New York Books

This collection of vintage postcards, with a well written history of the Hamptons, was a lovely surprise. I bought this initially as a gift but kept it for myself and ordered a second copy to give away.

I lost my two pet hamsters, hampton and hampton. I thought this book would help me find them. It didn't, but the pictures were so pretty, I don't care about my hamsters any more.

Steven Petrow's beautiful book on the Hamptons brings that part of the world -- some of which has been lost to time -- to brilliant life. His well-researched and concise history makes the colorful postcards seem even more vivid in their depiction of the lifestyle of the Hamptons. As a history buff, the book satisfied my appetite for learning the Hampton's story; as a casual reader looking for something to flip through on a lazy summer afternoon, I have found myself coming back to this book again and again. As Cole Porter might say, it's a de-lovely depiction that I am going bring as a treat to my East Coast friends when I visit them.

The Lost Hamptons's combination of text and postcards perfectly captures the mood, light, homes and society of a gracious bygone era. Spend a few hours with this beautiful book and experience the Hamptons in all their historic glory.

My family and are planning a vacation to visit the Hamptons area later this summer. I picked this book up with the hope that it would give us a good basic historical overview about the area. It turns out this book is so much more than a standard history. The vintage photos that were collected for this book are so vivid they literally reach out and "touch" you and send your mind reeling backwards in time - a time that is seemingly "lost" as the author refers to in the title of the book.

This book will now be a companion guide for me and my family during our trip. We plan to seek out as many of the places pictured in the book and find out what they look like now so we can build a "before and after" album of our trip.

The book was good but would have been better if the stories were not so disjointed. The common denominator was the Lake and the stories were interlinked because of those who lived there or where they originated from.

Not much to add to the reviews below, aside from the fact that I agree with them completely.

Slouka's writing approaches poetry in its effect. Beautiful.

Mr. Slouka is a fine writer. His words are beautifully strung together, his vision of the world elevates the mundane into poetry. For this reader, such writing is much like a fancy cake or bonbon ~ the gorgeous product of excellent talent and grand effort. Best read in small, savored bits. Recommended.

This book brought me more reading enjoyment than any I have read in a number of years. Slouka has a talent which only some short story writers possess--the ability to pull you into the narrative with the first sentence or two. The character insights are first-rate and each story is a polished jewel.

A great read!

This collection of essays and short stories is poignant. My eyes frequently teared over. It is rare, I think, to find lovely, melancholy tales that question love and sense of place and are written in a male voice from a male perspective. "Lost Lake", due to the finely crafted writing and the emotional chords it struck, has now been placed in a section of a bookcase where I safely guard two dozen books that are very important to me. Highly recommended for all readers, but particularly for men who see the world with a sensitive perspective, and who search to provide themselves with an emotional sense of time and place.

My wife brought this book home and I happened to read the first page. Could
not put this book down. Very simple story about two very mismatched people
and what happens when they start to live their lives together. It is a very
quirky love story and not something I'd normally even pick up , but I kept turning the pages to find out what happens
next to Gabe and Eliza. At first I thought the power of the writing was
because the author didn't use adjectives but she does use adjectives. She
just writes in a very spare manner and nothing you could imagine her
characters saying is ever said because the author knows we have already imagined
the words they should say so why say them. And then the characters say and do something we never
could have dreamed they would do.

Loved the book.

Elisa is such a interesting character that i read this cover to cover. Gabe could have used a little excitement however, but reading his point really evolved Elisa in my mind. She handles her disease a little too lightly, maybe making it less scary that it really is. I really did enjoy this book, constantly waiting to see what Elisa would do next.

"Lucky Us" is a very slow, careful exploration of a relationship that, by all accounts, shouldn't succeed. To start, this is a vast difference in age between Gabe and Elisa and ultimately, there is the decidely immature way in which Elisa behaves after she discovers that she has a serious disease.

Pairing these two individuals, Joan Silber skillfully constructs a story that acknowledges the gaps, but emphasizes the shaky platforms that bridge the differences. This is a love story that contains some hard truths; I appreciate how Silber conveys how people can act hurtfully even when they love someone dearly.

Elisa's behavior is often sour; Gabe is the character who imbues the novel with its sweetness. His maturity is stronger and steadier than Elisa's foolishness, and will anchor them through the deepest waters.

My hesitation with the book, however, is that Gabe is so unwavering that he almost seems like one of those perfect Ayn Rand characters! I realize novels are not held up to any literary requirements as far as truthfulness, but I think Silber would have delivered a stronger story had Gabe wrestled with some doubts before he embraced Elisa and her complicated demands on his love.

"Lucky Us" is a great contemporary love story. I randomly selected this novel from the library, and I found myself unable to put it
down. The story was intriguing and exceptionally touching. Gabe and Elisa are an incrediably mismatched couple that face the pressures and problems of modern day relationships. You'll find yourself curious to know the outcome of Elisa's attitude towards life after being infected with HIV. Along with how this issue will affect their future as a couple. Also, will their past burdens affect their personalities, decisions, and roles in life? Joan Silber's lively characters and lovely prose make every page of this book a pleasure to read.

"Lucky Us" is a great contemporary love story. I randomly selected this novel from the library, and I found myself unable to put it
down. The story was intriguing and exceptionally touching. Gabe and Elisa are an incrediably mismatched couple that face the pressures and problems of modern day relationships. You'll find yourself curious to know the outcome of Elisa's attitude towards life after being infected with HIV. Along with how this issue will affect their future as a couple. Also, will their past burdens affect their personalities, decisions, and roles in life? Joan Silber's lively characters and lovely prose make every page of this book a pleasure to read.

This book is a masterpiece. I hope he rewrite his book and add pictures into the book. Good story and lots of classic recipes. Sometimes, I wish he has not retired yet & keep his restaurant opened.

This is one of the best and most useful cookbooks by a great chef that you are likely to find. Too often such books aren't suited for the home cook and are more about ego than food. That is definitely not the case here. Andre Soltner was the owner and chef of the renowed Lutece, a New York institution, for three decades. In this book he shares some of the history of the great restaurant as well as his Alastian heritage. The focus of the book, however, is the food. Significantly, Soltner recognizes that he is writing for the home cook. He thoughtfully provides tips on how to find ingredients or acceptable substitutes for those of us who don't have access to an exotic wholesaler and suggests the best kinds of kitchen accessories to use. It is obvious that Soltner cooks these recipes in his own home. You don't need a first class professional kitchen to enjoy these recipes. Also, the recipes are designed for suitable portion sizes; these aren't recipes to feed a crowd that have been shrunk to fit the cookbook. Just because this book is practical, however, doesn't mean that it doesn't focus on the most sophisticated kind of food. There is plenty of classical French cooking in this book, but it all seems like something you can accomplish in your own kitchen. There are plenty of things in here that you won't want to cook - there's an abundance of organ meats - but you will thoroughly enjoy anything that you do prepare. This is a great addition to any kitchen library.

If, like me, your idea of culinary hell is quinoa blini with kimchee "tartare", wasabi sorbet in a pesto tuile, and a two-inch stick of "roasted" tuna on an acre of herb sprigs, then this is the cookbook for you. Soltner's recipes appear remarkable today, since they are both delicious and totally unpretentious, almost simple. These recipes are classically French, from the Alsace region, and despite the fact that they were regulars in one of the world's greatest restaurants, many are also easy to prepare. There is neither fusion nor fussiness in this food, just respect for good ingredients and some tried and true techniques. You don't need to be a highly experienced or highly equipped amateur to try many of these; all you need is a bit of patience and a good appetite. Try the mushroom-Gruyere salad or the grilled trout. Of course there are some very sophisticated and difficult dishes as well. I never ate at Lutece and probably neither did you, but at least all our favorite entertainers did. So if you like true French food and would rather beat eggs than fend off paparazzi, you should buy this book.

After graduating from college I started to cook for myself, primarily so I could eat a healthier diet. Two-odd years and many barely edible messes later, I find myself starting to develop a cook's intuition: what brand names provide better ingredients, what substances are NOT adequate substitutes (the cliche being baking powder vs. soda), when proportions are balanced, how much time recipes take, and so on.

When I picked this book up after failing to find Bourdain's "Les Halles" cookbook in the library, I wasn't expecting anything special. Later on I took the time to flip through most of it and was intrigued. Finally I tried the Rhubarb Tart recipe and BAM! -- I was amazed. As other reviewers have mentioned, Soltner has an unerring sense of harmony, and most of his recipes call for (relatively) basic ingredients.

After reading the book in depth and trying a few more recipes, I felt in awe. This was clearly the best cookbook I had ever come across, beating out even Marcella Hazan's "Essential Italian". To name several of many reasons:

1) Soltner started cooking before my dad was born, and clearly maintains a respect for the terrines, quenelles, and mousses that characterize classic French cooking. But as he admits he adapted the best parts of food trends throughout the years, and even includes some childhood favorites and regional specialties from his boyhood in Alsace. (Incidentally, Alsace seems to have produced more than its share of world-class cooks...) So you are as likely to find a recipe for inventive pike sausages or Alsatian potato pie as something with sole or truffles.

2) The recipes are clearly chosen for the home cook. There are complicated recipes, to be sure, but without the showy intricacy common in Thomas Keller's recipes or, say, the "Babbo" cookbook, where long and careful preparation leads to just one small dish. Every recipe offers plenty of "bang for the buck".

3) The introductory material is fascinating. It includes a description of the trademark atmosphere of Lutece, a "day in the life of" recorded before Soltner retired, some musings from Soltner himself, and a concise but thorough discussion of the most common ingredients and techniques. Through it all you get a sense of the warmth and hospitality that characterizes Soltner both as a cook and as a person. And the wry, lighthearted comments continue throughout for most recipes.

A few final words of praise. The presentation of the book is nigh-perfect. Large enough to be readable, small enough to contain a slew of recipes covering the main categories of French cuisine. The directions are precise, the ingredients proportions correct, no glossy images take up space but there are occasional hand-drawings.

Getting back to my own experience, I don't think that I could have fully appreciated "Lutece" a year ago. Every single recipe is worth making. And what's more, Soltner has this remarkable way of pointing out the subtle, yet important, details for each recipe (for example the exact butterfat content necessary in chocolate for the Chocolate Tart). Yet he is not too fussy, often suggesting adequate substitutes for more rare or expensive ingredients such as morels. Use this book, eat well, and become a better cook.

Mr. Soltner, my deepest respect to you for your marvelous work, both in the kitchen and in print. And Mr. Britchky, my heartfelt thanks for convincing Mr. Soltner to produce this book. I would be minus a culinary gem without it.

The collaboration between Britchkey and Soltner is a long one and began when the former became a food critic at large. He continually gave Lutece the highest award year after year for the very reasons found in this book: No fancy dancy, inside out topsy turvey "presentation", no exotic mixing of Indian and Southern cooking, no "tricks". What he admired was the sheer artistry behind the dish, the always fresh ingredients, the simple yet complete recipes that harken back to the chef's days as a boy in France and in particular, the Alsace region.

Many of these offerings are peculiarly French with ingredients that may not be common to average American cooks. Yet almost all can be prepared at home with a little bit of time and effort. This is NOT food for the diet crowd although Soltner's use of creams and butters and oils is entirely reasonable and serves to accentuate rather than hide flavors. Particularly appealing are the many stories of his childhood and early cooking days that are shared throughout the book.

This is the best poetry! Every poem is designed to make you reach outside yourself to lift self and others, it is not only spiritual, but it is very encouraging and beautifully written.

Lyrics of the Soul touches on everything and raises hope and strength...
Especially during a troubling time in our nation(WTC, etc) Reading this books allows me to re-think what is going on and stay reminded that God loves me and has everything in control!
Each page is a gift...

A wonderful collaboration of words! I enjoyed every page and would gladly give it to all whom I care about and love! Not only is this beautiful poetry, but it's an example of what positive words can do to encourage your spirit!

Got the book as a gift and I am enjoying it, this author is real and a bunch of the poems really hit home with me, especially the spiritual poems! I am a divorced mom and the poem Single Mom was a stregthening source for me-the right words at the right time! Absolutely amazing!

This is a great every day source to putting your spirit, mood and mind on high! You get a sense of understanding, because the poems sound as if they are coming from someone who truly cares!

I purchased the Magic Tree House audio set because my four-year-old daughter is always asking me to tell her stories. Sometimes, I just can't get my imagination going, so I thought this would fill in my blank moments. And, in fact, it has done a wonderful job of it. We play them in the car while driving around. They really captivate my daughter. The subject matter is very interesting to children: dinosaurs, mummies, castles, pirates. The stories increased her interest in these areas.

The CDs have also given me new ideas for stories--using the characters from Magic Tree House--and in other ways stimulated creative interaction between us. They have increased her vocabulary as well.

It is also a great way to motivate her to get in the car when we had to leave: "Come on, let's go hear a story!", I say.

I also love the fact that they are not the Disney-fied, commercialized versions of stories. I intend to purchase all of Osbourne's Magic Tree House CD sets.

My one comment toward improvement would be to put each story on its own CD. This set has four stories on 3 CDs, which is not quite as convenient when wanting to locate/isolate a particular story.

When I was eight I read these books. I am now 12 and in 6th grade and i say these books are great.I recomend these for kids instresed in science or the world.I am currenly reading Stephen Hawking's " A breif History of time" which is a great and understandable book for anyone. These books inspied me to be a Theoretical Quantum physicist. it got me into the fasinating subject of time travel and Unifeild Feild theory.The boottm line is these books are filles with adventure and fun.

Night of the Ninjas is easy to read with short chapters and pictures. This book can hold the interest of children from 8 on up. The characters are fun and children can relate to them. The characters are a brother and sister, so this book will be of interest to either boys or girls. I have found that the Magic Tree House Books make children want to learn more about history.

Since I like scary stories, I really, really liked this one. The best part was when they heard a ghost playing the piano. The ghost's name is Lonesome Luke.

My name is Grant. I am in third grade. Last week I read DOLPHINS AT DAYBREAK because it looked like a really exciting book. DOLPHINS is my favorite Magic Treehouse book so far. I have already read VIKING SHIPS AT SUNRISE and CIVIL WAR ON SUNDAY. I would give all of the Magic Treehouse books I have read 5 stars, but I like DOLPHINS best because I love dolphins and the submarine adventure was really exciting!!!

Here's a bit of what happened: Annie was curious about the mini-submarine and talked Jack into exploring it. Inside the sub Annie pushed the wrong button and it started to go down to the bottom of the sea. They saw an Octopus, which started to grab the submarine...they also saw a hammerhead shark...

That's all I will tell you or it will spoil the story for you.

Teaching history should never just be about memorizing names, events and dates. It is about something so much more ?" it is about, among other things, the lives of people past, present and future. Unfortunately, many educators are stuck using texts that concentrate on the didactic and rarely ever stimulate students in an affective manner. Recently I introduced excerpts from Mr. Lipiner?s book, Magyar, Stars & Stripes, to my Western Civilization class to supplement our current text?s generalized and very formal account of World War II. In discussing the excerpts ("The Russians are Coming") in class I found that students became more engaged in our unit on World War II then previous classes that used only our text. In addition to this, and something I had not anticipated originally, was the different historical perspective provided from the excerpts of Magyar, Stars & Stripes from our class text. Our text provides a viewpoint of World War II that is very American as opposed to Mr. Lipiner?s perspective that is uniquely European.

Let me be clear - one need not be a history teacher or history student to enjoy this book. I enjoyed this book for its profound implicit statement - our American culture is a conglomeration of many personal stories. Magyar, Stars & Stripes happens to be just one of those stories that is very well told and documented. Perhaps what I enjoyed most about this book is the undeniable passion and conviction in which it is written which is a deserving tribute to a truly remarkable man - Alexander Taub.

As I read Lipiner's recount of his grandfather's journey and struggles, it occured to me that this should be on every student's required reading list. It depicts a holocaust survivor's odyssey from his Hungarian homeland through Nazi Europe, back to his home, and eventually to the land of opportunity, America.

As a Greek-American daughter, whose parents lived through the Greek Civil War, I could relate to this book on many levels. Sandor's stories were heartbreaking and compelling, as many war stories are. I couldn't put this book down. I wanted to know, what happened next. Who would live? Who would die? My heart broke with each chapter, but then again, I also laughed at how Sandor sometimes viewed the world around him. Michael Lipiner took us through the Holocaust and into the present with the ease of a master story-teller. This book is a wonderful tribute to his grandfather and his heritage!

This is a touching, sad, happy, amazing story. The ability to hear the story through the survivor, Alex Taub's, own words (his often charming broken English) is one of the many reasons this book is unique. The pictures and vivid details make it easy to care about the other survivors portrayed in this book. More than simply the story of a Holocaust survivor, Magyar, Stars & Stripes is an emotionally touching story about hope, family, love and survival. It's a remarkable story with great meaning and I recommend it to people of all ages and backgrounds.

"Hate is no good because [from] the hate comes out trouble. More trouble. Someone hates someone, more trouble come. Nothing come out good: never."

This is one of the many quotes from Alexander "Sandor" Taub as transcribed by his grandson in this very poignant book. It is amazing how much suffering the human spirit can handle while still being open to love and hope. So many times I have whined and complained about the inconsequential annoyances of daily life. In reality, I have never known true suffering.

This is just one man's story. One story that is similar to so many others. We are lucky we have Alexander Taub to speak for many of the other 6 million victims whose stories will never be heard. This book should not be missed.

It's a memoir about Cantwell being in her 20's and 30's in NYCity -- time period is 1950's and '60's. Very good. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Her writing is really good.

The other reviews told what the book was about. I just wanted to add to their comments by saying that I couldn't put the book down and was sad when it ended. Her words flowed so beautifully.

The late Mary Cantwell charmingly recounts, in this 3 books in one volume paperback, her years growing up in a small New England seaport town and her youthful foray into the 'glamourous' magazine world of New York City in the 'fities. Sane, sensible and warm nostalgia--without being saccharine. Beautifully written. A must for the literate and for New York lovers-- especially those who remember the days!

Mary Cantwell's Manhattan Memoir is three books in one but you will never tell the difference. The stories flow together as Cantwell's memoir's cover her life. Cantwell takes you through a stroll in Manhattan. The good times, the struggles. The best memoir I have read. This is that book you will tell all of your friends about. Cantwell is a fantastic story teller.

Mary Cantwell bares her triumphs and joys as well as her shortcomings and insecurities in this collection of three memoirs that span her childhood, early adulthood, and middle- to late-adulthood respectively. Cantwell lead a wonderful, if unremarkable, childhood in an enviably Rockwell-esque seaside town - her depiction of her life through high-school is a real joy to read. Upon graduation from college, Cantwell hits the "Big City" appears to have forgotten some of the lessons learned in her idyllic childhood, however, she still manages to snag a plumb job with Mademoiselle Magazine and occasionally interacts with literary legends with her ambitious young husband. In her later life she is given interesting writing assignments and carves out a life for herself in Lower Manhattan, however, I found it discouraging that she wallows in the collapse of her marriage (which never appeared to be very strong), often to the detriment of her two daughters. I kept wondering how a woman with such a strong background could have allowed herself to sink to the depths Cantwell periodically allowed herself to hit. Regardless, she is not ashamed to remember less-than-glamorous moments in her life (which also include being jeered by fellow classmates as an elementary school student and suffering from paralyzing fits of self-doubt as a young career woman) - these are the events that have made her what she is.

It must have been incredibly therapeutic for Cantwell to write these memoirs. All three books can be seen as a view of the author's life from within her own head. Her message is simple: accept me for what I am. "Manhattan Memoir," in addition to being the story of Mary Cantwell's life, it also about trying to be true to oneself when one isn't always sure what that means. By writing her story, Cantwell examines her life and tries to learn from her experiences - and it can make the reader start to think about his/her own life as well.

While Cantwell's life is not particularly fascinating or different in itself, her writing style and manner of portraying her experiences are magical and riveting. She describes the joyous and painful events of her life in an easy, engaging manner - it is as if she is talking about the past with old friends. She manages to make the mundane fascinating. She also has a real gift for engaging the reader. I wasn't sure if I liked her writing style at first - Cantwell writes almost as one speaks - but within pages of beginning the book I became used to her rambling style and truly enjoyed it.

This book provides an added plus for those from or familiar with Rhode Island and/or New York City. It was fun for me to recognize the addresses of Cantwell's Manhattan apartments and know that the places she frequented, I often go to today.

I was home at my parents house recently for a wedding of a friend. In searching for a t-shirt to wear in my sisters closet I came across a box of books she had used for a children's literature course. Among them was this book. I instantly remembered it being one of the very first books I learned to read on my own. For hours I would read this book over and over pretending I was the little boy in the book being scrubbed by all the different stations. I was so happy to find the book that I immediately grabbed it and put it in my suitcase. I can't wait to for my son to learn to read, I'm sure it will be his favorite as well!!

This was my favorite book when I was a kid back in the 70's. I purchased this for my 5 year old nephew who is learning to read. He likes it too. While the words are repetitive, it reinforces what he is learning as he reads. The pictures are the best part and it is fascinating to see this boy with his mud washing machine contraption, getting cleaned up for dinner. He truly enjoys it and I think it is his favorite too.

I have looked for this book for years, it was one of my favorites as a child. I would definately recommend it to any reader, young or old. It brings forth the imagination and carries the reader back to those delightful days when getting dirty was all that mattered.

I have looked for this book for years. My mother use to read this book to my brother, sister and me. Now that I have a two year old daughter, I wanted to share with her this wonderful book. This book is great for boys and girls. It is worth spending money on, because it can be passed down through the years. Beautiful Marvelous Mud!

This is a book that I enjoyed as a kid. It is the perfect book for a young reader. If you are lucky enough to come across this book it is a definite good deal. Any child would love to read of the boys love of mud and his amazing washing machine. With so few words and the constant repetition it is child friendly.

Lasting success can come from as little as seven intentional decisions - and the author has spent several decades studying some of the success stories that have revolved around these decisions. Andy Andrews' Mastering the Seven Decisions That Determine Personal Success blends profiles of very successful people with exercises designed to help readers translate these successes into action plans. Chapters give plenty of examples of responsible thinking, gratitude, and more in this outstanding survey of life improvements.

A short while back, my boss lent me a copy of The Traveler's Gift by Andy Andrews. It was one of the best self-improvement books I've ever read, and the seven decisions that were woven into the story were incredibly powerful. Andrews has a follow-up to that book called Mastering the Seven Decisions That Determine Personal Success: An Owner's Manual to The Traveler's Gift. If you were taken by the power of The Traveler's Gift, Mastering is a must-read book that fleshes out the concepts and helps you to apply them in your own life.

Contents:
Introduction; The Responsible Decision; The Guided Decision; The Active Decision; The Certain Decision; The Joyful Decision; The Compassionate Decision; The Persistent Decision; Conclusions; Bibliography; About the Authors

Each chapter corresponds to one of the seven decisions from the original book. After a restatement of the key decision, Andrews goes into more explanation and detail about how that particular trait, that decision you need to make, plays out in your life. Interspersed throughout the chapter are activities to help you determine where you are at and what may need to change in order to get to where the decision can take you. Much of the activities at the start involve some level of journaling as you spend time thinking about your values and goals. Perhaps you've never even *thought* about your values and goals before! Being forced to put these things down on paper is a powerful way to start sorting through your life. As you progress through the decisions, many of these insights you discover become actions you take to incorporate these seven traits into your everyday life. I also enjoyed the end of each chapter, where Andrews shares a letter from some well-known person that illustrates how that particular decision has helped them get to where they are today.

What I most appreciate about The Traveler's Gift and Mastering the Seven Decisions is that the concepts are based on solid choices that are completely within your reach. There's no metaphysical mystery to it all. If you incorporate and personalize these things, such as taking responsibility, taking action, seeking wisdom, and choosing to be happy, you will separate yourself from the mass of people who live life feeling as if they have no input or direction. Granted, you have to work at it, but the results are worth it. Mastering the Seven Decisions should be the absolute next book you read after The Traveler's Gift. And if you're going to buy one, buy them both. The changes that lie in store will be dramatic.

I read almost 100 books a year. This is at the top of my list. Andy's exercises are so practical & thought provoking you'll want to dig right in & grow. On a scale of 1 to 10, I'd give it an 11.

And the DVD goes right along with everything Andy says.

Ed Cerny

I've always been an avid reader with varied interests. Each year, I've always tried to read at least a half dozen or so self improvement books, so over the last 30 years or so, I've taken in quite a bit of information from a variety of sources. About six months ago, however, I found (on the bargain shelf of a local store) something that looked quite interesting called The Traveler's Gift. It appeared to be some sort of self-improvement book told in fictional story form. A unique concept that intrigued me. I'm going to make a very conservative estimate that in the course of my life I've read well over 100 self-improvement books. Not one of them has affected my life the way The Traveler's Gift has.

I'm not going to say Andy Andrews is a much better writer than Napoleon Hill was, or any of the other contemporary writers in this genre, although he does write very well. Perhaps it was just the right message at the right time in my life, but whatever the reason, the book truly resonated with me and touched me in ways other books failed to do. It has led to a complete transformation of where my life is going.

After reading the book, I typed out the seven decisions and taped them on my bathroom mirror, where I have reflected upon them each morning since and they have served as a catalyst to set the day in motion. Reading this book, MASTERING THE SEVEN DECISIONS, was a no-brainer. I ordered a copy as soon as I found out it was available.

All I can say about this is, it is an extraordinary companion to doing exactly what the title suggests, mastering the seven decisions. Here, Andrews takes the reader to the next level and what we have is somewhat of an amalgamation. It is mostly Traveler's Gift, with a few parts The Lost Choice, a healthy dose of Andrew's DVD, "The Seven Decisions", even a few letters from Andrews' early Storms of Perfection books, and a mixture of new material that will enhance even further, the understanding and application of the 7 decisions.

Self-improvement books are just that; they help us to become better businessmen and women, better husbands and wives, better leaders, better people. Few of them go beyond that and actually have what it takes to be life altering. This book does. Though it is not completely necessary, I highly recommend you read The Traveler's Gift first. It will greatly enhance what this book will do for you.

I ended up buying quite a few copies of The Traveler's Gift: Seven Decisions that Determine Personal Success for friends because I liked it so much, I read it cover to cover twice without stopping. I really believe in what the author has to say. The seven decisions are an attitude that (akin to positive thinking) can change how you view the world and deal with the world, and ultimately, how the world deals with you.

The seven decisions are:
The Responsible Decision: The buck stops here. I accept responsibility for my past. I am responsible for my success. I will not let my history control my destiny.
The Guided Decision: I will seek wisdom.
The Active Decision: I am a person of action.
The Certain Decision: I have a decided heart. Criticism, condemnation, and complaint have no power over me.
The Joyful Decision: Today I will choose to be happy.
The Compassionate Decision: I will greet this day with a forgiving spirit.
The Persistent Decision: I will persist without exception.

The problem with motivational books is that they are inspiring to read, they make us feel great, but then we aren't really easily able to change our behavior. Reading is passive, changing attitude and behavior is active and more difficult. The author gives techniques to master these attitudes. Some are as simple (on the surface) as smiling when you really don't feel like it. But smiling is a muscular action, and it fires neurons in the brain. The brain, even though it may be simmering about the hellish traffic you are in, the disastrous breakfast you just ate and the unpleasant meeting with the boss you are heading for, is not so bright. The neurons firing in your brain saying "I'm smiling!" tell the brain "I'm happy!" and you find you are turning on the good music and relaxing rather than tensing up and formulating curses at the driver in front of you.

There are many more of these techniques in the book. If you love "The Traveler's Gift" and want to get more out of it, I'd suggest this companion volume. I think it would make great reading with a book club or church group or at home for dinnertime discussions. Sometimes your future can be positively changed by something as simple as a smile--or this book. Highly recommended.