Open Books

I don't like horror, it's all a little bit far fetched for my liking. I've tried the masters, Stephen King seems to get the majority vote but alas, I've never made it through a whole book. And then one day a friend thrust Dalton's debut novel into my hand and I was hooked. I'd managed it at last at the grand old age of 44, I'D FINISHED MY FIRST HORROR NOVEL!

And as OPEN TAP dropped through the letter box I dived into the first few chapters. I wasn't dissapointed, the same page turning compulsion took over and the many chores the good lady had lined up for me on a sunny afternoon took a back seat. But well worth it, 8 hours of pure pleasure and quite apt that I finished the book a minute past midnight. And yes you've guessed it, the light stayed shining bright right through the night as I huddled under the covers with my eyes closed tight

Mr Dalton has combined the environmental theme with his own brand of horror, producing a novel that should have a wide appeal. In case anyone was in any doubt, Mr Dalton has spelled out a possible result of modern man's complete disregard for the world around him. Perhaps man is shown here to be getting his just desert, as the monsters he creates turn around and bite him on the bottom - literally!

I've found that I get more out of this devotional then any other I've read. The devotions are short and interesting and they really make me reflect on my walk with God and I have grown a lot spiritually through the devotions in this book. The authors draw great insights from even the simplest praise choruses. Each devotion is very insightful and interesting regardless of whether I am familiar with or like the praise chorus the devotion is based on. This devotional has been very rewarding and there's lots of devotions in the book so not only is it a good thing but it also can last a long time. And it doesn't have dates written on the pages, so you can easily read it with other devotionals because its not one that has to be read every single day. The two other praise devotionals by the same publisher are excellent too but this one is my favorite!

This devotional is unique in that it offers you not only a daily devotional guide, but a song of praise to go with it. I have found that when I use this devotional the message stays with me because of the worship songs that are included. The pages are set up so that on the left hand side is a worship song, and on the right hand side is the devotion for the day that corrolates with that song. I think you will find this devotional to be refreshing and rewarding. One that doesn't take a lot of time, but has a lasting effect.

The stories in this book, inspire and motivate. And that's all it takes sometimes is a little inspiration to get the ball rolling. Just to know the difficulties that some of your favorite celebrities or role models went through and how they opened the door gives you hope for your own sitiuations. Sometimes things are not what they seem, and that door that you are refusing to open, could be the door that has your opportunity behind it. Good read for teens as well as adults.

Every day, each of us is presented with choices. They can be very simple ones (getting up on time, paying attention in class, volunteering to do something for the boss) or complex ones (being true to ourselves, helping someone out in a life or death situation, even to kill or not to kill someone). Our choices are what make us who we are.

In Open the Unusual Door: True Life Stories of Challenge, Adventure, and Success by Black Americans Barbara Summers has collected a series of essays that explore the choices (and the consequences thereof) of some of today's leading African Americans. These are the people that you read about every day (like Whoopi Goldberg and Colin Powell) and the ones that you would only hear about if you were involved in a certain field (like Neil de Grasse Tyson, the director of a planetarium in New York or Peter Westbrook, one of the world's best fencers).

The things that they have in common with each other and with all of us are the extraordinary choices they have made and the doors they have opened for themselves. Each excerpt is a unique and interesting glimpse into their lives. I, for one, was very inspired by the great determination that they all show - from Chamique Holsclaw and Derek Jeter's dedication in sports to the intense love and devotion artists like Queen Latifah and Sister Souljah show in their chosen professions.

Whether you are black or not, young or old, interested in sports, the arts, politics...whatever - you will find a story in this book that will touch you. For me, it was the essay by E. Lynn Harris, a writer. His words really meant something to me (though I'm neither black nor gay). His truth came through his work and, as a writer, I know that feeling well and I try to capture it every time I write.

I highly recommend this book for readers of all ages, but especially for young African Americans. Read to find out that you are not alone. Read to find out that you do have choices, even if they aren't obvious ones. Read to find out where you come from (and that goes for all of us).

[...]

This is the best thing I've read that even comes close to relating to the crazed process of teenage adolescence. It reminds us that we aren't the only people out there who don't have a decent grip on life, and by golly we aren't suppose to! It's exactly what it states on the cover "Open to Interpretation",

What's yours?

This is the best thing I've read that even comes close to relating to the crazed process of teenage adolescence. It reminds us that we aren't the only people out there who don't have a decent grip on life, and by golly we aren't suppose to! It's exactly what it states on the cover "Open to Interpretation",

What's yours?

I love this book - it really helps you understand the basis from which A Course in Light came into manifestation. The personal level at which the author shares is inspirational, as we gain some insight into how the process has affected her life, through the delivery of A Course in Light. A must read - must have, don't wait!

As a "Course in Light" student, this book is always with me. One of the first in my library of "Course in Light" books. The Lightwork, Toni, the books and CD's are my most treasured possessions in my library that I will pass on to my children and lend to my friends. A wealth of transformation, information and life-changing experiences I couldn't live without.

I love the sound of a guitar for Christmas music, and in my quest for a variety of arrangements, Steve's book stands apart from other collections that I have purchased. There is a mix of familiar and lesser known international tunes, which are not only set in an array of different tunings, but stylistically have different approaches; they don't all sound the same. As a beginner/intermediate player, I appreciate that some of the tunes I can play right away, while others entice me to improve my skills. The CD that accompanies the book will be enjoyed for the beautiful renditions of seasonal music, in addition to its instructional value.

The preeminent teacher of the guitar is finally back with his second guitar instruction guide, the long-awaited An Open Tunings Christmas for Guitar.

Here are two important things you should know about this sublimely brilliant text with accompanying CD: (1) It can be easily studied and fully understood on its own terms, without reference to Baughman's previous guitar book, so newcomers to Baughman wonderful instruction books needn't be deterred; and (2) It's such a richly insightful, universally relevant book about musical technique that each and every string instrumentalist -- not just the guitarist -- stands to gain immeasurable new depths of polish, style, and expressiveness through its use and study. (It's a shame that the title is apt to turn off fiddlers, harpists, mandolinists, and others who will benefit as much as guitarists from the teaching of this master.)

Don't waste another minute; life is too short; order this volume right now. As to Steve Baughman: Please don't make us wait so long again for your next book. Your dedicated fans and students can't stand the wait!

Too often, books on 'christian worship music' are filled with un-substantiated (often romantic) rhetoric which fails to give any answers in the nexus of traditional and contemporary music tradition . It is so refreshing to see that Evans has approached the elephant in the corner of the room from an objective musicological and theological perspective. Clearly grounded in significant amounts of research, Evans takes a critical look at congregational songs used in the church from a neutral perspective. A MUST have for pastors and musicians.

Open Up The Doors is a detailed and well researched documentation of what is happening to the contemporary church worship scene. So much of the stuff you will read about this subject is pushing a particular view - ie Hymns=Good: Hillsong=Bad or vice versa. Evans has adopted a much more considered position and what he has to say needs to be read by every side in the worship wars. It is well written, intelligent, considered and offers hope for a kind of cease fire in the traditional versus contemporary music debate. For those of you who are students of music, students of worship, or students of the arts in the church this book is a must have item on your bookshelf.

Reviewed by Lori Plach for Reader Views (1/08)

Do you feel like you are a good singer? It's not that you have to be the best singer. After all, you aren't likely to be the "Next American Idol." You don't have to worry about your voice. You don't have to be a talented singer to open your heart with singing.

Jules Kennedy has written a book which encourages the reader to tap into your inner voice. It doesn't even matter if you cannot carry a tune. Just find your voice inside and let your voice sing out.

Wouldn't life be awfully silent without any music of any kind? All around you, you hear music. You go into stores, you hear music. You watch television; how many shows have background music? Dentists' offices are known to have music playing. Why, even if you are riding in an elevator, you hear music.

Why is there music playing in all these businesses? Music can calm your mind. Depending on the tone of the music, it can excite you and motivate you in ways you didn't know were possible.

Within the pages of this book, you will find a new appreciation for the music of your own unique self. Each chapter of "Open Your Heart with Singing" addresses individual benefits of song and discovering things about yourself that you didn't know where there. Included in this book is a music journal. This allows readers to write down their own song in their own ways. Just reading a few pages of this delightful book will make you smile and can lighten up even your darkest day.

Your heart is just waiting to be opened with a song! Let the music play on!

Written by metaphysics and spirituality teacher Jules Kennedy, Open Your Heart With Singing: Mastering Life through Love of the Song is a basic guide to the joy of song, whether as an expression of religious faith or just for fun. Chapters discuss meditations and visualizations ideal for singing; the depth of expression and love within the song "Amazing Grace"; simple techniques and exercises to train one's voice; the benefits of meditation; singing for inspiration and creativity; and much more. "We have been coerced into believing that we must work very hard and continuously for our daily bread. This keeps our bodies and our minds active and repeatedly thinking about working to make a living. It is true that we must work to live. But our work doesn't have to take us so far into activity that we have no time for the mind; no time for the thought processes of higher consciousness." Written for readers of all backgrounds, though more applicable to lay readers taking up singing as a window to spiritual growth than would-be professional singers, Open Your Heart is an excellent guide especially recommended for anyone new to the experience of the church choir or the simple joy of music.

Lisa Marie Mercer is a serious student of fitness. She also has a deep love for winter sports. So much so that she moved from her native northeast United States to the high alpine paradise of Summit County Colorado. In this book, she shares not only her knowledge of how to develop physically for winter sports, but also her own life and its challenges.

As a result, you find more than just knowledge. You find a real person who is sharing it.

Whether you are seeking introductory information about fitness for life activities or in-depth understanding of both what to do and why to do it, this book will benefit you. Covering a wide variety of approaches, Lisa helps us see why our core is so important, and shows us a multitude of ways to improve its fitness. She covers balance and power. And in the process, shows us the way to live life more fully.

Lisa Marie Mercer's book is the first winter sports book that I have read that really holistically approached the needs of skiers and snowboarders. She shares her personal experiences and comprehensively uses her knowledge to help winter sports athletes.

This is another of Ponder's classics. It is divided into Part 1: Basic Methods for Demonstrating Prosperity and Part 2: Other Ways of Demonstrating Prosperity. I suppose by now nothing is new as many other metaphysical writers have explained these same techniques, but Ponder has a uniquely inspired style and her writings have the capacity for immediately lifting one up out of despondency.

I especially loved the following thought from Chapter 9: "There are those people who read self-help books and take numerous success courses, who get the idea that mind power is all there is; that if they just use mind power sufficiently, everything will come their way ... the time usually comes, though, when they realize that [that] is not enough, and they begin to "spin their wheels" spiritually." I agree with her that practicing the love concept will do more to help one achieve your goals than all the hard mental effort in the world.

There is one thing I do not agree with, and that is the dogmatic concept of "tithing" since this idea has been very much abused by organised religion. I do not believe that giving should be prescribed in percentages and here I concur with other great metaphysicians like Dr Joseph Murphy that exact percentages are less important than the spirit of giving. Perhaps the best chapter in this book is the explanation of "divine restoration" which, if practiced, will help more people than all the anti-depressant medication in the world. I salute Catherine Ponder as one of the greatest writers of the 20th century, and may her work continue to help and inspire as many people as possible to experience abundance and fulfilment in their lives.

This book contains a simple formula for invoking "the power of prosperous thinking" - a formula that was twenty years in the making.

The author began searching for such a formula when she was a secretary, widowed, with a child to rear and support - alone....

In the present book, she is sharing with you her succinct formula for prosperity, which has evolved slowly over the years and which she gives in its completed form here for the first time....

But unless you learn how to clear away the psychological blocks about prosperity, as discussed in chapter I; unless you learn how to cleanse your mind to make way for prosperity, as explained in chapter II; and unless you follow this up by giving your prosperity a spiritual basis, as shown in chapter VI - just creating your prosperity mentally first is not enough. It may excite you into bringing about temporary results. Then you sink down into frustration and despair again as these results fade away, and you say to yourself, "It doesn't really work."

By learning the entire formula for prosperity as given in this book, you will find that it becomes an automatic process which you can easily invoke again and again, and you will enjoy doing so.
--- excerpts from book's Inroduction.