Religion Books

This was the greatest, most easy to understand text on the basics
of the ancient art of Tantra and the meaning of it. I've been so
confused with too much information and the different types of practice.
This was so straightforward and simple - just what I needed!!

First, this book is easy to read. Second, it is written with much respect to other religions; tantra is a way of life that will greatly compliment anyone's belief system.

This is a very good book for learning what Tantra is and what tantric practices and visualizations are, but it should be understood - and probably is by many or most - that this is not a substitute for real study under a qualified teacher. Lama Yeshe makes this clear from chapter to chapter. My only caution is that readers should not expect to read this book and feel as though they are completing some kind of introductory-level "training" in Tantra, or that they will accomplish "Transformation of Desire." It is an introduction and overview for outsiders looking in (taught by a highly qualified and respected insider), not a "manual" for beginning practitioners to achieve readiness for intermediate or advanced tantric instruction. Insofar as this is understood, Lama Yeshe does a very good job describing and explaining Tantra and its practices, and I learned quite a lot about it.

I've read two and a half chapters in this book and it's given me so much vital information.

I highly suggest it to anyone looking into buddhism.

I recently started to learn Tantra and my teacher recommended me to buy this book and start reading and learning from it. I'm about 1/2 way thru the book and it is well written and has a great wisdom in it. I would recommend this book to get inner look on what is Tantra about!

The information provided in the study book is very good reading, especially for women's bible study groups. We currently are using this
for our church's circle group. We also purchased the study guide. I recommend it to anyone who hasn't read any of Beth Moore's books.

This book is great. It has really helped me focus on Jesus life here on earth. It has made me dig deeper to discover and wonder about the details. Beth Moore's applications of the passages have brought it to life.

So far this is my favorite Beth Moore book. I've already read it twice and am sure to read it again. She tackles a very familiar story with fresh insights just about every chapter. It's not a "preachy" book. Rather she makes you feel like you're a fellow learner with a good friend. Unlike some of her other books, this does not require looking up many references which makes it ideal to read when you're reading somewhere other than your desk at home.

I have been in numerous Beth Moore Bible studies and this is one of my favorites! This is the study of Christ's life in the form of a daily, personal study. It is 53 short chapter messages.

You can never go wrong with a Beth Moore study. She has a gift for opening the Word and revealing Truth!
I would not buy from this seller, however. It took almost an entire month for it to arrive.

the title says it all
definitely worth it.
easy read and light

I must confess that I'm a bit biased about this book. I kind of view this as my book, because it's the book that for several years I've been meaning to compile. Let me explain. For the past few years my organization Shabbat Hospitality, has been running Shabbat Experience programs for students visiting Israel from English-speaking countries. We've always wanted to be able to give our guests a book to take with them when they leave, something that would be a path to further Jewish experience. I could never find the right book. The myriad variables of cost, size, look, content, never came together properly. With Jewish Matters, now I finally have the Jewish educator's dream book. I'm sure lay people will enjoy the book very much and I expect it to sell well, but as a Jewish educator I find special use for this book. It has many advantages. Its low price (we ordered in volume, which is even lower), its small size, its attractive cover, and its wide coverage of relevant Jewish topics make Jewish Matters the perfect book for a Jewish organization to give to the people who come through its programs. It's the easiest way to give a newly inspired person an opportunity to further Jewish growth and opportunities. Its variety of content and represented authors guarantees that everyone will find much to enjoy. I'm so happy that Jewish Matters is finally available, because it saved us from having to compile it ourselves. But we could never have done such a good job.

I was given this book by an orthodox Jewish family while at their home for a Sabbath meal. This book is chock full of essays containing biblical interpretations and spiritual guidance on most important topics in life including: death, marriage, sexuality, the science/bible debate and much more. This is an excellent book for anybody looking for a roadmap to Jewish spirituality. "Jewish Matters" will help answer (or get you thinking about) the deeper questions of life. Because this book only contains brief essays, anyone who wants a more in-depth discussion on a particular subject will have to explore more books limited to only one topic. In sum, this book is an excellent stepping stone to a variety of spiritual topics.

An incredible work from some of the best in the field. Would highly recommend to anyone interested in issues affecting the Jewish people today.

The book really managed to articulate some important points about what Judaism is - and in so doing debunking many misconceptions. It was a total pleasure to read - each of the authors brought a new angle, which kept the book fresh and interesting throughout. I recommend Jewish Matters highly.

I had been praying to be able to hear the Holy Spirit clearly in me so I could be guided in my daily life. This book is the answer to that prayer. It is a simply written but profound book that is very practical. There are several exercises one can do to learn to hear His voice and they work! The Holy Spirit is not some abstract idea it turns out! He is actually there as my own personal guide. It has given my life a wonderful new dimension and peace. So what are you waiting for?

DavidPaul and Candace Doyle bring humanity an unprecedented enlightening spiritual book, with the message of "hearing God's voice" at all times. There is one quote from this book that I would like to share with you.
"Hearing God's voice is your most natural ability and it serves you unconditionally. God's voice has one purpose and that is to restore you to the truth of who you are, and it will do that in whatever ways you seek."

"The Journey That Never Was" will lift you to your Divine truth, your God essence, and the book reads with such pure unconditional love, you will be uplifted on all levels in the most positive of ways. This book is a definite MUST READ, it is a profound beacon for humanity.

Barbara Rose, Ph.D. author of Stop Being the String Along: A Relationship Guide to Being THE ONE and Know Yourself: A Woman's Guide to Wholeness, Radiance & Supreme Confidence

Davidpaul & Candace Doyle have found something - a way to contact our inner guide so that we may live a more authentic and loving life. This book has been one of the most spiritually enlightening books I've read since A Course in Miracles. Davidpaul & Candace seem like very humble individuals spreading a true message of how to connect with God. Thank you Doyles!

This may be for some however I truly recommend going straight to the source. The ACIM does not state things that are contained within this book. In other words, if you are a "Course in Miracles" student, go to that book itself. This book can mislead and some thing sound like they are straight from Kenneth Wapnicks pages when he states things that are not contained within the Course. When you teach ACIM for any length of time, one can usually tell where people are getting their teachings. Many of these are NOT from the Course. Nothing against Ken, he just says some things are in the course that are not.

This author states that the Holy Spirit says there are 6 Billion of Gods children on Earth. The course is all inclusive, and would not single out human beings so this is completely inaccurate. Next, to state that God does not know what is happening and we are here is false. Robert Perry and the book from The Circle of Atonement called "One Course two visions" addresses this point (In mass detail) in regards to Ken Wapnick stating the same thing. Those authors stay true to the Course itself whereas this book veers into territory that may help some but they will ultimately have to relearn and let go of many of its teachings.

I want to say, I am not attempting to discredit these authors, they sound like wonderful people who are doing their best and help spreading the word. But we must be careful about what that word is and if it stays true to the words of Jesus in the Course. I have been a Course teacher/student for 13 years and believe it is highly important for us to get these things right. We have already had much history of what happens when interpretations of spiritual (or other) teachings hit the market.

So do not take my word (Or these authors), go straight to The Course and go to the guide within.

*****
The Journey That Never Was is a story of one couple's experience in learning to hear the voice or God, interspersed with teaching and elucidation about key concepts from "A Course in Miracles", helpful exercises, and more. Although the subtitle is "A guide to hearing God's Voice regardless of one's faith, religion, or personal beliefs", I think this book would be most useful to "A Course in Miracles" (ACIM) students. People on other spiritual paths would no doubt benefit from it, but some of the terminology might be a bit confusing. For example, in ACIM the term "Son of God" not only refers to Jesus, but to each of us as a child of God.

For ACIM students, this is a fascinating and fresh application and elucidation of many key ACIM concepts. The personal story of the authors is very helpful, too, as they are honest and transparent when discussing the ups and downs they've had in trying and eventually learning to hear God's voice.

The chapters on Prayer and Meditation, in particular, are outstanding. They discuss in depth the difference between prayer (which they define as talking to God) and meditation (which they define as listening to God). The book has a focus, too, on achieving what the authors call "Right-Mindedness" (this is also the name of their website), which they see as perceiving reality as what is really true rather than in the ways we have projected it to be true. The exercises are truly helpful in learning to discern God's voice.

One reviewer was distressed that this book contains concepts that are not found in ACIM, which is true. It is one couple's interpretation of ACIM, so it contains their own opinions, ideas, and applications. The book purports to be able to guide anyone regardless of "faith, religion, or personal beliefs". It's not intended to be first and foremost a teaching guide to ACIM, so I appreciated the "extra" information---it was sort of like discussing spiritual concepts with friends, mentors, or teachers.

So if you're looking for pure ACIM, this isn't the book for you. If you're just really wanting to hear God's voice more clearly, or have a closer relationship with Spirit and don't care that it is based on ACIM, this would be a wonderful book for you, and I think you would learn a lot. I think that this would be a book that could be appreciated by new students to ACIM or by advanced students of ACIM---both groups would get different things from it. I think that anyone else could find much to like here, too, and to learn from, if they are looking for insight into having a closer spiritual life in relationship to a Higher Power.
*****

The Ann Graham Lotz's book on "Just Give Me Jesus" was a conduit that provided the strength and encouragement to a homeless person.... I was just an instrument on God's behalf, that while serving the homeless people at a homeless shelter I encountered a man who had read one of the "tracks" I leave out for people to read, on the powerful message of Jesus Christ and how they can save their lives through his amazing grace. On the back of the track was a short summary about the book "Just Give Me Jesus". This homeless person wanted me to pray with him and after doing so, he pointed to the picture of the book and said while reading the track he got goose bumps and would like to read this book. I told him I would try to get him the book and will bring it the next time I come to serve. I ordered this book off of Amazon and took it to him. He was shocked I remembered and was overjoyed about receiving the book. Several others whom are in the same situation as he, also expressed a desire to read it. Their hunger and thirst for the hope that only Jesus can give was such an inspiration to me and a powerful message.... Praise God for answered prayers! It was such a blessing to me to be able to give this man this book.

Jen

I have gotten the book but have read only a couple of chapters. The book was in very good condition when I received it and I am thankful I was able to get it at a good price.

Thanks, Amazon!!

Donald (Shirley) Schlegel

I read this quite a while ago; It was my first book by this author. I never forgot her, either. Then I saw her on T.V. one day, and I noticed that her eyes were on fire by the Holy Spirit, and her adoration of the Lord encompassed every word she spoke. This author is genuine, and her writings have a tender way in which they woo and lull the reader into a deeper walk with Jesus. I simply love everything Anne Graham Lotz writes. Thank you Anne, for making our tumultuous world easier to bear with your sweet words.

Carrie Lynn Jones
Author of It All Began... When Jesus Gave Me Sneakers

This book is incredible!! It's the first book I have read of Anne Graham Lotz and it will not be the last. I love her writing and relate to her on so many levels! The more I learn about Jesus, the more I agree with Anne - Jesus is all I want and all I need!

I loved this book. It gave me so many other views of how a true Christian should follow after Jesus. It was an eye opener when it came to the world view versus a Christian view of life and the tribulations that comes along with it. I am so blessed to have read this book, and highly recommend it for ALL women of faith that is struggling with their purpose and why God created them. Just Give Me Jesus is all about a woman's purpose and her role in society. Anne Graham Lotz hit it right on the point. I am a changed woman because of this book. Jennifer Rankins

This is what I read as a child - over and over again as I grew up. It is a magnificent version of Bunyan's classic. In particular what I like is that Helen Taylor doesnt shorten the story as much as others do. She retains a lot of the detail and the encounters that Christian has along the way. This allows a child as they grow to learn many of the valuable lessons for the Christian life which Bunyan intended us to see.

There are many children's versions of this which are wonderfully inllustrated - this one isnt, although it has line drawings scattered throughout. But it more than makes up for it in its content. I've purchased another more lavishly illustrated version of Pilgrim's progress to show alongside this one, but actually haven't got round to doing that yet.

What Helen Taylor has also done is to retell the story from a child's perspective - it is Little Pilgrim's Progress. It is in essence the same story - just downsized slightly. This makes it all the more easy to read to children.

My four year old daughter pleads for me to read to her - not content to wait until next Sunday for the next installment. She wont let me stop and sits wide eyed as I read it to her.

Why would I want a shorter version when I get to spend longer reading to my child?

I was recommended this book by a mom of 6 homeschooled children who ALL loved it. My 5 year old cant wait to read the next few chapters every day, and I am enjoying it immensely as well. Even my 2 year old doesn't mind sitting and listening. This is a book we will read over and over!

During my childhood nearly 40 years ago) I was utterly fascinated by this book. It stood out as one of the most interesting books of my childhood days, and it made an indelible impression on me. (Other favorites were C.S. Lewis' Narnia series, Little Princess, & Secret Garden). But back to Little Pilgrim's Progress: I'm not sure why this book was so intriguing to myself and my siblings, perhaps because the little pilgrem faced real dangers and even death??
Well, recently this book came up in conversation -- I hadn't thought of it for years -- and I dug out a copy, and started to read it. Moments later my nearly 6-year-old daughter came up and asked me if I would read it to her. My nearly 4-year-old son also wanted to listen. (I read freqently to my children, and they often are able to enjoy stories beyond their age level, but still I thought this would be too advanced to hold their attention.) But still, I decided to try. Of course, when I read I simplified or explained the language from time to time (some of the wording is old-fashioned). But to my astonishment, my children were absolutely riveted. The chapters in this book are short, and the children kept begging me to read more!! I was especially amazed that my 4-year-old remained totally engaged in the story (there are occasional illustrations, but it isn't a picture book; they were just listening). We finished the Christian part of the book in a few reading sessions over 3 days. (We later read the Christiana story, but the children didn't find it as interesting).
Conclusion: I'm not saying that this book would usually be of interest to such young children, but only wanted to comment that it can be a very exciting book and can provide much opportunity for thoughtful discussion with a parent.
Oh, I will add one more thing -- shortly after reading the book, one day my son asked if he could change his name to "Help" (like in the story). And later, he asked if he could be called "Greatheart". So now we jokingly have added those names to his middle name. Also, after reading the story concepts came up a lot in conversations over the following days and weeks.

One of my favorite books. A book that adults can enjoy while reading to their kids.

I teach grade 3 4 5 in my church and am very pleased with this newest version of one of the oldest best sellers. Very little if any meaning is lost in the transistion from an Adult epic to a children story book. I would highly recommend this book for all young readers and most adults will love it too!

I really enjoyed this fictional portrayal of the woman at the well. Her strength came alive, not just her shortcomings. It made you think, about your past, present and your future. And it most important lesson of all was that it is not where you are it is where you are going. My thought process was challenged by Hendricks portrayal of Christ which was as I found out later his intention.

This book is wonderful. The women's guild at my church featured it as a topic of a book discussion last year. We had the pleasure of taking part in a telephone conference with the author Obery Hendricks. He was very gracious. It was a wonderful experience. The reader gets an understanding of how women and minorities were marginalized in society during Biblical times.

This is a touching story of a young womans journey from her joy of life to near-death despair around to a greater joy of life.
It truly celebrates the strength of womanhood. The descriptions were vivid and the personalities so real, I felt I knew all of the characters. Because all women have experienced Maryam's life in some form, this story will touch your heart in an unbelievable way. I loved this book!

In this glorious tale of redemptive love BEFORE we know what it is, Maryam flowers despite the heartships and trials of her life. Hendricks is a master storyteller who gives us the depth of anguish from both the men and women, while not excusing the pain that the men are causing the women in this Novel. Given to me by a Pastor who shares the stories of women in the Bible with his congregation, I read it from front to end without stopping, finding the message that God loves us even when we don't see it. Worth reading, but more, worth its use as a Bible study tool. Wonderful story with a dynamic ending!

This is a gripping, at times lusty, tale based on the life story of the Samaritan Woman. LIVING WATER is not a stereotypically lightweight, biblical novel. It's for readers who are ready for a challenge and willing to look for truths presented in nontraditional forms.

Author Obery Hendricks, a seminary "professor of biblical interpretation," calls this, his first novel, "an African American retelling of the New Testament story of the woman at the well who was married to five successive husbands at a time when women did not have the right to choose either marriage or divorce." Ethnic overtones are evident in some characters' nicknames (Sonny Boy and Big Mama) and patterns of dialogue ("Oh Lordy, we're in trouble now" and "Don't he talk sweet"). But there are deeper parallels: The ravages of slavery and harsh control influence the heart of the story --- the Samaritan men being humiliated and beaten down by the Romans; the women being powerless property of the husbands who have lost respect for themselves and take out their frustration on their women.

The book opens with a short, startling death scene of the Samaritan woman's fifth husband. Then Part 1 is a flashback, from prenuptial childhood up to that pivotal, bloody mess. She --- her name is Maryam, though significantly we aren't told this for 250 pages --- is a spunky, in-your-face kind of kid who sadly learns, from her kindhearted grandmother, Ma Tee, that spunk is not acceptable for girls. "Atop the coarse woolen tunic that is [the girl's] usual attire is now draped a stale, heavy garment of carefulness. Ma Tee has tried her best to craft it to her size, yet it does not fit. Still, she will dutifully struggle to wear it, though its weight will sag her heart to its knees." And this narrative comment comes even before she's married to and beaten down by her first husband and abandoned by numbers two, three, and four.

This is a feminist story, but not drastically so; it is egalitarian more than man bashing. The big cast of characters --- five (or is it six?) husbands, three father figures, a brother-in-law, Messiah Jesus, and more --- include bad men and good; similarly with the Samaritan women. In a supplemental reader's guide, Hendricks explains that the Samaritan woman's journey "to be free of male domination and mistreatment was also my own journey to free myself from the roles of dominator and mistreater."

Theologically conservative readers may rankle at some feminist theology, but, again, this is not as radical as it might be. Hendricks interprets biblical passages (mostly from Proverbs, once from Luke) that personify Wisdom (a feminine Hebrew word) as being descriptive of "the woman-side of God."

For a novel that is replete with social commentary applicable to any age --- including a chapter on an itinerant, fraudulent faith healer --- LIVING WATER is an engaging read. Part 2 --- in which Maryam claims her name, takes up with a man who loves her and treats her well, and becomes a disciple of Jesus --- includes powerful scenes of redemption, even unto the last page, which drew a tear to my eye.

--- Reviewed by Evelyn Bence

The problem I have with this is that the print is too small and I need to magnify it. Wish they had a giant print version.

I like the setup of this Bible.

There is one reading from the Old Testament, one from the Psalms, one from Proverbs and one from the New Testament for each day of the year. All four sections are arranged by day, so if you like to read from multiple places in the Bible every day, this will cut down on flipping from one area of the Bible to another. In addition to the pleasant font, you have comments from John MacArthur, one of the great preachers of today, who helps to explain difficult passages from the bible.

If you would like to read through the Bible in a year, this is a great book for you.

My wife and I both got one of these and are enjoying using it to read the Bible each day. It is great to have a little of the Old, New, Psalms, and Proverbs, to read daily. I was also glad to see that the amount to read isn't so huge that if you miss a day than it is really hard to catch up.

This Bible along with the MacArthur study Bible has added such immense joy to my life as I gain knowledge and wisdom through God's Word. Dr. John MacArthur is one of the best teachers/faithful shepherd that I know. Life is very brief, and we must find the best things as soon as we possibly can. These are all-encompassing resources that are good for newer Christians as well as those who are tenured. Even elders and pastors will find this invaluable. It might be all you need since it is the Word and the Word rightly divided, along with all relevant background information.
I would invest time and money into both the yearly Bible, which is intelligently organized and also the MacArthur study Bible.

This bible has the best layout for reading through the bible in a year. You make a good start but lose interest in some of the old testament. You won't find that here. Every day you read NT and OT with a psalm and a proverd plus study notes or historical information. I have only one negative---I wish it was in hardback.

After taking Patrick's meditation workshop on applying "The Secret" to your own life, and having it be my 1st meditation experience ever, I was hungry for more and asked Patrick specifically if he could recommend a book with a cd for follow up on meditation practice. He grinned and produced a book without even telling me it was his own. The book is a great read, and has a meditation cd on the back cover.
I truly believe the soul is magical and is working round the clock in ways we don't often notice. When we open our hearts, we will see manifestation of just what we wish for appear at just the right time, before our very eyes. Patrick's work is truly inspirational. Bought them as gifts for my soul circle of friends. Highly recommend.

The CD alone is worth the price of the book! Patrick's soothing voice, eloquent words and spiritual wisdom are truly a rich blessing.
Ed Rockey, Ph.D.
Professor and Department Chair
Pepperdine University

I highly recommend this book wherever you are on your spiritual path. "The Magic of the Soul" is loaded with practical tools you can use everyday. Patrick's personal experiences, inner journeys and spiritual studies culminate in this book and are shared as gifts for the reader. The book comes with a remarkable CD full of guided meditations. I especially love the guided visualizations where Patrick's voice is an enchanting journey to our own inner wisdom and love. Author Patrick Harbula is the consumate teacher that you can experience for yourself through his classes, workshops, retreats and certifications at the Life Purpose Institute. I encourage you to experience the magic of the message with Patrick.

Patrick has ascended elegantly so far in this life. He is a gracious, kind and unconditionally loving soul and this comes through brilliantly in his "The Magic of the Soul." I encourage people interested in their own spiritual and practical self development to experience his words, thoughts and meditations. We are blessed to have this wonderful man in our time. Read, enjoy, ascend...

Patrick Harbula's "Magic of the Soul" is one of those rare books that I picked up and could not put down, and that I have revisited many times as a source of inspiration and enlightenment. As a child, I loved watching magic acts and was mesmerized as I observed magicians seemingly pulling things out of nothing and transforming objects. Throughout this book, Patrick reminds us that our spiritual nature enables us to perform this "magical process" of calling forth greater goodness into our lives and our world than we have ever known. I particularly appreciated his practical insights on how we can transform our life challenges into something good and meaningful without denying the pain or discomfort we experience as we move through them. I cannot thank Patrick enough for the ways that his work has enriched my life, and how it has supported me in my work as a minister and spiritual counselor.

Do you want to study and understand kabbalah in details? Are you trapped or met blinds in your studies into mysticism? Are you intrested to know who and who are the true author/authors of the great and renowned book in kabbalah The Zohar? You have met blinds in your kabbalah studies? Here is the one amongst other books that would shead light on your path to the true wisdom of the Ages. You would definately get more than your moneys worth.

When reading Scholem I often feel like I am reading an old testament prophet; his writing and words seem to convey a great dignity and authority and power beyond their age.

Major Trends is basically a set of lectures Scholem gave on Jewish mysticism. Scholem was one of the first scholars to apply scientific methods of criticism to Jewish mystical texts and traditions and their sources, which had been neglected to a large extent in favour of the rational Jews like Moses Maimonides. The age of Reason had little time for religion, myth and mysticism and it was really only in the latter part of the 20th century people began to return to their mystical traditions.

Scholem made many important discoveries, including showing the author of the Zohar (which supposedly came from the 2nd century) was written by Moses de Leon, a 11th century Spanish Jew. Also in this collection are some valuable studies of the relationship between Kabbalah and Christian Gnosticism, and on Isaac Luria's bizarre theosophic ideas, and of chariot mysticism which influenced early Christianity and many apocryphal biblical books such as the Books of Enoch.

Scholem's study remains the most important 20th century study of Jewish mysticism.

Gershom Scholem was a pioneer in the academic study of Jewish mysticism. Major Trends in Jewish Mysticism is an excellent introduction to the kabbalah. The book covers the main historical movements and personalities. It explains the basic doctrines, rituals, and texts. The footnotes and referenced authors and texts become an excellent source of further study for both the academician and the spiritual seeker.

What I love best about Scholem is that he wrote eloquently about spiritual enlightenment without presenting himself as being a mystical master or guru. He will guide you through the history of Jewish esoteric thought, after which you can sample some source texts (many of which now are available in English translation). No preaching here - just good scholarly thought and clear, eloquent writing. It's also amazing how a 60-year old volume remains the standard introduction while still being regarded as controversial in fundamentalist quarters. An awesome achievement!

Kabbalah is one of those things that everyone seems to want to be part of, and something that enjoys a high level of fashionability at the moment. While this is great, it also means that there is a lot of rubbish out there with "Kabbalah" printed on it. For the beginner or the curious, this can make getting at the real thing a bit daunting and difficult.

Scholem's book "Major Trends in Jewish Mysticism" is rightly considered a classic in the field of Kabbalah and the study thereof. While somewhat aged, the book still retains its status as among the most respected of works.

Scholem covers the major phases of Kabbalah, and includes sections on each one. He delves into the details, teachings, personalities and the impact of each phase, and brings the reader an erudite introduction to them. He includes early Jewish Merkabah mysticism, Lurianic Kabbalah, Abulafia, the Zohar, (a big section on this!) and even the very interesting Sabbatianism.

I found some points of terminology a little objectionable in connection with Gnosticism, but this would not be an issue for the general, non-Gnostic reader. As such, it should not discourage you from reading it.

As a starting point, Scholem's "Major Trends in Jewish Mysticism" is unbeatable for both its scholarly approach and also for Scholem's ability to make it all understandable and absorbable. This is a fantastic book and one worth getting. I could not praise this book enough.

To be honest, if Gershom Scholem wrote it, you can't go far wrong with it.