General Practice Books

This is an excellent book for all critical care nurses. It is succinct and comprehensive at the same time. It explains things easily and lets you know what you need to know regarding issues such as DKA, etc. It even has a section on different drug calculations when hanging a drip (ie dobutamine), etc. A must have reference for every critical care nurse!

What can I say? The other reviewers have said it all. Anything that I wrote would be simply reiterating what has already been said. This book is thorough, concise, easy to read and reference, and covers all the body systems pertinent to critical care interventions. It should be considered a mandatory addition to any serious critical care nurse's library.

The purchase was a gift to my daughter. I know she has not had time to put it to good use but from what I understand the book is a great reference for anyone in the medical field. She was quite pleased to have received.

This is THE BEST ICU QUICK reference around !!!!!
It is concise, simple language, and very light weight so availablity makes it MOST user friendly. It is updated often so info is very current in all systems. I have worked in ICU for 20 years and THIS is the book my coworkers and I use the most for quick reference.

All my nurse friends just love this book as reference. Thanks

Radiant Mind is a fantastic book! Having read many books on Zen, Buddhism and meditation, along with personal training and meditation retreats, I have to say Fenner nails it! It is difficult to say exactly what it was in the book that was most meaningful, but what Fenner says and how he says it definately gave me several Ah-Ha moments. Similar to Adyashanti's teachings, if you have moved beyond dogma and liturgy in Buddhism, and are truely looking for the essense of Buddha's awakening, then this work is where you want to spend time. It is a book I will return to many times.

Whether you are an experienced meditator and long-time scholar or a complete beginner, Peter's teaching on these CDs will lead you to a direct experience of unconditioned mind, which is ineffable, i.e. your mind in its natural state, beyond words, ideas and concepts.

If you have read the book, you should still order the audio CDs. The richness of Peter's verbal expression, with its emphasis and significant spaces communicates this experience in a way the book cannot. You can actually participte with him in this experience. He is an extraordinary teacher.
Radiant Mind: Teachings & Practices to Awaken Unconditioned Awareness (Sounds True Audio Learning Course)

This book is exceptionally clear and lucid, while covering material that is deep and too often difficult.

If you pay close attention, you'll be able to notice that the author gives us readers a *process*, somethings to do...that help us get results.

This isn't theory-only, it's very practical.

If you want good background and foundation, processes and methods that work, if you want to come away with clarity and be able to make progress -- then this is one of those rare books that will give you all that.

For those seeking some form of Enlightenment, Fenner shines a bright, if not harsh, light on just what enlightment is - and is not. His writing is actually very positive and helps one to experience the non-dual in everyday life (hence: Radiant Mind), instead of merely seeking to "be" non-dual, which of course is an impossibility. This is the CD version - it is clear but Fenner does speak a bit slowly, perhaps attempting to induce a calm aura into his ideas. Very straight forward and down to earth, a welcome change to the Ken Wilber style. A valuable addition to a seeker's library.

The purpose of Radiant Mind is to turn the reader's attention toward cultivating unconditioned awareness in the midst of everyday experience. Peter Fenner is a well known teacher, writer, scholar, and counselor. In the world of nonduality, Radiant Mind is one of the few all-encompassing, structured nondual teachings for students of the early 2000s. If your current involvement with nondual teachings is unsatisfactory, you may be very pleased with the breadth and depth of Radiant Mind. I recommend investigating it.

Fenner anticipates and confronts the reader's avoidance and dishonesty. He points out the difference between disconnecting from and deconstructing our problems. He's honest: "We don't necessarily want to examine our patterns. In fact, the patterns are constructed with a dual purpose. They are designed to sabotage our life and the lives of others, but in such a way that we don't recognize them."

Following each chapter are exercises. Their initial objective is to connect you with your fixations or conditioned existence. Then the exercises are designed to cultivate unconditioned awareness through sitting, pure listening, and various ways of deconstruction, especially conversations: "These conversations dismantle the structures of our conditioning and introduce us to the experience of contentless awareness."

For those who think they are beyond meditation, or contemplative practice, Fenner points out that practice is necessary in order to reveal to us that practice is not necessary. More honesty: "This constant denial saps our energy and demoralizes us, because we're engaged in a losing battle with a reality that simply isn't interested in our existence."

Peter Fenner does not allow you hide anywhere. He knows all your tricks and spells them out. At the same time, he is open about the paradox of functioning out of the nondual space. He says, "You're so complete it doesn't mean anything to say you're complete. This book is a paradox. ... I'm sure you also know that it has nothing to do with unconditioned awareness."

Counselors, psychotherapists, coaches, spiritual teachers, and self-realized gurus looking for ways to explain things better, and anyone functioning within, or with, or as the paradox, will benefit from reading Radiant Mind.

Radiant Mind may also be engaged as an 8-month course. Fenner mentions the course in passing at the very end of the book. He gives all he's got within the limitations of a book. The course is not necessary, however the serious reader/student will know soon enough.

Finally, I want to briefly talk about the index. The index is excellent and professional. The only thing that puzzles me is why the material in the exercises at the end of each chapter was not indexed.

For example, under the entry "pure listening," all the appropriate page numbers in the book are noted except for pages 123-124, which are exercises in pure listening. Perhaps the indexer or publisher could explain to me the justification. Aside from that, it is one of the best indexes in the nonduality genre today. That the Appendix on Radiant Communication was indexed is commendable.

Jerry Katz
One: Essential Writings on Nonduality

Dr. Farmer establishes a great repore in teaching the various cerimonies for healing, transitions, and celebrations. He guides you into creating your own ceremony. Easy to read and very informative. I look forward to other books he has written.

*****
This is a great book on all aspects of ceremonies---design, planning, facilitation, and practicalities. It also includes many examples of various types of ceremonies chock full of great ideas and inspiration. I read this book all in one sitting, and enjoyed every minute of it.

If you are planning a ceremony, this book will be invaluable. Or if you are a minister or facilitator of ceremonies, it will also be invaluable.

Note that although typical Christian ceremonies are referred to, this book primarily deals with ceremonies that are creative or different from standard cultural celebrations. It doesn't focus on any one alternative tradition, but includes all---for example, Native American, Celtic, secular, etc. It would primarily appeal to the person who is wanting to design a meaningful and memorable ceremony of their own from any or no religious tradition.

I loved this book---it is definitely a reference book, but also a very enjoyable read. When you're done, you'll definitely understand how to plan and why you'd plan most any ceremony!

*****

This book arrived in mint condition. I have used it already in planning a service; it could have been more helpful if it had more ready made ceremonies in it, but I am happy with it.

Steven has written the ultimate "how to" book for creating ceremonies. I appreciated his clear, easy-to-follow suggestions and examples. This book (the only one you'll ever need on this subject) excites the imagination to create a ceremony for every important event along life's path. As you can tell, I love this book and if I could, I would give it more than 5 stars!

Steven Farmer invites you into the conscious sacred space of ceremonies with an easy and gentle presence. He has done his research and practice and now invites you into his collective wisdom. The grace is that everyone can find an abundance of useful ideas and practices for themselves and others in these celebrations of the sacred. Use it as a foundation and then improvise for all the sacred ceremonies that living and dying has to offer. Steven invites you into his journey of sacred space so that you might learn how to more fully enter your own with others. This book is a gift and blessing. I look forward to reading more of his writings.

This book is kindling for an epiphany! I had to put this book down more than 5 times and wrap my mind around what I'd just read and how profound it was for me. I found this book fresh and very insightful ( your mileage may vary ).

Everytime I read this book, it helps me deal with stress and setbacks that I am going through. I am buying several copies as gifts, it is helpful to most people to help them learn how to deal with everyday life disappointments and to learn to grow, to heal and evolve into the best we can be.

Do you believe in coincidences? Recently, at Harbin Hot Springs, a fabulous retreat center in Northern California, I was handed a book by an author who said, "I was planning to give this away to someone else, but it looks like you are the right person to hand it to." The attractive dark-haired woman who gave me the book was named Estelle Frankel, and is it turns out, I *was* the right person, at least in the sense that the book has made a deep impression on me.

A practicing psychotherapist and a "seasoned teacher of Jewish mysticism, Frankel studied and practiced Jewish mysticism in Israel for 8 years, and has been personally tutored by both Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi and Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach. For someone like myself, who has been in and out of Jewish mysticism and Kabbalah as a dilettante, I have found parts of this book absolutely fascinating, especially Biblical-era stories and musings of what it was, exactly, that happened with Moses and the People of Israel out there in the desert... (When was the last time you were part of a group illumination, what my Pennsylvanian friends would call an "egregrore"?)

The book consists of modern-stay healing stories, Midrashic-level musings, Hasidic wisdom and tales, and practical rituals and strategies for self-transformation and spiritual upliftment. The Kabbalah is, of course, returned to time and time again, and many themes that I would call (perhaps anachronistically) gnostic permeate the text. Here is one of my favorite passages:

"At every transition point in the life cycle, when one stage of life ends and another begins, we inevitably pass through this death-rebirth cycle of creation, dissolutoin, and re-creation. The shattering of the vessels is, in a sense, the Kabbalah's unique idiom for talking about what the Buddhists refer to as life's essential impermanence. As soona s something is created, its dissolution is already at hand. The vessels of creation, the finite forms created to house the infinite, are always imperfect and impermanent. They must inevitably shatter to make room for the next manifestation of divine unfolding. The light of the infinite simply cannot be contained and limited by any finite form, and so by shattering, the vessels of creation continually allow more light to be revealed. And just when things seem most broken and shattered, that is when healing or tikkun begins."

I have found this to be a rich and evocative book, one that ties together modern psychotherapy with Jewish mysticism, from the perspective of someone who uses both these tools to help individuals in their day-to-day lives. Especially for those interested in the Western esoteric traditions generally or Jewish mysticism specifically, or anyone with a Jewish background, I highly recommend this book.

This book shifted my view of my life. My Jewish background is very rich in knowledge, learning and practice. Yet this book changed me in very meaningful ways. Estelle Frankel discusses her own life, her struggles and insights in such a generous and giving manner that it's as though she's giving the reader a gift, the gift of inviting you to gently examine your own life, your own belief system, your own relationships. By relationships, I mean with other people, with yourself and with God. Yes, the operative word is "gently". There is no hard challenge, no daring, just a gentle invitation to look inside, make discoveries and consider new ways. I love this book and I highly recommend it, no matter where you are on your personal or spiritual path.

This is an excellent book for anyone interested in the union between Jewish philosophy and psychology. The author bases her psychological discussion on kabalistic thought and beautifully weaved in stories from the Torah through which our personal stories and experience emerge and become meaningful. She also includes meditations and exercises that help to integrate the material. This is an excellent book for anyone interested in the relationship between spirituality and the psyche.

This is possibly one of the best derm book for student/resident. It's clear, concise, & well organize. Enjoy this book much better than Fitzpatrick. I especially love the appendix that include differential diagnoses per body region.

Excellent book, good pictures. I like the grouping by body part and specific classifications of dermatologic disorders.

Fantastic book, I absolutely love it. Lots of nice pictures,the book was much better than I had expected - a great buy!

The pictures were excellent, each disease also had a differential and there were small bonuses regarding pediatric patients. Book is well organized and easy to read. Perfect for a med student, and even for residents

This is an excellent book! I'm using it in NP school. It provides a 1-2 page explanation of the skin disorder along with pictures.
thanks

This talk is simple, yet deeply wise. I have listened to many, many talks and teachings about the spiritual path and this is by far the most useful and the most healing. Not only are the precepts which he outlines, practical, effective and healing, but the sound of his voice is truly a healing presence in itself. I have my own copy, I gave my son a copy (he's 21) and I also gave a copy to my partner. I have explored various spiritual paths and would not consider myself a buddhist, but can't image these teachings being foreign to anyone who believes that god is a loving and truly compassionate being. I've rated this as five stars but the truth is it's off the star chart.

My husband bought me this book for our 10th wedding anniversary. It was one of the best gifts I've ever received. It speaks to the reader in a very personal way. It makes one believe that with love for all beings, we can achieve peace. Even if it's as simple as not being upset when driving in your car. It helps one to realize what/who is important in one's life and to learn to appreciate it/them.

I love all of Thich Nhat Hanh's writings, this is no exception. He will speak directly to your heart, and your heart will resonate with the truth of his message, no matter which of his books you read.

The author has this flow in his writing that captivates you. No matter what religious practice you follow, this book will touch your heart in some way and definately elivate your mind. It is written by a Buddhist monk but his teachings are universal and it truely opened my eyes to new light. This is a must have in any person's book collection that has any want to grow as a person.

Zen Master Thich Naht Hanh's approach to teaching Zen Buddhism is enlightening. I have found many of the teachings very useful in the practice of true Dharma. I believe anyone can practice these teachings regardles of faith or religious affiliation. It is a wonderful book which anyone following a spiritual path can profit from. It is inspiring and full of the energy of mindfulness we all need to live freely and happily.

There's many reasons why I'd call this the best book I've ever read, aside from the Bible. Kraybill's writing style is informative, and engaging, you really learn a lot of history, right along side of the philosophy. You can't go wrong with this book.

Donald Kraybill does an outstanding job of showing that what Jesus is all
abut is pretty much contrary to our normal assumptions--that is wahat he means by "the upside-down kingdom." What Jesus preached and what he lived is almost the opposite of what we consider normal or workable. For instance, Jesus said that the only solution to violence is non-violence, in any and all situations. We don't just tolerate those people we can't stand, we actively recriut their help, promote their well-being and have them understand that they are of immense importance, whether we agree we them or not. Love is what animates all of our thinking and doing, a love that goes out of the way to include everyone. A truly great book that will cause a person to rethink Jesus and what is meant as to His being the son of God--and just what is demanded of those of us who claim to be His followers.

The book, The Upside-Down Kingdom, is an excellent book. I would highly recommend it. I also would highly recommend your services. You, again, were very prompt and very accurate in your response. Thank you. Agnes Goertzen

Don Kraybill has done a wonderful job of clearing any misconceptions of the purpose of Jesus' ministry in the three years he was on this earth. Kraybill looks at opposites in our society such as rich and poor, slave and free, amongst others and tackling the realities of each being apart of the other. The book has had a real impact on my relationship with God and my relationship with others. I recommemd the book to anyone who is looking for ways to make changes in our right-side up kingdom.

I will never forget the confused look I received from the audience when I said, "The Kingdom of God is Upside-Down." This revealed to me that many Christians probably have not given a lot of thought to the Kingdom of God. If the Body of Christ fully understood this Kingdom... I don't think she would squinch her eyes at the words "Upside Down." And I certainly don't believe we would be giving in to the temptations Christ rejected!

Kraybill focuses primarily on the temptations of Christ (Matt.4) to reveal the true character of the Kingdom of God. Jesus rejected the temptations in the bread (the economic), the temple leap(the religious), and the kingdoms of the world (the political)... thus accomplishing heaven's task in a way that is foolishness to the world(1 Cor.1:18). If you have had a hard time understanding the Kingdom of God and want to learn how this Kingdom makes no sense to human wisdom... but is the power of God to those being saved... get this book. Wonderful insights into the radical claims of the Kingdom!

I would also like to recommend "The Gospel of the Kingdom" by George E. Ladd

This is an excellent resource. I wish I'd had something like this early in my career. Not only is the book an excellent collection, but it is all on the accompanying CD to help you prepare bulletins, text for Sunday service, etc. Superb! A good investment.

This is the finest resource for worship planning I have read in years. The essays are very helpful. The prayers are written in good English. The inclusion of a CD makes the book especially useful. Although I am a United Methodist Pastor, I highly endorse this Reformed Church resource.

Excellent resource for worship leaders! Great selection of corporate and responsive prayers and readings, also includes lectionary in appendix.

very usefull. a good gift for persons who find themselves in the position of worship coordinator.

This is an excellent resource! Any pastor or worship leader who incorporates litanies, corporate prayers and unison readings in their worship services should have this resource. It is also a very helpful resource in providing written prayers and liturgies for lay readers.

If you are reading this review, you may be a newcomer to this children's Christian curriculum.

A brief history: Sonja M. Stewart and Jerome W. Berryman's YOUNG CHILDREN AND WORSHIP is not just another set of Sunday School or Church School materials. It's a paradigm shift in the religious education of children. Religiously,it shifts away from the view that children are "born sinful" towards the view that children are spiritual beings, born with a longing to connect with the heart of Being, longings that they do not have the language to express. Educationally, it shifts away from the view of teacher as adult know-it-all who pours learning in to an empty vessel towards the Montessorian view of children and adults as explorers together.

The educational roots here are with Maria Montessori. Her disciple, Sofia Cavaletti, created the curriculum known as "Catechesis of the Good Shepherd," used in many churches, but especially in Catholic and Anglican or Episcopal congregations. Sofia Cavaletti's disciple, Jerome W. Berryman, an ordained Episcopal priest, has created the curriculum known as "Godly Play," and Berryman, together with Sonja M. Stewart, an ordained Presbyterian minister, have produced the curriculum in this book, YOUNG CHILDREN AND WORSHIP, sometimes called the "Children Worship and Wonder" curriculum. All are rooted in the religious and educational assumptions mentioned above.

If you are a newcomer to all this, I suggest you start by reading YOUNG CHILDREN AND WORSHIP. Read the Bible "presentations," which make up 2/3rds of the book. Read the presentations as you would read a personal, devotional book, one or two or three daily. Notice how, in the course of a year, the lessons present the history of Christian faith and the story of the church. Notice how traditional Biblical language is used, but sparely and with child-appropriate simplicity. Notice how the curriculum spirals back on itself; notice the repeated introduction of Jesus: once there was a man "who said such amazing things and did such wonderful things that people began to follow him." Notice the repeated language introducing the parables: "sometimes parables seem to have lids on them. But when you lift the lid of a parable there is something very precious inside..."

If you think as I do that this curriculum is light years better than anything else out there, then study the teacher's helps also in the text. You may want to seek training or read some of the other works referenced above or go to their websites.

I have worn out my first copy- having used the patterns and lessons for teaching Sunday School. Godly Play is portable and the pieces may often be made from cheap or found materials.Godly Play is useful, not just for children- I have given lessons in nursing homes,to seminary students, and others. Every one takes something different from seeing the presentations. The energy is indeed holy in each instance, where I have done my job correctly- so different from the stuffy old paper curriculum !

This book includes explaination, 41 stories (lessons), and plans for materials needed of a great worship service children really get into. I have been doing this program for 2 years and my children are incredible. I wish the adults would have this much respect. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a successful worship program for their children.

Young Children and Worship is an inspiring way to draw young children into the stories of scripture, the stories of God, enabling them to worship, interact with God, and ponder who He is. The form is a simplified version of the traditional order of worship emphasizing quiet, beauty and awe. After the introductory chapters most of the book tells you how to present specific stories. The focus in this book is on basic stories that tie into the church year and traditional worship. I found it very inspiring, whatever your worship tradition.

This is the seminal volume of what became the Godly Play movement.If you haven't yet explored Godly Play, I heartily recommend the method as such, and as set forth in Young Children in Worship. Godly Play allows children to experience Bible stories and other stories that carry faith messages, told with an archetypal spareness that allows each listener to absorb and reflect on the material in his or her own way. A teacher tells the story with the help of tactile materials, then helps children "wonder" about the stories. Children then may move to independent or shared "work" (art or reenactment of the story). The atmosphere is quiet, focused, and meditative. Tactile materials used in storytelling respect children's way of processing information. The method creates a space in which children may link faith-based language with their own perceptions of God, or fulfill deep emotional/spiritual needs. Godly Play is adaptable to different traditions and faiths by choosing among, or amending, the stories. We've found it to be deep and satisfying to all participants, young and old.

Young Children and Worship will tell you everything you need to know to get a Godly Play program going. It includes patterns and specifications for creating storytelling materials as well as information on all aspects of the work and philosophical thought on the Godly play method. Most of the book consists of stories from the Old and New Testament, plus other lessons, such as The Light, or The Church Year, that present concepts of Christian faith. Teacher notes show the use of tactile materials and provide "wondering" questions.

The obvious comparison is to co-author Jerome Berryman's outpouring of independent volumes on Godly Play. Berryman's many independent titles provide a few additional stories and expand on classroom management and facilities provision. He examines the effect of the work on children as well. However, Berryman's independent work may have exceeded its usefulness to practioners. Young Children and Worship is a do-it-yourself work that Berryman now seems to wish we didn't know about, preferring to sell us an endless series of new books and, from the Godly Play website, expensive materials. To be fair, Berryman's refinements and insight have grown as he practices. But decide your priorities before buying additional Godly Play materials. Young Children and Worship may be all you need.

As a Roman Catholic, I have been familiar with the Jesuit tradition of discernment of spirits - based upon St. Ignatius Loyola's "Spiritual Exercises". I have found to my surprise and edification that Arthur Stevens' "Abundant Living for Christians: Making Decisions in Church and Family" builds upon that tradition in a very accessible and practical way. This highly readable book (actually more of a manual) is first and foremost faith-based. Yet it offers its process also for the secular perspective with examples of decision-making in circumstances arising from business and non-religious community.

A major underpinning theme is the exploration of Christian Hope in day to day living and the decisions that may be made in that day. In fact, "Abundant Living" is a manual of hope - a hope that the way in which individuals, families, and communities make decisions can be changed - or transformed - for the better. Whenever possible, practical steps are provided in considerable detail. It is clear that this work is based on experience - both personal and communal. I would recommend this work for those who are willing to consider that they could improve on how their decisions are made.

 A refreshing, positive approach to making decisions and identifying hopes that are based on our deepest values. He reminds us to rely on and thank God for supporting us in these important choices in our personal and parish lives. Everyone with a stake in a decision is involved in a respectful, non-competitive way. It can transform the way we relate in community!

Art Stevens offers an excellent methodology for decision making which allows a rather reserved person like me to play an important role in all aspects of the process. His "Transformation through Cooperative Discernment" focuses on God's presence in every phase of decision making. The discernment of the hopes of each involved person gives every individual an opportunity to speak and be heard, and the communal cooperation in working through the process to an ending that is pleasing to all are appealing to those whose voices are not always spoken or heard.

While Stevens developed this new way of looking at an old and often difficult process primarily for families, churches and institutions, it can work beautifully for individuals and couples (very small families). He works through this approach to decision making precisely and clearly, step by step, and gives frequent examples to which the lay reader can easily identify.

This book is one that needs to be kept within easy reach, reread from time to time and referred to often. A wonderful new way to use our heartfelt hopes to make decisions, large and small, individual and corporate!

Art Stevens' method of decision making through discernment is applicable to institutions large and small, secular as well as sacred, and also to families. It is especially useful in situations where choices are fraught with emotion and conflict. In this little book, Rev. Stevens presents what he calls Transformation through Cooperative Discernment (TCD)as a clear, step-by-step process for resolving conflict and reaching decisions that everyone can feel positive about. He also shows how the process may be used for choosing leaders. The book includes abundant case studies as well as evaluations from people who have used TCD in their church or home life. I recommend it.

This is one of those books that come along rarely, with new insights and wisdom on the old subject of getting along and living together. Art Stevens' book ought to be required reading for anyone in a ministry of reconciliation-which certainly includes the clergy.

Abundant Living is solidly based on the Gospel. It challenges the familiar mindset of "good guys/bad guys, winners/losers. Stevens takes careful aim at the categorical thinking found in marketplace and Church, and suggests a more effective way to live fulfilled lives.