Guides Books

"How to Read the Bible..." is a terrific tool in helping an individual understand what he/she is reading in the Bible.

This is a truly excellent reference book for anyone interested in the history of Biblical interpretation. Indeed, the book might more accurately be called "How the Bible has been Read," since for any given section, it gives an overview of traditional readings, both Christian and Jewish, followed by recent scholarship and biblical studies. The latter includes advances in linguistic and archeological scholarship. Kugel writes in a clear conversational style, the product, no doubt of years of university teaching.

Though I have only read about a hundred and fifty pages, I have found Kugel's scholarship outstanding and his writing clear and easy. As a catholic priest it has been a wonderful exposure to good Jewish thought and scholarship. I have found the contrast between the ancient inperpreters and modern scholars extremely helpful. I would be more conversant with modern scholars and not so clear on the more traditional. It is a great help to interpret sections of the Hebrew Bible.

Rev. Joseph Madden

This book attempts to integrate both traditional and modern views of the bible. It does this well. It creates layers of meaning that transcend the theological and is well worth reading for those not immersed in a particular theological approach to the meaning of this complex book

Well researched and written book. Understandable by layman as well as biblical scholar. Most enlightening and informative.

If you have read more than a couple of books on writing fiction, then you probably are already well aware of the fact that most of the best ones pretty much say the same kinds of things. The techniques of this ancient craft have already been thoroughly described by others. Morrell's book is actually one of the most original that I have read, and one of the most practical for someone ready to move beyond the basics. While I did not find all of his techniques equally helpful, many I found downright indispensable. It is still too early to say whether or not this book will help me achieve publication, but I can say that I found much of his advice tailor-made to solve many of the difficult problems in my current project. If you enjoy reading books on writing, this one stands out from the pack and is well worth your time.

I started to read this excellent book by David Morrell and then I stopped and read three of his novels: "Testament", "The Fifth Profession" and "The League of Night and Fog". Then I resumed reading this book about the business of writing and the technique.
David Morrell is a charming and interesting writer. I have read nearly every book there is on writing and David taught me many things I have read no where else. He also seemed like he was on my side, a fellow writer. I was sad when I turned the last page and that was it.

While David Morrell may be best-known for writing "First Blood" and the subsequent Rambo novelizations, "Lessons..." puts him on the map as a world-class professor of writing. He used to teach in the University of Iowa English Department that was located below the Iowa Writer's Workshop offices. However, his instruction here is contrary to that of most college creative writing workshops, in that he adresses writers of all genres (not just "literary" writers) in this book. For that reason, "Lessons..." will be of particular interest to thriller, science fiction, horror, and other genre writers looking for instruction outside of the university structure. If you enjoy this book, you should also check out Stephen King's On Writing and Strunk and White's The Elements of Style.

Morrell wrote some of the books that were so mind-enhancing that I wanted to infuse my books with that much meaning. "The League of Night and Fog" and "Covenant of the Flame" were both action-packed thrillers that had a resonance of historical events that shaped an unseen undercurrent of our times. "Assumed Identity" "The Fifth Profession," and "Extreme Denial" hold up as examples of espionage fiction at its best. And my favorite, "Double Vision" has haunting tone that reminds me why Morrell is a master in my short-list. He continues to bring out stories that make you think from rare perspectives.

"Lessons From a Lifetime of Writing" confirmed my appreciation of Morrell's craft. He discusses where ideas come from, how to extract the significance of your own experience and explore the depth of your ideas. His counsel on holding conversations with yourself is valuable advice on how to keep writing when you don't know what to write. Morrell's perspectives come from a solid career in the business. I always consider his novels a great place to look for a well-told story. So, when I read his "Lessons..." it's with a sense of having a famous-friend who happens to be an author sit and talk about the mechanics of a common interest. His insights are fresh and grounded in well-earned experience.

Morrell's "Lessons From a Lifetime of Writing" is right up there with my favorite how-to manuals on writing. It is a worthy edition in the club of Sol Stein's "On Writing," and "How to Grow a Novel," Bradbury's "The Zen and Art of Writing," Lawrence Block's "Telling Lies For Fun and Profit," and "Writing the Novel from Plot to print." A solid, practical addition to the Writers Digest series of nuts and bolts manuals for anyone driven to sharpen their craft.

A personal note to David Morrell: Thanks for letting me sit in on your class and over-the-shoulder consultant. You're an inspiration to me. I hope to sit in as a colleague some day.

Mr. Morrell's first chapter alone was worth the price. As a yet another baby boomer with a laptop, I've written two novels without fully understanding WHY I toil creating fiction. I know now the reason I write--the one thing. What a satisfying feeling to finally understand what keeps me motived and in sync with my inner drive. His other chapters are also excellent, good stuff and well written. Buy the book.

Russell Traughber
Irvine, CA

First, The Lord lead me to this book. Situations in my life, how people perceived me and how I perceived myself have chsnged all becuase of how I have learned how to speak all over again. This book changed my life. I also love how it is scripture based. I thank God for using Joyce Meyer at time in my life where I was hurting myself and thise around me thru my mouth. It has pushed me to the next level and has confirmed what God had already spoke to me, Speak What You What to See.

I purchased this for a bible study at my church and have been reasonably happy with it. I don't totally agree with some of her concepts, but the general idea is definitely worthwhile.

A must for those who have the "I can't believe I said that!" moments!

Joyce Meyer tells it straight and to the point...one never has to question what she is trying to say. If you are looking for insight, direction...and for your eyes to be opened - start with "Me and My Big Mouth". {Oh, how it gets us into trouble!}

Great book, it was very informative and OH! so very true. Joyce Meyer is the greatest. A very profound visionary.

There are few books that I have read more than once, and this is one that merits not only reading more than once, but in having it on hand for a constant reminder. It could not have had a more appropriate title. It catches the eye then captures the heart and soul of anyone who feels (or can fianally admit..because many of us do) they have a problem with their mouth. It also gives them hope that they are not doomed to the self excuse of "well, that's just the way I am. I tell people what I think and people admire me for it". Uh....no they don't. Once you discover that you don't always have to win, your life becomes so much more peaceful. This book has helped me very much to begin that process. I try now, not to let every thought work like a gumball machine....from the brain to the tounge then out of the mouth. I now think very hard about what I say, first. And, because of that I see now I don't always have to open my mouth. I've had some painful withdrawal episodes in the process, but it has been worth it. I like myself better, now. This book has truly been a God send. Thank you.

This book has so much information about converting to a plant based diet. It had all the info about the nutrition of vegetarians including what vegetarian diets tend to lack. It dispels all the nutritional rumors and has a handy guide on how to switch and how to deal with those who may chastize you. It even has recepies and cooking tips for the new vegetarian chef.

Whether you do it for your health, for your love of animals, or because you want something new, Becoming Vegetarian is definitly what I would recommend for those new to the switch.

Easy reading and great guide to becoming vegetarian and even vegan. Highly recommend for those just beginning. Also recommend as a refresher for nutritional needs.

This book is fantastic, it goes over many vegetarian issues and teaches you how to eat to get the maximum benefit from your food.

This book is extremely comprehensive. It is the first book about becoming vegetarian that I have read but I am completely satisfied that it covers all the requirements of a vegetarian diet. I would also recommend this book to non-vegetarians, particularly those seeking to reduce meat intake and increase nutrition from plant foods.

This is a good book with a lot of good information. The problem with the book is that it has an agenda. If I didn't know any better I would have to think that the author was a member of PETA. Keep the politics out of the book!

I still have no idea what Stronghold is, but I spent many meaningful hours reading this volume on the crapper. Makes a fine gift!

I just want to say that my wife demanded that I send some money to one of those save-our-children sponsorships for a village in Vietnam, and that instead I bought this book. Boy was it worth it! Screw that Vietnamese village. This book is worth FIVE Vietnamese villages!

...I'm going to read it again, and again...

Actually, I'm going to get copies for all my friends, and family members, too. I think this one is much better than "Bible for Dummies!" and *certainly* much better than "Sex for Dummies!" (A book that should never have been published, IMO. If you need a manual for that, you shouldn't be breeding...)

You should get this book! We should all get this book! Blows the hell out of the competition!

When I picked up this book I thought it was just another server reference for my shelf, but boy was I wrong! The Official Stronghold Guide not only reveals the innards of Stronghold's unique flexible server architecture with such loving and engrossing detail that a master of fiction would be shamed, but Parekh also manages to simulteneously unravel many delicate issues of humanity and human nature along the way. As I read I found myself uncovering hidden truths about myself and resolving personal issues that have been plauging me for years. Unique and humourous, insightful beyond it's scope. A true masterpiece. I have the courage to smile again, and I owe it all to Parekh. And my server is in top shape too!

This work is a gripping testament to the power of the free flow of information, and its ability to shape the world. It is stunning in its intensity.

A good mixture of the practical and the inspirational. Excellent exercises for you to do on your own.

The subtitle says that this is a Guide for Busy Women--true enough, but it works for men too, and
just as well.

Highly recommended.

I could very easily dub this book, the best, however that is to be determined in the eye of the beholder. I can say with much conviction, that it is the book I turn to the most often for advice, straight forward answers and direction as well as a nice glimpse at a reality check.

Any writer will tell you that you don't write a best seller overnight, and this book will tell you that too. Unlike many other writing books available the pages don't contain advice at how to leave your 9 to 5 job and write the world's best novel. Instead the book is filled with useful, real advice for determined writer's to utilize and honestly get their pens on fire.

There are dozens of exercises to get you thinking and writing, with originality and flair. The book is well written and is a very easy book to devour in a short period of time. Except that you will more than likely find yourself reaching for it again and again to participate in the exercises and get you thinking on a more creative level.

A must have book for any would-be writer's bookshelf.

I had originally checked this out from my public library but found the information so useful that I bought a copy for my own personal library. Very good and practical information to inspire and motivate you to write!

I bought this book when it came out, read it, marked the heck out of it, and used its ideas a few times.

I plan to now read it again, and use it again, 3 years later.

The Power, Challenge, and Talent to Write, And Developing it, is important.

I like to write.

Always have, I guess, ever since I was in Elementary School ( early 70's ), then Junior High and High School ( mid/late 70's ), writng book reports, and then letters to the editor of the local paper.

For various reasons none of that ever translated into a career path.

I read somewhere that we are always afraid to start something that we want to make very good, true, and serious.

Rita Mae Brown once wrote: "Creativity comes from trust. Trust your instincts."

This book influenced the last 3 years of my blogging, on 2 blogs, and will help anyone who reads it.

This book will help you find the writer within, and find the time to write more as well.

This book offers run-of-the-mill exercises that fail to inspire one to write. If you struggle with the act of sitting down and putting pen to paper, this book will not change that. I would love to see a book out there that offers innovative exercises that not only inspire one to write, but also improves writing along the way. If anyone can recommend such a book, please message me.

This is the book I first reach for when I'm searching for a natural remedy. I've only really gotten into natural remedies in the last 2 or 3 years, but I own a lot of books on the subject, and this is the most easily understood and well organized. I loved this book as soon as I bought it (probably a year ago) and even though I'm much more knowledgeable now, this is still my first choice. It's full of great, comprehensive information. I would suggest this to book to anyone.

I have not tried any of the cures, but the book has ton of information for the price.

This book is definitely a good catch. Very informative in alternatives to natural remedies and in explaining the symptoms of each. Very good book.

This book contains a lot of useful information as far as basic nutrition provided in a format that is easy to access and comprehend. It is not going to give you a quick fix or magic cure, but instead reinforces the concept of treating the whole body nutritionally to attain a balance. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in health and nutrition and would like a reference tool.

I've always leaned toward natural cures and remedies since watching three family members die/dying of cancer, wasting away to nothing and being tortured through chemo and radiation.
This book has:
Symptoms
Other diseases/conditions that can mimic the same prognosis
Diet recommendations (Foods to avoid, Foods that make condition worse, Foods that soothe/heal)
Herbal Remedies
Holistic Remedies
Aromatherapy Suggestions
Reflexology Points/Suggestions
Acupuncture Points/Suggestions
Case Studies/Surveys
Causes and Solutions
I borrowed this book to my neighbor who has frequent bouts of Gall/Kindey stones and had multiple surgeries. He changed his diet to the recommended suggestions and is taking Cranberry extract and other ideas from the book and is doing great now!
The book tells you what your Doctors don't!

this book helped me imensly it delivers on all aspects of hypnosis the author should be proud the only thing i found lacking was the use of one induction in his performances the book is a neccecary tool for hypnotists starting out

If Ormond McGill had been with us, I think he would have loved this.
This is the MUST HAVE book on Stage Hypnosis,it covers all the aspects of Stage Hypnosis that you need to know, the Do's and Don'ts, it even has exercises and tips all the way through.
It is now 2008 learn from someone that has done it,if you can only afford to buy one book on stage hypnosis, I would say this is it. SPH UK
Bye now.

Sept. 2007 I decided it was time to make a dream come true...learn hypnotism. I literally spent 4 - 6 hours a night researching on the net, watching You Tube, checking out what the field had to offer.
If I had just found this book first it would certainly have saved me so much time...and time is money...that means the book would have been FREE. I had purchased well over $800. of books, cds, and dvds, when I found this book.
If you were only going to purchase one book to learn about stage hypnotism then this is it. This is written more like a text book, actual education. I read until I reached the last page, cancelling all plans for that day. The book was written so that a person could actually decide if that is the direction they want to go or not.
My only complaint is that it left me wanting to move to Ronning's town so that I could study full time with him.

What I wouldn't have given to have this book when I started out in stage hypnosis. There is no fluff, it's right to the point and gives you the true nuts and bolts of performing stage hypnosis. I know many people, myself included, jumped at the chance to pay a lot of money, take off work for a week, hop on a plane and travel to in my case Seattle, just to study under Geoffrey and Wendy Ronning. He absolutely didn't hold anything back and you get it all in the comfort of your own home for a ridiculously low price. My only complaint is that he didn't charge more money for the book to keep the curious away.
I really do love everything about this book, but the one subject I find to be priceless is what to do when no one gets hypnotized. I think it is the biggest fear of every beginning hypnotist. I know that it was mine. I still remember beginning to learn about stage hypnosis and literally going on a quest to discover a plan B when the show goes wrong. I E-mailed every hypnotist I could Google and only got one response. His solution was to bring some magic tricks along with you and if all else fails, turn your hypnosis show into a magic show. I didn't think a corporate client would find that very acceptable after they just flew me across the country when they could have just hired a magician instead. I remember traveling twelve hours to attend a hypnosis seminar from a noted stage hypnotist specifically to find out what to do when no one was hypnotized but still didn't get a satisfactory answer. I just couldn't believe that all these hypnotists got hired to do a show, just threw fate to the wind, and had absolutely no plan B to go with when things went wrong. And I don't care who you are. If you do anything enough times, eventually things will go wrong.
Geoffrey gives you a very detailed solution so you will never have to worry about what you are going to do if no one will volunteer, if no one gets hypnotized, or if none of the volunteers will respond to your suggestions and you have no show. Now you get a plan B that turns what could be a very awkward situation into a great show. I know first hand it's a solution that works because I have personally used this technique to save my reputation, and my dignity, and my show. As far as I am concerned, this information alone is priceless, as is everything else in the book. Run and get this book. I highly recommend it!

Geoffrey Ronning has written the book all others will be compared to. The field of Stage Hypnosis has not seen a book quite this good ever before. One part detailed instruction manual, one part exercise work book, and one part collection of secret tips and inside tricks learned from a lifetime of practice as a full-time performing Stage Hypnotist, this book is the modern classic on the art of Comedy Stage Hypnosis.

There are only a handful of good books on Stage Hypnosis. While Ormond McGill's books, such as The Art of Stage Hypnotism and The New Encyclopedia of Stage Hypnotism are classics to be admired, they aren't particularly useful for the individual who wants to quickly learn Stage Hypnosis and begin performing shows. Jonathan Chase's Deeper and Deeper is a very good book, but it is nowhere near as thorough or complete as this new work by Ronning.

Well written, comprehensive and filled with immediately actionable tools and exercises, Stage Hypnosis by Geoffrey Ronning would be the # 1 recommended book I would suggest to the individual wanting to learn Stage Hypnosis and get started performing shows quickly.

It's been said that you can't learn to ride a bike by reading a book. And that is certainly true. But you can learn a great deal about Stage Hypnosis from this excellent book. I would say it's much more than a book, it is a Training Manual. If you will diligently study and apply what Ronning teaches in this book, you will have enough knowledge to begin performing Stage Hypnosis shows. Then get out there and perform a few shows to earn enough money to take Ronning's live training. The live training will give you confidence you cannot get from a book.

Highly recommended.

If you're curious as to the purpose of our very existence as human beings, I highly recommend you read this book. It is a question and answer format that makes sense of the human experience.

This is the one of the most comforting book I've ever read in my life. I found out more about Spiritual life and God's promises through Jesus. It's a real step ahead of our time, and very clarifying book for the ones who are really serious about spiritual evolution. You will not be able to stop reading this book!

This book makes sense of many experiences and knowledge gained from
"somewhere". It is a book for the serious seeker of spiritism.

According to the text, the suffering we receive in this life is a result of sins committed in a previous life. The text also states that we are not permitted to remember our previous lives because it would "dazzle" us. It wouldn't dazzle me. How can a person understand the consequences of their evil deeds if they're not permitted to remember the deed that brought about the punishment in the first place? If I could remember my sins, then I could accept the punishment. Otherwise, I am to assume that the God is dealing out punishment at random without rhyme or reason. I'm sorry, but I don't buy it. Religion was created to provide hope to those that couldn't accept the fact that we don't live forever. It was also created to control the people and to keep them calm. When we die, we rot. There is no afterlife, there is no spirit brother, there is no God. I wish there were. It would certainly give me purpose to my life, but there isn't. That's why we can't find the God. Because he doesn't exist in the first place. I gave the book three starts because it made for good fiction.

Amazon, are you listening? I originally read this book in French and really loved it. It is a wonderful book for those searching for the meaning of life, spiritual truth etc...and is a very serious, credible work by someone whose main line of work was scientific study and medicine, Allan Kardec.

I was so thrilled that I ordered copies in English for friends and was disappointed to find out that this copy is the original English translation dating from the late 1800s!! The book is still worth a read, but why suffer needlessly? The language is difficult, and the typeset is even worse. Great news: a new, modern American English version does exist, and frankly, it is a huge mystery to me as to why it is not being sold here. FYI: I bought my modern copies fon the Allan Kardec Education Society's website...

This is one of the greatest books I have ever read. Next to the Bible it has had a positive effect on me and I share its positive message with everyone.

I speak to groups and this is on my suggested reading list.

A must read.

I am not one who writes or talks much but I have to share with those who I meet.

Think and Grow Rich continues to be a book I would suggest that everyone keep in their library and read at least once a year.

An excellent read for anyone who desired to have it all and wants to truly know how to go about accomplishing that very goal step by step.

Preparation is definitely the key!

It becomes important that we know about the rules that will ultimately determine our success. Not just to know their meanings and what they do, but to make these principles a part of us - a habit that will lead us to do the right thing automatically, regardless of the circumstances. As Kimbro said, "it is our job as Black Americans to disentangle the myths, misconceptions, and half - truths that clouds the judgments of our society".
All, regardless of race or class or economic status, are entitled to a fair chance and to the tools for developing their individual powers of mind and spirit to the utmost. This promise means that all children by virtue of their own efforts, competently guided, can hope to attain the mature and informed judgment needed to secure gainful employment, and to manage their own lives, thereby serving not only their own interests but also the progress of society itself. Also noted by Kimbro, "Blacks as a whole have moved from a position of utter destitution - in terms of wealth, education, and human rights - to a place alongside their ethnic counterparts".

Black males, particularly, have edged precariously close to becoming an endangered species. There are more Black males in prison and correctional facilities than on college campuses. Functional illiteracy among minority youth may run as high as 40 percent.

The search for solutions to our educational problems must also include a commitment to life-long learning. Learning is the indispensable investment required for success but without life-long learning, one's skills will become rapidly dated.

This would also reverse the current declining trend--a trend that stems more from weakness of purpose, confusion of vision, under use of talent, and lack of leadership, than from conditions beyond our control. We as Black Americans need to realize that we do not simply exist, we need to always realize what our life will be, and what we will become in the next moment.



I took liberty to expand upon the following:

THE PRESIDENT'S NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION (During Reagan era, still suitable today):

The report called for greater federal support of education and included the claim that the nation was threatened by "a rising tide of mediocrity". A Nation at Risk is a reform based on the development of standards-based curricula. The focus is on outcomes of education in relation to standards of achievement, the idea being that student achievement and instructional programs were likely to improve.

One of the most quoted portions of this report came from the introduction just after the "Rising Tide" remark. It said: "If an unfriendly foreign power had attempted to impose on America the mediocre educational performance that exists today, we might well have viewed it as an act of war. As it stands, we have allowed this to happen to ourselves. We have even squandered the gains in student achievement made in the wake of the Sputnik challenge. Moreover, we have dismantled essential support systems, which helped make those gains possible. We have, in effect, been committing an act of unthinking, unilateral educational disarmament".

The following five recommendations were made by the report:

Content
Recommended that the graduation requirements for all students be raised to include 4 years of English, 3 years of mathematics, 3 years of science, 3 years of social studies, 1 semester of computer science, and for college bound students 2 years of foreign language.

Standards and Expectations
Schools should expect better academic performance and behavior from students and universities should strengthen admissions requirements.

Time
More time should be spent on the new required courses by being more efficient and by lengthening the school day and year.

Teaching
A series of recommendations that focused around teachers being better prepared.

Leadership and Fiscal Support
A call to citizens to hold educational leaders responsible be willing to provide the fiscal resources needed to implement the outlined reforms.




Using available statistics, Black America continue to take for granted the enormous and victorious battles won by the Civil Rights movement. "If there is one thing that we have won and accomplished, it is our moral right to exist".


Racism and discrimination should never be an excuse for your lack of development, but real creative ability-ability to live largely in a world based on ones own inner resources, finding one's true self, overcoming ignorance, and always remaining receptive and teachable should be never ending endeavors.

Slavery in America has left a scar on the Black family structure where as slave master would separate parents from children, husband and wife from each other is still visible today with children being born into single parent households or children being separated from parents. This cycle has not ceased but instead has taken new forms.

Kimbro's writing style is multi- dimensional and stimulating to the imagination. It spirals you into the seams of the book. In the section dealing with the " Law of Compensation" there are many lessons to be learned by all ethnicities.

Black people have to take the opportunity and the responsibility by portraying themselves differently. As Kimbro mentioned, your thoughts are the steering mechanism of your life. "Faith only enters the mind that has been properly prepared for it. Although I must add, your heart and your guts usually have a say so with what you think or decide too.

Quoting Thurgood Marshall, " Blacks must earn their way to higher achievement". In other words, through perseverance, hardwork and desire.

As John H. Johnson stated, "Black people have the power to make it in this society".

As George Washington Carver stated, "We must rid ourselves of the idea that there's a short - cut to achievement".

Black America has to realize that whatever God has allowed to be taken away from it temporarily he has suredly replaced it with something far greater. A glance at history will confirm that. Although many individual Black Americans in this society continue to adorn themselves with the albatross of ignorance around their neck. Black people need to reconstruct the perspective lens of White America.

Although I thought, Kimbro did not use fair judgment by not choosing Reginald Lewis (TLC Beatrice) as a role model in his book due to Lewis's butting heads with John Johnson of Johnson Publications. In my judgment, if Kimbro knew about this spat he should have left Johnson out of the book.

Although this book is directed at the African-American community, the principles found within are color blind. Dr. Kimbro creates a step-by-step approach for achieving success. There is enough in the book that merit's a periodical re-read.

Great book. I would recommend this book to anyone who want to be successful in their respective field.