Open Books

While reading this book, I couldn't help thinking of all my friends who would benefit from reading this book. It's a great read.

Although nicely written by a medical intuitive, I was disappointed in this slight offering. The information was basic to the point of being simplistic. The boxed thoughts which were to be used a meditations were neither memorable nor effective. In less skilled hands, this book would be trivial and annoying.

This is not to say, it has no value. It is a quick and easy read and the author's experiences are fascinating. Some will find comfort but none will find depth. In many ways, this is like having the whipped cream but not the cake. It is frothy and light. I was expecting a more substance, detailed program for accessing guidance. This is not unlike those inspirational angel blurbs/chicken soup for the soul stories featured in womens magazines--marginally moving, completely forgettable.

This is an excellent book on how to reconnect with God (or whatever you choose as your higher source). I highly recommend getting this book, it will change your life forever for the better!.

It's about time I wrote a review for this book because I have had it for years, read it repeatedly, toss it in my briefcase or luggage on business, or keep a few on hand to pass out......

I have been familiar with the work of spiritual responsibility as taught by Christel Nani and Dr. Rebecca Grace for years now...and have found my personal and professional lives changed remarkably for the better for it. The basics for this book give a very simple, hands on, easy approach to seeing how we each tend to get in our own way while seeking what we want. This book strips away the fanfare and mystic fluff for basic truths about finding joy, being your best self, living your best life, and literally ridding oneself of one's own "stinking thinking." So many times we are our own worst enemy in achieving our own happiness. This book is probably the only book I pick up to re-read fairly often. I always seem to find something new - a new approach, a new idea, a new way to solve a problem each time I read it.

Now, if you are looking for an in-depth analysis of the belief system we carry with us, and how it can be detrimental to one's physical and emotional health - with a very detailed analysis of these issues and how to change, as well as countless specific informal case studies (author's anecdotes) -"Guidance 24/7" is not the book for you. "Guidance 24/7" is the fast, swift, quick, high-intensity dose of a shot of joy. If you want the more detailed analysis of tribal beliefs, lots of great illustrative case studies, and tons of specific resolutions as to how to proceed - you want Christel's later book - "Sacred Choices."

Basically I differentiate the two books this way....."Sacred Choices" is the long slow luscious sip of a frothy fabulous latte, while "Guidance 24/7" is the quick high-intensity shot of espresso..... either way, enjoy! P.S. I just ordered the "Confidence Code CD" - another must own item..... play it before bed and fall asleep to it.... the results are fabulous!

I loved Guidance 24/7 because it's so comforting! We all need help. Christel makes it so easy and simple to ask for the guidance you need! You will realize that you are never alone, and divine help is yours for the asking. Christel shows you how to ask for help, how to get over feeling unworthy, how to listen for the answers, and how to be grateful.

This book is a very easy read but you'll want to read it over and over to make sure you get it all. Christel's examples and stories are fascinating! After reading this book, I can see angels in my life, and am much more prayerful for my own needs and others' needs, but also in gratitude for all I've been given. I love this book for its simplicity and integrity.

This is a great book chock full of "to the point" advice.
I like the fact that you can use it not only as a "reading" book but also a "reference" book.

This book is great and doesn't treat you like a "dummie".....it
was delivered much quicker than I expected. Excellent!

"HOW TO OPEN A FINANCIALLY SUCCESSFUL COFFEE, ESPRESSO & TEA SHOP" by Elizabeth Godsmark, Lora Arduser and Douglas R. Brown.

Coffee is a huge industry across the country and around the world. In the introduction of "How to open a financially successful coffee, espresso & tea shop" the authors point out that the coffee industry is a $5 billion industry, which is growing more and more every year.

Anyone who is interested in starting his or her own coffee, espresso, or tea shop is going to be fascinated in this book. The authors start at the beginning with developing a business plan. The give examples and even offer a CD program that has preformatted documents. Licenses, business name, choosing suppliers, and equipment requirements are all discussed in the opening chapters.

Many aspects of running a successful coffee, espresso & tea business are discussed throughout this book. The authors have done a tremendous job in giving an introduction to opening this type of business. They talk about profit planning and advertising, as well as choosing the best equipment and managing your operating costs.

Without a doubt this is a definite must have book for anyone even thinking about starting this kind of business. The author's are able to skillfully introduce all the major concerns with opening a coffee, espresso & tea business. They provide a wealth of information that will help clarify a person's views of what is actually required to open, operate, and run a financially successful coffee, espresso & teashop.

Lots of good information. Some things I would never have thought of. I was very glad that I purchased this book and continue to use it frequently.

This is the best book if you are serious about opening your own business! They thought of everything. LOVE IT & recommend it completely!

Linux System Security: The Administrator's Guide to Open Source Security Tools, Second Edition
by Scott Mann has advice on starting from scratch when you are setting up a machine to make it secure from attack from the outside.

It looks at everything from the filesystem upwards, and will give you a good starting point for looking at this.

Linux is better than Windows.

Actually all tools described are not Linux specific and can be used for any Unix including FreeBSD and Solaris.

The authors seems to know the subject and really used tools that they are writing about. For several popular tools the book provides some useful info that is difficult to find elsewhere. Pretty decent typography, although it's a little bit too academic and does not use icons on margins that IMHO simplify reading. 

As for the classic open security tools, the book covers PAM(36 pages), Sudo(20 pages), TCP Wrappers(24 pages), SSH(55 pages), Tripwire(24 pages), CFS and TCFS (30 pages), and ipchains.

From the first reading it looks like the chapters are *not* a rehash of existing online documentation. In addition to the chapters about classic open source security tools I like chapters about logs: a chapter on syslog (Ch.8) and a chapter on log file management (Ch.17). 

Now about weaknesses. The chapter on Tiger is rather weak. Moreover regrettably Tiger is a legacy tool, but actually information is not completely useless -- it's not difficult to switch to another tool after one understands how Tiger works. Actually Perl is superior for writing Unix vulnerability scanners in comparison with shell. May be hardening scripts like Bastille would be a better choice for this chapter in the second edition of the book.

Book is incomplete in a sense that neither Snort (or any similar intrusion detection tool), nor open source network scanners (Saint, Sara, etc.) are covered.

Of course there are some typos, but generally not that many. But what is really bad is that the Prentice Hall book page currently is pretty basic with no errata or additional links. The authors do not provide a WEB site for the book.

This book can probably be used for studying Unix security at universities along with somewhat outdated Practical Unix and Internet Security and this combination can somewhat compensate deficiencies of the latter (non tool oriented descriptive approach).

This book is well-written, thorough, and practical rather than academic. I particularly found the chapter on securing network services to be helpful, and was able to identify some potential security problems on the systems I support as a result of information provided in that chapter.

This book is incredibly thorough, and up to date. For example, Red Hat Linux 7 has just come out, and does now has xinetd as a replacement for inetd. Well, you guessed it, this book has about 27 pages on xinetd!

Want info on ipchains? This book has at least 50 pages on the subject!

I could go on and on about this book it is so good!

This book is written by experienced people, not just an author who was assigned another book to write.

You will not regret buying this book!

The book was quick to read and the type was easy to read. There were numerous photographs and reasonably good writing. The POW issue is one everyone should be aware of, especially since there were so many men left behind and so many returned POWs who are living witnesses to that fact. Most of these men who survived and returned home have gone on to live active and productive lives.

Perhaps the most striking part of this book to me is the simple number, the number of days that these men spent in captivity in Vietnam: 2,381; 2,432; 2,676; 3,113. To me this made a stronger impact than saying 5 years or whatever. Three thousand days. These people sat there with nothing to do, scared, being mistreated, tortured, no idea if they would ever return home.

But return home 661 did. And the overwhelming percentage brought home with them a dedication to life. Most seem to have stayed in the service (some of them had been promoted twice while in captivity), most after the service went on to successful careers in a wide variety of fields. Coming to mind is the title of David Halberstam's book, 'The Best and the Brightest.' It would be difficult to find a better group of men than these.

This is the story of what happened afterward to thirty of these men.

This is a captivating little book that reveals how 30 Prisoners Of War (POWs) from Viet Nam have coped with life after their horrible privation and suffering while imprisoned in North Viet Nam. A number of well known POWs, like Senator John McCain and Medal of Honor winner Bud Day, are included. Authors Howren and Kiland have skillfully probed the inner man within each of these heroes, revealing to the reader the unique traits these men possessed that helped them survive their ordeals. These traits more often than not have stayed within their personas and have helped to mold them in their post-POW lives. Very professional black and white photographs show these men, often with family members, in contemporary settings and the photos reveal their essential humanity better than the written word ever could. While their POW experiences were horrific, these men come across thirty years later as not only quite normal, they seem to possess very unique insights into the persons they have become. Each POW's story is presented in two parts; the first is their thirty years later story, followed by a separate section with photos from before or just after their captivity ended and more comprehensive career histories. This arrangement gives a "before and after" which clearly shows the contrasts in their lives over time. The last portion of the book includes some excellent analysis of the demographics of POWs and insightful discussion of some myths and facts that help put them in proper context. This is a unique and professionally done book, easy to read and sure to hold the interest of anyone who wondered what became of the POWs of Viet Nam.

This is a Great book that every patriotic American should read. I served in Viet Nam and our group is a much greater group of veterans than we will ever get credit for. The ultra left media and Hollywood has blasphemed us unjustly for years. Thanks to Mel Gibson for making "We Were Soldiers" also.

I just can't get enough of this book. It's simply amazing to ponder that these men have been imprisoned and tortured, some for as long as eight years. Then you see their recent pictures and they're almost all smiling. Some in their offices, many outdoors, some with their wives, some with grandkids and dogs. But smiling genuine smiles.

It's a tribute to the human spirit that these men not only endured their captivity but actually thrived in life after the war. Some went on to become renowned government officials, others in Academia, and others in the private sector, but all were able to find balance and joy beyond the horrors of their experience.

The book accomplishes more that one could reasonably expect and the authors did a great job. In one black and white photo and a couple of pages of text, the reader gets a real feel for the POW and what makes him tick. I'm glad that the book's focus is on the positive achievements these men have accomplished since the war, and only addresses their incarceration in how it strengthened their core values or how that experience helped them later in life.

This book can be seen as a catharsis for what ails us today as a society: It puts what is important in life into perspective, and makes the reader truly thankful for and appreciative of his or her blessings. It should be required reading for high school students.

Dr. Lester Sauvage, the founder of the Hope Heart Institute in Seattle, wrote The Open Heart, one of the most uplifting books I've ever read. He describes his philosophy and practice of open-heart surgery, and then turns the book over to a number of his patients, who describe their treatment and recovery. It's humbling and inspiring to read of the challenges some people face just to prepare an evening meal or walk to the store to buy food for a loved pet. This book is a great read about those who love life itself.

A heartwarming, inspirational book beneficial to all. A must read type of book to finish off a stressful day. Love, hope, healing and happiness is what matters. It is a great perspective on life and healing. This book is a great gift idea. It is inspirational.

What an uplifting book. I loved every page. Will make a great Christmas gift and I plan to give it to my family members as I'm sure they too will love this book.

This is simply one of the most wonderful and inspirational books I have ever read. The story of Dr. Sauvage and his patients' interwoven lives is riveting and gripping. It truly helps to give a perspective of what is important in life and shows us that there are indeed doctors out there who are concerned not simply with ego, money and status but the whole person that they are treating. A fantastic gift idea! Thank you, Dr. Sauvage.

. . . bound to change the course of the reader's life. It is a book of infinite values. The reader discovers that the heart of medicine is Love, and that Love is the most powerful remedy that cures not only the ailments of the heart, but of the spirit as well.

The Open Heart is a page turner that is difficult to put down. Beautifully well-written, outstanding from beginning to end. This book is a treasure that should be read by everyone! I keep a copy on my night table for quick reference. It offers the reader help and comfort during troubled times. I found some powerful ingredients, such as peace of mind, enjoyment of living and the conquest of fear.

The Open Heart is a masterpiece of divine connections between the science of medicine and God's Love! Dr. Sauvage has demonstrated that Love is the key to healing! - Cora Hussey, author, Love Is the Answer

A lovely collection of versions of Rumi translated by the great linguistic scholar John Moyne and Coleman Barks. They are quatrains and odes and they attest to the divine. My absolute favourite has to be Ode 388:

I would love to kiss you.
The price of kissing is your life.

Now my love is running toward my life shouting,
What a bargain, let's buy it.

but for poets, Ode 1315 has to run a close second:

We've given up making a living.
It's all this crazy love poetry now.

It's everywhere. Our eyes and our feelings
focus together, with our words.


Don't pass this one by!

Here is Mevlana. In his words he lives with us, harmonizing our souls, hearts, and minds. Taking us beyond our ordinary lives into a world of transcendent knowledge filled with light and love. I have never found anyone else who comes close. Yeats, Hafiz, e.e., T.S., Kabir, Whitman, Ginsburg all wonderful but none have the level of transcendent awareness that pours through Mevlana. Thanks to Coleman's enlightened translations the words seize us with their power.

The open secret, available to all but few listen. That is the feeling you get when you let these wonderful writings flow over and through you.

Some short, some longer, each writing is a treasure. The more you read (or listen if you've been fortunate to get the audio condensed version from this work) the deeper each verse becomes. I've owned the printed copy for years and every read brings new wonders and old friends.

The cream of Rumi is brought to this work and Coleman Barks does wonderful interpretations. The work as a whole weaves a tapestry that, in the end, leaves you feeling part weaver and part thread. The possibility of the "Beloved" as "Lover" becomes manifest. The drunk, intoxicated by the bliss of the presence of God, overflows with sacred wine and wants to dance. The sharing of a deep spiritual presence at dawn with those nearest you becomes a yearning that you want each and every day.

This book is a cornerstone in the rediscovery of Rumi and Islam for that matter. It provides a glimpse, from the lovers' point of view, into a world traditionally dominated by the warrior spirit.

After reading you yearn for the association of others who have similar thoughts. You realize that "the pot drips what's in it" and you yearn to associate with gentle people who enjoy this book as much as you.

Certainly "Open Secret" is a must read and a must own. It is every bit worth the price and a classic in the genre.

This text with versions of Rumi is wonderful for its contemporary language and revelation of Rumi's insights which read as if they came out of a psychologically astute book of modern poetry. My partner and I used Quatrains # 388 and #158 in our wedding ceremony. In this thirteenth century visionary writing I once again am reminded of the ageless quality of human insight and wisdom with its imperative that we remain alert to revelation about to burst upon us. The introduction Moyne and Bark have written for it is a sweet gift as well.
"Open Secret" is a keeper!

This is an amazing book of poetry, the words just dance off the page. this is a good place to start if you're interested in the poetry of Rumi.
The translations are well done and don't sacrifice the emotional content of the poetry to fit the words. Give yourself or someone else a wonderful experience and read this book. You'll be very happy that you did.

I have read many inpiratational books. This one is particularly unique in that it is both down to earth and offers the author's refreshing and uplifting perspective. The author has many rich pearls of wisdom to share and the personal writing style makes you feel as if this soulful sage is sitting right there next to you. I enjoy this book and keep it handy for those days when everything seems to be going the wrong way. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who could use some refreshing inspiration.

A primer in how we should live, "Open Your Mind, Open Your Heart" is an endearing collection of words to the wise. Like having a favorite grandparent at your side to remind you of these things, the book offers guidance in life.

The first half of the book is full of these reminders; from think positive to speak kindly, honesty matters and trust is key. Though these statements are words of wisdom and worthy reminders to readers, we don't tend to learn from simple statements. It takes a good parable, a story to get the message across meaningfully. The second half of the book does a better job at this by using poems to portray the messages. Simple and straightforward, they lend meaning to the messages and will likely be remembered more.

The author shares her wisdom in this lovely little book on life. It would be perfect as a gift to a young college student or to young adults who are setting out on their own, grandchildren and children as they begin new adventures and anyone who needs a reminder in the area of self discovery.

Review by Heather Froeschl.

In reading this book, I traveled on a wonderful and thought inspiring journey of a reaffirmation of life. Marie Giles opened her heart and soul to eloquently pour on to the written page what most of us would find a struggle just to bring forth in a coherent thought. As I read her words, it is as if she has some how reached inside my being and helped to articulate to my guiding principals. I truly enjoyed and continue to enjoy this book as I keep it on my desk at work and when I need a break from a stressful situation or just a quick pick-me up I read a page or two. Thank you Marie Giles for your wonderful words!!!

This wonderful book touches the inner soul.You identify with each passage as you dissolve into reading. You appreciate the author's passages so much more if you settle in a quiet place and let your thoughts run away. Truly an easy and delighfful reader.Everyone should have this book as a reference tool.I use the passages with my students on a day to day basis.Many life lessons to be learned.

This book expresses, in simple words, rich lessons that create a happier and more responsible life. The author, with warm and sincere openness, does a remarkable job of implicitly encouraging the reader to examine his own personal relationships with self, family, friends, community...world - to create a more positive outcome. It teaches that when we change others will change. After reading the book, the reader is left with a feeling of importance and well-being - that he, too, has the power to make a difference not only in his life, but in the lives of others. It will entice the reader to unlock what he already has inside - love, peace, joy, kindness... Mrs. Giles' personable expressions and desire to touch others in a positive way draws the reader vicariously into a one-on-one dialog.

She gives you many things to think about - the impact of your behavior on others, loving and respecting others as equal to yourself, being open and honest with self and others, being sensitive and aware of others' needs, seeking positive solutions to relationships, and considering your own legacy.

The reader does not have to read the entire book at once to receive the full impact of the lessons. Each lesson is stand-a-lone, yet inter-connected to make for a more positive and fulfilled life.

Take a look at the cover photo of this book, and the inside content becomes apparent. You can see people, who are now branded as terrorists, were, at one time, chief guests in the White House.

This book carries some of Eqbal Ahmad's writings and transcripts of lectures on various international conflicts including US-Afghanistan and India-Pakistan. This book does a good job of exposing US Govt's hypocrisy and its unilateral goal of furthering only its own interests at the expense of everything and everyone in this world. It also tells you why and how the Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts erupted, and why they have only worsened ever since they began. There's a brief discussion on the Kashmir issue as well. I wish it carried more details. Overall, this book presents to its readers a brief but accurate insight into the most prominent present day international conflicts.

Do not think that if you are not interested in international politics, you may find this book boring. Due to its concise nature, this book is very much readable and comprehensible to all. I say it is a "must-have" for every American, because it will tell them what their politicians haven't. US is the only country that, since its birth, has been at war every single day of the year at some place on this earth. It is mind-boggling to imagine what kind of wealth its people would have amassed if the same trillions of dollars that have been cumulatively spent on mindless killing of people and building nuclear weapons that will never be used, had been just distributed in cash to its citizens. It is no wonder that Eqbal Ahmad's words carried a great deal of truth. Why else would the CIA send its operatives to his house at night to threaten him if he didn't shut up? Eqbal was however up to the challenge, and told them to pack-off immediately since he was acting only in accordance with the US constitution, which says - "No taxation without representation". He said that since his views were not represented by the policies of the US Govt even though he paid taxes, he had every right to protest.

That was Mr Eqbal Ahmad, a foremost authority on international conflicts, alongside, I would say, Noam Chomsky. Do not miss this book. It is worth a thousand times its cover price. After reading this book, I can assure, you will be only egged on to read his other detailed books.

Now, if this only came with crayons and pictures to color in, it might attract the attention of those who really need a crash course in terrorism. To the point, devine intervention happens to other people, but the self-righteousness of powerful America is what makes it so hypocritical. Unfortunately, I expect this primer to be as relevant for decades to come, so let's hope it doesn't go out of print.

Wonderful prescient, but all too brief. Serves as a good introduction to the ideas of the dear departed Ahmad who would be a valuable contributor to the worldwide debate on what exactly consititutes terrorism. The way he shows that the term "terrorism" is construed to eliminate any links to state-sponsored violence and torture demands our attention and respect. This is a courageous and intelligent book.

From the perspective of someone from South Asia (Ahamd was from Pakistan), this book looks deeper at this thing called terrorism.

There are several aspects to the official approach to terrorism. First, terrorists change. Yesterday's terrorist is today's freedom fighter, and vice versa. Second, there seems to be no such thing as an "official" definition of terrorism. Explanations are designed to arouse our emotions, instead of stimulating our intelligence. Third, government officials may not be able to define terrorism, but they know that it must be stamped out worldwide.

Fourth, it's supposedly possible to tell the difference between a terrorist and a freedom fighter. Fifth, the official approach ignores the causes of terrorism. Cause? What cause? Sixth, the moral revulsion against terrorism needs to be selective. Terror from disapproved groups needs to be strongly condemned, but terror from allies or approved groups can be ignored.

Why do groups commit terrorist acts? Getting their grievances heard through regular channels hasn't worked, so, to them, terrorism is the only way to be heard. Terrorism is an expression of anger and helplessness, and also a sense of betrayal. Through the spread of modern technology and communications, terror has become globalized. Everyone is a target.

The author recommends several approaches for America. Stop with the double standards. Don't condone some terrorism, and condemn others. In the present situation, such an approach will not work. Also, America should actually consider the causes of terrorism. It's a political problem; seek a political solution. The author also recommends reinforcing the framework of international law. Try going through the International Court of Justice.

This is an excellent book. It's short, and written from a non-American perspective. It does a fine job looking at the background behind terrorism, and it's well worth reading.

This book affirms that American foreign allies are classified on whether their own goals converge or diverge from our own.

During the 1970's and 1980's we had partnered with Saddam, deciding that he was a 'brutal dictator' only when his objectives no longer echoed American public policy priorities.

Similarly, the people whom the State department now identifies as being 'dangerous' were at one point benign or even considered beneficial---because they had then supported our world view. It is critical and sobering to wonder who is organizing outside of today's policymaker scrutiny.

Regardless of the administration, such relationships of convenience are THE rule in international relations. America talks a good deal about wanting to respect human rights, but the real world often facilitates less stringency.

I have not actually read the book yet, but I know as one of Mr. Hafker's students that this book must be good. Mr. Hafker's love for poetry is shown at its best in this book.

"Bare" by Eric Hafker fuses impeccable raw emotion with an indescribable sense of sensuality. The poems are extremely personal, and incorporate a wonderful attitude with a tinge of humor. It is most definitely worth buying! Good Work Mr. Hafker!

I found the poetry by Eric hafker passionate and gracious. He extends his optimisim and passion to us through poetry. I thought that his words not only speak to the human race, but most importantly it speaks to the soul. I wish to read more from him in the near furture. We are blessed to have him in the world of poetry.

Poems that make you think about life. Excellently written, this group of poems is a great discussion piece. I recommend this book to anyone who is looking at the meaning of life and all of its experiences.

Eric Hafker's poems are profound, personal, and accessible, all in one shot. This collection is the mark of someone with a lot to say, yet the wisdom and courage to let the reader use his imagination as well.

The Inner life, the Outer life, and the Transcendant steering of the interplay of emotions makes this a landmark contribution for all interested persons whether they be the cancer patient or family or friend. The writer intensively lives her feeliings and rides this roller coaster displaying the sheer beauty of her thought processes through dreams, journal work, and personal interactions. The use of Kirlian photography to portray her progress is an important feature of the work. She demonstrates the sidestepping of this number one opportunity for passive suicide! It is a great personal vote for engaging life.

Discovering cancer, and her own mortality, Barbara Stone draws on wisdom, faith, and resolve to lead herself and us on a triumphant journey over fear and disease. Her story will deeply touch you. Truly, it is a "profile in courage." Whether well or ill, everyone should read this book.

Joseph Gustafson, Poet

A fascinating and deeply intimate account of one woman's survival of cancer and the journey she travelled to get there. Open and honest about the feelings and thoughts experienced when one is facing death, be it death of the physical self and/or death of the old life to the birth of a new life. Barbara wonderfully incorporates traditional medical therapies with alternative therapies. Her intelligence and wisdom are apparent as soon as you begin reading. A book you just cannot put down!

Barbara Stone not only wrote an enlightening, creative book, she is an amazing person. My mother and Ms. Stone have been good friends since high school, and I met her earlier this year. I can assure you she practices all that she preaches.

Being from a relatively small, conservative area, I was not aware of much of the Eastern medicine Stone mentions in her book. I was eager to learn all I could, and Cancer as Initiation provided much insight for me into areas I had not previously explored. I was unaware how much basic mediatation would eventually help me.

As I examined the book closely, I found ideas not only about surviving cancer, but about keeping a healthy outlook on life as well. Stone's creativity and completely open mind certainly were well used in this book I recommend to anyone touched by cancer in even the smallest way. By moving away from what is commonly called the "death sentence" theory, Ms. Stone has painted a new picture of the cancer survivor. And painted it well.

My mother happens to be friends with Ms. Stone, the author of Cancer as Initiation. It was after I met her that I became compelled to read her book. My mother also battled breast cancer, and this book gave me a sense of what she might be experiencing. The author uses a unique blend of journal,expository, and personal writings, creating a book that is difficult to put down. I enjoyed learning about her use of both Eastern and Western medicine. Cancer as Initiation offers the family members of breast cancer victims and survivors hope and peace. Cancer is a blessing and a curse, but frightening to all. After reading Barbara's book, and doing some soul-searching of my own, I know that if I am ever diagnosed with breast cancer myself, the power to beat it lies within me, and my own unique combinations of Western and Eastern medicine.