Way Books

The concepts of Buddhist belief are often quite difficult for the average western mind. I remember taking a Buddhist overview class in university and being completely lost. A few years later, I was drawn to another more in depth class. This class was taught by a man with passion and patience who walks the path himself. The right teacher truly makes all the difference.

The Way Things Are is written by Lama Ole Nydahl. This man truly has a gift. He takes the basic concepts of Buddhism and relates them to his readers in such a natural way. Moreover, he connects these notions to living in 21st century America.

If you are looking for a basic understanding of Buddhism, The Way Things Are is a very good choice. You'll get a very good overview that you can actually understand. The author also provides some invaluable hints on how to find a good master.

Anyone looking to engage with Buddhism should begin with this book in which Lama Ole Nydahl clearly lays out the central Buddhist principles and their various forms in the world today. Nydahl's constant travelling and teaching over the last 30 years grounds the work in a frank and fresh understanding of the world we live in and Buddhism's place within it. The power and practical significance of these teachings in such an accessible form makes Nydahl's book a rare find indeed.

This book changed my life.

"The Way Things Are" packs more into a single paragraph than many other teachers give in an entire lecture or hundreds of pages of text. These are teachings that point directly to the nature of mind.
They're presented in a clear structure with background and context, but devoid of exotic cultural baggage. Cultural trappings often seem wonderfully mystical to western readers, but they can easily distract from the timeless simplicity of Buddha's message: that our true nature is joyful, fearless, and compassionate.

Beginning to remove the veils obscuring that truth is what "The Way Things Are" is about. It doesn't offer quick fixes, but something better: methods that work. These methods, part of the Karma Kagyu lineage of Tibetan buddhism, are presented in a way that's practical for the modern world. "The Way Things Are" shows that you don't have to live an exotic lifestyle or go anywhere else. Right here, right now, you can begin to see things the way Buddha tells us they really are: that the world is a pure land, and that all beings, including ourselves, are already buddhas who simply haven't realized it yet.

This book won't please everyone. Some readers will find the author's style disturbing, others will find it inspiring. That's cool. There are countless different styles of Buddhism, each working best for different kinds of people. "The Way Things Are" shows one of them.

If you're interested in learning more about what Buddha taught, and are prepared to critically evaluate what you read, I highly recommend this book.

This is an updated version of the first book about Buddhism I read.
It changed my life and opened my mind up to everything that is lasting, true, and joyful.
It truly tells you "the way things are." - no new age feel good elixir full of nothing but air.
It is the rock solid teaching of the Buddha specifically for the modern, western mind.
Be prepared to have the sun handed to you and the clouds blown away for good!
Great read and permanent part of my library.

This is a book for Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike. With his inspiring and clear insights and refreshing humor, Ole Nydahl offers a true gift to all of his readers. I highly recommend to all who have questions that school didn't quite answer to pick up a copy of this book. And for all seasoned Dharma readers, this is an excellent book to go back to regularly. Enjoy!

This book is an easy read (2 to 3 hours) with deep insights about following your passion. The information is depicted like a story of a mentor and mentee.

Mr. Reid's message is very inspirational and it moved me to take action resulting in profound changes in my life. Mr. Reid "walks his talk" therefore the principals that he teaches automatically has an powerful impact to the reader in the most authentic way. A true masterpiece, pack full of solid teachings that will affect your life in an Incr-e-i-d-ible way!

This book is a quick and easy read that gets down to the basics of what it takes to be successful without the hype. Straight forward and fun to read, The Millionaire Mentor is a must for anyone who is looking for the foundation that all successful individuals have in common.

One of the Best books I have ever read! Teaching you the laws of success in a story format that hits home. A must read for anyone who wants to get to the next level of success.

Don Boyer
Creator of The Power of Mentorship series

I love the fact that the book is a combination of fiction and nonfiction, putting across a great message told as a story. To use a famous sales quote: "Facts tell, Stories sell", and the story in this book really makes sure that the message hits home.
If you love books like "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" by Robert Kiyosaki and "The One Minute Millionaire" by Mark Victor Hansen and Robert Allen, make sure you get a copy of this great book as well.

I bought this for my kids but I keep reading it myself. They can read it when I'm done. It is well written and very practical for everybody in today's world. This includes adults as well as kids.

This is a great collection of advice for teenagers, both Buddhist and non-Buddhist. It is relevant in today's world and comes from a place of real humanistic compassion for youth. I'd recommend it to anyone of any age, but especially if you know any teenagers going through tough times or trying to deal with the various issues that come up nowadays. I read a similar book with a Q&A style format by Daisaku Ikeda when I was a teenager and found it very encouraging.

This is the kind of thing adults should read, let alone kids. I'm reading it because I can't stand most organized religions, especially the one I was raised with - Christianity. Too stringent and angry for me and not realistic in everyday life, IMO. This Buddhist philosophy book aimed at kids really tells it like it is. I could relate to much of the advice given to kids and their parents. I also feel that it reflects the wisdom I've gained through the school of hard knocks. For example, the chapter on friends is relevant. You can't change other people's bad behavior or even influence it, all you can do is be the best possible you, have personal integrity and compassion for those who treat you badly. Basically, if someone behaves badly, you don't have to wish them to go to hell, they're already there. Great stuff in this book. All adults in America should read this!

This volume deals in a Q & A format with issues of concern to all young people. Although Daisaku Ikeda is a Buddhist leader, his answers deal with humanity and the wisdom inherent in it rather than with religion -- it is for everyone. As one reads through the book, a common message emerges vividly although never dealt with directly: you are most valuable and precious; find your own voice and use it without fear; find your own self and value it deeply. By the end of the book, the reader finds himself/herself viewing things in a very positive light.

This book is an excellent collection of Buddhist responses to the questions of today's young people. "The Way of Youth" includes topics like building confidence, respecting yourself and others, developing happiness from within, dealing with peer pressure and contributing to a peaceful world. The book is written for a general audience and I believe it appeals to both teens and parents regardless of their religious beliefs. I also highly recommend a book called "Open Your Mind, Open Your Life: A Little Book of Eastern Wisdom" by a young Buddhist author named Taro Gold. Excellent!

There are many different sources for information to keep you healthy but here it is all in one book. You can avoid cancer and be healthy while doing it

Informative and eye-opening. A new way (to me, anyway) of looking at cancer from an empowering point of view, where one makes choices on how to deal with the disease (if you already have it), or how to avoid it for life. I have put in practice a few ideas of the book, and have given a copy to my mom and sister. Highly recommend the read.

Every person facing any health challenge should read this book, written by the doctor who became the educated patient. It is so easy to read and understand. It clearly defines the link between cancer and diet and gives documented proof of natural diet choices.

I've barely been able to say the word "cancer" aloud since my mother died when I was 14. One of my maternal aunts died 9 years later, and the other has had a malignancy removed. This is the first book about cancer that I've ever had the nerve to read cover-to-cover. In fact, I've re-read it several times in the week that I've owned it. This book is full of real, solid hope for those of us with cancer in our family line and even for those who are already fighting the disease.

Last year I was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer with metastasis in the liver and lymphs. I was given several months to live. I've rewritten my prognosis and have stunned the doctors. I am their poster child for recovery... How did I do it?

After enduring three major surgeries, two "near death" experiences, and over $600,000 in medical bills in one year, I have pondered this topic more than most...

This is the missing link as far as I'm concerned. Modern oncology does little to address those things other than standard allopathic treatments. There's so much more!

Buy it for yourself and your loved ones but let me get another dozen or so first... LOL. This is a great book. You need it.

I found this book very helpful for examining and deepening my own values. I would classify it as "pop" religion, but of the highest level. A very easy read; persons from any faith can benefit from this book. The early Christians were Jews. So as a Catholic I treasure the knowledge and wisdom that Jews have preserved and passed on. This book has a certain practicality that I find very refreshing. For non-Jews, the book provides easy access to perspectives that can be very helpful in developing a deeper understanding of their own faith. Rabbi Telushkin definitely put a lot of love into this book. I thank him.

There is always sage advice, mixed with stories which I have come to look forward to more and more, and humor. It's a great way to start your day. I have been reading this for the past four or five years and most of the time I see something I didn't see earlier. It's an intrinsic part of my life. And I have bought quite of the books that he cites and uses as sources.

I have bought many copies of this book as Bar//Bat mitzvah presents, friends and relatives. I have Rabbi Telushkins other books and they are also high on my gift lists. Everyone will benifit fron reading this book even if one was to disagree, because that also could lead to interesting discussions with others.

This is a wonderful book. Over a two year period, I have read it twice on a day by day basis. Each time an essay is read, something new is learned.

Telushkin does it again with another wonderful book! An extremely easy to read guide to the core of what Judaism is all about.
This is a great guide for non-Jews who would like to learn more about Judaism, for non-observant Jews to re-discover Judaism, and a great reminder to some "observant" Jews who sometimes forget that kindness is also a big part of being a Jew.

I think this book speaks to every Jew no matter their background or ideology.

Reading and/or listening to this management story is a fun way to gain insight about people with whom we work and interact. I enjoyed the positive presentation about different perspectives and strenghts that people have and where the best place to deploy people with these attributes might be. The book encourages objective interactions that are win-win and non-judgemental.

Here we go again, another personality classification system and the author's premise that if you can stereo type people you can manage them more effectively. I don't see what this system has over other personality classification systems, such as MBTI (which has been around longer and more people seem to be familiar with).

The book tries to be humorous, but it just didn't work. The story telling wasn't bad, but I'd almost rather listen to nails on a chalk board then listen to the voices of the people reading this book.

Bottom line. I learned a little, but not much and I'd like my money back.

I found Kingdomality (the test) almost 10 years ago. I took the test and was impressed by its accuracy. Since then, I have taken the online test 3 or 4 times more, with the same results.

So, when browsing on a local bookstore, I saw that the test creators had a book about Kingdomality, I did not hesitate and bought it.

What is Kingdomality (the test and the book) about? Well, it basically sustains that people can be grouped in 12 categories of personality types. These types are a function of how people see the world, what are their motivations, how do they interact with it. It's called Kingdomality because the personalities can be linked to "standard" professions in the Middle Ages (the time of Kingdoms...).

Those who have already taken the test and have enjoyed its simplicity and accuracy will enjoy this book. It will allow them to have a more comprehensive view of all the 12 types and how could they be used productively in a work environment.

For those who have not taken the test, but enjoy learning about new and different personality type tests, this is also a great book. The test concept is simple, and the types are clearly different among them. Still, I think I would advise all to take the test first and then read the book (doing otherwise might "contaminate" your test with your expectations for its results).

Well, as I said, I always got the same result in the test. So, in case you wonder, I seem to be a Merchant.

This loosely medieval management parable about "a king at his wits' end" has several winning characteristics. First, it's relevant without taking itself too seriously. The light, self-effacing - even occasionally tongue-in-cheek - tone makes it easily readable. Authors Sheldon Bowles, Richard Silvano and Susan Silvano actively engage readers with a brief interactive online test that reveals your personality "guild type." Then they draw on their narrative's strength to move forward. Many books about emotional intelligence give readers little practical help. This one is fun, helpful and entertaining even though its guild classification system may need additional tweaking. Apparently designed primarily for workplace applications, it lacks the specificity of the more familiar Myers-Briggs test, which in comparison practically predicts how you'll want your eggs cooked a month from next Tuesday. Notwithstanding these minor limitations, we recommend this book to managers, coaches, consultants, EQ practitioners and those HR folks burdened with softening the Type A corporate hearts who run most organizations.

I had the chance to attend a book signing by Sheldon Bowles of his book Kingdomality. When he started to speak to a large crowd there was a table loaded with books and I wondered how many he'd sell. When he finished talking, we all rushed to the front to get a book and an autograph. By the time I got to him the books were all gone! Now I have a copy. This book contains so much insider information about how different people are motivated and why people behave as they do, that it seems like you become a mind reader. It's easy. It's accurate. It has given me the tools that make me a better manager, a better father, husband son and friend. In the paper here last weekend KINGDOMALITY was #1 on the bestseller list. Go to www.kingdomality.com and find out what it's all about. You won't be dissappointed! I predict KINGDOMALITY will be the killer book of 2005.

This is a good book for those who want to learn about the Orthodox practice of halacha, but doesn't always seem to have a positive view of the other systems. So good but slantied.

This book is as relevant today as it was when first written. A very good read.

Useful, informative introduction to Judaism. Helpful and well-written. I am not Jewish but this book helped me a lot to get a basic understanding of the practices and beliefs of Judaism. I think it would help other non-Jews too despite what some other reviewers said. If it assumes prior knowledge I honestly didn't notice and it's easy enough to look up vocabulary words if that's the biggest hurdle. That's what Wikipedia is for, right?

"To Be a Jew" was the first "Jewish" book I bought when I initially became interested in becoming Jewish. Although I originally chose this book due to it and Telushkin's "Jewish Literacy" being the only "Jewish" books available in my rural town's bookstore, "To Be a Jew" has proven to be an excellent resource over the past twenty years. I have since had to buy a new copy to replace the first one as this is a book that we commonly refer to in our home.
I would also highly recommend "To Pray as a Jew" and "To Raise a Jewish Child" once you have completed "To Be a Jew"

This book is a great resource for those living a Jewish lifestyle. If you were not raised as a practicing Jew this book is a MUST for you! You will learn about how to live out your Jewish identity throughout the pages of this wonderful book! Nicely written with great Table of Contents. Strongly recommend for anyone new to Judaism or returning to their faith.

There are a lot of glowing reviews here and it feels strange to be the one dissenting voice, but let me explain. First, let's agree this book is for the layperson, not the Physics or Astronomy major, but for the person who simply likes science very much. I work in the auto repair business, but I've always loved science yet have no education in that field. I bought this on the strength of Ferris' DVD's which I've seen 2 of (Life Beyond Earth and Seeing in the Dark), and let me say they were very good (esp. the former).
The majority of this book is good. Tim elaborates on some very interesting details I have not heard before, and in a humorous/interesting way, such as Kepler's letter begging Galileo to borrow his telescope, or the details of Aristarchus's sun-centered universe's only evidence in one of the letters of Archimedes. Carl Sagan in "Cosmos" talks of Aristarchus quite a bit, but he never mentions this information, which prove very interesting.
However, most of this book is a basic re-telling of how mankind learned of his/her place in the universe (as the title says!), BUT this has been done much better by Sagan in the forementioned "Cosmos." Sagan makes the subject come to life much more, shows much more enthusiasm in explaining things. Ferris has a bit of a dry way about him (which was evident in the DVD's), but he's good. He's just not Sagan. Let me also say that Bill Bryson in a "Short History of nearly Everything" gets much more technical than Ferris (in the quantum physics section), BUT again, Bryson does it with more interest than Ferris. I couldn't understand most of that section (Bryson uses the "X-Files" as an example!), but in Bryson's book I WANTED to keep reading and try to understand, with Ferris, after about 5 pages of the "Symmetry" section, I gave up.
I picked up the hardback "Cosmos" when I was 9 years old. Yeah, nine. I read it and although there were vocabulary problems, I "got it." This is not to brag how clever I was, but rather that Sagan does a much better job of "bringing you in" to the subject. The Bryson book is definitely too much for a 9 year old, but when I read that in my 30's I was still "taken in."
If you read my other reviews you will see I love classical music. In music, there's the saying that it's "more than just the notes on the score." In this book, you get the written notes, not the alive, performing symphony. Tim Ferris' book is good... but well, there are better ones to draw you into the world of science.

This is a good book. I don't agree with all it says but that is ok it still has a lot of thought provoking information

This book is a great resource for any astronomy lover who wants to know more about the background and history of astronomy. It has lots of information on historical people in astronomy as well as great stories about their discoveries. Great book, must have for history of astronomy.

Excellent chronology of physics from Aristotle to the present. I will use it as a reference. Excellent index and other aids to finding what you want in physics and other sciences.

What a story! And yes, I said story because the author has taken subjects most of us take for granted (the size of the heavens, the age of the Earth, the intricacies of the atom) and turned these into a wonderful almost joyous tale of intellectual achievement. I am still stunned at the depth of scholarship, the vast research and the almost magical manner in which Ferris manages to make what appears to be an arcane dry topic into an intriguing saga.

Ok, I admit it. I love science books written for the educated layman - from "The Singularity is Near " to "Wonderful Life" to the philosophical tomes of Pagels and Hardison. But this is more than science - it is also a history of who we are and our physical, mental and dare I say it, spiritual evolution. In this sense it reminds one of "The Discoverers" by Boorstin with its chronological structure, emphasis upon individual genius and captivating storyline. Beginning with the ancients, we see how our ideas fashion our intellectual quests. The overwhelming success of Western culture depended on our ability to break with age-old traditions, to absorb ideas from the outside and most importantly, to challenge the traditional religious beliefs. Very few cultures have been able to accomplish this and their lack of scientific prowess is evidence.

The individual tales could occupy a volume themselves - mind-boggling examples of thought that are so rare we have trouble believing them. Not only are Darwin (Evolution challenged the prevailing age of the Earth) and Newton (the greatest human who ever lived?) are found but all the unknown heroes of the ages are given their due. The author has an uncanny way of simplifying tremendously dense concepts into language for the layman. This was never truer than his discussion on the weird world of quantum physics with its seemingly magical and nonsensical qualities. I would say that this should be required reading for all high school graduates except that a vast number would be bewildered by the concepts presented, unaware that science has a history of more than video games and cars. My grade - A+++

This book is great and gives you the help you need when you need it. Even if you think you have all the answers this offers some great tips on things to say to your child that they need to hear.

This book is a 'must have' for couples going through a divorce who want their children to adjust as well as possible. It is well written, easy to understand, and has tons of examples. It helped a difficult situation become a little bit easier.

This is very useful tool for parents experiencing divorce as well as for therapist working with children. I would highly recommend it.

Very useful and the book revealed lots of common mistakes tat easily overlooked. I gave the book to my boyfriend as gift as he is experiencing the nightmares wif his ex n son..

Divorce is not a pleasant experience and it affects the entire family. Mature grown-ups can become the ugliest, nastiest, most bitter creatures around. And despite how much they may put on a good face in front of their kids, kids see through all the subterfuge. They are much better at reading the non-verbal communications than any of us would imagine.

Neuman's book is a sensible, positive, and down-right amazing approach to dealing with the most critical individuals involved in this process: our kids. His Sandcastle's program has had excellent success for years. Neuman addresses what is developmentally appropriate for each age group, helping the reader understand quickly the unique communication needs from the littlest people in our lives to our teens. Understanding this helps parents establish appropriate communication modalities and connect with their kids through this incredibly challenging time.

Make no mistake about it: this is not a book that addresses reconciliation. This is a compassionate, straight-forward book that guides you on the path to helping your children heal effectively and grow into healthy young people.

This book was a disappointment. It contained very simple tips that were ridiculously over explained. It spent very little time providing the reader with any substantial assistance. Instead the writer delivered common things the reader should do, such as don't drink to much alcohol or make sure and consume creatine. I also found it very narcissistic. Kennedy used 126 pages to say "I'm better than you because college was easy for me." This is then concluded by a list of grammatical errors made in writing and in speech that he found personally annoying. There is a book called How to Become a Straight-A student that i did find incredibly helpfull. Cal Newport's book uses actual evidence that he obtained by interviewing hundreds of straight A students from colleges around the country. That book saved my college career and i didn't miss a social step because of it. Good luck ~Bryan

Advice or information given in this book may not work for all students?
What may work is worth knowing!
About a 3.9 Star buy!

I'm a sophomore in college when I bought this book. Had only a few good hints I didn't already use. No help what so ever with note taking though, which is why I bought it. He just says to develop your own method. The hints he gave were helpful, some are really just major common sense. The diet was a really nice added chapter since most college students don't think it effects their studies. Overall worth the money for a freshman, a sophomore it would be if it was a little cheaper. Best advice overall was getting to know your professors. I've had plenty of professors change my grade and help out by giving example exams. Just go to their office and treat them like a normal person, well maybe a little more professional for some of you, and if you go once a week I promise you will be getting better grades.

Great how to guide. I bought it for my daughter who will be a Freshman this Fall. Lots of the same things I've been saying (with greater impact coming from someone else other than Mom), plus a whole lot more. Knowledge is power and this guide offers hints from study habits, avoiding weight gain in the dorms, to dealing with roommates - even an appendix on common errors in English! I also appreciated that the proceeds from the sale of the book go to the Boulder Valley Humane Society. Bravo Mr. Kennedy!

Im a high school junior and got this book. I've applied a lot of the tips to my high school life, and my grades are doing a lot better!

I recommend this to anyone in any level of school, from high school and onward.