I Books

You don't need to be a Lutheran to benefit greatly from this book. Klemet Preus has a gift as a theological communicator. I found myself arguing with him at points but he exposed more than one weak spot in my thinking. I must have talked to my wife about it quite a bit as she kept pushing me to finish so she could read it! And she is glad she did. Highly recommended.

This book is both informative and accessible. Preus does a good job explaining the conflicts between traditional Lutheran Christianity and contemporary Evangelical Protestantism. He can be a little repetitive at times, but that is due to the fact that in theology everything builds off of and refers back to what came before. Preus' discussion of vocation was also very helpful, as the contemporary views of discipleship often achieve nothing more than create stress-everything carries with it a significance that it just does not deserve. The emotional aspect of contemporary worship has also always bothered me. Preus does a great job illustrating the problems with basing one's faith off of transient sentiments. This book deserves a close reading and serious thought.

This book gives real practical do's and don'ts to Lutheran Theology and Practice from a man who experienced all the do's and don'ts himself. I love the book for its boldness and I would recommend any Lutheran layman to read it and learn from it. Pastors can learn from it too.

This is a book that helps the reader understand why we worship as Lutherans the way we do. It goes into great depths to understand the theology behind our actions as a church and yet is not too hard to understand. The author has a good way of putting things down on a layman's level.

A most excellent book and a must read for all Lutherans and those who are toying with the whole "church growth" movement. Rev. Preus is no-nonsense, hard hitting, confessional and orthodox while reaching out in love to those in error. If you are concerned that the church is losing its ancient orthodox and catholic roots and is becoming the "church of what's happening now", you need to read this book! Buy one for your pastor, he needs to read this as well. Promote the book in your church as a most excellent replacement for "The purpose driven life."

Last year, my husband was diagnosed with an incurable cancer at just 35 years of age. As we went through this devastating ordeal, the last thing we wanted to read about was how we should be having some great epiphany. I can assure you that cancer is not the best thing that ever happened to our family, nor did it make us better people. I often felt guilty for the sort of resentment I felt towards the cancer hype portrayed in the media. That is, until I read Ms. Lewis' book and discovered that I wasn't the only one with this reaction. How liberating to read thoughts, which mirrored my own, within those pages!

When I first found this book on Amazon, I read the synopsis and excerpts to my husband. We were both in tears from hysterical laughter! I anxiously awaited the book and immediately dove into the pages when it arrived. I read most of it aloud to my husband, who laughed along with me, giving us a much needed therapeutic break. As my husband and I further discussed excerpts, I learned details about his perspective, about which I had never thought. I was able to see I had unknowingly been insensitive in certain instances. This book served as a wonderful catalyst for discussion.

Ms. Lewis states her case clearly and adeptly. The writing is exceptional, and the read is easy and light. As a writer myself, this book served as a wonderful source of inspiration. It certainly tops my list of favorites!

I want to thank Ms. Lewis for having the guts to be honest about this very sensitive topic. There is an immense amount of pressure on patients, "survivors", and caregivers to "sugar-coat" the realities of cancer. In my opinion, her candid approach is much more therapeutic and helpful in the end. I encourage anyone going through a cancer experience to read this book. It is a valuable resource for patients, caregivers, family, and friends.

Is it possible to be this sardonic and compassionate at the same time?
Shelley Lewis opens the windows in the stuffy room of bumper sticker spirituality. Funny and caring in a Nora Ephron way and yet full of useful info. I read it as a story, not as a way to face breast cancer, and I recommend it to doctors and patients. You don't have to have breast cancer to enjoy this book. Another book I recommend to anyone facing a "devastating diagnosis" is Jessie Gruman's Aftershock.

Thanks you Shelly for letting me know that I am not alone!
I am in the middle of my chemotherapy treatments for breast cancer and I WAS feeling lousy for not finding the "silver lining" and not experiencing the upliftling life changing moment I was supposed to get from having cancer.
She really gave me alot to think about, namely that its ok to have my own experience and it's ok if it really sucks.
Thanks for writing this book Shelly!

Being a 3 time breast cancer repeat offender, this book rang more true than any of the others I have read. I was beginning to feel guilty about not having a spiritual experience until I read this book. Also I was getting quite peeved about "the race" because they don't interview people with multiple occurences. They only show happy, happy, happy faces of those with 1 occurence. What are we, chopped liver?
This book has made me rethink my advice to first time offenders. It is certainly the most honest book I have read about this awful disease. I highly recommend it to any breast cancer patient or family member of patient.

Part memoir, part how-to book, "The Five Lessons I Didn't Learn from Breast Cancer" has universal appeal for all sorts of cancers, even the "non-female" kind like my non Hodgkin's lymphoma. Though there are plenty of how-to tips for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients, I enjoyed this book because of Lewis' take on the "Tyranny of Positive Thinking" and the pinkapalooza cartel. I respect her choice not to call herself a "survivor," though I wonder if it's really because, as she says, Death wasn't at her door, but rather sent her a "Thinking of You Card." (For me, Death had pulled into the driveway and parked the car.) Never whiny and often downright funny, this book is a must-read for anyone who has been sucker punched by cancer.

This is the most definitive biography I have ever read. He quotes extensively from John and Charles Wesley, Mrs. Whitfield, Jonathan Edwards, Ben Franklin, Whitefield himself, and a multitude of others. At times, Dallimore reports almost on a day-by-day basis. This biography reports on his life, his loves, his work, his theology, his acheivements and failures. These books are a remarkable biography considering the author lived in the middle of nowhere, USA.

The author tried to present a balanced view of Whitefield, although from the text, one can infer how much Dallimore admires Whitefield and agrees Whitefield's theology. Dallimores realizes this and goes out of his way to point out what he perceives as Whitefield's weaknesses. Most of the weaknesses occur early in his ministry.

Dallimore writes well, but at times he seems stilted. I think Dallimore misses some of Whitefield's weaknesses, but the biography is so extensive that the reader can make his or her own judgments on the matter. Another slight weakness is that Dallimore quotes so extensively that it slows down the narrative at times. On the whole though, he does a very good job.

Whitefield was an amazing man. He gave himself wholeheartedly to his ministry. This biography did a great job of placing Whitefield in his historical context.

Dallimore's Whitefield is perhaps the best biography of that great man ever written. One is taken into his life and Age. After reading 'Whitefield' one knows the man before his conversion and after his personal awakening that not only quickened his spirit, but awakened many generations to the reality of a living God. The scholarship is complete and does not slow down the exciting narrative of the life of one of the most active men of the 18th century. The coverage of the friendship and debate between Whitefield and Wesley is both sensitive and accurate conveying both the heat and the goodwill that joined and separated the two friends. The book is a boon for our less than spiritual Age and will do much to transmit the living mystery Whitefield dedicated his life to proclaim.

Well, I finally saved up the money and sprung for this two-volume full-length account of the life of George Whitefield. I had whetted my appetite on the abbreviated volume "George Whitefield: God's Anointed Servant in the Great Revival of the Eighteenth Century" by the same author. I can honestly say this is one of the best investments I've ever made. Reading the life of such a great saint--this Christ-loving, gospel-centered minister--has served to rekindle my passion for the gospel and rejuvenate the love of God in my soul more than once. I most highly recommend it.

This Volume: This is the FIRST volume of Dallimore's two-volume biography of George Whitefield. This is very important if you intend on buying one volume now and purchasing the other later. The information on the Banner of Truth (the publisher's) website is incorrect--the green volume is volume #1 (picture of Whitefield in a field surrounded by a crowd) and the red volume is #2 (picture of an older Whitefield in a church pulpit). I had to wait an extra few months to recieve the first volume before I could begin reading either. Each volume is about 600 pages in length and is chock full of stories, information and insightful commentary. Dallimore does not spare the details of the lives of those closest to Whitfield--including John Cennick, Howell Harris, Jonathan Edwards, and of course John and Charles Wesley. This first volume deals with the period of time from Whitefield's birth, through the advent of the open-air ministry and his first visit to North America and closes with his return to England in the wake of Wesley's controversial ministry.

The Subject Matter: Wow. Simply wow. I mean--who knew? I'd always heard that John Wesley was the sole founder of Methodism. In fact, the only thing I knew about George Whitefield was that he was attributed with a few neat quotes (ie. "Let the name of Whitefield perish, but Christ be glorified!", "I am weary in Thy work, but not weary of it", etc.) and that he once spoke at Jonathan Edwards' Northhampton church (at which time he left Edwards in tears). I fully expect that if it were not for this work of Dallimore, the name of Whitefield truly would be lost to persons such as myself. What I expected was another (Calvinistic) Wesley. What I found was a man whose zeal, love, holiness of life and passion for Christ seemed to equal even those I hold in highest regard (among whom are Martin Luther and Charles Spurgeon). Whitefield was a tireless worker for God and his zeal for the gospel was only matched by his selfless compassion for his fellow man. He was the first of the great open-air preachers and nudged both John and Charles Wesley into evangelistic ministry. Whitefield's life is a beautiful illustration of Christian ministry and evangelistic zeal. I cannot recommend this man highly enough.

The Author: Dallimore was a Baptist pastor and semi-prolific biographer. This two-volume biography of George Whitefield is truly Dallimore's magnum opus. He has delved deeper into the mind and heart of this great evangelist than any of his previous biographers. It is both informative and inspirational. No space feels wasted despite the length of the account and the multitudinous strands of the storyline are brought together in a masterful way.

The Reader: Who should read this book? I would recommend it most highly to pastors and other evangelical Christians whose zeal for God and spiritual wells have begun to run dry. Evangelical Calvinistic Christians will get the greatest benefit from this read. But it may also prove of great interest to those of the Methodist heritage. Also, all who are called to the ministry of evangelism (teaching and preaching) could not but benefit from this work. Whitefield's zeal is contagious and his meekness humbling. The mere historian might enjoy the factual aspects of the book, but it was written from a distinctively evangelical Christian perspective.

"Weary in Thy work, but not weary of it." -G. Whitefield

This two-volume work is truly exceptional. I find myself regularly discouraged at the condition of religion (I use the word advisedly) in America, and find the Whitefield biography a real refreshment to the soul, a reminder of what God has done in the past and a foretaste of good things to come. Extremely encouraging!

Few recent books have so wide and so deep an impact as Arnold Dallimore's magisterial biography of George Whitefield. The first volume, stretching from Whitefield's birth in 1714 to his section visit to American in 1740 was published in 1970 and has since been reprinted six times. The second volume, which stretches from 1740 until Whitefield's death in 1770, was published ten years later in 1980. It has been reprinted three times. Together the volumes comprise some 1200 pages of detailed biography. Rarely have I had a biography recommended to me by so many and by men of such distinction. Rarely have I benefited more from reading about another man's life.

I have noticed a strange phenomenon with this biography. Where most books of this one's scope and impact have been widely and thoroughly reviewed, this one seems to be an exception. As I attempted to write a review I may have found out why this is: it is very difficult to adequately sum up so much content in just a few words. And, as with any biography, it is difficult to measure and summarize the impact of such a book. Instead I am left doing what others have done--writing thoughts on the book that somehow seem disconnected and inadequate. Even Gary Gilley, a reviewer who is rarely lost for words, can write no more than this: "It would be difficult to lavish too much praise on Dallimore's two volume biography of the famous eighteenth century evangelist George Whitefield. This is the definitive work of Whitefield's life and ministry, dispelling many misconceptions while showing the true character and impact of this most remarkable man. Along the way the reader also receives valuable insight into the lives of the Wesleys, Jonathan Edwards and the Moravians. This is one of the greatest biographies ever written."

The Foreword to the first volume is supplied by no one less than Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones. The Doctor suggests that he waited decades to find a thorough and authoritative biography of Whitefield, a man he regarded as a historical hero. This book, he felt, which appeared on the bi-centenary of Whitefield's death, achieves the excellence Lloyd-Jones knew had long been missing. Reflecting on the life of the subject he writes "May the reading of this book produce in us the same spirit of utter submission, ready obedience, and unshakeable reliance upon the power of the Holy Spirit that characterized his life and ministry. Whitefield never drew attention to himself but always pointed people to his God and exalted his Lord and Savior. May he, though now dead for nearly 200 years, do the same for countless thousands through the reading of this book!" The intervening years, almost forty of them, have shown this to be the case.

This book's subtitle, The life and times of the great evangelist of the 18th century revival, is important in understanding the book. Whitefield found himself one of the sparks of the the Great Awakening and the revival of the 18th century. While other men played important roles, Whitefield was the pin at the center of the wheel. His tireless itinerancy took his preaching ministry to almost every corner of the United Kingdom and to almost the whole of the settled portion of the United States. But for illness he would also have extended his ministry to Canada. Perhaps one of this book's greatest contributions is in helping people separate the life and contributions of George Whitefield from those of John Wesley--a man who Whitefield always loved but who so often opposed him. This biographies shows conclusively that it was Whitefield's ministry that sparked the awakening.

I was grateful to see that Dallimore deals fairly with Whitefield's shortcomings in these volumes. This is no hagiography--worship of a saint that is free from difficult examinations of the subject's failings. Though Dallimore has to confess that he finds surprisingly little fault with the man, he deals frankly and forthrightly with those areas in which Whitefield showed immaturity, poor judgment or poor discernment. He questions Whitefield's decision to marry and the unusual circumstances surrounding his first rejected proposal of marriage. He does not shy from discussing Whitefield's role in justifying and even promoting slavery in the colonies. He does not allow the passing of the years or his deep respect for his subject to mislead him or to excuse sin. Experience shows that this quality is surprisingly rare in such biographies.

Eminently readable despite its length and depth, this biography only reinforces my belief that biographies can be among the greatest catalysts to spiritual growth. It is a classic and one that takes its place among my favorite biographies along with such great titles as Marsden's Jonathan Edwards and Dallimore's own Spurgeon. It will prove valuable to pastors or evangelists as they see the example of a man who labored tirelessly for the gospel; it will prove valuable to all Christians as they see the example of a man who labored tirelessly to grow even and ever closer to his Savior. Whitefield is a man who stands as an example to all of us. Dallimore has done us a great service in opening up to us the life of this great man of God.

Together these two volumes represent a financial investment that is not insignificant. Purchased together they are likely to cost at least sixty or seventy dollars. But I can testify, as can a long list of people of far greater wisdom and discernment than I, that they are well worth the investment.

A cookbook scribed from the heart with elegance and humor. Simple to follow recipes and dishes easy to make, even for a bachelor like me. I recommend this cookbook memoir book to everyone that likes to cook who has been fortunate enough to taste the multicultural cuisine of the Hawaiian Islands and those who wish they could.

The collaboration of Shirley Tong Parola and Lisa Parola Gaynier, Remembering Diamond Heat, Remembering Hawai'i: A Cookbook Memoir Of Hawai'i And Its Food won first place in the cookbook category of the Writer's Digest International's Self-Published Book Awards. Packed from cover to cover with 250 delicious recipes and regional culinary favorites of the Hawaiian islands, of special note are the sidebars on every page providing advice and instruction on everything from locating and selecting ingredients, to their preparation and preservation. From Coconut Cardamom Coffee Cake; Papaya and Chinese Greens Salad; Mahimahi Chowder; and Mango Chutney Dip; to Pacific Rim Barbecue; Sauteed Salmon Filet with Avocado Sauce; Luau Chicken; and Hawaiian Style German Chocolate Cake, Remembering Diamond Heat, Remembering Hawai'i is an ideal and highly recommended addition to any adventurous collection of ethnic and regional cookbooks.

This memoir with recipes brings some wonderful flavors and aromas to life; the recipes are easy to follow and you can almost feel the tradewinds wafting through.....kalua pork,soy glazes, coconut pudding.....
Shirley Tong Parola and her daughter Lisa Parola Gaynier recall a simpler time and a beautiful harmony between peoples of different ethnic backgrounds, living out their dreams on the paradise that is Hawaii......their ability to bring a taste of the islands to the mainland resulted in opening successful restaurants in Indiana and then later in Michigan---tasting the foods of this heady ethnic mix, Mainlanders never had it so good and you, too, can recreate the special culinary magic that was theirs.....

This was more than a cookbook it was an experience. The recipes were just great, from fried rice to banana cream pie, my husband and I have savored the flavors. As a collector of cookbooks I have been more successful with these recipes than any cookbook I have tried in many years. However, the surprise bonus was that the delightful history of the food and the family caused me to actually read the entire cookbook before I tried the first recipe. What fun!

I'm a Hawaii native now living in Bloomington Indiana. I was not able to see Shirley in person when she was here earlier this month for a book signing / cooking demonstration. I did buy her book anyway and it is really great. Why? I'm not exactly the best cook by any means, but through Shirley and Lisa's honest, open, and interesting commentaries, one can actually learn about the history, culture, and uses of the many flavorful dishes of the islands. Plus, the book does a great job explaining what certain food terms mean such as "saimin", "poke", "mochiko" or "aburage" since they are not common words used here on the mainland. I have many cookbooks from Hawaii written for locals, but I honestly believe that Shirley and Lisa's book is a great way to share Hawaiian food dishes and recipes with our mainland friends. In fact, I have recommended this book to several of my new friends here in Southern Indiana. If any of you want to try out Hawaiian food without having fly to Hawaii to sample it, this book is the easiest and cheapest way to do so. On a final note, try the Mochi Chicken. This dish is typcial party food in Hawaii. You'll like it!

Kate Bloomfield, a Canadian teenage girl, records her thoughts and feelings through a series of poems and vignettes. The very first page quickly sets the tone of Kate's story - she announces her arrival to the World, but when she gets no response, her Self celebrates with somersaults. The World had its chance, but now it's Kate's turn! Simple stories, like not being able to eat parsnips or being proud to be Canadian, are mixed with longer portraits of Kate, her friends and family. Kate struggles with becoming a teenager and learning more about her parents and neighbors. The reader gets an intimate portrait of Kate and may discover a kindred spirit.

Kate has already appeared in two book, Kate and Look Through My Window, but Hey World, Here I Am! certainly stands on its own. Little's writing style capture the teenage voice perfectly, without any of the angst or drama found in so many other books with a teen protagonist. Kate is caught between a world where she is old enough to have experience and reflect on her opinions, but still new to the world of adults. Truesdell's illustrations, wobbly black and white drawings, are both silly and sentimental. The drawings interact with the poems, somersaulting around the words. Not only will younger readers find a companion in Kate, they will be introduced to poetry and the short story format.

This is my very favorite book. It was delivered in a very timely fashion and it is so great. The main character grew up in Canada and is Jewish and I'm Hispanic and in Southern California, but I so get her!!! The style that she writes with is so simple, understandable, and creative; it's poetic. It would be a great book to read at bedtime with your child or by yourself.

This is such a great book! It's perfect for any young girl. The book has short poems and stories told from Kate's point of view. It's fun, it's happy and it's sad. It talks about friendship,parents and life. I cannot recommend it enough! I read it when I was in middle school, probably. Rereading it reminds me of how much I enjoyed it. Really a great read for anyone at any age, but will speak to a young girl's inner voice. GET IT!

I purchased this book at a library book fair in the second grade. After one reading, I fell in love with the goofy pictures (I like Kate's hair and messy bedroom) and poetry. It combined poetry and pictures, my two favorite things in a book at that time. Over many years, I have gotten rid of the old books of my childhood, but I have never parted with this one. I take it off the shelf about once a year and read it (since I was seven I've read it ten times). I can empathize with Kate and her love of books, spats with her mother, and her dislike of interpreting poetry. Even though I am not Jewish like Kate, after reading the Diary of Anne Frank like her friend, I felt Jewish too. I also write poetry, but they are usually about my cat and nature. After reading this book many times, my love for Hey World, Here I Am! has never faded.

I was about eight years old when my mom first brought this book home for me. I was so thrilled because I shared the name of the character in the book, Kate. I absolutely devoured the book, enjoying it more for the humor Jean Little displays impeccably in her writing, and the utter appropriateness of Sue Truedell's wonderful illustrations. Later, when I was a teenager, I went back and read the poems again because they seemed to describe the utter tumult and solitude that I felt during such a trying time. Poems like "Today," "Alone," and "Yesterday" capture perfectly feelings and emotions that nobody ever thinks to capture, yet Ms. Little does it in such a fabulous way that one instantly understands just what kind of mood she is describing. Now that I am a young woman, near to having a family of my own, I treasure my battered old copy of this book, nearly worn to pieces from repeated readings. Even today I can still find wisdom in every poem and piece of prose. The writer, Jean Little, is blind; I can only say it has sharpened her other senses and her intuition of basic human emotion powerfully. Bravo!

Costain originally published THE THREE EDWARDS in 1958. While he has an easy-to-read style, which as other reviewers have remarked, makes him as fun to read as a good novel, his opinions sometimes come off as pompous - even absurd - by today's standards. For instance, in writing about the love affair between Queen Isabella and Roger Mortimer, he says, "When a woman of passionate nature has existed in a loveless marriage and has reached the late twenties before yielding to a clandestine impulse, it may be taken for granted that she will not be guided by anything but the dictates of her love."

Later, about the woman who would become Queen Philippa, he writes, "Queen Philippa [in comparison to Isabella] had seemed rather colorless. She was pretty, sweet, and domestic, a typical Dutch girl."

The short section on Edward II never directly refers to the king's homosexuality. Rather, there are references to his "favorites."

If you can get past these prejudices, you'll learn a lot about 3 reigns - Edward I, II and III - in short order (the 1962 reprint that I read was slightly under 450 pages). Costain does a good job of summarizing the important events as well as the characters of the key men and women. There is also a good summary of the life of Edward III's son, Edward (called the Black Prince for the color of his armor).

I also like the fact that he provides information on his sources - calling rumor, rumor and referring to some contemporary writers as gossipmongers.

On time, as advertised, and packaged well. No problems at all. Would use again.

This is one of a quartet that Costain wrote describing the monarchs and key events in European history from William the Conqueror to the War of the Roses. The history is accurate. It is always clear where Costain is speculating and where he is drawing on traditional sources, such as the various chronicles of the era. However, he weaves them together so smoothly that the reader needs concern her/himself with documentation only when it pleases. Costain is first and foremost a good story teller and an elegant writer.

Costain does a great job with this overview of the first named Edwards to lord it over the English throne. From the fierce but just Edward I ("Hammer of the Scots") to the effete and ineffectual Edward II to the long-reigning and erratic Edward III, the author sustains our interest with anecdotes and thorough reporting of the times. Costain has a delightful habit of suddenly focusing on a historical figure one doesn't generally hear about and then presenting the reader with yet another biography to get excited about. Well done, well written. well read.

All history books should be written as well as Thomas Costain's "The Three Edwards." A comprehensive guide to the lives and labors of the great warrior kings Edward I and Edward III and the screw-up, Edward II, who ruled in between them, this book unfolds more like an easy-to-read and hard-to-put-down novel. Divided into short, easily manageable and well-organized chapters, it covers everything from the marriages of the kings and their children, the political highs and lows of their reigns, the manner of their deaths and the major battles of their wars. Many books about this era are hard to follow if you don't already have a good working knowledge of the time period. Costain avoids this problem by telling you who the people are, what they looked and acted liked, and why they are important to the story, helping you keep track of them by reminding you when he's spoken of them before, and generally describing the people so well that they don't just become a series of names that you can't keep track of. Although he obviously admires Edward I, has disdain for Edward II, and seems to be neutral toward Edward III, to whom about half the book is devoted, he is careful to point out both the good and bad in each of their characters and to place their actions in the context of their times. Plenty of space is given to the kings' ministers, merchants, wives and families, and to those of the Scottish and French rulers with whom the Edwards were at constant war, including Robert the Bruce, William Wallace, John Balliol, Philip the Fair, Jean the Good, and Charles the Bald.

One of the things I love about this book is that Costain shares so many of the great rumors and stories that passed down over the ages (such as Edward I promising the Welsh that he will give them a prince that speaks no English or French and then appointing his newborn son to the post), simply because they are great stories, while taking pains to point out why they can't be true. You can almost feel Costain winking at you as he relates the tales. Another great aspect of the book is that he devotes substantial time to the women of the period, who are generally ignored in most books on the middle ages. Edward II's wife, Isabella of France, is examined in detail, as is Eleanor of Castille, the first and beloved wife of Edward I whose death moved him to erect eleven costly stone crosses to her memory.

This book presents a very comprehensive overview of the lives and works of the three kings and is a great starting place for those who know very little about their lives, or a great review for those who've read much about them. You won't get every tiny bit of detail about Edward III's famous battles of Sluys, Crecy and Poitiers here that is found in, for instance, Jonathon Sumption's books on the Hundred Years War, but they are all well-summarized, and Costain includes many important details such as numbers of foot and mounted soldiers on each side, terrain, battle tactics and formations, and number of casualties as well as political motivations. Given the length of the book, there is a surprising wealth of detail packed into every page, including such wonderful tidbits as the origin of the word "blanket," which came from the name of Thomas Blanket, an early English manufacturer of the item.

In the last few months I have read over two dozen books on the middle ages, and this had been by far the most informative and enjoyable, the one book that really makes the events of the period come alive and the people seem to be actual people of flesh and blood, rather than just an amalgam of their deeds and accomplishments. I can't recommend this book highly enough.

Another great book...we love all the Howie books at our house! This one is especially funny to us because our dog has snuck in our van a few times wanting to join us on our trips. Thankfully, we haven't had the same adventure in the story like Howie! What a great series...perfect for little kids with easy to read (and remember!) words and the pictures are bright and colorful and fun to look at!

Yet another great book from Sara Henderson. I loved the words Crash! Rumble! Splat! and how Howie is always making a mess. This book makes reading fun and is a great addition to our collection.

This darling puppy is sure to appeal to my first graders. The bright colors and easy reading will entice my beginning readers to dive right in to reading! Grocery shopping is an activity children are familiar with and can relate to. I imagine they will enjoy reading about a puppy getting into trouble in the store instead of themselves. I love the way the author shows the children how to forgive in each of her books.

The Howie books are a delightful series for young readers. Howie brings a charming message of God's love and brings humor and adventure as well.

I just graduated from college with an elementary education degree. I read -Howie Goes Shopping- and was found the entire Howie series charming and am enthusiastic about adding it to my classroom library for youpng readers.

Have you ever read a book where you felt like the author was right there in the room, connecting with you, there just for you?

This is definitely one of those books. He speaks to your heart and soul, besides your mind. And he anticipates everything that you might object to.

Read this book to accept everything about yourself, the good, bad, ugly and beauty, equally. Because it is when you accept all of this about yourself that you naturally enhance parts of yourself that you want to enhance, not what someone else wants you to do.

And in your self-acceptance, you will become more free to accept others, as they choose to be, without your pressing upon their mind.

The more you practice listening to your soul, and compassionately responding to your soul, the more you at peace you become.

Read this book, more than once, with pen in hand, as you note what you are experiencing - And, oh! How humble you will become.

I first read this book in college, about 15 years ago. I noticed right away that I was sending out and receiving love from people. It was amazing and real, and eventually my "abilities" wore off. Then I read it again 9 years ago, and the same thing happened, without saying a word, people smiled more and were kinder, and went out of their way to be nice to me. Because I was real and accepting of myself, and it flowed out. But again it wore off. Now in 2005 I think I have grown enough spiritually to "get it", and I hope permanently this time. But it does take five minutes at time for a lifetime. The lessons are between the lines and you won't even realize how much you've changed until you notice how well-liked you suddenly become, really! This book is a must-have for any seeker of personal growth or spritual truth because as I'm learning, they are exactly the same thing.

He has a real way of connecting with readers, telling it like it is! Great effort and I'm sure Jess helped a lot of people who's lives were confused messes. Very easy read and information. Still applicable to relationships in the 21st century.

Jeffrey McAndrew
author of "Our Brown-Eyed Boy"

Jess's presentation is one of the most realistic, compassionate treatments of human nature and relationships which I have seen. His stress on being genuine, and on the deep human need for love, is superb.

Where Jess fails is in treating the examples, mostly from his classroom experience, as if the approach he outlines is strictly 'cause and effect.' During the 1970s, when a new generation was exploring being 'open' as opposed to using the conventions of conversation from the past, yet the 'self help' culture had not yet arisen, his approach seemed close to revolutionary. However, reactions other than those of one grateful for love are never presented as possible - and, indeed, one may find that is exactly what one receives.

For example, Jess, whose emphasis on our need to be loved is probably the most honest statement of the century, gives an example of a nurse who phoned her former supervisor, to whom she was grateful, to say 'I love you.' The happy tears of the supervisor are moving - but let no one expect that this was inevitable. Indeed, some people are ill at ease when told of love by close friends.

Regrettably, the current 'self help' culture could spoil the effect of much of Jess's advice. The warmth and affection he suggests could be taken today for a 'violation of boundaries,' or be feared as a technique of manipulation (much as it is not.)

I found Jess's treatment of sex to be wonderfully healthy and refreshing, yet things have changed there as well. He gives an example of a wonderful man he knew who complimented a lady on her figure (saying she had the nicest breasts he had seen), and her wholesome acceptance of this. Indeed, an excellent attitude is shown here - but a man;s compliments on a woman's figure could be
taken, however wrongly, for some sort of harrassment today.
The book can be valuable, but with the caveat that the reader must use it with discrimination.

Rather you watch Dr. Phil's show, or have seen him on other shows, you may recognize that phrase.

But have you ever wondered where Dr. Phil has coined that phrase?

This phrase is in Dr. Jess Lair's 1969 copy of "I aint much, baby-but I'm all I've got."

Some really wonderful messages from this book tell us, "We are so busy not just building walls, but being the big judge that we don't have time to find, 'Hey, there are a lot of other people just like me out there.'"

And, "How are you going to teach someone, anyone, if you don't understand that their concerns and your concerns run along the same path."

One of the biggest lessons in this book, and there are many of them for everyone, is to tell the appropriate person, in the appropriate time, "I love you." You may notice that you will choke over saying those three words.

You may also notice that you may want to say more than that. But challenge yourself to say just those three words to that person, while you expect nothing in return.

This will teach you self-acceptance, acceptance of others, trust, love and serenity.

Also, as part of your "get real challenge," find 5 people who you tell, what you fear, what you are sad about, and what you are worried about. See yourself telling these people this, while you notice your internal voice, and their reactions or responses.

Make this part of your lifestyle, while you balance other parts of who you are.

When you are able to do this you enhance not only how you experience life, but you also enhance the possibility that the people who you speak heart-to-heart to, just might feel more free to get real with themselves. They may tell you how it really is for them, in a way that allows them to take responsibility for their own lives.

And although they may not tell you how it really is with them, chances are they will tell someone else how it really is with them - which is great, because the idea is that they decide to be authentic.

And in giving this gift to these people, you are changing the world, because we all know at least 250 people. When they or you are able to see yourselves accepted, unconditionally, we all pass this on.

If you find this challenging for you, and you are determined to do this, especially for yourself, I suggest that you read, "Narcissism: Denial of the True Self," by Alexander Lowen, MD; then read, "Healing the Shame That Binds You," by John Bradshaw.

We are all here to express our unique purpose, and in so doing to make a difference, beyond our wildest dreams.

To fight that truth is playing God.

It's an excellent book, full of wits and inspirations. Love it.

I found this book to be very helpful and knowledgeable but most importantly I gained a lot of inspiration from this and have already begun selling more of my product!

Why did Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. ignite a worldwide movement with his "I Have a Dream" speech? The answer is simple: because we all have dreams, aspirations, inner sparks yearning to become flames.

Sometimes these dreams are private. We may not even admit them fully to ourselves. Traditionally, these are our "pipe dreams," our Walter Mitty fantasies.

At other times we describe our dreams to family and friends. Yet we don't go beyond that. We simply talk, get mired in "what if" and count time until the weekend and the monthly paycheck.

Stacey Mayo's excellent book helps readers move beyond daydreaming, helping them fashion a plan that takes them from speculation to success.

This book is very interesting. Mayo's interviews read like conversation at a mid morning coffee break.

Fortunately, after each interview she helps you take specific steps to apply the action principles that she has uncovered.

As an entrepreneur who took the big leap to fulfill his dream eight years ago, I can report that Stacey Mayo offers practical guidelines for venturesome spirits. At the end of the book, you will declare, "They all got their dream life. Following their advice, I can too."

Does this sound familiar? You have a dream but are afraid if you pursue it you will risk losing what you have now?

In Stacey Mayor's book, seven very successful people overcome obstacles to turn those dreams into reality, each sharing three Key Success Principles:

1. Stacey Allison, the first American woman to successfully climb Mt. Everest. She turned her passion into money and tell tells how she balances the life lessons from her climb and her abusive first marriage.

2. Mary Youngblood went from a being a welfare mom to being a Grammy Award winner with her music.

3. Loral Langemeier, single mom who became a millionaire -- and teaches others to do the same.

4. Baseball's Tom Glavine overcame multiple roadblocks and became a pro ballplayer and a World Series' MVP.

5. John Dessauer went from a corporate job and an almost-failed married to a multi-millionaire in just over two years in real estate.

6. Lisa Earle McLeod left a lucrative position at Procter & Gamble (against everyone's advice) to help other women with her talent for humor. She authored Forget Perfect and is now a professional speaker and comedian.

7. Stephen Pierce is the final person. I have had the privilege to meet him at a major Internet marketing seminar. His story is inspirational. A tenth grade dropout, Pierce hit bottom before earning his first million "on line" using the Internet to sell product and intellectual property to traders. He stressed the value of joint alliances to help him succeed.

The stories are all inspirational, each with a good lesson for us on overcoming the fear of working toward our dreams.

The coach/author interviews these life experts, followed by sound advice they learned at the school of hard knocks. You will find many favorites in the 26 strategies. Mine was: To streamline your efforts with your natural talents with your goal.

If you are searching for more fullfillment in your present occupation or yearning to reach for different dreams and create a new and more successful and joyful career, this is the book for you. Not only does the author provide you with real life examples of successful individuals living their dreams, but she breaks down the process for reaching your dreams in a practical and inspiring way. Her skills as a life coach are shared with the reader as she coaches you carefully through each of the proven strategies so they can be tailored to meet your specific needs and circumstances. If living your dream AND getting paid for it is something you are interested in, then I highly recommend you get this book right away and start creating your dream today!! I know I am.

This is my favorite English edition of the I Ching. However, I mostly wanted to post this review to partly correct a comment made by another reviewer named "szechuan", who says that the matrix of hexagram numbers in this book is incorrect. This is only true of the first printing; it was corrected for later printings, and even that first printing originally came with an errata sheet that gave a corrected matrix. I guess szechuan bought a used copy that no longer had the errata sheet. The error is actually very simple and easy to correct -- the trigrams across the top of the matrix are in the wrong order. They should be in the same order as the trigrams going down the side.

I first started using a different translation of the I Ching by another author about thirty years ago. I stopped because the answers I got didn't make sense most of the time. Four or five years ago, I bought this version by Kerson and Rosemary Huang and have been amazed ever since. I agree with most of what the other reviewers have written so I won't repeat that, but I did do something else for this review. I asked the I Ching if it had anything to say about using the I Ching for the reader of this review. The response was Hexagram 39 (changing line 6) turning into Hexagram 53. The changing line reads "Following the wise counsel of a trusted advisor can give us a sense of strength and purpose and a feeling of confidence about our undertakings". If you are looking for a I Ching, buy this one.

I have been in love with the I ching since my teens, yet other translations have never resonated with me as this one. I recommend knowing this book-It is with me all of the time.

As other reviewers have noted, this is a translation which de-Confucianizes the I-Ching and goes to a literal interpretation of the original text. Be aware that there are some serious misprints in the matrix of hexagram numbers at the back of the book; you'll have to either use their symbol/code system to look up your hexagram, or use a matrix from some other book. The Huangs also differ in how they read a moving line in the coin toss method (i.e. if heads are yang, three heads equal a moving yang line, other books read three heads as a moving yin line). This probably isn't a problem as long as you decide which system you'll use before you cast your coins. I gave it three stars because I found it most useful as a background supplement to other versions that I use (the I-Ching Workbook by R.L. Wing and The Complete I-Ching by Alfred Huang), but depending on your situation, this barebones translation may work better for you than it did for me.

One can predict the orbit of Moon with great accuracy - that is the realm of physics, and the first author IS a physicist of considerable repute and distinction. But when it comes to predicting the future in a given human situation, one is left with no widely-accepted way, or a theory. Yet, as the authors recoganize, it remains a human need. Whether nature meets this need, or not, cannot be deciphered by majority opinion. One must experiment with a theory, and see if the theory works. It is in that spirit that this "I Ching" comes to us from the Kerson and Rosemary Huang. The authors have done away with the "ten wings" and added a much smaller wing of their own to some extent. The authors provide the minimal, though sufficient, historical background that is necessary, and here very helpful, to understand and use this ancient tool, this ancient Chineese work called "I Ching," of predicting possibilities in a given human situation. Whether this ancient chineese craft works, or not, must be decided by each individual. Carl Jung apparently used "I Ching," along with night dreams and visions of his subjects ("patients"), to gain knowledge of the relevant human factors and possible actions - or inactions - as suggested by the combination of these diverse elements of the subjective life. For a western reader the question remains: are there information-carrying currents in the universe that can affect seemingly random events, and if yes, does "I Ching" act as an antena to these currents? Experiment, and decide. Huangs' have brought a three-thousand old craft to us in a way that, I think, carries certain poetry of its own, and on the way tell us of how nature may know the left from right and what part "I Ching" played in one physics office at Princeton - where Kerson Hunag was a postdoc then, and C. N. Yang a physicist, a few months away from his Nobel Prize with T. D. Lee.