Our trainer, as it turned out, used the principles taught by The Monks of New Skete. An Eastern Orthodox order based in Cambridge, New York, the monks train dogs as part of their "monastic witness. For example, since we live on land that is steep and rocky, it is totally unsuitable for farming. This reality led us to begin breeding German Shepherd Dogs early on, and boarding and training dogs of all breeds." The Monks also train dogs and their owners to lead happier, more productive lives together.

Their latest book, Divine Canine: The Monks' Way to a Happy, Obedient Dog, is a clear and easy-to-understand guide to training "difficult" dogs using the examples of actual clients. This is a beautiful book with color photos of the dogs, owners, and Brother Christopher. We see the dogs misbehaving and behaving with clear explanations of how they walked the path. The book is grounded in the monks sense that relationships with dogs help deepen our relationships with God. "God speaks to us through our dogs -- indeed through all life -- and woe to us if we're deaf to that voice."

Divine Canine is organized around the five basic obedience commands: Sit, Stay, Heel, Down, and Come. Each dog story focuses on how teaching the dog these basic commands leads ultimately to a calmer, happier dog and therefore calmer, happier humans. So we watch as Tessie the mini bull terrier with obedience issues learns that she is not the "alpha" of the family and must listen, as Hugo the bulldog learns to not jump up, and as Boomer the rottweiler mix learns that aggression will not be tolerated and is not necessary. But what we also learn is what we as humans must give to the dog -human relationship; what our companion dogs should expect from us.

While all of the Monks' dog books are wonderful, I especially enjoyed The Monks' Way to a Happy, Obedient Dog because of the personal stories. We see the good, bad, and the ugly when it comes to the dogs and their owners and learn about ourselves as much as about our pets.

divine canine is the third of 3 books written by the monks of new skete and should be read first if at all. if you follow the fantastic advise given in their first two books you should have a very well behaved and happy companion. when this is the case reading divine canine can get a little frustrating. all you read is stories of people who have let their dog run the house and thats just not a dogs place. PLEASE READ THE ART OF RAISING A PUPPY AND HOW TO BE YOUR DOGS BEST FRIEND. the art of raising a puppy will also give you great insight on how to choose a puppy.