Independent Books

I found this book inspirational in the sense that before the four-minute mile barrier for running was broken, people felt it couldn't be achieved. However, once the record was broken, others were inspired to strive for their own sub-four-minute records.
As Dan Pink presents the stories and lessons in Free Agent Nation which he gleaned from interviews with numerous "free agents" I felt my pace quicken in the self-employed race I run daily. It is motivational to run with the knowledge that I'm not running solo but part of a growing number of free agents striving for our own four-minute miles. And the summary of free agent guidelines at the end of the book gave me the confidence that I'm on the right track.

By varying accounts there are 25-30 million free agents at present in the United States. Most of these work from home. Add millions of micro-businesses and one comes to the conclusion that the 20th century will be known as the first and last century in which most working people were salaried. Up until the 20th century most working people were small farmers, merchants and independent professionals. If present trends continue - and there is every reason to believe they will - then by the middle of the 21st century most working people will be self-employed in one form or another. This will have revolutionary impact on politics, tax and social policy and the economic balance of power. Cultural attitudes that encourage innovation and risk-taking will have tremendous advantages in this emerging reality. This is why I claim that: "No people on earth (referring to the Jews) are better prepared by virtue of education, temperament and historical adaptability to embrace the challenges of the 21st century". This book provided me with much of the information that enabled me to open my own book "The Optimistic Jew" with the above lines.

I go solo after reading this book. It's a new life! I definitely recommend it!

If you've been thinking of going out on your own, Daniel Pink will motivate you. Without writing a motivational book at all, he has succeeded in showing the reader why being a Free Agent is the way to go in the new economy of the 21st Century.

Free Agent Nation by Daniel H. Pink is not entirely what it seems.

Daniel Pink is a former speech writer for Al Gore. He wrote for him when Al Gore was serving as Vice President, but not during the campaign for president.

When Mr Pink left the White House and became, as it were, a Free Agent, he was surprised at the number of people who earned income from running their own small business. It became apparent to him that if the Republican Party was the party of big business and the Democratic Party was the party of labor unions, then the growing demographic of the self employed had no real representation.

Therefore, Mr Pink explored who these people were, what they were doing, and what they needed. Of course, Mr. Pink is no economist or statistician. Therefore, his analysis seems a bit heavy on the anecdotal. Likewise, this is not a how to book that will tell you step by step what needs to be done to start up your own business.

Regardless, this is an interesting book that explores a growing social phenomenon of the post-industrial world.

"Tourists are learning that the image of the terrible Turk is false, created to a great degree by it unfriendly neighbors. Turks are quick to remind visitors that, surrounded by Syria, Iraq, Iran, Armenia, Georgia, Bulgaria, and Greece, they're not living in Mr. Rogers' neighborhood."

This is a direct quote.

It sounds like they're trying to say that the surrounding countries are painting an incorrect negative image of Turkey. Which is amusing, since he listed both Greece and Armenia there, which were both targeted by Turkey. Either this writing staff has no idea what they're writing and is just happy to sell books, thinking no one will double check the info, or they're Racist and opinionated. Either way, I wouldn't trust the info in here even as a rough guide on where to go.

This is a great book for those first timers to Europe. Those that don't know what to expect. It tells you what to pack, how to create an itinerary, booking flights, how to get around Europe (train, car, and boat), how to find places to stay, how to make phone calls, how to interact with the locals, etc.

This is NOT a guide book. It is a "how to enjoy yourself in Europe" book.

The previous reviewer should have taken this into account before bad mouthing it.

This book does give some pointers about the best trips one can take given certain timeframes, but does not go into detail about everything there is to see about Europe. He includes his favourite places. For more detail, pick up Rick Steve's Best of Europe 2004, or one of his country specific guide books.

After spending several months a year for 25 years touring Europe, Rick knows what you need to know about enjoying yourself there. No need to make the same mistakes, he tells you how to avoid the pitfalls.

Rick Steves' Europe Through the Back Door presents a philosophy that many tourists seem to lack: When in Europe, ACT like you're in Europe! This book is aimed towards those travelers that just can't quite seem to ever escape the U.S. no matter where they travel.

Rick presents a whole host of tips for seeing a Europe beyond the standard guided bus tours and airline deals. His years of experience go into his writing, giving often insightful and funny tips from sleeping overnight in the train station (he recommends sleeping in the first-class lounge to be among a higher class of hobo) to the best way to wash your clothes in the hotel sink.

This book is not all about travelers caught in a pinch, however. There's also great advice for finding accomodations in during busy season, picking the right hotel/room, and finally finding those gems--great spots in Europe that no other traveler seems to know about.

This book is not so much a guide to specifics as it is a guide to travel philosophy. Steves encourages the reader to immerse themselves in the local culture, and offers advice for the reader not sure how to do so.

Those looking for a country-specific guidebook should look somewhere else, but they should also keep this book handy to really get a feel for what Europe truly is and was.

Rick does an okay job of giving a quick overview of Europe, but sometimes forgets to "just inform" and tries to get all poetic and fancy. His description of Rothenburg does not inform me about the place, just about the wind and the leaves and his acid trip. This book will annoy you with its sporadic bursts of cheap thesaurus prose.. Rick is just not a good writer. Otherwise he does a good job of letting you know of not-so-touristy things to do in EU. The types of things he suggests are walking around and smelling things, sitting down and drinking a beer, buying a chunk of cheese and eating it on a park bench while people-watching. I don't see 18-30 year olds getting much from this book. Younger travellers might want to do more than just smell a place and get tipsy.
His writing tone seems biased; he's opinionated and sometimes makes me feel as if he gets paid to advertise shops and attractions.
Buy this book for a general overview of an Euro Trip, not as a travel guide. For more detailed info, grab a Lonely Planet guidebook.
In an effort to cater to ALL audiences, Rick, as well as oher mass market writers, tries to create ONE book for ALL types of people. Any given traveller will be interested in only 15% of this book, and toss the rest aside. The backpacker will use 15%. The high class big baller will use 15%. The middle class two week vacationer might use 10%. I would prefer to pay more for a book JUST FOR ME. (Mr. Backpacker)

This book makes you want to go to Europe.Now.Just get on the plane and GO!
I wish I had read this eleven years ago on our first trip to Italy.Since that time I have travelled to Europe on business many times and I have to agree with Rick Steves that no one ever says " every time I go to Europe I pack more".
His travel philosopy addresses peoples fears and insecurities when they are travel..."I won't have a certain piece of clothing,object when I might want it...better take it just in case" or "a less expensive hotel may be dirty ,unsafe...I know this luxury hotel will bust the bank, but its worth it for piece of mind." That kind of thing.Rick Steeves describes clean,charming hotels and pensiones which are centrally located and much less expensive than "luxury" properties. his restaurants are not dives, but great trattorias,atmospheric ristorantes popular with the locals.He is wonderfully opinionated about what to see,when to go...like having a best friend who lives there. No guidebook( and I have read them all) combines such practical advice with a travel philosophy which is positively liberating.This is especially true for older travellers who do not want to backpack,hostel, and who thought they had to stay in the "best" places, and wear a different outfit everyday. Our next trip to Italy will be with one carry-on bag each, staying in Rick Steves suggested family run pensiones and hopping on and off trains between destinations. We feel 20 years younger(and we will be 20 pounds lighter,too)

You know what I am realizing? There are some people who may just like writing poor reviews! This a really good book, especially if you are self starters and passionate about your book. The book cannot sell your books for you! You have to do the work to make your life happen. Books are just tools! It's a great book for creative minded people who are serious about making it happen.

Jay Conrad Levinson, et al, have created another winner, especially for writiers, but mostly for authors, on how to get media attention for yourself and your books, cleverly and inexpensively.

This book is one I consult regularly, and many of the techniques have worked for me.

This is a great book to read, whether or not your promotional budget is limited.

Thanks, Jay, Rick and Michael!

Mary Lynn Archibald

This book outlines many valuable tools in promoting a book. I've found it extremely helpful in promoting my book, Heaven Scent. I like that it includes so many free ideas that are only dependent on creativity. If you have a book to promote, this is a must-read.

I assume many if not most people buy this book in order to learn how to promote their (written or unwritten) books on the cheap, or better yet, at no cost. To that end, the book is adequate but not revealing of any great secrets to success. In fact, the book could be one third shorter and be just as effective if not more so. And if you are a self-published author then you need to find other resources as this book barely addresses your situation at all. To be fair, I did create a list of items I will now add to my marketing plan so I do recommend the book, but I would also investigate other books and their reviews before making this purchase.
Steven Bustin Author: Humble Heroes, How The USS Nashville CL43 Fought WWII.
Humble Heroes: How the USS Nashville CL43 Fought WWII

The Ups and Downs of Being RoundTaste My Soul

This is not just a book to read and put down. It is a reference book that I constantly pick up and refer to on a regular basis. It has great tips on how to sell and promote your work.

The only down side of this book is that focuses a lot on books that already have publishers or are seeking major publishers. I would like to see more of a focus on those that, like myself, are self-published.

Monica Marie Jones
Author of "The Ups and Downs of Being Round" and "Taste My Soul"

You know, before reading this book, the way most single women behaved with regard to dating/sex confused the hell out of me. It just didn't make sense when I saw a woman blow off nice, intelligent, successful guys and gravitate towards nothing but arrogant jerks. This book outlines some pretty compelling theories about why many women behave this way. After you've read this book, you've got some level of understanding about what goes on in a woman's head. So you've got that going for you...

As if that wasn't enough, these guys tell you how to use that type of behavior to your advantage when you decide you want to bed one of these women. And then they give you some nifty pointers to use in the sack once you get there. I'm sure for a nominal fee, they'd even come out to your local bar and act as your wing man, but you shouldn't need that much help. This book's all you need.

I originally thought that the book would be funny and not truly be serious about the dynamics of male and female dating. Was I surprised! The book is not only funny, but insightful and unpretentious. This is the definitive book for understanding the mysteries of dating. The only other work I'm remotely familiar with that broaches the subject is the independent film, "The Tao of Steve" which has a surprise ending unlike "The Sauce." I can't wait for "The Sauce II" when Bad Seed Bob discusses the dynamics of marriage.

Best "how to" book ever. Borrowed this from my friend and tried it out that night in the bars. First night all I got was "like you are so rude"s. Did the same thing the next weekend and played the chapter 9 and 10 gig verbatim, complete with the line, "what was your name again?" Got some more "you are such an idiot" that night but felt the change coming on slowly. Finally, watching out for TSDZ I waited several weeks before going back into battle. Well, that was last weekend and this time, I bumped into some of the same people. This time, I was bad seed -3x and got lines like.."hey, why were you such an butthead to me several weeks ago, you are not that bad afterall". Key message, I was a playa this last weekend and owe it all to that little green book...The Sauce.

The Sauce is an incredibly sophisticated analysis of dating and mating behaviors; don't be thrown off by the humorous drawings and the irreverant humor throughout! The authors have truly done their research (and I'm sure had a great time doing it). Their use of mathematical analogies to explain the complex interactions involved in human behavior is both funny and interesting. I actually laughed out loud while reading this thought-provoking analysis of dating behavior. As a psychologist, I appreciate the incredibly intelligent way that the authors have summarized what we know to be true from various social psychology experiments on human interaction (all the while laughing my ass off). The Sauce is a quick read that is not to be dismissed!

Ok - so I never realized I wanted to change my bad seed Bob to a good seed! This book is filled with little insights on what we do as women when we want to get a man and what we do once we get them - things we never realized. It's also nice that they get the word out on the Hair Pull - it's about time!! We know we love it! Excellent book, insighful, entertaining, and it will make you laugh and roll your eyes occasionally. It wouldn't be "saucy" if it didn't.

Carolyn Myss has always spoken to the journey of my spirit. Being a Catholic sister I expecially appreciate the kind words she has about them and am happy that her experiences with them were positive. From Anatomy of the Spirit which was synchronistically given to me to Sacred Contracts which set the themes for my journal for the rest of my life, I have been profoundly encouraged by the writings of Caroline. Entering the Castle is a workbook of sorts, but one is able to choose which exercises one feels her spirit is yet in need of learning. I especially liked the work on soul companions and was affirmed by the story of the dog and the holy man. Carolyn also shows balanced ways in which one listens to her own inner guidance. I highly recommend the book to anyone who is seriously interested in finding God in all of life.

Caroline has established a lifetime of hard work for any Soul serious in real growth or enlightenment. She has taken earlier wisdom and created great imagery and suggestions for putting this knowledge to effective availability and utilization. It digs much deeper than much of the popular surface spiritual and magical trend of our time.

I bought this book for a book club at my yoga studio. I was interested in it because I am always looking for ways to deepen my spirituality. I found the intro to the "mansions" to describe a useful way of thinking about the soul and how to deepen your spiritual experience. I am a little disappointed by the actual "mansions" though I have not yet finished the book so I may feel differently then. I feel like the mansions simplify the process of working to deepen your spiritual life. However, the author does mention a number of times that the book does make the process seem easier and more linear than it actually is which I find commendable. The spiritual journey in this book is a difficult one to put into words. The author does a good job of making St. Therese's Castle more accessible though the reader really should keep in mind that the journey is a life-long process, not one that can be completed in the reading of a book.

At one time I was very impressed with Caroline Myss and her writings. After reading this book and listening to the CD set that was loaned to me, I must say... I found this to be nothing more that the same ramblings as her other books. Or maybe, just maybe, I have finally outgrown her message. Judge for yourself.

"This yearning for the sacred cannot be satisfied by mainstream religions, which appeal mostly to our heads and hearts. As an evolving spiritual culture, we are now ready to meet our souls." ~ pg. 7

Caroline Myss has written a fascinating book based on St. Teresa of Ávila's book "The Interior Castle." This is as much a workbook as a guide. Whether you want to pursue a mystical life or you just want to find more peace through prayer this book has a lot to offer.

Throughout the book you will find "rooms" in a castle (7 mansions with many rooms) where you take time to analyze your thoughts. It is best to have a journal to write in as some of the rooms feel a little like therapy for the soul. Positive and negative memories will surface and frankly it is not for the faint of heart. Some of the rooms will haunt you long after you have moved on to new experiences. Active participation is required if you want more than a guided tour.

"Exposure to truth changes your life, period - whether that truth is a revelation about personal honesty and integrity or a divine revelations that reorganizes your place in the universe." ~ pg. 28

One of the most helpful sections of the book deals with unwanted thoughts. By using the suggested words you can drive negative thoughts from your mind. Some of the most beautiful sections of the book also include prayers for entering or exiting the castle.

"Entering the Castle" is a very personal journey. By going through the suggested experiences you can become more spiritually mature. Not only will you confront your shadow you will learn how to keep evil at bay. After the first prayer I felt a sense of clarity descending on me. By the end of the book I felt a sense of peace that I have not felt in a long time. I felt as if my soul had been cleansed. I can highly recommend this experience to you if you think God is calling you by name.

~The Rebecca Review

"This is the ONLY book you need to move to Costa Rica. It is jam-packed with practical information. It helped me make the move and find happiness here. I highly recommend it to anyone thinking of living or investing in Costa Rica."

I had a hard time reading this book because it needed a lot more proofreading and editing. The information will prove useful, I'm sure, but the organization of the book made it a little difficult for me to follow.

A MUST HAVE BIBLE OF INFORMATION. IT GIVES SPECIFIC DETAILS ON THE TRANSITION PROCESS NEEDED TO SUCCESSFULLY MAKE THE MOVE OF LIVING YOUR DREAM.

I have lived in Costa Rica for over 12 years and have worked extensively in the areas of tourism and real estate. I recommend this book to PEOPLE OF ALL AGES with an interest learning about every possible area of LIVING and INVESTING here. I have read all of the other books about making the move and Mr. Howard seems to have a BETTER FEEL for the country than any of the other authors. Perhaps this is because he is the ONLY one of them who has lived here FULL TIME during the last 27 years. Therefore, it is not surprising that he displays GOOD COMMON SENSE and possesses INCREDIBLE knowledge of how things REALLY WORK here. NOBODY seems to have the network of CONTACTS that Mr. Howard has made over the years.

For example, he has met with Noble Prize winning president of Costa Rica on several occasions to discuss retirement and other important issues. Mr. Howard even has access to the president's private cell phone number and is one of the FEW Americans who can contact the president anytime. This says a lot about Christopher Howard's respectability.
In over a decade, I have seen him work with literally hundreds of people. He has never failed to be fair, honest and sincere. If he is in the least bit unsure of an inquiry, he will verify the answer with several sources. He never quits studying and expanding himself through self education and information that comes through his connections. To keep himself aware and up-to-date is a job he takes seriously, but enjoys doing.

chris howard the author knows costa rica. i am a long time resident of costa rica and you can take my word chris howard tells the truth. his is the best book out on costa rica.

Since it appears that Amazon is combining the reviews for several versions of this book under one, I want to stipulate that I've read the Barnes & Nobel Classic version.

Actually comprised of 2 books, The Jungle Book and The Second Jungle Book, this is a collection of stories surrounding the jungles of India. A central character is Mowgli - a boy left in the jungle when his parents are frightened away and who is raised by wolves. His adventures as he grows up in the jungle are intriguing, frightening, enchanting, and certainly adventurous! This is NOT Disney! The way Kipling presents this material, it is easy to suspend belief and one could believe a boy was raised amongst the animals.

There are a host of other stories in each books that have nothing whatsoever to do with Mowgli, and that is fine. A couple even take the reader out of the jungle and into the frozen north - talk about a change of scenery! Still, Kipling keeps the reader fully engaged with the lives of animals and the effects of their environment.

A book of true escapism, but certainly not "just" for adults or children. Though the language might be a little more difficult to follow for younger children, older children should be able to stretch their imagination. And adults can fully appreciate the language of Kipling, which is rich and descriptive.

A thoroughly enjoyable read!

"The Jungle Books" by Rudyard Kipling are adventures of Mowgli and friends. Mowgli is a boy who is kidnapped as a baby by a tiger. He is raised by wolves and taught the laws of the jungle by Baloo the bear and Bagheera the black panther. Mowgli is then kicked out of the wolf pack because of Shere Khan the tiger who swore to kill Mowgli one day. Mowgli learns all the ways of the jungle. He eventually kills Shere Khan. Baloo is a lovable bear who teaches Mowgli the ways of the jungle and how to respect it. Bagheera is a feared and wise black panther who befriends Mowgli in all situations. In "Kaa's Hunting", Mowgli is kidnapped by the Bandar-log monkeys. Monkeys are not highly respected in the jungle community because they have no leader. Baloo and Bagheera seek the help of Kaa the Python to rescue Mowgli. The stories "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi" and "The White Seal" have nothing to do with Mowgli and his adventures, but they offer valuable lessons. The lesson in "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi" is to trust yourself and the loyalty in friends.
The story "The White Seal" is about Aleuts coming to Novastoshnah every year and skinning hundreds of seals. The only white seal ever born on the island, Kotick, wants to find a new island to stay on, so that the people will not know where to look for the seals. This way no more seals will be killed. Kotick wanders for many years in search of a new island to live on. Once he finds one, he goes back to tell the rest of his herd, but they don't believe him. He challenges one of the other males to a fight and if he wins, they will go with Kotick to the new island. In the end, all the other seals die because none of them would go with him, so he taught them all a lesson.
In "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi", a curious mongoose wanders into a garden. He meets a cobra named Nag. Because mongooses naturally eat snakes, Rikki-Tikki kills Nag. Nagina, Nag's wife gets mad at Rikki-Tikki-Tavi and threatens to bite his owners. Rikki-Tikki crushes all of his eggs in the nest. I liked this story, but didn't like how it didn't tie into the adventures of Mowgli.
In "Toomai of the Elephants", a young boy falls asleep on his elephant. The elephants then march off to a hill far away. Here the boy wakes up to find thousands of elephants all stomping in the same pattern, at the same time. The boy has seen the dance of the elephants. When he returns to his father, he tells him that, but he doesn't believe him. I disliked how that this story also had nothing to do with Mowgli and his adventures.

Rather than being raised by apes, it is wolves that fulfill for the family role for the young boy Mowgli after he escapes being tiger snacks.

Shere Khan will continue to be his antagonist, and he will gain advice and assistance from other jungle denizens as he grows to manhood.

This also has the pretty cool heroic mongoose tale Rikki-Tikki-Tavi.

Though Walt Disney and Enid Blyton are my fav picks for children, The Jungle Book is a nicer read. Mowgli is just a loving character and as an Indian version of the Jungle Book is a fav among kids in Hindi, this is a sure pick for all children. Rudyard Kipling takes kids for a ride to an adventure with thrills and fantasies - it all depends on the taste and choice of read. However, I recommend this book as this is fun read and kids in my library too, love to read and watch The Jungle Book. Enjoy!

- ilaxi

"The Jungle Books" by Rudyard Kipling are adventures of Mowgli and friends. Mowgli is a boy who is kidnapped as a baby by a tiger. He is raised by wolves and taught the laws of the jungle by Baloo the bear and Bagheera the black panther. Mowgli is then kicked out of the wolf pack because of Shere Khan the tiger who swore to kill Mowgli one day. Mowgli learns all the ways of the jungle. He eventually kills Shere Khan. Baloo is a lovable bear who teaches Mowgli the ways of the jungle and how to respect it. Bagheera is a feared and wise black panther who befriends Mowgli in all situations. In "Kaa's Hunting", Mowgli is kidnapped by the Bandar-log monkeys. Monkeys are not highly respected in the jungle community because they have no leader. Baloo and Bagheera seek the help of Kaa the Python to rescue Mowgli. The stories "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi" and "The White Seal" have nothing to do with Mowgli and his adventures, but they offer valuable lessons. The lesson in "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi" is to trust yourself and the loyalty in friends.
The story "The White Seal" is about Aleuts coming to Novastoshnah every year and skinning hundreds of seals. The only white seal ever born on the island, Kotick, wants to find a new island to stay on, so that the people will not know where to look for the seals. This way no more seals will be killed. Kotick wanders for many years in search of a new island to live on. Once he finds one, he goes back to tell the rest of his herd, but they don't believe him. He challenges one of the other males to a fight and if he wins, they will go with Kotick to the new island. In the end, all the other seals die because none of them would go with him, so he taught them all a lesson.
In "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi", a curious mongoose wanders into a garden. He meets a cobra named Nag. Because mongooses naturally eat snakes, Rikki-Tikki kills Nag. Nagina, Nag's wife gets mad at Rikki-Tikki-Tavi and threatens to bite his owners. Rikki-Tikki crushes all of his eggs in the nest. I liked this story, but didn't like how it didn't tie into the adventures of Mowgli.
In "Toomai of the Elephants", a young boy falls asleep on his elephant. The elephants then march off to a hill far away. Here the boy wakes up to find thousands of elephants all stomping in the same pattern, at the same time. The boy has seen the dance of the elephants. When he returns to his father, he tells him that, but he doesn't believe him. I disliked how that this story also had nothing to do with Mowgli and his adventures.

Great and easy transaction--fast shipping and product arrived in great condition. I would definitely recommend this seller!

I purchased this after reading other reviews here. Love how this is all put together but have not started using it yet so only gave it 4 stars and will update my review after trying this out soon. Follow up..This is a very very expensive way to do a healthy detox and unreasonable I think...such a pretty box and well put together but just too much work and too expensive to purchase everything...sorry but there are so many other ways to do this that will not cost a fortune and with the same results so I am lowering this to 2 stars.

I loved the Detox Box! I am on my third week, and I have lost 7 pounds so far. I feel great, my skin feels wonderful, and I have energy to last me throughout the day. As a chocolate junkie, my biggest fear was that I would give into a craving, but surprisingly I did not crave any chocolate or carbs. The food in the program is designed to keep you full and often times, I was too full to eat everything. Many of the supplements don't taste great, but once you understand how it works with your body, it makes it all worth it. The shakes are delicious and the menu can be very varied if you try to make it so. Be prepared to dedicate time to make the broth and really follow through with everything on the cards, it is worth it. I have a full time job, a boyfriend, and a toddler, and I was able to do it. It is quite an investment, even after you buy the supplements, weekly trips to Wild Oats don't come cheap, but it really pays off.

I first did this program three years ago at the beginning of spring. I have recently begun the process again. Although somewhat costly, the expense is completely justifiable in relation to the results.

I found this program because I was dealing with feelings of extreme mental and physical stagnation. I wanted to give myself a chance to pause and reconnect with my body. I opted to do the full three weeks; which went by much faster than expected. I kept a journal through the the whole experience which was a wonderful way to keep track of my progress. At the end I felt more grounded, much happier, and very proud of my ability to persevere.

Right now I am one week into my three week cleanse and I feel excellent. Spring is taking hold outdoors and I feel the same sense of newness and rejuvenation occurring within myself. It is important to not think of this process as a punishment. It is a great reward.

Don't listen to the skeptics. If you are considering doing this detox I recommend it wholeheartedly. Instead of spending money on material possessions or dinners out at restaurants; invest it in your health. Tailor the program to your needs and what feels best for you. And most importantly, take some time to really listen to yourself. You will feel empowered and happy that you did.

I am glad I spent the money and time on this book. It really opened up my eyes to a lot of things I never really thought about. I am now more conscious of what I do with my body. I have been recommending this book to all my friends around. Most of us really don't understand what we need to do to be healthy, or we think we are doing the right things while we aren't. This book really helps you to become as healthy as you can be. Are there more thorough detoxifications available? Probably, but few of us have the luxury of following them. The only other book that I can recommend with Detox Box is "Can We Live 150" with many cleansing recipes for the entire body. Check also Cure the Incurable

I found the book most helpful in understanding the dynamics in a relationship and why a spouse can be hurt by things that would not bother me. It is so important to be truthful about feelings.

It arrived in record time, about a week ground mail. It was BRAND NEW. And the price couldn't be beat.

The authors make a great point: Boundaries protect love. When we respect each other as individual entities, it's actually easier for each of us to grow into wholeness. We don't lean on our partner unwittingly or place blame or responsibility where it doesn't belong. Boundaries help make clear: whose problem is it, anyway? All too often we may cluelessly point to our partner as the source of our problems, but the problem is really our own upset, and that's something we have to claim, own, and do something about. The book is excellent in giving clear step-by-step examples of how to work through formerly perplexing issues through loving assertiveness. Highly recommended.

Lee Liebner, author/singer of As You Go, an inspirational gift book/song-on-CD/scrapbook-journal for young people about to enter the world.

Book had many positive topics. If applied correctly, I believe that the topics discussed in this publication could work. Unfortunately for my marriage, it did not. I would still reccomment this work to a couple that would work to save thier marriage.

I have WAITED in SILENCE for 50 years of ABUSE from an in-law - BOUNDARIES helped me BREAK-OUT in ONE DAY..a letter and a call saying, "NO MORE VISITS, woman!" I GOT IMMEDIATE RESPECT!! AMEN.

I agree with what Elain, another reviewer, writes below. Told through a series of letters, the novel spans Bess' life. I found this tedious and the writing unnatural, written for the readers of the novel and not for the readers of the actual letters. Bess meanders through her life, a goody-two-shoes, writing smarmy virtuous thoughts while manipulating those around her- the only element of the story that was interesting. elain wrote:

Despite rave reviews, I thought Elizabeth Forsythe Hailey's A Woman of Independent Means was a weak story. For one thing, the life of the protagonist Bess was only explored through her correspondence over the years. It is impossible to reveal a whole life through letters only. There are other nuances to a character that cannot possibly be revealed through letters; those are only what Bess chooses to write about. It's true that a life through letters gives the novel character, but also it does not expose as much as an omnicient narrator would. Also, it seems that Hailey adds dimension to her novel by introducing a string of tragedies. It is very uncommon that Bess's husband and son die within her lifetime, her house burns down, her daughter is struck by a car and later befriends a count, etc. Such events were constantly inserted into the story until it became unrealistic and maudlin. It may be true that Bess lives a life scarred by tragic events, but these happenings are so plentiful it is almost fantastical.
To sum it all up, if you're interested in exploring the life of a very colorful lady, read this. But if you're looking for a novel that will leave you awed, you'd better head back to the bookshelf.

This is an outstanding study of an unusual (for the time) woman who, through her letters, conveys a strong spirit, a sense of love of family, and a series of lessons on life ranging from child rearing to finance to business strategy to the honor of doing the right thing. Her letters take one from childish glee to love's happiness to tragic sorrow and occasionally to the discomfort of her well-intended but blatant pushiness. They introduce the reader to the circumstance and the event but leave enough out for brevity which allows the readers' imaginations to picture for themselves the pictures portrayed by the author's imagery.

An excellent read for women and men alike. It is a keepsake in my library

I, too, found this book gripping, but for a far different reason than many previous reviewers. The chronicle of Bessie Steed (for whom low self-esteem will never have been an issue), is written from her own point of view. But this is not a diary, honest and reflective -- no, this is her correspondence: the persona that she crafts for presentation to the world.

Nevertheless, her collected letters reveal to the attentive reader a woman awash in obliviousness regarding her effect on her family and friends. Those she loves are overpowered as she tries to do the best thing for them (i.e. make sure her wishes for them are accomplished). The subtlety of the author's writing allows us to see the terrifying effects of this lovely and charming personification of the iron hand in the velvet glove. Eventually, we receive hints that reality may be bubbling through to our heroine, but she can barely admit it to herself, let alone to us. We love her, resent her and pity her.

Masterful.

The first time I read Elizabeth Forsythe Hailey's A Woman of Independent Means I was a sophomore in high school and read it with other members of our book club. At the time I greatly enjoyed the book. Trying to relax my brain from school work I picked it up again the other afternoon but found the book a bit more problematic on the second reading. Hailey wanted to write a book about a woman finding her independence and as her husband assured her that a woman going out to find her independence was a dried up story line he encouraged her to write a book about a woman finding her independence within a domestic setting. The book is largely based off of her grandmother, in epistolary format, and takes place from 1899 to 1968.

If A Woman of Independent Means is meant to achieve an understanding of a woman in a domestic setting and her independence I fear it fails greatly. The main character Elizabeth has two marriages, which both are largely unhappy and the only money she has is a result of her mother's death and the fact that another man made financial decisions for her even though they were against her wishes. She does travel abroad a lot, which seems to imply that a woman cannot find independence within a domestic setting. She has three children who in later life reject her for smothering them (though amends are made before she dies) and she never really seems to do anything. An interesting read but quite the damming story of the domestic experience.

Greetings,

It is extremely difficult to remain anchored in your spirit especially if you are a woman. This book will encourage you and invoke something in your soul that will confirm to you that you are on the right path.