Open Books

"Beyond the Open Well" is an unforgettable story of one family's horrible experience with emotional and physical abuse. The abuse is carried through to the next generation and beyond. Once you start reading you will not be able to put this book down until you find out what happens next. Jean Hebert, the author, puts you through the emotional wringer by telling the sisters unbelievable story. I highly recommend this book, but be prepared to cry when you read it.

This story blew me away. It is shocking. Like the other reviews say, it is hard to put this book down, once you start. I know this story will give other victims of abuse the courage to also speak up and stop the cycle of such awful treatment by abusers. I congratulate Joyce and Jane for staying strong over the years and sharing their story. Quite a few of the small towns mentioned in the book are places I have been through. I grew up about 70 miles from Cornell, WI, where the majority of the events took place. Unbelievable. I have told my friends and co-workers to read this book. Don't miss out on this one!

I rarely get the time, or make the time, to read a book. I read C. Ingalls' review that said once you start to read this book, you won't be able to stop, and I thought "yeah, right". Well, I read it in one day. Then my friend read the book in one day also. I felt voyeuristic at times, to read the horrible things that had happened to Jane and Joyce. But the purpose of the book, in my opinion, to bring this kind of horrible abuse to light. It made me think, is anybody I know the victim (or perpetrator) of abuse? Anyone from church? Any of my kids' friends? Anyone at work? It's hard to think of your friends and co-workers and associates in this way, but I think that's the point of the book: to take a moment to see if this could be happening in your circle, rather than assuming that it couldn't be happening to anyone you know. In the end, it was comforting to know that Jane and Joyce's lives had some measure of happiness, and I hope that the damage done to them (and to some degree to their own children) is lessened with each generation that comes after them.

I couldn't put this book down. The story is great and so is the writing.

Start this book on a day when you don't have to get anything done because you will NOT be able to put it down. It's a VERY emotional and important story of horrific abuse, unbelievable disfunction and ultimately, triumphant survival. I can't even imagine what it must have been like for author Jean Hebert to hear and write this story much less how these two women survived the hand that they were dealt. I laughed, I cried, but mostly I thanked God that Jane & Joyce had the courage to finally tell their story and expose their abusers. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who wants to experience the depth of human despair and the will to survive it. It's a story you will not easily forget.

Again, another wonderful, tear-jerking, humorous, sweet book filled with true stories about motherhood. You can't go wrong with any Chicken Soup book. I hope there will be many more to come!

This book is another winner in the Chicken Soup collection. It's a second helping of touching, witty and wry parenting stories that I could relate to. It's also a fast, fun read that I could easily do between naptimes and carpools. Debbie Farmer, parenting author of 'Don't Put Lipstick on the Cat'

This review refers to "Chicken Soup for the Mother's Soul 2"

The subtitle of this book: "More Stories to Open the Hearts and Rekindle the Spirits of Mothers" is exactly right.Only Scrooge himself, may not be moved in some way by the heartwarming and inspirational stories, recounting life's ups and downs that are to be found here. Part 2 of the Mother's Soul continues to touch your heart and soul.

The stories are short. There are some author's names you'll recognize. Erma Bombeck and George Burns, contribute their memories. But mostly, these are stories of everyday moms, that we can all relate to in some way. If you have a mother,are married to one,or even just know a mother, you will find something in here, that will make you want to go call them. If you are a mother, you will totally relate to these stories. Written by the grown children, the husbands, the best friends, or by mother's themselves. There are true life stories of love and courage, they are humorous, some are sad. You'll laugh, you'll cry! They'll brighten up a dreary day, or make the time pass quickly during that long wait at the Doctor's office.

Subjects range from Christmas Stories and real life Miracles, to Adoption and the questions that come with it, to Special Moments, a mom's special brand of Wisdom, and much more. There are many stories, guaranteed to touch you in some way.

This book would make a great gift for anyone.Whether it be for a co-worker, a friend, or your own mother, they'll love it.Even would make a great treat for yourself. I would also highly recommend it to anyone aspiring to write their own life stories. The stories here, may jog your own memories, and seeing them in a book by everyday people, may inspire you to put your own experiences down on paper.

There's a great many of these Chicken Soup books. One for almost every kind of 'Soul'. Parents, Grandparents, teachers, Divorced People,Teens, The list goes on. I even saw one coming out for the Dog Lovers. Maybe Scrooge COULD find one that suits him!

Happy Holidays to everyone who is a Mom, has a Mom, or knows a mom(I hope that covers everyone!)...enjoy...Laurie

Another wonderful chicken soup book!!! Full of beautiful heart warming stories and quotes. I enjoyed this book as much as any other of the Chicken Soup books (which is quite a bit). I love the sad, happy, joyful and beautiful stories. Is this book only for mothers though? The answer is definitely no! Dads, grandmas, grandpas, sisters, brothers, anyone whose ever raised and cared for a life younger than them should read this book.

I recently purchased this book for my daughter, also a mother, for her 30th birthday. The book, like all the other "Chicken Soup" books, is filled with writings that will make you smile, bring a tear to your eye, and cause you to reflect upon your own childhood memories of what you either had or perhaps, for whatever reason, did not have in a mother. If you are a mother, yourself, you will relate to the overwhelming love you feel for your children. You will realize how precious and wonderful they are and always will be throughout all the years to come. The book will make you want to hug them... just one more time while they are still yours to hold.

There is something contained in this book for everyone, and written in the typical fashion of pervious books of this nature, each page is a joy to read and incredibly inspiring and heart-warming. For those who have daughters who are also mothers, this book will rekindle that special bond that, every now and then, one takes for granted once they "take wings and leave the nest" to conquer the world on their own. The book speaks of silent thoughts we often neglect to put into words to the children we love so very much. It is a beautiful book!

This wonderful book's authorized publisher in the US is only Charles Scribner's Sons--not Peter Smith. What's the story with this?

Excellent reading for those connected with the Earth. Food for the soul. One of the best gifts I have ever recieved.

"I live in a rain forest in western Oregon, on the banks of a mountain river in relatively undisturbed country, surrounded by 150-foot-tall Douglas firs, delicate deer-head orchids, and clearings where wild berries grow" (p. 148), Barry Lopez writes in this collection of his 1978 to 1986 essays. Lopez allows each essay to tell a story leaving its reader with "an inexplicable renewal of enthusiasm." "It does not matter greatly what the subject is," he writes about storytelling, "as long as the context is intimate and the story is told for its own sake" (p. 63). Subjects of these essays include a stone horse intaglio, white geese at Tule Lake, boating the Colorado River with jazz musician, Paul Winter, bull riders, beached whales, searching for Anasazi remains, and "the passing wisdom of birds."

Readers will cross open ground in these essays and enter the natural world, becoming immersed in its much larger meanings. "Wildlands preserve complex biological relationships that we are only dimly, or sometimes not at all, aware of" (p. 80). These essays are rich in wilderness wisdom, enough wisdom to please any fan of Ed Abbey or Wendell Berry. "We grasp what is beautiful in a flight of snow geese rising against an overcast sky as easily as we grasp the beauty of a cello suite," Lopez writes; "and intuit, I believe, that if we allow these things to be destroyed or degraded for economic reasons we will become deeply and strangely impoverished" (p. 38). He quietly observes, "wilderness can revitalize someone who has spent too long in the highly manipulative, perversely efficient atmosphere of modern life" (p. 82).

Whether I'm reading his stories or essays, Barry Lopez is among my favorite writers. He will bring you to the edge of your senses: "Everything found at the edge of one's senses--the high note of the winter wren, the thick perfume of propolis that drifts downwind from spring willows, the brightness of woodchips scattered by beaver . . .all this fits together" (pp. 149-50).

G. Merritt

Lopez is concerned with our collective understanding of nature. From studying a 3000-year-old horse intaglio to looking for Anasazi granaries he seeks our ancestral relationships. The essays work best when he mixes his reflection with keen observations. Where the essays have a heavier philosophical hand they aren't as effective. As he says "The door that leads to the cathedral is marked by a hesitancy to speak at all, rather to encourage by example, a sharpness of the senses". Lopez 's narratives sharpen many senses from the sudden assault of the sound of snow geese to "two snails small as pinheads chewing a leaf".

There are reflections on the role of biologists, from communicating between scientists and shipmates in the arctic to their role in a whale stranding. Perhaps he thinks biologists have greater insight, but he also understands the need for mystery and direct experience.

For Paul Winter fans there is a description of the raft down the Grand Canyon that produced the album "Canyon". As a current update, the snow geese written about in one essay are continuing to boom and damage their arctic breeding grounds.

This collection of essays is glorious and sad. The writing lets the reader see what Barry Lopez is seeing with so few precise words. The gifts of wilderness are felt while reading sentences like, "You could feel the creek vibrating in the silt and sand.". The saddness comes from knowing these essays were written in the 1980's and so much more has been destroyed since then.

Due to when this book was written, there are a couple of references to former President Reagan's "environmental record" written in real time.

There were so many essays that I loved, including the one speaking of traveling the river with Paul Winter. I am going to quote a passage from "Children in the Woods".

"The quickest door to open in the woods for a child is the one that leads to the smallest room, by knowing the name each thing is called. The door that leads to the cathedral is marked by a hesitancy to speak at all, rather to encourage by example a sharpness of the senses. If one speaks it should only be to say, as well as one can, how wonderfully all this fits together, to indicate what a long, fierce peace can derive from this knowledge."

This is a must have guide for anyone who wants to really understand what they are eating or shopping for at the open air markets in Italy. While I speak "un po" Italiano, I don't have a command for the language at all and I really am interested in the foods and wines. So, when I purchased this book, I had a world that was opened up to me during my food experiences in Italy. It made ordering so much easier and more pleasurable. And I could share it with other English speaking people around me. I highly recommend this book for anyone going to Italy. And, if I travel to other cities where these two gentelman have written a guide book for, I will be sure to secure one before beginning my journey.

This book is awesome, we live in Italy most of the year and dining out has proven to be difficult at times. This book is small enough to carry with you and easy to understand and very informative. A real must for anyone traveling or dining out in Italy.

We just got back from a 1 week trip in Italy to Pisa, Cararra, Parma and Monte San Sevino. This book was perfect for translating menus during our trip. 99% of what we were looking for was in the book! It was slim and lightweight and was not a burden to carry with me everyday. We did not visit any of the cities of the restaurants listed in the book so I can't comment on the restaurant recommendations. We used it in addition to the Rick Steves' Italian section of his French, Italian and German phrase book. I left it with the owner of a restaurant in Monte San Sevino. I'll be ordering another one soon and looking for Herbach's guide to Eating in France for our next trip.

Not only does this book have the most comprehensive menu translator available (and it really can save you from making some huge mistakes when ordering), but the restaurant recommendations are perfect if you're looking for excellent Italian dining. There are great recommendations for restaurants in Rome, Venice, Florence and Milan that we used on our last trip. We dined at moderate prices on great meals thanks to this pocket sized book. Highly recommended!

If you need a little help reading an Italian menu, this will do.

Very good book with details interesting: I think people have to study the function of the Subconscious mind to get the goals of it in their lifes.

Este libro nos demuestra el gran poder y capacidad que contiene nuestra mente humana. Simple, concisamente, cada individuo puede recrear e exaltar la inmensa capacidad interna, incluida, la expansion de nuestro subconsciente. Una puerta que se abre hacia nuevos horizontes y se podria asertar, indudablemente, las nuevas dimensiones humanas que superan y desafian la creencia limitante que nos imponemos innecesariamente; fortaleciendo el caracter y perspectivas visionarias que nos llevan a la realizacion de que somos los unicos responsables de la realidad que nos circunda, por ende, tambien podemos transformarla de manera bella, sublime y sutil; brindando prosperidad, alegrias, bienestar para uno mismo como a todos aquellos seres que nos rodean por igual. En pocas palabras, un libro que cambia la realidad que te sostiene y te catapulta dentro de tu propio e infinito universo.

Take the control of your life. What you think and belive will be coming. Help is in you. You don't need Guru's, you only need a free mind

Este libro le proporcionará herramientas de ayuda para mejorar cada aspecto de su vida, si aplica y pone en práctica las técnicas que sugiere el Dr. Joseph Murphy.

ESTE LIBRO NOS AYUDA A ENTENDERNOS MEJOR Y A LOGRAR NUESTRAS MAS AVANZADAS METAS!

It's worth noting that I am acquainted with the author in a very small way, as we were both participants for a while in an Internet newsgroup he mentions at the beginning of the book. From there, I bookmarked his Web site for Mr. Kenyada's Neighborhood, a non-profit that has accomplished great things over the years, and one time when visiting the site I found out that he had authored this book.

This book is a collection of essays and notes, many fairly short save for an Internet roundtable the author conducted about race and the state of Black America that is the biggest highlight of the book. That roundtable is a fascinating and enlightening one to read, even for someone like myself who has been privy to a few such conversations in my lifetime. It's the kind of private conversation that many White people don't believe Black people have - those who think Black folks just blame racism and White people for everything that happens. A reader can't walk away from reading that conversation, or even this book, believing that unless the facts don't matter to them at all.

Though a short and quick read, the book contains a lot more substance than a first glance might suggest. It's thought-provoking in many respects, not only in a deep social sense but even on things that seem simpler, and it covers a lot of ground quite well considering the larger subject underpinning the book is one that numerous books have been and will be written about. It also contains touching recollections of things like the author's time in Vietnam and some times with his father, who also served in the military.

One of the highlights of the book is his touching tribute to Phyllis Hyman, which also made me as a jazz and R&B fan think about some of the artists - both old school and contemporary - that I'm a big fan of. He makes the observation that Phyllis changed the genres and perhaps the way we later took to stars like Anita Baker, Whitney Houston and Angela Bofill, which had me think of other examples that could go in that mix like Rachelle Ferrell, Randy Crawford, Maysa, Ledisi and others. Would we see and enjoy them the way we do now if not for Phyllis?

There is also the "Interracial... Record Buying" essay, which interleaves humor with serious points. "The First Thanksgiving... after September 11th" is much like the book: short but excellent. Additionally, several essays are really collections of anecdotes that do a great job of illustrating what the author intends to show.

All in all this book is well-done.

The truth about what, why and how this country became what it is today. A virtual lesson in one's man's honest opinion and a lesson we should all learn. This book is absolutely awesome and with all the seriousness in it's contents, shouldn't be taken lightly. A must read.

I've have long dealt on the theory of reparations to African-Americans for their enslavement. After reading this book, I'd have to agree with Mr. Kenyada. Forget the 40 acres and the mule. Give an apology! This writer creates thoughts in your mind that you've had trouble putting into words. Clears the brain so that one sees things without a question mark. This book definately should be required reading in every school in this country.

I'll preface my review by stating that I am professionally acquainted with Mr. Kenyada (we're both engineers). We're also about the same age, so we've experienced pretty much the same events, but from two different viewpoints: I'm white and he is black. I'm used to seeing his letters in the editorial section of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, but I was very pleasantly surprised (and envious!) to see his first book published.

The quality of the writing is A+. Mr. Kenyada does a marvelous job of being literate, passionate, and compelling, all at the same time. Mr. Kenyada writes of his life experiences and his feelings as an African-America growing up in the United States in the 2nd half of the 20th century. His essays range from harsh assessments of American history and society to some very sweet memories.

I have to admit that the title gave me a bit of uneasiness, evoking images of the raised fists of Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the Mexico City Olympics. With some trepidation, I began reading the first essay, "The APOLOGY," and after reading it I understood why APOLOGY was in capital letters. A very frank, powerful essay with a message for both blacks and whites. It made me think, which is quite an accomplishment.

The essay "The First Thanksgiving" was one of the most uplifting assessments of the aftermath of 9/11 that I have read anywhere.

Thanks to the author for turning me on to Phyllis Hyman. I have since downloaded some of her songs and enjoy them very much.

I disagree with Mr. Kenyada's opinions on President Bush, the 2000 election, and the Iraq war. I think history will be kinder to President Bush than than are many of his detractors, but that's just my opinion.

Overall, the book is superb, with far more meat in it than its length would suggest. I wish millions of people - of all races - would read it. The honest, intelligent writing is worth more than dozens of the absurd "race dialogues" that are held every year, where everyone sits around and filters everything they say through political correctness filters to avoid the risk of offending anyone. So nothing meaningful ever gets said, everyone present gets the warm fuzzies, then they pat themselves on the back and go home. Mr. Kenyada's essays didn't always give me the warm fuzzies, but that's really not the reason for writing, is it?

Community activist and author Richard Kenyada has written a penetrating collection of social commentary that examines the historically predominant issues of race: raparations for slavery, white privilege, black rage, terrorism, black fraternity in war, racial profiling, the digital divide, the vacancy of black leadership, and more. But it's not all doom 'n gloom. It's lyrical, often satirical... Thought-provoking for everyone, inspirationally imperative reading for African Americans - this is an honest and, at times, painfully personal exploration of race in America... and it takes no prisoners.

WOW. This is hands down the most informative and well written book on this subject ever. If you are going to read anything on this topic begin with Eyes Wide Open. I have given this book to every woman in my life. I also use much of this book when teaching basic safety and self defense and I urge all my students to get a copy. Ms. Kilgore's style is such that once I began, I couldnt put this book down. Outstanding.

There are very few people of any gender that are really able to seperate Martial Arts Fantacy from REAL WORLD Safety. There are even fewer female Martial Artists that can seperate idealistic feminism from pragmatic female survival.

Kristie Kilgore is one of the few who CAN.

In short, if there is a Woman of Girl that you love..... Read this book, then give it to them!...

WOW! What a great book. Extremely informative. I do not have to be a karate expert to save my life. Ms. Kilgore does a great job at providing techniques that anyone can use. I was very impressed with the real life stories that people were willing to share with the readers on things that happen everyday, that I take for granted "this won't happen to me" well,they do. I also was amazed at the things people actually do to your personal identity, on vacation, at home, at school etc...... Thank you for all of the great information that you have provided me!

This is an amazing book. Author Kristie Kilgore has carefully examined the causes of violence in our society, and offers advice on how to avoid being a victim of violence. I recommend it for every young person between 12 and 25 years old, because those are the times in our lives when we make the most foolish mistakes and lapses in judgement. However, this book has great techniques for ANYONE to tighten up their "personal security plan." I especially like the stories that Kristie included in this book--it brings a human perspective to cold statistics. All in all, a GREAT book!

"Kristie Kilgore has performed a great community service to every woman in America. This should be required reading and I am giving a copy to my teenage daughter as a present. As a former bodyguard, father, manager and soccer coach, I can honestly say that her message is right on the mark! Good job!"

Very detailed, artwork is solid, if not outstanding. Gives a fine format for exploring Martin's world.

There is only one thing you have to know: no Spellcraft skill because magic is a legend or it is a dead.

I redesign the character sheet (the one it came with sucked which is the only complaint I have about it) and it brought a tear to my eye not having to worry about spell slots or any of that sort of mess.

No magic, magic items, Power Word: Kills or some god coming down to smite you. It is just you, the enemy and the ground in-between. You make your own in this world, you forge your way through either might or wisdom, sword or diplomacy.

Like a great man, a Giant of a man some might say, once said, "It is not so much what we do as why we do it." When you could run away in fear for your life but you chose to stand and regain your honour, right your wrongs and possible make your world a better place to be even it it meant losing your own life, then you know you have struck gold when it comes to a roleplaying campaign.

Sure it has all the levels, skills points and the like but to be honest, I never cared about the levels in this game. I think whatever age or level we start off with is fine by me.

If you are a D20 vet and wanting to try this, take time to learn how Reputation and Influence works. It is a little different but it adds a lot to the world.

If for nothing else, my brother, "Mister Casual About All Things Gaming", can't stop talking about the game. That is for the first time in 15 years. That is the greatness of A Song of Ice and Fire.

I haven't gamed in more than 10 years, and don't really plan on starting again - but this book is worth buying for ANY fan of Song of Ice & Fire series.

Gorgeous artwork & fascinating bios of the characters of George R.R. Martin's books are the main highlights of the book for non-gamers - but the more you delve into the mechanics of the game, the more insights into the world it reveals.

And another pleasant surprise - an introduction including a very detailed & impressive overview of the history of fanstasy writing. Given me lots of new (to me) writers to check out.

This book is a remarkable achievement in d20. It offers several innovations, and also pares away some of the more ridiculous aspects of the system as we have known it. But even more impressively, this publication is distinguished in its tastefulness, outclassing any other d20 game with its maturity of style and imagination. This is gaming for grownups.
This 495 full-color hardback is a comprehensive rulebook and campaign setting. If you didn't already own the core rulebooks, you wouldn't need to get them, because it's all here--handbook, DMG, and bestiary rolled into one. The bestiary, of course, is very small, because this is a low-fantasy (almost historical) setting. You won't find a catalog of abberations, walking funguses and extraplanar half-whosywhatsits. You won't find dozens of ridiculous, superheroic, micro-niche prestige classes. And you won't find elves, or gnomes ... or any such breeds. Who needs them? Magic and mosters are gone . . . except for a few surprises here and there, which are really special.
What do you find? The heart of the game is human drama. You have Realpolitik, war, alliances and betrayals, intrigue, spying and struggle. In order to cultivate this kind of gaming experience, they draw on the work of one of the greatest living writers of science fiction and fantasy, George R. R. Martin. (Read the novels, if you haven't already.) But the game also contributes a promising innovation with the rules for Reputation and Influence. These mechanics are to the social and political what the Base Attack Bonus is to combat. Influence points are a way of measuring a character's power in the social sphere, and of adjudicating a character's efforts to get others to do what he wants.
In standard d20 games, a character with a high Diplomacy skill may be effective in getting people to have a friendly disposition towards him, but how do you determine what a friendly disposition actually gets you. Now there is a mechanic for determining that. An Influence check is used to call in a debt, command, persuade or otherwise coerce someone to actually do what you want (whether they like you or not).
Reputation is a way of defining how you are perceived by others, in terms of specific characteristics. For example, a character may get several reputation points as a Ruthless Brute, which will come in handy when he wants to Intimidate and hinder him when he wants to gain trust.
There will be combat, of course, though perhaps not as frequently. (Wounds take time to heal when you don't have potions and spells ready at hand.) In place of lightning bolts and acid arrows, they have added more options and possibilities in hand-to-hand combat. First of all, armor gives you DR rather than an AC bonus. (Shields are different). Armor classes will tend to be not quite as high as we are used to, but on the other hand damage will be smaller too. However, if you want to deal more damage, you can opt for one of several types of called shots, which allow you to customize your attack strategy based on your opponents defences. There are also some good rules for becoming fatigued due to the encumbrance of armor. Only playtesting can tell, but it seems to me that combat strategy may be more interesting in this game. More deadly? You'll have fewer hitpoints. On the other hand, there's the Shock Value feature, which makes it a lot more likely that you'll be temporarily incapacitated long before your hitpoints are gone. Characters at first level will have about the same number of hitpoints as comparable D&D characters, but as your character advances, you'll gain fewer hitpoints. I think the reason for this is that average damage dealt by a hit will not increase as much either. It might turn out that first-level is more survivable and higher levels are more dangerous than in D&D.
Perhaps my only complaint about this game is that it may be more difficult for the Gamemaster. The setting is not nearly as static as something like the Forgotten Realms. Things change in this world, and fast! So, if the GM has any intention of staying true to the novels, he will have to think carefully about the timeline and know what's going on in the story. And Martin hasn't finished writing novels yet! If the future is being determined in the imagination of George R. R. Martin, then there are some limitations on how much the players (or the GM) can change).
Another challenge for the GM will be that without monsters and abundant treasure, he will have to keep things interesting in the story arc, or the game will fall flat.
On the up side, players should be able to plug into the drama of politics and war fairly easily. There should be less of a problem coming up with motivations for your character to "go adventuring" (Ugh!) You won't need artificial motivations, because by the nature of the game your character will have loyalties and enemies, not to mention the task of keeping his corpse from being eaten by crows!

Absolutely awesome. Very true to the setting.

Some of the rules are a bit clunky and take a bit of effort to switch over from standard D20, but overall makes for a MUCH better experience.

Dr. Phulgenda Sinha died in March 2006 in Arlington, Virginia. A native of Bihar, he was born in a small village near the Nepalese border. Although he married very young, according to Indian custom, he started a number of small businesses that allowed him to escape the rural poverty of his family. After earning an undergraduate degree in Patna, he come to the U.S. where he obtained a master's degree in political science from the University of Chicago and a Ph.D. from American University in Washington, D.C. While living in Washington in the 60s he began to teach hatha yoga, which he had practiced since his youth. Always interested in Indian politics, he was a friend of Jayaprakash Narayan whom he considered his mentor. Dr. Sinha returned to India infrequently, once during the Indira Gandhi years when he joined the movement to oppose her regime. In his later years, he was associated with the Abundant Life medical clinic in Washington, D.C. where he consulted on yoga therapy.

I read this book recently. This is a must read book for everyone who wants to know the history of India and for the readers of Bhagavad Gita and for anyone who wants to know about spirituality.

This was an eye opener for me.

The author,Phulgenda Sinha, has done an outstanding job. He has done a very extensive research work. Almost all the facts in the book has references.

I learned a lot about the history of India and in general many aspects.

This book says how the true philosophical teachings of Kapila, Patanjali, Buddha, Mahavira etc were distorted.

I will strongly recommend this book.

Sinha argues that the original Gita, which was based on the Samkhya and Yoga philosophies was much shorter (86 verses). The rest of the Gita are later interpolations done by a monists who wanted to further the interests of the priestly class (brahmins). The work is well researched and has many references. I am sure that the orthodox folks with a closed mind aren't going to like this book.

This invaluable study of the history of the text of the Gita is unfortunately out of print, but a must read for anyone interested in unraveling the enigmas of Indian spiritual history and wresting the gold from the illusions here. Attempting to show that the book we now have is a very late version from the period ca. 800 A.D. with a theistic cast not present in the original, the book also uncovers the connection with the Samkhya tradition, a very early form of which was probably part of Gautama's path. As if the text of the Iliad had fallen into Christian revisionism and made a document of spiritual monotheism, the Gita that we have is an eloquent but misleading series of confusing layers. The author also suggests certain interpolations in the text of the Yoga Sutras designed to make it seem compatible with the tide of monotheism sweeping India in the later medieval period.
Cf. also a work such as Gerald Larsen's Classical Samkhya, for the difficult history of this uniquely interesting yoga, and its tortuous history.

The title says theme of the book: The GITA as it was : Rediscovering the original Bhagvadgita. His basic motivation comes his analysis of indian social condition as he has pointed in his preface. The key argument is that there was an original gita of 84 verses written by Vyasa, which is consistent in basic theme with Kapila's Samkhya Darshan (700) and Patanjali's Yoga sutra (400 BC). The Bhagavagita of the modern form is , in his angle, intentionallys construted by Brahmins in the period of 800 AD. It borrowed themes of monothesim, hell, heaven, sin and salvation themes from Christanity and Islam. He projects that Shankaracharya is the key person in this reformulation. Given the fact many scholar both Indian and Western agree that mahabharata has through three evolution jaya, vijaya and mahabharata, the basis to look to look for similar evolution is reasonable. Earlier Khair, G.S. has identified three kala geeta based on the motivation and conceptual analysis of the content of Bhagadgita. Sinha's better approach is better since he looks for the original Samkhya Karika and yoga sutra, in which he has success. He draws evidence for his stand from Alberuni's discussion about Gita and a text of Gita of 80 verses found in Indonesia, written in Palm leaves in the Kavi (Balinese) language.

God's people throughout the centuries have struggled to understand the relationship between God's sovereignty and our human responsibility. Recently, some theologians have developed a theological framework most commonly referred to as "Open Theism," in order explain the apparent paradox that exists between the twin realities of God's divine rule and our human freedom. This framework was previously critiqued in an earlier book by Bruce Ware entitled, God's Lesser Glory, in which the title of the book foreshadowed Ware's conclusion of Open Theism: it is a theological framework where "God's glory is cheapened and diminished" (9). The view presented in the present volume ('God's Greater Glory'), is, according to Ware, a vision of God in which his glory is "honored and exalted" (9).

Whereas 'God's Lesser Glory' was written as a critique of Open Theism, 'God's Greater Glory' is written as a positive affirmation of God's sovereignty as revealed in Scripture. That is not to say that Ware refrains from critically assessing the tenants of Open Theism in this present volume - in certain places this is necessary - but instead of narrowing in on the negative elements of Open Theism primarily, Ware's main thrust of God's Greater Glory is to present a glorious, satisfying, historically faithful and Biblically consistent vision of the sovereign God of the Bible.

In my judgment, what brings spiritual power and persuasiveness to this book is Ware's passion for the vision of God he presents in God's Greater Glory. One of the most edifying portions of the book (that is a difficult distinction to make, to be sure!) is the preface where he explains why he has written this book. He is not driven by the desire to win an argument or feed personal ego - the stakes are infinitely higher than that. Ware writes, "If we are to escape the cult of self and find, instead, the true meaning of life and the path of true satisfaction, if we are to give God the glory rightly and exclusively owed to him...we must behold God for who he is" (9).

Ware is far from a cool, dispassionate, detached academician. His rigorous interaction with the subject matter is coupled throughout with heart-felt adoration of the sovereign God of Scripture. The reader is given a taste of the practical implications that Ware's vision will have on personal worship on page 158: "...worship happens only when we are granted eyes to behold God's magnificence, and splendor, and glory and majesty. This is a seeing with deep and abiding longing, a seeing that savors, eliciting a savoring that satisfies." Ware is passionately and personally engaged with the issue of God's sovereignty and thus his work is both accessible and beneficial for all of God's people, scholar and layperson alike.

Another notable strength is Ware's treatment of practical issues directly impacted by a study of God's sovereignty: suffering, prayer and service. Ware's discussion of suffering is especially clear, balanced, biblically saturated, and deeply encouraging. Yet, although Ware approaches and seeks to understand the issue of suffering in light Scripture, he does not attempt to speak where God has not spoken.

Perhaps one of the most important sentences in the book is Ware's observation that our lives are often marked by befuddlement. He writes, "How much of life, our life, is like this: we simply don't know. In our experiences of suffering and affliction, we are often in the position of Job was in, where we don't even know that we don't know, and we certainly don't know what the bigger picture is that would explain and make sense of our confusion and bewilderment" (163).

At the same time, however, and as we see in the life of Job, it is through the crucible of suffering that our beliefs about God's Providence are brought to the surface of our lives. A sincere and engaged reading and embracing of what Ware writes in this section will enable us, I believe, to respond to trials with the posture of Job, saying, "The Lord gives and the Lord takes away, blessed by the name of the Lord" (Job 1:21).

Needless to say, I have profited tremendously from Ware's heart-felt and theologically rigorous treatment of the age-old questions relating to God's providence over all creation. I commend this book to you for your growth and edification, and I pray that God would enable us to live in light of these glorious truths.

Bruce Ware, as a Baptist professor, knows his stuff. His contribution to God's sovereignty must rank as one of the outstanding works of Christian literature. His doxological style made me move in unison to and thankfulness for the goodness of our great God.

His proposal towards Molinism middle-knowledge is insightful, but as I understand it, not in agreement with the divines of Westminster.

The Westminster Confession states:

'Although God knows what may or can come to pass, upon all supposed (contingent) conditions, yet He hath not decreed anything because He foresaw it as future, or as that which would come to pass upon such conditions.' 3.2

This is a very complicated subject, and is best left to those who are qualified to dissect these matters. But a God-fearing man has brought us re-assurance in today's milieu of terrorism and chemical warfare. God is still sovereign.

'How grateful we should be for the service God calls us to, and for the lavish generosity of God's heart that shares so bountifully with us...but as participants, while we are invited to enter fully in the joy of the work, we are simply not permitted to share the glory.'

The first thing I want to say is WOW! This is an amazing book. Dr. Bruce Ware is a fine author and great Bible teacher. To be quite honest, I struggled reading this book at first. It is a very difficult subject and one usually reserved for discussions between scholars and theologians. This book is not intended for the layperson. Although this book will be very difficult for the average church goer, I want to encourage you to make an effort. It will be tough at first, but once you grasp the subject matter...boom! This book is a true joy giver. Dr. Bruce shows from Scripture that God is in complete control of all spectrums of life. In explaining how God can be sovereign over evil and still not be responsible for it, Dr. Ware makes a good and very convincing case, both philosphically and Biblically, for what he calls "compatabilist middle-knowledge." It definately has me convinced. This book definately lives up to its title. The Christian God of Scripture is awesome!

In God's Greater Glory, Ware critically assesses God's relationship with his created world. Particularly attention is given to God's interaction with free creatures that He created with volitional capability. Ware presents a coherent analysis of divine providence and sovereignty in relation to human freedom. Ware sees God's sovereignty as both exhaustive and meticulous over all things.

Prof. Ware defines divine providence as "God's providential dealings with human creation" (17). The author sees this particular concept," divine providence" as both 'providence and preservation' and 'providence and governance'(Ibid). Ware's long and classic definition of divine providence, is therefore articulated as " God continually oversees and directs all things pertaining to the created order in such a way that 1) he preserves in existence and provides for the creation he has brought into being, and (2) he governs and reigns supremely over the entirety of the whole creation in order to fulfill of his intended purposes in it and through it" (Ibid).

Ware's definition assumes two crucial elements. First, God's continual maintenance of his created order. Second, God's absolute control over all things in the universe. In other words, He perceives God as Creator and Preserver of all of his creation. Hence, God is a relational deity; whereby he pursues relationship with his creatures and He is consistently doing so.

The book is divided into two equal parts including an appendix. Ware gives ten lengthy chapters to defend his thesis. Part I deals with historical, hermeneutical and theological issues pertaining to God's interaction with the world. Part II focuses largely on practical issues, consistent with the Christian life (in view of God's providence and sovereignty). The book stands bodly in defense of the traditional view of divine providence. Throughout the book, the author interacts with the writings of theologians from different angles such as Jacob Arminius, John Wesley, Gregory A. Boyd, John Sanders, William Lane Craig, and John Calvin. In other words theological positions as defined as Arminianism, Open Theism, Process theology, Molinism and Calvinism.

Ware has dealt with the subject of "divine sovereignty and human freedom" with faithfulness and integrity. God's greater Glory opens a new window for Christians to behold the beauty of God, to see him more fully and adore him more dearly.

"Open theism" is a theological issue that has challenged the idea that God knows the future. In a former book to which this is a sequel, God's Lesser Glory, the author, professor of systematic theology and senior associate dean at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, argued that a denial of God's foreknowledge belittles him. This volume continues the discussion. The first of its two parts consists of four chapters and is entitled "Foundational Theological Bases for Divine Providence." The second, consisting of three chapters, has as its title "Practical Christian Relevance of Divine Providence." An introduction, conclusion, and appendix on "Defining Evangelicalism's Boundaries Theologically: Is Open Theism Evangelical?" round out the book's content. If you have people in your church who like to think deeply about questions like God's sovereignty and human free will, this book might be for your library. But the author places his "cookies" on the very top shelf so that even the tallest reader will have to stretch to reach them. This would, then, be an excellent book for a graduate or seminary course, but it will be far too difficult for the average church member.