Way Books

Alexandra Stoddard is a breath of fresh air for me. Any time I am feeling down or blue I pick up this book "Living a beautiful life", and I instantly smile. Everyone should have this book.

I first read this book in 1988, when I had been married only one year. The grace notes helped me realize that, even on a meager budget, I could love my surroundings. A friend and I went through the entire book and did every single thing we could afford to do - and it was a blast! I passed the book around to my mom, and sisters who each ended up with a "beautiful life" too. It's nearly twenty years later, and I still recommend this book to anyone who wants to add a little flair to every space in their life - even the inside of the fridge! I will have fun reading this to my daughters in the coming years. If I could, I'd thank Ms. Stoddard myself!

I bought this book years ago when the cover was different, and it cost only $12.95 in paperback, and I still use it for ideas, although some of them are a little off-the wall or even impractical for me. It's the kind of book where there is a culture clash with some of the things she suggests: "Put strawberries in a bowl and leave two, with stems on, on the table next to the bowl.." Why? Or "Put eggs in an old wire basket." Well, I'm afraid they won't last too long like that, and with the organic eggs I buy costing over $2,00 a dozen, it's the height of impracticality for me. Then there's "Make lobster, avocado, and wild rice salad for a picnic." Two problems: a) tell me how, and b) maybe this is no problem for a New Yorker or Connecticut resident, but for a landlocked Oklahoman that's a mighty pricey picnic! Statements like these make her seem very Martha Stewart, like she's from another world. Certainly not mine, anyway.Still, there are many, many parts of her book where she makes perfect sense, such as buying in season, and that people buy too much food, and taking the television out of the bedroom is a great idea I've completely taken to heart! So to sum up, this book that gives you food for thought, if you don't choke on some of the grace notes!

I felt obligated to post my review because, as cheesy as it may sound, Alexandra Stoddard's book, Living A Beautiful Life, actually changed my life -- for the better. I'll agree that all of the Grace Notes are not for everyone -- they are merely suggestions. Neither do I try and do everything that she recommends. But she did succeed at getting me to look at life and its daily routine in a different way. She's also introduced me to wonderful authors, such as Madeleine L'Engle. Alexandra's writing has helped me to live a more beautiful life "in the moment" by appreciating every blessing and using every moment to add more beauty to it. Now I try and celebrate every little aspect of life, if possible, by not keeping anything mundane. My life greatly reflects my passion for life and I am now more aware of the beauty involved in simple existence. Alexandra has written other great books (which have helped me tremendously) on relationships, family, interior decorating, the lost art of letter writing, etc. Remember, it's all about what works for you. I'm currently collecting Alexandra's books and highly recommend them all. Alexandra, thank you very much. By sharing your passion, you give a wonderful gift. :)

As a former working mother (working outside the home, I mean), I am grateful for books like these. Having been raised by one of the first working mothers in the 1970s, I didn't learn all the skills of homecaring, or the little niceties that make like more enjoyable and beautiful for myself and my family. Like one of the guys, I was sent out into the world of business and expected to compete there. I did, but I was miserable and felt something was missing from life.

A good friend gave me this book as a gift -- and what a perfect gift it was, at the time I most needed it. Yes, the ideas are simple, and perhaps, to some, this whole domestic goddess thing can be "syrupy" as one reviewer put it. So sue me -- but I love being at home, love rediscovering what it's like to live like a human being, not a "human doing", and to make my home a place of beauty. I love this book, and plan to give it to other women like myself, and I will be looking for more like it!

This book, along with Practicing the Presence, will introduce you to the principles and practices of the mystical teachings of Joel S. Goldsmith. After reading these two beginning texts, read The Infinite Way, Foundations in Mysticism and Thunder of Silence. Then find Joel's tapes and look for books published before 1966. Joel died in 1964 with a few books ready to publish. However, as time passed, more and more of his words were changed or dropped. Please find original works whenever you can if you are serious about this work. Each book is a compilation of transcribed lectures. As time passed the extreme editing made the works less and less Joel.

The following titles are also original texts: Consciousness Transformed, Rising in Consciousness and Conscsiousness in Transition .

May each word take you closer to your true identity and may God bless your journey.

If you had to pick a single Goldsmith book to read this is it (followed closely by Practicing The Presence). This book presents a clear and concise view of how a human being should live this life with a view to what reality with God is.

To follow the path of the Infinate Way is not easy, but I have found it to be the most rewarding spiritual study of my life. It will shake your perceptions, turn your life upside down, and then set you back on your feet....on your true path. I reccomend this book to any and all spiritual seekers, as Joel's teachings are not exclusionary or judgemental, just earth shattering. This is the place to start reading, to begin learning the principles of the Infinate Way as revealed through Joel Goldsmith, and to start living a true, marvellous, spiritual existence.

I have been a great fan of Joel Goldsmith for some time. He is a remarkable teacher. For those who would like to deepen their experience, I would highly recommend a book called The Power of Now, by Eckhart Tolle. Our 10-year Joel Goldsmith group has been studying Eckhart and listening to his tapes and they are most remarkable. If you love Joel you will love Eckhart.

I imagine when Joel Goldsmith first wrote this book he wanted people to realize there IS an infinite way to live and this wonderful 'Way' became Joel's way and the way for millions of people today who follow Joel's teachings.

This is a small book, packed tight with mind-boggling TRUTH. It will open your eyes if you're receptive. It will change your life if you let it. It will answer some of the most deepening questions of your soul. It will leave you with new peace. It will set you on a beautiful, fulfilling road you never knew existed.

Living the infinite way means seeing everything with new eyes; with spiritual perception. It means giving up past indoctrinations and false teachings of God and man perpetuated through time.

My book is hardback, purchased over 20 years ago. It got me started on my own journey, which has been a reward I'll never give up. We can all live the Infinite way when we realize who and what God is. I recommend this book and all Goldsmith writings.

Gail Gupton, Author: The 31-Day Diet of Spiritual Enlightenment and Seekers of Truth

This is one of the best synopsis' of St. Therese's writing that I have seen and definitely the best application to modern life of any author I have read. If you care for some one, give them this book.

Wonderful little book that synthesizes St. Therese's philosophy and theology. I carry it with me and re-read little snippets over and over. If you underline every meaningful passage in this book, every sentence on every page will be underlined. It is well worth the short time you will spend reading it, and well worth the time you will spend re-reading it. I don't know how Father Foley was able to take so much information on Therese and make it so concise and so beautifully written. As a writer myself, I am understandably and undeniably envious, but sincerely grateful to Father Foley for his work.

I never understood Therese's Little Way until I was lucky to have come across this book at a parish bookstore.
A beautiful little book.

I left this book lying on the coffee tableone day and was surprised when my normally skeptical 23 year old daughter quoted it back to me during a conversation! She, as I, was attracted to the book by its title. And the book delivers what it promises--a way to live with life's ordinary and extraordinary pains, and an introduction to the comfort and joy of a life connected to God even in its most seemingly insignificant moments. The key is St. Therese of Lisieux, and this is a good way to begin to know her.

This book was wonderful and is a wonderful guide for your interior spirituality. I recieved it 1 year ago and have read the book cover to cover about 5 times and have read different sections every one to two weeks. I carry it with me always. This is the guide to sainthood!!

After over 15 years in the mortgage industry, I thought I had heard it all. This book really changed my prospective on the industry.

What a relevant topic for the current market conditions. Nathan know his business and it is wonderful that he has chosen to share his insights with us. I would say this is in the "must" read category for anyone in, wanting to get in, or struggling in the real estate market.

This book is very timely, with the current downfall of the real estate industry. For me it was an excellent read because I am not an expert on real estate and it made the techniques easy to understand. These are real world strategies that will make money in this market.

This book was very easy to follow and informative. As a Dentist and
Entrepreneur I highly recommend this read!

I'm always a little wary of "Money Making" books, but I have to say I was pleasantly surprised with this one. I agree with some of the other reviews that the book was remarkably easy for the "lay-investor" to understand, but more importantly the strategies contained within are ones that can be implemented by almost anyone. The author provides several ideas that I would not have thought could be so easily executed.

A very good book

"The practitioner reminds himself: "Today I am better than I was yesterday, tomorrow I will be better still."" This is a quote from this wonderful book and this book can help the martial artist accomplish this, or at least give the martial artist some insight in how to accomplish this. The Martial Way and Its Virtues is divided into three sections: The Martial Way, Strategy and Technique, and The Virtues of Martial Arts Training. I found all three parts to be informative and enlightening.

There are useful quotes scattered throughout this book. In short, this book gives the reader insight into the proper attitude that one should have in practicing and applying the martial arts. There is much more to the martial arts than learning how to fight and Mr. Chu does a good job in sharing some of the attitudes and philosophy that a true warrior needs to develop as part of his training. Highly recommended!

Bohdi Sanders, author of Warrior Wisdom: Ageless Wisdom for the Modern Warrior

"The Martial Way and its Virtues - Tao De Gung" by F.J. Chu was an enjoyable read that made me think of my own martial art journey. I agree with William R. Connors' foreword in that rather than a technique book, this book uses martial arts as a core to provide an insight into martial arts as well as a blueprint for a way to begin the journey of achieving mastery of one's body, mind, and spirit. This is an endless journey that those of us who have chosen to follow a warrior's path realize is worth taking. This book offers guidance to anyone who chooses to follow that path, and assisted me with my training, thinking, and teaching.

Chu's goals with this book included wanting to show the relevance of philosophical thinking on "real life" martial arts practice through this text, and I believe he accomplished this. Chu believes that philosophical discourse, like martial arts practice, is a way of life. Therefore, the values he wrights about are incorporated into a martial artist's life through disciplined and regular practice.

The study of martial arts empowers individuals with the capacity to harm or even kill others, Chu states because of this power of life and death, the martial artist has the responsibility to behave with greater calm and judgement than the average person. This book is about personal development; it is about becoming a whole person through martial art study that includes the philosophical practice of warriorship. For those who are following the spherical path of the martial way, this text is enlightening and thought provoking. As Chu points out right at the beginning of this book, the Tao De Gung is a purist's vision of the martial arts. This is the higher calling all of us that follow the Way aspire to. It is this higher ideal that separates warriors from predators.

The longer I practice martial arts and the older I become, the more I realize that my training is but a journey toward self-betterment. Yes, I still train for self-defense, and from past experiences I know I can defend myself. However, my training is much more than that. Following the Way is a part of me now. I continuously strive to better myself and live by warrior ideals passed on throughout the years, and then pass these lessons on to others through my teaching and writing. F.J. Chu's text has helped me grow as a martial artist, warrior, and person. I recommend it to any martial artist, warrior, or person who also wants to grow and further develop themselves.

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

Accessibly written by F. J. Chu (a certified black belt instructor in Kenpo Karate), The Martial Way And Its Virtues: Tao De Gung is an informed and informative treatise on the mentality and physical and moral demands of following the path of life embraced by martial arts. Stressing the importance of a responsible code of conduct and higher ideals intertwined with learning physical and combat-related skills, The Martial Way And Its Virtues is an intriguing work and recommended supplemental reading for all students and practitioners of the martial arts. Also very highly recommended is the YMAA Publications website at www.ymaa.com.

Two recent events have galvanized me towards seeking the deeper aspects of martial arts. First was competing in a local tournament, where things got a bit out of control in the sparring ring. The second was my Shihan's announcement that I'm up for possible promotion to Shodan (1st degree black belt). Both events jolted me out of my comfort zone, and I knew I needed to reassess where I was at as a martial arts practitioner.

I began to study some of my Soke's writings, and also looked for works by other senior martial artists. However, my goal was not to master secret techniques or win tournament sparring in 7 easy steps. Instead, I sought out writers who dealt with the philosophical underpinnings of the martial arts. I wanted to explore the "why" behind the "what." "The Martial Way and its Virtues" grabbed my eye, and it was an excellent beginning to my quest.

For full disclosure, I'm a Christian practicing in a Christian dojo. That means my ultimate master is Jesus Christ, and my beliefs, presuppositions, morals, and so on rest upon the Bible. For those who may fret about that, or think Christianity and martial arts don't mix, be assured that this book does not have a Christian bent. Indeed, Sensei Chu draws from such diverse sources as Confucius, Soren Kierkegaard and Carlos Castaneda to make his points. However, my particular style is Shiho Karano, and a key aspect is that we have an open approach to knowledge and learn from all.

It was with that attitude I read "The Martial Way," and I was not disappointed. Sensei Chu writes using a clear and accessible style. The book is organized into three parts that respectively deal with philosophy, strategy and technique, and spirituality. Smaller sections flesh out each part, and titles such as "Lose Your Ego" and "Practice Real Life" indicate the specific focus. Overall, Sensei Chu wants his book to serve as "a call to practicing martial artists everywhere and to aspirants of the martial Way (page 3)." His guiding philosophy is "Tao De Gung," the pure essence of the martial arts.

Of particular interest to me was Sensei Chu's take on Shodan promotion. He indicates there are two paths a newly minted Shodan can choose. One is the "beginning of the end," usually taken by those whose main purpose was earning the black belt. They have reached their goal, and therefore leave the martial arts and go on to the next thing. But there's a second path as well, called the "end of the beginning." Here, the Shodan realizes he is just starting a lifelong quest towards a deeper life in the martial Way. That person maintains a "beginner's mind", and humbly acknowledges that he will always be a student who learns just as much (or more) by teaching as by doing. That's how I'd like to be.

It's the first time I'm buying books online.
I was really shocked that this is how an old book look like.
It looked brand new.

I'll probably start buying online more

I love Asimov, but this has got to be his best collection of shorts and the title story is the best of the lot. What a great read. It has everything that we love about Asimov, science fiction, and storytelling.

This is a collection of three novellas and one short story: "The Martian Way" (1952) is a story about colonists on Mars who must find another source of water since a Joseph McCarthy-like polititian on Earth is threatening to cut off Earth's supply of water for Mars (the story came out right during the McCarthy problems in the U.S. Senate). "Youth" (1952) is about two pre-teenagers in a post nuclear-war world who come across some small "animals" that they wish to take to the circus not realizing that they are intelligent beings who had come to make contact with the youths' fathers. "The Deep" (1952) is focused on beings who live in the interior of a planet (their sun is dying and the inhabitants keep migrating deeper into their planet for the planet's natural heat) whose social structure considers maternal love to be a taboo and degenerate. They are forced to come into contact with beings (Earthlings) who they regard as obscene due to the presence of this emotion. "Sucker Bait" (1954) is centered on a world having two suns (the two suns and the planet form a Trojan orbital system of an equilateral triangle). A previous colony of a thousand members had died a hundred years earlier and a new expedition has been sent to discover why. Asimov also suggests in this story that scientists in the future may become so specialized that they will be unaware of basic facts anywhere outside of their specific field. I really doubt that. Anyone who has a love of science has a joy of all science. That will be true in the future as well (However, there will always be people [in any field] who are narrow minded.).

Even though The Martian Way is one of Asimov's lesser known collections, it is probably one of the best examples of his writing I have read in terms of variety and entertainment.
The collection is made up of 3 short stories and a novella, all of which I had not yet previously read in Asimov's many collected works books.
All of the above said, if you have never read Asimov you would probably not enjoy this collection as much as a seasoned sci-fi aficionado. The stories are a bit clunky, the plots unravel a bit unsteadily and the character development is not as polished as his later work (e.g. the Foundation series). The stories, however, are filled with his immediately recognizable twists and accurate scientific postulations regarding the future. It continually amazes me that even though his stories are more than 50 years old, they remain as relevant today as they were when he wrote them. This holds true for all the stories in this collection.
In the first short story, The Martian Way, he describes the inner solar system colonization and the new ways of thinking required to be successful in this world of the future. The story seems to be a precursor to his Galactic Empire novels and in terms of a timeline seems to fit into an era just before the colonization of the original 50 Spacer planets.
In Youth, the second short story, he describes a first contact which goes wrong and eventually twists the story in classic Asimov style which makes you face your own preconceptions.
The Deep, the third short story, is probably the weakest of the four stories in the book. It reminds me Asimov's eclectic forrays into parallel dimensional sci-fi. Could also just be that I like my aliens to have a form and shape, call me old fashioned.
The fourth and final story, Sucker Bait, is probably the most gripping and interesting. It is a definite forebear of his Galactic Empire and describes a human condition we are all folly to.
All in all, not Asimov in his prime, but definitely readable and compelling.

This is a terrific book. Asimov gives us a realistic dilema with technology, that at least from my "arm-chair" physicist point-of veiw makes sence. Going from point A to point B in months makes sence as it's unlikly we'll be warping around when all we've got is a martian colony. Using water for fuel seems plausible (since they use hydrogen and O2 already)and other problems (such as the expedition running out of drinking water) also make sense, seem plausible and are dealt with realistically. One exciting scene is ripped off by the movie Armageddon when the miners deal with what happens when two asteroids collide, and there's one more good scene where.... well, I'll let you read it.

When one has a stack of failed watercolors this book is a blessing. And I'd like to meet the learning watercolorist who hasn't such a stack.
I would recommend this book to all students of that medium. Those who confess to not knowing everything there is to know!

This book looked like a good one to add to my growing collection of watercolor books. I got the book browsed through it and thought, well it is alright. Later I was reviewing some paintings for a show, found one that was "just so-so" and thought I would try some of the suggestions from Susan's book, thinking it couldn't hurt. So I scrubbed and cropped away at it. Now, instead of a painting I was ready to discard, I have two purely eye catching watercolors.
Can't wait to frame and show them.
This one correction has paid for the book twice over. Strongly suggest it as an addition to a painters book collection.
Mary Schiros

Sue Webb Tregay's book, "Master Disaster", is one of the best art instruction books to come along in a very long time! As a professional artist for a number of years now, I was simply blown away by this book. I have never seen, in any other art book, such a widely diverse selection of artwork by ONE artist before! There is something for everyone here. Her ability to paint in many styles with widely divergent subject matter makes this book so unique. Couple that with her lively writing style, and "just do it" attitude, you'll want to race off to your studio to create your own masterpieces!
Simply put, a "must have!"

Susan Webb Tregay presents logical, methodical, and imaginative approaches to "fixing" disastrous watercolor paintings that would benefit painters utilizing all water-media from the amateur to the more experienced. Her book, "Master Disaster" is loaded with great illustrations and explanations that are easy to understand. I particularly like her flexible approach to fixing a painting, and I'm now using many of her suggestions. Additionally, unlike other painting instructors, Tregay's approach enables students to retain their individual style while incorporating her ideas for mastery. Many other instruction books are practically "paint by number" in approach, where you use the author's compositions, color pallette, technique, etc. That approach isn't particularly effective because it produces painting clones of the author. Tregay's approach eliminates that possibility. I think this is a GREAT watermedia instruction book and highly recommend it to others.

I found the information in this book to be very helpful in figuring out ways to rescue a watercolor painting.

I bought this as a gift to one of the guys in the youth group. He loves it. It's good gift.

Small enough to fit in a purse! So little and so powerful and very good translation of the holy word. Not to mention the range of colors you can get it in.

This is the other bible I am currently reading, this is the one I carry in my backpack. It has a very study metal shell, thus it's name, it has a magnetic clasp to keep it closed. I pretty much killed a bible about every year to year and a half by carrying it around in my backpack every day. This bible solves that problem. It is small, compact, and very durable. The metal Bible comes in a variety of colors and designs I have this green one with the dog tags and my wife had my initials engraved in the dog tag before giving it to me as a gift a few summers ago. There are currently, 2 Silver designs, black, orange, red and hot pink. The NLT - New Living Translation is also a great reading edition, both this and the TNIV are newer translations based on modern scholarship and are very accessible to today's readers.


Note: The Silver, Green and Orange are old stock and are NLT version1 the red and vlack are the NLT Second Edition. Next reprint of the others will be the revised NLT.

The durable metal case and magnetic clasp make this great for travel. It goes with me everywhere. For the most part I love this translation although the 13th Chapter of first Corinthians is more poetic in other versions. I also love the great topics, great stories, and great verses indexes at the back. Great gift for that special occasion. Love some of the other versions of this publication like the red Ignite, etc.

I like this Bible because it stands up to being tossed in a backpack or a cargo pocket well. That is the main selling point of this one for me--durability. I also really like the NLT for readability and ease of understanding.

Only negatives are the print is a little small (but not overly so.) and flipping to passages is a little bit of a trick since the metal edges of the cover make it a little tougher to get your finger in next to the pages.

The cover is cool, and is a conversation starter.

Even though this book was written in 1969, the practical ideas and observations it offers are just as valid today as they were then. If you were marooned on a desert island and you had only one book to read, this would be the one I would pick. I enjoy reading this book and I highly recommend it.

Read this book before you make your PowerPoint presentation and you will not regret it. The irony is that PowerPoint hadn't been invented yet when this book was written.

"Moving Mountains" is about the real world of making presentations in business and academia. The author really knows what he is talking about. His insights into the psychology of presenters and audiences go way beyond the superficialities of many of these books, written by consultants who never really had to keep alive a crucial project. One of the best features is that Boettinger wrote before anyone was using personal computers with PowerPoint, so he concentrates on the real and permanent issues of presentations, not the unimportant features of a specific tool, and it's easy to use his insights with modern technology. It is worth buying this book even at the high prices charged in the used market, and it should be a prime candidate for a reprint edition.

This is a must-read book if you ever plan to make a presentation, even if it's just a presentation to yourself as it will help you clarify your thinking. The book is nearly 40 years old now, but don't be fooled. The language is a tiny bit archaic, but the ideas and suggestions are golden and timeless. It contains ideas for presentation of ideas, organization of projects and critical thinking. The last chapter on generating ideas alone is worth the price of admission.

I've read books on public speaking and making presentations for 40 years. I've been a priest, trainer, speech coach for Microsoft, speech writer for a Supreme Court Chief Justice in Washington State, and coach of people who appear on television. Moving Mountains is so insightful that I have passed on Boettinger's ideas for the past 20 some years. No one source has more insights into human nature, graphics, and persuasion and is written in lush, practical language. Simply the best book I have ever read. Period.

Seek this book. I've read books on presentations for 40 years and teach public speaking across America. This is the most insightful book, in fact the very best book I've ever read, period. The psychological savvy into groups, the chapter on graphics and visuals, the hundreds of little tips and techniques is unmatched. His emphasis on meeting the audience's needs is brilliant. I've been using Boettinger's ideas for more than 20 years they've helped me earn more than a million dollars and still no author has matched his fluent style, novel-like descriptions, and breath of knowledge. Search and purchase.

The book would be an ideal college graduation gift. It was hilarious, very detailed and comprehensive. I would love to be on the prize patrol of Publisher's Clearing House. Congratuations to Rosen and his team for a real winner.

Enjoyed the book. Especially like the part on the Publishers Clearing House Prize Patrol because it features me!

The book would make a great college graduation gift. It was comprehensive, funny, and offered some wonderful job possibilities. I would love to be on the prize patrol for Publisher's Clearing house. Great job! Rosen and collaborators!

kapelke deftly debunks the mysteries of several occupations we have always wondered about, but have been too afraid to ask. Once again, his esoteric and pointed sense of humor cover any "shortcomings". For all you aspiring Zamboni drivers, Kapelke and his intrepid gang's masterpiece will be your ticket to success!

Nice Job is a pleasure to read. We gave it as a graduation gift to a few of our friends.

The book is not just filled with "yucks" concerning these odd jobs; it goes further and specifically tells what skills are necessary to do the jobs. I found this aspect fascinating (along with the salaries).

The book is a quick read. We got a kick out of many of the stories.

Highly recommended.