Beauty Books

This book was so inspring when I first read it when it litteraly first came out and it always lifted my spirits, I still use it while i'm in the teen yars.

We all know where 'Real Beauty' comes from. Why not start your young lady out early in learning that beauty is more than skin deep? Help the preteen in your life be more selfconfident and beautiful by knowing how to accomplish this elusive trait.

If you have a young girl in your family circle, I urge you to give her a copy of Real Beauty: 101 Ways to Feel Great About You (American Girl Library.) I promise you that the benefits will be of lifelong value! If more girls had this sense of self-worth, we would have fewer eating disorders, schoolyard bullying, distorted body images, and other issues that plague the lives of teens -- and adults.

Simply put, this book is worth its weight in gold.

I read it first, and I am looking forward to reading it again with my granddaughter.

Whenever I feel bad about myself, hating myself, etc, I pick up this book and start reading it. Then I feel good about myself. Of course, though, I don't really need braces yet but I will when I'm 12! The book gives you lots of information on how to eat healthy, exercise, and if you are maybe 10-15, it tells you what to put in your back pack if you get pimples, your period starts, etc. I DEFINITELY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK! P.S I am ten years old.

Ms. King-Bey has written an outstanding story. The story lines were easy to read and everything flowed together well.

Bruce Maxwell was a passionate man that truly loved Neferti. He was determined to protect her and he did so without her knowledge. I enjoyed this book. It dealt with mental illness, love, fear and anger. Would love concur?

Six months ago, Nefertiti Townes was viciously assaulted in her home. If it wasn't for her neighbor, Nefertiti knew she would have lost her life that night. Prior to the attack, Nefertiti was a vibrant, well-known artist with a loving fiancé named Dennis. But, now Nefertiti has limited hand movement and an ex-fiancé who ran out on her as she was recovering in the hospital because he couldn't phantom looking at her horrific facial scars. As a result from the brutal assailant, Nefertiti suffered thirty-six knife wounds from her head to waist and she almost lost her eye sight. Emotionally and physically hurt, Nefertiti turned to the only safe haven that she had known her entire life - Bruce Maxwell.

Bruce Maxwell, a successful and prominent business man, has a dark side which he refers to as the beast. With the aid of his beloved aunt and a special doctor, Bruce is able to maintain control over his beast. However, when Bruce learns that Nefertiti's brutal attacked might not have been a random event, his internal beast forcefully emerges with a vengeance.

Beauty and the Beast is an incredibly moving book. I loved Beauty and the Beast! Just like in the famous animated tale, the hero will do everything within his power to protect the woman he loves. I was deeply drawn to both Nefertiti and Bruce from the very beginning. After suffering a great tragedy, Nefertiti knew she could trust Bruce to keep her safe as she tried to cope with her emotional trauma. While Bruce was trying to break Nefertiti out of the cocoon that she had built around herself, he found it very difficult to ignore the life-long attraction that he has always felt towards her. Their connection as a couple, both in and out of bed, was simply amazing. The passion that flared between them was zealous and presented in a tastefully sensational manner. I found Beauty and the Beast to be a well thought out story that captured my heart. Thank you, Deatri King-Bey for creating such a wonderful recommended read!

Nikita
reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

This story is a must read for all. It proves that beauty is only skin deep and beauty and love does tame the most savage beast. I read this book in one afternoon because I couldn't put it down. Great love story with a lot of intrigue to boot. A must read for all!

This is the first novel I've read by Mrs. King-Bey and I must admit when I first read the books description, I thought who wants to read about a guy who suffers with a bipolar disorder and a woman that's been horribly disfigured, however, I must also admit I am definitely impressed, this novel was beautifully written. In BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Deatri King-Bey brings to light a story about finding the true beauty within. This novel was so realistic and thought provoking. It had me crying and LOL at some of Bruce and Nefertiti's antics. The emotion and love that was portrayed throughout this novel between Bruce and Nefertiti was just overwhelming. Despite the 'flaws' Bruce and Nefertiti suffered, be it physical or emotional, they were able to see pass all that and open their hearts to one another to a deep and unconditional love. This novel raised awareness about the bipolar disorder, it had mystery, action, humor and definitely some HOT and steamy love scenes. A real page turner that I couldn't put down until I was finished. Definitely a novel for the hopeless romantic and those that believe in fairy tales. Thanks for a real eye-opener, Mrs. King-Bey!

Everything in this book, which basically explains the "clear skin" regimen, is available on Dan Kern's website (acne.org) for FREE, making this book a pointless purchase in itself.

That said, I have had some results with the "clear skin" regimen explained in the book, just not as good as others. Some things I've noticed after using the regimen:

PROS:

1) If you have never used benzoyl peroxide (2.5%) before, you will most likely get good results overall. You might even end up with a clear face, back, wherever.

2) You will appreciate Kern's empathy to the cause of acne elimination. Acne is very much an emotionally painful affliction, and empathy (not belittling) is sometimes the most important thing an acne sufferer needs.

3) When you are ready to begin the regimen, you can opt to visit Kern's website, which offers the regimen products (2.5% benzoyl peroxide, cleanser, moisturizer) at reasonable prices.

CONS:

1) Contrary to Kern's opinion, I personally have experienced my acne grow resistant to benzoyl peroxide (both 2.5% and 5% variations - 10% is too harsh). In my experience, the effectiveness of benzoyl peroxide waned after a few months, no matter how much of it I used.

2) Your skin can get seriously dried out by daily benzoyl peroxide use even with the "mild" 2.5% variation, especially since Kern eventually wants you to use about an ounce of it on your face. I used adequate-moderately heavy amounts of moisturizer after the benzoyl peroxide application, but personally there was just no escaping the dryness and peeling despite me having oily skin. Using less of the 2.5% treatment didn't help either.

3) Lastly, your clothes will bleach through benzoyl peroxide use, period. It's nice to have less acne, but when you notice your favourite clothes getting discoloured (ruined) in the process, it's almost not worth it in the end. Also, wouldn't you want to have clearer skin while wearing your favourite clothes? Sure, you could wear something under your clothes, but I personally found this to be an extra discomfort on top of my dried out face.

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Still, I urge those who haven't used 2.5% benzoyl peroxide to try out the "clear skin" regimen. But instead of buying this book, I think you're better off buying the regimen treatment products on Amazon, or on Kern's website.

I urge you though to have realistic expectations with the regimen, as it may work at first but disappoint you afterwards.

Dan's skin care regimen is the only thing that has worked for my acne - I tried everything from Proactiv to oral medications like Acutane. I've been caking on makeup for most of my life, since age 13, but now I finally can leave the house without it. Yes, I still break out a little before my monthly period, but otherwise, I'm all clear.
Dan Kern should win an award for his method, he is truly helping people, and not one of these Guthy Renker infomercial companies out for money. No celebrity endorsements needed; the clear skin regimen just works. I wish I had found it years ago.

Happily, Dan Kern is not a corporation looking for profit: he's just a guy who had bad skin and found a way to manage it. [...] I bought the book as a small thank you to Kern for being nice enough to provide the info for free. If you buy products thru his site, he gets a kick-back -- and if you don't, that's ok, too. For this reason, he deserves the support. Kind of like shareware for books. And his easy if not always fun regimen has been working so far, so kudos.

Dan's info is the only thing that has helped me get rid of my acne. Nothing else, incl. Proactiv, worked except the info in this book and it is very simple and easy to do what he suggests. But the previous reveiwer was write you can get all the info in this book on his website.

I didn't read the whole book. I just went to web site acne.org and followed the program. Acne is now gone. I suffered from Acne for over 20 years and tried many treatment programs from Accutane, Retin-A, Microdermabrasion and a few others. Dan Kern's treatment program was the first treatment program that actually work for me in the long run.

The cheapest and fastest way I know how to check out the program is to order 1 tube of the 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide (from Dan's Web Site) and try it for 1 week following Dan's instructions. Yes, if you goto the web site, Dan also wants you to get a Cleanser and a Moisturizer. All products are needed but I believe the key product is 2.5% benzoyl peroxide gel from his web site Acne.org.

I strongly believe if you have Ance, using the 2.5% benzoyl peroxide gel with Dan's instruction, you will have a 95% chance of seeing improvement in less than a week.

This book is helpful in dating old photographs, and for those interested in fashion from the 19th century. It is also a very interesting read that is filled with exceptional photos. AAA+++

I thoroughly enjoyed this entire book. The author gives a detailed overview of each decade of fashions for men, women, and children then provides many photographs with indepth explanations of each. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in genealogy research.

As a researcher period clothing and producer of reproduction clothing, I find this book is a fabulous resource! Not only is there a wide scope of social backgrounds represented here, but the accompanying writings are an additional insight to the people on those pages. A great work!

Dressed for the Photographer has a wealth of beautiful images, and has informative and interesting text with each image. Both text and images show the realities of fashion during the era covered. We see how real people dressed, rather than fashion templates which were always more extreme version of the latest fashion.

I liked the descriptions of dresses remade from older dresses to keep up with fashion, as well as her description of how one can tell the dress has been altered. I also enjoyed the way she pointed out little details of outfits. I never would have seen those details otherwise.

I would have preferred a few more examples of upper-class women throughout the eras and middle-class women in the latter part of the 20th century. The reform dress was an interesting movement, but I believe the reform dresses are over-represented. But, overall, the book reflects the diversity of the people in the society very well.

To be honest, I haven't seen a better resource for someone who wants to know what people really wore from 1840-1900.

It is a rare opportunity to see how people dressed in reality so far in the past. Fashion plates show the garment in its perfect form, portraits are idealized, and original illustrations change the proportions, whether purposefully or not, to fit the times of the artist, not that of the garment.

The pictures feature a range of people from different walks of life in different situations, and the reader can enjoy seeing these ordinary people in their clothes, whether dressed to impress or caught looking somewhat odd in ill-fitting garments or clothes that have crooked seams--the details are so telling!

The text dissects the pictures and explains costume of the era in detail, discussing the general trends, exceptions, class distinctions, and how the people in these old photos relate to all this. A Very good book for a costume historian.

This book was excellent. It was an easy read, inspiring, and uplifting. I hope they come out with a second book. I would recommend this book to every woman. I even think a lot of high-school age girls would get something good from it.

This book is a wonderful inspiration to women. It is a truthful and simple book. Each entry is unique and wonderful to hear. I was so inspired when I read it I sent a copy to all my closest women friends and family. This sends a wonderful message about self-esteem. I would encourage any woman to have this book. We should all celebrate the fact that we are beautiful in our own way!

I wish every woman in this country would buy a copy and spread the word! We focus way too much in this society on trying to look like everyone else, and "I am Beautiful" brilliantly celebrates the beauty in our individuality. Having this book on my shelf is like having an instant lifeline to an invaluable friend (only it's more like 100 friends!) to perk me back up on those days where I can feel my self esteem suffering because I don't look like all the picture-perfect women I see in magazines or on TV. I can honestly say that every single time I've sat down to read it I've either gotten goosebumps, or big tears welled up in my eyes. Something about this book just hit me right where it counts. I can't say enough about it. Thank you, Woody Winfree and Dana Carpenter, for creating this beautiful work.

I was given this book by a dear friend because I have been exremely ill the past year and my self-image has become distorted and anguished. I have felt as though my life has lost meaning and my view of myself is no longer of that worth living. Reading this book was an inspired gift. As I read and observed each woman, I learned of the great differences in each person and how to cherish every aspect of that which makes us unique. It is a treasure to cherish for years and years to come.

When I first picked up this book in a bookstore, I wanted to cry. To be honest, the tears welled up in my eyes. They weren't tears of sadness; they were tears of joy. This book is a welcome accompaniment to any home concerened with the importance of a woman's well-being, both physical and otherwise. The pictures are honest renderings of real women, women you'd bump into in the supermarket, or pass on a typical city street. The stories are the ones you've told to yourself time and again--here they are in unison, confirming everything you suspected about the magic inside yourself. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Since when has information about aging been so much fun to read? This fast paced book is chock full of useful information, the questions it answers hit the spot and most of the time you'll have a smile on your face when you're reading as well. (When you can remember where you've put the book down). It reminded me of the film in which Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson become "older" lovers and at one point mistakenly wear each other's glasses. Except that here, the author is firmly in control! I'm going to buy a copy for all my friends...

With my 50th birthday looming large later this year I've been stockpiling books about dealing with aging parents and my own aging. None of these have been pleasure reads...until Ms. Padwa's book came along! Thanks to Lynette Padwa I'm a bit less fearful, and a lot more prepared to face mid-life armed with humor and essential information. And now I know what I'll be getting all my friends for their 50th birthday! Midlife need not be a crisis anymore and it's gals like Ms. Padwa who'll spread that message for all to hear! Thank-you!

As an avid reader its rare that a book that lands on my desk actually lives up to the title. This one does. The author literally covers hundreds of topics in a factual as well as a witty way, which makes the book a joy to read and one of those rare books one doesn't want to put down.

The authors writes about prostates, penis', what men/women really look for in a partner, finances, scents that men/women like most, face lifts, what's better coffee or wine, fitness, baldness (most women don't care), viagra, mind and stress, why do bones creak, medical tests over age 50, digestion, wills, life insurance, medicare, elderly parents and money concerns, job changes, retirement communities, cohousing, sex and dating and much much more.

When I read the table of contents of this gem of a how-to book and found that I kept flipping to page 50 for the topics I wanted, I knew I really could benefit from Lynette Padwa's advice -- as I had from her other wonderful books. I actually thought I could skim a lot Quick, Answer Me because, smarty-panties that I am, I've been 50 for some #*@$ years and have been studying and paying attention along the way. But I must have taken a lot of vacation days. If this book were a test, I'd have to go back to being 30. (I wish.) I highly recommend this book for readers on both sides of the 50. Thank you, Lynette, for giving us the answers AND the questions about what's happened before and why, what will happen next and why, and what is happening to our friends and spouses and significants and why. Thanks for making me laugh out loud about subjects that could make most future geezers cry. Thanks for making the publisher use a decent-sized typeface. You thought of everything!

Lynette Padwa's "...Everything You Need To Know About Turning 50" is the literary equivalent of a Woody Allen movie--smart, fast-paced, and omigod, is it funny. She takes on all the important issues concerning life, love, sex and aging, and still leaves us laughing. Don't miss this nugget.

A great book for plant lovers in the high plains, or the high desert. This book contains inspiring photographs and great plant lists (the most valuable part of the book, as these lists are nowhere to be found elsewhere), as well as wise advise from a well experienced gardener. I've thoroughly enjoyed reading nearly every page of this book. On the downside, the plants in the book may be difficult to find, unless you join a rock garden club and grow the plants from seed. I wish the plant portrait section was three times as big. But overall, this book is indispensible.

I agree with others, lovely prose, lovely photos, good organization. However, if you are looking for a true mountain (high altitude) gardening book, this won't do it. The author is of course speaking of her own experiences but I purchased this book believing it would help me to be a "Colorado Gardener." Not one word on dealing with elk and deer attacks on your plants or that short and really unpredictable growing season above 7500 feet in the Rocky Mountains. This book did make me miss my old mid-Atlantic garden badly!

Lauren Springer is a gifted writer as well as a gifted gardener. She has a knack for passing on her knowledge in a very interesting way, making the book more than just a plant encyclopedia.

In part, this book is a novel about her own garden, but she goes far from her own chunk of dirt to show and describe plants which work in a variety of climates. If there's any one gem I pulled from this book it is to plant the correct plant for the specific micro-climate rather than trying to adapt the micro-climate for the plant you've chosen. This is much easier to do, more rewarding, and requires less maintenance.

This book is a good read now, and a good reference for later on.

I bought this book back in the mid-1990's after attending a lecture by Lauren Springer. Of all the books in my extensive garden book collection- I would list this as one of the top 3. As a Landscape Architect, I frequently review the suggested plantings and incorporate many of the plants she suggests into my xeriscape designs for clients. When her book first came out, it was difficult to find seeds (let alone plants) that are profiled in the book. Fortunately, most of the plants are available now but some may require ordering from places like High Country Gardens.

As others have said, she has an interesting writing style that will have you reading and enjoying the text- not just looking at the pretty pictures!

In The Undaunted Garden: Planting For Weather-Resilient Beauty, gardening expert offers the novice gardener a wonderfully written, illustrated and presented guide to the art and science of growing and maintaining a lovely year-round garden despite harsh climatic conditions. Here are to be found all the information, guidance, tools, and ideas and inspiration to achieving a healthy garden suited to environmental conditions. Springer's informative and engaging text is enhanced with lists of more than 1,000 attractive, resilient plants; complete and detailed descriptions of 64 especially recommended plants; and more than 250 superb photographs. The Undaunted Garden is a core addition to any personal or community library gardening reference collection!

Okay, granted, this is probably one of the best books I've seen on make-overs, but once again I am disappointed by the comparison before and after pictures. The techniques presented herein are excellent and do really enhance a woman's beauty, so why resort to the old photographic trickery of presenting horribly exposed and flat "before" pictures to compare against professionaly lighted "after" pictures? As a professional photographer, I want to see a real side-by-side comparison of applied makeup in the SAME lighting conditions. It would be much more helpful.

Again, though, this is still an excellent book.

This is large-size, full color, fabulous introduction to using makeup to enhance the beauty God gave you! First there is a glossary that defines terms you'll hear in describing makeup and glamour. The next 20 pages are "Product Knowledge"... an overview of what the products are, and how to use them: foundation, concealer, powder, eyebrow liners, mascara, eye liners, eye shadows, blush, bronzer, and lip stick and liners. The next chapter discusses applicators and tells you when to use different types of brushes. Chapter five focuses on color choices for foundation, concealer, powder, eye shadow and liner, blush, and lipstick. Next is an overview of the basic face shapes, then how to prepare the face for makeup. Chapter eight digs deeper into using foundation, concealer, and powder to sculpt and mask the face so as to create the illusion of the perfect oval face shape. Chapter nine focuses on eye shapes and the next chapter gives details on scuplting eyebrows, eye shadows and liners, lashes, cheeks, and lips. Throughout there are "before" and "after" pictures.

There are two extra-special features to all the photos: 1) he uses a basic, neutral, color palate for _everyone_ so you can see how the same beautiful and natural shades can be used on everyone. For eyes he uses flesh, beige, gold, taupe, dark taupe, mahogany, golden brown, dark brown, burgundy, and black.
2) As a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant, I love seeing so many National Sales Directors "before" and "after": Arlene Lenarz, Gloria Mayfield-Banks, Sherril Steinman, Sonja Hunter Mason, Karen Piro, Pamela Waldrop Shaw, Jan Harris, Judie McCoy, Lisa Madson, Kathy Helou (and her daughters!), Debi Moore.

A "must-have" for any Mary Kay consultant!

Beaute is Simple, March 19, 2007
Reviewer: Tracy Lynn - See all my reviews
I actually bought the DVD and the book. Although they are pretty much 1 in the same. The DVD is perfect for "Hands On" learning. However, the book is completely wonderful. The first statement in the book is worth the buy alone. "Embrace your own personal beauty --- love who you are today and everyday". I have been a licenced Cosmetologist, Medical Aesthetician, & Make-Up Artist for over 13 years working in a Plastic Surgeons office in Michigan. I am a forever student of beauty. Robert Jones has wonderful insight to beauty -- Natural is always best. The idea to be who you are, not what is expected by society. I would love to meet Robert Jones to absorb more of his talent. He truely is an artist with the correct mentality. EVERY women is beautiful she just needs to see herself that way. Even flaws can be beautiful.
Tracy Lynn

It is a great book! He gives you step by step application on, eyes,cheeks,lips,etc... All suited for your different eye shapes , etc..
He has made it very easy to follow.
I have always had problems to wear eye shadow and after taking his course (7 hours) I am now able to wear eye shadow and feel & look great. He was funny,exciting to learn from. I have in the past have taken a course from another professional artist they were good but Robert Jones is amazing!
I am a Mary Kay Consultant & now I can better service my customers.
His book & DVD is so easy to follow, anyone can look great & feel comfident.
Enjoy! the book it is worth it! It is a must have!

I AM SO IMPRESSED WITH THIS BOOK. THE PICTURES ARE JUST AWSOME AND IT GIVES YOU THE HOW-TO AND PRODUCT DESCRIPTION. HAS DIFFERENT LOOKS FOR ALL TYPES AND APPEALS TO ANYONES!! FAR BETTER THAN THE KEVIN AUCOIN BOOKS!!!

In a time when anything is possible and nothing is certain, we desperately need maps of the new territory that is emerging through an evolutionary shift in consciousness. This shift, beautifully described years ago by visionary Willis Harman in his prescient book, Global Mind Shift, is accelerating at precisely the same time that it appears humans are on the brink of committing ecocide.

Andrew Beath, the visionary founder of EarthWays Foundation, an umbrella non-profit, has worked tirelessly for social justice and ecological sanity for many years. Andrew was not always an activist. He began his career in real estate and through overhearing a conversation about the destruction development can cause began a quest for the true north of his soul's trajectory by traveling the world and learning many life lessons. In sharing his journey with us, we are offered powerful landmarks we can use to grow past arbitrary self-imposed and societal limits.

Throughout the book, Andrew shares the ideas and processes that helped liberate him from the shadow of his psyche and can help us do the same. Without this introspective work, we may hear a great teacher and be inspired by his or her ideas but we will not apply them and like an addict, need to return time after time for more or seek another teacher with different ideas that fit our comfort zone.. We often see this in people who do serial workshops for years, talk a good game, and yet never change. As more and more people come to do this inner work and reconnect with nature as Andrew has, our chances for social transformation multiply. As someone once said, "enlightenment is an inside job."

Andrew is a wonderful and wise guide and mentor. In his chapter on Introspection for Self Discovery, he says, "When we practice a liberation pathway of personal exploration and expression, the form of expression working in conjunction with the imagination can find ways around the egos constraints and subvert its control."

This is not a time to insulate our feelings through more escapist entertainment and cultural diversions but rather a moment in which our ability to look within and our creative problems solving skills must be exercised as never before if we are to overcome the cascading challenges humanity faces. Andrews deeply felt applied philosophy and the ideas of the many social activists he interviewed help the reader grasp the complexity, depth and urgent need for introspection and action.

As he says, "these accounts show us how to liberate the human spirit from addiction to a production-consumption ethic so that we may rejoin the community of life as contributors instead of destroyers." He points out that our ancestors lived embedded in nature and that most of us live divorced and alienated from it driven by science and consumption which creates isolation and meaninglessness in our lives.

Andrews mission in both this book and his life is to help illuminate another way of seeing and being; one that can reconnect us with our souls, restore the earth and result in our collective health and survival. Our other option is to continue our disconnected ways with no regard for the earth and its life support systems and suffer increasing systemic breakdown.

As Andrew says, "there are reasons for alarm and grounds for optimism. I am optimistic because my experience tells me that the necessary wisdom is available to inform changes in human behavior and the processes to bring about personal and social transformation are also at hand."

Andrew's historical perspective provides a useful context for how, when and where we became divorced from nature and the role men, women, the agrarian movement, writing and literacy, the Roman Empire and Catholic Church, domination and the accumulation and worship of wealth and power, The Scientific Revolution and the Industrial Age all played in this evolutionary process. Moving from ego to eco-centric and moving our consciousness into action, Andrew believes, is the path we must take if we are to restore our sanity and the earth's systems.

He effectively weaves his story using interviews with individuals who he deeply respects and whose ideas take us on a reflective journey through our collective wisdom, passion and brilliance. In his telling, we are greatly informed and benefitted. On the pages of Compassion in Action you'll meet progressive leaders like rainforest activist John Seed, environmental philosopher Joanna Macy, activist Mark Gerzon, teacher and psychologist Lorin Lindner, and many other conscious activits.

Just as Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring" was a clarion call to action against pesticides, Andrew's book is a call to oo-create a sustainable world for future generations. Will we be able to overcome the momentum of a society that has become fixated on the idea of "new" and "more" supported by advertising that creates false needs? Only by first becoming aware of its destructive effects, learning to ground practices that move us into compassionate action.

The old paradigm idea that business should maximize profits without considering consequences is short sighted and dangerous. The government's support of unencumbered growth and laws that support it is like supporting cancer in the body but the body is earth. We have sadly become a cancer on the earth spewing toxins from the industrial process on the soil in which we grow our foods, in the water we drink, and in the air we breathe. Diminishing environmental quality means increasing assaults to our immune systems and more dis-ease.

As more and more evidence surfaces about the true condition of life on earth, the disruptive nature of global warming, toxic waste, increasing clusters of highly dangerous hurricanes, the threats posed by arrogance and terrorism and the shock of children killing other children, we are coming face to face with the consequences of a dysfunctional system that places money before life. We must be willing to face the truth of the root causes of our problems, no matter how uncomfortable, if we are to have any chance of solving them. Andrew believes these problems are, in fact, the evolutionary drivers that can propel us into a more conscious and liberating time.

Fortunately, there are many visionaries who understand the nature of both the problems and their solutions and are, in fact, creating alternatives that form an evolutionary, inclusive and living paradigm of hope. Whether this movement will be able to turn the ship in time to avoid meltdown is a major question with no clear answer. However, its is clear that for intelligent and compassionate people the only activity that makes sense is trying every day to make the world a little bit better place through offering their piece of the puzzle.

In this gem of a book, Andrew provides a much needed dose of reality, opportunity and hope. If you are exploring how you might best contribute and serve in this evolutionary moment, this is a book written for you. If you are an active member of an evolutionary organization, you will receive hope, inspiration and empowerment from its contents. And, if you have been asleep or insulated and this book has come into your hands, take the time to read it and thank the person who gave it to you for they just may have performed a life saving deed for you and all of us.

In CIA, you'll learn Andrew's seven attributes of conscious activism; non-violence, not knowing, introspection, eros, no enemy, vision and being joyful. And you'll learn from a wise activist and his friends what it takes to step up, reclaim your power and serve the earth and life itself. You'll gain the courage to face your shadow and that of the collective shadow, explore denial as a strategy of avoidance, feel the suffering of those in need and what it takes to transform yourself and restore balance to our world. As Pema Chodron puts it, at the core of this process is constantly coming up against big challenges and then learning to soften and open of our hearts to life rather than hardening more and refusing once again to allow them to touch you.

Writing on Creative Self-Awareness, Andrew says, " Our creations are rooted in a desire to be known to ourselves." His desire and tools for self-reflection are our gifts. In the Liberating Pathways section, we discover approaches Andrew and others have found useful in freeing them from their egocentric dramas and self-limiting beliefs. By learning and practicing these skills, we too can become aware of the deeper beauty in life and connect with the larger community in which we are embedded. On anger, Andrew writes, "For me, anger has its place, but in the long run it's a drain that consumes my creativity. Alternatively, Eros is an inexhaustible energy source that transforms anger into compassion and nurtures long-term engagement. I find nourishment in loving and being loved." And Joanna Macy writing on fear says, 'it is not to be anesthetized... kiss the demon and it is transformed."

In a moving interview Andrew conducted with Julia Butterfly Hill, the young woman who lived 24/7 in a redwood she called Luna for 738 days to save it from destruction, she says, " It's one thing to learn it (transformation and joy) and another to become a shining example of the divine as much as possible, in every moment of the day." Clearly, she, Andrew, and the conscious activists who share their insights on the 280 pages of this book are inspiring examples of that attempt.

Consciousness in Action belongs on the shelves of all thinking, feeling and caring individuals, businesses, institutions of learning and government offices. Read it, give it, and enjoy its possibilities for personal and collective release from destructive, ego-based living in these crisis filled times. It may be useful to remember that in Chinese, the symbol of crisis also means opportunity This book and its lessons and techniques offer a rare opportunity to move towards personal and global crisis resolution.

We are invited to join Andrew and a rapidly increasing number of concerned and committed activists and organizations in becoming conscious, connected, and serving in what is arguably the most important process of our lives: creating a sane, life sustaining, and healthy world for all. The time is now. The place is here and we have the power to choose wisely. As Andrew suggests, "Our epoch has its mystical calling, In Jesus time it was to learn to love one's neighbor. Today, it is to recognize that the Earth's entire community of life is our neighbor." Consciousness in Action offers a well drawn map of the territory that may effectively and lovingly guide us on our way to clarification, liberation and a more creative and empathetic world.

JH

Consciousness in Action: The Power of Beauty, Love and Courage in a Violent Time is a treatise calling for a turn away from the scientific-production-consumption worldview of the previous several centuries and toward an emerging state of consciousness in which Gaia, the living planet, is the central focus. Author Andrew Beath has honed his awareness through decades of social and environmental activism; now he draws insight from the inspirational stories of progressive leaders such as Joanna Macy, Ralph Metzner and many more to offer paths to global transformation. Consciousness in Action especially focuses upon seven attributes that have proven viable in activism and across time and cultures: Nonviolence, Not Knowing, Introspection, Eros, there is No Enemy in a co-created world, Vision, and Being Joyful. An invigorating, passionate, and uplifting positive message.

Reading Andrew Beath's book is like listening to good music on a dark day--it soothes and assures me in the midst of an onslaught of daily news announcing a world gone seriously beserk. I am comforted by Beath's calm and reasoned tone (and by the many other wise voices woven throughout the text), suggesting that my own aspirations--my spiritual development--are consistent with, and even necessary for, the social change and environmental protection that is so sorely needed at this time. And--as if in a sane and loving conversation with the author himself--I am assured that any one of us who believe in the power of consciousness can in fact take the personal, developmental steps neccesary for restoring social and environmental integrity. Beath offers clear guidance in the form of the seven critical "attributes of consciousness," and then nudges us down the path, or more accurately, down "the liberation pathways." Ultimatley, I suppose, my assurance comes from knowing that the path he points to is based in perennial wisdom, and trusting that we would all be better off if we simply do what our human spirits most want us to do. Beath has certainly offered a clear and accessible description of a spiritual path, and very good, practical reason for taking it.

Andrew Beath has collected some of the leading thinkers and activists at the growing edge of the environmental movement. He clearly demonstrates how consciousness and spirituality translate into action and right livelihood, moving the world forward toward a desirable future, at a time when such action and clarity is most critically needed. The chapters of the book are beautifully laced together with his reflections and caring. thank you, Andrew!

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A beautiful book. Andrew Beath touches powerfully upon the profound truth that the most positive and lasting social change begins at home, within ourselves. He addresses the nonduality of reality, in that what we experience in the external world is truly not separate from what we experience internally. Mr. Beath gives 7 concrete steps for creating an environment of compassion and sustainability that will nurture our planet and all the beings that live upon it.

Not only have I learned an amazing amount from this book, it has truly saved me from making very costly mistakes in selling vintage clothing. I adore period costume but good research books, especially when you are just beginning...are VERY hard to find. This book offers measurements, construction details and puts smaller accessories into context. Many times I would purchase a large box of antique clothing at auction that contained smaller items which would have me baffled. Countless times I find them in her illustrations. Pretty pictures are great, but her details will truly educate you. Thank you for this great reference. I wish you would do one entirely on personal accessories.

I bought this as a gift but I want a copy for myself. Can I say better?

Excellent reference for illustrators and animators. However, "Costume in Detail" only covers women's costuming, which is unfortunate considering the attention the author paid to the material.

the best of its kind. library copies constantly used by local stage costumers. a brilliant piece of work!

I would have loved to had seen the pieces of the garment drawn in their pattern shapes, but otherwise an excellent book with much detail written about each garment. Only other problem was that sometimes the writer's handwriting about the details on the drawings were a bit hard to decifer.