General Practice Books

I read "I Dared to Call Him Father" first in 1980, and was thrilled at the recounting of Madame Sheikh's unique encounter with God. Then in 1981 I had the great honor of escorting her to a speaking engagement in Virginia. Enroute she reached for my hand. Her hand was like a warm cloud. "You are troubled about the whereabouts of your son." I was stunned. I had not mentioned a word about him. Our son had been killed in an accident a year earlier and had been in a teenage rebellious stage so we weren't sure about his relationship with the Lord. "You need not worry. Jesus has asked me to tell you that your son is with Him." I wept for joy. She is for real!

I sat down I read 75% of the book without putting it down. Excellent bio, well written, there is a lot to learn about walking and developing your relationship with God. The way she shares her struggles, doubts and growing dependence on God is wonderful. I only wish I could learn more about her life after the epilouge.

Bilquis Sheikh describes her journey, beginning with her initial interest in spirituality. She tells of her search for the truth, studying her Koran and the Bible she had requested, and struggling to know which book was God's. She humbled herself to visit a missionary to ask questions. She knew how to pray; prayer had been a ritual performed five times a day. However, she was startled by the new thought of praying to God as a father. In which of the two holy books was God a father? She decided to accept the Bible. She studied it, and began to spend time with the missionaries. She listened to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and became convicted about so many things: baptism, her temper, her responses to other people. Christ gave her the strength to defy her family when they insisted she have nothing to do with Christians, as well as the courage to live calmly when her life was threatened. It was such a hard decision, even after she knew in her heart that she believed, and had become a Christian. Her family was close, and she enjoyed so many tender relationships cut off by her choice to follow Jesus. Her family, who had shared such love with her, even tried to kill her for rejecting Islam.

In this book, she chronicles this process. It is precious to see the Lord at work in hard places, like South Asia. We see that He is not limited, only we are. She also gives us insights into her own culture, and values of family and community which are remote from the individualism of the West. It is enlightening to glimpse into a Muslim family, and how she continued to live among her relatives after her conversion. Most of all, it is encouraging to read of another sister's journey to live before God in communion with Him as He has called us all to do. It brings reflection on our own lives, and the depth and closeness of our own relationship with our heavenly Father.

Written in an easy manner, this book can be read in an afternoon. Bilquis was open and honest about matters of the heart, and I did not find her to by dry at all. Who should read it? Those interested in this kind of conversion and culture, those wanting to know how God can be a Father, and Christians who want to understand this sister and those like her, and Christians who want to deepen their own relationship with our heavenly Father.

As a self-professed non-reader, I stayed up to 3AM just so I could finish the book! How amazing God is! It is a story of a woman - a Muslim by birth, with connection to high ranking Afghanistan officials and of upper class family connections - who one day came upon Jesus Christ in a dream which began her lifelong journey to seek the true God. Bilquis Sheikh risked everything - even her life and her love for her grandson Mahmud - to follow Christ. What was so hard to put down were the words that intricately described her emotional connection to God - something which practing Muslim must deny - and to have a personal relationship with Him. Her knowledge of the Quran and the Bible gave her an immeasurable platform which God used her even in the midst of death threats and personal sanctification. To be set apart for Christ was what she desired! I read the updated version of this book which gave some historical context to her life after she came to United States and the tragic murder of her beloved grandson Mahmud, who was defending a person from an "honor killing" (a practice where Muslims kill a family member because they became 'traitors' to the Islamic faith). The book is truly God-inspired, words in which gave me an encouraging view of my faith in Christ and how NOTHING is for my own and glory but that ALL THINGS ARE FOR CHRIST'S GLORY. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me..." Philippians 4:13

It never ceases to amaze me how awesome God is and how mysteriously He works in the lives of people throughout the world. A woman like Bilquis Sheikh coming to Christ shows His absolute power in working in the lives of those who genuinely seek Him. I was given this book by a lady who was born a Muslim and lives in a Muslim land. It highly impacted her life for the good. Also, having known a number of Muslims who have converted to Christianity, I have seen the sad reality of how a Muslim family can totally reject and mistreat one of their own who converts. For a Muslim to follow Christ, much sacrifice takes place. The account of Bilquis Sheikh proves that this sacrifice is worth making. As you read this account of what happened in the life of one lady who "dared to call God Father," you will be swept up in the excitement and emotions of God's wonderful work. It is a book that Muslims and Christians alike should read and enjoy.

First saw this Prayer Book at an Anglican church in Taupo while on vacation. Especially like the format and the multitude of voices, the Daily Devotions, and the clean, twenty-first century English.

great liturgy, eloquent wording, a must for all who worships in the anglican tradition, this is highly recommended by priests in the episcopal church, a change from the book of common prayer, this is rich with beautifully bound prayers.

The 1989 English translation of the canticles and psalms in the New Zealand Prayer Book are a work, of which Archbishop Cranmer would be proud. I've seen and used the NZPB canticles printed in other, unofficial prayer books. The settings for Morning and Evening Worship, (to be used mainly by small groups and individuals), are organized by day and time. In addition, these "abbreviated" services mark a return to the cathedral office, which was superceded by the monastic office about 1500 years ago. The New Zealand Prayer Book includes several settings for Eucharist, (Holy Communion), as well as a treasury of traditional and contemporary prayers. One caveat; if you prefer traditional English, the 1662 English Prayer Book, or the current American Prayer Book, ( Rite 1), this Prayer Book will most probably not interest you.

I purchased this book as a gift for my husband, who was impressed by its contemporary version of The Lord's Prayer. Once we received it, however, we found has much more value than just one expression.

While we don't speak the Maori language, we're delighted that the New Zealand Prayer Book, for the Anglican Church in New Zealand, includes translations of many worship resources in Maori. It's also instructive to read such things as the list of saints whose lives are observed in the church calendar. And the black-and-white ink drawings that illustrate the sections are evocative and intriguing.

What we find most important, however, is the beauty of the language. It took nearly 25 years of consultation to produce this prayer book, and in our reading it was worth every minute. Rarely do we find humanity's spiritual longings, along with its praise to God, so masterfully composed. It's a delight simply to read the prayer book, and even more to use its resources in one's spiritual observance. We highly recommend it.

The language is fresh and really makes the Book of Common Prayer come alive. Even though it is written for the New Zealand Church and I am American, I find it very useful with extremely beautiful wording. I love how the words, "Eternal Spirit, Living God" is used. In the evening prayers, one of the prayers is:

Eternal Spirit, living God,
in whom we live and move and have our being,
all that we are, have been, and shall be is known to you,
to the very secret of our hearts
and all that rises to trouble us.
Living flame, burn into us,
Cleansing wind, blow through us,
fountain of water, well up within us,
that we may love and prase in deed and in truth.

Simply beautiful! Buy it, you won't regret it.

This book made me feel hopeful regarding christianity again. In a world of hositility and fear the hope of mercy and grace is like drinking a cold glass of water in a desert. I felt I could put into practice the spirit in which the monks live. Well worth the read for a parched soul.

I picked up Radical Hospiality because of a sermon I heard in Boston awhile ago while visiting a friend from college. I did not catch the name of the author, authors as it turns out, but I was sure the minister, a woman, was quoting from a book. When I did a internet search it turned out that the phrase Radical Hospitality is used by religious and social groups from churches to conventions, all around the world. What I amazed by is that so few of the people, like the minister, name where they got their quotes or who they are quoting. This is a very fine book. It borders on brilliant actually and I am not the sort to use such a word casually. Why would anyone not want to give these authors the credit they deserve? The book, Radical Hospitality is challenging in a gentle way. I never once felt like the writers were shoving some agenda down my throat. There is just this level of telling their own experience and stories that any half-brain dead person could tell is from their hearts. Don't get me wrong. It is not a personal experience kind of book and it is not a book for anyone who like fluff instead of substance. But, if you are looking for a book about what has gone wrong in how we relate to one another, this is it. And if you love it too, be sure you tell people who you're quoting!

In Radical Hospitality I found a discussion of Benedictine monasticism and Christian spirituality that surprised me. I'm not exactly sure why but I expected this book to be a practical guide to implementing a monastic rule into one's life filled with specific suggestions and examples cross-indexed to specific rules from within the Benedictine tradition. That is not what this book is.

Instead, it is something much richer and more beautiful. What the book is centers around a discussion of the undergirding and overarching themes and ethos of monastic life and the hospitality that flows from it. Interwoven within these discussions are found wonderful stories that range from the humorous to the poignant taken from the lives of the authors and those they share their lives with. It is from within these elements that the application of these ideas within our lives is discussed in a way in which one ideas flows from and builds on the previous portion of the discussion.

I found my own thinking about how to practice hospitality deeply enriched by this book and I will return to it from time to time to reinforce what I have learned and to reflect on the themes woven throughout the work. I strongly recommend this book to anyone seeking to learn the practice of hospitality from within the practice of monasticism.

This is a must read for Lay Contemplatives who want a way to integrate their spiritual practices with "living ordinary life with extra-ordinary love."

"Radical Hospitality" was given to me by a friend who thought very highly of it, and she was right. This is one of those rare books that is really for almost anyone--highly readable, charming and soothing, deep and practical, and full of wisdom and love. It is not particularly theological--it is about lived Christianity. It would be an excellent choice to give as a gift, and it is certainly also a book one would buy for oneself for one's own growth.

As we awaken to the need to live our beliefs about love, to live generously, graciously, welcomingly, we are confronted by our own frightened hesitancy to be present to the needs of others. This book explores how we can reach out while necessarily preserving our own boundaries. "Radical Hospitality" teaches (with wonderful examples) how and why we should become more open and generous, and concludes very credibly that the essence is "listening," perhaps the most basic Benedictine value, used here in the sense of a kind of loving contemplative social presence. Everyone wants and needs to be truly listened to, the authors say, and especially at the times when it can be hardest to want to listen, when the one being listened to is in pain, angry, afraid. To feel heard is to feel real and loved and a little bit healed.

I found "Radical Hospitality" itself to be a beautiful experience of the authors' hospitality toward the reader. Even the design of the book itself is quite inviting.

I gleaned a lot of information from this book. There is not a ligting, electrical connection that is not explained to my satisfaction. Take the time to read all then keep this book handy as a reference. Just showing that you have the book, proves that you know what you are talking about.

Great book, lots of detail for any working Lighting tech, or aspiring tech. Great for a indi-film makers library.

A MUST HAVE for the inside scoop into the Industry.

If your planing a career in the motion picture or television business than this book will greatly advance your technical knowledge of the business. If your an old pro at the business the book is great for a quick reference to prepare you for a shoot.

This wonderful book, covering all the major areas in lighting, in enough detail to give a solid grounding. w

While it may appear a little too technical for the absolute beginner, it does offer a solid base in knowledge for those with a little experiance wanting to expand their knowledge, and take away plenty of ideas with which they can put to trial on future set's.

If your looking to become a cinematographer; but feel there are gaps in your knowledge, get this book. I believe it to be a must have.

This book really helped me to identify and deal with a terribly confusing ordeal. I am really happy someone told me about this book and it was available to help me.

It's hard to believe that sexual harassment is a reality in today's workplace. Unfortunately it is and this book is truly insightful and provides a needed safety net of information for those dealing with this difficult subject. Definitely the best I've seen on this subject.

Thank God this book was written! Unfortunately due to confidentiality clauses victims are made to sign, others dealing with similar problems on the job do not have the benefit of their experiences. Thanks to Ms. O'shea and Ms. LaLonde for having the courage to explore this difficult subject.

Having "been there and done that" this book validated all the emotions and choices I made as the victim of sexual harassment. It really tells it like it is. I highly recommend it to anyone who truly wants to understand the ramifications of sexual harassment.

Understanding the sensitivities surrounding the subject of the book, I realize it may seem rather obtuse to "enjoy" reading it.

However, this book is not just about condolence. Rather, it gives us the realization of the prevalent societal truth. Also, the book is not just a mere reference, but true stories based on authors' own experiences.

Authors sketched the very contours of real life in our society, but it's a finely tuned portrait, with deep perspective and understanding, rather than a mere description.

The book is well written and unapologetic in its frankness.....most readers, whether it'd be a man or a woman, should find some relatedness to this book.

"Every person is born into life as a blank page - and every person leaves life as a full book" (p. xi). This sentiment from the preface of Christina Baldwin's new book sums up the overall theme of this wonderful look at the power, creativity, and uses of story.

Broken into ten chapters, this book is chock-full of amazing insights. Nearly every page contains at least one nugget of wisdom. Baldwin focuses on how story connects us, the art of storycatching, why we make stories, creating a story of the self, and finding our place in the order of things. Along the way, she addresses healing, the spiritual, power in organizations, personal growth and power, and ever so much more.

This book speaks to the heart and soul of what makes us human: the ability to tell stories, both orally and in writing, and to share wisdom, make sense of our lives, and move through our time on earth with meaning. "Story is a search for community that allows us to share, build, and learn from each other... We choose whether we want to live in hopefulness or despair. Storycatchers choose hopefulness, knowing that story has the power to change our lives" (p. 236).

The writing here is lyrical and sure, her prose evocative. She's annotated it and included a reading group guide. Baldwin writes with a deep knowledge and wisdom most of us can only dream of being able to describe, and she does it with the grace of an angel. This is a book that should become a classic. Highly recommended to readers, writers, thinkers, and dreamers everywhere. ~Lori L. Lake, Midwest Book Review

I've always believed that each life has a very important story, even those that at first glance don't seem glamorous or adventurous. In fact, my favorite memoirs, biographies, and oral histories tend to be more about real people who never consciously realized the importance of their lives.

Perhaps that is why I have always kept a journal. I am ever writing and editing the story that is my life. Trying to figure out how my experiences have made me the way I am. Looking to create the story that I want to be told to my grandchildren.

For those who haven't yet found the power of personal story, Storycatcher is the answer. In each chapter the author shares accounts of individual and family experiences. Then, at the end of these sections, she includes a number of questions to get the reader started on his or her story.

"We are the story-making creatures," says Christina Baldwin, and she goes on to inspire readers to locate, articulate, and celebrate their story-making process. Storycatcher is deeply informed by her rich experience as a writer and a teacher of writing. She weaves personal story into collective story seamlessly and beautifully--pointing the way for writers of all stripes. Whether your interest is essay, memoir, novel, genealogy, short story or poetry, there are prompts a plenty. Above all, this book is a companion--the best kind--wise, kind, honest and fun. What a gift to all readers and writers!

I learned of this book through a professor's suggestion and thought that I would put it on a reading list for a later time. Having always been drawn to the power of story, I found myself ordering it and opening the pages earlier than planned. Baldwin's genuine storytelling ability left me smiling throughout the day and hopeful about the benefits story can create in connecting strangers, friends, and enemies alike.

If you've ever sat down at a kitchen table in awe of the stories that are told around it- this book is for you. You will see that storycatching is more than just a pleasurable experience, it has potential to change hearts and minds.

In one section, Baldwin talks about her experience with posing a question about an individual's first memory of coffee while standing in a long line at a coffee shop. The discussion this created was wonderful- so next time you are standing in a long line trying to pass the time, I would encourage you to take her suggestion. Pose a question and you will be amazed at the results.

This is one of the best reads of the year- prepare to be inspired.

In a world of advice and new-fangled approaches to timeworn ways, it has been very refreshing for me, and many thousands of others, to remember the ancient, simple way: telling stories. We can begin by revealing our own story to ourselves. Then we can share our story in community so as to find common ground with others.

Christina Baldwin has led the way of story since publishing her first book on journaling thirty years ago. One to One: Self-Understanding through Journal Writing was followed by Life's Companion: Journal Writing as a Spiritual Quest. (You will find a review of the latter book on this site.) Calling the Circle: The First and Future Culture describes the way of council for us to use in whatever context we meet with others. This is the methodology Christina and partner Ann Linnea have shared around the world through their business PeerSpirit, Inc. Christina's fourth book published in 2002, The Seven Whispers: A Spiritual Practice for Times Like These, invites people into a dialogue with soul.

All of these approaches to story have led to the richness of this offering: Storycatcher. The very word invites us to step into our stories and to see ourselves and our story through the "spiral of experience." The spiral is engaged when "something happens to shake up the status quo of our lives." Other tools for storycatchers are charts that describe what "story space" is and "Setting the Space."

Our lives are filled with stories--television commercials, newscasts and e-mail chains are stories. Coworkers share stories on Monday morning. As Christina points out, "Story is both the great revealer and concealer." Her theme throughout the book is authentic stories. It takes courage to tell them, but sharing our wisdom is what we need for survival. And storycatching is "a skill we can remember and practice and encourage in each other." While an intentional circle may be possible, stories can also be told spontaneously around the dinner table when someone poses a question for reflection and sharing.

All of the charts, tools and prompts come from Christina's own poignant and powerful story in relation to her experiences as a young writer; her family, especially her brother Carl; and world events like the Cuban Missile Crisis. Reading of her own beginnings as well as answering the questions she poses at the end of each chapter, will help you remember what's important to you. You may write those thoughts down and appreciate your own insight as you reflect on your life's story.

As storycatchers, we are practitioners of the heart of language. "In serving as the heart of language, story imparts four distinct gifts." They are: "1) story creates context; 2) context highlights relationship, 3) context and relationship change behavior and lead to holistic and connected action; and 4) connected action becomes a force for restoring/restorying the world."

In the second half of the book, Christina includes the stories of others. A young woman in Africa, a grandmother in Arizona, a visionary Danish friend, two Episcopalian priests. Each has something in his or her life that resonates with our own. The gift is that resonance, but it is also the vision--how they took their stories into the world.

Christina has identified four activities required to work with self-story: linking (to another's story), editing (through therapy or journal writing), disorienting (what could be a "sudden reversal in circumstances") and revisioning (a foundation for our life's work).

The Arizona grandmother Christina writes about is Kit Wilson, a psychotherapist who is an alcoholic and has a family history of addiction. Kit works with her family stories through journaling and time away to grieve and commune with the spirit of her dead mother. As Kit says, "I am contributing to my lineage backwards and forwards, through the personal work I've done to heal myself." The compassion she began to feel for and from her mother is personal work that will help her in her practice. It is also of great benefit to family members such as her grandson, also an alcoholic. In the section titled "Writing and Talking in the Seven Generations," Christina includes a list of what storycatching in the family line requires, including saying what is without drama and being ready to forgive.

From the personal, Christina takes us to the impersonal state of the workplace. But, as she points out, it isn't a place without story. People work there after all, and the organization or institution also has a story. Christina describes the work of Toke Paludan Møller, a Danish man she met through her work with From the Four Directions, and who is "a spiritual warrior for story space." Toke has favorite questions for his work in an organization, and Christina includes a list of them. When Toke works with a group of people, he thinks about three levels of story: "the individual story, the organizational story, and the species story." Christina and Toke, among others, are part of a vision called the Art of Hosting, where a team of hosts volunteer to hold the space for the three levels of story. What results "is a community of people who are practicing the power of conversation to change the world."

From the story of the self that begins with our birth story, we continue through a process of remembering, speaking, writing about our own lives. We decide "what we want our lives to include and what kind of a legacy we want to leave behind, and then we are challenged to act on this story--to become who we say we are." Can we as storycatchers change the world? From my own experience and from the stories Christina shares, her vision and her dedication, I know we can.

Your story begins with a question: How might you help story survive?

by Mary Ann Moore
for Story Circle Book Reviews
www.storycirclebookreviewsorg
reviewing books by, for, and about women

This book was exactly what I was looking for. The author provides a Christian view into how moms can help instill desirable traits in her son. It was full of great tips for single moms. It was realistic, honest, and encouraging. A must-read for moms of boys!

As a mom of two boys, I have found this book to be an eye opener. It is written in a simple yet delightful way. I recommend it for anyone who has boys or who work with boys.

Gave me insight into my son, but, also helped me understand my husband. Great book with good advice. Really liked that it had a list of recommended movies to help boys see examples of good male role models. Would have liked a little more depth on how to actually implement some of the suggestions. Perhaps the additional recommended readings will expand on some of the ideas. I've recommended this book to all my friends who are raising boys. Will read again and again.

Rick Johnson has gotten to the heart and soul of what makes a boy a boy and a man a man, physiologically and emotionally.
He gets back to the basics and common sense of parenting and his advice and tips can relate to parents of all backgrounds.
As a parent of two older daughters, my 13 year old son is posing quite a few issues I have never before faced. Mr Johnson's book addresses all of them and answers questions I have found myself up against in the past few years.
Straightforward and informative, Mr. Johnson's That's My Son is a wonderful confirmation of what you're doing as a "repeat parent" and helps guide you along if you struggle with your first experience having a son.

Read it in a couple of days. Great book for Moms and/or single moms. I have renewed faith that I can raise my boy to be a good man even if I'm the closest thing to it in his life!

I am a marriage and family therapist with a background in Bible and theology (MDiv), as well as in social science. As a Christian counselor, I use the concept of personality theory in my counseling on a regular basis. "Unraveling the Mystery of the Motivational Gifts" gives the solidly biblical and Christian base for proper personality theory. Walston points out that we all have our God-given personalities and he goes on to show what the Bible has to say about them. These personalities are our giftedness; they are how we are "hard-wired" to view our world and interact with it the way that we do. Always biblical, Walston goes to great lengths to show the biblical support for the Motivational Gifts theory. His approach to this topic is both biblical and scientifically astute; yet, like his other book, "Something Happened on the Way to Happily Ever After: A Biblical View of Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage" (which I also reviewed), he writes with a flare of ease in which he makes the sublime easy to comprehend. Next, Walston gives a Gifts Indicator in the book so any person can truly discover his or her personal giftedness. Finally, there are study questions for each chapter which makes this book valuable as a group study guide. I have now read two of Rick Walston's books, and, I look forward to reading some of his others.

This book should be mandatory reading for anyone involved in helping Christians learn about their spiritual gifting. Likewise, it seems to me that Christian counselors should consider Dr. Walston's theory and incorporate it into their practice.
The author does a masterful job of evaluating and defining the motivational gifts from a practical, as well as a biblical perspective.
The text includes an easy-to-use series of questions for self evaluation. Another helpful addition to the book is that a series of study questions has been added for each chapter at the end of the book.
The material is handled in a scholarly fashion, but never in a heavy-handed manner. The positions taken by the author are presented with solid documentation, but never suggesting that he holds the only answers. The theory is presented with confident assurance backed by careful research, but lacking any hint of arrogance.
Perhaps as students of Christian counseling become acquainted with this text, the theory will be further developed and more voices will join with Dr. Walston. It would be a great service to the Church if the Body of Christ became better equipped to function with the wondrous gifts that God has provided for His precious sons and daughters.

I had never been introduced to this way of seeing the gifts before, and I was delighted by Dr. Walston's explanation of these gifts of the Spirit and how they are our personality types. For the first time I really have a handle on what my personality gifts are.

Ric Walston's approach to the "Motivational Gifts" found in Romans 12 is a delightful, and valuable resource for pastors, leaders, and laypeople alike.

He presents his approach well, and backs it up with tremendous direction to guide Christians to understanding and utilizing the gifts God has graciously given to every person. And his approach to accepting others and their giftedness, while not projecting our own upon them, is a valuable lesson we all need to learn.

This book, will help every Christian naturally fulfill "the will of God" in their everyday service to the Church. Offering their bodies as a living sacrifice which is their spiritual act of worship.

Dr. Rick Walston turns his attention to the spiritual gifts in this practical and readable manual designed to aid the Christian in discrening their gifts. Filled with Biblical examples and some good footnotes, this volume is designed for real world usage, not just casual reading. The inventory lets the reader apply Walston's methods to discern their spiritual gifts and then have the courage to look for ways to put these gifts to work.

This volume would make a wonderful gift, especially to church members who are trying to find their role in the church. It is a book that is equally applicable to new Christians as well as believers with a lot of mileage on their knees. This work is much better than the vocational discernment tools I was given by my denomination (United Methodist).

Highly recommended. Don't buy less than one copy, you'll want to share this gem!

If there is one important question that will affect your entire destiny it is, "How do I hear the Voice of God?" Written in a style that it more a personal counseling session that literature, this book will bring comfort to a confused heart.

One of the most important question you can ask that will affect your entire destiny it is, "How do I hear the Voice of God?" Written in a style that it more a personal counseling session that literature, this book will bring comfort to a confused heart.

In this practical and biblical examination of the gift of prophecy, Cindy Jacobs clearly defines what prophecy is and how it works. Attention is given to both personal prophecy and corporate prophecy.

This is probably the best book for those who are new to the Prophetic. It does an excellent job of outlining the history and basics of the gift of Prophecy (and Prophetic Intercession), teaching fundamentals that are needed to operate in ministry, and to recieve prophetic words more appropriately. More important than the information it provides is the fact that it motivates you to minister prophetically, and addresses much of the fear we have when we begin to operate in that realm. This book was not only packed full of information and encouragement, but Cindy Jacobs does an excellent job of making it an effortless read. In fact, it would have been easy to read in one sitting, had I not been so engrossed in the learning that I had to put it down each chapter and think and pray about each section. Overall I greatly recommend it for beginners who are just learning, and even the more seasoned ministers that need an encouragement boost.

Even though I have not finished reading this book, I have found it to be most helpful to me in regards to my prophetic ministry. I recommend this book to anyone who desires to know and understand the prophetic.

Thank you,
Betty J. Harris

An excellent read if you're a chronic nice guy.. A great book if you want to become more confident, direct and effective in relationships.

Michael A.

In reading the cover description, I could identify with the book immediately. The author gives some helpful tips and exercises to learn to be more assertive. I was so impressed with the content, I sent it to others in my family who might enjoy the information.

Sure, it's good to be nice, but you may be "too nice." If you are clingy, care too much what others think of you and minimize the bad personalities of the people around you, then your niceness may be hurting you. Authors James Rapson and Craig English recommend seven practices that will put you on the road to a more balanced emotional life - many of these approaches will be familiar to readers who have engaged in any sort of meditation or self-awareness exercises. Lists, sidebars and quotes make the book's ideas easily accessible - although integrating these practices into your daily life will require some work. We recommend this book to self-help beginners who are tired of having sand kicked in their faces and wish to develop their tranquility and strength of character.

After reading Anxious to Please I had insight into some of my mother's behavior. My memories include her obsessive baking of desserts and giving them away to coworkers, neighbors, doctors, anyone she had contact with. She often couldn't pay her bills but always had money to buy the ingredients for her gifts. It is obvious now that she was one of the original "chronically nice" people. She wanted to be liked by everyone (except perhaps family members who were locked into a relationship by blood). None of these people became real friends.

My husband also identified his father as one of the chronically nice, though he treated his wife very poorly. He gave big parties for extended family and acquaintances paying for literally truck loads of liquor. His dad also bought people (would be friends) gas for their cars. Generous to a fault? The family was not well to do, and his mother worked in a factory.

This book will, no doubt, give others insight into themselves and into friends and family. I suspect many people will recognize relatives, who might not have always been nice to them, but who gave away time and things to strangers in a quest to be liked.

Dana Paulinski MSW

Reading Anxious to Please was like having a light turned on in my life. "Wow, that's my stuff. I do those things. THAT'S ME!" The good news is, Anxious to Please helps you clean it all up with simple, practical steps anyone can follow. The book itself is easy to read and navigate through and return to again and again. What I especially liked (and found useful as illustrations) were the real-life case studies/examples that were always dead-on hitting the mark. The practices take you out of the darkness where you can see, identify, and then correct habitual behavior. And in the process, forge better and stronger relationships, both old and new. Thanks Rapson and English.