Crystal Books

I love this devotional book. I usually read it to my children at breakfast or right after and they usually ask to read the stories again! I also use it during the school year to write bible verses on my daughter's napkin each day and her teacher reads them at snack time (she goes to a private Christian school.) I would purchase this again and highly recommend it!

The book is great for little kids. The shipping was fast and it was a great Transaction.

I was so pleased to get this wonderful devotional for my 5 yr old daughter. It is easy for her to read herself and in a way that she really understands the messages given.

She looks forward to reading her devotional each morning and talking about it afterward. WHat more could a parent want than an excited child wanting to learn about Jesus.

If you want your children to connect their daily lives to Biblical principals in language your preschooler will understand, then this is the book for you. The author, a speaker and writer for MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) grabbed my son's attention from the first sentence. The beauty of the short, but sweet devotions is that they are interactive. Simple questions get right to the heart of the day's story and offer a chance for your child to share their feelings.

Here's an example from December 27th's devotional titled, "Win or Lose"

"Parker and Jack are having a snowball fight. Each boy hopes he will win! Do you like to win when you play games? Everyone likes to win. But when you play games, everyone loses now and then. Did you know there is something you can never lose? You can never loes God's love. No matter who may be against you. God will always be on your side."

Notice that this is a Winter story? I've found that the more relevant the situation the more my son get's out of our devotional time. The day about "Working for Fun" caught his attention since he loves to bake cookies:

"Kaitlyn, Jack and Parker are making Christmas cookies. It will take a lot of work. But when the cookies are done, they will get a reward - they'll have cookies to eat together! The Bible says that hard work often brings happy rewards. When the kids eat their cookies, do you think they will be happy they worked so hard?"

Seeds are being planted in my son and that makes me one happy Mama! But what about actual scripture verses, you ask? Not to worry! At the bottom of each page is a Bible verse and a prayer. The prayers rhymes, which I love. I have my son repeat every few words after me.

"Lord, when there's work that needs to be done, help me remember that work can be fun. (December 18th's Working for Fun devotional)"

We purchased this for a family Christmas gift for ourselves! We now have it placed on our kitchen table, generally we all eat at least 1 meal together (myself, hubby, son age 4 and daughter age 2). After me or hubby finish eating we read, and if we forget our son reminds us because he wants to hear the story and see the picture for the day. It has created some great discussions already. It is short enough to hold attention. And simple enough to understand that we all get something out of it.

It is a pathetic travesty that this man is given to borrowing a great yogi's name to pass off his own "wisdom" as though he channeled Yogananda. But this has been a proven success formula for J. Donald Walters -- guess that's the only way he can make a living! You can just sense Walters' needy wish here that his book will be as revered as Yogananda's. Dream on!

Paramahansa Yogananda's God Talks With Arjuna, which I've read several times, is worlds above this rendering. Give this one a pass.

A very wide and learned man from India once said to me that there 'were as many commentaries on the Gita as there are stars in the sky". Although not quite accurate scientifically, there are literally untold commentaries on what is thought by followers throughout the ages to be God taking shape as a human being during a battle on a field north of Delhi India around 5200 BCE. Whether or not one accepts the spiritual nature of the gita, there's no denying it offers insights into almost every imaginable aspect of human behavior -- be it saintly or demonic.

This rendering was told to Swami Kriyananda by his own Guru, the author of Autobiography of a Yogi, perhaps the most recognized book on yoga and Hindu beliefs in modern times, Swami Yogananda. This commentary is unique in that it provides psychological comparisons to the many seemingly confusing names, events, and thoughts passed from Lord Krisha to Arjuna, his friend and a man about to unleash death on 100,000 of his family members and friends.

A must have for the seeker of spiritual growth or just someone who wants to know more about why people do what they do when they do it.

gary in tampa

This book is a must read for all sincere spiritual aspirants, no matter what his/her religion is. This is truly a cosmic text which reaches deep into one's soul. It is a perfect introduction for newcomers to the power and depth of the Bhagavad Gita and for those who seek inspiration daily upon its deep wisdom. The author clearly shows that the Bhagavad Gita is actually deeply allegorical in nature. This book will definitely help the reader to achieve inner bliss if he/she is very sincere about his/her spiritual life.

Swami Kriyananda has produced another gem of wisdom and compassion with this book. If you have nor read the Gita before, this is indeed an excellent recommendation because it is non-sectarian in its approach, compared to some of the books on the Gita out there. This book is simply galvanizing!

Lastly, I would also like to recommend the book The Bhagavad Gita: Royal Science of God-Realization: God Talks with Arjuna: The Immortal Dialogue Between Soul and Spirit (2 volumes) by Paramahansa Yogananda, Swami Kriyananda's guru as well. That book is an equally great masterpiece as well!

An exerpt for the Vaishnava section on Wikipedia website:
"While many schools like Smartism and Advaitism encourage interpretation of scriptures philosophically and metaphorically and not too literally, (Gaudiya)Vaishnavism stresses the literal meaning (mukhya vitti) as primary and indirect meaning (gaua vitti) as secondary: sâkhâd upadesas tu shrutih - "The instructions of the shruti-shâstra should be accepted literally, without fanciful or allegorical interpretations." Jiva Goswami, Krishna Sandarbha 29.26-27" (This is from a Hare Krishna/I.S.K.O.N/Gaudiya sampradayam scripture)

I must say this first,I have been studying the Vedic scriptures since about 96',and, I am sorry to say,I was a Hare Krishna devotee for about four years from 02' to 06'. I was one of the Pujaris or Ceremonial priest in the now defunct Venice Radha-Govinda temple in Venice, Ca. I learned alot of the basic principles of the Vedic religion from them. Outside the elementary principles, much of what they teach is tinged with thier particular sect/cult flavor or doctrine. I.S.K.O.N or the Hare Krishnas believe and see only a historical, surface understanding of the Bhagavad-gita, other scriptures and stories. They critizes,condemn and keep down with fanatical furvor,as I have experienced with them...the notion of a deeper,Intuitive, Spiritual, Philosophical, Esoteric truth to the Vedic scriptures and stories. The whole time I was with them, I felt like I was being intuitively,soulfully,esoterically and philosophically strangled. They believed with the extremism and fanatism of Southern Baptists in the total surface-value,exoteric understanding of the Vedas. I was always chastized and critized for my pro-esoteric/intuitive understanding of the Vedas. Before coming to I.S.K.O.N or Gaudiya math, I always Knew,intuitively and through my own many Spiritual experiences through Vedically-backed meditation as instucted in the Vedas,Yoga-sutras and Tantras, that there was and has always been and always be...a deeper, esoteric, hidden meaning and understanding to the Bible,Gnostic texts, the greek myths, alchemical allegories and symbolism, to the Homeric epics and...to the Vedas,the bhagavad-gita and Puranas. And, come to find out, from Swami Kriyananda and Swami Yogananda and other hindu holy men....this is the proper "Brahminical" or Priest/Yogi Caste understanding of the Revealed scriptures. This is also confirmed in the very scriptures that I.S.K.O.N uses. But, they do not truely acknowledge them. Before coming to I.S.K.O.N and Gaudiya math,I use to love the Bhagavad-gita, and I knew that there was a deeper, esoteric truth to it and other Vedic scripture that ONLY a meditator or some one who had direct experience in Linking and Communion between God and the Soul. The Real Brahmin Caste in India Truely understand this, and Actually, the term Brahmana, means "One who KNOWS Brahman" or one who has attain this Linking and Communion with God or Brahman. This is what Makes a Brahmin...I.S.K.O.N talks about this truth, but, thier understanding of a "Brahmana" is that of the physical caste person performing rituals and even then, they are against them also. Their Translation of the Bhagavad-gita, Sri Isopanishad and other Vedic scriptures are the most Blantantly mistranslated editions of these scriptures I have ever came across. Mistranslated and writen to suit their particular cult/sect slant, flavor and agenda. I read their particular translation 3 times since 02', and, for a time, it has totally turned me off from the Bhagavad-gita...sorry to say. And, it has bothered me that my experiences in the cult I.S.K.O.N or the Hare Krishnas has affected so much that it Burnt me on the Bhagavad-gita. Since leaving the temple on Watseka ave., I couldnt even look at other Bhagavad-gitas with out thinking about the extreme mistranslations of the I.S.K.O.N one and the fanaticsm,extremism and philosophical and physical intimidation of this group. This has really bothered me. Then one week ago, while I was at a barns and nobles, I accidentally came across this book. And, it has been a breath of freash air.This book proves my original intuitions of the Scripture were correct and gives insight to much, much more. It flys in the face of the fanatical, and in certain verses, the absolutely incorrect translations of this group. This book of Swami Kriyanandas has all but disolved the Southern Baptist/Christian evangelistic-like understanding of the Hare Krishnas for the Vedas. And, it is nice that there are others who agree with the Inner-Intuitive TRUTH of the Scriptures. And that there are others who are Free-Thinkers and above Fananticism. This book of Swami Kriyanandas has brought me back to the Bhagavad-gita....like the prodical Son, coming back to his Father.

I cannot put into words the impact this book has had on me. This is my 4th translation of this text and this one is the best. Originally I started reading the Bhagavad Gita as it has a calibration of 910 (David Hawkins, Power vs. Force. It is a cosmic text which reaching out of the book and touches ones soul. This version is a joy to read. It is a dessert fresh from a tree. It is a day not too hot with gentle breezes. God becomes the companion rather than the gloom and doom king/parent/authority. Many of my friends now have this book just from seeing the joyful change in me.

I bought this book in 2001 after hearing Crystal's story on Oprah. Oh how she inspired me. I too struggle with weight loss issues. My personal life has also had its challenges. Crystal is someone everyone can relate to. She is witty and funny and smart. She wrote about experiences that all overweight people can experience (shopping and being told we don't carry your size). She made me believe that I could do this. It's second only to my bible that i refer to for inspiration.

Thanks

I would like to give this book 3 1/2 stars but there aren't any 1/2's so I have written it. I really enjoyed her story and how she worked thru her struggles. It was a little unorganized but still enjoyable.

I,JUST PURCHASED CRYSTAL'S BOOK ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO,AND I LOVED IT.I CAN'T WAIT TO GET STARTED,USING HER SUGGESTIONS AND IDEAS
I'M PRAYING EVERYDAY THAT THE LORD WIL GIVE ME THE STRENGTH AND THE CURAGE TO SUCEED.
I HAVE NOT BEEN TOO SUCESSFUL IN THE PAST.
CRYSTA IF YOU READ THIS,GIRLFRIEND,PLEASE KEEP ME IN YOUR PRAYERS
I KNOW I CAN DO THIS.
LOOK FOR THOS BEFORE AND AFTER PICTURES,IN THE FUTURE.
LADY DI.

This book allows one to understand that the challenges of temptation for those struggling with weight loss is normal.

Some people kick themselves for backsliding on the diet trail. But this is verifivation that you still can continue and get over those mental humps.

This is chrystals everyday challenges that gets her through the storm. She begins to see that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

I admire her because she experimented and found a method that was good for her. She teaches that there is no "blueprint" available for everyone.

If this book taught me anything it was the power of jeeping a journal. It will help you see where the problem lies and how to get through; and it will enable you to identify what is causing you to stifle your plans. It may be mental, physical or spiritual.

I use this book strictly for motivation. It's nice to read the words of someone who has been there.

I'd like to see her now! I hope she has kept up the good work.

"The Me I Knew I Could Be" is Crystal Phillips' journey from 292 lb (size 26) to 138 lb (size 6). I believe Crystal's obesity and binge eating would probably fall into the worst case category so I couldn't identify with Crystal's struggles, but I was inspired by her committed plan to lose weight. Apparently, the 292 lb was a result of her continuous binge eating (4 steaks, entire peach cobbler, and much more in one setting) causes my emotional issues (anxiety induced by grandfather, death of her brother, volatile marriage, and insecurity) she refused to deal with. Instead of just waking up one morning stating "I'm going to lose weight", Crystal learns the real reason she binged and began to deal with it. She uses typical weight loss techniques that can be found in any book, but what sets this story apart is her true story (complete with journal entries) that describes how she worked through the emotional problems to stop the emotional eating. At times, Crystal discusses how she came to a crossroad had to make the decision on whether or not to emotionally eat - sometimes she did, most times she didn't. When she did emotionally eat, she didn't give up but got refocused. Never does she say she's cured of binge-eating but offers ways to prevent to urge, i.e., after a big family gathering give leftovers away or only buy the smallest portion of a snack item. Her story is very honest.

Included in this book: recipes, before-after photos from her workshop participants, several exercises, and much more. The one unique item I found is the contents for a Survival Kit - a bag packed with healthy food and water that prevented Crystal from stopping at fast food restaurants.

I found Nausha Ahsian to be resourceful in her writings. I will be purchasing more for gifts in the future.

These beautiful cards are the most wonderful oracle deck I have worked with. An outstanding tool for your personal growth. Amazingly accurate and never fail to identify and organize what is the most effective plan for your current inner work and what stones will best assist you. I have used these for years, until mine were accidentally ruined. This is my second time buying them. I have just learned they are out of print, so if you want them, get them while you can.

If you're thinking about getting this deck just do it! The descriptions are solid and practical without the usual over abundance of New Age Mumbo Jumbo. It is seldom that I come across a deck that I can just pick up and read fresh from the box. This is a good basic crystal energy oracle that is both easy to use for the newcomer and a joy to read for the advanced practicioner.

I love this book and cards. My best friend has had them for years and I fianlly broke down to search for my own. I am not disappointed at all. They have been so accurate for me.

I love the energy of this deck. I am a "crystal" addict - meaning the rock and gem sort of crystals, and found this deck to be very complimentary to the other oracle cards I use. The information is so helpful and the illustrations are amazing.
If you love crystals and love to use oracle cards, I highly recommend this deck.
HAVE FUN WITH IT!!

This was a very interesting book. The author did a good job of explaining the frustrating process of seeking a diagnosis and treatment of a rare condition. She includes a lot of useful information for those
who may have inherited this condition.

This is a great resource for the newly-diagnosed, and a well-written, gripping bio - but it is far more than that. ... What an moving reliance on the power of prayer! What an awesome testimony of faith! I loved the anecdote about the 'pennies from Heaven'!

A BIG 'thank you' to this author!I am confident that there are few people who will not profit by the information contained in this book. Especially in view of the so-called 'Pandemic which is looming over all of us, I feel that it is imperative for everyone to know how dangerous it is to be 'overloaded' with iron - which, to bacteria, fungi and viruses, is like 'fertilizer' to plants! This riveting, well-written, 'first-person' account alerts readers to the perils of iron accumulation in the body.

More than just about a disease!.
On another website, I saw this book described as the 'definitive book about Hemochromatosis', and I agree. However,a prominent researcher has written that it is the story of a remarkable man and an extraordinary relationship. He was right. - It's more than a layman's reference to genetic disorder. It's a consummate love story. Love at first sight...the enduring adoration of a teenager for a young man; which would lead her, in time, along an thorny path and against all odds, to a fight against ignorance of a disease. That fight has culminated in the saving of lives around the world.

Original edition - 1989 ISBN 0889258856 autographed. Collectors' item. Limited number available! $30.00

One of the difficulties in appreciating Shakespeare's plays is that we think we know what the words mean. Most of them are still in use, and aside from an occasional stumble we can read the test pretty easily. In many cases, however, the meaning of the words has changed. You won't know what you are missing unless you get this book. Highly recommended. Note: I have not used the other similar glossaries, so I cannot compare. This one works well for me.

I was very pleased with this item. Great condition, shipped quickly and with no problems. Extremely useful in the classroom or for personal reading.

This book is a very helpful guide for everyone, who wants to study Shakespeare. I am not a native english speaker and it was perfect for understanding the necessary terminology. I suppose that the content of the book is also precious for native english speakers. The book contains:
1) A very important chapter which contains the most frequently used words, and proves to be valuable for quick reference.
2) Words which still exist in the english language but with a different meaning.
3) Words which vanished through the years.
4) Several chapters describing the structure of several shakespeare's works.
In all cases the meanings of the words are simply stated and well clarified providing a perfect guide for every intermediate reader.

the book is great, if your'e an actor, or anyone who deals with shakespeare-get it yesterday!

I must have spent two hours reading reviews of Shakespeare lexicons and dictionaries before settling on this one. I am so pleased with my choice. It is simple to use and so far all the words I have needed have been listed, miraculously along with the verses I am reading! Please note that the price of this one is so affordable! The best thing was, when I opened the Amazon Box, the first thing I saw was Kenneth Branagh's name. He did not create the book, but he recommends it in writing on the front cover.

As an added bonus in the back of the book there are detailed maps of all the story plot lines, indicating the relationships between the characters. All in all, very helpful.

It was a very good transaction. The book is great and I've got it very quickly. So thank you very much!! :-)

I'm writing this review mainly because I couldn't find any other place where I could put my comments about the excellent service they offer at Amazon.
The Cambridge Encyclopedia is a magnificent work, and I'm very glad to finally have it; but it wouldn't have been so good if it hadn't been for the fast, neat, and professional service given at Amazon.
I live in Chile, South America, and my delivery date was due to August 20th. Despite the distance, my book arrived last Saturday, August 9th, in perfect condition, in a safe box with no flaws.
Thank you Amazon for providing the best service ever in international delivery. I completely trust them, and I certainly recommend it for anyone who'd like to purchase items internationally.
Keep on the excellent work! Thank you very much!!

Cambridge Encyclopedia of the English Language by David Crystal

Very British, packed full of facts, but eminently readable. Many illustrations and little sidebars keep it from being too dry. It's appropriate for the layman, but is still quite sophisticated. I recommend this book.

This book is somewhere between a reference and an entertainment. It has a large amount of material, some useful as well as other that is merely curious. It is beautifully printed, but the large format might be difficult to handle. Open it anywhere and you are sure to find something you did not know.

First thing I need to say is that this book is an overview of English Language and designed for average intelligent adults, not for serious academic settings. You'll notice plenty of photographs, charts, and such. It's quite fun to flip to any page and just start reading. It included a lot of contemporary figures, like pop singers, current politicians, and authors. It tried to make readers understand the older form of English culture by linking the current one to it. I must say this approach worked only so far as to get your feet wet. Again, it's an introductory sort of book, but still has many things we modern citizens don't know about English.

This is a useful, complete and wonderful book, which person interested in language should have. It's topics are simply great!!

Olga Ocaña

Everything that you could ever have wanted to know about the way language works is in here (along with many other things that you probably had never even thought of). From the minds ability to comprehend certain sights and sounds as forms of communication and how it deciphers them to writing styles, changes and progression in languages and grammatical structures and nuances in voice level and tone used to alter understanding of a particular syllable, this book's got it all. I have to confess to being overawed when I first opened the book and then marvelling at the detail contained therein. Be warned though, this book is not for beginners in any field of study. Those with a strong interest in linguistics though should definitely invest in this treasure. There's so much in here it's staggering.

This book is a linguaphile and language lover's delight, to read or just to browse like a coffee table book. It covers just about every major topic in the study of language you can think of, from traditional classical and comparative philology and linguistics to modern developmental and neurological studies of language.

The book is comprised of 11 major sections and 65 smaller sections, with 8 appendices devoted to various topics, and there is an extensive glossary of linguistic terms as well as a table giving essential information about almost 1000 of the world's languages. Although a scholarly book, it's well written and Crystal never gets overly pedantic or dry. This is no doubt one of the most comprehensive and detailed compendia of information for the general reader about the subject of language ever written.

After reading this, you'll be more than ready to tackle a formal or more technical introductory text in linguistics, if you want to continue your studies. If you do, I highly recommend David Lyons's classic, Introduction to Theoretical Linguistics, now out of print but worth getting if you can find a used copy. If you can't find that there are several other recent texts that are quite good. But if you decide to stick with this book, you'll still have learned a lot. Whichever way you decide, good luck and happy reading.

David Crystal's Encylcopedia of Language is an excellent and readable book for lay-people like myself. I often come to it for information on a particular language-related question, or else I'll just open it up at random and see where I land.

There are plenty of diagrams and coloured pictures throughout, as well and quite a few interesting stories placed in vignettes.

As other reveiwers have pointed out, a huge range of topics are included here. I'm yet to find an aspect of language that hasn't been covered in some way.

Indeed ,David Crystal is a great and famous linguist of this century .His books about language are very important for students and common readers .His book "What is linguistics "is a good book for students ,but this book is important and informative for all people with scholars .There are several useful mapes and tables which guide a reader to understand the different family of languages.

I am siraiki speaking person .It was natural for me to read about my language,but Crystal is not aware about Siraiki language .He wrote its very old name Lahnda .I hope he will correct it in next edition

This is the perfect summer read. It's suspenseful to where you must keep reading to find out what's happened and who did it. This makes it a "must finish soon" book. And that is great for the beach, hammock or plane.

I love this book! I will definitely read the next one. I bought the book yesterday and could not put it down. I finished it in one day. The best thing about it is that I could not figure out who did it and I read murder mysteries all the time. Signed, Ellen

Wow...very impressed. Usually I am not drawn to suspense novels. This one hooked me right from the start! I couldn't put it down. Every time I thought I figured out "who done it" someone else popped up as a possibility. I can't wait for Lee's next book!! She's an awesome author!!

If you like to be freaked out, this book is for you. I had difficulty sleeping several nights while reading this book. I would not recommend reading this book just before going to bed. The author, Lee Moylan, does an outstanding job of putting you inside the head of a serial killer. Clearly, by reading Lee Moylan's bio, she has some knowledge in this area. Incredibly intense but still an easy read.

Just finished Lee Moylan's new book, Once Upon A Nightmare. It was absolutely fabulous!!! Have always loved grizzly mysteries, and this ranks as one of THE BEST. Could not put it down, as the saying goes. Glad I had a husband, & big watchdog at home in the evening, though. All I can say, is "Lee, please give us more"!!!

This really helped me in getting my grand-children interested in nature. They were always inquisitive, but I didn't know how to incorporate their questions with actually getting into nature walks and talks. Great book!!

I read this book with great pleasure. It gives amazing ideas on how to make your child discover nature with all his senses and get a very personal relationship with nature.
The activities are well introduced, with various criteria to help you find what you need quickly but the core of the book is sharing: it's really about feeling nature and letting one discover partly by himself what nature means. It views nature as non threatening which is rare now to us purely urban breeds.
If you want a guide to help your kids discover nature in its depth and finding tremendous excitement at it too, then this is it.

A great resource filled with games, activities and how to share nature with children. A must have for all outdoor environmental educators. Great for parents, teachers, and children alike.

This book is fabulous. My friend and I had our combined 4 kids up in a cabin for a week and I brought this book for activities we could do. I knew I didn't need to pack any "supplies" because of the wonderfully simple nature of the activities. I was amazed that in doing "meet a tree" where each child is blindfolded, is led to a tree, explores that tree, and then tries to find it again with the blindfold off, that the kids were overwhelmingly successful at locating their special tree amongst many others, touching and exploring each tree thoughtfully along the way.
Another favorite was the un-nature trail in which you hide man made objects along a trail to see how many the kids can locate. Even the kids who only found 1 out of 15 items(yes it's true) were thrilled to go back over the trail with me as I pointed out the glasses, the wooden spoon etc.
I would prepare more carefully for the "blind trail" than I did - setting out rules and perimeters before hand. I had two blindfolded, crying children who had accidentally been walked into a tree or led off of a fallen log by their inexperienced partner.
This book is one of my all time favorites despite any mishaps. I can't think of a better book to help you get children excited about being outside with the birds and the trees.

This book is filled wth great ideas on giving children memorable experiences in Nature. I myself am a nature docent and I know from experience that if you try to lecture to children out in nature you just have a lot of kids not listening. If you give them an experience you will give them something that they will always refer back to for the rest of their life. I highly recommend the methods used in this book.