Way Books

This book is so much more than the title led me to believe. This is not a book on infertility, although the lessons taught can certainly be applied to any area of a woman's life/health. It was easy to understand, and the way it is presented should be easily followed , even for a novice such as myself. I read this book cover to cover in one day. I could not put it down. Thank you to the author for finally giving us a book written at a level that can be heard and absorbed by all who pick up this gem.

I love that she is both a medical doctor and has "crossed the pond" to embrace the ancient Chinese Secrets and Holistic lifestyle approach to living a healthy well rounded life!
She has a fresh and unique approach to getting the knowledge out there in a laypersons voice! Finally a doctor we can relate to!
Loving it!
Thank-you Randine Lewis
Your the kind of physican all American doctors should follow suit to!
Spread the Word...

Women can use diagnostic questionnaires, qi gong exercises, and guided meditations to help how elements of nature express themselves in mind and spirit in THE WAY OF THE FERTILE SOUL: TEN ANCIENT CHINESE SECRETS TO TAP INTO A WOMAN'S CREATIVE POTENTIAL, which provides tools for women on how to identify imbalances, reduce stress and uncover creativity. Chapters are packed with analysis of underlying energies and spirit sources and make for an excellent survey of women's psychic and physical health issues.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

I bought this book after having read "the infertility cure" and I was expecting the same style: a practical, compassionate, infertility related book. "The way of the fertile soul", however, is a very "out there" kind of book, focused on the theory of ancient chinese medicine and no practical information. For example, it tells you that you have to stop having negative thoughts, but never bothers with practical advice on how to stop your brain from producing them.
I thought it was a good book to read if you want to expand your horizons and learn about something completely new (at least for us westerners), but it is by no means an instruction book on how to accomplish the things she is talking about. Most importantly it IS NOT A FERTILITY BOOK, at least not in the narrow sense of fertility as creating a baby.
For women like me, who want to buy it to expand the information they got from her other book (the infertility cure), I would say don't bother, it has nothing to offer you...

I believe that every great teacher's job is to shine light, not give heat to a person seeking information. Dr. Randine Lewis does just that by sharing her vast wisdom and interpretation of ancient Chinese methodology. She helps us to remember what we've forgotten and connect with our great potential for living with passion, joy, strength and unlimited possibility.
Kristen Magnacca,
Author of Girlfriend To Girlfriend: A Fertility Companion (Authorhouse2000), Love and Infertility

This is an amazing book! It gives a great overview of the history and uses of the Labyrinth, and it helps you get started with walking and making them :). This book has really changed my life.
I bought a wonderful wooden double fingerlabyrinth that I use every morning and evening, and in between when I'm upset, and I realized that the town that I have been living in for 12 years now (Nijmegen in the Netherlands) has quite a big stone labyrinth outside on the public street, made by an artist years ago, that can be walked anytime, so now I'm walking it now and then :).
You can see pictures of it here on the artist's site: [...]

I purchased this book because a young man built a large, paved labyrinth on the property of our retreat center as his Eagle Scout project. The labyrinth is 40 feet in diameter. It was not being used because people did not know how to walk the labyrinth. I purchased this book so I could write a short guide for people to use for prayer and meditation as they walked the labyrinth. Now the labyrinth is being used a great deal.
The book was most helpful, providing very specific instructions, and also providing an excellent history of the labyrinth. I recommend this book highly.

A dear friend gave me this book.

My friend is not someone who talks about feelings or his spiritual life and he rarely finds himself walking in a labyrinth. Yet he knew when he saw The Way of the Labyrinth in a museum bookstore in Washington DC that it was a book he must get for me. On December 31 2000 my friend and I did walk in a laybrinth in Hamilton Montana. My friend enjoyed the walk but for me it was transforming. I didn't know much about the power of Labyrinths until then, nor did have much information about them. Lucky for me I have a woman friend in Missoula who has created several labyrinths in Vermont. She came to my house in May of 2000 and we installed a labyrinth of mowed paths in my backyard. I immediately felt more happy and at peace than I had in months. I have a much deeper connection to my small piece of property as a result of the labyrinth that has been uncovered in yard.

I walked in my "lab" for almost a year before my friend gave me this book. After a year of meaningful walks I was still without much formal understanding of the labyrinth concept. I was now ready to take in information and become more knowledgeable of the history of labyrinths and how they have helped people throughout time. This book is a wealth and gift of gentle information. As a result of walking my labyrinth for 18 months and reading this book I feel more grounded in my labyrinth practice. I feel very lucky to have recieved such a lovely gift from such an unlikely friend. I'm happy every morning to see this book on my desk in my yellow kitchen and I am even happier to have read a book that is so well written.

The book confirms what I've always known inside. The truth is already there, you just have find your way to the center to listen as it quietly speaks to you in ways you can understand. I reccomend this book to everyone who has ever walked a labyrinth, and even for those who have been walking all year without any formal understanding of the journey. You won't be disapointed.

This book was my introduction to labyrinths - I didn't even know that labyrinths weren't mazes before reading "The Way of the Labyrinth". Reading this book was a valuable experience for me. I found the tone very agreeable and it helped me make my way through the book at a comfortable pace that was a nice complement to the material. The whole "labyrinth concept" is sort of a personal experience and a lengthy intellectual document would have missed the point entirely. I read it one or two pages a day and every time I picked it up it was like continuing a interesting conversation.

Reflecting on and meditating with labyrinths is a process of carefully and peacefully reflecting on life with something tangible, labyrinths. It was surprising to me how relevant some of the aspects of labyrinths were to issues I was thinking through. A labyrinth, as opposed to a maze, is a path you can follow which winds you around till you get to the center - always. There are no dead ends, and no choices (other than the choice to keep walking forward). This book outlines a few famous historical labyrinths and discusses basic lessons that people have relearned every time they incorporate labyrinths into their society: focus, patience and reflection among many more. The method in which labyrinths focuses people on these lessons shows how powerful a symbol labyrinths are. Its sort of like how you can't help thinking about the future (or the past!) when you see funeral.

There are many personal experiences that Helen shares about her experience with labyrinths. They are a nice guide to what to what you might think about when walking a labyrinth - or even just thinking about labyrinths. Helen seems to be sort of new-agey and religious and I'm not in to new age stuff. Also, I don't have any concrete feelings about religion - I don't even pray. So, any reflections on religious aspects of labyrinths could have been distracting; but they weren't. Her religious reflections were sort of offered as her experience, not something you had to think was part of the labyrinth experience. I could see how they would be helpful for people who were thinking about religion while walking labyrinths.

I really was able to take from this book a set of insights into labyrinths and how this very old meditative tool can help guide your thinking in a secular, non-new-age manner. So, for all you out there who see the word "christian" or "self development" printed in reviews of other labyrinth books, don't get scared away from labyrinths because you think it has something to do with any organized religion or new age philosophy. The reason that people have religious reflections on labyrinths is clear to me - as it will be to you if you know about labyrinths or decide to read up on them. But religion does not have to be a part of your understanding of labyrinths.

I think that meditating is something everyone has tried at some point in their lives (usually when they are teenagers) and that most give it up as life gets more complicated. Part of the problem with keeping with it, I think, is that there's usually this feeling when you try to meditate, that you have to "do" all these things - clear your mind, focus on your breathing, think of a white light, focus on your energy, sit still for 15 minutes, blah blah blah. As we all know if somethings hard, people just won't keep doing it. But, my experience has been that the labyrinth concept gives you a tangible tool for meditating that takes a huge burden off of you. Since reading this book 2 years ago the concept of the labyrinth pops into my head at least once a week and helps me think through things more easily. I know it sounds crazy, but the basic concepts I pulled from the book have helped me lead a calmer, more comfortable life - and I'm not even one the hardcore "labyrinth walkers" that Helen refers to throughtout the book.

In fact, I have yet to actually walk a single labyrinth (aside from tracing the labyrinths in the book) - but the concepts are concrete enough that I have taken something valuable from this book. If I have the opportunity, I will walk a labyrinth and am sure that I will notice things I haven't thought of yet.

I now believe there are real, meaningful reasons the concept of the labyrinth has been a helpful meditative tool for people for thousands of years and I believe it is worth a read for everyone else to find out about labyrinths for these reasons. This book was a nice way to get in touch with that information for me and I suggest it to everyone with an open mind.

Finished THE WAY OF THE LABYRINTH, and, dear friend, you are certainly doing "the work," as you would say. You've put together a book rich in history, experience, and possibilities, and you have made this time-honored meditation tool easily accessible to others. That is, after all, what we are all here to do -- to help each other as we each journey toward God.

The Way of the Mystics: Ancient Wisdom for Experiencing God Today, by John Michael Talbot with Steve Rabey (Jossey-Bass; New Ed edition, June 16, 2006).
Talbot is a singer guitarist who founded the Brothers and Sisters of Charity, a Franciscan community devoted to revitalizing ancient contemplative and monastic traditions. A high school drop out he helped form the folk rock group Mason Proffit, a band which jammed with the Grateful Dead and Janis Joplin. Eventually Talbot concluded that the "rock star" life seemed empty and sad and turned to producing Christian music. His website is www.johnmichaeltalbot.com and Amazon allows you to listen to sections of his many recordings.
The Way of the Mystic is an introduction to 13 men and women mystics including Francis of Assisi, Hildegard of Bingen, Thomas Merton, Teresa of Lisieux, George Fox, John Donne, John of the Cross, and The Anonymous Pilgrim who, following the admonition of Paul to "pray without ceasing," recited the Jesus Prayer thousands of times a day like a mantra: Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy upon me, a sinner. Talbot defines a mystic as someone who believes there are realities to life that are beyond what can be perceived by our rational minds or described in words.
The Way of the Mystics covers nearly two thousand years of Christian history exploring a tradition that has all but vanished in today's church. Each chapter provides an overview of the person's life and background, their thought--including quotations from their writings--and a summary of additional resources for further study. Each essay contains a valuable time chart showing the life of the mystic alongside important concurrent world events
Talbot begins in the 3rd century with the story of Anthony of the Desert whose faith was influenced by the desert experience of Jesus and John the Baptist. Anthony lived for some 70 years in the searing deserts of Egypt with little water and food and long hours kneeling in prayer. He was the model for thousands who followed him away from the moral pollution of the cities eventually forming small communities that were the advent of monasticism.
Talbot is quite candid about the lives he writes about, sharing their faults as well as their blessings. Bernard of Clairvaux, for example, the famed monastic reformer of the 12th century, suffered personal embarrassment and humiliation "to his lasting regret," for his part in organizing the disastrous 2nd crusade that failed and cost so much slaughter.
Fourteenth century Spanish mystic, Catherine of Siena, was one of 25 siblings who was born in the year that the Black Death reached Europe and grew up at a time and in a culture that equated saintliness with harsh ascetic practices. She practiced beating out the devil by daily scourging her body with a chain tipped with sharp hooks. She slept every other day and fasted to the point of anorexia, which ended her life at age 33.
George Fox, the founder of Quakerism, lived a peripatetic lifestyle not unlike a 60's hippy roaming the country preaching nonviolence. This fervent anti-Catholic did not believe in worshiping in church buildings, which he referred to "steeple houses." To him the Bible was less reliable in knowing God than personal inner revelation. In a sermon to the people of Leicestershire, England, he announced his mission to bring people off their old ways . . . from their churches . . . from all the world's religions . . . from all the worlds' fellowships, and prayings, and singings . . . from heathenish fables, and from men's inventions and windy doctrines . . . and all their images and crosses, and sprinkling of infants, with all their holy days . . . and all their vain traditions. (p.169)
John Donne, the great English metaphysical poet sought to use his art for the greater glory of God. A convert to Anglicanism, he was later ordained as a priest and deacon of St. Paul's Cathedral in London. His most famous piece, No man is an island . . . came from his wondering about the impact of a soul's departure upon those who remain behind.
Talbot invites his readers to consider the role God plays in their lives, asking, is God a living and breathing reality in the core of your being or merely a cold theological abstraction? Do you experience the fullness of Christ or are you snacking on Christianity lite? This book offers practical suggestions for applying the mystics' wisdom to our lives, enabling us to better pursue a deeper relationship with God.

John L. Laughlin

I found The Way of The Mystics to be helpful in gaining insights into some of the Mystics I have read of and some I didn't know anything about. This book gives me enough information about the types of Mystics so I can read further about the ones I am drawn to.

The Way of Mystics - Ancient Wisdom for Experiencing God Today by John Michael Talbot & Steve Rabey

These lessons from thirteen holy men and women of God encourage us to continue on our journey to both love God and be of service to others. They provide examples of prayer, solitude, reflection, spiritual direction, practicing the Presence of God and enduring dark nights of the soul and continue to mentor and guide millions by their lives.

Theresa of Avila, "This Lord of ours is so anxious that we desire Him and strive after His companionship that He calls us ceaselessly, time after time, to approach Him." The practical, service side of Theresa was also deeply affirming. " True perfection consists In the Love of God an our neighbor and the more nearly perfect is our observance of these two commandments, the nearer to Perfection we will be. Pg. 122. She also said, "we cannot be sure if we are loving God, although we may have good reason for believing we are, but we can know quite well if we are loving our neighbor." Pg. 129.

St. Francis of Assisi has taught us much about his love for God and its expression in God's creation but this chapter also speaks about the social and spiritual difficulties of the time in which Francis lived and how that context moved him toward God rather than away from Him. His wealthy upbringing gave him a particular sensitivity toward the poor and weak as he gave away all that he owned and adopted a different lifestyle, one of poverty and service. Pg. 67.

St John of the Cross helps us to better understand, "the dark night of the soul" times. Times when we hold on to God in the face of suffering or questions or wondering where is God. His response, "take up your cross." obey God and you will move toward his light. His writings reminded me of the Psalms where it was ok to question God or speak to Him what was on one's heart. He spent quite a bit of time in prison where his writings occurred, much of it in solitary confinement. He felt that attachments were a great hindrance to progress in spiritual journey.

This book shows us men and women who wanted to know God more and what they did to find Him. Some will be shocked by their actions and the extent they deprived themselves but these people had an Audience of One that was their primary concern. They have much to teach us.

First, I have to say that I am not a Catholic and only modestly Christian in my religious beliefs - I don't need much more than the Sermon on the Mount. I am closer to what Talbot calls a Universalist. That being said I found this book a wonderful read.

This is a book about Christian mystics written by a mystic himself - and in a very accessible style. He searches the mystics from the third to the twentieth centuries looking to find some truth that transcends history in both their similarities and differences. Its a nice review of the times, biographies, and brief writings of these seekers. Its also a great way to find books you'd like to dig into deeper since he provides some thoughtful guidance at the end of each chapter on the essential readings from each mystic.

I was particularly impressed with his balanced coverage of some important Christian mystics like John Donne and George Fox who are not Catholics. The only glaring omission from this book in my opinion is Meister Eckhart. If you're interested in a book on mystics that transcends Christianity you might consider Andrew Harvey's The Essential Mystics. However, Talbot does a much better job in anchoring each mystic into their place in historical times.

John Michael Talbot is probably better known as a recording artist than an author, but he has an extensive publication list too, particularly in the areas of music ministry as well as spirituality. Steve Rabey similarly has many publications to his credit, including articles in periodicals and newspapers. Together they form a good team to provide information in an accessible form about a special group of people in the Christian tradition - the mystics.

Not all mystics are created equal. Mystics come in all shapes and sizes, and can be found in almost every denominational and religious framework. Talbot and Ramey wanted to stick close to their own Christian tradition with this book; the figures included here are both Catholic and Protestant, including some from the era of the undivided church. There are eight men, four women, and one unknown person representing a wide range of historical periods.

This is in many ways meant to be a practical book - that is, it relates the history, teaching and insights of the mystics to the broader range of Christian practices. 'In the Christian tradition, sacraments like Holy Communion or the Eucharist of the Lord's Supper provide a public means for believers to share in such mysteries. Spiritual disciplines like prayer and meditation provide a more private means for such connection.'

The earliest figures represented in this book are the Desert Fathers, with St. Antony in particular a highlighted figure. The most recent figure highlighted in Thomas Merton. Between these two, nearly two thousand years of Christian history can be found. These are in many ways pioneers, as Talbot and Rabey describe them in the introduction. 'If you are a Christian, these pioneers are part of your spiritual legacy.'

In my seminary, we taught a class at the beginning of the degree, required of all students in the primary ministry programme, that surveyed the different practices and different denominational aspects of Christianity, because so many people come to seminary with only the experience of their own denominational tradition (and sometimes with only the experience of their own congregation) - that course introduces people to the wider range of possibility for Christian expression, showing valid practices and traditions from within the Christian tradition that are authentic even if different from what people are used to.

This would be an excellent book for that course, and an excellent book for those who want a similar experience, of discovering the different ways in which Christian mysticism can be expressed and incorporated into one's own regular practices. Each section concludes with a 'Learning more about...' section, and each includes pull-quote boxes with highlights, and timelines that connect the particular individual focused upon with the wider Christian and historical context.

Each chapter can be read in a short time, but a good deal of time for contemplation should be permitted. Essays are not simple recitations of writings, key ideas, or biographical sketches, but rather serve to introduce the spirit of the figure in relation to today's world - for example, George Fox is likened to the hippies of the 60s in both his nonviolent message and his manner of vagabond lifestyle.

This is a wonderful text by which the beginner can learn more about the mystical practices and key figures of Christian history. It is also a good book for those with more advanced training to refresh the memory of the people with new insights.

This is a wonderful book by a sensitive contemporary practitioner, a German who became a Buddhist monk in a SE Asia monastery and traveled through Tibet with his wife Li Gotami (who published a book of fascinating photographs). The author is probably best known for his "Foundations of Tibetan Buddhism" which is probably a modern classic. This book is, perhaps, more personal in nature, however. But, as I've heard Lama Govinda (Anangavajra Khamsum Wangchuk) quoted (but I don't know the source), "A religion whose ideal is only a matter of the past or the distant future has no living value for the present day." He has considerable insight into the human condition and its relation to religion and spirituality as demonstrated in some quotes from this book:

"Seriousness and a sense of humor do not exclude each other; on the contrary, they constitute and indicate the fullness and completeness of human experience and the capacity to see the relativity of all things and all `truths' and especially of our own position. The Buddha's sense of humor--which is so evident in many of his discourses--is closely bound up with his sense of compassion: both are born from an understanding of greater connections from an insight into the interrelatedness of all things and all beings and the chain reactions of cause and effect. His smile is the expression of one who can see the wondrous play of ignorance and knowledge against the universal background and its deeper meaning. Only thus is it possible not to be overpowered by the misery of the world or by our own sense of righteousness that judges and condemns what is not in accordance with our own understanding and divides the world into good and bad. A man with a sense of humour cannot but be compassionate in his heart, because his sense of proportion allows him to see things in their proper perspective. pp. 176-7.

"Events and facts become meaningful only if seen against the back¬ground of inner experience." 1970 p. xiv

"Personality consists in the power to influence others, and this power is due to consistency, harmony, and one-pointedness of character. If these qualities are present in an individual, in their highest perfection, then this individual is a fit leader of humanity, either as a ruler, a thinker, or a saint, and we recognize him as a vessel of divine power." p.297

"The Way of the White Clouds" is a truly wonderful piece of art. On my own path this has been the most significant book to open my mind and heart to what is beyond the obvious.

Govinda writes from the heart with an openness and clarity which is rare in this world. Combine this with a description of a journey of Tibet just prior to it's invasion, and you can nearly grasp the Heart of tibetan spiritual culture.

Highly recommended, I truly hope Rider/Random House get enough requests for this literary gem to be printed again.

You'll need your reading glasses, for sure, when you pick up Lama Govinda's The Way of the White Clouds because you won't want to miss one word of this marvelous text. Travel log, personal diary, and spiritual pilgrimage - I have read this book twice and will read it again. I have only loaned it out once - and only to a family member. It is that previous to me. Govinda's images of Tibet of the 40's are vivid - he takes you there. Another - much more modern - book that shares a similar place of importance on my shelf is The Blessings Already Are by John Morton. You may have to ask for it at your favorite book store as it was just recently published this year. Peace, fellow travelers.

Lama Govinda visited Tibet in times pre-chinese. His tale is of a personal character - and wonderfully so. It feels as if the author is present, when reading.
I have the book in German, purchased thru Amazon.de, and can highly recommend this to anyone who is able to read German fluently. It is, as said in the title of my review, a wonderfully poetic tale.

This book will fill you with love, compassion, warmth and dreams.It will take you on an unforgettable journey through Tibet and this in turn will urge you to follow your dreams and not just your ambitions.Its written from the heart and written beauifully.I will be reading it again and again.Having been on a 21 day journey through Ladakh, I could almost relate to the author's experience.Its a truly wonderful and I urge all of you to partake in it.Tholing and Tsaparang, here I come..

I have actually met the artist and viewed his original works at a gallery in Germanton, NC. Although the book cannot possibly convey the beauty and artistry of his magical vision that is captured on canvas, it is still a feast for the eyes. And, since his original pieces cost a good bit more than my average monthly salary, this is one great way to enjoy his imaginitive pieces without having to fork out a lot of cash. I also reccommend his other books, especially the Fairy Garden.

Although this book is worth owning just for the beautiful pictures, I have enjoyed the writing as well. As a student of magick, myself, I can appreciate the story of the Wizard's training and details about the elemental magic he practices. Good for young and old alike, it will inspire you to seek out all the bits of magic in your own life.

One of the reviewers said this is a kid's book, but that's not true at all. Tom Cross has combined clever, captivating writing with some of the best illustrational magic I've ever seen. Young and old can enjoy this phenomanal book, as even my parents who are into their 60s enjoyed it. It's hard to not appreciate the artwork, and the enviromental message that is subtly but powerfully interwoven into the "narration" by "Penelo". This has been a book I've read over and over, always catching something new in the artwork, and enjoying the sly sense of humour, not to mention the semi-historical, semi- mythological section regarding some famous Magicians, and the history of magicians. If you enjoy fantasy at all, or you know someone who does, and even as a work of art in and of itself, this book is easily going to produce a lot of joy to anyone who owns a copy. Don't wait any longer!

My mom bought me this book because I'm a pagan that loves fantasy. She was right that I would love it. The pictures are beautiful, and the writing is just as good. This is the perfect fantasy book! A must have for all fantasy lovers!

If you love fantasy and wizardry, this is a MUST HAVE for your collection. Every time I read this book I feel as if I've been swept to another realm filled with magic, whimsy, and beauty. One of the reasons that I love this book is because not only is it very intersting to read, but it has just as much....if not more, illustrations-artwork, as it does literature. The artwork in the book has so much detail that I notice something new everytime I read it. This book breaks down every aspect of a "wizard". Anything that you every wondered about, or wanted to know about a wizard is in this book!
The book it's self is a piece of artwork, and I highly recommend it.

This beautifully illustrated, poetically imaginative book will delight your mind and your eyes. Tom Cross uses his great skills as an illustrator and his deep imagination to create a work that is fun and enjoyable. With staff in hand and tongue in cheek the author takes the reader on a journey of beauty, reverence for nature, history, fantasy, and every other place you'd like to go with a genuine, down-to-earth, honest-to-goodness wizard as guide. One of the best books I've read, pure delight.

WOW !!! "THE WAY THE CHURCH OUGHT TO BE" is a must read for the serious (committed) follower of the Lord Jesus. This book is a wake up call for the honest at heart. Mr. Allan's methodical march through the scriptures cements each point together with the truth of the Word. As I read I could feel the Spirit quicken my spirit and feel my heart jump for joy to words I've so long felt but haven't been able to express. Page after page, chapter after chapter, I could feel my heart shout "Yes! Yes!"
Of particular interest, the chapter on the Church and Spiritual Warfare cut to the chase, with a no holds barred simplicity that went to the crux of the issue with the statement "Satan and his demons don't care whether we leave them alone or not, for they will attack us anyway". This point, I feel many people including myself in weaker (lazy) moments try to forget that reality. We think and hope (mistakenly) we can opt out of the battle and let someone more 'spiritual' deal with the issue. We feel we have enough to do just coping with our everyday burdens - not realizing the everyday burdens are in reality a result of conflicts in spiritual realms.
In a physical battle, everyone whether high or low, is crucial to the ultimate outcome. A lowly clerk in the quartermasters corps or a back sink man in the mess hall, cannot abdicate their responsibility and just leave it to the 'Navy Seals or Airborne Rangers' to win the war all by themselves. It takes the concerted efforts of everyone involved to accomplish the objective.
In the spiritual realm, Satan although already defeated, relentlessly pursues our souls with ferocity beyond human comprehension. God in his grace has given us the opportunity to partake in this struggle. I feel we will be blessed when we actively participate.
Woah !...... Let me catch myself, I don't want to write my own book here. It's just that Mr. Allan's scholarly endeavor is a superb example of a work directed by a man with a heart for God and a desire to serve Him in thought and deed. He has meticulously and methodically searched the scriptures for the passages that illuminate God's plan for his church. This he has presented in a fresh, lively format uncommon in many books dealing with biblical subjects. Pardon me for being repetitious, but in closing I must say; this book is a must read for the serious (committed) follower of the Lord Jesus.

Robert Allan's book is a breath of fresh air. His argument is tight, well-presented and supported with Scripture throughout. Any pastor, leader or church member interested in discovering the Biblical blueprint for the construction of the Christian church would do well in buying this book and reading it. I especially enjoyed Mr. Allan's use of humor (the gallows variety) when dealing with some rather heavy questions.
I gave the book to my pastor and he read it. He liked the book so much that he ordered a copy for each of his staff.
My pastor commented that there should be a workbook available so that interested parties could study the book like a training manual.
I am exremely impressed with this book and hope that Robert Allan writes another one soon.

Robert Allan's well researched and scripturally based perspective of God's intention for believers, and those who would believe, is exactly what's needed in these days. Like me, you'll find yourself laughing uproarously one moment, then brought to tears, as God uses the author to touch you in the deepest reaches of your spirit. You can't read this book without realizing how significant you, and the Church, are to a lost world and the onus we have in it. A powerful must read!

This book was given to me by a close friend. He said that I would enjoy reading it because of its casual and yet profound handling of the questions concerning the church. After reading Mr. Allan's book I must say that my friend was correct. This book handles most of the questions that Christians ask when studying the church. I especially enjoyed Mr. Allan's personal stories that highlight his arguments. If the Christian church was anything like Mr. Allan described it would be setting fire to every neighborhood in America---and even in the world. Mr. Allan's ability to present his argument is truly beyond question. I highly recommend "The Way The Church Ought To Be."

Fantastic book. If you want to change yor church and reachout to the un-saved, read this book. It will change your live. It is scripturally based, factual, and hard to disagree with. If you are afraid of the Holy Spirit, don't read this book.

Ron S.

I AM A ORTHOMOLECULAR-NUTRITIONIST AND I TREAT PSYCHIATRIC AND ANYOTHER MENTAL DISEASE. I AM JUST STUNT FROM THE KNOLEDGE AND THE BEAUTY OF HOW TO EXPLAIN THIS KIND OF COMPLICATING KNOLEDGE,AND I RECOMMAND THIS BOOK WITH A TRUE STATMEMENT TO THE READER THAT IT IS THE BEST BOOK ON THE SUBJECT. THE AUTHOR IS DEALING WITH ALL THE ASPECTS OF MENTAL DEPRESSION(FROM THE EASY MILD DEPRESSION TO THE MOST SEVERE TRAUMATIC DEPRESSION).THE AUTHOR IS GIVING A DETAILED EXPLANATIONS ON THE PHYSICAL\PSYCOLOGICAL\AND OTHER FACTORS THAT CONCERNING THIS ILNESS. A VERY BIG AND SCIENTIFIC PART ON NUTRITION AND AMINO ACIDS THERAPY COMBINED WITH VITAMINS AND MINERALS.SHE EXPLAINS EXACTLY HOW EACH SUPPLEMENT IS CONTRIBUTING TO THE BRAIN FUNCTION, AND THE DOSAGES RECOMMANDED WITH GUIDELINES HOW NOT TO OVERDOSE OR GETTING TO LITTLE.STRESS IS ALSO EXPLAINED IN DETAILS AND WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS ON THE MENTAL STATE AND HOW TO CORRECT THIS AWFUL THING.AS A ORTHOMOLECULARIST I MUST SAY: THE AUTHOR IS SOMETHING ELSE!. THERE ARE MANY TIPS THAT ARE OFFERED TO THE DEPRESSED PERSON. AND ALL THE BOOK JUST DIDN'T MISSED ANYTHING IN THE SUBJECT CONCERNING:THE WAY UP FROM DOWN!.YOUNG CHILDREN AND OLD PEOPLE ARE ALSO TAKING CARE IN SPECIAL CHAPTERS.I KNOW FROM MY EXPIRIENCE THAT EVERYTHING THE AUTHOR WROTE IS TRUE.WHAT CAN I SAY MORE,,BUY THIS BOOK!

Some time ago, I was living in a hellish state that was like some kind of bad drug trip: blurry consciousness, constant depression and lethargy, memory loss, attention deficit, and frequent suicidal thoughts that were nearly carried out on several occasions.

One day I was wandering in a haze after work, went inside a book store, and sought out books on depression. I read the premise of this book, and thought "what the hell, worth a shot."

After about 10 days of diet and nutritional modification to boost the mood-elevating brain chemicals as recommended in the book, I became a different person, and noticed a greatly increased energy level, and even reversal of hair loss! There were still some serious biochemical imbalances (such as chronic "yeast" and bacterial infections, food allergies, and chemical sensitivities) that affected my mental health, and remained undiscovered, but the nutritional information in this book set me on the right path. The sun began to shine again, and despite the remaining untreated conditions, there were enough "ups" to make life worth living again, and give me hope for the medication-free recovery that eventually did come about when I eventually became aware of and treated those other issues.

This book saved my life, and finally explained why some people can keep a smile through the worst misfortunes while others can be miserable while living the life of royalty.

I'm one who is helped by this program. I go off the program, get depressed (I cry alot - feel sad), back on, feel fine, feeling weepy goes away. Brain chemistry seems to be be just a little off. Cost is minimal. Vendor suggested I read this back in 94. Been taking L-tryosine since. 2 gr/d. 4 gr. when business is bad. I have a high anxiety wife, she is much more mellow when she takes it regularly. She has noticed the difference.

May not work for everyone as everyones chemistry is different but it is certainly worth a try, just make sure you keep at it for 2 or 3 months as it is not an instant fix.

Everyone with depression should have this book, especially if it's your first book on how you can treat your depression with nutritional supplements, yes, even suicidal depression. Dr. Slagle's simple and easy-to-understand explanations give you the "instant hope" you so badly need. Her knowledge and experience in treating the physical causes of depression will give you the confidence to begin helping yourself out of the lost world of depression. I sincerely hope Dr. Slagle (TheWayUp.com) will re-print this book even just as it is.

Ms. Slagle has generously made this updated edition of her book available free at her website, TheWayUp.com. The whole book can be downloaded in Adobe. Her website also has a lot of interesting information on it. Good luck!

Simpson is a brilliant writer with the uncanny ability to construct paragraphs that capture the essence of Alaska in only a few words. She's amusing, moving and informative in a voice that is instantly familiar and enjoyable. I often recommend "The Way Winter Comes" as a must-read contemporary book on life in Alaska. Her latest book "The Accidental Explorer," is also excellent.

I lucked onto this book when it came out in 1998 and have found myself returning to it over and over throughout the years. I can't say that I've ever tired of rereading the same stories. If you want to feel yourself in Alaska, this is one book that takes you there. Great fireside reading!

Fantastic Book! Sherry Simpson's brilliant style and insight mark her as one of the best writers of our time. This book is sure to become a classic that will be read and studied for generations to come. You will enjoy this book on many, many levels. If you don't own a copy of "The Way Winter Comes", buy it now. You won't be disappointed!

Simpson takes the reader on a literary tour of Alaska. From her upbringing here in Juneau to her excursions in the deep Arctic, we are given an open window to peer into some of the mysteries of the many faces of Alaska. Her journalistic past affords her some true objectivity in dealing with controversial topics like wolf trapping.

Calling this book nature writing, or Alaska writing, or wilderness writing is to box it into a space that is too small. This is just damn GOOD writing by someone who knows how to take the reader places without heavy-handedness. In many ways, I find Simpson's essay to be better than the oft-mentioned names like McPhee, Muir, Gutkind, etc.

I was introduced to this book through my high school literature class and thoroughly enjoyed. It's description of parts of early Trinidadian culture was my first glimpse into that world.
The story illustrates the social and cultural norms of the day and I read it with great curiousity.
Life has pushed Tiger and Urmilla into a new phase and we journey with them as they explore life and the small world in which they live.

I first read this book when I began teaching at a boy's school in Barbados 20 years ago, and I have ordered or taught excerpts of it to my classes in three other schools over the years. The book sets itself up for comparison between the two locations, London and Trinidad, and between the creole and the immigrant experiences. The stories range from the longer "Johnson and the Cascadura", which Selvon would expand into the later novel "Those Who Eat the Cascadura", to the stream-of-consciousness piece which ends the collection, "My Girl and the City", a style he would further explore in "The Lonely Londoners". Read separately or collectively, this is a delightful book of short stories that captures moments in time and for all time.

It is a pity that this book is no longer in print. I was first exposed to it when I taught it as part of the CXC curriculum in Barbados in the mid-80s. It is a delightful sequence of short stories arranged in two parts - Trinidad and London. Some stories are in dialect, others are in 'Queen's English' but for dialogue. The stories, though set in the 1950s, are universal in appeal, as witnessed by the fact that I have taught them to high school classes in British Columbia, New Brunswick, and now Ontario. The opening story, "Johnson and the Cascadura", and the final story, "My Girl and the City", are equal to any short story written anywhere by anyone. The latter story, being a stream-of-consciousness type, is far more accessible for high-school students than James Joyce! If you can get your hands on a copy of this short-story compilation, I don't think you will regret the effort or money expended!

It is a shame that this book is no longer in print. I first taught it in Barbados where it was part of the CXC curriculum, but I have been able to teach selected short stories from it to high school students in British Columbia, New Brunswick, and now Ontario. There are particular stories, such as the first - "Johnson and the Cascadura" and the last - "My Girl and the City" which stand against any short story, anywhere. The latter story is a stream-of-consciousness piece which is accessible for adolescent readers (far more than Joyce!). The collection is divided into two parts - Trinidad and London. If you can get a copy of this book, and are interested in the Caribbean experience, you will not be disappointed with your purchase.

This book is absolutely brilliant. It captures the true multi ethnic fabric of Trinidadian society through the trials of an Indian boy struggling to make it in early 20th century Trinidad. This book brings to light many ethnic and cultural issues that are a now inherent part of Trinidadian life, and is not only a brilliant piece of literature that should be cherished, but a piece of Caribbean history.

As a serial startup specialist, I am always looking for resources that can help venture-backed companies succeed--nearly every business book falls well short of the mark. "Where Value Hides" is the exception. Jackson has used his varied consulting and management experiences to clearly and concisely demonstrate how to strategically manage any company from the startup phase all the way through to the Fortune 50. It is already paying dividends for my current company.

Honestly enjoyed this book and find it provides useful insight into better understanding what drives value and how to make decisions that uncover and create it. Probably one of the more practical strategy books out there and worth the time it takes to learn its lessons.

Acquisitions are a tricky business. Deciding whether to move forward on one, or to pass one by, too often depends on an opaque understanding of strategic fit and growth potential. I found Stuart Jackson's discussion of how Strategic Market Position can create a clearer picture informative and practical. Jackson states that, "for a business or product line that competes in only one strategic segment, SMP is simply the market share of the business in its strategic market segment. For a company competing in multiple strategic segments, its overall SMP is the average of its SMPs in each strategic segment, weighted by the businessâ(tm)s sales or investment in each strategic segment." Pretty straightforward; but when you read the case examples in the book and learn what it takes to dissect a company's value drivers, you quickly realize this is no simple task. When considering acquiring another company, though, the upside to doing this legwork can be tremendous.

Jackson says we should ask four key questions when analyzing an acquisition target:

1) What strategic segment are we entering and who is the competition?
2) Will the new business improve our SMP in segments where we already compete?
3) If we are entering a new strategic segment, can we leverage our SMP in adjacent segments to ensure we achieve a strong SMP in the target segment?
4) Bottom line, will the new business make the weighted average SMP for our overall company better or worse?

Answering these questions can help you know, for example, what types of acquisitions make sense long-term, if you should "overpay" for an acquisition, as well as know when it is wise to sell off or merge a business. I think Jackson's Where Value Hides does a good job of outlining the steps necessary to get to the heart of these questions and make better decisions.

I found Stuart Jackson's book, Where Value Hides, entertaining and in many ways illustrative of best practices when it comes to thinking about how to go about analyzing a company's strategic options. The examples of BMW, Emerson Electric, and General Mills clearly show how a deep understanding of key value drivers is immensely valuable but often elusive to even the most accomplished business leaders. And his discussions around applying the principles of strategic market position to reality are very useful. It did strike me as I was reading the book, though, that to really appreciate the impact of this somewhat subtle approach to business analysis, readers would probably benefit from something like a "how to" guide or "toolkit" to walk them through applying the insights to their own circumstances.
All-in-all, a very valuable read, but would like more guidance in learning how to apply SMP to my own situation.

Don't confuse Strategic Market Position (SMP) with your run-of-the-mill market segmentation everyone talks about. The concept of SMP that Stuart Jackson lays out in his book, Where Value Hides, doesn't so much turn the concept of market share on its head as show how positioning your company based on a simplistic understanding of market share can lead to strategic decisions that are dead wrong and can ultimately be very costly. The importance of getting a handle on your company's market position becomes clear when you realize that its impact goes far beyond sales and marketing straight to the heart of your organization's operations, cost structure and overall strategy. SMP is not about market segmentation, although it has very real implications for your sales and marketing organization. Rather, as the title implies, it's about uncovering what creates value for your company and turning that insight into clear strategic decision criteria. Simple on the surface, but so rarely implemented in reality.