General Practice Books

Rabbi Steinsaltz is one of the great Jewish teachers of this generation. His translation first to Hebrew and now in English of the Talmud have given many access to the Jewish traditional sources that they otherwise would not have had. In this book he essentially outlines the principles of the Jewish faith. The word 'Teshuvah' means ' to return ' and this process in Judaism is taken to be a lifelong and continual one. The Jewish person no matter how advanced in learning , or not is continually required to be striving to come closer to G-d. Rabbi Steinsaltz outlines here in a clear and effective way some of the ways by which this can be done. This book can be a great help to anyone who wishes to deepen in their practice of Judaism.

As a former Jew, I didn't think this book would have much to offer me, but I read it anyway. I'm glad I did. Much of the advice in this book can be applied to any religion or to any self-improvement goal. Its focus is, of course, on Judaism; and even here, I was surprised by what I learned. For example, newly observant Jews and former Jews actually have a lot in common. Both sought to experience religion more intensely. Former Jews did this by leaving a religion that is ridiculously burdensome and superstitious. Newly observant Jews did this by commiting themselves to a very exacting and demanding way of life. I must state that, in princlple, the cons of Judaism far outway the pros. Sabbath peace and festival joy do not compensate for the many demands or the unreasonable burdens and superstitions placed on the observer. Moreover, one can experience peace and joy without observing the thousands of picayune details of these "holy" days. Yet Steinsaltz showed me that Judaism can be fulfilling for some people.

Although presented as a guide for the newly observant Jew, this is the one book that I recommend to non-Jews who ask for a book about Judaism. Rabbi Steinsaltz' very insightful and yet succinct work on authentic Judaism is written for adults who expect their theology and religious practices to be on a level commensurate with their secular education.

This book is an excellent book. It is well-written and flows smoothly. Like the title says, it is a guide for the newly observant jew. This book really bridges the gap from non-practicing to practicing. It explains why and how in an easy to read and understand format...I really enjoyed this book and have put it in my permanent library.

Some very contradictions indeed. Judiasm does welcome those who want to be more observant. However the laws of the sabbath, dress, social relations, and keeping kosher are very strict.

The All or Nothing and Where To Start Chapters are very helpful. Rabbi Steinsaltz has a patient tone that one should not make the jump too vigorously to become observant. Start with lighting sabbath candles and maybe wearing tefilin is a good suggestion.

This book contains some very good information on some of the laws and their meanings. The kashering process is especially captivating. Some of the contradicitions are a bit confusing for those whom are not too informed. However, many can strike up interesting discussions. The glossary is quite helpful. A nice book for those who are considering taking the step to becomming more observant jews.

Of course, in a book with this many contributors, the writing is a bit uneven. but the overall effect is wonderful. Actually, it is somewhat surprising that there is relatively little non-fiction about men physicians. About women, there is practically nothing. This volume tries to cover everything, from the first "lady" doctors to graduate from medical school to the multiple paths medical study takes now that about 50% of medical school classes are women. The pulls between family and practice are well described. Some women choose not to have children of their own. I was especially struck by the story of an orthopedic surgeon who sacrificed 20 years of her life to be one of the boys and then hit the glass ceiling with a crash. Fortunately, she found a good position at another academic center. How many do not? I loved the editor's poem, which both in form and in words illustrated the family/physician duality. There are too many to cite in a review. I recently talked to my daughter about how much I disliked the use of "female" doctor instead of woman doctor. She said, "Why don't you just call them "doctor?" I'm afraid we're not there yet. Women tend to crowd into psychiatry, pediatrics, and now internal medicine and even ob/gyn. This volume illustrates in many ways what we can hope is to be a total success story.

This Side Of Doctoring: Reflections From Women In Medicine showcases a superbly presented and collection of stories, poems, and essays capturing what it means to be a female physician. Ranging from pioneering lady doctors to today's increasing numbers of women medical students, This Side Of Doctoring explores and reveals the struggles and triumphs of women in the past 150 years of western medicine. Included are intimate sketches of the contributors personal lives and experiences that seldom (if ever) appear in traditional, male oriented medical writings and histories. This Side Of Doctoring is strongly recommended for personal, professional, and academic reading lists and reference collections, especially in the areas and disciplines of Medical History and Women's Studies.

This book is not only informative and enlightening but enjoyable and inspiring. There is something in this book for everyone, whether you are a medical student, premed, physician or retired physician. Historians, feminists and the medical community will also find this book invaluable. 'This Side of Doctoring' is like a time-capsule of women in medicine, from the days of pioneer Elizabeth Blackwell to female medical students today (who are also still pioneering change in medicine). Lo Chin has compiled the who, what, why, when and how of women doctors. The stories, essays, and especially poems, capture the spirit of women physicians past and present. With more than 100 women's stories, it accurately portrays the sacrifices and rewards of this challenging career. I especially enjoyed the chapters on mothering, the early pioneers and barriers to women in medicine. Because it is an anthology, you can digest at your own convenience, read one piece or a chapter, good for busy women like me! It is a book to which I will constantly refer.

As a recent med school graduate, I found this book to be enlightening on many fronts. I have wrestled with similar issues and have had to make my own hard choices about my career and life, while living with the guilt and self-doubt of my decisions. This book touched a nerve with me because it presents the many issues women in the field of medicine have to deal with daily, and for the rest of their lives from the perspective of women who have tread this path and understand the complex conflicts and possibilities of being a woman and being in medicine. I especially enjoyed the section on the early pioneers of woman in medicine, as well as sections written by doctors who faced much harder decisions in their time, and helped make the options available to today's modern med school graduate possible. My favorite part though, is the way the editor culled not just stories and histories from her contributors, but POEMS which evoke the emotional struggle of women in medicine, that many have had to repress and not face in their daily hectic time short juggling routine. I found myself forced to stop running on the treadmill of life and really reflect. Thank you for helping me to really reflect on my own life in medicine and for helping me honor and respect those who have made the joys of medicine and womanhood possible for everyone.

Having recently graduated residency with two young children, I couldn't stop reading this book. I want to plaster these essays on the cover of the Wall Street Journal: this is why medical training has to change! I am buying this book for all of my friends.

Excellent book by Mr. King from a view of a Christian taking a look at Meditation practices in other religions and how it enhanced his own faith. A great overview of Thomas Merton and Thich Nhat Hanh, enough to wet the appetite of any one who wanted to pursue further reading of these two monks.

Robert King has written a quite thoroughly researched and knowledgeable book exploring the background, biographies, and historical significance of these two giants of 20th century spiritual and political thought. If you are a student of either of these two great teachers, you will find that King has placed their written output in the context of their lives' work in a way that is completely useful and illuminating. You will be able to go back to the writings of TNH and Merton with a great deal more understanding and insight. It is also apparent that, in addition to a great deal of research and understanding, King is approaching the lives of these two men with a considerable amount of love and appreciation for what he has been able to learn from them. He passes this appreciation on to the reader. If you have not yet read the works of TNH and Merton, I would think this book would be a splendid introduction to them; if you are familiar with them, this will deepen your relationship with the teachings of these two great spiritual teachers. Highly recommended for those who are interested in the meditative/ contemplative practice of either tradition.

Thomas Merton said, "Nhat Hanh Is My Brother," coming to this conclusion after meeting him but once.
Robert H. King traces the paths of these two men toward their historic meeting, yet respects their differences and the differences between Christianity and Buddhism. According to King, the contemplative practice which each of them followed in his own tradition led both of them into an active role in worldly affairs and to a deep respect for each other and for one another's tradition. King sees here the start of a fruitful inter-religious dialogue and the beginning of relationship between very different traditions.
I really enjoyed hearing how these two men, from such very different backgrounds, arrived at a similar place of "engaging" the world and its problems.
Anyone interested in learning about contemplation, either Christian or Buddhist, will find much to think about in this book.

Sept 11 demands a new perspective on old issues. Dr King gives readers just that with a beautifully written, fascinating look at these two peace advocates, who tried to expose the true face of peace hidden by the clouds of political dust during the turbulent Sixties. This is an elightened look at bringing major religions together for peaceful exchange.

As the previous reviewer pointed out, Robert H. King really delivers in this book! He is a now retired professor of both religion and philosophy, who had always been fascinated by these two prolific and influential men of the 20th century. Most of you probably know who these two men are, but for those of you who do not I'll give a brief outline. Thomas Merton was a Christian Cistercian monk who belonged to the Abbey of Gethsemani down in Kentucky; Thich Nhat Hanh is to this day a prolific teacher of Vietnamese Zen who was a prominent peace activist during the Vietnam War era.

Merton and Nhat Hanh both had a relationship that is a shining model for everyone of us today for what it means to "come together." With a lot of love in the author's voice, we are allowed to see the deep and unique aspects of both of their spiritual practices. Merton with his contemplative prayer, and Nhat Hanh with his ongoing writings and talks on mindfulness. Both of these guys felt their spiritual relationship and practices had a real relevance to the chaos of the world of that time. And moreover, this book applies in many respects even more fervently than any other era in history. The author coins this outlook of Merton and Nhat Hanh's as being "engaged spiritually"; in other words, they intended to utilize contemplation while employing action. These two men were actually the pioneers in interreligious talks, paving the way for more discourse in the years that have since followed.

Merton once said in praise of Thich Nhat Hanh, "Thich Nhat Hanh is more my brother than many who are nearer to me in race and nationality, because he and I see things exactly the same way." This, to me of course, spells out all too clearly what he was referring to as seeing things, "exactly the same." It refers to their roadmap for peace between the two religions. Their views on socially engaged religious practices that were not simply contemplative and thoughtful, but filled with action and doing. If you are familiar, or even not familiar, with either of these two men, you'll love this book. It is so worth the read. Enjoy it.

If this book doesn't move you in some way I don't know what will. While reading I cried, I prayed and I thought.

Who doesn't need to work on their relationship with God? For none of us are perfect. I'm preparing for whatever it is that the Lord has in store for me to do.

A job well done Mr. Lang.

I found this book to be very inspiring for those who are asking themselves,"what is my purpose in life and will I be able to acheive it without failing.?"In addition,I was able to see the correlation between the bibical quotes and applying it to everyday life. Furthermore,his perscription of not just saying but actually doing what it is you love and not listening to that innner voice nagging you with negativity is superb.Finally,I recommended that everyone who needs that extra support and don't know where to turn read this book hence will give you that extra enery to move forward with purpose and determination.

I admit that when I first started reading THE TIME IS NOW, I thought it was going to be a typical "you can do it" book. I was wrong. Elder Lang somehow was able to decipher a book full of principals from one verse. Not only that, but he kept God at the focus. Many encouragement books tell us that we can find what we need inside us and leave it at that. Elder Lang reminds us that the power at work in us is from God. The only way we can tap into that power is to have a personal relatioship with Jesus Christ and let Jesus renew our minds so that we'll be able to achieve in life.
THE TIME IS NOW is a great read. It's not preachy, yet you know God is behind the words. I enjoyed the book. If I wasn't such a stickler about my books, there would be underlines all over it. When's the next book coming out?

The Time is Now is an excellent choice for anyone who is looking for a book that will inspire, encourage, and rejuvenate. Once I started reading it I could not put it down. This book gives great step by step questions to ask yourself in various situations that will help all Christians (new believers and the spiritually mature) in decision making as they pursue a closer walk with God. Cedric lays out his life and experiences in this book to help everyone understand that even through hardships there is hope if you are not afraid to trust God and utilize the tools he has already set before us. He gives guidance and direction to those that have unanswered questions about their life. Cedric has taken the time to reflect on his life experiences, and to research and observe others, and through his findings he has been able to document the keys to successful living. If you are serious about your relationship with God and his plan for your life, this book is a great resource to aid you in fullfilling your potential.

No more thoughts of mediocrity! Say good-bye to discontentment and frustration! I picked up this book with a broken spirit and disturbed frame of mind and came away feeling empowered, inspired and proactive! Lang's carefully crafted work entitled "The Time Is Now" is the ideal eye-opening, heart racing inspiration that many crippled Christians are longing for.

Through the use of biblical analysis, heart-filled testimony and highly applicable allusions, Lang ensnares and convicts the reader who is lacking purpose and is dwindling their godly potential. Lang identifies with this struggling Chrisitian and then leads them down the path to the pond of introspection. You will confront your fear, frustration, doubt,disappointment, mediocrity, and misery - everything that hinders us from actualizing God's will. Finally, with the aid of vivid and colorful narratives, thought-provoking quotes and applicable advice, Lang encourages you to submit yourself fully to the Lord's purpose for your life.

This book calls us to have confidence in our authority as Christians, and the tools that we presently posess, in order to perform greater works in Christ. It's an absolute must read for the mediocre Christian who feels discouraged about their life's course, their future, or their self-worth. If the desire of your heart is to tap into the greatness that God has ordained for you, then "The Time Is Now" may be the blessing you've been awaiting.

This is a wonderful book. It offers beautiful methods of maintaining and enriching family rituals. Advent,Christmas, Lent,Pentecost, Thanksgiving, Halloween etc. It is all here. The first section of this book discusses ways people can approach all celebrations. Then the second half focuses on specific holidays. My copy of this book is well worn and well loved. The author is Catholic, but most of her ideas work well for any Christian faith. She offers fresh ways of responding to the liturgical calender. Included are crafts, prayers, games,the history of each holiday as well as family and community centering activities. While families without children will respond to a lot of what she has to say, families with children of all ages will find their copy of this book as well worn as a treasured family cookbook.

I have had this book for 20 years. I came upon it when my children were small and felt it tapped into something deep within me. I was not raised Catholic so many of the traditions were new to me, but delightful. Over the years I have used them with my own family and introduced them into my church community, as well. The projects are simple and noncommercial. I would count this book as one of the most formative to my role of parent; creating a home rich with meaningful rituals and traditions. I love the simple illustrations too.

This book helps you to create important traditions with your family, but it is more than that. Your faith is opened to new and exciting possibilities and Mueller-Nelson teaches us how to live in the world and with God.

Nelson's excellent book offers not only a spiritual perspective to family celebration but wonder-filled, seasonally-oriented practical ideas for enriching your family life. Those who have wandered away from their childhood family rituals of celebration will be delighted with "To Dance With God" as a rediscovery tool for communal spirituality. For another book on the spirituality of family life together, look up the recently published, THE FAMILY CLOISTER: BENEDICTINE WISDOM FOR THE HOME, by David Robinson (New York, NY: Crossroad, 2000). Blessings upon your home this season.

Wanting to develop traditions in your family? This is a great starting point. One of my favorite books. Fun to read, too

In "The Torah Lifestyle" the author chooses the format of a Jewish man seeking answers as he considers marriage in order to walk the reader through understanding the traditional Jewish lifestyle. Rabbi Shafier successfully uses simple reasoning and insightful comments to help the reader understand such difficult topics as personal happiness, who you are as an individual, thinking patterns and how they affect our view of life as well as a myriad of others. The most impressive thing about the book is the simple, insightful and at times beautiful ways in which he explains basic Jewish thought. A highly recommended read for anyone seeking answers about Jewish thought and the meaning of life from a traditional Jewish perspective.

Rabbi Shafier does an incredible job of presenting life's purpose in a format that's engaging and stimulating. I found the book's greatest quality was its almost complete and accurate presentation of basic Jewish thought. The core of what one needs to know to begin exploring Judaism is comprehensively presented in an easy-to-follow dialogue. The author entertains as well, making this quite an enjoyable read.
I was inspired and gained tremendously from this book.

I can't recommend this book enough. It is one of the best books that I have ever read. It was great! Profound, yet fun. It deals with the most important questions: if GOD created the world what is its purpose, and if God created me, what is my purpose. I can't think of any more important question that needs to be addressed. And this book does it an amazingly moving way. I recommend this book to anyone is looking for answers. It addresses so many of the basic issues of life. It reawakened in me a joy for daily living, your section about the smell of oranges really hit home. It is trully a phenomanal work. I am now reading it for the third time. Thank you.

This thought provoking book offers a clear understanding of the purpose of a Jews life on this world from the traditional Jewish perspective. In addition, it opens a window into the lifestyle of the Orthodox Jew helping to demystify their ancient practices and customs. The author courageously tackled many of the "whys" of the world and life that nag us throughout our years. He presents unique, straightforward answers grounded in sound common sense. This 225-page book was an enlightening and refreshing read and is likely to give you the tools to a happier and more meaningful life.

In "The Torah Lifestyle" the author chooses the format of a Jewish man seeking answers as he considers marriage in order to walk the reader through understanding the traditional Jewish lifestyle. Rabbi Shafier successfully uses simple reasoning and insightful comments to help the reader understand such difficult topics as personal happiness, who you are as an individual, thinking patterns and how they affect our view of life as well as a myriad of others. The most impressive thing about the book is the simple, insightful and at times beautiful ways in which he explains basic Jewish thought. A highly recommended read for anyone seeking answers about Jewish thought and the meaning of life from a traditional Jewish perspective.

If you want a glance into the lives and psychi of the devot muslim, this is the book to read. If your curious about christianity, buy this book- it's a true story. It is well written and once you begin it is difficult to set it down. This is not some freaky christian autobiography. Gulshan Esther does not give any hint of an effort to convert her readers. She tells us, merely what happened to her, what her life experiences have been, in one of the most beautiful narratives imaginable. This book will change your life and the way you view Christianity and Islam. I hope you buy this book. I know I have been changed because of it.

This book has changed the way I precieve God's work in people's lives. If you are willing to let yourself feel anothers struggles in a world you could hardly understand. And if you are willing to imagine God to be so great that He could do anything for the one He loves. Then prepare your heart and dive into a deeper relationship with God. Prepare to understand the heart of the lost muslim like never before.

I was swept away of the Gulshan Esther's courage. A wonderful person recommended this book - I'm so glad he did because it was hard to put down. I was in awe of Jesus' faithfulness and promise to heal those who call on Him and believe in His name. Truly a powerful story which God desired for His people to read. Gulshan answered that call, not backing down for a moment; she's a beautifully healed soldier.

This is a beautiful story of a Muslim girl who is healed by Jesus,and comes to know Him as her Lord and Saviour.
It is wonderful to read of the power and compassion of Jesus,of how He spoke to her,of how He transformed her body,her heart,and her life.
A beautiful testimony book not just for Muslims,but for anyone.

The story shows how when we are really desperate for God, He reveals Himself in a very powerful and yet in a practical loving way by healing this sick lady.

Being reminded of the choice Christians of earlier generations were forced to make between renouncing their faith or giving up their lives put fuel on the fire inside. Unfortunately, Christians today in some nations, primarily Muslim, still face these decisions. With religious freedom continually being a stewardship requiring attention, this book reminds you of the sober task of deligently praying for persecuted believers.

In writing about the death of her brother Charlie, Janet lets us in on part of her "examined life." These are the situations where what a person really believes comes out. She writes, "Tough faith is the only answer when no easy answers are at hand. Faith that is tried, tested, and true. Faith that lets you stare death right in the face." She doesn't end there, but closes the thought by focusing on what we can control in a helpless situation, "We cannot always choose the difficulties we will face in this life, but we can certainly choose how we will respond to them."

This is a book about reality, a book for overcomers who face challenges head on. Faith will be tested by fire. These writers remind us of those whose faith came out of that fire like gold, precious gold, more solid than anything in this material world.

The Parshall's new book Tough Faith should be declared "required reading" for all who name the name of Christ as their Savior. Outstanding, factual presentation of the way things really are, not the way we wish they would be. Read on!

This book cuts through the heart like a searing iron. There can be no such thing as a lukewarm christian in the coming millennium. Janet and Craig challenge us to examine our willingness to sacrifice everything for our God and Country in a time in this land that is akin to the final days of Babylon. They give us a practical manifesto for daily living and a challenge to actively participate in our nation's recovery. May God, in his grace, grant this nation a repentant heart.

Once again the Parshall's have laid the truth out on the line for the world to see. Tough Faith is an outstanding apologetic for our time and a must read for every student and Pastor.

The book has 3 sections - Doctrine & Deception - is the first section with a punch. This chapter begins by describing how mankind fell to arrogance when the Titanic sank. Using many illustrations from the sinking of the Titanic the authors draw a clear picture of life in today's world. There is good discussion on the scientific method, mysticism and technologies.

You will also read about the clear difference between secular humanism versus biblical Christianity. An excellent argument is given to Christians that we must engage the culture with our minds, and not merely our heart.

Discussion on the rise of cults follows and the destructive damage that these ideas have on people. The Parshall's boldly expose the Gay agenda, the Jesus Seminar and histories skeptics and challenge the reader to examine closely their doctrine with Scripture.

Part 2 of the book deals with the Persecution of the Pious - and this is an excellent section that will not only strengthen your faith but educate you as to those who have died so willingly and passionately for the name of Christ. You will read about Perpetua, Patrick Hamilton, George Wishart and others who had the tough faith to endure true persecution. The history in this section of the book is outstanding and worthy to be read. You will also read about the Parshall's own experiences in this area.

Section 3 deals with how we can live righteously in our ruined culture. The challenge to live your life faithfully and without shame is given, but not without many practical principles straight out of Scripture. Every person of faith who engages the culture will want to especially read this section.

In a nutshell, this book proclaims that if you say you are a Christian and a follower of Christ Jesus then act like it! Do not merely be a hearer of the Word, but be a doer as well.

If you have read Josh McDowell's "The New Tolerance" or Daniel Lapin's "America's Real War" (both are excellent books, by the way) then you might be prepared for the chilling picture the authors' paint of what life might be like for Christians in the next millenium. But then again, maybe not. I, like so many other Americans, was "asleep" during the past 40 years while our courts were secularizing our country by blatantly misconstruing the Constitution, and I had no idea how far down the hill we had slid. This book projects forward the ramifications of that secularization. May it serve as a wake-up call to us all.

With his trademark wisdom, heart and humor, Rabbi Ed Feinstein tackles both simple and profound questions. This articulately written book is much more inspiring than its title might suggest, and is suitable for adults of all ages. It makes a great gift, but don't forget to buy one for yourself!

This book received a silver medal for the 2003 Sydney Taylor Book Awards! These awards are presented annually by the Association of Jewish Libraries to the best in Judaic children's literature. Find out more at www.jewishlibraries.org.

Tough Questions Jews Ask: A Young Adult's Guide To Building A Jewish Life by Rabbi Edward Feinstein presents answers to difficult issues raised by Jewish young adults about the Jewish faith. Dealing with such fundamental and pervasive questions such as: "Why Does Religion Need So Many Rules" (such as dietary restrictions that forbid cheeseburgers and activity restrictions that forbid going to the mall on Saturday);"Why Is It So Important to Marry Someone Jewish?"; "What's the Meaning of Life? Is That a Dumb Question?"; and "Why Does God Let Terrible Things Happen?"; "Why Be Jewish?"; and more, Tough Questions Jews Ask pre-sents patient, discerning, illuminating answers which are particularly appropriate to teenage and young adult readers.

It is not a bad thing that our most accessible source of wisdom is from late night TV comics. Our country celebrates newness and individual innovation, and the cleverness of the late night comic and his guests is a welcome antidote to the tawdry news that precedes it. But we have thousands of years of insight to draw on, also created as a counterpoint to distracting times, the cumulative ideas of a great religion. In this book, Rabbi Edward Feinstein brings us both kinds of wisdom. A colorful and brisk survey of Jewish thought, the book conveys Jewish teachings through the lens of a very modern mind, to the sensibilities of a skeptical adolescent, through the humor and pathos that makes a great comic. I loved the book for myself, and giving out two to each Bar Mitzvah- one to the kid, and one to the parents!

Rabbi Edward Feinstein is has a great mind and is a wonderful speaker and writer. In his book, Tough Questions Jews Ask, he responds to questions that have been asked by his students in the hope that his book will be a guide to young adults in building a Jewish life.

Rabbi Feinstein suceeds beautifully by answering some of the toughest questions anyone--regardless of age--can ask, and providing his deep, wise and often unpredictable responses in a way that both young and old can appreciate and understand. Such questions as: What are we here for? Why do terrible things befall us? Why pray and what do we pray for? are explored.

The book contains insightful questions and the Rabbi gives meaningful answers. Ultimately one lession of the book is that we grow by learning to ask the right questions, listening to the responses and then asking even deeper questions.

This book is great for anyone interested in growing, learing and asking.

I have read multiple books on hypnotherapy and hypnosis. This is by far the best of the lot. Yapko's presentation of all the nuances of hypnotherapy and separating myth from reality is brilliant. The book takes you on a scholastic journey of hypnotherapy holding your hand all along. I wish I had read this book before as it would have saved me lot of time and energy trying to make sense out of theories and concepts that other books provide in a disjointed fashion. A "must have" book for a serious student of Hypnotherapy.

This book is a great text to use for learning about hypnosis or to teach hypnosis to students. It is thorough, covering every significant issue that a typical hypnosis practitioner would deal with, and it presents a careful, balanced examination of many issues that are often misrepresented by either proponents or critics of hypnosis and hypnotherapy. The current edition (3rd) seems very well organized and conceptualized, and is pretty well updated about neuroscience correlates of hypnotic states. Yapko clearly wishes to make hypnosis a well-respected healing practice, and attempts to present hypnosis in a well-developed context that allows readers to see the many potential benefits of using hypnotic techniques as well as the possible hazards of misrepresenting or misapplying hypnosis. This is a well-researched, comprehensive, and well-rounded presentation of hypnosis which should serve many hypnosis practitioners well. It is hard to find a book on hypnosis of this quality, with most books on the topic focusing more on techniques and exalting the power of hypnosis than on addressing the many professional issues and contexts that practitioners will have to work with. The only significant fault in this book I can point out is the title, as Yapko proceeds to explain why he is not happy with the word "trance" as a descriptor for states of consciousness appearing during hypnosis. Perhaps he will decide on a new title the next time this text is updated. Meanwhile, Trancework is a book that sets a high standard for Hypnosis texts.

I am a psychologist in private practice and am quite experienced with hypnosis. In fact, I do trainings in the subject locally. I have been using Dr. Yapko's excellent text, Trancework, in my clinical courses for years, and was eagerly awaiting the new and updated edition ever since I received an announcement from the publisher that it was in press. I had high expectations, and not only did Dr. Yapko meet them, he exceeded them. This new edition is unbelievably thorough, well referenced with almost up-to-the-minute research findings, and comprehensive in its review of the field. Dr. Yapko has added new chapters on the cognitive neuroscience of hypnosis and effective treatment planning, as well as many new sections on important clinical issues. His approach is so sensible and practical! The endorsements from many key people in the field certainly lend support to my opinion. I also love the mini-interviews with key figures in the field as well as all the structured exercises and points to discuss in each chapter. They make the book both enjoyable to read and valuable to use as a guide to developing hypnotic skills. But most of all, Dr. Yapko's ability to give clarity to the concepts and issues of the field while providing step-by-step structures for integrating hypnosis into clinical practice is nothing short of brilliant. One of the chapters is his transcript of a session with a woman only 42 years old who is dying of cancer and wants hypnosis for pain management. It's quite intense. I ordered the DVD from Dr. Yapko's website, www.yapko.com, and watching it is a very moving experience. It was especially helpful to read along in the book as I watched in order to better understand some of the subtleties of Dr. Yapko's interventions. If there's a weakness in Trancework, I have no idea what it would be. I simply cannot say enough good things about this book. It is superb!

Rick Voit, Ph.D. Co-author: Hypnosis in Clinical Practice: Steps for Mastering Hypnotherapy. (Routledge)

Trancework is a wonderful achievement in presenting a thorough conceptual framework and understanding of trance states, hypnotic communication and the rationale for technique. Through its clear language, thorough review of research, and the introduction of powerful and novel teaching formats, Yapko carefully carries the reader from this well-established framework into very practical applications for psychotherapy. Its progressive building of concepts and logical applications results in a comprehensive discussion of how hypnosis and hypnotic language serve as natural extensions of the therapeutic process to basic skills and clear-cut guidelines for the integration of hypnosis into practice.
This book certainly provides the reader with many practical ideas for hypnotic language, induction procedures and clinical treatment planning. Yet, this reviewer believes the book's strength lies in how effectively it lays the groundwork for why these methods make sense. His sections on the concepts behind trance and hypnosis, human suggestibility and responsiveness, brain function, and various contexts in which hypnosis is practiced give the reader a depth of understanding that fully restore this meaning to an extent that few other texts achieve.
This is a book with few if any weaknesses. If anything, it may have attempted to do too much and yet, should any of its elements be removed, it would not be the complete work that it is. Yapko's thorough examination of the myths surrounding hypnosis and how they reflect misinterpretations of the process involved serve to illuminate the alternative truths involved. He most effectively dispels myths about hypnosis by examining ways in which responsiveness and suggestibility create the potentials through which we induce trance. This assignment of responsibility and further discussion of normal hypnotic phenomena allow the reader to grasp the purpose of techniques as means of utilizing, not manufacturing, trance behavior. In short, it successfully replaces the mindset of "doing hypnosis" with one of "being hypnotic."
Unlike many other introductory books, Trancework carefully and clearly examines those conditions and characteristics in people and in the therapeutic setting that lay the groundwork for hypnotic communication. I would recommend this book for students of hypnosis at any level of training. For the serious beginner, there is probably no more comprehensive and user-friendly text available. It has been my experience that many professionals who have completed advanced levels of training have not gained a comprehension of the hypnotic process sufficient to comfortably apply their skill with any range or effectiveness. In Trancework, these readers will discover an opportunity to expand their knowledge base while increasing the breadth of their hypnosis skills.
Because of its clarity and scope, this book would be of great interest to someone seriously curious about hypnosis.

I've studied hypnosis with Stepp, Bandler, and Dobson and read just about every book by Bateson, Haley, Watzlawick,Zeig, Hilgard,Rossi, and Weitzenhoffer as well as the collected works of Milton Erickson....I wish I had found this book early on. It's a great foundation book that everyone who studies and uses hypnosis as a tool should have in their library. Yapko is obviously influenced by the Erickson approach to hypnosis but this doesn't prevent him from providing the alternatives and how they might be appropriately used depending on how the client presents. If you are new to hypnosis YOU NEED TO BUY THIS BOOK.

I am not a psychotherapist,psychologist,or psychiatrist(and for some people that's enough for you to completely discount this review) but I use hypnosis as a tool in my practice as a performance counselor and I'm a member of the National Guild of Hypnotists. I've received a lot of prejudice and discrimination from members of clinical groups in the past... Although Yapko writes for a clinical audience I found nothing in the book demeaning to those of us who are hypnotists practicing in environments other than healthcare.

It's always great to find a book which is what it claims to be...in this case "An Introduction to the Practice of Clinical Hypnosis." If you are new, this book will give you a strong start. I'd recommend reading it before any training in hypnosis...and then reading it again.