Way Books

As one of the men that is very proud and honored to have been mentioned in Thunderbird Lounge, I am absolutely amazed at General Brandt's accuracy and detail. His sentimental chronicle of our personal experiences with the 33rd transportation Company is inspiring and emotional. Moreover, I am sure that this work will be intrinsic to future scholars who realize the historical significance of this unit with respect to both the Vietnam War and Army Aviation, and recognize the value of General Brandt's personal accounts. The scope of General Brandt's work is such that I am completely satisfied that the mission that we accomplished and the sacrifices we made are fully appreciated and realistically portrayed. He has told the story of real men at the beginning of a savage war with the compassion and thoughtfulness of one who was there.

Bob Brandt did a masterful job of saving, sorting and presenting data as well as remembering so many facts that most of us have long since forgotten.

The book is a keeper, and supports the efforts and brave acts of the many unsung participants at the outset of this strange venture of our country into a truly foreign land.

It is quite evident that Gen Brandt did considerable research into the events that took place during that time period. Some people might question the facts as presented about some of the operations or events, however, I think the book speaks for itself. The author did an outstanding job depicting how the Company functioned in that environment and how the officers and enlisted men endured the stress and strain of life away from home and family. The humorous side depicted in the book is probly as accurate as can be remembered and certainly contributed to the over all high moral of the organization. The book is well written and a pleasure to read.

I swapped my book, OUTLAWS IN VIETNAM, for Bob's book at the VHPA reunion in Las Vegas, 2002. This is a great book by Gen. Brandt typifying the events and life-style experienced at this early moment in Vietnam. The H-21's are graphically described in all their quirks and needs, as well as the skillful men who had to fly them. I find the earliest years of VN helicopter warfare fascinating to read, as these men not only laid down the tracks for we later aviators to utilize in mid-sixties on, but they quickly found out the political reality of Vietnam--which never changed. As Halberstam has stated, "the war was lost in 1964, not at the end of its duration." Our aviator job was tremendously enjoyed by all of us, but the Washington administrations never totally got it what a fluky scenario Vietnam was. We helicopter pilots surely got it, though.

Pi'-o-neer' a noun meaning: "One who goes before, preparing the way, for others to follow." There is no other way to define the original members of the 33rd Transportation Company (Light Helicopter)(CH21), except as pioneers in U.S. Army Aviation history! All original members of the 33rd left their families in the U.S. and quietly departed Ft. Ord, CA with their destination as-"unknown"! The move was classified as Top Secret and no one was able to tell anyone, including families, where they were going under penalty of court-martial. Vietnam was not classified as a combat zone in 1962, but as an advisory zone...but no one told the VC. Thunderbird Lounge is a very good historical book written by a man who experienced it all. 1LT Robert J. Brandt, a National Guard officer newly assigned, became the Commander of the 573rd Maintenance Detachment and, would be the only Commander of the 573rd Maintenance Detachment for the entire year.

The 33rd was originally to deploy to "unknown" locations in March of 1962. The orders were delayed and many of their helicopters were transferred to two other Transportation Companies (8th and 57th), which did deploy. Then the U.S. was scoured for low time CH-21's to replace the ones given up by the 33rd. The unit was again alerted to move in August of 1962. All aircraft and all other equipment finally departed for Hawaii by ship scheduled to stop in Hawaii to pick up the aircraft and equipment of a sister unit, the 81st, before continuing on. Then, the day before the main body of personnel was to depart Travis AFB, 1LT Brandt was diagnosed with pneumonia! After spending a night in the Ft. Ord hospital and receiving a massive dose of penicillin that led to a rapid improvement, Brandt convinced the Army doctor that he HAD to go with his unit the next day. Convinced by his improvement, the doctor loaded Brandt up with more penicillin and off he went. He recovered enroute with no ill effects.

The arrival at Tan So Nhut and Saigon was exactly as anyone who has been there remembers...a sensory shock and memorable! The year was 1962 and, Saigon was "unspoiled" by western influences; full of interesting foreign sights, sounds and smells. The USNS Croatan, carrying 40 cocooned helicopters and equipment, arrived within 48 hours, on schedule. Following unpacking, unwrapping and assembly, the 33rd's 20 CH-21s were flown to Tan So Nhut and ultimately to their new home on Bien Hoa airbase about 30 miles north of Saigon. The time was the monsoon season and no member of the unit had experienced the tropics or the problems the heat and moisture would ultimately bring to their aging CH-21 helicopters. The 33rd had arrived and "Wow", were the conditions primitive!

Throughout the remaining pages of Thunderbird Lounge, MG Brandt tells a complete story of the first year of the 33rd in Vietnam. People, places and incidents are described in very vivid detail. Almost every pilot is mentioned as well as many of the key enlisted men and NCO's. Using letters sent home to his wife along with the help of several comrades he is still in contact with, MG Brandt reconstructs many events that tell the story of their first year. Combat assaults, re-supply and medical evacuations are carried out in two aircraft flights because of engine and maintenance concerns. The red soil and extreme moisture conditions made maintenance of the CH-21 radial engines and wooden rotor blades very, very difficult. Brandt estimates that his engine shop rebuilt a CH-21 radial engine every 8 days! Thunderbird Lounge is a story of missions, maintenance and mayhem.

Never has a book been written after 40 years that is more complete with dates, names and locations. Every page is brimming with tales relating the many humorous incidents and events that made life in combat and the poor living conditions of Bien Hoa airbase bearable. Great photos are placed at the end of each chapter that compliment and highlight the people and incidents within the chapter. MG Brandt carefully remembers some of the sad events of the year, concluding with the loss of the first two 33rd pilots just after his returning home.

Thunderbird Lounge is truly a wonderful book. It tells a positive story about men as pioneers overcoming adversity, boredom and the enemy. Some of the participants may have seen things differently than MG Brandt, as he looks back after 40 years. However, no one can say he didn't tell it candidly, and fairly, as he saw it. After all, 40 years is a long time. 1962 was truly a time when real men pioneered the use of helicopters in combat and developed the textbooks for US Army Aviation airmobile operations. Those textbooks, as well as the lessons learned, were effectively used by thousands of pilots over the next 9 years in that "unknown" location so very far away.

Tom Payne
Sec/Treas
VHPA

Rabbi Shafier does an incredible job of presenting life's purpose in a format that's engaging and stimulating. I found the book's greatest quality was its almost complete and accurate presentation of basic Jewish thought. The core of what one needs to know to begin exploring Judaism is comprehensively presented in an easy-to-follow dialogue. The author entertains as well, making this quite an enjoyable read.
I was inspired and gained tremendously from this book.

I can't recommend this book enough. It is one of the best books that I have ever read. It was great! Profound, yet fun. It deals with the most important questions: if GOD created the world what is its purpose, and if God created me, what is my purpose. I can't think of any more important question that needs to be addressed. And this book does it an amazingly moving way. I recommend this book to anyone is looking for answers. It addresses so many of the basic issues of life. It reawakened in me a joy for daily living, your section about the smell of oranges really hit home. It is trully a phenomanal work. I am now reading it for the third time. Thank you.

In "The Torah Lifestyle" the author chooses the format of a Jewish man seeking answers as he considers marriage in order to walk the reader through understanding the traditional Jewish lifestyle. Rabbi Shafier successfully uses simple reasoning and insightful comments to help the reader understand such difficult topics as personal happiness, who you are as an individual, thinking patterns and how they affect our view of life as well as a myriad of others. The most impressive thing about the book is the simple, insightful and at times beautiful ways in which he explains basic Jewish thought. A highly recommended read for anyone seeking answers about Jewish thought and the meaning of life from a traditional Jewish perspective.

This thought provoking book offers a clear understanding of the purpose of a Jews life on this world from the traditional Jewish perspective. In addition, it opens a window into the lifestyle of the Orthodox Jew helping to demystify their ancient practices and customs. The author courageously tackled many of the "whys" of the world and life that nag us throughout our years. He presents unique, straightforward answers grounded in sound common sense. This 225-page book was an enlightening and refreshing read and is likely to give you the tools to a happier and more meaningful life.

In "The Torah Lifestyle" the author chooses the format of a Jewish man seeking answers as he considers marriage in order to walk the reader through understanding the traditional Jewish lifestyle. Rabbi Shafier successfully uses simple reasoning and insightful comments to help the reader understand such difficult topics as personal happiness, who you are as an individual, thinking patterns and how they affect our view of life as well as a myriad of others. The most impressive thing about the book is the simple, insightful and at times beautiful ways in which he explains basic Jewish thought. A highly recommended read for anyone seeking answers about Jewish thought and the meaning of life from a traditional Jewish perspective.

With his trademark wisdom, heart and humor, Rabbi Ed Feinstein tackles both simple and profound questions. This articulately written book is much more inspiring than its title might suggest, and is suitable for adults of all ages. It makes a great gift, but don't forget to buy one for yourself!

It is not a bad thing that our most accessible source of wisdom is from late night TV comics. Our country celebrates newness and individual innovation, and the cleverness of the late night comic and his guests is a welcome antidote to the tawdry news that precedes it. But we have thousands of years of insight to draw on, also created as a counterpoint to distracting times, the cumulative ideas of a great religion. In this book, Rabbi Edward Feinstein brings us both kinds of wisdom. A colorful and brisk survey of Jewish thought, the book conveys Jewish teachings through the lens of a very modern mind, to the sensibilities of a skeptical adolescent, through the humor and pathos that makes a great comic. I loved the book for myself, and giving out two to each Bar Mitzvah- one to the kid, and one to the parents!

This book received a silver medal for the 2003 Sydney Taylor Book Awards! These awards are presented annually by the Association of Jewish Libraries to the best in Judaic children's literature. Find out more at www.jewishlibraries.org.

Tough Questions Jews Ask: A Young Adult's Guide To Building A Jewish Life by Rabbi Edward Feinstein presents answers to difficult issues raised by Jewish young adults about the Jewish faith. Dealing with such fundamental and pervasive questions such as: "Why Does Religion Need So Many Rules" (such as dietary restrictions that forbid cheeseburgers and activity restrictions that forbid going to the mall on Saturday);"Why Is It So Important to Marry Someone Jewish?"; "What's the Meaning of Life? Is That a Dumb Question?"; and "Why Does God Let Terrible Things Happen?"; "Why Be Jewish?"; and more, Tough Questions Jews Ask pre-sents patient, discerning, illuminating answers which are particularly appropriate to teenage and young adult readers.

Rabbi Edward Feinstein is has a great mind and is a wonderful speaker and writer. In his book, Tough Questions Jews Ask, he responds to questions that have been asked by his students in the hope that his book will be a guide to young adults in building a Jewish life.

Rabbi Feinstein suceeds beautifully by answering some of the toughest questions anyone--regardless of age--can ask, and providing his deep, wise and often unpredictable responses in a way that both young and old can appreciate and understand. Such questions as: What are we here for? Why do terrible things befall us? Why pray and what do we pray for? are explored.

The book contains insightful questions and the Rabbi gives meaningful answers. Ultimately one lession of the book is that we grow by learning to ask the right questions, listening to the responses and then asking even deeper questions.

This book is great for anyone interested in growing, learing and asking.

My family had been suffering from severe chemical posioning.We all had difficulties with foods we were eating, because of the damge to our digestive tracts.Although we had found a altenative Dr. and were on the road to recovery we by were no means healthy. By the grace of God, I found out about the Broer's. After researching and reading this book and Max. Energy I found out the foods we are putting into our bodies can't and won't allow us to detox properly. Astounding info on the "food" we are consuming in massive quanities. If you have any concern for your children's health and your own this is a must have book!!!!!!

This is a really great book that helped me wake up to how my children really should be eating. My whole family drinks the protein shakes...even my 3 1/2 year old son who is pickier than all get out. When my 1 year old daughter was 6 months old I became very ill and had to discontinue nursing due to the medication that I was on. I immediatly put her on the goat milk formula found in this book, and she has absolutely thrived on it. I would recommend this book to any mother, new or not, simply for the benefits that her whole family will enjoy due to the bright light that this book shines on healthy, affordable, feasible, eating and living.

This is an incredible book and I highly recommend it to anyone who wishes to prevent health problems rather than just react to them. The information is easy to understand and the author explains the principles behind her recommendations so you can understand and explain it to others. Everyone I have allowed to lay their hands on my precious and much loved copy haven't been able to put it down! I have yet to find another nutritional guide for infants and toddlers that is this informative and indepth about the short and long term effects of childhood nutrition.

Also her husband, Dr. Ted Broer, has wonderful books and cassette tapes on adult health and weight loss. His work is very indepth also because he is not only an M.D. but also a Biochemist and fitness expert. His information for adults is just as informative and life changing as this book by his wife. I highly recommend anything you can find by this duo.

I am SO glad I read this book. It is full of information about what we are truly feeding our children and how to feed them right. It is very easy to read and understand and does not just leave you hanging, not knowing how to start making changes. I highly recommend it to everyone who is truly interested in the health of their family!

Sharon Broer speaks from experience of having raised a healthy child, profiting from the mistakes she learned as a child. Her book is valuable for all parents who want to be assured they are giving their children the best nutritional food available. She makes her book sound so friendly, yet very informative and educational. I highly recommend it to any mother of an infant and beyond.

This is a most fabuluous book!
It is a treasure of life wisdom and should you have time left for only one more book in this lifetime let this be the one.

The author, Michael Goldberg, shows us how to read Homer's "The Odyssey" as an allegory of
every human beings travel through life, unrevelling layer by layer of prejudices until you meet with your own true self. In other words your homecoming - i.e. to be and to know your innermost self free of all pretence.

This journey is what life is all about, and the author combines his great knowledge of an ancient model of different psychological types, the Enneagram, with the psychology of Freud and Jung and thus illustrates that "The Odyssey" is actually about how to avoid to get stuck within any framework or mindset- boxes that we, as fraile and insecure human beings put up trying to make existence in this world more simple, safe and organized - in fact, we create a model of how the world and everyone in it functions.

To free ourselves we need to acknowledge our own underlying model, which can be reached by experience and knowledge of the very different ways of existing in this world. Probably, you will be acquainted with one or more of these types you'll meet in the book, and here we are shown how to identify the mindset of each one as well as how to tackle the threat of getting stuck by being flexible and adjustable. Qualities that everyone will need to get through a life of challenge and changement.
Finally, the author connects to publicly known situations with companies and people as an illustration, which make thid reading usefull in many different ways.

Alltogether, a story that many will know from their schooltime is now known to go far deeper and to have a much more important message to everyone than what we were told then.

In the end let us introduce ourselves:
Jette Abildskov, consultant, OT, coach, NLP and Enneagram Trainer
Hanne Josephsen, attorney, coach, HR-, NLP and Enneagram Trainer

Michael has written a concise and enjoyable synopsis of our journey home - challenging each of us to be aware of the landscape - inner and outer, how we fit and how we move. More than a myth, Michael brings home this ancient wisdom in an easily readable yet profound form.
I'll re-read it often

Joseph Campbell believed that one of the basic functions of myth is to help each individual through the journey of life, providing a travel guide to reach fulfillment--a map to discover "bliss."

In our daily travels, one of the biggest obstacles to experiencing a more "blissful" journey are aggravating and difficult people--people who willfully or unconsciously stop us dead in our tracks--blocking our way with their unwieldy and overstuffed emotional baggage.

Long before Freud, Jung, neuroscience, the DSM-V, and Homer Simpson, the Greek epic poet Homer understood and described nine different types of aggravating and difficult strangers--not in the often cold and reductionistic tone of neuroscience or clinical psychology--but in the rich, symbolic, and textured language of poetry.

In other words, it turns out that Homer's "Odyssey" is at least on one level a "travel guidebook" for successfully dealing with difficult people. Not surprisingly, the "Odyssey" also serves as a mirror to help us discover and overcome barriers to fulfillment that we put in our own way when we adopt habits of mind and heart that are typical of the various types of "aggravating and difficult people."

"Travels with Odysseus" reveals the psychological wisdom of Homer's "Odyssey" in a way that I suspect would please both Joseph Campbell and another beloved popularizer of ancient myth, Edith Hamilton. True to the metaphoric and poetic form of the "Odyssey," Goldberg uses carefully crafted and satisfying prose to reveal patterns and character types that are strikingly, and often uncomfortably, familiar. At the same time, Goldberg offers insights and allusions that do not distract from or "psychologize" the powerful insights that are revealed through Homer's poetry, symbolism, and word-pictures.

Perhaps one of the more compelling aspects of "Travels with Odysseus" is how it reveals that the same cast of character and personality types that cause us grief today, were causing the ancient Greeks grief in 800 BC. If you observe very carefully, you will be able to see people at work or in other areas of your life who uncannily embody the traits and themes revealed by Odysseus in his travels to the nine lands.

Although Goldberg does not refer to the personality typology with ancient origins known as the Enneagram, those who are familiar with this model of personality will appreciate what I think is one of the more striking patterns discovered by Goldberg. Without any explicit discussion of the Enneagram personality typology, Goldberg reveals that in the "Odyssey," Odysseus travels, in sequence, through each of the nine Enneagram realms--confirming that the nine patterns described by the Enneagram model of personality were recognized by a teaching tradition that is at least 2,000 years old.

Again, while the beauty of "Travels with Odysseus" is that it reveals the psychological wisdom of Homer's "Odyssey" without theory or psychological jargon--those who are familiar with the Enneagram theory will find, thanks to Homer, a richer appreciation of the nine types described by this metaphoric model of personality.

Homer recognized that on our journey to a happier and more satisfying life we would encounter at least nine recognizably different personality types (both outside us and within us) who would block our way. In "Travels with Odysseus," Goldberg has distilled Homer's insights on these nine personality types and the strategies as well as Homer's allegorical but sage advice for dealing with these difficult personality types. For example, we have all run into one of the most difficult personality types--a type characterized by Homer as the "Cyclops." Goldberg observes that

"As a condition of being human, we all must meet the Cyclops in our lives. They are usually big and loud. They can be terrible bullies, abusive, raging, intimidating forces of nature who run over you, without guilt or remorse. They see the world the same way Polyphemus does; it's a power game pure and simple, in which the strong survive. The Cyclopes choose to survive."

Homer's strategy for dealing with the personality type symbolized by the Cyclops, as highlighted and described by Goldberg in "Travels with Odysseus," is perhaps the most effective strategy that I have been able to find for dealing with the occassional "Cyclops" that shows up along on my own journey.

As I read "Travels with Odysseus" I kept recalling the Junior High School English class, too many years ago, where I first encountered Edith Hamilton's Mythology. I couldn't help but wonder how much easier my own travels through life would have been if I had been given "Travels with Odysseus" as a companion book. "Travels with Odysseus" makes the psychological wisdom of Homer explicit.

I recommend "Travels with Odysseus" to anyone who seeks a deeper understanding of personality and character--an understanding of human temperament that is informed by ancient insights that are as applicable today as they were over 2,000 years ago.

While science continues to reveal more and more secrets about the brain and personality, "Travels with Odysseus" reminds us that some truths are best revealed through image, poetry, and story--whole and without reduction or dissection. "Travels with Odysseus" is full of these beautiful, and perhaps "eternal" truths. It is a guidebook that will, if you choose to use it, help you on your "travels towards bliss"--or at the very least, help you to get around a Cyclops or two.

This is an extremely important book, a "Must Read" for all enquiring intellects. Michael Goldberg deals with Odysseus' own account of his return home (the most important theme in the Odyssey) as told to the Phaiacians, dealing with his fantastical encounters with the Lotus Eaters, Cyclopes, Aiolos,Laistrygonians etc. The author, one of the world's great experts on the enneagram, shows us how Homer, composing more than 2,700 years ago, knew all about the complex aspects of the human personality. Goldberg treats these episodes in a delightful and easily readable way, showing us not just his own great wisdom, but also the great wisdom of Homer.

I really enjoyed this book. Michael Goldberg has written a non-Enneagram Enneagram book that is also much more. Without ever mentioning the Enneagram, Goldberg explores the nine-personality types through the lens of Homer's epic "The Odyssey." In addition to exploring different personality types, however, Goldberg demonstrates how these nine different archetypal themes reside within each of us and he maps a journey of self-exploration and self-understanding. A brief, fresh book with a light touch, "Travels with Odysseus" reinforces the notion that all great adventure stories parallel the inner journey.

This book is very easy going for a beginner. It summarizes the essential teachings of sufism, particularly the Naqshbandi tariqa. Based on a set of questions and their answers, this book educates a novice to the teachings of sufism. This book also gave a very brief historical setting of how sufism, and in particular, Naqshbandi tariqa flourished. This is an excellent mentor reading on the soft mystic side of Islam.

Written in a question and answer format, Shaykh al-Tariqat Hazrat Azad Rasool answers most if not all question regarding Sufism.

His style is warm and heartfelt, but without sacrificing lucidity and succinctness and in the process covers a tremondous range of topics quite well. Most readers will come away with a firm understanding of what Sufism is and is not, plus what it has to offer us moderns.

What makes this book so special among the plethora of books on sufism is this: Unlike many authors, Shaykh Rasool is a Sufi and teacher with a real lineage, so he writes from first hand experience and knowledge. Which is quite rare when one examines many of the books, where the authors are either academics or new age purveyors.

One cannot but help when reading this book, that one is in the presence of a true spiritual guide. Someone who lives what he teaches. As one other reviewer put it, I'm grateful that such teachers still exist in our time. It renews ones faith to say the least.

I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand what Sufism is and is a joy to read. It makes a perfect gift to religous students and others who are curious about other spiritual traditions.

If you are looking for more than the New Age approach to "universal" Sufism, or psychological approach of Idries Shah, and feel uneasy about the eschatological approach of Shakh Nazim, Turning toward the Heart will offer you an alternative and balanced approach in the traditional path of Sufism, written in a simple language, yet containing profound truths that are applicable for both an advanced student, as well as a beginner, who would like to experience the way of the Sufi.
The book has been extremely helpful to me in claryfying many confused ideas about Sufism, and I strongly recommend it to anyone interested in the mystical dimension of Islam.
From a seeker after truth from Warsaw

This book is like a beacon of light. Hazrat Azad Rasool is quite clearly an authentic representative of the tradition of Wisdom which has showed itself here and there throughout the history of mankind, and shows itself here in the form of Sufism. However, this is not merely an academic tome. The effect of reading this book is an almost palpable transformation of one's understanding and being which remains with you long after you put it down. At least, that was the effect it had on me. I am both amazed and grateful that such writers still live in our time.

I looked for a long time for a book that could describe the personal Journey toward God and/or deeper spiritual meaning & contact. This book does so clearly in easily accessible question and answer form. It describes the journey, and how that process will elucidate the limits of both written and verbal discussion. It emphasizes the process as an experiential one. While written from the perspective of the Sufic tradition, I found it equally applicable to other traditions - Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu - all of which are mentioned as paths to the truth. I recommend it highly and gave several copies to friends and family that I know to be questing for the deeper meaning of life and where and how they might find it.

I go for the eloquence of Kay Leigh Hagan's phrases unfolding. And Richard Downing's photos of milagros enliven Hagan's words. This is one mindful and sweet book...a great gift if you find yourself in a devotional moment of giving!

I go for the eloquence of Kay Leigh Hagan's phrases unfolding. And Richard Downing's photos of milagros enliven Hagan's words. This is one mindful and sweet book...a great gift if you find yourself in a devotional moment of giving!

I go for the eloquence of Kay Leigh Hagan's phrases unfolding. And Richard Downing's photos of milagros enliven Hagan's words. This is one mindful and sweet book...a great gift if you find yourself in a devotional moment of giving!

This book is deceptively simple in its approach to the complexity of devotion. Kay Leigh Hagan's poem at first appears to be instructional: "how to make a vow", but it is actually a meditation; a way of slowing down and opening up. The decision to put just a few words of the poem on every page forces the reader to slow down; to consider each word on the vast emptiness of those small white pages; to consider the milagro photographs, each in its own small universe, and then reconsider the words one more time. By the time I finished the book and read the words "when all is sacred, every act is devotion", I felt the satisfaction of being in complete sync with the artists who put this book together. I have been an admirer of the work of Kay Leigh Hagan and Richard Downing since both were members of the Atlanta artistic community. It is wonderful to encounter their work all these many years later and still be as moved by it as I was in the days when slowing down long enough to understand what it meant to make a vow would have been out of the question. In the midst of the madness of the days current events, this book is a way of focusing our energy for peace, for courage, for renewal.

Vow is so lovely! I go back and forth between whether I want to keep it on my coffee table or on my altar. It's like the pictures are beautiful so it's an art object, but the prayer touched my soul so much that I want it on my altar. But I also just like having it bedside because it's so short and sweet and easy to get through on nights when I just don't have the energy for Pema Chodron. It's just a beautiful little prayerbook. I highly recommend it!

Tim Woodroof has written a wonderful, thought-provoking book on the Beatitudes. The book is an excellent resource for preaching, teaching, and group discussions. I came across the book while planning a sermon series on the beatitudes and found Tim's creative approach, picturesque language, and writing style irresistable. Had I known about the book earlier, I would have used it as a study and discussion guide for the entire church to use as a compliment to the sermon series. There is plenty of material for class, discussion groups, and individual daily study. The book is not only strong on content, but on creative imagery, illustrations, and word pictures that help the message of the beatitudes come alive. It is also especially strong on application.

I have taught Sunday School for nearly 15 years. I have always been critical of curriculum available for teachers. There are many good books but few with good curriculum. Walk This Way is the best book I have ever used! Tim Woodruff not only has a way of making the Beatitudes come alive, but his packaging of his message is brilliant. If you want to undertand the essence of the message of Christ, buy this book! If you want to share the Gospel with others, buy this book! If you are a teacher of young or old or in between, teach the Beatitudes and buy this book as your guide. It is the best teaching tool I have ever used.

I echo the comments of the others who have reviewed this book. It really is that good! The author devotes a separate chapter to each of the eight qualities of heart with which Jesus began the teaching and transformation of his disciples. With a wealth of gripping word pictures and illustrations, the author leads the reader through each stage of this transformative journey. He ably demonstrates that the order in which Jesus presented these qualities was not simply random, but a sequence essential to genuine discipleship. He also ably uncovers the essence of each beatitude and destroys the shields we typically use to deflect their impact.

The main text of each chapter is followed by a lighthearted "Top Ten List" that illustrates each quality (usually in reverse). After that, each chapter contains four other sections that provide, in turn, a biographical vignette, weekly study guide, discussion questions, and practical application relevant to the Beatitude under consideration.

No book on the beatitudes has stirred my heart like this one. I highly recommend it.

Tim Woodroof takes an "MTV" approach to the Beatitudes. With many in-set factoids that relate the truths to today's issues, Woodroof finds nuances that excape most of us when we read the beginning of what is called "The Sermon On The Mount." Jesus' ten pithy little phrases hold much more meaning and impact after reading through this work book. Don't read this as a book, read it as a tool for catching the deeper meaning of the very core of following Jesus.

I've never read a book that taught me so much. Much of my life I skimmed over Jesus' first words to his disciples, but Walk This Way dove deep into the meaning that Jesus had for his disciples back then as well as for his disciples today. I believe this book is God inspired, and will help change your life concerning your relationship with Christ and the world around you. After reading it through 3 times, I am now using it as a study guide to teach a Sunday School class. The book does a good job in helping to facilitate discussions within a group.

Maggie Spilner, America's favorite Walking Guru, certified trainer and yoga instructor, offers just the right dose of fun motivation, laughter, and practical tips to get women at midlife and beyond to put "WALK" at the top of their To-Do List! A daily dose of walking is powerful medicine that helps mitigate virtually all the changes women experience during the menopause transition. I thoroughly enjoyed Maggie's friendly, soul-baring, supportive writing style and highly recommend this book for women who are beginning to realize that taking time for a daily walk --especially combined with Yoga -- maybe the best, safest, most convenient and least expensive menopause medicine.

(...)

Maggie Spilner, America's favorite Walking Guru, certified trainer and yoga instructor, offers just the right dose of fun motivation, laughter, and practical tips to get women at midlife and beyond to put "WALK" at the top of their To-Do List! A daily dose of walking is powerful medicine that helps mitigate virtually all the changes women experience during the menopause transition. I thoroughly enjoyed Maggie's friendly, soul-baring, supportive writing style and highly recommend this book for women who are beginning to realize that taking time for a daily walk --especially combined with Yoga -- maybe the best, safest, most convenient and least expensive menopause medicine.

Suza Francina, author, The New Yoga for People Over 50 and Yoga and the Wisdom of Menopause

I know from personal experience that exercise is an excellent way to mangage hot flashes. Ms. Spilner offers 14 excellent programs - something for every age and fitness level. I especially like the themes; she makes exercise fun and informative. Julie A. Calligaro, author of Hot Flashes 21 Non-Hormonal Strategies to Put Out the Fire.

Maggie Spilner's walking articles were my favorites when she was the walking editor at Prevention Magazine so it was a nice surprise to discover that she has a new book out on the subject. The book is well written ensuring painless learning and lots of motivation to get you out the door and walking.

Chapter 1 covers the benefits of walking to help relieve the symptoms of menopause.

Next is information everyone will enjoy and use on getting started followed by 14 walking programs to chose from for variety and fun. You can pick and chose the ones that are immediately interesting to you and if, in the future, you'd like to undertake any of the other options, all that is required is a little additional reading. My current favorites are walking with a pedometer, walking with your dog, birding, gardens and walking vacations.

There's a chapter on weight gain during menopause and a final section provides information on yoga poses and breathing.

Everything you need to start a successful walking program that you'll want to continue for the rest of your life.

Though the title is about Menopause and the first chapter does thoroughly discuss menopausal complaints, the risks of hormone replacement therapy and the benefits of walking on various aspects of aging often associated with menopause,the 14 Programs I developed are appropriate for anyone at any age or stage of life, to motivate themselves to walk; whether for health for fitness, for relaxation, for stress reduction etc. Every thing from Bird Watching to Historic landmark hunting, to training for a 5k. I've written three books on walking and this is my favorite, both for its content,style and workbook format!

Happy walks!
Maggie Spilner

Just wanted to note that John R Cope passed away February 7, 2003. Rest well John.

I had a chance to meet the author at our oncologist's office. John was full of life and humor. The book is a valuable and much appreciated help with insight on how to approach the challenges of living with cancer.

The book is definitley a must read. I read it from cover to cover in one sitting.

John's book will reach out to anyone dealing with an adverse situation. I found that I could relate to it in numerous ways, given the trials my family went through in the grief process.

My favorite chapters were 14 and 15 because I didn't want them to end. The inspiration and motivation in John's writing keeps you hooked. I am ready for the second installment.

Thank you John for the inspiration!

After reading this book, I could relate to the experiences that the author felt. A close family member of mine was diagnosed with cancer. This moment of her life had to be what I could only imagine a true nightmare. No one to understand your fear, pain or answer your questions on the disease. Where was this book 5 years ago when she needed it, I needed it. Thank you to the author that has created such a step by step book on not only how to deal with cancer but how to treat those that have it. Congratulations to the author for this creation. I highly recommend it to all that expect, know someone or is alive and kicking with cancer.

Excellent motivation book. "It's all about me"...NAC

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is facing cancer treatment but also to anyone faced with a difficult challenge. The author through his examples and humor explains what it feels like to be faced with a very serious challenge.

To bravely face the demands of cancer survival takes tremendous will and fortitude. The author shows us how to gain the strength to face the challenge. This book can help anyone facing a major challenge, whether that be cancer, grief, divorce, job less, it all applies. A great resource to know how to support those facing the challenge of cancer survival.

I have read and witnessed the authors experiences with his cancer. I am his son. The author John Sr. is incredibly humble in describing the pain and fear he felt during these years. However, by playing by the health rules, staying positive and not quitting in the game of life, those years of pain and fear have washed away by living on and experiencing a new found love of life.

Within the book, I found that there was no thoughts of dilusions, feelings of divine intervention, or medical mysterys. Rather, a simple and down to earth way of keeping perspective and focused on the problem at hand. A step by step guide on how to deal with all factors of beating this monster called CANCER.

It would appear that anyone, regardless of education level, income level, race, religion or state of residency can relate to this excellent book. I highly recommend this book due to its easy reading feeling and very insightful thoughts on living your life right this minute, whether you have cancer or not.

Give this book a try, there is absolutely nothing to lose when fighting the monster except your life. Good job pop! Jr.