General Practice Books

As someone who frequently works with CIOs, I found this book to be excellent. One can read it cover to cover, or easily pick a topic and read the appropriate chapter. Since each chapter is essentially a standalone work produced by a CIO it is easy to flip to a particular issue, and gain insight.

Topics range from some of the more mundane, technical aspects of the CIO position, and further the old "business vs. tech" stereotypes, but other chapters such as "The First 90 Days" and the more strategy-oriented chapters are quite good.

Aside from the relatively minor "'the business' is evil" stuff, the book is marred by poor production. There are several spelling and grammatical errors, and the graphics are inconsistent and some of poor quality. The great content is mildly hindered by what appears to be poor editing and a rush job by the publisher.

Patrick Gray, author of Breakthrough IT: Supercharging Organizational Value Through Technology

I only got to read a few chapters before someone else in the office wanted to read the book. But I can say that the introduction, both generally about the CIO job, and the brief overview of each CIO who contributed, was very good. And the chapters from the different CIOs are valuable for the varied individual perspectives.

If you're not in IT management, probably not a very exciting book. But if you are, it gives you guidance from the varied real experiences of a lot of CIOs--people that you probably wouldn't hear from any other way.

The seventeen articles in this compendium represents contemporary and topical subjects, each written by a seasoned CIO. I was as impressed with the selection of articles as I was with the content because each topic is foremost on the minds of CIOs and senior IT managers today.

Among the articles I especially like are:

- The First 90 Days, by Mark Egan, which contains actionable plans that will get the new CIO (or other senior IT executive) quickly moving in the right direction.

- IT Organization, by Guy de Meester, in particular the challenges of centralization vs. decentraliztion, and organizational models in general. If this area is your focus I highly recommend additional reading: "Decentralization: Fantasies, Failings, and Fundamentals" (ISBN 0964163535) and "RoadMap: How to understand, diagnose, and fix your organization" (ISBN 0964163527), both of which go into great detail and provide an exceptionally effective approach.

- Governance, by Danny Maco, which is conspicuously missing in organizations large and small - or is often done incorrectly if done at all.

- Budgeting, by Bob Denis, Maureen Vavra, John Dick ... you'd think IT has this basic function under control, but sadly not. Read this article for excellent advice.

- The Metrics of IT: Management by Measurement, by Shel Waggener and Steve Zoppi. One of my favorite topics, and this team provides outstanding advice and keen insights.

Other articles are as well written, and span topics from architecture to strategic planning. Taken as a whole, this is a sourcebook that is filled with both knowledge and experience, and should be on the desk of every CIO, seasoned and new. I also recommend visiting the site that supports this book (paste the ASIN number, B0001EHNFK, into the search box for all products on this page). The site contains additional articles, news and other books in this series that CIOs, IT managers at all levels, and subject matter experts will find useful.

Truly, this is 'CIO Wisdom' - set down by CIOs and IT managers who deal day-to-day with information technology in perhaps the most challenging environment - Silicon Valley itself. As a 42-year veteran of the IT industry, I think this is the first time I've seen so much down-to-earth, practical and useful IT guidance in one place. The chapters are clearly and well-written. The authors get right down to the meat of the subject and provide practical suggestions for improving IT delivery.

If the book has a weakness, it is that there is so much specific information here that it will likely take multiple readings to glean all of it.

I think this book should be required reading for all CIOs ... and if you really want to start something, get a copy for everyone on your IT staff!

As a CIO I though CIO Wisdom hits the nail on the head on many of the challenges and issues facing today's CIO's. Sound and practical advice from those actually performing in the job was quite refreshing to the theoretical approach found in many other books on this topic. I only wish that many of my customers (business line leaders and executives) would read this book to better understand the value of IT can bring to our organization.

My only critique is that some of the concepts discussed in the book where not fully flushed out when the author was talking about solutions. Of course there have been entire books written on some of the topics covered in CIO wisdom.

I was particularly impressed by the Communications, Governance, Marketing and the Business Intelligence chapters.

This is simply put an excellent Book. If you are Lutheran thinking about becoming one, or even if you are a Christian, You should really put this book high on you list of books to read. It sums up what Christianity is about and what it is to be a TRUE Lutheran...Not a Liberal Lutheran. If you are Liberal YOU REALLY NEED TO STUDY and learn to follow this book. - Not a slam just a fact!

Absolutely amazing, wonderful book. Concordia is an absolute must read, whether Catholic, Lutheran, or other protestant Christians. Please read and enjoy.

The Concordia book of Concord provides great resource material for working out your faith. It is however, a book for those looking for greater insight into doctrines and passages of scripture, but not a book initially for those unfamiliar with what the Bible says.

Sometimes it is difficult to use this version in a Bible study where other's have previous versions because page numbers do not match up.

It's been said that when the philosophers and scientists climb their mountains of knowledge, they find the theologians at the top waiting for them. If this is true then the reformation period represents the pinnacle of human intellectual endeavor, and this book stands at the top of any collection of reformation writings.

I'm not a theologian, I consider myself more of a historian. I don't read that many books on theology, but this is clearly one of the best. Some of it is over my (and I suspect most laymen's) heads. Yes, it can bog down in theological tedium for the average reader, but purely from an historical perspective, the book is invaluable in putting the events and characters of the 16th Century German Reformation in place.

The book is organized chronologically, starting with the Augsburg Confession. This simple statement of belief is a must read for any Christian, layman or clergy alike and frames the questions raised by the Reformation in easy to understand terms. It then goes into Melanchthon's Apology (defense) of the Augsburg Confession. Here it starts to bog down and is meant more for serious students of Theology.

Fortunately, it moves quickly back into laymen's territory with the Luther's Small and Large Catechisms. With no offense to my beloved Presbyterian brethren, the organization of the Small and Large Catechisms is superior to the Westminster Catechism, if not as broad in scope.

At this point I should mention one of this book's real hidden gems. Being simple minded, I like a book with lots of pictures. Most theology books are lacking in the graphics department. This one, however, is loaded with color plates of important people of the reformation, although it lacks color portraits of the opponents of the reformation. The black and white wood cuts and color allegorical paintings are fantastic, full of hidden symbols and nuances of 16th century life (remember - historian at heart). I spent hours just looking at the pictures, never mind the text.

Finally the book concludes with the Smalcald Articles and the post Martin Luther Formula of Concord written to delineate Lutheran as opposed to the "Phillipists" Lutheran/Calvinistic hybrid.

A big book - not easy reading. I bought it intending to keep it as a reference, not thinking to read it cover to cover as I did. But having done so, I recommend it to any Christian wanting to really think about their faith on a deeper, more intellectual level than is common in the 21st Century.

If you are a Christian and you want to read a book that explains the Holy Scriptures in great detail look no further than Concordia Reader's Edition. In this reader friendly book you have laid out before you a concise understanding of God's Holy Word - The Bible. In Concordia you will read about the Law and Gospel language that God uses in His Word to convey both the sinfulness of man and his salvation through the Messiah - Jesus Christ. But unlike many theological books, this one brings our heavenly Father's message of sin and salvation to light in layman's terms. In other words, you don't have to be a pastor to understand it. In fact, I have been giving this book to my God-children at their confirmation.

So if you are looking for a good book that explains the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, truly the Christian faith, in terms that are easily understood, look no further than Concordia Reader's Edition.

Rev. Raymond A. Smith
"Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world."
John 1:29

This is a deep, thought-provoking book that is without a doubt evolutionary. Exploring the Seven Sacred Paths of Human Spiritual Development, Jamie Sams has presented a pattern for spiritual progress that can not be absorbed in one sitting, or even in one reading. I know I am going to have to read it again. A lot of it was over my head, and yet, without being academic. I could easily identify where I am spiritually today, and have some idea where I need to go next...still I know it is a spiral, and anything is possible. This book is an essential guidebook along the way that I think I'll be hanging on to. If you are looking for spiritual nourishment that doesn't turn into fluff, this book is for you.

I believe this statement reflects Jamie's chief goal for this book: this statement is listed in the authors note, preceeding the text. I don't think it is possible to draw a universal map of consciousness applicable to all humans. The chief reason being is that some folks never get past the 1st commandment let alone rise to metaphysical heights described in the text. Further, unless the reader has more than a beginners background in the metaphysical - or enjoys flipping back and forth between the text and the glossary - the reading can be difficult.

I gave this book five stars for what it DOES do, and that is a whole lot more than 99% of the metaphysical works I have read:

It paints a picture of the onesness of all existence, even though most of existence sees itself as seperate from everything else;

It bashes the notion that only enlighted earthly masters can achieve spirituality;

It clearly describes the downfalls of anyone being overimpressed with their spiritual progress;

It provides healers with a strong dose of reality: not to forget that therapy patients come to you because they are sick...there is pressure in them staying sick so you can make money;

It confronts head on the notion that a healer can see oodles of people on end: a handful may be too many;

It rightfully makes warriors out of beings immersed in the waters of daily life and it's endless tortures and misfortunes;

It superbly raises these tribulations to the status of lessons, encouraging hope and joy in the struggle;

It clearly points out that transformation is not a linear process;

It describes this circular process as seven different paths: this description allows readers to compare, contrast, and analyze later;

It describes the first hand accounts of Jamie in her path of transformation;

Read the book for yourself: you can't put it down.

This book is easy to read, with sensible suggestions that can be incorporated into your life with relative ease.

Jamie Sams once again takes us on a journey through the layers of our spirit by bringing a complete understanding to the path we walk.

Sams book certainly provides the reader with much material to ponder. It's definitely not the type of book to be read in one sitting and it's not a real "page turner". Instead, the truths Ms. Sams explores are best digested slowly. Perhaps this is most appropriate since she is describing a spiritual journey that lasts a lifetime and more. The diagrams are helpful.

JOYce Meyer is keen on spreading the news that God wants you to ENJOY your life, whether you're in the middle of great delight or great distress. Pulling from Biblical truth, she proves her point in her easy- to-read way of teaching. In recent weeks, I have read many of her books, and many times the informations overlaps but that's ok because, oftentimes, one has to hear/read the info over and over for it to sink in. I suffer from anxiety, depression and "grumbliness" (complaining) and she explains that joy (spiritual happiness in knowing we are saved even though we don't deserve it) can be had no matter the circumstances, whether we're in a state of bliss or battle. The first is easy, the second (when in a trial) we have to realize that, for the believer, the trial is for a purpose and for our good (see Romans), and that "it, too, will pass". Enjoying life is a choice, but it (joy) is also a spiritual gift from God to those that obey and trust (have confidence in and depend on Him). Choose joy! Choose life! Choose to read this book, to enlighten you and to help you choose to enjoy your life! The title says it all.

Shopping on Amazon was quick and easy. Items were in stock & shipped in time for Christmas without any extra shipping charges. Amazon is the first place I search when shopping online.
Any material by Joyce Meyer is wonderfully uplifting!

Joyce teaches us to laugh at ourselves; she teaches us that it's ok to make mistakes as long as we recognize them and use them to mature our spiritual walk. I love preachers that come down to our level, instead of painting a "higher-than-thou" mentality with impossible standards for us to live up to. My dad once told me that a baby chick starts out with no muscle tone in it's neck. If someone simply cut the egg shell away from the chick and didn't allow it to peck it's way out, it would die. It is in the labor of breaking out of it's shell, that it finds strength.

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

Good advice, given like a friend talking frankly with you. Joyce states it like it is, no pie in the sky perfectionism, no Christianeeze cliches.
She is right on the mark with the advice, references and interpretations. Uses personal experiences to illustrate situations. Helpful book.

I read the reviews here and decided to get the book from the library. Well I have finished this book and I must say that the author has met me at the very place I am in my life right now. Chapter ll Joy in God's Waiting Room continues to speak to my spirit. Joyce Meyer speaks on so many areas and each one has touched me and showed me things that I did not realize. I thought that Joy was something that came over you or as a result of circumstances but it is not. Joy is a choice and something that God has instilled in each one of us. J.Meyer gives examples of this and she backs up what she says in scripture. If you find that your patience is being challenged (God does this from time to time when He is preparing us for the next level (James 1:2-8) If your attitude is not Godly in your waiting and you feel that your joy is just not there...then you need to do as I did...YOU NEED TO OWN THIS BOOK! Just as God has blessed me to become a licensed RN I know and needed to be reminded that as I am waiting and believing God to open doors for me I have the victory because I am a child of God. I am going to re-read this book and now I can highlight and refer back to this book for continual growth in the area of patience and truly trusting God and knowing that He has everything under control. God Bless You!!!

I've been practicing as a lawyer, in big and boutique law firms, for about 6 years now, and LawyerLife has been a huge help for me in making one critical move from a prestigious, miserable and horrible firm to a happier one.

This book seemed simple to me when I bought it. Sure, everything sounds good and sensible here etc. But - it was when I had seen more and learned more that I realized how valuable this book is in beating you over the head with common sense. In certain law firms it IS the norm to work nonstop, drink too much, maybe try drugs, maybe neglect your health and family, start to treat others with contempt and bend the rules. Then the norm becomes "normal" - hey, everyone else does it.

That said, there is no rule that a career in law has to be miserable or wreck your or other's lives. We all have free will. Maybe we have to make changes, or take a little less comp, in order to be happy - but in a twisted "norm" setting we can forget that, or start to think that wanting health, balance and happiness is a sign of weakness (and big firm billing machine lawyers sure do love to rip on the "weak" who don't make as much or work as much "because they can't cut it").

This is a great sanity check and sanity reminder. Every younger lawyer should have a copy and read and re-read (or skim) it often. It could save your life, or at least keep you from drinking yourself to death or jumping to your death (it has happened) when it seems like a rotten life comes bundled with the JD.

In LawyerLife, Judge Carl Horn III combines a thorough review of the literature on finding meaning in the practice of law with his own very thoughtful insights. He describes the causes of the public's dissatisfaction with lawyers and with lawyers' discontents about their own lives and profession. Judge Horn then proceeds to offer constructive solutions for individual lawyers and for the profession generally. The "twelve-step program" for fulfillment in the practice of law is must reading for anyone who either practices law or hopes to do so someday. Legal educators and bar leaders will also benefit greatly from reading and implementing his suggestions. For anyone interested in the problems of the legal profession and those who work within it, and who have time only to read one book on how to improve the profession and the lives of lawyers, this is the book to read.

In LawyerLife: Finding a Life and a Higher Calling in the Practice of Law, Carl Horn III provides great insight and practical advice for those of us looking to optimize our life in the legal profession. Horn, a federal judge in North Carolina, recognizes that the law is a profession with a proud past that is now at a crossroads. As public opinion of lawyers continues to sour and scorch-the-earth tactics, incivility and burnout become standard fare for practitioners, we find ourselves a profession in crisis. But, as Judge Horn aptly chronicles, more and more lawyers are waking up to, and striving to redress, the problems that have changed our daily work from a calling to a far less rewarding and more stressful business. What distinguishes LawyerLife from similar commentaries on lawyer dissatisfaction is its hopefulness. While Judge Horn accurately highlights the difficulties plaguing the legal profession, he devotes even more of the book to helping us answer a key question: "how do we `pursue excellence' not only in what we do professionally, but also in a larger context of who we are as family, as friends, and as citizens?" In my work as an attorney and through my blog, LegalSanity, I help individuals achieve success and satisfaction and thwart career burnout by building key skills in communication and negotiation, the attorney-client relationship and career success and fulfillment. It was through this work that I first got to know Judge Horn (who features me in Lawyerlife as part of the "growing cadre of lawyers who have found professional satisfaction and balance"). Having dialogued with numerous disenchanted lawyers, law students and educators across the country, I know that they're very hungry for guidance on reclaiming the joy and meaning in the everyday practice of law. LawyerLife provides just the kind of thoughtful, honest and sensible direction that they need and deserve.

Ok,this book it's nothing special.We all know that every good paid job is related to stress and so is the lawyers life. We all know that we will burn out if we work 12 hours per day, not taking care of our personal life, family, hobbies etc. This book I would recommend to high school students before he/she enters into a real hard working life to be prepared and take into account what they should have in mind in order to keep balance and satisfaction in life.

I highly recommend this book. It is an interesting compilation of studies about trends in the legal profession and suggestions on avoiding personal and professional pitfalls. No other book has provoked as much discussion among lawyers I know.

Relatively short and easy to read, LawyerLife tells us things we probably already know. But reflecting on its prescriptions may cause us to alter the path we're about to take or change the path we're on. This makes it invaluable.

Robert P. Johnston
Senior Resident Superior Court Judge
26th Judicial District
Charlotte, North Carolina

A friend loaned her copy to me thinking I would enjoy it. I Enjoyed it so much that I bought my own plus 2 copies for family and friends. It is thought provoking, inspirational and comforting to read the Angel's messages and Doreen's comments. Anyone who is interested in confirming that Angels exist and are constantly with us will benefit from this book.

Love it! I thought it was so good, that I have given it as a gift.

Reading "Messages from Your Angels" is like getting a big hug from someone you love! It made me more keenly aware of my surroundings, i.e., music playing on the radio, the scent of someone's perfume, wind chimes "singing" in a soft breeze. It made me feel in touch with those who have passed on and helped me feel more at peace living in their absence. Pork Chops and Applesauce: A Collection of Recipes and Reflections

I bought this book in Audiobook Format. I listen to it frequently and have truly gotten answers I have searched for regarding Angels and their help. I have also purchased it for gifts for friends. It's a truly awesome book.

I love these oracle cards...I always knew the angels were around...I just found out all you have to do is ask them for help and they will be there in a mila-second.....I cannot reccommend this enough...You will not be sorry you got these...I love angels..and they love us in return...

The book really speaks to the most urgent problem in todsy's workplace in my view: lack of trust. As we are all asked to do more with less (time, people and money), it is more important than ever to establish and sustain trust in the workplace. The techniques and skills set forth in the book are applicable to every walk of life. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to improve their relationships with others, as well as with themselves.

Hi - this book has helped me explain to my employees and colleagues the importance of trust in the work place and how we can enhance it.

We've probably all experienced that really bad job that drained every bit of creativity, energy, and enthusiasm we had. Perhaps you had that overbearing boss who had unrealistic expectations or that supervisor who wouldn't just trust you do your work. Maybe you worked in a place where suggestions or attempts to solve problems were quickly quashed or met with anger.

Trust and Betrayal in the Workplace unequivocally illustrates that such situations not only make the job a hassle but also inhibit the potential productivity of all employees. Basically, as the employee realizes that he or she (or others around them) is being devalued, he or she becomes less committed to doing the best job possible.

Dealing with the resulting morale issue is extremely challenging. Even if the actual problem is addressed, often lost trust is difficult to repair. For instance, if the company attempts to encourage employees to report potential problems, few will likely come forward because they can't possibly believe that they won't get yelled at or have their issues ignored once again. Trust and Betrayal in the Workplace explains that this situation need not be futile. There are ways to rebuild trust and address past issues to create a stronger, more productive business.

This is an excellent work that cuts through the typical babble that fills many pages of others books on the subject of trust. The content is exceeding meaty. The organization of the material is first-rate. One of the very best books on the subject. Highly recommended!

The Reina's develop understandable definitions and offer a well researched and thought out framework for both the development and practice of trust. They also offer practical and accessible vignettes and case studies illustrating the 'trust behaviors' that are so crucial to effective organizations and relationships.

Probably the most powerful part of the book is the section on Betrayal. Betrayal is a huge factor in our lives and we rarely talk about it. This book offers a language, method, and solution for both talking about betrayal and beginning the process of healing from it.

This is an important book for people interested in getting to the root of systemic problems in institutions, families, and relationships.

I highly recommend it!

This book should be required reading for all nursing students and nurses who think they have it bad. The nurses of WWII did so much with so little for so many and they are an inspiration to all of us in the nursing profession. They showed compassion, bravery, ingenuity, and loyalty to their patients, co-workers, and even German POWs. The many details about battles, troop movements, weather, and terrain only make them more wonderful in my eyes!

Mankind has insufficient understanding of what womankind has brought to the table.

Unfortunately, American culture has too often not given women the credit and reward they deserve. Monahan and Neidel-Greenlee have created an expansive chronicle of nurse (primarily women) contributions throughout the WW II fields of combat. While I do have some criticisms of the writing style and the authors' focus priorities and interpretations, my critiques are immaterial compared to the importance of more people understanding the outlines and frameworks of the massive, intelligent, and sacrificial efforts these women freely gave.

And If I Perish: Frontline U.S. Army Nurses in World War II Wow! This is, hands down, one of the best books I have read about World War II. Not only did it give the true story of the nurses on the front lines, but wove the chronology of the war, starting in North Africa, up to the end of the war. You don't have to be a nurse to be fascinated by this outstanding history of the the war.

"And If I Perish" is a wonderful book! I was enthralled by the courage of these unsung heroines and had to put the book down several times when my eyes misted over & my throat became choked up.

I was surprised to read that Army Nurses jumped in the water & went ashore alongside the troops during the North Africa landings. They were under fire & died at Anzio as the field hospital was within range of German guns. Clearly-marked hospital ships were bombed in the Mediterranean and nurses survived, not one, but two such sinkings. I was shocked that the story of these front-line nurses was suppressed for so long because the government feared a "backlash" from the public.

For too long the sacrifices of this generation of brave women have been unpublished. Of the dozens of books I have read on World War II, there has been hardly a mention of the role women played except on the home front.

This book should be placed in every school library -- not only to keep the memory of the actions of these Army Nurses alive, but to provide role models for the future.

Attention! women directors & producers: There needs to be a movie about these nurses.

My mother was a nurse in the 95th Evacuation Hospital, one of the units featured in this book. Though she was not interviewed, she's the nurse on the left in the photo of two nurses and a doctor in the OR. They're wearing scrubs and she's got a mask on, but it's her! I thought I knew all of her stories inside and out, but reading this book I realized how humble she was in the telling. When I read about the hospital ship being bombed and the constant shelling at Anzio, the fact that she survived amazed me. I cried when I read about the 95th's tour of duty at Dachau Concentration Camp because I couldn't -- and still can't imagine -- what it must have been like. In recent years, the focus on WWII nurses' experiences has sharpened. My mother has been interviewed for newspaper articles and the archives in D.C. I don't think women have been given nearly enough credit for service in our nations' wars, but it's about time. This book could have been called Band of Sisters. To this day, my mother is uncomfortable with the label "hero," but she's mine. To "Smitty," "VJ," "Slem," and "Wells," I salute you.

This book helped me understand that I needed to make new room for play in creative life. Some writers seem to be born with playfulness built in, and it helps them hugely. My most successful writing has always come out of short playful moments, which is what got me going as a writer of children's books early in my working life, and what draws me back to it in the last few years. In the meanwhile it's taken me embarrassingly long to grok that the best "serious," "adult" fiction often comes from deep playfulness, improvising wildly, and frankly, just making stuff up! That's not all there is to creative writing, but there's nothing without it, seems to me. The chapter in Free Play about Limits is especially useful. It's about how boundaries generate and enrich creative work. Every great game draws its power and excitement from that basic paradox. Nachmanovitch discusses these kinds of things mainly from an improvisational musician's point of view, but it turns out to be the most useful book I've found on the real creative stages of writing--and given me more of them than I used to have! Nutty to Meet You! Dr. Peanut Book #1

I am a musician,and improvisation used to be a mystery. I wanted to do it and was amazed with what other musicians could do but didn't know where to start. It is no longer a mystery to me, and I know of many musicians who would like to discover the joy of "Free Play". This book explains exactly how we are already improvising in our everyday life,and if we examine how we do it, then we will be able to apply the principle to music. Great explanations !!

I found myself saying YESYES!!!! many times in reading this book. I would highly recommend anyone involved in the act of creating, where it be music, acting, painting,cooking, writing,etc to buy this gem of a book. The writer obviously has walked in the shoes he speaks of. It is a great support for those times you are feeling blocked or like you want to forget even trying to create anymore.

THis publication is a descriptive diatribe on the "cosmic" nature of improvisation. It is not a manual that "teaches", but rather a collection of bits & pieces of information that are collaged together. There are good points in the book and it is extremely well written by a PHD holder who obviously is an expert in the field.

I was hoping the book would be more of a manual of "how to" but it was still very useful as a "mind opener"

Nachmanovitch writes from the perspective of a professional musician, yet makes it easily possible to transfer his ideas to any realm. Nachmanovitch's ideas are consistent with the thinkers today who believe we are in the Creativity Age, and that all people are creative.

The story of the flute player is skillfully woven throughout the book, and its meaning is clear and timeless.

This is one of the most simple, clear, concise and understandable commentaries on this very important buddhist sutra. I have read several throughout the years, and consider this one of the most important books in my library. Highly recommended!

When I first read the heart sutra I didn't understand. After reading and studying with TNH's commentary, it is alive.

We chant the Heart Sutra several times a day at our center. I never really understood the complete thing. Initially I read a book by Red Pine and that was an amazing in-depth discussion of the minutia of the sutra. However, my thick skull could not wrap itself around Red Pine's discussion.

Venerable Thich Nhat Hahn presents the material in common-sense beautifully simple writing. If you are at all wondering about the emptiness of form please check out this wonderful book.
Gate Gate Paragate Parasamgate Bhodisavha!

This is THE book that made me call myself a Buddhist with confidence.

I'm a Japanese who was born to a Zen Buddhist family.
Although I naturally memorised the Heart Sutra growing up listening to it being recited by monks often, I'd never really understood what it meant.

I've read several commentaries on this sutra (by Japanese monks and nuns)but none of them helped me. Some didn't make sense, others left me pessimistic. Let alone allowing me to adapt the teaching to my real life.

Now, with this Thich Nhat Hanh's little book, I finally got the "A-ha!" moment.
The Prajnaparamita Heart Sutra is not an enigma any more to me because this fantastic teacher explained it in the warmest way possible.
I will recommend this book to anyone who has been questioning the significance of this sutra (or even Buddhism generally).

One more thing...
Thich Nhat Hanh's approach towards Buddhism wouldn't give any atheist a yuk. It's got nothing to do with supernatural power or anything, like some denominations' do.

This 54-page book is compiled from a series of talks that Thich Nhat Hanh presented to large groups of Americans at retreats and lectures in the United States. A master and enlightened communicator the author explains the aphorisms of the famous ancient Buddhist teacher, Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara and his five elements that comprise a human being--form, feelings, perceptions, mental formations, and consciousness.

Thich simplifies would-be difficult topics in a flowing easy to follow manner. He takes the time to translate and define foreign terms and provides vivid examples to help the reader visualize concepts. He skillfully shows how all things, life, and thought are part and parcel to one another.

While this book was short, it was well-worth the price. It's not often that a truly enlightened person has the ability to transcend culture and relay the essence of such great works in such a succinct and enjoyable manner.

I recommend this book to all people who want to better understand themselves and their relationship to their environment, life and death. For an equally enlightening book by this author, I recommend Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life.

Buy this book now. You will not be sorry.