Death Books

I WASN'T SURE WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN I ORDERED THIS BOOK, BUT I'M HAPPY I PURCHASED IT. IT HAS A GREAT DEAL OF INFORMATION THAT I AM ABSORBING AS I GO ALONG. IT TAKES ME A LOT OF REFLECTION TO ABSORB WHAT IS BEING SAID, ALTHOUGH IT IS NOT A DIFFICULT OR EASY "READ". THIS IS NOT A READ-IT-ALL-AT ONCE BOOK...IF YOU ARE WILLING TO ENTERTAIN AND PERHAPS ACCEPT THE INFORMATION BEING PRESENTED, IT IS AN INTERESTING AND WELL WRITTEN BOOK.

Accept that these ideas may not agree with your present beliefs. Explore ideas that preceded Christianity and Islam by millenia. One of the problems many encounter with such publications is that they are written by people who think differently and do not always clarify their differing mental concepts that do not coincide withwestern beliefs.
This book discusses the concept that the mind is indestructible, cycling through the 6 important bardos transition phases of prebirth, birth, living, death transition, and return. This is not a "religion" in that there is no God to bargain with: one is responsible for one's own life circumstances through one's own conduct over several lives, following the principle of the golden rule.
That being said, the author has an outstanding mastery of style and clarity of thought, except in sectiions where jargon words break up the idea flow, like rapids in a smooth stream. You may master this hurdle or choose to abandon the book, disappointed.

This book called to me, as did a book discussion group at Nalanda West in Seattle. The result of both is profound gratitude. Relatively new to Buddhist studies, I wasn't sure I was ready for these apparently advanced teachings on working with the mind after death. It does seem that nothing has been withheld here, and yet the book doesn't overwhelm. The kind humor of the Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche pulls me along gently, so that even advanced practices are approachable. Gentle teacher, great wisdom. What more could one ask?

Death is something we need to know about since we will all be meeting it face to face. Just clinching our teeth and hoping for the best is not a reasonable strategy. Ponlop Rinpoche lays out one that is, with precision and in detail. This book contains amazingly profound teachings for living and dying, and does it in a tone that is both light and serious.

Reading this book is a must!

As I've grown older I have truly relished the eruption of Tibetan wisdom literature and commentaries "coming online", as it were. Having cut my teeth on D.T. Zusuki and Herbert Guenther, the appearance of Thurman, Garfield, and now Ponlop Ripoche has further deepened and matured my appreciation of the compassion that comes out of life to help us. Ripoche's work is, for me, a true mile/gem/stone. It is a truly reflective work that I can only compare, in my own meditative experience, to reading St. Agustine's Confession. There is genius in the economy of words, only outshined by their precision and communicative power. I have been graced with such great teachers who awakened and deepened my "reflective ear". As I read Ripoche's work each word, phrase and paragraph echos with insight inspiring power, congealing long threads of thought both Western and Eastern. I do apologize if this review seems like a fawning paean. What I wishing to convey is the deep meaning that is redolent within this work, and the opportunity for you, also, to take a plunge (if you already haven't). It is truly a unique work of great power and relevance. It is the best work to emerge, to date, for our Western lebenswelt that deals with the experience of death and beyond -- and by that our life, right now.

When you see on the cover of a book testimonials by James Patterson, Clive Cussler, Tim Green, and other big hitters, you pay attention.
Reid Clark is named by the press as 'The Bad Boy of Golf'. Think John McEnroe only more volatile! He is a brilliant player on the PGA, but shoots himself in the foot with his temper. He has made some enemies, but never would he have thought that someone wanted to kill him.
He plays The Masters under death threats, and he continues on toward The Classic where the threats escalate: if Reid wins the tournament, he will die.
Reid is surrounded by security and family, and starts transforming from 'Bad Boy' into a well rounded man who happens to be one of the top golf players in the world. He learns it isn't 'all about him' and starts to understand what the truly important things in life are.
It is all about golf - the play, the endorsements, the risks, but also is about Reid's progression to see what is truly most important in his life.
Balkind writes with amazing clarity that puts you there in the middle of the action of play on the greens - We come to like Reid, and Balkind's character portrayals are eloquent in their execution.
You will learn a lot about golf reading this book. You will also be in for a great treat as it is a top notch mystery too.
It will make one heck of a movie -
Think you'll have fun with this one too.
Those of us who are terrible golfers, but think we are much better, and those who truly know the game and do well at it, will love this book equally - I usually get relegated to driving the cart!! But know it takes lots of skill to play the game, and to play under more pressure than just winning the tournament takes more than determination - focus focus focus.
Excellent read!

Reid Clark, the "Bad Boy of Golf" has just received a death threat- DO NOT WIN or YOU WILL DIE. They are referring to the biggest golf tournament in his life. The suspects are numerous because, after all, he IS the "bad boy", having assaulted reporters and their photographers on numerous occasions who all seem obsessed with the golf star.
Reid and his agent Buck make a great winning team and after landing a million dollar endorsement they should be very happy sportsmen, but how can they be with these threats hanging over their lives? Reid's mother Joan, his two sisters and girlfriend Shane are his cheering section as the excitement builds.
Surrounded by bodyguards, Reid plays the final round of golf in the Masters, but will that be enough to save his life? This reader does not play golf, but as the tension builds, became highly involved with the game and the characters in Mr. Balkind's book. Very much recommended for sports fans and everyone else who loves a good mystery!

Imagine this; you are an athlete, born with a gift. You work hard to improve and better yourself in what you love and crave to do, and when you finally get to live your dream, someone spoils it with a threat of `simply' taking your life if you - win.
Reid Clark, a professional golfer, has a rude awakening as he receives such a threat during the tournament of tournaments; the Masters.
Not a stranger to challenging situations he finds himself just a bid over his head and has no choice but to surround himself with a colorful team of bodyguards and investigating cops, because he surely is not going to easily give in.
What follows is a well written tale of a cat and mouse game on a different level. Intrigue and suspense can be painted in many vivid colors, but spinning them into the `game of kings' is certainly a new twist author Michael Balkind has discovered.

Though I play a little golf myself, I'm not a huge fan and certainly don't watch it on TV. However; ever since I read this story I find myself taking a glimpse at the tellie whenever I catch a game and I wonder - what would it be like to perform at such level if indeed one would encounter a death threat.

To me, Balkind made the story believable and I enjoyed the read through out. There were just a few instances where I would have liked to see a lesser degree of explanation of the physiological pressure of the game. I also wondered about a scenario where Reid, while still under extreme stress due to his threats, takes his family on a shopping spree.
All in all however, I recommend Sudden Death to anyone who seeks a satisfying thrill ride down the fairway and I will be looking for more sport related mystery from this new, exciting author.

Rebecca Lerwill, author of Relocating Mia.
Relocating Mia

Reid Clark, an angry, rude PGA touring pro enters the Masters with a death threat hanging over his performance there. The 'Bad Boy of Golf' mellows somewhat when the fear of his death lingers over the fairways and greens of that cherished magnolia lined golf course. He even lets loose some of his millions won on tour and through sponsorships to buy his mom a house and the sport car she desires. The would-be killers suspected are many because of Reid's past 'bad boy' reputation in golf and business. But it's the one on the bottom of that long list who plans and executes the threat.
Reid ties for the lead and The Masters goes into sudden death and fearing it could be his own quick demise, he putts for the win...a gun-shot is heard. Did the putt drop in or did Reid drop before the ball missed the cup? Reid doesn't know and the reader will find out later when the book concludes.

Don't read Sudden Death on an empty stomach you'll crave for such as Tarragon Lobster, Salad Nicoise and then wish for the libation offered by a cognac infused with vinilla accompanied by a good cigar. Michael Balkind knows the good life and writes with an excellent knowledge of the game of golf. If you love a mystery and/or exciting golf-play read Sudden Death. It's all there.

Sudden Death is a fast paced page burner. The characters are personable, and realistic as our hero struggles to win the elusive "Green Jacket" at the Masters, while trying to avoid an assasin. The writing is smooth while the plot is pockmarked with exciting twists. This is a great read whether you like golf or not. Everyone likes a good whodunit, and this is a good one.

This is not your typical NDE story. The beginning of the story follows the typical NDE experiences and insights, but as the book develops, we are told that our world is trillions of years old, humans are descendants of space aliens who artifically inseminated monkeys or gorillas, , and .... best left for the reader.

I wonder whether Moshe Zwang, has gone a little too far? and perhaps his imagination has controlled and overpowered his actual experiences.

Good read, many insights, and keeps me wondering.

What would be the criteria for rating this book is not what is written in it but how ready are you for it ..... It is simply a step in the explanation of all . To some it might be perceived as pure fiction, to some it would be ridiculous, to others simply the truth. The truth sometimes stares us in the face, but we still fail to realize it simply because we are too fixated on the values and ideas that had been imprinted in ou minds (or our ancesstors minds) for the last thousands of years. but we have mentally evolved we now realize that the earth is not the centre of the universe, that the our plant is one amongst trillions of planets and not the only one ..... but we still fail to even question ideas and beleifs that were passed to us over hundereds of years cause of fear ..... fear of hell fear of being rates as superstituous , or any other fear ........ All I can say is that to the investigating individual, to the open minded student of the truth this is , the least to say, a revelation and enlightment that is a corner stone for more understanding for the human race. One complaint to the writer, or dictator, of this book .... it is simply not fair to keep the remiander of this with you ... it is your duty to give the whole truth so those who are ready can benefit from it .... five years is a long time.

What would be the criteria for rating this book is not what is written in it but how ready are you for it ..... It is simply a step in the explanation of all . To some it might be perceived as pure fiction, to some it would be ridiculous, to others simply the truth. The truth sometimes stares us in the face, but we still fail to realize it simply because we are too fixated on the values and ideas that had been imprinted in ou minds (or our ancesstors minds) for the last thousands of years. but we have mentally evolved we now realize that the earth is not the centre of the universe, that the our plant is one amongst trillions of planets and not the only one ..... but we still fail to even question ideas and beleifs that were passed to us over hundereds of years cause of fear ..... fear of hell fear of being rates as superstituous , or any other fear ........ All I can say is that to the investigating individual, to the open minded student of the truth this is , the least to say, a revelation and enlightment that is a corner stone for more understanding for the human race. One complaint to the writer, or dictator, of this book .... it is simply not fair to keep the remiander of this with you ... it is your duty to give the whole truth so those who are ready can benefit from it .... five years is a long time.

What would be the criteria for rating this book is not what is written in it but how ready are you for it ..... It is simply a step in the explanation of all . To some it might be perceived as pure fiction, to some it would be ridiculous, to others simply the truth. The truth sometimes stares us in the face, but we still fail to realize it simply because we are too fixated on the values and ideas that had been imprinted in ou minds (or our ancesstors minds) for the last thousands of years. but we have mentally evolved we now realize that the earth is not the centre of the universe, that the our plant is one amongst trillions of planets and not the only one ..... but we still fail to even question ideas and beleifs that were passed to us over hundereds of years cause of fear ..... fear of hell fear of being rates as superstituous , or any other fear ........ All I can say is that to the investigating individual, to the open minded student of the truth this is , the least to say, a revelation and enlightment that is a corner stone for more understanding for the human race. One complaint to the writer, or dictator, of this book .... it is simply not fair to keep the remiander of this with you ... it is your duty to give the whole truth so those who are ready can benefit from it .... five years is a long time.

What would be the criteria for rating this book is not what is written in it but how ready are you for it ..... It is simply a step in the explanation of all . To some it might be perceived as pure fiction, to some it would be ridiculous, to others simply the truth. The truth sometimes stares us in the face, but we still fail to realize it simply because we are too fixated on the values and ideas that had been imprinted in ou minds (or our ancesstors minds) for the last thousands of years. but we have mentally evolved we now realize that the earth is not the centre of the universe, that the our plant is one amongst trillions of planets and not the only one ..... but we still fail to even question ideas and beleifs that were passed to us over hundereds of years cause of fear ..... fear of hell fear of being rates as superstituous , or any other fear ........ All I can say is that to the investigating individual, to the open minded student of the truth this is , the least to say, a revelation and enlightment that is a corner stone for more understanding for the human race. One complaint to the writer, or dictator, of this book .... it is simply not fair to keep the remiander of this with you ... it is your duty to give the whole truth so those who are ready can benefit from it .... five years is a long time.

This is a engrossing book about what happens when a person who has made a career out of understanding "transitions" (and helping other people and organizations through times of transition) comes face to face with a gigantic transition. As Bridges dealt with the death of his wife and the concomitant end of a lengthy marriage, he found himself wondering if he really understood transitions at all. This book is the story of how he navigated that period in his life, how he achieved a new understanding of everything that had gone before, and what it has meant to him since.

There is a lot going on in this book. On one level, it is the story of a marriage. On another level, it is the story of how truly immersing oneself in the transitions one encounters can deepen a person's relationship both to the self and to the personal history that has created that self. And then there is the general philosophical musing about how a person can open himself to the possibilities that come with major life changes. It's not a book of ideas about what to do (for that, the same author has a couple of other books on transition), but instead it's a deeply personal reflection on the meaning of life and life's transitions.

Highly recommended for anyone who is of a contemplative turn of mind.

I often list the pros and cons of the books I review. This book, like most others, has a few drawbacks, but they are not important enough to list. What is important is to know that this book is one of the best guides possible for those who are going through losses and do not know where to turn. If you or someone you know is reeling from a major life set back this is the book you need to turn to. This book will help you process the loss, understand the empty feeling that follows, and will offer hope for a new beginning. This book is a first aid kit for the emotions.

William Bridges revisits the topic of transitions after the death of his first wife. This is an emotionally powerful book and Bridges is brutally honest and open about his own personality and relationships. I give it 4 stars, though, because I'm not sure that he adds a whole lot to his orginal work on transitions.

The author is very professional in his knowledge of tranistion vs. change and the merging of the process so that one understands the need to understand transition and that understanding to facilitate change. It is a very personal account of his understanding of the value of "letting go". His wife of 48 years is about to pass and the culmination of their realtionship and acceptance of the change to come and the phases of tranistion. To me personally, the acceptance of "letting go" allowed me to move further into my life and relish the anticipation of what could be. But not until I "let go". To me that was an exceptional development. And it all had to do with understanding transition. I am deeply grateful as is my wife who is reading it now.

William Bridges surprised me with this extremely well-written and personal book. I am an executive coach who had read many of his other books and have often recommended Bridge's Managing Transitions to clients and friends in the business world. I opened the book expecting to find a how-to manual on getting through midlife in business,or through the loss of a job or some other similarly difficult but containable business transition. What I found was a deeply personal (and to me intensely meaningful description of) William's own life transitions through his job changes, marriage difficulties, and most significantly the death of his first wife and the transition that ensued. This beautifully written book reads more like a novel than a self help book, but the fact that it describes real transitions at a very deep level is exactly what makes it helpful. I congratulate the author for having the guts to write it.

This is a deeply personal, moving account of one man coming to terms with his wife's illness and her eventual death. His poetry is deeply affecting, beautiful, and poignant. I highly recommend this for anyone.

This book is considered to be one of the greatest poetic accomplishments in American history. Read it with a box of tissues.

I heard Donald Hall read passages of Whitman's Leaves of Grass at the 2005 National Book Festival on the Mall in DC. I knew nothing of him, his work, or his love of Jane Kenyon. I did know his voice rang true to the soul I possess. I can still here his voice over the sound of helicopter blades that plagued the readings in each tent. Compelled to read his work I finally gave into the need to buy one of his works and so I bought three.

"Without" is a journey of loss. Each poem is a step during the journey of Jane Kenyon's illness, passing, and Donald Hall's experience of loss. His pain, confusion, and helplessness are mirrored in every line and in every word with in the pages of "Without".

By the time I got to page nine I was crying, not for Jane Kenyon but for Donald Hall. The book doesn't show case only loss but devotion. The memories he shares of Jane are clouded with the simple things that brought him contentment and careless pleasure. How often do you see the simple things in your life and overlook the pleasure that exists in the act of observation? Donald Hall looks back on the pleasure of contentment watching his wife taste the sauce that will be served with dinner and the act of bringing in groceries. He tells us of the ravishing beauty she grew into in her 40's. Donald Hall reminds us of hope with in the pages of "Without".

girldiver:)

I wanted to read this collection of poems because I was so moved by Mr. Hall's memoir of his life with Jane Kenyon, The Best Day The Worst Day. The poems here are inspired by the same sequence of events; that is, Ms. Kenyon's death from leukemia. This unity of purpose alone, so rare in poetry collections, gives the book incredible power. Of course, this unity is not enough. Fortunately, despite the sad theme, there are a number of wonderful poems here.

I found the poems in the first half of the book--those leading up to Ms. Kenyon's death--the best. "Song for Lucy," "The Porcelain Couple," "The Ship Pounding," and, especially, "A Beard for Blue Pantry" and "Blues for Polly" very moving, filled with great images like "Jane made bread so honest/it once went blue in the pantry//overnight in a heat wave" (Pantry) and "She sang blue: soulful, erotic,/skeptical, knowing everything/turns out bad in the end." Not surprisingly, blue is a linking color here.

Mr. Hall also intersperses a poem, "Her Long Illness," throughout the first half of the book. It's a risky strategy but it works well. Some of the best lines in the book come in this poem.

I didn't feel the second half of the book, which focuses more on Mr. Hall's loneliness, stood up as well as the first. The title poem, the first of the aftermath poems, is the weakest in the book. There are some passages in the various "Letters" poems that make up most of the second half that are very nice (my favorite, from "Letter in the New Year": "If someone had told us then/you would die in nineteen years,/would it have sounded/like almost enough time?") but, for the most part, they are very uneven. I was also put off by some of the semi-profane and sexual language in some of these poems. Not that these experiences aren't appropriate but they didn't ring true with the rest of the work.

It may be that the first half has the advantage of the tension of Ms. Kenyon's illness which dissolves into a less satisfying depression and loneliness in the second half. Perhaps my knowledge of the memoir interfered somewhat with my reading of some of the poems. Still, as a whole, this is definitely an excellent collection.

In his book of poems "Without", Donald Hall weaves a lexicographic tribute to his late wife, and fellow poet, Jane Kenyon, and in turn, leaves the world a legacy of grief and honor.

I first heard of this book by listening to NPR's "This American Life" on a featured story about the couple. Donald himself read some of these poems, and I knew within a minute, I had to have this work.

As poets so meekly and admirably do, Donald Hall captures the moments of his wife's last days through her battle with leukemia. The poems are simple, attainable, and direct. He minces no words as he describes Jane's downfall. He poetry is both pure and chilling; you feel her loss, you feel her impact, you feel.

If you are considering purchasing this book, I may recommend you purchasing Jane Kenyon's final book of poetry called "Otherwise". In a sense, they are companion pieces to each other, and in reading both you hear her voice, along with his, to make it theirs.

I highly recommend this book if you have ever lost someone, or want to understand the not understandable impact of losing someone.

This work contains a lot of great information for a difficult time. Much thought and research was done to produce a sensitive and practical approach to a difficult subject. I read and referenced this work in my own book, The Wisdom of Death: Six Paths to Understanding Loss and Grief (available here at Amazon)and found it helpful in taking that journey into sorrow.

When I lost my father at the age of 25 and was left to handle *everything* (funeral, flowers, arrangements, property, and so forth) amid grad school and two jobs, I received too many pieces of advice and useless, but well-intentioned, texts. This book does wonders for the spirit, as it's a refreshing, true-to-life book to honestly get us through the loss of loved ones. No matter what anyone says, he/she doesn't know what you're going through; this book assists one with the unique experience of loss. I've given this book five times over as gifts to my siblings and friends who really needed these words and healthy, sensible suggestions. Kudos to the author! I still pick it up years later when I cycle back to struggling with my father's death.

Jill Brooke writes where others fear to tread. Her simple logic and easy-to read style gave me a feeling of peace while reading about this painful subject. Brooke writes of death as a muse and motivator and builds her theme slowly and in such a spirit of sharing that I felt I was being guided by a friend. One of the most important lessons learned, was how thinking, talking and remembering your loved ones with others keeps them alive through memories. The book is full of practical information and advice from grief professionals entwined around interviews from well-known personalities such as President Clinton who've experienced loss. A great gift,not just for the bereaved, but for new mothers looking for ideas on how to keep the memory of their parents alive with the next generation who never knew them. After reading this book, I felt I had the tools to help continue my loved ones legacy. This well researched book presents a very real way of thinking about death that removes some of the stigma and fear and leaves in its place compassion and hope for the future. Highly recommended.

I began reading books and articles on death and grief more than 40 years ago, and after a while, I found they all said the same thing, more or less. Then I read Don't Let Death Ruin Your Life. I was delighted to find a book that reflected what my experience working with grieving people has shown -- that while painful, our relationship with loved ones continues and grief provides the opportunity to learn about life and living with greater purpose. Jill Brooke provides a new framework for the stages/phases of grief and offers everyone hope. I recommend it highly, both to those who are grieving and to those who are working with grieving individuals. And as I think about it, I recommend it to anyone who is interested in living a better life.

...It was with great interest and relief that I read the book, Don't Let Death Ruin Your Life, by Jill Brooke. It's filled with insights, wisdom, and compassion. What I like most of all about it is the fact that it gives us permission to miss our loved ones--in a healthy way--for the rest of our lives if we want to. Brooke assures us that it's okay to 'keep our loved ones close by and honor their memory while integrating them into our lives that have now been changed by their physical absence.'

"Some of the ways that she shares how to do this is to notice how our loved ones live on in our beliefs and our feelings, and to tell stories about the positive ways they affected our lives. In doing so, we continue to have a meaningful, significant relationship with them while, at the same time, moving through our grief to a brighter place and reclaiming our happiness.

"This is an amazing book, and one that I'll be buying for others and sharing with people for a long time to come...

After losing my mom, dad and husband, I turned to the internet to get some info on After Death Communication info. I found out about the unique website Christine had called Prayer Wave and I found a group of folks with similar experiences on ADC's to mine. I actually wrote and phoned Chris directly and she was so sweet and understanding and available to me. I contacted her about many things and was not sure if she would even be open to discussing further as there appears to be a distance between authors and their readers. She also referred me to Sunni Welles' book and that is fantastic too. All in all I have come to really respect and admire Christine's ability to communicate about spirits in ways that is essentially comforting to those of us who grieve so deeply, so deeply that it can stop one's life in midtracks if one does not understand or even receive the gift of an ADC. I have been blessed to receive ADC's daily and it is surely a comfort to me. I love sharing them with Chris in emails. Her book is fantastic and a must read. We are very fortunate to have such a wonderful gifted soul as Christine to bestow these gifts upon us. Thanks Christine..I consider you a soul sister even though we have never met! Love, Lynn

One of the hardest things in life to deal with is the passing of a loved one. I experienced this pain as a teenager when two of my good friends were killed in an alcohol related auto accident. In the 27 years since that time I have read many books on Near Death Experiences (NDE's) and After Death Communications (ADC's). The amazing thing I have learned is that life continues on after our physical death, just like the Bible says. Of this I have no doubt.

Christine Duminiak's book -- God's Gift of Love: After Death Communications -- is the best book I have read on this subject. This book relates the experiences of many ordinary people who have had ADC's with loved ones.

When a person passes on, that is exactly what they do -- they pass over from our physical realm to the Heavenly realm. Their spirit continues to live in a very real way. They can see and hear us, and they still love us very much. Christine's book shows the many ways our loved ones communicate with us to comfort and console us and let us know that they are doing great!

What a great joy to know that not only do our family members and friends live on after their passing, but we will too, when we leave this world!

In addition to helping those who are grieving the loss of a loved one, "After-Death Communications: God's Gift of Love" will also help many to strengthen their faith in ways they never could have imagined.

There are quite a few books available on the topics of ADC's and NDE's. The more you read, the more you will be convinced of the authenticity of this amazing phenomenon. In my humble opinion, Christine's book is the best one to start with.

If you are grieving the loss of a loved one right now, I would also recommend checking out Christine's Prayer Wave Website:

[...]

Be sure to check out the message board.

With all due respect to the author's intended audience, I have to point out that the book seems to be meant for those whose religious beliefs are specifically strong, perhaps even fundamentalist, Christian. I'm posting this review only so others considering buying it can know that, whether it persuades them to buy it or not to buy it.

When I read the reviews as I was considering it, I was very interested, but might not have bought it, had I known how deeply Christian its foundation is, since the person I was buying it for is quite spiritual but of a different faith.

My heart smiled all the way through this book! :) My copy is already worn out and is being read by friends of ALL faiths! :)

While reading this book I had so many ah ha moments that I lost count!

This book is very comforting....and at times it had me smiling, crying.......remembering and looking forward to the good times to come both HERE on earth and HOME with God and those who have already arrived on the other side. :)

Enjoy reading God's Gift of Love I know I did!

(...)


A Must- Have For Anyone who Has Lost Anyone
I received my copy of this unbelieveably beauifully written book just days before God called my precious mom home to Him.....while I am still in disbelief that she is gone... I believe through this book that she, my Dad and other 'lost' loved ones lives every day with me and through me but she cannot be physically seen....... I think the writer of this special book created out of love must be a very real and angelic person who has chosen to accept the privilege afforded to all of us if we open our hearts .....that is to communicate with our loved ones after they are no longer seen on this earth.....this book will give you hope and proof that our lived ones live on and miss nothing .......Thankyou for your divinely inspired writing.....you are truly an ANGEL.

I absolutely love "The James Bond Lifestyle Seminar," but this audiobook fell short. The plot was decent, but nothing better than you'd expect based on the synopsis. The main character is supposed to be 33 years old, yet his voice sounds like an old man. He sounds very unsure of himself. Also, a lot more could have been done with the sound effects. They did not immerse me in the scenes, as another reviewer claimed.

Wow! My sister pointed me to this audio book and I couldn't believe my ears. I just relaxed on my bed to listen and was absolutely delighted with the movie-quality of the sound effects. Not only is this a masterful, well-written plot, it's also a quality production. The best I've heard.

And those stars that the magnificent author/director Paul Kyriazi lined up for this special version of his book!!! Well, all I can say is that I remember swooning each time I saw any of them on the big screen. (I hope my hubby doesn't read this.) But when I saw Rod Taylor--who narrates this story, with such a come-hither voice--starring in The Birds with that gorgeous Tippi Hedren, I almost fainted. Yes, he was that much of a hunk ... and still is, according to my sister!

Incidentally, people used to say I looked like Tippi. Ah-hhh, memories ... But getting back to this audio book, I loved it to pieces.

Keep up the excellent work, Mr. K. You're terrific, and almost as handsome as the great Rod! Ciao, baby ...

Mr Kyriazi's production of Hard Rock Lovers was just fantastic! I was on the edge of my seat on a daily basis! I put the audio book on my iPod and listened while I jogged. I gotta say it motivated me to get out there and I am so sad it is over! I cannot wait for his next Audio production!

The story is fantastic, gripping and sexy. I absolutely loved it!

Bravo!!!!

The "Hard Rock Lovers" audio book was not at all what I expected, but what a wonderful surprise! It's a twisted, tangled web of events played out by a handful of multi-leveled, intertwined characters. The story is well written, beautifully told and convincingly enacted centering on the heights of a successful rock star and the terrible costs that are paid when that success is abused. People and events are manipulated by all the characters to satisfy their own needs and agenda.


"Good" and "evil" are blurred. "Life" and "death" are blurred. Relationships are blurred, but the irony of fate is boldly presented and it's made abundantly clear that our "next" existence offers another chance to hopefully do better. The inevitability of change, the subtle and sometimes dramatic interrelationships between cause and effect as well as the ever-present, ever-looming scales of divine and poetic justice are persistent threads. A beautiful blending of drama and melodrama are used to develop both the story and the characters. The audio presentation is top-notch entertainment, particularly when you consider that all acting is accomplished solely through vocal artistry. The actors do a fantastic job of inviting the listener into their world and moving you effortlessly through the story.


I really enjoyed listening to this audio book. It is wonderful from start to finish and my congratulations go out to all involved. It's a winner on all levels.

From the moment Hard Rock Lovers comes on ... it takes you by the hand and mind, and immediately draws you into this intriquing story, narrated by the imcomparable Rod Taylor, of revenge, love, lust, cold reality and spiritual enlightenment.

Robert Culp kept me laughing with his perfect low-life agent performance, always the best! James Darren was the perfect rock star, mean, talented but sad, his performance was # 1. Ishtar Uhvana was great as Medusa, she added the sweetness to keep some reality in the rock world and her ending dialoque brought tears to my eyes. Loved Russ Tamblyn, George Chakiris was brilliant as the evil Reynaldo, and Nefta Perry as Connie played the perfect Rosie Perez.

The ending gives you hope and leaves you with happy feelings. You will want to play it again and again; it only gets better each time you listen.

Paul Kyriazi is my hero. I am his BIGGEST fan.

Thank you Paul for the fun and exciting adventure!

A must have. Helpful not only in what to say to others, but also therapeutic messages for the reader.

I gave Healing Conversations to a friend troubled that she didn't " know what to say" to her family about her grandchild's scary diagnosis. She graciously received it and was pleased she didn't need to read the entire book because her specific concern is covered in a few short sections. She makes a good point. Readers under stress can find examples of numerous topics handily addressed in brief chapters about ways to support others through tough times. Other readers, particularly clergy or family educators, who simply want to feel prepared for helping others through the vicissitudes of life, will find reading the whole book helpful. It is a teaching tool about attitude and attention that the author dedicates "to each of you who, in a moment of uncertainty, take the chance to offer or to ask for a healing conversation."

Because life is complicated, even we who are not therapists find ourelves serving hurting hearts occasionally. In our personal lives, or in the course of regular work, official job descriptions may not cover it, but stuff happens! Requesting or offering acknowledgment and support for rough, uncertain passages presents occasions when we or others ask, " Please help me find a new way to see things because right now I can't even think straight!"

Suitable ways to respond in person and in writing are the focus of Nance Guilmartin's easy-to-read compendium. She coaches lay readers about being present in caring, appropriate ways for those experiencing a range of major and minor hard challenges, transitions and altered identities.

Her "Getting started" introduction reviews, in cogent paragraphs principles (summarized here) for healing conversations:

* Listen - actively hearing with ears, eyes and heart, suspending internal conversations and the impulse to ask questions

* Pause - to reflect, tap into compassion, and tune in to the other person "like putting the clutch in when you are driving a car with a stick shift. It lets you slow down just enough to engage the gears before you speed up."

* Be a Friend Not a Hero - Helping others through a rough time is not the same as rescuing them or rushing them.

* Offer Comfort - People can care without agreeing, disagreeing, fixing or prescribing how others should feel. Comfort allows room to be who we are at the present time.

* Be In Touch with Your Own Feelings - "Helping others feel comforted in our presence has a lot to do with what's going on inside us. . . we are able to sit with our own discomfort long enough to be with theirs. We are able to offer compassion to them because we can also give it to ourselves."

* Be There Over the Long Haul - Adjustment takes time. Sometimes a friend, family member, a colleague or a neighbor needs us to be nothing more than a sounding board--over and over again.

* Show Up Even When It's Awkward - It's okay to feel uncomfortable and helpful to be honest about it. Being a caring presence, letting the person feel safe, is the important thing.

* Be a Helpful Resource - Sometimes the sensible thing to do is refer someone to a resource that might answer needs better than we can.

* Take the Initiative - Taking the time to put ourselves in others' shoes is a helpful first step in knowing what is needed.

* Be Compassionate - Even if we have similar experience, we can't really know how someone else feels, what causes them pain, or what will help them. We need to be patient. Remember to listen to others' stories before asking whether it would help to share yours.

Through brief, interesting anecdotes, she helps readers see how the "getting started" guidelines play out in real situations. She helps readers understand and appreciate healing communication (especially conscious listening, shared silence, rephrasing and reframing) that can lift spirits about such life changing situations as caregiving, end of life, trauma, divorce, embarrassment, attempted suicide, anger, frustration, job loss, physical and mental health changes, retirement, bankruptcy, relocating, and a variety of other personal and work-related matters.

With a useful table of contents and index, the messy, irrational emotional whirlpool of topics is arranged in simple, understandable short sections of true life experiences with helpful insights drawn from them. Comments and approaches are suggested. Being correct is not Guilmartin's point. Being receptive and connecting with others in useful ways is what she is teaching here. Example after example of practical application of personal, attentive empathy show ways to help individuals heal. She discusses spoken and unspoken, judgment-free communication to help individuals gain strength and perspective.

Some of the anecdotes and commentary give additional practical examples of how others have worked through bewilderment or healing or have conceptualized a situation in a beneficial way. A letter from a leader of a nonprofit notifying her group of her cancer and asking for needed help, a list of helpful suggestions and requests from the wife of a hospice resident to his visitors, and some near death experiences are some examples. A few of the stories are a little on the sappy side, but illustrate her subjects well and are all worth reading.

The general contents may be basic and obvious to those who read lots of books like this, but the memorable examples are enriching. Healing Conversations is both a motivational refresher and a handy resource to recommend for others dealing with all manner of personal discomfort. It is a valuable reminder that we all are more than our roles, we're fellow humans first.

At this time when thousands of people are responding to Hurricane
Katrina, "HEALING CONVERSATIONS" offers us invaluable suggestions and guidelines for how to
ask for, offer and, yes, especially, accept help during difficult, sometimes mind-numbing, circumstances. These
stories enable any one--whether you are a volunteer, teacher, doctor,
student, government leader, lay counselor, or even just a friend, family member or confidant--to be more at ease when
dealing with the unimaginably difficult situations BOTH survivors and
responders are encountering during this massive recovery effort. If there ever was a time when this book can speak volumes to all of us, this is it.

David W. Oberdorfer, M.D., F.A.C.S., M.F.A.
Emergency Room Physician & Immediate Past President, "Society for Humanism in Medicine"

This book is a must read for anyone whose work centers around pastoral care and pastoral concerns. Often the most asked question is "what do I say when...." and this book gives you the answers through the telling of a story in such a way that one remembers what to say when. Not matter what faith community you are a part, this book belongs in your library and in your own home whether you do pastoral work or not. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

As a therapist I've learned through long experience that often the most difficult but helpful thing I can offer others is the gift of listening with full attention. That's very difficult for us because our own emotions run away with us when we're with someone in pain. We get scared or angry and we want to make the problem go away--by offering advice or by changing the subject. Nance Guilmartin has put together a very useful guide for how to deal with our own fears and take "healing conversations" to a deeper level where we can actually help those in pain--by being there with them and, with their permission, doing what we can do to help. I especially like her very practical and down-to-earth advice: "Show up even if it's awkward." "Be there over the long haul." I highly recommend this book; everyone will need it more often than they realize, because the opportunities for healing conversations are there every day.

I am the author of "Hurricanes & Rainbows-Finding Life's Promise After the Storm," and although I am reluctant to submit a review of my own work, I am doing so at the urging of my publisher. "H&R" was never meant to be published. I wrote the pages of what came to be the finished work during a 28-day period in the summer of '06--nearly a year after experiencing two life-changing events--the breakup of an 8-year relationship and the ravages of Hurricane Katrina in my native New Orleans. These devastating events were closely followed by eight more which were equally as challenging. By the time I had endured #10, I was completely out of sorts--so much so that I finally came to the end of myself and sought professional help (something I swore I would never do!).

Long story short, my therapy "did the trick" and I finally got my life back. As part of my therapy, I decided to embark on a much-needed catharsis, which was accomplished through writing what I believed would always remain for "my eyes only." After trusted friends read the manuscript, they encouraged me to pursue publishing, which I did, and the rest is history. Now that my work is in print, my hope is that readers will find hope and encouragement when faced with storms along life's journey. To borrow a quote from the author, "I have learned that without the storms of life there can be no rainbows." Rainbows do await the storm-tossed traveler; yours may be just beyond the next storm cloud.

If you read the book and are encouraged in any way, I would love to hear from you. I can be reached by email at hurricanerainbow@aol.com. Please visit my website at: www.hurricanesandrainbows.com. God bless you on your way--Mark

I wasn't looking for "self-help" when I received Hurricanes & Rainbows as a gift. What I found was self-awareness and confidence to meet life's disappointments with grace and hope. Mr. Armstrong's poignant story of his life's experiences both tragic and happy were true inspiration. He writes from his soul bringing his readers along on his journey as if you were going through the experiences at his side. If you didn't know Mark before reading Hurricanes & Rainbows you will call him friend at the end of his story. To have survived any of the events described takes courage and strength. Having survived all of the events since Aug 2005 and still be able to smile and have compassion for others is simply amazing. Finding a penny will now always be a blessing thanks to this book. I look forward to reading the sequel once Mr. Armstrong finds his Rainbow.

This was not an enjoyable book to read--at least not the parts that described all of the life events that led to Mr. Armstrong's depression. However, it was a highly rewarding read. I am happy that Mr. Armstrong got his life back. I am glad he learned how to cope with the lousy hand his life dealt him. I am grateful that he wrote about his experiences, however painful it must have been for him to do so. His book will serve an important purpose. His words will inspire the downcast, encourage the weary, and lift up the fallen. His book did all three for me. No, I didn't much like this book...I loved it!

Nearly everyone has suffered loss and grief at some point in their lives. Many people battle depression following these painful events. Most of us have experienced many of the same losses as Mr. Armstrong. We've had our hearts broken after a failed relationship ends in a breakup or divorce. We've lost loved ones to death, maybe even violent death. We've dealt with financial problems, perhaps even bankruptcy. We've moved to new cities, taken new jobs, leaving behind famiily, friends, and our sense of security. We've buried our beloved pets. We may have even been hit by natural disasters, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods. The difference between most of us and Mr. Armstrong is that for the vast majority of people, painful episodes such as these are usually spread out over a lifetime. For him, they all occured in less than a year! How he recovered from such a series of events is beyond me. But he did. His book can and will encourage any reader who faces hardship and pain in life, like me and like you. This book will show you how to never give up. It will show you how to learn and grow in your faith, not only in God, but in yourself. If you have faced problems in your life, read Hurricanes & Rainbows. You'll be stronger for having read this sad yet victorious journey.

It's been two long years since Hurricane Katrina devastated the city of New Orleans, the city I call home. In those two years, I've read everything I could get my hands on that had been written about the storm, including Douglas Brinkley's The Great Deluge, Jed Horne's Breach Of Faith, as well as countless others. I've watched Spike Lee's documentary, The Day The Levees Broke. And they are all wonderful! This book, Hurricanes & Rainbows, gives the storm's fury a human face--one man and his dog struggling to get out of harm's way. But that man was already beaten down by another storm he endured three weeks before Katrina. That storm clouded his thinking and caused him to think irrationally in a seemingly hopeless situation. Katrina was only his second storm; there would be eight more to follow in close succession. The city of New Orleans has been slow to rebuild. Fortunately, Mr. Armstrong has rebounded much quicker. His storm story is an inspiration to me as a New Orleanian, but more importantly, as a kindred spirit who has endured his share of his own storms in life. If he can find his rainbow, then surely so can I. I have and I will continue to ride the waves and somehow manage to stay afloat. This book will encourage you to weather life's storms, knowing that you can and will prevail in the end. Extremely well written and blatantly honest, I highly recommend it.