Guides Books

I read this book 3 times while pregnant......I could go on forever but I'm too busy with the baby. This book is the best book you will ever buy....it is inspirational and gives you a positive outlook on pregnancy, delivery and what woman's bodies are capable of (even if you don't do natural) its a VERY VERY important book to read!!!

My doula recommended this book to me and I have since bought it for other dear friends/relatives who are expecting. This book will put any anxiety you may have of childbirth at ease to a great, but real extent. The author gives many case by case birthing stories which allowed me to more tangibly realize that women do this every day and have since the beginning of time. I highly recommend it!

Ina May Gaskin is amazing. The strategies offered in her book for dealing with labor pains, discomfort, and anxiety surrounding birth are some of my most favorite bits of knowledge picked up in the past 5 months preparing for the birth of my first child. I'm planning on a natural birth at a birth center with a midwife. It is attached to a hospital and there are Ob/GYNs on call at all times. I feel more confident in my ability to complete a natural birth (I'm healthy with no risk factors that would neccessitate medical intervention) with the knowledge that Ina May's book has given me.

Great information. Ina May retells stories from natural births at the Farm. I had never heard of the orgasmic delivery. Women need this book to remember the power of the human female body and to rebalance the emphasis toward more and more medical intervention in labor and delivery; to rebalance the high level of fear about labor and delivery. Great stories at the beginning and fantastic information at the second half of the book! Be sure to read it all. Also, see Ricki Lake's documentary - 'The Business of Being Born' - showing real home births and the history & progression of labor & delivery from natural to hospital. The greatest thing about the movie is that the last birth did not go smoothly, so it has the perfect balance showing when we are so lucky that medical intervention is available and capable, but reminding us that it is not necessary for every birth! - Surgery is there to save lives, not to placate fear. We are more capable than even we know!

My midwife recommended this book to me when I switched from an OB (who wanted to induce me a week before my due date despite my insistance on a natural birth)to a midwife. I didn't realize that all the birth experiences I had heard from my friends were mostly traumatic, and I was more scared about labor than I wanted to admit. Ina May's book felt like it was written just for me to help me cope with my fears. The first part of the book is devoted to positive experiences. The women are all different and each experience is unique. There are big babies, little babies, complications, easy births, etc. Something to assuage every fear you have. I'm actually looking forward to labor now, and even if you're not 100% convinced that the all-natural way is for you, this is still a great resource to replace your fears with positive feelings that you can do this.

This is the ultimate Simpsons fan's book. It has all of The Simpsons seasons 1-8 in air-order, so you won't have any problem finding them. There are a lot of pictures and colors as well. There are even a list of Homer's D'ohs, Couch Gags, and Chalkboard Gags for every episode. This is well worth the money you pay for it; definitely should be bought by any simpaholic.

I bought this book when it first came out, and have re-read it often (fully, and partially) since then. It is an excellent reference for any "Simpsons" fan for the first eight seasons of the show. The pages are full of episode summaries, quotes, and trivia facts from the show. It also offers profiles of characters, and a list of who does what voice. A great source if you cannot remember what guest celebrity voiced a character or any other information like that. I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys the "Simpsons" and wants to know more about the episodes.

Almost everything you could ever think to ask about The Simpsons is in this book. What was Bart writing on the chalkboard in "that one episode"? It's in here. The plots, inside jokes, behind the scenes tales and more await in this excellent resource for fans. This book harkens from the Conan O'Brien-era prime of the series, up to about the late 90's, when the quality (sadly) slipped big time. This was the golden age of The Simpsons, back before the series "became a cartoon." (Anyone who was a fan back in the day knows just what I mean.)

The Simpsons: A Complete Guide to Our Favorite Family is probably the best book on the Simpsons that I've read. It includes, and I am taking this right from the cover, characters, episodes, and secret jokes you might have missed from seasons 1 thru 8. The book was created by Matt Groening and edited by Ray Richmond. It details each episode and even has extras: The Shorts; Homer Says, "D'oh..."; Homer Says, "Mmm..."; Couch Gags; Seen around Springfield; An Itchy & Scratchy Filmography; Who Does What Voice; and Merchandising, Thy Name Is Krusty.

The books dedication even reads:
TO THE LOVING MEMORY OF
SNOWBALL I:
WE HOPE THAT
THEY CHANGE YOUR CATBOX
IN KITTY HEAVEN MORE OFTEN
THAN WE DID DOWN HERE.

My favorite saying in the book is on p. 64, "When Flanders Failed":
"Hey, Barteleeboobely, care for a steak-a-rooney?" Homer, to Bart as he cooks on the grill that used to belong to Fladners.

I definetly reccomend purchasing this book.

I found this book so soothing. If you love the Simpsons, you will love this book. You can relive the most hilarious quotes of the series in the most convienient manner possible. No need to search through DVD's to hear Homer say, "It takes two to lie, Marge. One to lie, and one to listen." Instead, you can flip through this book and relive all your favorite moments. I read it over and over and over again. It is well worth its price.

To get the most enjoyment from this beautiful book, buy the original Katherine Woods translation.

This is a wonderful story and a great book I was able to share with my students. The only drawback with the book is that the pages are not in color, but the extremely low price allowed me to purchase the books for my students out of my own pocket.

Katherine Woods' translation is the only English-language version of The Little Prince which captures the beauty, simplicity, clarity, and profundity of the Antoine de St. Exupery's classic, penned in French.

(The newer translation is appallingly horrid and bland, mistaken, and frankly perplexing.)

This is really not a children's book, although older children will appreciate it.

Don't measure the value by the thickness of the book. De St. Exupery, himself a WWI pilot, writes with a great economy yet produces here the most beautiful poetry with a delightful playfulness and childlike innocence -- a fresh vision which thus sees clearly and does not obscure the profound.

Mr. Fred Rogers used to quote from de St. Exupery, whose image and illustrations once graced the 20-franc note (in the days before the euro).

There simply is no other work like this one. It is an exceptionally rare treasure, a masterpiece.

Be sure to read Katherine Woods' translation. Read it privately, when you have time to savor each word. And keep a box of tissues nearby.

I was an adult when i read this book, and i really appreciated the lessons in life that Saint-Exupery shares through the Little Prince.

A great book, full of beautiful illustrations, easy to read, while fun and sad at the same time.

I personally read it as if Exupery is sharing with us the conversations he has with his own inner child, in the image of the Little Prince. That is why the Little Prince would ask many questions, but rarely answer the ones he was asked. Like all our inner children he's been hidden inside and kept silent for a long long time, and now that he was given his chance, he will speak. And we better listen, for he is an integral part of our psyche, who will take us through the most unbelievable adventures.

The Little Prince has often been heralded as a youthful book, required reading in elementary and high schools alike. In delivering it this way I think The Little Prince is missed by the only audience that is likely to truly appreciate it, that is adults. It is not an uncommon misconception that this is a children's book. Indeed, I keep the pictures stored on my computer, and am often asked where they came from. I reply that they are from one of my favourite books, and without fail the response is along the lines of, 'I don't mean to be rude but is that a children's book?'. 'No', I explain, 'it is not'.

The Little Prince is most needed, I think, by adults. It is easy to be caught up in, as De Saint-Exupery describes it, 'matters of consequence' and forget that it is not these matters which bring meaning to life. By pointing out the futility of professions practised endlessly and in isolation of other people, it becomes clear that the Little Prince, with his rose, is the only character with a life of consequence.

This book is beautifully written and translated by Katherine Woods. It speaks volumes through its simple tale, strange though it seems that matters such as these only become clear when they are somewhat removed from reality. Matters such as love, innocence, imagination and priorities. The Little Prince is a gentle and stirring reminder to never forget to see the boa constrictor from the hat.

Want to learn chess? If you are an absolute beginner or someone who has mastered the very basic skills then look no further! CHESS FOR JUNIORS will do the job for you. Yes, I am into advertising, but not as a profession for this book (if you know "Mr. Clean", "Hey, Mikie likes it" or "Where's the Beef" I was the person who made this possible on national TV". OK, you have got it! I am an old timer writing about a book with the "Youth Market" in mind. But then why has it been since it publication date of 1991 the #1 best selling chess book? It is GOOD, VERY GOOD!

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WHY:

1. VERY CLEAR (Mr. Clean can see everything)
2. VERY UNDERSTANDABLE (an 8-year-old or older name Mikie will like it)
3. LOTS OF MATERIAL (you will not be left saying, "where is the beef!")
4. WELL ORGANIZED (just like a "box of chocolate" - I was involved in that too!)
5. BEST SELLER (couldn't be all that bad! - it is ranked as #1)

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SOME THINGS I LIKE:

1. If you are using this book to teach someone who doesn't know a thing about chess (maybe you or your kid or your student?) then it starts off assuming no knowledge (everyone was once a beginner)
2. Once you finish you can go back and find almost every important term or concept in the index (doesn't require a college education to find something - Gommer Pyle would find what he wants!)
3. Written in a mature manner that an old guy will appreciate, yet the humor that kids will like in the book offers a perfect balance to make this a book for anyone who can read. (must only be beyond the reading level of - see spot run, run spot run)

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HOW:

1. You have ordered here before (go for it you button pusher!)
2. New, Used, or a Collectible Autographed Copy (like I have - I try and get whatever I can autographed just click on the right button of your choice)

Now I absolutely love this book. My grandkids, parents and I all have a copy and so should you. Next time you are watching TV and see a commercial, or see the author's students "Will Smith" or "Nicolas Cage", then you will be reminded of this particular book!

I run two after school chess programs at elementary schools and use "Chess for Juniors" as the text book. At first I was disapointed to see that this book has become difficult to get (if you can get a used copy grab it!). However, I found out is is going through a complete revision and will be a second edition when released later this year (as well as the entire "Chess for Juniors" series of books, including some new ones to be released).
"Chess for Juniors" is the perfect text book for teachers who are running a class for elementary age students on up (yes, it is suitable for a class for adults) beginning with an introduction to the basic rules and leading into a lot of basic material on strategy found in all aspects of the game.
What I found that sets "Chess for Juniors" (and the entire series) in a class by itself is the readability (ease of understanding the material) and comprehensiveness of the book.
Whereas, a 3rd grade reader of average reading skill can understand it, it is not going to insult an adult who wants to learn from it. It is is structured so any teacher conducting a class can easily follow the building lessons (it provides the perfect format for a ready-made class outline!).
Please hurry with the second edition!!!

I got this book a couple of years ago and now am chess club presendent at my school chess club in 7th grade. I loaned it out so many times it is getting worn out.

When I went to get a copy now I found out it is temporarily not in print because it is going to be made a new edition. I plan to get the new edition for the chess club.

What I liked about this book is that it isn't a silly little kids picture book. It teaches serious material using an easy to understand method by making the language basic enough and organizing it in an order to make it learning friendly. It would be good for anyone who can read as well as an average third grader right on up to adults. The index in the back makes it easy to find things and relook things up like terms, openings and rules.

Everyone in the school chess club likes it and uses it for continued reference even after having read it. I think this is the best first book for kids and adults.

I wanted to let people know that this top-selling chess book is now available under the title "Chess for Everyone: A Complete Guide for the Beginner". It has been updated and improved. The improvements include adding opening information, more detailed explanations at critical points and a less cramped, easier to read format. It is extremely complete in covering everything that a beginner needs to know to take him/her to the next level. It is a great book for students in grade 4 on up to adult. It is well organized and very suitable for textbook use by chess teachers. It uses a building format where lessons expand on material thorughout the twenty graduated lessons. It is one of only a few "beginner" books that are part of a comprehensive series that allows for direct follow-up material that is consistant. There are currently 5 books in print. In 2009, "Basic Chess Tactics: A Tactical Pattern Recognition Workbook for the Classroom" is scheduled for release. The "Chess for Everyone Teacher's Textbook Guide" is unlike any other teacher guide in that it provides lesson plans and information on how to teach chess to be used in conjunction with "Chess for Everyone".

"Chess for Juniors" is obviously the work of superb teacher whose mind and heart have fully committed themselves to the playing and teaching of chess over a number of years. It's perfectly organized and will turn any prospective or current player who carefully studies and absorbs its twenty lessons into a 1200-1300 player at least. I'm looking forward to diving into Snyder's "unbeatable Lessons" books if they're as valuable as this one.

Since I already knew the basics of chess before I bought this book, I was most interested in the approach Snyder took once he directed his readers on to the next step, since this is where introductory books on chess really show their true colors.
Snyder covers the pins/forks/skewers tactics as well as anyone, but the best part is the in-depth attention he gives to openings, defenses, and what he calls "Tactical Motifs." What this entails are insightful, detailed looks at the Ruy Lopez (the "Spanish") and Giuoco Piano (the "Italian") openings, and a group of the best-known gambits (From's, King's accepted and declined, Bishop sacrifices, Petroff's Defense). He also looks at those three to four-move checkmates like the Fool's and Scholar's--how they can be sprung on novice/unsuspecting opponents and how they can be avoided so easily if you develop the sound opening principles Snyder sets forth. If you play over and completely absorb all these openings and the basic variations as Snyder sets them down here, you'll develop a strong sense of space and begin to understand the tactical and strategic consequences of the moves you make.

Snyder also gives great explanations of some defensive responses, especially the Sicilian, the King's Indian and the Nimzo-Indian if you're playing black. The depth of Snyder's explanations is perfect, so that you learn what to do and why to do it without getting bogged down in needless details and variations. His lessons on King-Pawn, Queen and Rook endings are also perfectly set out. End games are essential of course but they are a bit dull to have to study. Again, I feel Snyder gives you just what you need to know so that you won't blow an end game with a loss, draw or stalemate when the use of a few core techniques could have made the game yours. Finally, there are a couple of instructive games which look especially at attacks on the weak f7/f2 squares and their outcomes, around which many wins or losses can revolve.

All in all, this is a superb beginner's book, either for youths or adults. I would say that there are other good ones out there too which can be fruitfully studied in conjunction with Snyder--the beginner's books by Yasser Seirawan (Play Winning Chess), John Nunn (Learn Chess), and I. A. Horowitz (Chess for Beginners). I do think it's shameful that many advocates of Snyder's fine work try to undermine these other works by pumping "Chess for Juniors" and pushing down all positive reviews of his competitors by marking these reviews "unhelpful." There seems to be some kind of strategy at work, since they always put Snyder's title in upper case letters, recommending it after they have put down the other work. Sometimes they won't even review the other work, but will just mention Snyder's. It all seems orchestrated. I'm sure an author and lover of chess such as Snyder must be too classy a man to advocate this kind of lowball campaign. Apparently his students are not.

This book is something that you or your grandchildren will cherish forever. It is a keepsake. The pop ups are so fascinating. Not only do you get the main pop up but all the small explanatory pop ups in the corners. I was thoroughly amazed at the work that went into this book. It is definitely worth the price. I plan to purchase all the other pop up books by Matt Reinhart.

This is such a great value for your money. Any star wars fan would greatly appreciate it! It's such a good product!

I bought this book for my nephew for his birthday. He carried it everywhere he went and didn't look at his other presents much until later.

There isn't much else to be said that the other reviews don't say - clearly this is a winner. There is something magical about a non techie item that reveres the tech filled star wars universe. During Hurricane Ike in Tx, we had no power for nearly a week and my kids loved this book. There were so many delightful surprises in it, its a wonder of papercraft engineering that will delight for years to come.

I bought this for my nephews, 3 and 7, and they love it. Even though their (good) parents won't let them watch Star Wars yet, they love being introduced to all these characters through this book.

The pop-ups are intricate and amazing. The multiple layers within layers on just one page is evidenced by the thickness of this book. The pop-ups cascade out to reveal a surprising number of characters from the original trilogy. Luke's boyhood friend Wedge is even in there.

The artwork is true art - reproductions of watercolor. The pop-ups aren't always true to form (the Death Star looks kind of like a squashed ping pong ball) but come on - it's a pop-up!

Great introductory Star Wars brainwashing. Highly recommended.

This is a very comprehensive book on personal protection. It is far broader than a street self defense manual. It covers all kinds of self defense and safety issues.

It is very broad in its scope. Here are a few of the areas it addresses: street self defense, fire safety, mobs, traveling in strange cities, online shopping, and much more. As you can see, it is far reaching.

Prior to reading this, I never would have guessed that an author could cover such a broad range so well in such a relatively small book.

I would recommend this book for anyone who would like to improve his/her overall personal and family safety. There are numerous tips for parents of small children that are excellent.

You really can't go wrong with this book. It will stimulate lots of thought for most readers.

I read lots of books like this, and I found absolutely nothing new in here. In fact, it looked a bit familiar. With the checklists, the boxed tips, the statistics and the vignettes, it looked an awful lot to me like Be Alert, Be Aware, Have A Plan: The Complete Guide to Protecting Yourself, Your Home, Your Family, by Neal Rawls. Really, it looks like Patire got his whole idea on how to present his material from the Be Alert book (which, by the way, was a much much better book). I say don't bother.

I highly recommend this book on all levels. As a martial artist who has done many martial arts, I have to say, this information really rings true. For example, he states, the goal of self-defense should be to "stun and run" - which almost anyone who knows the field will tell you. For example, where I train, we "stay and commit", but most of us are pretty highly trained. I have also done some of the "military martial arts" that Tom describes, and to be honest, in a "bad" situtation that I can't talk my way out of, i count on it to save my life, and I have been trained to "fight through the adrenaline dump" by the Israelis I trained with. But I also realize, most people don't have time to do that kind of training. So Tom's program is really useable for people who don't want to become experts in the martial arts. His book is full of lots of information that can literally save your life (for instance, have a map before you visit a new city, etc.). The book is full of anecdotes of personal protection. I particularly liked his advice on using your eyes to scan a room, and how to confront a "bad guy" who is sizing you up (you basically stare through him to let him know you are not afraid). A lot of his advice comes down to projecting confidence and not being a "victim", becuase universally, bad guys go after people whose body language, eyes, and positure suggest that they are not willing to defend themselves. So this is an excellent book on personal protection that I would highly recommend to anyone, from the beginning to the true pro.

We hired Tom Patire to speak at our annual PTA event here in Chicago. I was on the committee that sought him out after I read his book and saw him on Fox. The book is an updated look into safety and has some similarities of other books in this catergory but it is written in much different, more people friendly format.

Tom takes the approach of easing the reader into different safety issues by relating them to factual events in his life. Because of that the book reads life a story of safety and not like a book of boring statistics. I loved the Tom's Tips but really was intrigued to his child safety training since I am a single mother of two young girls.

What really hit home was how Tom talks about 'seeing from their eyes' and their being the children of the world. The book can be used in different ways. For example it can be used as a guide to safety issues like when you travel or safety at home. It can also be used as a call to urgency because safety is usually not a subject that we like to think about or address.

It gets even better should you attend Tom's talk. Tom is a big, in-shape, charismatic guy that has a empowering way of getting you involved in his lecture which he calls 'Safer Life!' From his opening statement to his closing remarks Tom's becomes the big brother that we all wish we had and presents safety with out installing fear.

I gave his book 5 stars as I did Gavin DeBecker's book. But Patire's talk is the missing piece to the safety puzzle. It's one I would recommend for all people, especially single mom's to attend.

Have A Blessed Day!

Kim K.

A family from my town in Wisconsin recently appeared on the Montel Show. Watching the show one had to feel for the terrible ordeal that the family went through during their violent home invasion. At the end of the show Montel brought out a security expert named Tom Patire. Mr. Patire's comments were for everyday people and his tone and way of speaking showed his compasion for human life and left me feeling empowered. This led me to buy his book. The book is beter than good - it is excellent. It's for all ages from teens to seniors and is filled with unlimted, priceless information on how to keep you and the people you love, safe. Montel open my eyes to what can happen and Tom Patire gave me the information on how not to let it happen or what to do if.

Montel - Great Show!
Tom Patire - Great Book!!

My introduction to Steve Kluger was with "Almost Like Being In Love." The format threw me for a bit, but, once used to the manner in which the author was to tell his story, I went on to enjoy this delightful story. Next came this book..."Last Days of Summer." I found the author's website and wrote him an e-mail; I was about thirty pages short of the book's end at that moment. I sent another e-mail after finishing the book, heartbroken by the story's ending, yet having thoroughly been moved by spending time with such wonderfully fleshed-out characters. Read the book...no, I'd go so far as to say, "Read anything by Steve Kluger." He's a great storyteller...combining both humor and pathos expertly.

What's the difference between a Young Adult (YA) and a regular ol' adult novel? In this case, only a few words and phrases. Otherwise, this book contains all of the standard YA elements.

The wisecracking loner main character? Check. (Though he becomes less of a loner as the story progresses.) The dysfunctional but eccentrically entertaining family? Check. The unlikely good influence with issues of his own? Check? The Tragic Moment? Check. Only a sprinkling of f-bombs and other salty language keeps "The Last Days of Summer" off high school library shelves everywhere. It's like something Avi would write, only earthier.

This is not to say that it's a poor or childish book. Far from it. The notes & letters format, the imminently likeable characters, and the breezy plot pull you in quickly, making it hard to put it down. Nothing really happens that you didn't expect would happen, yet the ride in so enjoyable that you won't mind.

One thing that really annoyed me was that all of the letters, notes, and whatever used to create the book are written in the same sardonically streetwise style. The two main characters writing similarly is understandable, since their similarity is what brings them together. But Wilke-supporting conservative schoolteachers and busy US Army commanders writing report card comments and internal memos in the same style as witty young Joey Margolis? It's a stretch.

But that's a minor quibble. Overall, I enjoyed this book a lot and would recommend it to anyone who doesn't mind just a little coarseness about the edges.

Been reading Last Days of Summer for a couple of months now. Don't use a bookmark in order to lose my place every time I pick it up. I don't want to finish it! It's that good and I'm going to miss it like a great old friend, when it's read.

Oddly enough, the rereading works pretty well. "Last Days" is filled with so much humor, charm, silliness and stats that I find new life in every old chapter I misread - although misread is the wrong word. I do it on purpose.

It's about baseball. It's about the 40s, Broadway with Merman, coming of age in Brooklyn, Hollywood pin-ups, coping with bullies, FDR and Eleanor, The Green Hornet, The Shadow, Reese and Di Magio, and resistance to blending concurrent American cultures. But, mostly, it's about baseball, serving as father-figure for growth.

I still don't know where fantasy ends and reality begins here - or how it`s combined. But, that's why I won't finish. I don't want the world that's been created for me to be explained just yet. For now, I just want to continue living here for as long as I can.

Mr. Kluger, thank you! And MKA, thank you for finding it for me.

This is one of my favorite books. I usually don't read a book more than once, but I've read this one a couple of times. I recommend it highly.

I can not remember when I enjoyed reading a book so much. I probably should not have been reading it while working out at the gym. I was getting some very odd looks as I laughed aloud.

The book takes place from 1940-42, formative years in the life of Joey Margolis, an extremely precocious 12 year old Jewish boy growing up in Brooklyn. He is a prolific letter writer and an even more prolific schemer and wiseacre. Joey decides that he is going to get the NY Giants' new third baseman and phenom, Charlie Banks, to take him on a road trip and the scheming letters begin. The entire book is in the form of letters to and from the characters - including FDR and his press secretary. Eventually Banks becomes something of a big brother to the boy and the wisdom that is interchanged in the letters between the 24 year old and 12 year old is priceless. Joey even gets the young Protestant star to stand in for his father at his Bar Mitzvah!

This is not the typical book about being Jewish in Brooklyn in the 40's. Those are merely props to the story and in the relationship. It is about a wonderful relationship. What starts as pure hilarity becomes poignant. Most amazingly, the poignancy does not diminish the hilarity and laughter will continue until the last few pages. Although the ending is a bit predictable, it could not have ended any other way.

Once you pick this book up, you will have a hard time putting it down. It will carry you laughing all the way until... Highly recommended. Sometimes you just have to wonder why a book is not a bestseller.

I have nothing but great things to say about Steve Murray's program. All his books are well-written, to the point, and very informative. I also agree that if you can send someone long-distance Reiki, it only follows that you could send someone a long-distance attunement. I was fortunate enough to be able to do both a Reiki 1 seminar in person, and Steve Murray's Reiki 1 DVD attunement with his books. Both taught the same information about the history of Reiki, what Reiki is and isn't, and how attunements are given. The only difference is that in the seminar we were shown how to give Reiki to self and others and had the opportunity to practice quite a few times. I think that if Steve Murray could make a DVD with a demonstration of giving a full Reiki session to self and to others, that would make his program complete in my opinion. However, you can purchase William Lee Rand's `The Reiki Touch' set and that comes with a DVD demonstration. There is not an attunement in that set because they are of the belief that attunements must be done in person. The in- person attunement and Steve Murray's DVD attunement felt the same to me and I plan to do Reiki 2 and Master Reiki through Steve Murray. He also can send you a really beautiful certificate for each level you complete!

This book is one of the best I've read in my 10 years of non-stop study in the healing energy arts, especially Reiki. Steve's approach is open, honest and straight to the point. Sure with different Reiki teachers you are going to get some different minor points here and there. This is the nature of Reiki at it's core anyway. We are all connected to this great source of healing energy, and we all have a different use and way of reaching for it. The good part is simply to take that reach. Steve's entire course is hand crafted to spell out the knowledge and give the guidance needed to heal yourself and others. So many Reiki books are packed with information that while interesting and good to know, don't really help you get into the healing aspect of Reiki. Within pages you'll be on your way with his Books and Dvd's. I still suggest reading Reiki History for your own sense of knowledge, not trying to be "instant Reiki" about my review, which is something Steve suggests we all do too. I highly and with pride say to each and everyone of you, take the chance to read his work - you only have healing growth to achieve! Only YOU can stand in the way of what his books and Dvd's have to offer. And I say that because I stood in my own way for years and years - so glad I finally opened my heart & mind and moved out of my own way!

Empowering!!
I am by nature open minded but cautious. I read Steve's website top to bottom and was inspired by the truth as I read it. It resonated with something deep inside me. I was very drawn to his openness and perspectives on Reiki and decided that this was the right path to follow. I have not been disappointed at all!! Very congruent in all his writing and his mission statement.
His DVD's and books empower you on whatever level you are interested in learning. He is a true teacher. You can read it, see it and feel the energy.
Thank you so much Steve for all your insightful information and for sharing all your knowledge with everyone in an affordable way. This was a smart investment for me. I am truly grateful and much more knowledgeable.

I was already a Reiki Master, and purchased Steve Murray's, Reiki Ultimate Guide, Ultimate Guide Vol. 2, Vol. 3, and Vol. 4, along with the DVD attunements for each. The attunements were very powerful, and the energy flow is no doubt stronger. This program has to be the most convent, and realistic way to get started in the Reiki healing practice. I have tried several other Reiki programs in the past, and Steve Murrays Reiki Ultimate Guides, are the very best I have found yet. You will not be disappointed.
D. White

I ordered this book with hopes of understanding Reiki. To my pleasant surprise, this book exceeded that. Included in this book are reiki history, what reiki is, how reiki can be used, reiki symbols and how attunements are given (illustrated steps). To top it all off, the book is very easy to understand and instructions for attunements are clear. This is an excellent book to have in your reiki library.

I bought this book because in the early weeks of my pregnancy, I had lots of questions. Mayo Clinic has been a reliable source for medical information for me over the years and it didn't stop when I became pregnant. I used their website ([...]) to look up all kinds of information in their Pregnancy Center. It was without hesitation, especially with such a high review on Amazon, that I bought this book.

I read it often in the early weeks of my pregnancy in addition to relying on their website, I realized that much of the information overlaps. I really should have just stuck to the website, because I rarely read the book anymore because it is just a repeat.

Recently, I stopped at the library to pick the lowly Amazon rated "What to Expect When You're Expecting". I cracked open the book and couldn't put it down! WTEWYE had answers to all of the questions that I'd asked and couldn't find in the Mayo Clinic, like 'Is tap water safe?', and detailed & current information about First Trimester Screening results and options (which Mayo Clinic doesn't have).

If I were you and considering getting this book, I would just head over to www.mayoclinic.com and save the $[...] for another book.

This book is well-organized and is full of practical MEDICAL advice, with handy decision guides for every month. I stress the word "medical" because there is just too much junk out there about pregnancy. This book is the real deal. I strongly recommend this book over the popular "What to Expect..." book.

I am currently pregnant in week 25, first time pregnancy. My husband and I have purchased or have been given 3 pregnancy books, including "My Pregnancy Week by Week" and "What to expect when you're expecting" before this one came free in the mail from my insurance, 3 months into the pregnancy. Now I barely look at the other books. This one is way better in my opinion and here is why. It covers everything you'd possibly want to know and does it better then the other books. The other books are geared to a lower reading comprehension level and can be a bit annoying, plus the organization is not as good and the topics are not as complete. Let me give you an example. 5 days ago, I started getting pretty bad pains in my pubic bone - this doesn't happen to everyone, of course. I of course got nervous. This book has an index where you can look things up like "pubic bone pain" and find out everything that you'd need to know about it right away. "Your Pregnancy Week by Week" doesn't have this. The index is almost 20 pages long and so you can quickly find everything. There is also a great section on basic baby care, and a week by week section as well, for the pregnancy. This book makes me feel in control of my pregnancy and is like the "bible" to me, I am so glad I got it! If I found out about this one first, I wouldn't have gotten any of the others.

This book is great and very informative. I read it as well as "What to Expect When You're Expecting". This book is slightly better, and also includes information not covered in other books. I would recommend this book mostly to first time moms, since it answered alot of my questions during my first pregnancy.

My husband and I just started to think about planning for a family so, me, being the researcher type wanted to know everything that is in store for us becoming parents. After reading all the reviews for "What to expect while your expecting" I didn't want to be scared out of my wits. So in buying this book I was happily surprised at what length the Mayo Clinic authors go to, to inform you of what is going on inside your body and all the things you can do to prevent or calm symptoms of pregnancy and also the warning signs and what to do when something is not "right" week by week. When I get pregnant I'll certainly use this as my go to guide before I call the Dr. about my concerns. A pro is the "When to call" checklist after every chapter. The book is broken down into parts: Part 1 "Pregnancy, childbirth and your newborn" (Preparing to have a baby), Part 2 "Decision guides for pregnancy, childbirth and parenthood", Part 3 "Pregnancy reference guide", Part 4 "Complications of pregnancy and childbirth". Overall, a good read and very easy to understand, straightforward and every section is well organized, there is no need to skip around to find what you are looking for. I'll recommend this book to friends, certainly.

This is the original story by Annie Proulx as well as the movie script. Great for fans of the film as a collector item.

I had to purchase this book for a college course, otherwise I probably would never have read it. I found it boring and realized that it's probably better suited for either men who like cowboy stories, or people who are into studying how to create a screenplay from a move. The screenplay stays very true to the short story. The best part about this book is the essay in the back by Proulx. I suggest you read it before you read the short story as it answered my main question, which is why a straight woman in her 60s would write a story about rough cowboys who were having trouble accepting their sexual orientation.

This item took you through the entire life of the book to the screenplay to the movie. It was great reading what the writers said about the project and how it was a labor of love for everyone involved. It was wonderful reading how devoted everyone was to the project. Much how the two main characters were devoted to each other.

In an effort to check out my approach to writing a book adaption to screenplay, I thought it would be a good exercise to experience how others have done it. After reading the Brokeback Mountain short story, then reading the shooting script, then watching the film, I knew I was right on target. It is invigorating to experience and understand the progression from story to screenplay to film. The book also includes backround information from the short story writer, Annie Proulx and the two screenwriters, Larry McMurtry and Diana Ossana, which tops off the value of this book. Reading it is a great process, and once you've read the book, you'll appreciate the film even more.
-Catherine Busch-Johnston-

This is an excellent addition to anyone's book collection - not only do you receive Annie Proulx's wonderful story, but you can experience Larry McMurtry's and Diana Ossana's sweet, lilting and poignant screenplay. Ennis and Jack jump off the page, fictional characters who have somehow become real, as we are transported with them through the most beautiful twenty years of their star-crossed lives. No, it is not a story about gay cowboys....it is a story about two young men who find love and happiness in an unlikely relationship, and simply don't know how to handle it. The part of this story that always grabs me is that through a simple twist of fate, the entire ending could have been different.

I suggest this book couple with the movie - seeing the screenplay come to life through Heath Ledger's and Jake Gyllenhaal's performances is spell bounding.

It was a fascinating read to see the short story move from Annie's simple prose to screenplay. And the chapters at the end which discuss the story and the filming of this heart-wrenching story is worth the price. I highly recommend it. Thanks for listening.