Personal Books

Powerful, moving, honest. The best kind of writing is the kind that comes straight from the heart. You can feel the anger, pain and love flow over the pages. A story that takes you inside the heart of one who lost so much on that day and fought so hard to get to the truth of what happened and what culpability level of our government. Gripping, hard to put down, you know you should just read it. You won't regret it.

In "Wake Up Call", Kristin Breitweiser offers poignant, first-hand insight into the grave inadequecies, corrosive power struggles and chilling lack of democracy of our pre-9/11 government, as well as a piercing account of the blatant failures, deception, and exploitation of the Bush administration afterwards. Beautifully written with a generous, sensitive depiction of her personal life both before and after she lost her husband in the Tower 2 calamity (which she witnessed first-hand), Mrs. Breitweiser's thorough depiction of a country still frighteningly vulnerable to Al Quaida and other terrorists will make any reader sit up and take serious notice. The tenacity and determination of "The Jersey Girls" in the face of unspeakable personal tragedy and their ability to take on the enormous flaws of the Bush administration is an inspiration to all of us.

Although the author tends to be repetitive and her alternative energy source argument would bear much more weight if she were to drive something other than a huge SUV, this book is a must for every American citizen. It could easily become an important Political Science college textbook if it hasn't already.

K.V.D. San Jose, California

This lady is certainly to be commended for maintaining her stamina to accomplish what she did with so many things going wrong. Anyone who has the disgusting attribute to slam these ladies when they were working for others as well as themselves needs to sit down in front of a mirror. There are so many reasons and more all the time actually that there should be another REAL investigation into the whole terrible tragedy of 9-11. I fully agree with them and applaud all they have done and are still trying to do. They say "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" and "God doesn't give you anything you can't handle" and I guess that would seem to be true in this case, however, as I know from my own life, no matter what kind of battle you are fighting it does take its toll on one's body. Good going to all you ladies who participated in this and what a wonderful book that was. Well written to the point I could hardly lay it down!

Kristen Breitweiser gives us a compelling view of our government through the eyes of an average citizen. She takes us on a journey thorough her life with her husband before 9/11, through that awful day and then through the aftermath. Kristen and other 9/11 widows have been fighting for truth and accountability for the attacks since that tragic day and have had to overcome hurdles every step of the way. Kristen's strength and determination is inspiring.

I usually don't go in for biographies and I believe all the attention on 9/11 has been a distraction ... that being said, this booked really rocked me. The author is completely "real" and human. Within a few minutes you are identifying with her life and her hopes and dreams. When the tragic death of her husband and thousands of others occurs, you feel her shock and pain.
This book points out why 9/11 is important. Not only do we need to come to grips with people in the world who want to do harm to Americans - we need to come to grips with a government that utterly failed Kristen, the other 9/11 survivors and victims, and all of us as citizens.
The book is riveting and revealing. I encourage anyone who cares about our country to read this book!

We purchased this book for a gift to our preschool teachers. They really enjoyed it.

This is a very thoughtful book that includes the wit and wisdom of Mr. Rogers, in an easy-to-read format that is both interesting and educational. I can't imagine anyone who doesn't know who Mr. Rogers is. Like virtually all American Children of the '80s & '90s I grew up watching Mr. Rogers. Of course I didn't know it then, but looking back, Mr. Rogers was a very unique person. Mr. Rogers was perhaps the only man in modern pop-culture who was able to speak to kids in such an honest and intelligent way. Mr. Rogers taught me the importance of compassion and the importance of never taking anyone (or anything) for granted. I recommend this book to anyone with a heart and a mind.

A nice little book full of simple, innocuous sayings displaying a keen grasp of the obvious. But by and large, I didn't find anything that really grabbed me, anything that made me think "Wow!" I did find one or two exceptions to this. Rogers writes:

"Sometimes, though, I wonder if we confuse strength with other words - like aggression, and even violence."

I wonder what Mister Rogers would have made of politicians defining "strength" as "support for war."

this ought to be a required textbook in all the schools and colleges in the world.it is that good without a doubt.

Great book to have on the coffee table. Just a quick read with great thoughts.

Excellent information for people of all ages. Very easy to read and understand with helpful examples in a variety of credit situations. I would especially recommend this book to high school students and new college freshmen where bad credit starts all too often.

This book encourages generation x to take stock of their personal finances without references to their being a dummy or an idiot. The approach here is very cordial. The authors encourage shopping for the best fees as well as the lowest interest rates and offer tips toward ,finding affordable health, automobile and homeowners insurance. Gives you an edge so you can limit financial hardships now as you prepare for the future.

Instead it is about getting the most out of what you have by managing your expenditures. Taking the time to understand your financial potential. Every penny counts. If you start paying attention to the pennies and to the interest you are paying on credit cards for the extras in life like movies and pizza. One of the best tips in the book is on a big item don't charge the sales tax, pay cash. Paying interest on sales tax, tips and entertainment costs are the reasons we never get out from under the interest burden.

Especially for anyone trying to navigate the tricky waters of both insurance and employment benefits. including pensions and 401 k's. Knowing what you have now is the key to being able to manage in an emergency. None of us want to think about losing the job we have had for years, but stuff happens. The health insurance that you have may not seem like the best deal but if you lose it completely it could become a major financial burden. Hernan and Schliep are big on having a safety cushion in the event of job loss.

Because they were from people that recognized good writing and people a lot more like you and me than the wall street gurus that constantly advise us and encourage us to cross over from main street to wall street when our interests may not be as well served as the big spenders who make money when we the consumer buys their wares and especially when the employers can cut expenses by cutting jobs and benefits.

Excellent exercises to re-think one's current life and work situation. Carried through, these lessons can have a profound impact on those struggling with serenity and purpose.

For all of those people who bought Eat Pray and Love with the notion that it would change their lives, buy this book! Srikumar Rao's gentle introductions and guided exercises allow you to contemplate what you want to change in your life and actually work at doing it. I was amazed at the changes I noticed in my thinking and my life in the space of a few months. Do not rush through this book. Let it guide you to finding the real you.

Before enlightenment, chop wood carry water.
After enlightenment, chop wood carry water.*

I read the book's title as meaning "You're successful, are you ready for that?" rather than "Do you want to succeed?" emphasizing the word "ready". And just as reaching enlightenment does not obviate the need to perform the more mundane chores of life, being ready to succeed does not obviate earning a living or making friends. You can do both but if you're not ready to see your success, you won't realize that you are successful and you won't be as happy as you could be.

Rao only indirectly writes about increasing the material and social markers of success, i.e. how wealthy you are or how many friends you have. He stresses that we need to give less importance to these markers and to appreciate what we already have. (And when adversity strikes, we should appreciate that it wasn't worse.) Success breeds success but only if you nurture it properly and that's what he writes about.

Rao's techniques are simple and effective. He first gives examples of what he calls mental models, or predetermined thinking patterns. For example when you are preparing for meetings you always assume that people will argue with you, this predetermined pattern in which you think is a negative mental model. Rao wants us to become conscious of our mental models, especially the negative ones. Next he wants us to detach ourselves from them. He has us create an imaginary friend, who's actually not a friend but an unbiased observer. We're to imagine this friend to describe what we're saying or thinking.

Rao offers many more exercises, with the later exercises building on the earlier ones. The best thing about "Are you Ready to Succeed?" is that the exercises are practical and not too New Age-ish.

Vincent Poirier, Dublin
*Thanks to Eric for the "Buddhist saying". VP

I have read many self-help books - so far this is the best and most far-reaching and comprehensive. Like Dr Rao mentioned the book is based on Eastern philosophies, mainly the three monotheistic religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Dr. Rao had made it available to the world resident of the 21st century. I wished the adherent of these religions will take heed of how they have to come back to the true teachings of their religion. Majority have stray way far from the true teachings and that is why we have all these problems in the world right now. There are so much to learn and to master in this book and it is amazing how Dr Rao had made it so relevant and inspiring. Each time I read portion of the book I left with serenity and peace. I have not even buy the book yet I just borrow it from the public library but surely I will get one for myself. This will be one book that will never want to depart from together with Pulling Your Own String - Dyer. It has truly help me be better and stronger.

This is one of my top rated books I ever read. I can see this is going to help a lot for my future in all aspects. Exercises are amazing.

Thanks
Ajith

Company level actions in WWI. Written by Rommel after WWI, there is nothing about tanks in this book but plenty about taking the initiative and aggressive maneuver. The core of Rommel's later style of warfare is on display here. The English translation is very readable.

Another necessary read for the study of the Second World War--this may be one of the most accessible texts for those just beginning to study the period. The maps drawn by Rommel are useful and clearly annotated: a good model to learn from. His analysis of the actions could be longer, however much they may be implied in the accounts; some passages could have deserved more commentary. I suppose he left that to the military-pedagogues whom he assumed would be able to pick up the baton in the classroom. Infantry Attacks is focused and avoids unnecessary didacticism and borderline self-aggrandizement present in some of his other writings. In sum: accessible, concise and engaging. Highly recommended.

Erwin Rommel first learned his trade in the Great War as an Infantry commander. In this work he discusses individual actions he took part in and the lessons he learned regarding modern combat. Most of these lessons are still relevent today, which shows just how observant he was.

The book is illustrated with sketches which were originally published with the book, which is fortunate as the drawings and maps make it possible to follow Rommel's line of thought as he refights these battles. It is not a light read and if you are not interested in military history you probably will not want to put the necessary amount of work into it.

I have no complaints. In response to another review, German troops, specifically those under Rommel's command, are made to look far more competent than most troops of other nationalities Rommel encountered because by all accounts they were. Rommel's men wouldn't have surrendered in the thousands to 3 officers, nor been so lax in sentry and recon duty. When he encounters worthy foes he gives credit where it is due, in one case calling them "men in every way" to paraphrase. But the aggressive fighting spirit and competence of Rommel's men is shown time and time again. Volunteering to run out on a bridge under enemy fire and chop wires leading to bombs with a hand axe (for all that Sergeant knew the wires could have been electric and the bombs could have gone the second he got near one), swim a freezing cold, rapidly moving river alone to infiltrate enemy lines etc, this is what his men would do for him.

The tone is largely a matter of interpretation, I believe that at the time and place the book was written it was not so much braggadocio as it was lack of false modesty, and rightful pride in his and his men's accomplishments. In America many will interpret this as shameless bragging.

I see nothing wrong with the lessons of building fortifications to prevent casualties and conducting constant reconnaissance. However those are not by any means the only lessons in the book. Rommel's use of "supple infantry tactics" against often numerically far superior, and firepower-superior (though as mentioned before inferior in competence, aggression, and bravery) enemies, and his use of diversions, sneak attacks and generally concealed movements are timeless applied lessons of warfare straight out of Sun Tzu's "Art of War".

His use of overwhelming concentrations of pinning fire, combined with the above, helped him limit casualties while flanking the enemy and capturing prisoners in the many thousands in total. He scarcely lost a battle even though he often didn't have the support of artillery during an attack due to materiale shortages. He was a very aggressive commander who always took the initiative when given the chance, something that paid off time and time again. He wasn't incautious, he simply knew an opportunity when he saw one, and was bold enough to exploit these situations.

The principal players of the Second World War paid their dues in the First, and Erwin Rommel was no exception. The man who would later become "the Desert Fox" and win worldwide acclaim as one of the greatest generals of all time began his combat career as a young lieutenant in the army of Wilhelm II, indistinguishable from thousands of others who crossed the French or Belgian frontier in 1914. Four years later he was one of the most decorated soldiers in the Imperial Army, holder of the "Pour le Merite" (the highest Prussian award for bravery) and a firm believer that "positional [i.e. trench] warfare" was for fools. His credo could be summed up in the old Prussian maxim: "Never ask how strong the enemy is, only where he is -- and march to the sound of guns."

Rommel published ATTACKS in 1937, when he was a lieutenant-colonel in the Reichsheer and commandant of the military academy in Weiner Neustadt. At the time he was already famous in the German army for his 1914 - 1918 exploits, but ATTACKS brought him international acclaim, at least in military circles. In Germany the book made him quite wealthy, and in a sense one can see why: compared to the turgid, half-mystical reminiscences of some of his contemporaries, ATTACKS is entirely without introspection. It is simply a recounting of the innumerable small-unit actions in which Rommel participated in during the Great War. The book's methodical, matter-of-fact style reflects the personality of its author, who was not inclined to philosophizing. The "whys" and "wherefores" of war mattered to him not at all. Unlike Ernst Juenger, who also won the Pour le Merite and wrote postwar accounts of his exploits (THE STORM OF STEEL, COPSE 125, WAR AS AN INWARD EXPERIENCE) Rommel wasn't interested in the "inward experience", just the fighting. He was a soldier's soldier.

During the War, Rommel served extensively in France, Rumania and Italy, and ATTACKS recounts in great detail his many offensive exploits, where he distinguished himself not merely with his aggressive style but by his habit (repeated in World War II) of leading from the front. Utterly fearless, possessing unlimited physical stamina and seemingly immune to pain (his gunshot wounds are described merely as events, like losing the sole of a shoe; the only thing that seems to have caused him real discomfort in the whole war was getting a foot smashed by a boulder in the mountains) Rommel was the ideal junior officer under any conditions, and was rightly worshipped by his men - another trait he enjoyed in the '39 - 45 war. He was further distinguished by his nobility and chivalry, qualities which are more responsible than his military genius for making him beloved among his former enemies. Today, Rommel is the only one of the myriad generals who achieved fame in Nazi Germany who is officially honored by the present day German government.

The strength of ATTACKS lies not merely in the nature of what is being described (battle and more battle) but in the fact that Rommel has no artistic pretentions: he simply records what happened without sentimentalizing or succumbing to the Germanic curse of using 1,000 words when two hundred would suffice. This, however, is also the book's great weakness: all these skirmishes, raids, marches, countermarches, midnight conferences, attacks, retirements, hand-grenade fights, machine-gun duels, artillery bombardments, and climbs up mountain slopes in the rain, snow and blazing sun begin to wear down the reader over time. If it is possible for combat to be monotonous, Rommel occasionally manages to make it so, if only by the staggering amount of it he actually experienced. If Juenger was often turgid and romantic, he was also willing to discuss the lighter side of war - the pranks, the drinking, the philosophical bull-sessions and the endless war against rats, boredom and Prussian discipline. Such humanistic moments would have been welcome in ATTACKS, but Rommel was not inclined to dwell on them. (The closest thing he displays to a sense of humor is contemptuous jokes at the expense of the French and the Italians, neither of whom seem to have impressed him with their soldierly ability.)

So, if you are looking for a pure combat memior, penned by one of the greatest soldiers ever, ATTACKS is the very definition of the bill. But if you want a look "under the helmet" into the mind and soul of a great fighting man, I would suggest supplementing ATTACKS with Juenger's more layered STORM OF STEEL. After all, nothing is more Prussian than obtaining a "total view" of a military situation!

I have read a lot of self help books over the years (I'm over 50) and this is the best one to come out in a long time. If you are at all unhappy with any aspect of your life or ready to make change for whatever reason, this book is a "must read". =)

As I read the case studies in this book, I recognized many of my peers who are in need of the resources that the author provides for developing a renewed personal passion for life. Anyone trying to energize the search for personal direction for the next life stage will appreciate the specific suggestions and examples. I have read this book twice already. Another book that I recommend is" The Five People You Meet in Heaven", and "He Never Called Again."

Her book is magic! Best of all, she is an author who genuinely cares about her readers! An amazingly kind and knowledgable person. Do yourself (and Suzanne)a favor and buy this book. You will absolutlely love it. I am a real fan of hers: you will be also if you read her books.

A dear friend of mine gave me this book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Dr. Zoglio does an excellent job of describing the keys to happiness. Long ago, I independently arrived at many of the same conclusions about happiness, but I have never been able to articulate them as clearly and simply as Dr. Zoglio does in her book. While reading it, I found myself underlining text and writing notes on almost every page. I have subsequently bought my friend her own copy and also bought copies for my two grown-up children with the hope that the book will "tickle" them, too.

I was a little disappointed in this book. I had expected something original and different. It seemed to be a summary of books I had already read. The ideas were good and there was nothing wrong with the book but it was nothing new. I really didn't find one idea that wasn't similar to something I had heard or read before.

Well bound leather book with quality feeling pages makes this an easy book to pick up and use. I would recommend this small daily devotional to everyone. Easy to use, carry with you and to read.

I ordered Daily Light from Amazon and was thrilled to get the 5 copies I orders, especially since the book has gone out of print. I received excellent service.

Daily Light is a book that I have read for over thirty years. There is a daily reading, morning and evening, of various scriptures that are all on the same theme. It was compiled by the Bagster family of London, England. There were twelve children and it was Jonathan, their tenth child, who was mainfily responsible for the idea and for the method by which Daily Light was compiled. The family prayed over, discussed and agreed on each scripture and sometimes it was weeks before it was felt that they came to an agreement. Not one word has been altered from its conception (1794). Hundreds and thousands of Christians have read the same page with its message of comfort and help through the years since it was first published. It brings hope and encouragement each morning and evening to anyone who takes the few minutes to read it and let it sink in. "Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (Psalm 119:105)

Daily Light is a compot of Scriptures arranged around daily topics. It has been a favorite for generations but in 1998 Anne Graham Lotz revived it, published it in the New King James translation and offered it in a leather bound edition. Though very popular it is unfortunately no longer available. Our hope is that J. Countryman will republish it soon.

This book is a treasure of God's Word. Our family of 6 each have their own copy and we give it as gifts to those who are seeking the Lord.

Good book till halfway through, then the author loses her vehicle, as it were--"Driving With the Dead" jettisons its macabre hook and becomes one more descriptive self-help tome, and that's a shame; the author should have been able to thread her metaphor all the way through--her talent suggests that this book could have used an aggressive editor. Also, I'm forever wary of books with a "Note to Reader" which announces some individuals--and thus some occurrences--are composites. For example, Holloway's pregnancy at the hands of the guy who claims sterility: not saying this isn't exactly how it was, but it's such a cliche as to be transparent, leaving the reader wondering if this is one of those composite characters/occurrences. Memoirs thrive on versimilitude; one false note and much can collapse. It does here. And what profits an author to note that "All incidents are portrayed to the best of my recollection"? Why does Holloway have to say that? Because, in doing so, she loses the reader's confidence in the whole sordid tale before he or she even starts the read.

It IS commendable, IF she's remembering correctly, and IF the characters are true--and not just objective correlatives, that the siblings represented here did not form a pact and murder the most horrid-sounding parents in recent non-fiction (?) memory.

that the support system you expected from your family is simply not there:

"Knowing there is no cavalry is much better than hoping for a cavalry that never comes. I am strong because I have to be. I am the cavalry."

This memoir of family dysfunction admirably traverses the path that brings the author to write those words.

I loved this book. It is such an incredible story written so incredibly well. It completely blew me away. Amazing. I'd recommend it to anyone.

I just finished this book, less than 24 hours after its arrival in my mailbox. The author has a refreshing sense of humor relating to topics such as death, embalming, and driving a hearse as a sixteen-year-old girl. I laughed out loud many times, and had to pick up the book again after my children left for school. As a mother, the lack of parenting in this book is apalling, but also a lesson in how much of a responsibility we as parents have to protect our children from harm not only outside of our nhome, but within it. I applaud the courage of the author to search her soul for unthinkable ugliness and gain strength from the family she made her own, those that truly cared for her. I highly recommend this book, in spite of its less-than-rosy reality.

I like some others, purchased this book thinking it would be a lighthearted read and it is; just about a heavy subject. I absolutely loved the book. It was expertly written, sad, funny, and moving. Everything you would want a book to be. Above all odds, Monica rose above the chaos. I just wish her dad and mom could get what they deserve; a long stay in a nasty jail cell. Bravo Monica.

I have been a fan of Louise Hay for years, but recently determined to make a concerted effort to direct my life in ways that would benefit me. I ordered Hay's new DVD "You can heal your life" and was so moved by it and the accompanying DVD with full length interviews (I bought the expanded version), that I searched for more Hay material. I purchased I Can Do It and not only read it and underlined parts, but I have created cards with affirmations on them to carry in my pocket each day. I listened to the CD that comes with the book for several weeks and have so incorporated the material into my thinking that I'm much more aware of the negative thoughts I'm hearing from others and thinking myself. I immediately change my thought to a more positive one. I have given a copy of the book I Can Do It to both of my grown daughters and one of them has just told me how much she loves it, though I haven't heard from the other one yet. This is a total bargain. Buy it. It will change your life for the better.

I love Louise L. Hay and this book and cd it just great. It would make a great gift for someone who is going through some tough times in their life and they need a little life. The positive messages on the CD are wonderful to fall asleep to.

Great CD, Thank you for sending it so promptly.
Sincerely

Lynn

An excellent companion book to Ms. Louise L. Hay's book, "You Can Heal Your Life." Nicely illustrated. It's a relatively short read, overall, with dozens of affirmations included that should be slowly absorbed and included in daily meditations to manifest positive changes in key areas of one's life.

Okay, I admit it. I wish my mother had Louise Hay's voice. I probably would have grown up to be a normal person. It's the CD that comes with this little book that gets my 5 star rating. Yes, the CD is essentially what's written in the book. But when you hear Louise read it, everything makes sense. And it does. If you put out positive, loving thoughts, you'll get positive, loving thoughts back. Simple, right? Except when I say it, you probably smirk, or roll your eyes. But listen to Louise just once, and you'll actaully entertain the idea that you can change your world just by changing your thoughts. I advocate buying this book so you can listen to the CD on your computer, in your car, at the office. Your cynicism will abate (or at least lessen) and you might just believe all things are possible. Really.

This is an awesome book. It is filled with down to earth talking mixed with bibicial scriptures to back it up. She breaks down the bible in a way that I have never thought of.

I just started a book club and this was our first read. What a start. This book really made me look at my singlehood and embrace it until God is ready to bring that help mate into your life. I recommend it for ever near or at that 30-something, single stage of their lives.

This book is a definite must for all females young and old. I was truly touched and changed in all sorts of ways. A patient of mine gave me this book to read and I bought another one and gave it to a woman that considered herself my enemy because I have the man she wanted. I love how she takes us through the scripture and shows us how God wants to mold and shape us as the unique and beautiful queens that we are. One thing that stuck out to me "There is no dating in the bible" Brings you back to the scripture: Train up a child in the way that he/she should go" most of us can't get a mate because we don't have the knowledge of what relationship is about other than being apart of your own immediate family. You got to bring some to get some.

Thank you Michelle for your guide to godliness.

I am a 24 year old single woman and I am just beginning to feel the woes of singleness. Unfortunately, it's not always easy to find someone you can really talk to. Everything I needed was in this book. If you want to be content in singleness, and if you want to be the complete individual that God intends for you to be, get this book. Michelle has great biblical and spiritual insight. She doesn't just talk about her experiences or what she thinks, she comes from the Word and writes according to divine revelation from God.

I had just departed from a 5 yr relationship when I read this.
It set my feet on a higher spiritual plateau. The title of the book was deceiving (as most of her titles) and had me thinking I was on my way to my next relationship. However, it set my sights on not just the right man, but THE MAN, the Lord!
It was refreshing, empowering and encouraging. Despite the fact that Mckinney has never been married do not let that discourage you. She comes from the only knowledge that matters and that is the WORD. Everyone has not been destined to get/be married; also, who else to minister to someone except the one who is in the same season with you...what an encouragement. Its such a catch 22 - to always hear women bemoan their singlehood and not having a mate but they have not excelled in the principle things (that is delighting themselves in the Lord and learning to please Him.)
What an embarrassment to God for women/men to continuously pursue a thing so much that we forget about all He has blessed us with and who He is and the provisions He made and the great love He has for us to send Jesus to die for us.
Its like saying "Lord, you are not enough, you haven't done enough" and throwing a temper tantrum...ok, off my soapbox - sorry.
Back to the book, it helped me to fall more deeply and more intimately in love with the Lord. Another book that helped me with this is McKinney's book - The Secrets of an Irresistible Woman A MUST READ.