Organizations Books

Dr, Mccorry offers a very foundational insight in this wonderful book: People of faith often look to their Church as a rock in times of change. But, what happens when their Church, their rock, changes? An easy read, Dancing with Change invites one to pause, reflect and pray with its many provoking questions and thoughts. Whether it is personal, familial, workplace or Church changes, Dancing with Change is, no doubt, an invaluable resource and practical guide for times of change.

With 39 years of priestly ministry, "change" has been my "constant" experience as a leader within the church. Yet, while reading Dr. Richard Mc Corry's new book, "Dancing With Change - A Spiritual Response to Change in the Church," I still found personal nurture, additional insight, and new respect for the power of change in our experience as believers.
The imaginative title, "Dancing with Change," invites the reader to explore and embrace an engaging, personal response to inevitable change, which can be chosen to enhance life and relationships. The author explains a practical process accessable to any adult to facilitate such a choice. I highly recommend the book to all adults who experience inner struggle when confronted with change in their church.

The opening chapter contains this very nicely-turned analogy, which sums up the concept of the book perfectly: "What is it about the nature of change - including change in the Church - that causes us almost instinctively to rebel against it, to insist on marching or standing still when, in fact, we are invited to dance?"

It sets the stage for what is to come, and is a strong way to begin. (It's also nice to see that the author is comfortable enough in his subject to even quote Buddha as part of his narrative! That alone shows that the author is open to positive change.)

The opening chapter and the narrative flow in a perfectly organized fashion until the strong and upbeat conclusion. Readers will find the subject of change discussed from a variety of viewpoints, which all add up to a cogent argument that has the potential of changing lives-both of church leaders and of those people they serve.

It's all done in an even-handed way, so there should be no one who feels under attack for being uncomfortable with change. Instead, the positive approach may help some of those folks consider taking a few tentative steps toward embracing the inevitable changes in the church-and in society as a whole.

The organization of the book makes perfect sense, with the focus always being on various aspects of change, and coming at the subject from a variety of viewpoints, which makes for an interesting read and should prove especially intriguing for the target audience, within the Roman Catholic Church itself.

The chapter headings are catchy and descriptive enough to offer meaningful clues as to what each chapter will discuss, which is nice, since it's possible that readers will want to refer back to specific sections after the first read through.

There is an impressive array of additional materials and supporting documentation in this work, all of which service to back up the author's contentions, chapter and verse, throughout the manuscript. The arguments are always supported by authentication, and the Bibliography itself comprises more than 10% of the book's pages, which demonstrates the remarkable amount of thought and research that was put into the book.

Yet the text itself isn't ponderous and scholarly, which will make it more accessible to a greater number of potential readers-those who would have been turned off by a drier type of approach. This more readable style doesn't mean that the research is slipshod, however. The book is filled with bible verse information, footnotes, and the amazing information at the end of the book, for those who want to delve even more deeply into the subject matter.

The subject itself-change-is, of course, both timeless and timely, but with the changes that are swirling around the church, and especially the Roman Catholic Church, this book is quite timely, indeed, and may fill a need for many readers who are trying to get a handle on those changes.

The Conclusion is equally strong, perfectly summarizing the material, yet offering positive encouragement, even for those readers who have been gritting their teeth throughout the manuscript, but were brave enough to stick it out to the end. It's meaningful, positive, enlightening, and satisfying, offering a genuine sense of both closure and hope for the reader.

All in all, this is a strong effort, filled with rock-solid research, presented in a positive, loving way, which should enjoy significant appeal to its audience, and the author is to be congratulated on a worthwhile effort., summed up in the final sentences: "Change and transitions in the Church offer us much. They offer us the possibility of building up the perfect body of Christ right here on earth; dancing our way gracefully and joyfully into a future filled with exciting change, bringing us ever closer to the kingdom of God."

Dr. Richard J. McCorry in DANCING WITH CHANGE, A Spiritual Response to Change in the Church, invites readers to transform change from a dragon that must be slain, into a dance partner to be embrace. The embrace of change that is discussed and tools provided encourage the persons going through change in the church to understand the dynamics of change, to recognize normal/healthy responses to change; and to make the choice to dance with change, rather than view change as a force to battle.

DANCING WITH CHANGE, is a refreshing, transformative, approach to responding to the reality to change in the church. The insights offered and the "LEAP of Faith" spiritual approach to change, which is outlined in the book, is sure to keep readers from getting their toes step on as they "dance with change."

I've been using Jay Galbraith's principles in making organization designs for major clients with great effectiveness. This book is very practical.

Es un libro excelente, me parece muy bueno el contenido, sin embargo lamento decirles que llego un poco maltratado, por lo que en lo subsecuente espero pongan mas cuidado en este aspecto

I was very excited when I came across this particular book. This was exactly the right book - looking at the title - coming at the right moment for me. I could use it to help me work through a current problem!

Maybe my expectations were too high, but I dived into it with a passion. The introduction was insightful and right on target. This is terrific! Chapter 1; Surviving the Customer Revolution, was as good a review of this topic as I've read anywhere. It succeeded in defining what a customer centric organisation could look like and brought some real clarity to this part of the puzzle. If you've ever tried to explain the difference between a traditional product centric company and a customer centric one then you'll know what I mean.

Chapter 2 though, How Much Is Enough, was the beginning of the decline. The author attempts to define different levels of customer centricity necessary for your company and, for me, falls foul of too much detail and too much process - clearly reflective of the authors' obvious expertise and familiarity with organisational design. From there on it continued to be a struggle for me. The case studies were terrific and there was some real insight, but the solutions were too formulaic and linear to be of real value.

I came away from the book concerned that I'd missed something. I thought that customers would drive what level of customisation would be required in order to deliver value, and thereby improve business performance. Perhaps I was wrong!

Was I disappointed? Not at all. Worth reading even if the best is right up front!

In contrast to product-centric, a customer-centric firm must be organized around the customer. This means going further than "customer focused" initiatives. This comprehensive, in-depth and thoughtful book begins by exploring the structures and philosophy involved in being customer-centric. Galbraith then details the different types of customer relationship strategies, following which he offers a guide to determining the level of customer-centricity (three levels are proposed) that would best serve the reader's company. The specific elements for achieving each of the three levels, from lightest to most intensive, are presented, along with guidelines for implementing actions ("solution strategy") required. Solution strategies vary by scale and scope, depending on the intensity of customer-centricity needed.

In all, the book delves into ways that organizations can design their strategy, structure, and processes to strengthen their position in the market and grow. Technology, with emphasis on its implementation and connectivity with customers, gets major attention. Much of the book presents engrossing cases (IBM, Proctor & Gamble, Nokia), which are extremely informative and provide a plethora of insights. This is an outstanding work in its content, organization of material, and style of writing. Very highly recommended.

This book is the keystone of any collection on the state of the art in modern thought on development assistance. It is easy to read, easy to understand, and presents a persuasive argument for change to the modern methods of so called "development." This books usefulness is not limited to the third world, as its lessons can apply just as easily to New Orleans as it can to the Congo.

I first checked this out from the library, but I'm now picking up a copy (or maybe two) so I can have it on my shelf to cite from and to loan to friends and family.

Highly reccomended.

Dr. Dichter gives a wide range of examples based on real experiences that expose many of the pitfalls of development assistance as we know it. Unfortunately, while his descriptions of the problems are quite comprehensive, his proposed solution (i.e. drastically cut development assistance in favor of private development) lacks much in the way of logical support. For instance, there is no contrasting presentation of examples of privately-funded projects that have succeeded where charity has failed, nor any mention of to what extent business relies on government-funded infrastructure improvements, etc. In addition, the topic is best addressed in two stages -- i.e., is it desirable to encourage development in other countries? and, if so, are our current tactics the most effective and efficient ways to achieve this goal? Dr. Dichter addresses only the second question, but seems to conclude that because the status quo is ineffective, the entire pursuit should be abandoned. But in general the book is still highly worth reading if you're the least bit interested in development assistance -- it is both deeply enlightening and generally accessible.

It's one of those (few) publications that would immediately make you sit up straight, cause you to squirm and shake your head in disbelief, heave a deep sigh, raise your eye brows at some point, and move you deeply to show appreciation to its material by graphically interacting with its content (in other words scribbling all over the pages of the book - line by line, margin to margin - with notes and personal reactions. That happened to my copy. That's how interesting the book is!). No, the book is not trashy and is far from cynical. On the other hand, it offers a very reflective, comprehensive and insightful analysis of the mistakes and failures of the development industry as a whole. The author, a "devbiz" insider, is not an anti-INGO humbug but one who calls on his development colleagues to re-examine their (and their organizations') ways and to genuinely consider the often ignored realities in the field. His analysis of the evolution of the development industry and its trends, patterns and pitfalls are based on actual case studies and historical facts. Full of relevant lessons and thought-provoking questions and issues that would challenge not just your notions of development work but even your own values, motives and goals for entering the "devbiz" industry. The book stimulates mentally but tugs at the heart.

Mr. Dichter has written an excellent book about the so called "development industry". He describes the evolution of the idea of helping the poor countries of the so called third world since 1950 until today. He discusses the problems that have arisen in the hundreds of governement development agencies, NGOs, and humanitarian organizations, mainly the excessive professionalization and bureaucratization of these organizaitons. The "industry" of development as he calls it, exists mainly to give emplyment opportunities for well paid (and well travelled)consultants than to really help the needy.
Interwoven in his analysis are 18 case stories. Just reading the case stories (which are based in the author's wide professional experience)gives you a better insight in the dilemma of development, than dozens of World Bank, IMF and "imperialism" bashing books that are in the market. The description of how the World Bank ticks is very interesting. You feel that here someone is writing that has gone through all this and has thought about it. THIS IS REALITY and not theory.
I myself have worked in Africa for 5 years as an economist for a Christian Mission Society. It is amazing to see that everywhere in the field the problems are the same: poorly conceived projects, neglect of the consequences of projects, and so on. If you are ever thinking of working in the area of international development, AND if you really want to help the poor, AND NOT MAKE A CAREER OUT OF IT, READ THIS BOOK!!!

I just want you to know how much I appreciated reading your book. It's worth much more than $15.00. As those commercials say "priceless." It was just what I needed at this time in my life.

I needed this book! As one who is constantly second-guessing myself as to God's good, pleasing, and perfect will, I found direction within its pages. Instead of simply telling me what to do, Cheri Cowell leads me in the steps to drawing closer to God and knowing Him more intimately--which then allow me to hear His voice. The chapter on "Obstacles to Hearing from God" was especially helpful by pointing out the stumbling blocks in my own life that prevent me from discerning His will. I look forward seeing results as I continue to apply the prinicples within this book!

This was a very interesting book on how have discernment in making decisions for your life. It was different than most books on God's will and the process the author reveals is very thought provoking and it made a lot of sense to me. I have some decision coming up and while I'm not ready to make those decisions yet, this book is helping me with the process.

I'm going to keep this one in my library so I can refresh memory as more important life choices come my way! I highly recommend it.

"This is one of, if not, the best inspirational book I have ever read, it puts into perspective, how God intends for us to communine with Him.
How He desires for us to return to the creatures He created us to be, before the fall of Adam and Eve.
I have had the influence of the Nazarene Doctrine, in my life since birth, and never have I heard the areas covered in this book, described so easy to understand.
If you read this and apply any of it to your own life, you will certainly become closer to being one with Him."

Jon Parsons, Lake Anna, VA

Several years ago, I was helping corporate clients prepare for a trade show in Sichuan Province. We put together a thorough guide to doing business in the province, covering its history, natural resources, legal requirements and related topics. If we didn't have the necessary information readily at hand, we could easily get it -- even the latest rules for joint ventures. But when we needed contact information on the province's government officials, it was almost nowhere to be found. We finally managed to assemble a useful directory -- but would have been delighted to have had access to a far more complete directory, like the one found in this superb Pacificom book. And we were looking for names in just one province. Here you can find listings for almost every part of China. If you need an up-to-date resource, to save you hours or even days of work, this is the directory I would recommend.

Directory of Chinese Government and Organizations is a "must buy" for anyone who is serious about conducting business in China. The comprehensive nature and detail shown in this publication is a mark that a true expert, who is knowledgeable of how to successfully conduct business in China, wrote this guide. No other guide offers the variety of industries as this one. Plus, the ability to search organizations by province, and by national, and state government is an added benefit. I know that one of the greatest challenges that many people have faced when working with Chinese agencies is finding the right person to contact. This is the first book of this type that I have seen here in the US. Not even the most respected sources, including the Wall Street Journal can match the caliber and standards of this publication. I look forward to future publications. I give it 5 stars and the authors and publishers at PacifiCom, Inc. and Gala Worldwide Communications have my full endorsement!

Knowing the right people and connection is essential for having a successful business in China. This directory contains up-to-date information of Chinese central and local government organizations and major national corporations. You need the book to help you understand who you may need to deal with. An essential tool to get you started!

This is by far the most thorough and up-to-date compendium of Chinese government and officialdom that I've seen. As someone who has been doing business in China for several years, I've been frustrated time and again by the lack of current, complete contact details. Other directories, many of them several times more expensive, purport to provide the information. Most are out of date before the ink is dry. This one delivers. In addition to central government functionaries, it lists party officials, military types and municipal, provincial and diplomatic offices - no easy task at a time when there's so much shuffling and reorganization in official China. I was pleasantly surprised to find website addresses for so many government offices. This book is well organized and, apparently, will be updated frequently by mail and online. Those of us who do business in China can only say: It's about time!

This is exquistitely written and flawlessly researched. I could not put it down. The bibliography is itself a fascinating read. In the secular world, such evidence as this would provide the foundation stone of a class action suit that would put a stake through the heart of the subject. This is a beautiful covering over dark matter.

Written by political scientist David Ranan, Double Cross: The Code of the Catholic Church is a severe indictment of the many flaws, moral lapses, and outright crimes of the Catholic Church, ranging from parish sexual abuse scandals to complicity in genocide. Covering the Church's perpetration of human misery from pre-medieval times to the Crusades to its tacit cooperation with the Holocaust and its ills of the modern Day, Double Cross examines how the Church has structured its power base, policed thought among its members, engendered corruption, fostered violence particularly against non-Catholics, espoused anti-Semitism, and perhaps worst of all among modern-day offenses, denounced nearly all forms of family planning as well as condom use, thereby causing overpopulation and assisting the spread of AIDS particularly in the poorest nations that can least afford either. Extensively researched with numerous notes to clarify details and an index, Double Cross is a "must-read" for anyone involved in or affected by the Catholic Church, both Catholics and non-Catholics alike.

Excellent book. Ranan's exhaustive history and analysis of the inner workings and policy making of the Catholic Church is both insightful and a thrilling read. The amount of research and materials reviewed is stunning but the author escaped the danger of writing a dry story. Quite the opposite, once you have started, you will turn pages until you reach the end. If you liked the D'Avinci Code, you will love this book -- but end up smarter.

I have just finished David Ranan's "Double Cross, the Code of the Catholic Church", an insightful analysis of the Church's history in which he unravels the whole Catholic power-play. It is quite outspoken, yet factual and not emotional. Ranan, who writes with biting eloquence, has produced a book, the pace of which is breathtaking, and which reads like a super-thriller.

I have personal knowledge of some of the damage caused by the Catholic Church to its own members and therefore consider that this book does a great public service.
The book should be read not only by those who will agree with the author, but importantly by Catholics.

Catholic priests and bishops! Read David Ranan to better understand your Church, even if - and really especially if - some of the facts will fill you with horror when they sink in.

I first read these books when I was in H.S. They inspired me to want to be a better person and devote myself to good works. I know that sounds odd but these are no ordinary books. I recently reread them and found them to be even better than I remembered. These are noble books written by a noble man. Tragically the author died from cancer at a very young age. The background for these books may seem a little dated due to the fall of Communism in Russia but the subject is as pertinent now as it was then and will be hundreds of years from now. Inhumanity and humanity. The cruelty of ideolegies versus the compassion of the individual. These are an excellent choice for any reader from nine to ninety-nine.

Dr. Dooley was a young US Navy Medical Officer, aboard a ship in Haiphong harbor when France was being turned out of Vietnam. Following a plea for medical help he went ashore, got to know the people, and grew to love them. He left the Navy and spent several years in the 1950s traveling among the peoples of Southeast Asia, bringing medical care to regions where whites had never before even been seen, until his return to the U.S. shortly before his death from cancer.

He saw and described many horrors committed by Communists on their own people trying to cross the new border from North to South Vietnam after the country was partitioned. Those descriptions of what was really happening stand in stark contrast to the stories popularly accepted in the U.S. a decade later.

These three books form a powerfully emotional yet factually substantiated account. They are worth searching to find and read. Would that they would be reprinted as many less worthy books are these days.

I first read these books when I was in H.S. They inspired me to want to be a better person and devote myself to good works. I know that sounds odd but these are no ordinary books. I recently reread them and found them to be even better than I remembered. These are noble books written by a noble man. Tragically the author died from cancer at a very young age. The background for these books may seem a little dated due to the fall of Communism in Russia but the subject is as pertinent now as it was then and will be hundreds of years from now. Inhumanity and humanity. The cruelty of ideolegies versus the compassion of the individual. These are an excellent choice for any reader from nine to ninety-nine.

Dr. Thomas Dooley was a hero to me. Fire On the Mountain means to me the Fire yet another time after the French left for honourable reasons Indochine and still the people could not be set free. Agriculture burned and people died. Deliver Us From Evil was their petition, and the world did hear them, but too much, it would seem. Merton would have been his Confessor, but over what teletype would this have been then? I did read Merton as a girl, but it gave insufficient consolation to these wounds of the heart. On the Night They Burned the Mountain, the children of that Tigerland were again left behind. Tom Dooley didn't live to see it, and before he slept, he anguished sore. I neither need to buy these books nor see the film. I've lived in that hereafter and carry in on through the remainder of my life.

I am totally new to this "ism." Thus, I find this book can offer a good review about ecofeminism.

I read this book for the Jan/Feb 2004 LD Topic: "A government's obligation to protect the environment ought to have precedence over its obligation to promote economic development." I have to say I highly reccomend this book to anyone interested in the connections between the environment and feminism. I especially liked the discussion of how women and the environment are connected through language through the use of word's like "Mother Nature." That use in particular was to put it in a word pimp. Warren covers all areas of ecofeminist thought, and is extremely fair to those critical of ecofeminism. To anyone interested in learning about how our domination of the environment undergirds our domination of other groups this book is perfect. As I said before, this work by a "street philosopher," is simply pimp. Highest recomendations!

ECOFEMINIST PHILOSOPHY
A WESTERN PERSPECTIVE ON WHAT IT IS AND WHY IT MATTERS

By Karen J. Warren
Rowman and Littlefield, 230 pages
A Review by Wendell G. Bradley

Warren calls herself a ýstreet philosopherý. And, true to her calling, this professor of philosophy at Macalester College reaches the ordinary reader on important issues.

Ordinary philosophy is already superseded in chapter one entitled: ýNature is a Feminist Issueý. Women, world-wide, are shown to experience environmental harm disproportionately. And, they are organizing, as women, against related dominations.

For Warren, dominations tend to follow whenever (allegedly) ethically relevant hierarchies designate their ýothersý as inferiors. Subordinations, however, have to be first justified by ýa logic of dominationý. Humans, for example, might be deemed superior to nature because they have the ability to manipulate it. But, without a logic of domination, ýsuperiorityý could just as well lead to stewardship.

Patriarchy provides our current logic of domination. Under its conceptual framework, men become associated with reason and volition (read: intelligence and public roles). The result is a prevailing male-other bias that links women and nature--women too naturally something, to be allowed this or that. Accordingly, Warren recognizes both gender and ecology as good points of departure for an environmental ethic, hence ecofeminism.

Warren begins her ýquiltingý of an ecofeminist philosophy in chapter three. Here, she masterfully interrogates and reconceptualizes the reductive and essentialist rationality of todayýs male-other bias. Various belief examinations arise from the ýcognitive dissonancesý she brings to light in an examined patriarchy. At a minimum our loss of ecological integrity has required justification via a logic of domination. Our human spirit, however, can become caring enough to resist oppressions and destructions, especially in oneýs home place.

Accordingly, Warren introduces a ýcare-sensitiveý ethic. It is characterized by a ýloving eyeý that focuses on a contextual orientation, a more optimistic understanding of self, an inclusivist ethical pluralism, incorporations of emotional intelligence, and a nonprivileging social justice. Through our spiritual ability to care, these qualities combine to make nature ýmorally deservingý. Thus, Warrenýs care-sensitive ethic makes a fundamental contribution to a possible ecological flourishing.

The idea of ecofeminism, itself, is not particularly new, but Warrenýs insights, clarifications and arguments are. Her overall philosophical synthesis is both refreshing and convincing.

Wendell G. Bradley, is a retired professor of Human Ecology and author of ýThe Gift of Moralityý . He lives in Colorado.

ECOFEMINIST PHILOSOPHY
A WESTERN PERSPECTIVE ON WHAT IT IS AND WHY IT MATTERS
By Karen J. Warren

A Review by Wendell G. Bradley

Warren calls herself a `street philosopher'. And, true to her calling, this professor of philosophy at Macalester College reaches the ordinary reader on important issues.

Ordinary philosophy is already superseded in chapter one entitled: `Nature is a Feminist Issue'. Women, world-wide, are shown to experience environmental harm disproportionately. And, they are organizing, as women, against related dominations.

For Warren, dominations tend to follow whenever (allegedly) ethically relevant hierarchies designate their `others' as inferiors. Subordinations, however, have to be first justified by `a logic of domination'. Humans, for example, might be deemed superior to nature because they have the ability to manipulate it. But, without a logic of domination, `superiority' could just as well lead to stewardship.

Patriarchy provides our current logic of domination. Under its conceptual framework, men become associated with reason and volition (read: intelligence and public roles). The result is a prevailing male-other bias that links women and nature--women too naturally something, to be allowed this or that. Accordingly, Warren recognizes both gender and ecology as good points of departure for an environmental ethic, hence ecofeminism.

Warren begins her `quilting' of an ecofeminist philosophy in chapter three. Here, she masterfully interrogates and reconceptualizes the reductive and essentialist rationality of today's male-other bias. Various belief examinations arise from the `cognitive dissonances' she brings to light in an examined patriarchy. At a minimum our loss of ecological integrity has required justification via a logic of domination. Our human spirit, however, can become caring enough to resist oppressions and destructions, especially in one's home place.

Accordingly, Warren introduces a `care-sensitive' ethic. It is characterized by a `loving eye' that focuses on a contextual orientation, a more optimistic understanding of self, an inclusivist ethical pluralism, incorporations of emotional intelligence, and a nonprivileging social justice. Through our spiritual ability to care, these qualities combine to make nature `morally deserving'. Thus, Warren's care-sensitive ethic makes a fundamental contribution to a possible ecological flourishing.

The idea of ecofeminism, itself, is not particularly new, but Warren's insights, clarifications and arguments are. Her overall philosophical synthesis is both refreshing and convincing.

Wendell G. Bradley, is a retired professor of Human Ecology and author of `The Gift of Morality'.

In a world where the "religion salesmen" reign (and are subsequently rejected as unnecessary and distasteful), Ben Pasley has revealed a breath of fresh air. I say "revealed" and not "breathed" because indeed the author has simply caught something in his heart that comes from another, truer, place, where the air the clearer and you breathe in life.

Weaving a beautiful web of images, truth, expression, and mystery, Pasley simply offers seekers a glimpse of his own journey. And in a world of "self-help-infomercial-televangelist-meets-politician-I-have-exactly-what-you-need-now-all-I-need-is-your-credit-card-number", that is indeed a fresh thing. Innovatively written (there are pictures! fun pictures!) from different angles, different visions of the same image, the book draws the reader along into a world of the human heart, a world of the divine, and a world where the two are intrinsically joined: the real world.

If you like to read, or if you just like to, well, LIKE, then I recommend this book to you. You just may touch God in the process, if you're willing to reach out for Him.

-a traveller

I didn't know what to expect in this book, but was drawn immediately to the design and artistic concept. I have always been fascinated by icons and symbolism; the use of icons ('voices') in this book coupled with an "other-worldly" atmosphere reminded me of playing immersive computer games such as Myst and Riven--a sense that all was new, and yet somehow strangely familiar.

I read this book in one sitting (interrupted by a late-night nap), and then promptly proceeded to read it again, annotating wildly (I couldn't even stop long enough during the first reading to underline!) The stories are compelling and do indeed draw the reader from one point-of-view to the next in one uninterrupted convergence of radically different journeys. The author's skill in creating and sustaining a wide variety of voices, temperaments and personalities in the book is impressive and convincing.

This is the first worship book I have read that (in my humble opinion) adequately addresses the call of worship and spirituality upon the postmodern seeker. It has been my experience that many books on worship and seeking God on the market today are written in either extremely academic and archaic language, or (worse) are written as easy "7 steps to.." solutions manuals for goal-oriented people. This book is their polar opposite. From the opening pages I was not sure where the author was going, and that momentary lack of orientation actually gave me a sense of comfort! It takes courage to write about God and leave more questions than answers in the mind of the reader, and in that Mr. Pasley has certainly succeeded.

Whereas many moderns seem unsuccessfully devoted to the left-brained, cognitive approach to Christianity and God, this book focuses upon many approaches and orientations. Logical thinking is included (in a style reminiscent of C. S. Lewis in a contemporary tongue), but is made to share time with emotions, dreams, visions, and, as always, the questions. In contrast to our answer-rich "how-to" culture, this book dares to invite its the reader to ask questions on his/her own. This to me is the essense of true spirituality--to dare to ask God, and to believe that He has an answer for each of us.

So I had listened to the cd's, and I became fairly intrigued to learn that the same singer of 100 portraits had written a book titled: "Enter the Worship Circle." I'm one of those people who have to plunge into something all the way, and then, whether I sink or swim, I know I gave it my all. So, a few days later, I held the book in my hands, and I began to read.

And it caught me off guard.

You see, the book wasn't written the way that I had ever expected it to be written. Simply, the book travels in this order: The author uses seven different view points in his story to bring you through his stories, thoughts, and revelations on worship. He also begins moving from 'outside' the worship circle, to the very heart of it. Using creative stories, logical statements, and beautiful language, he paints a clear picture of who God has to be if we are to worship him, and why Jesus is that God. I won't spoil it by saying what reading is like, Except that you definitely will not walk away from it without having an idea of where you stand in worship. In fact, I recommend this to Christians, and Non Christians, who are willing to say that maybe, just maybe, Jesus is God. And if he is, maybe he is even a loving God.

Ben Pasley has always been such a storyteller. Listen to him speak, listen to his and his wife's music (100 Portraits), they paint pictures in your mind and tell you a beautiful story.

So Ben writes a book, and his storytelling is just as beautiful as it ever was.

Simply put: This book is amazing.

When speaking on the subject of spirituality and more specifically worship, it's very easy to come off very religious, lose people in all kinds of archaic terminology and just be very uninteresting. Ben does an amazing job of talking about spirituality in such way that you can barely wait to read the next chapter and find yourself complaining that each chapter is too small. The one thing I didn't run into was fluff. Too often it seems people get an interesting notion about spirituality and decide it needs to be a book. Then in the first three chapters, you know what the rest will say... This is not true with Enter the Worship Circle. I found myself being surprised until the very end. Ben draws you in throughout the entire book. The pieces of narative sometimes seem non-linear and unrelated, but all pieces have a consistancy about them. Ben seems to weave these threads together and the end picture is beautiful.

This text arrived in great condition and is a comprehensive look at all aspects of managed health care over the course of managed care history.

Excellent, comprehensive primer on the intricacies of managed care. Covers all the major topics, including delivery systems, public and private sector forms of managed care, regulatory and legal issues, medical management, information systems, and operational issues. Thoughtfully done by Dr. Peter R. Kongstvedt and contributors.

The author created an invaluable tool to help begineers understand the rather complicated topic of managed care using a straightforward linear approach to the topic. All topics are covered early with references to indepth coverage found later in the volume.

Getting the book is just a tool though, you really gotta want to learn the material because as practiced as the author is at putting the pen to paper, it's a very difficult topic and therefore, read.

The book was easy to understand and was written from the perspective of someone who is unfamiliar with the managed care topic. I recommend it highly