Religion Books

This book is a great resource and should be a must read for all pastors. I would encourage the pastoral staff to read it together and go through the study questions. It can really challenge the team to go to the next level!

"It" is what we all long for, "It" is what we need, "It" is what we want, "It" is what everyone is looking for. Craig Groeschel has illustrated in his book how life should be so much better if we only had what it takes, "It". So many organizations exist for the mediocre, just making things comfortable for the usual crowd. In order to have "it" we must first be willing to live outside our comfort zone full of passion for what we believe to be true. If you want your organization to have success, If you want to live an abundant life, If you want to live life with purpose, Craig's book provides some basic principals that if embraced will leave you excited and wanting to achieve greatness.

After reading this book, I went out and bought the rest of Craigs books. This is a must have for any pastor or business owner who wants to be more creative with their profession.

I loved it. Craig is great and his books are very easy to read.

Christianty could use more voices like Craig Groeschel.

At first 'It' comes off as a 'trying to be way to cute' read, but, once one gets past the 7 million uses of 'it' per page, the author has great insite into the culture we live in & how to not fall into the trap of thinking that the presence of God comes from programs. I have enjoyed & been challenged by the book.

It is a great page-turner for any church leader. Craig challenges us to do the things that are often found in ministries that have it. If your ministry has it or if you wish your ministry had it, get IT, read IT and apply IT. And pray that God will give IT to your church.

I received the book well before the date promised. Am happy to add another Doreen Virtue book to my book collection.

The Lightworker's Way: Awakening Your Spiritual Power to Know and Heal

I really appreciate the author writing this book. She truly details all of the little life defining moments and the events in her life that led up to where she is now and how she slowly accepted her healing and intuitive gifts. I appreciate her honesty; this book has been extremely inspiring to me. I will suggest this book to any open minded person who wants to write their own book or for anyone who is very intuitive but do not have anyone they feel safe enough to share it with. Thank you, Doreen Virtue, for doing your life's work of healing and encouraging others to love and heal as well.

A powerful book that I just would not put down. I had many "aha" moments.
Higly recommend for those "living in the light". Worth a read. :-)

As the author of The Second Virgin Birth, I enjoyed The Lightworkers Way. I found it different and interesting.

I ordered this book again, after I read it years ago and gave it away. It was great the first and second time. Doreen is a profound spiritual teacher, clairvoyant and life educator. If the word Lightworker rings true to you, you MUST read this book. Doreen is a PHD psychologist AND a healer, intutive, so you get an overall way to heal that is loving light and soulful and practical knowledge. She talks about her history of having gifts and struggling against them and then embracing them. I have seen her numerous times and met her in Los angeles and she is the REAL DEAL. She beams an angelic quality and knowledge. I can't say enough how much her books have helped me on my path. I am a spirtual healer and psychotherapist, so I resonate with her being bold enough to speak her truth.

"If he desired to know about automobiles, he would, without question, study diligently about automobiles. If his wife desired to be a gourmet cook, she'd certainly study the art of cooking, perhaps even attending a cooking class. Yet, it never seems as obvious to him that if he wants to live in love, he must spend at least as much time as the auto mechanic or the gourmet in studying love." ~ Leo Buscaglia from "Love"

I smile as I type these words--just having Buscaglia's book, "Love," open in front of me is enough to make me happy. :)

Seriously. This is hands down one of my favorite books. I've purchased at least 250 copies of it. We used to give it away to all of our partners at my last business [...] and I used to bring a copy with me to nearly every business lunch I had. (I'm a little wacky like that. :)

I have no doubt you'll fall in Love with "Love" as well. By the end of reading it, you'll wish you could give Leo Buscaglia--a former Professor of Love at USC--a big ol' hug.

This is an amzing book to read for all time . Regardless of time ,place & seasons - it is amazing . Leo Buscaglia is one of the brilliant author of all time , an amazing poet of love & an instrument of LIVING & GROWING with LOVE . He is exactly right when he said : IF LOVE IS THE ANSWER WHAT IS THE QUESTION? From the beginning , I learned & read all his books , I cannot stop thinking about what the good & important phrases I ahve learned from him . He inspired me to live , to love & to grow with highest respect of LOVING everyone without any expectation in return . He is one of the KEY of my good & honest relationship to all . His book & all his writing are inspiration of my whole being . I will never forget the person who introduced me to read his books since 1987 , from then on She became the greatest inspiration of my life .
Leo B. is amazing . He can moved everyone to understand LOVE as the reason of our existence . I compared him to DALAI LLAMA of Love & Spiritual inspiration of all seasons . Thank you LEO B. for bringing your words & wisdom into my life .

With highest respect to you & your writings ,

Noel F. Cruz
University of Cambridge Teaching Hospital
Cambridge , England

This book is one that everyone who is in a relationship..or has children.. should read and pass on to their friends.

This book has been in my library for years. I have given copies for gifts many times, I wish I knew how many. The information in this book is so very important for everyone and written in such a way that it can be easily read and understood by everyone. Should be required reading in every high school and university.
I have read other Buscaglia books and found them all to be well written and filled with beneficial content.
Thanks for the opportunity to review a winner.

Everyone should read,no make that study Leo's books. This book opened my eyes and softened my heart. Anyone who reads it with an open mind will find themselves transformed. I am someone who grew up VERY ANGRY. My anger caused me problems upon problems and was a contributing factor in the breakup of my first marriage. When I hit rock bottom and knew things had to change, it was then that I came across a worn, slightly abuse copy of a book at a second hand store. The Title on it was simply "LOVE". Don't misunderstand me, I am far from free from my anger. Yet, those who know me will tell you how much I have changed. I feel Leo books, DVD's (I have several), and tapes have been a major factor in that change. I recommend ALL items by Leo Buscaglia.

Leo talks not only about loving others, but loving yourself. Love your face, even if your nose doesn't quite match the rest of your face. Love yourself for who you are, no matter who that may be. It's the funny and odd things about us that sometimes makes us the most loveable. So, buy this book and, if your paying attention to what is said in it, learn to laugh, hug, cry (yes, even grown men can cry), and fall in love with this rollercoster we call life.

What I as a man like most about this book is that Gary is humble enough to admit that he himself had to overcome the same typical male responses and insensitivity to women that nearly all men do. That makes me relieved that it's not just me, and gives me a lot of encouragement.


Lee Liebner, author/singer of As You Go, an inspirational gift book/song-on-CD/scrapbook-journal for young people leaving home to enter the world.

This book should be required reading for every married person - male and female. It's a quick read - written well - enjoyable and greatly informative. There's a ton of wisdom packed in its pages. My husband and I just read it and we've been together 11 years - it's truly helping us get back to where we used to be - the love of each others lives!! It will bless your life - it will also help you with your children. This book teaches you how to love unconditionally through commitment and kindness. It is a MUST READ!!

My husband and I read this book while we were engaged. It truly helped to prepare us for the love life in marriage that comes after the lovey-dovey stage is over. I have given this book to many engaged couples as well as seasoned couples who are having rocky times because marriage can be hard in the first, second, fifth, seventh years...

This is a classic book. If you are looking for some good information to build a life upon, this is a great book to start with.

If you are facing problems in your marriage, order this book and then look at The Man of Her Dreams The Woman of His! and The Man of Her Dreams The Woman of His 2 - Livin' It and Lovin' It! (Volume 2)

Blessings to you!

Joel and Kathy

Gary Smalley has written several outstanding books on building and maintaining a strong marriage. He has certainly earned the reputation of being someone at the forefront of marriage advice. Unfortunately, I do not find this book, LOVE IS A DECISION, to be anywhere near his best work. Here, Smalley teams with co-author John Trent. The work is good, and there is certainly some great advice here for both newlyweds and long term spouses alike, but I find this book to be difficult at times. What I mean is, I've read this book 3 times now. It is only just over 200 pages. Usually, a book of that size I would tear through in one or two days, but it always a week or more to read this one.

I must say, I certainly agree with the premise and foundational message of the book. So much so that I teach it as an integral part of my marriage coaching. Love is a decision. Oh, I know, it doesn't start out that way so much, but that is why our divorce rate is so high today. When we first meet someone, our attraction is emotional. We see qualities about a person that attract us causing an emotional bond to develop. However, usually somewhere between 1 and 3 years into living under the same roof as husband and wife, those characteristics that we once found attractive now are often like fingernails on a chalkboard.

We must keep in mind that we humans are static creatures, not dynamic. We are ever changing and when we build our relationships on characteristics, we don't realize the strain we are putting on our relationships, because, in time, our characteristics will change. Our interests will change. Our physical qualities will change. Even our opinions will change. Like the old saying, "a man in his twenties who is not liberal has no heart, but a man in his thirties who is not conservative has no brain". The point is, we all change. When we base our relationship on characteristics, we are basing it on something that will be much different down the road.

You see, at some point during the first few years of marriage, we lose our emotional attraction and we must find a new path to marital bliss. This is found through our decision to love that person, despite the fact that they are no longer the same person we fell in love with. That is the premise of the book here and Smalley and Trent do site some viable guidelines to that end, but for me, the book falls short.

I'm not one who normally puts down one book to tout another, but in this case, many people reading this review might find their marriage in a dire situation. Therefore, if you do find yourself in a marriage that seems to have lost its love, I would recommend first reading "Marriage Fitness" by Mort Fertel. It covers the same principles, and does it a more usable fashion.

Pastor Monty Rainey

Paramahansa Yogananda does his usual wonderful work in this "how to turn your life into one big sadhana" masterpiece. Sri Yogananda does a magnificent job exploring and explaining his views and the necessary steps to lead a righteous (not self-righteous, mind you) life. His intelligence, sincerity, wit and compassion are ever present. I found his views on Jesus and Christ to be particularly fascinating and illuminating. Be forewarned: Master Yogananda plays spiritual hardball; that is, from his perspective, if one wants to attain God/Liberation there is much work to be done!!

This book, to me, is worth 10 stars...it has been a catalyst for me during my spiritual journey, it's as if Paramahansa Yogananda himself is holding my hand while I read his books. His words make my soul sing.

Can you imagine if you would of had Yogananda as your Sunday School teacher?
I'm in question of some of the eastern beliefs, whether I'm to close minded
that maybe. I do know he is very loving and sincere. He does have a way to help you feel and bring alive the presence of God. This book is like it's speaking to me. Just like all of us we may not have all of the knowledge correct. His radiant heart shines and blesses others. Isn't that what we are suppose to do is to pray and help uplift others. We are searching for truth and how to live here on earth. A wonderful book enjoy!!!

I'm sure many people would like to know the answer to this question .
There is a short chapter with this title. The author,Yogananda, gives a plausible answer to this question. Understanding the answer is a challenge; but it certainly is worth it, particulary for those who are on a conscious spiritual path.

If everyone read and followed this book, this world would take a 180 degree turn. It's insightful, enlightening, captivating and motivating. Paramhansa's Yogananda's writing style is just fabulous.

This book is such an incredible read, and quietly motivating too.

New to meditation - this is a wonderful introduction and practice guide, one that you can explain to you friends (and they will get it, perhaps even be motivated).

Experienced - this is an amazing gift, explained so well, and to so many audiences. It will also expose you to the art and power of "passage meditation" the process of internalizing the capsules of wisdom - that we call - civilization. This is how we grow, since we are born with almost no knowledge, and there is only so much we can learn in the first 20 years. :)

Happy growing (through meditation).

I love this book and the writing style. It begins with a short intro of meditation and then goes in depth on his way of meditating on beautifuf or sacred writings. Really helped me in learning another way to meditate. Easwaran writes with much love.

This is the book that started me meditating many years ago.It is written in a down to earth non-religous manner and teaches a straightforward method of meditation that works! Try it!

A valuable and beautiful little book, filled with practical instruction, gentle good humor, and lots of personal anecdotes by a spiritual teacher from India who knew Gandhi and eventually made his way to Berkeley CA to set up a meditation center.

I have sifted through this book in the past, hitting the anecdotes out of sequence, because it's so enjoyable and readable, but this time I sat down and read the whole thing straight through with great attention. You have to like this guy; he's so unpretentious and he can really write. His own faith is Hindu, but he keeps the book free of any religious overtones so that those of any, or no, religion can benefit from its practical approach.

I admit it, I can't really pronounce this guy's name. The info is what matters. It's astonishing how explainable meditation can be. Mr. E does that in a style that is as accessible as it is thorough. Now the bad news: Reading is easy. Doing, on the other hand, is only as hard as you make it. Read this book, then practice it in your life. That's the only review you'll need.

Michael Snyder has just published my NEW Favorite "Christian" Novel.
I have a problem labeling anything as "Christian". I only do so here because you are going to want to read this book and it can only be found in the "Christian" section of your local bookstore.
You know... there's "Christian" rock, "Christian" radio, and "Christian" novels. Why can't they just be Novels? We don't refer to other novels as "Jewish", "Scientologhist" or even "Buddhist", but people from all of those religions publish books, too. They just go in the regular "Fiction" aisle. Look for any L. Ron Hubbard book and you will find it under "Fiction", for example.

Oh..sorry. I forgot I was in the middle of a review, here.

This is the type of book you give to friends that don't like to read, because you know if they read this one, it will turn them into a bookworm!

"Russell Fink" is a ton of fun. It has everything you would want in a book... Mystery, Humor (and lots of it), a bit of Fear, a touch of Romance, and a clairvoyant dog.

From the Back Of The Book: "Russell Fink is twenty-six years old and determined to salvage a job he hates so he can finally move out of his parents' house for good. He's convinced he gave his twin sister cancer when they were nine years old. His crazy fiancee refuses to accept the fact that their engagement really is over.
Then Sonny, his allegedly clairvoyant basset hound, is found dead.
The ensuing amateur investigation forces Russell to confront several things at once-the enormity of his family's dysfunction, the guy stalking his family, and his long-buried feelings for a most peculiar love interest.
At it's heart, My Name Is Russell Fink is a comedy with sharp dialogue, characters steeped in authenticity, romance, suspense, and fresh humor. With a postmodern style similar to Nick Hornby and Douglas Copeland, Snyder explores reconciliation, forgiveness, and faith in the midst of tragedy. No amount of neurosis or dysfunction can derail God's redemptive purposes."

Snyder has a HUGE talent for writing and I can't wait for his next book!

I just finished reading My name is Russell Fink and I have to tell you this is one of the more bizarre novels I have read this year and Micheal Snyder has to be an amazingly interesting person to have written such a fun novel his first time out. I found this book refreshing and fun. The novel is packed with quirky characters and crazy twist. It is a little edgy at times for the Christian market but I truly enjoyed this Lad Lit and eagerly look forward for more wacky tales from this new author.

For a real treat be sure to read the Q&A with Micheal Snyder and the deleated scenes in the bonus section of the book.

Michael Snyder's novel "My Name Is Russell Fink" is an eclectic mix of humor, mystery, pop-culture, suspense and God - not necessarily in that order. Russell Fink is a rather inept, but incredibly artistic, salesman and practiced hypochondriac with a really obnoxious girlfriend who refuses to let Russell break up with her, a crazy family and a completely wonderful, and supposedly clairvoyant, dog! When Sonny, his dog, is murdered, Russell must find Sonny's killer.

This incredibly witty novel is "The Office" meets Rene Gutteridge. I love the details put into this publication: from the rave reviews for the novel on the back cover written by several of the characters, to the page flip cartoon in the lower right corner of the text. The sense of humor of those responsible for putting this book together is evident - literally - from cover to cover. I am also a sucker for discussion questions, and these are incredibly fun. They almost make me want to start a discussion group!

I really enjoyed the book. It is rare to find a book in the "Christian" genre that doesn't have an agenda, other than to be entertaining. I was so happy to read a very funny, witty, sarcastic book about a truly squirly guy. If there was an agenda, it might have been to show that life is messy, but they Gospel is real. But it did so in a non-preachy way, that just seemed a little quirky like Northern Exposure or Pushing Daisies. Infinitely better than that silly little book on Amazon's top 10 - "The Shack"... You won't leave this book needing a detox.

In an interview the author stated: "What interests me most is what's happening around us right now, the wealth of humanity and unique predicaments in the house across the street. Almost anyone you meet is all at once funny, interesting, unique, and filled with love and fear and hate and peculiar notions about how life is supposed to work." This is exactly what he writes. This book is a humorous, contemporary not-quite mystery with a romantic thread, faith veins and lots of ... neurotica. The result is touching and hysterical.

This debut novel details about five weeks in the life of Russell Fink. He's a broke hypochondriac, who may or may not have cancerous moles, stuck in a job he hates and still living with his parents, whom he doesn't trust. During the course of the book he investigates the murder of his dog, gets kicked out of parents' house, tries not to get fired (without actually doing any work), discovers he's in love with someone who isn't his fiancé (a wanna-be actress) and somehow stumbles upon faith.

The character development is fantastic, some of the best I've read. At first I felt the story was just about a lovable loser, but it's much more than that. It's hysterically funny and touching. These kooky characters, simultaneously wild and believable, brought me to embarrassing out-loud laughter and even tears.

And if that's not enough, you'll find a cool flip-book at the bottom of the pages. Nothing like watching a cartoon dog run to make you love a book.

With all the wonderful reviews of this book and the fact that it was awarded Women of Faith Novel of the Year, I had high hopes. However, I was sadly disappointed. This book was SO slow! I have better things that I could be doing and other books I could be reading without wasting my time on a book that seems to go nowhere.

I hardly ever read fiction, but this one intrigued me. I heard it was life-changing for many readers, but since my life was in a ministry transition as it is, I simply related. It's about life, stuff and purpose. It asks questions we all need to find answers for. It made me laugh and cry. It made me more ready to serve the sick, not just hang out with the healthy. I liked the title and it made for a relaxing summer read.

Lisa Samson has quickly become one of my all-time favorite authors. In this book, Heather, the main character, is a well-to-do shopaholic with a terrific kid and married to a handsome surgeon who is nuts about her. She lives in a house that most people only dream of, furnished with the best of everything. On the surface, life is grand. But are all the `things' merely anesthetic for a pain too deep to be faced? In order to find the peace to move ahead, she must confront her own shameful past. To do that, she finds help from some unlikely sources - among them a nun, and a couple of ancient Quaker women.

Quaker Summer is one of those books that captivates you so deeply and draws you into the story so masterfully that you can't put it down. It changed the way I think - about a lot of things. It's beautifully written, and full of so much wisdom I wanted to grab my highlighter as I read. I challenge you to read this book and not come away changed. It's never preachy (I detest preachy books), but the message is powerful and profound. Samson spins a wonderful tale with strength and skill.

I thought it was an excellent book for our book club as it had many thought provoking episodes to recall.

This book is among the best I've ever read! Samson's characters are real, down to their doubts and spending habits. This book is not only entertaining, it is convicting. If you want a book that will open your eyes and change your life, read this one!

Sharon Hinck pens a lovely creation with The Restorer's Son, the second in The Sword of Lyric series. I am a huge fantasy fan, but I notice that the plots in these stories can sometimes be pretty similar. This book is like nothing I've ever read before-it's completely original and full of plot twists that really did surprise me! But, my favorite part of the book is the wonderful characters. They are so lovable and you can't help but feel for them. I recommend this book to all ages!

In the interest of fair play, I must state that the fantasy genre is not my favorite. I am one of the few readers who did not care for Harry Potter. (*gasp*) Please don't hate me!

A friend gave me this copy of The Restorer's Son, and I had it sitting in a stack of books to be read. Several times, I'd reach under it to choose another title. Finally, I gave in; "I must read this one," I mused. So, I did not have a good attitude about the book.

Surprisingly, I liked it! Yes, it's a good read, and mind you, I haven't read the first in the series. The characters are well defined. Kieran is a round character with plenty of faults for people like me to relate to. It's awful to say this, but I love his temper. He questions God and why things must be done in a certain way at a certain time, just as I have done. There's a good fight scene, but I can say no more without revealing what I should not. Susan, a nurturing mom, does what I might do and acts as I might act under the same circumstances. There's a couple of realistic roll-their-eyes teenagers in the novel. The plot moves along at a reasonable pace, with a good story line. Yes, it's a good book. I'm glad I finally picked it up.

This book was just as good as the first one. I can't wait to read The Restorer's Journey!!!

The Restorer's Son was just as captivating as the first book in the series. I enjoyed following Kieran on his spiritual journey, even though I wanted to smack him a few times. I can't wait to read the third one, I'm sure it'll be just as good!

I read all 3 of the Sword of Lyric books... and read them in order. The first half of book one (the Restorer) was a good book, but halfway through book one the story took a turn and made it an excellent book. When I finished book one I HAD to run out and buy this book (#2) right away! Book 2 was even better! The story is compelling, and I find it entertaining, but also inspiring. It motivates me to press into my relationship with God all the more.

If you like Chronicles of Narnia or Lord of the Rings, you'll definitely enjoy these books!

WARNING: If you buy #2, you should buy #3 also. I thought I could meter my reading out a bit by buying only #2 after reading the first book. Instead, as soon as I finished #2 (The Restorer's Son), I had to run back out and buy #3! (Be sure to read book one first, of course.) (And book 3 was definitely 5 out of 5 stars!)

I never read it. I gather she liked it. Once you have achieved coming together as one and lost all sense of time and space I think you're a little past the seventh level.

Wonderful book on intimacy and it's necessity to the totality of the human being. The book has a neatly laid out theory or look at intimacy and even includes some great practicals on how to work towards intimacy in your relationships. Great read.

Fabulous book, more people should read it and it would make the world a better place with better people.

we all know-more or less-the things necessary for a successful, fulfilling relationship. however, too often we struggle with how to achieve one. kelly offers some (common sense) insight and suggestions on perspectives and approaches to accomplish the relationships that we wish for. it confirmed much of what i knew yet was very practical. i highly recommend it.

We are all involved in relationships. But most do not achieve real meaningful ones. Our relationships don't turn sour, we just become indifferent.

We have been bombarded by messages that promise fun, excitment, pleasure and possessions are the answer to our emotional needs. But those are all feelings. And feelings change. They are not permanent. So no matter how much fun and excitement we pursue, it will not satisfy the basic need for intimacy. Our wants - material possessions - cannot fulfill our need for intimacy.

Matthew does and excellent job of exploring what intimacy is and what it is not. Most people have a misconception of what intimacy is.

The book is filled with very valuable information about the various types of intimacy - physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual. Matthew also provides the basis for a strong relationship. If you read and accept his premise, you will change the way you look at your relationships. You will understand that most relationships are self-centered and therefore almost always doomed to fail.

The book is divided into three parts. The first part defines intimacy, the second part discusses the seven levels of intimacy and the last part discusses the 10 reasons why people do not have a great relationship and how to design a great relationship.

Your primary relationship will have a huge impact on your quality of life. This is very valuable information and should be read by everyone who has not commited to living as a hermit.