I Books

This book is so funny, it had me laughing out loud. The Star Wars humor is great. When you say what in The Dark Side instead of What the he**, you know you have problems. This poor girl is everything society makes fun of, but yet you just have to love her. This book will have you holding your stomach from laughing and cheering for Rory. Two thumbs up!

I loved this book! It was such a cute story. If you like chick lit, light romance/comedies, then you'll probably like this book. The characters were loveable and I found myself not wanting the book to end. Shane Bolks is a great writer and I'm looking foreward to reading her future books. Please write more Shane!!!!

If you're in need of a laugh-filled romance with a side of highschool flashbacks, The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Men I've Dated could be the book for you. Shane Bolks's debut is a hilarious look at a woman stuck in dating hell . . . until she reinvents herself for a shot at winning the heart of a demi-god of popularity from her past. Rory's attempts to force her Star Wars geek goddess personality and off-the-wall family into ill-fitting conformity will strike a chord with anyone who's ever tried to hard to fit in. The lead characters rang true, the romance is good, flirty fun, and the ending left me with a smile and a sigh.

Very highly recommended.

With a name like Rory Egglehoff, you can imagine what kind of "geek" this main heroine is supposed to be portrayed as. And sure enough, she is! Working as an accountant, Rory is currently dating a boring Star Wars geek, and although she herself is a non-boring Star Wars geek, the sparks just aren't there between them.

However, after Rory runs into an old crush from grade school - the handsome Hunter Chase, her best friend Allison convinces her to go after him. Rory decides to go through with it. The results that ensue are slightly disastrous but entertaining. Rory hides her true vegetarian, Star-wars-convention attending geeky self and begins to win Hunter over. But will it last? Will she succeed in getting the man of her dreams and in the process lose herself?

For the most part, I enjoyed this book. It was a sweet, romantic novel with a likeable heroine and a fun story line that kept me reading. It carries a good message as well, about loving and being yourself above all else. Some of Rory's dating antics make me laugh out loud as well.

The only thing I had a problem with in this novel was that the main character kept saying "Creator!" and "Oh, Creator!" as sort of a curse. It got very annoying, and some people could find it offensive.

However, I recommend giving this a read if you are in the mood for a solid, sweet chick lit tale.

Like many people, Rory Egglehoff can't escape her past. Hers has resurfaced in the form of Hunter Chase: sapphire-eyed stud, true Jedi Knight, and lifetime crush. With a four phase plan in her pocket, she sets out to transform Icky Egglehoff into Princess Leia--someone worthy of godlike Hunter's interest. A quick change of wardrobe and a little social outreach later and she gets her wish. And more than she's bargained for.

Now that Rory has his interest, how does she keep it? She can't let him know that she comes from a family of hippie-liberal-freaks. Or that she's--gasp--a vegetarian. Or that she is a die-hard Star Wars fan, complete with collectors glasses and costumes. Or that she's kind of dating a major nerd loser who she just can't seem to break up with because sometimes isn't it better to be with a Wookiee than no one at all?

With her high school reunion looming, Rory makes the not-so-heroic choice of a once-in-a-lifetime date with Hunter over helping her sister, attending her mom's birthday bash, and comforting her best friend in the midst of a big-time break-up. But when it comes down to crunch time--or couch time, as in Hunter's--can she really take this chance with him when the Rory he's attracted to isn't the real one?

It takes a lot of courage to go after the man of your dreams. It takes even more to show him your true self. The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly takes you on a laughter- and tear-filled journey as Rory learns this hard lesson and realizes the time has come to leave the past behind. Because the first step to finding love is loving yourself.

Pearson's memoir drew me in from the first page, as she relates her initial encounter with her future husband. "Gerald shone. That's the best way I can describe him. He shone."
Can't we all relate to that Kismet moment, the first meeting with "the one." When our pheromones come alive and propel us to pursue the OBJECT, the prize, our destiny.
The author's Mormon religion has instilled in her, early on, a desire for an "eternal marriage" much like her parents own union, which only ended at her mother's death.
Gerald, also a Mormon, and Carol Lynn, joked about Brigham Young's statement that "any young man over the age of twenty-one who is not married is a menace to the community."
After Gerald proposes, he decides to share a deep truth with Carol Lynn. Which is that he has had homsexual experiences, but has repented of his sins. He then promises her that she will be enough for him sexually after they are married.
She accepts Gerald's promise, as she'd always been taught that when tempted, boy's were weaker than girls. Their ensuing marriage brings challenges beyond the norm, as Gerald loses his battle against his homosexual cravings. Yet Carol Lynn's love for her husband never dies.
As an author and a human being, she shines. Her personal integrity, compassion, and capacity for unconditional love, awed me as a reader. I devoured this book in two sittings, fascinated by the true love shared between this husband and wife. She supported Gerald, even when he contracted AIDS, and brought him home to die with she and their children by his side till the end.
They both rose to bear witness to their highest selves, in spite of their horrific circumstances. This memoir is full of rare insights into the complexities of a romantic relationship, and to the human condition. It educates, entertains, and inspires. Kudos to Pearson's courage in sharing this extremely personal story. An awesome book by an outstanding writer.

I had heard of Carol Lynn Pearson's story, and I expected the story to be interesting, but I had no idea how much I would feel, and how many things I would have to think about (a lot, not just the reality of homosexuality, not just the many types and forms of love, but many many things.) I was completely unprepared to laugh, but I did, and I must say, the Pearson's were amazing people. Such strength, such energy, such a desire to be like Christ and do what is right. This story is incredible and incredibly written.

This is the first book I came across that truly captured what it is like to be gay and married and it was written by the straight spouse. Of course, that was years ago and now I have come out of the closet and have found my voice and know what is in my heart. But back then I was deep in the closet and this book was a godsend. Thank you, Carol Lynn, from the bottom of my heart. It was wonderful to see in words what before I had only felt and not understood. However, I wished I had read your thoughts and feelings about being a straight spouse more carefully. It would have given me so much insight into what was going on with my wife. It took me years to gain that insight on my own. But back then it was all I could do to handle my own pain.

You might not think an account of a couple who divorces due to homosexuality could be a memorable love story, but this one really is. I read this book many years ago, and was so moved by it. Carol Lynn Pearson is a remarkable woman. She writes this book with such transparency of her emotions. The love she had for Gerald Pearson before, during, and after their marriage is so rare. They truly were soulmates, but couldn't be married and both be happy. I started out by reading other books by her, especially about women in traditional church. She is Mormon and I was, at the time, too. I grew up Catholic, and that church and the Mormon church both put limits on what women can do. In in the Catholic church women can't be priests, and in the Mormon church, they can't hold the priesthood. She writes about the bewilderment of that inequity, the same way she wrote about her bewilderment of her husband deciding to live as a gay man, and the struggles he had with that decision. I have felt similar struggles trying to find a place as a woman in traditional Christian churches. When I tried to talk with others about my feelings about feeling less as a woman in the church, I was told I shouldn't feel that way. The way she writes about people who feel disenfranchised by policies and religious tenets made me feel like FINALLY someone gets it. I actually called her on the phone many years ago to tell her to tell her how thankful I was that someone else understood about being a woman in a tradtionally male dominated church, and she was so generous and gracious on the phone to talk with me for a few minutes, so I could tell her thank you. The compassion she has for people who feel like outsiders, and how she treats those people, is what I think of as true Christ-like love. I highly recommmend this book for anyone who ever felt like they don't belong. She went through a very difficult time and showed unfailing love, just like Christ would do.

Carol Pearson is a wonderful writer. I felt like I was right there with her she relly pulls you into her life and feelings. I only hope that Carol has found love and happiness with a strong, straight loving man, which she deserves. She treated her husband Gerald with compassion and sympathy, something not a lot of other women would do. The only thing that bothered me was Gerald's insistance that his children call him "gerald" and not "Dad" since he was the children's biological father. I sincerely hope Carol and her children have found closure, peace happiness and love: they deserve it! A wonderful book!

The Mom's Choice Awards® honors excellence in family-friendly media, products and services. An esteemed panel of judges includes education, media and other experts as well as parents, children, librarians, performing artists, producers, medical and business professionals, authors, scientists and others. A sampling of the panel members includes: Dr. Twila C. Liggett, Ten-time Emmy-winner, professor and founder of Reading Rainbow; Julie Aigner-Clark, Creator of Baby Einstein and The Safe Side Project; Jodee Blanco, New York Times Best-Selling Author; LeAnn Thieman, Motivational speaker and coauthor of seven Chicken Soup For The Soul books; Tara Paterson, Certified Parent Coach, and founder of The Just For Mom Foundation(tm) and the Mom's Choice Awards®. Parents and educators look for the Mom's Choice Awards® seal in selecting quality materials and products for children and families. This book has been honored by this distinguished award.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Not only is it interesting to read, but is full of facts as well. We share the characters emotions, yet at the same time, learn the realities of raising a guide dog puppy. This book will interest both children and adults but is also a wonderful way to become informed about guide dogs, their trainers and recipients. I know this book will do more than just entertain, it will challenge and encourage people to act and get involved in such a wonderful project.

This short and very readable children's book will appeal to adults as well and should be required reading for anyone contemplating raising a guide dog puppy. It is heartfelt and informative, all at the same time. The tendency towards excessive sweetness is offset by the blunt facts that this is a tough task and not to be undertaken lightly. It certainly opens your eyes to what is involved but succeeds in not discouraging you from taking on the challenge. The research behind the story makes it accurate so the reader gets the true picture. Armed with this kind of knowledge and the genuine emotion which comes through little Diego, the reader is more likely to want to proceed and many may contact the Guide Dogs associations around the world because of this simple little book.

Based on a true story, Hello, Goodbye, I Love You: The Story Of Aloha - A Guide Dog For The Blind by Pamela Bauer Mueller is the story of a twelve-year-old young man named Diego Escobar and Aloha -- the dog he raised from puppyhood. At eighteen months, it was time for Diego to send his beloved canine companion off to guide dog school for formal training and a productive future as a guide dog for the blind. The heartbreak of letting go, and the joys of little miracles fill the pages of this compassionate true story which is especially recommended reading for dog lovers.

A well written, moving story of a seeing eye dog and the
sacrifices people make when raising them. A good book for
any age. This should inspire others to do the same.

In the world surrounding Washington DC, where social might makes political right and the those heir to the electoral thrones are chosen from among the strangest of bedfellows, this is a story of one who did not play the usual games. With a host of unseemlies that seem unlikely but in normal life but are all too likely in the circles of intrigue, Harris paints a picture of what happens when honor plays by the rules written and not the rules understood.

The United States is the last among the major world powers, and well among the nations of the second world, to have never had a women in the highest seat of power. Could such a story as this be the reason behind it? What would it take for one lone woman, playing by the rules, to rise by her wits and wiles without losing either her convictions or her life? Read Here Am I and find out.

The author of "Here Am I" did an excellent job developing interesting characters with whom I empathized as a fellow professional.
The storyline is imaginative and carries the reader's attention well.
Overall, "Here Am I" is an excellent novel.

Rebecca is a wonderful heroine - tough, vulnerable, smart, straight-talking, great combination of business woman and politician.
The book is a brutally honest portrayal of the dark side of big-city politics and the best-ever account of crime & corruption in Fairfax County government.
The book is packed with action, plot twists - just can't put it down.

I spent my teen years growing up in the DC Suburbs just across the bridge from Alexandria, Fairfax and other surrounding cities/counties in Clinton, MD (Prince Georges County.) We all lived completely immersed in the heavy politics and day to day drama of living in the shadow of our nations capitol. Those were the "Marion Barry" days if that name rings a bell! I returned to the area later in 2000 to serve my last year as a military officer in the halls of the Pentagon where I had an extremely close up view of the inner workings of Washington Politics. This book generated many memories of my days as both a young person and experienced military officer in the DC area. As a well trained and evolved military leader I could relate well to and appreciate Rebecca's qualities. She truely was the hero that we aspire to be and/or look for in our leadership at many levels of government. The truth about the ugly side of politics will hopefully serve as enlightenment and a wake up call. The read was riveting and I spent every moment of free time I could spare on it from the time I turned the first page until finished!

Intelligently written and discriptive. The book does a good job of painting a picture in your mind; which is what a good novel should do. Smooth read. The story is realistic and would make a good TV drama. Can't beat the price. I will purchase the paperback version as well when it comes out.

I have been reading philosophy for a long time now and occasionally, when I talk about it to my friends, I get asked where one can start when it comes to a massive subject like philosophy. Before this book, I would have a hard time pinpointing a good source for a newcomer because most books out there are either boring and dull college books or books that are way too complicated and wordy for anyone without a background to enjoy them.

This series turned out to be perfect for starting a journey in philosophy or brushing up on your ancient Greek philosophy - where it all started. It is a pity that it does not include some Eastern thought schools that are very important to explore but I suppose it had to limit itself on some scale. It is easy to comprehend, laid out rather nicely and often enough refers to former chapters so you don't lose the thread. Not only does it give paragraphs of good translations of the original texts from Plato and Aristotele etc, but it also enriches these thoughts with its own neat and current examples.

I highly recommend it. It was a very pleasant read.

This item was in very good shape and came to me in no time. It was shipped the same day of the purchase and i got it 2 days later.

This book offers an excellent summery of the basic teachings, understandings, and doctrines from Thales of the pre-socratics to the late Classical period in Rome (Epicurus, Cicero, Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, ect). The History of Western Philosphy Series is an excellent addition to the mind and bookshelf of all scholars who maintain interest in the evolution of the human mind. This specific book goes well hand in hand with F. M. Cornfield's "From Religion to Philosophy (A Study in the Origins of Western Speculation)."

This book, 'The Classical Mind', is the first volume of a five-volume series on the history of Western Philosophy by W.T. Jones, professor of philosophy in California. This series is a very strong, thorough introduction to the course of Western Philosophy, beginning at the dawn of the philosophical enterprise with the pre-Socratics in ancient Greece to the modern thinkers such as Wittgenstein and Sartre. It has grown, over the three decades or so of its publication, from one to four then to five volumes. It has remained a popular text, and could serve as the basis of a one-year survey of philosophy for undergraduates or a one-semester survey for graduate students. Even advanced students in philosophy will find this valuable, all major topics and most minor topics in the course of philosophy are covered in these volumes.

Jones states that there are two possible ways for a writer to organise a history of philosophy -- either by addressing everyone who ever participated in philosophy (which could become rather cumbersome if one accepts the premise that anyone could be a philosopher), or to address the major topics and currents of thought, drawing in the key figures who address them, but leaving out the lesser thinkers for students to pursue on their own. Jones has chosen the latter tactic, making sure to provide bibliographic information for this task.

This volume, 'The Classical mind', starts and ends in ancient Greece. Plato and Aristotle are well featured, to be sure, but the pre-Socratics and the post-Aristotilean thinkers are also discussed in great detail. The first chapter deals with a number of thinkers whose names are well-known to those who study the history of science as well as to philosophers -- Thales, Anaximander, Pythagoras -- showing the interconnection of disciplines that recurs again and again throughout history, but never again so closely as in these opening days of Western thought.

Jones gives a general history lesson along with the history of the development of thought so that the reader will understand the social and historical context in which ideas developed. Plato and Aristotle both came out a context in which Greece was a fairly violent place much of the time, with warring factions and city-states variously dependent upon and warring against each other.

The discussion of Plato largely deals with his theories of knowledge and metaphysics, with an additional chapter on subsequent topics such as ethics, politics, religion and art. Similiarly, Aristotle is dealt with in two chapters, with the major topics of metaphysics, logic, ethics, politics, aesthetics, and other issues addressed. At the end of each of these sections, Jones gives a general critique of the philosopher's main ideas, and in the final chapter of the book, sets the stage for further developments, particularly in terms of the decline of the Golden Age in Greece. In some regards, all subsequent Western philosophy vacilates between Plato and Aristotle, so a thorough grounding is important.

Each volume ends with a glossary of terms, and a worthwhile index. The glossary warns against short, dictionary-style definitions and answers to broad terms and questions, and thus indicates the pages index-style to the discussion within the text for further context. The one wish I would have would be a comprehesive glossary and index that covers the several volumes; as it is, each volume has only its own referents.

This is minor criticism in a generally exceptional series. It is not easy text, but it is not needlessly difficult. The print size on the direct quotes, which are sometimes lengthy, can be a strain at times, but the reading is worthwhile.

W. T. Jones' first volume, The Classical Mind, is a fantastic introduction for studying ancient philosophy. His work is fairly clear and not very difficult in terms of being able to understand his explication of various philosophers and theories. That is, Jones does not write to other philosophers; he is writing to would-be philosophers or students. Jones considers important aspects such as the timing and events surrounding the philosophical theories in order to demonstrate that these ideas do not develop ex nihilo. They arise because of important questions or issues developed in the relevant cultures.

This work covers quite a few people. Of course, it is not exhaustive on every thinker; nor is such even possible since many of the writings of people like the pre-socratics do not exist beyond a few manuscripts. In any case, Jones starts with them (specificaly Homer and Hesiod), through Thales, to Plato, to Aristotle, and up to the skeptics (e.g., Carneades and Sextus). From time to time, Jones will comment upon some of the positive and negative (or implausible) aspects of each of the theories provided. Sometimes his objections are good; other times, they can be answered. For instance, Jones treats Plato's argument for the Forms as a transcendental argument and he applies Stephan Korner's uniquness argument against Plato (c.f. Korner, "The Impossibility of Transcendental Deductions"). Jones doesn't refer to Korner, but it is the same point. I think Plato could *in principle* answer Jones.

There are a couple areas where I think that Jones has misinterpreted some of the early thinkers. For instance, Jones treats Aristotle as only holding to the intellectual virtues as being eudaimonia (for an alternative view, see Cooper, John M. "Reason and Human Good in Aristotle"). Also, Jones gives a traditional analysis of Parmenides. Patricia Curd offers an alternative analysis in "The Legacy of Parmenides." Both of these thinkers challenge the traditional views that Jones sides with. In any case, that's a head's up for readers who have not done exhaustive reading on these philosophers; just something to keep in mind when reading Jones.

Finally, I think that Jones often uses far too long of quotes from other people. At one point, he quoted Plato for an entire three pages (8 size font!). Jones could have summarized the point and added a footnote. Nevertheless, this is a great textbook for studying ancient philosophy and it deserves five stars despite my harsh disapproval of some of his analyses and writing style :)

I absolutely love this book. As a 1st year homeschooler this book has been invaluable to me. The book is an easy read and full of great tips from Tamara. I am really looking forward to applying all I've learned from this book into our second year! Thanks Tamara !!!

I literally read and studied every book on homeschooling at my local library! Homeschooling with TLC is my absolute favorite! It is a one-of-a-kind treasure trove of how-to in a to-the-point format by a real professional teacher and homeschool mother. This un-intimidating read is moving, truthful, inspiring, motivational, and simply a must-read and must-own. Homeschooling with TLC is the ONLY how-to-teach namely how-to-homeschool book written for average people seeking to make lesson time inspired, effective and FUN for their children.

The seasoned and long sought-after author, Tamara L. Chilver taught in the public school system for years and has homeschooled her own three children even longer! Finally published, Mrs. T.L.Chilver Gifts us all with her ability to teach us how-to-teach our children and make it a Blast! This handy, well organized gem compiles tons of tips, games and ideas. It is a succinct listing of what works and how to make it happen in your own home! Check out her website and sign up for her monthly newsletter at [...] She's my homeschool hero and mentor and more importantly my children's ...they can't get enough of her ideas! She will be yours too...Read it to believe it!

Finding the path to homeschooling with a bonafide expert holding your hand takes all of the trepidation and fears away. While staying on course to a stimulating and thrilling homeschool experience for the whole family is made easy in these few pages! No longer must homeschool teachers prepare boring tedious lessons and children be plagued by chapters of activity books. No longer must we read thick, heavy, wordy texts by inept authors on the subject nearest and dearest to our hearts and calling. It's simply Awesome to have the benefit of a "real" teacher giving encouragement and practical tips on the matter of superiorly educating our children at home.

You'll want to share Homeschooling with TLC with everyone. My copy has had to be replaced tens of times so I advise you to buy several copies now to share with all of your homeschooling friends, relatives, homeschooling groups and to anyone you know who is considering homeschooling. Share the Good news for the Children's sake!!!!

Homeschooling can become a list of chores for you and your children. This book has helped me put fun into our learning. Not only did this book help me use games and more hands on manipulables but I have been encouraged. Homeschooling can and should be enjoyable. This book is a great resource, it's a compact guide to cirriculum, it gives creative ideas, and it's a home educator's pick me up! Thank you for writing this book!

Whether you are just starting out or you have been teaching your children for a while this is a great book full of ideas and easy to implement strategies for making learning more fun for your children.

This is a Christian based small book of 109 pages with nine chapters. The first two chapters are all about your child and choosing curriculum. She then jumps right into Reading Methods and Writing Strategies followed by Social Studies and Science. Chapters 7 and 8 are about support and encouragement as you homeschool after which she deals with the extras such as music, foreign language, art, etc. in short snippets. Finally, the appendix is filled with a list of Newberry and Caldecott medal winning literature. I found the book quite informative and chock full of resources, ideas, strategies and methods for homeschooling. It is well written, easy to read and the cartoons throughout are good for a chuckle. I'm glad I bought it.

I am a culinary student majoring in Breads and Pastries. This book is the required textbook for the course I am taking. It is jam packed (no pun intended) with useful information. I will continue to use it as a resource after my course of study is completed.

I feel like there is a good bredth of basic information given in this book, but if you are looking for in-depth science this is not the book for you. I have a background in science and to me the science in this book is very elementary. If you are in search of general baking information and a broad overview of how things work you may enjoy the book. If you are interested in chemical mechanisms or protein chemistry for example, choose another book.

This book is great. We use it in my culinary arts course in college.

For many years home bakers have been producing baked goods for their family. Most have little knowledge of the science and "why" that is going on. Very useful for those with inquiring minds. I have been judging foods at county fairs for 20 years and find this book containing useful, additional information to pass on to fair exhibitors. Some people quit trying when they have product failure, this wonderful textbook might give them enough information to try again.

I'm very well impressed with this work. Here are some of the things I have learnt so far:

-The most fundamental secret that makes professional bakers an entirely different animal from serious-home bakers. Funny, but there is actually a reason professional bakers get consintently way better results than average bakers.

-Why baking is the most challenging the of culinary arts.

-Why if a recipe calls for a certain type of flour you should respect that, or else you risk having bad results.

-What's the role of milk in baking and why you have other options if you want to experiment.

-What baking powder is, and how it is different from baking soda? What would happen if you used too much of these ingredients or if you didn't use them at all.

-Which ingredient in baking has many functions and is very difficult to replace in baking products.

-What kind of chocolates exist, what makes them different and when you should use one or another to obtain certain effects.

So far I have had two baking experiences with this book:

1. I was struggling with a brownie recipe I found in another book which I think is just plain-wrong. The first time I did it was just before "How baking works" arrived. The results were disastrous. The brownies turned out a little bit rocky!

When "How baking works" arrived I did some experiments and voilá. Much better results!

2. The other day I was going to make hot-cakes and I practically ran out of one ingredient. I said to myself "well, lets see if I can use what I have learnt so far to pull this off". Since one of my ingredients was in a different amount I changed the quantity of my other ingredients. I tried and guessed that my hot cakes were going to rise much more and have an even softer texture. They did!!!

What a great book! Now, this is BAKING! This is the real deal, the real pleasure. Baking is like a game and "How baking works" explains the rules so you know how and when to brake them and still have great desserts!!!

Which is exactly the reason I got this book in the first place. I want to experiment with recipes, to add some flavor or change the texture. This is just the book for that!

Many books give you recipes, which is OK, but if you don't know what you are really doing then you become slave of your recipes. And problems begin when the final baked product doesn't turn out how it was supposed to. The recipe might be all right, but maybe there are different factors in your kitchen, oven, ingredients, etc. that are spoiling everything for you.

The way I see it, these kind of books are the ones that really turn you into a professional baker, because they give you the knowledge you need to be in command.

Great addition to any baker's collection!

My wife and I are both first person volunteers (Red Cross and St. Vincent de Paul Society) and we both have full time jobs. I thought that we know about helping until I read this book.

Basically, it starts with a focus on knowing and understanding yourself, tossing in a little mediation practice for good measure. If you are helping to feel better about yourself, you are not really helping.

Along the way there are, as other reviewers have said, inspirational stories that (well) inspire. It is a great balance of discussion and insight with stories about service.

When I got to the section on burn-out, I presumed that I know the answers. I have survive burnout and read several really good books on the subject. Relax, step back, etc. This book has an entirely different perspective that I think is more useful than the other books.

If you want to help people, and I presume if you are reading this book that you do, then you should consider reading this book. Thanks for helping.

This book is filled with insights. These insights are hidden gems of wisdom revealing our personalities desire to seek and find what we all have in common. This unity is driven by our need and desire to find peace in the midst of life's most difficult moments. As our heart goes out to those in need, our acts of service contain our soul's longing to connect with a fellow soul. Once our soul is awakened in service, a path opens and leads us into a sacred human relationship infused by the power of peace. Thanks, Ram Dass, for your guidance into the realm of spirit through the words written in this book.

I also recommend: What the Dying Teach Us: Lessons on Living by Samuel Oliver

I am a social worker and an author. I have recently become involved with writing about medical as well as human rights issues. (My book BEHIND THE BURQA, which is to be published in October by John Wiley, is the memoir of two women who escaped the brutality of Afghanistan and the suffering they endured in the US.) Through my work, I have come into contact with people, such as the two subjects of my book, who have endured excruciating circumstances. HOW CAN I HELP sits on my night table so that I can read it after I've come home from interviewing someone in pain. It addresses all the issues that come up when people try to help each other, whether as "helping professionals" or simply as friends or family who are reaching out--guilt, burnout, fear, sense of helplessness--the myriad emotions that afflict those who want to make a difference in the lives of others. HOW CAN I HELP is psychologically astute, spiritually enlightening and written with great gentleness, compassion and occasional moments of humor. I feel the authors have become my mentors and friends. They accompany me to detention centers when I interview imprisoned asylum-seekers who have fled horrific tortures. They're with me when I visit people in the hospital. Their wisdom and guidance inspire me and inform my ability to remain intimately involved with people who have undergone horrible suffering. This book should be required reading in medical schools, psychology and social work programs, and any other context in which people are being trained to work with others in need.

An excellent book on helping ourselves which in turn act in helping others in a life of service. The awareness first must be found in ourselves before we can exercise the compassion for others. It is here we gain insight into a larger order of lawfulness we cannot understand rationally but which nevertheless resonates within. Compassion becomes an increasingly automatic response.

Ideas conveyed rest in the process of ambiguity and paradox in the realm of not knowing, resting in mystery. Living in the game of subjectivity, we always remain in touch with the silent observer, the witness self in calm abiding and when caught up in subjectivity to see the absurdity of the game and using absurd comedy to deal with it. We end up trusting in a larger pattern beyond the absurd surface world of our actions. We see the truth in uncertainty, we maintain the Zen beginner's mind. We work on ourselves as a vehicle for our higher selves. And we recognize that all of us have a flag to wave which is the folly of our human existence. We are conscious of our lack of integrity while trying to convince others, as we see ourselves from the outside as the silent witness. We see compassion and peace as the only way to make peace in everything we do and are in touch with the quiet self behind all our subjective roles, behind all the thinking, actions and experiences. We see the polarization's of differences as our habits of thinking, seeing beyond the circle of opposites knowing that our mind acts in Gestalt as it perceives and decides in categorizing what is essentially neutral information.

The way to compassion is simply to just listen, stop thinking, stop speaking and listen. be the observer. Its our reactions that determine our pains and sufferings as opposed to the happenings themselves. We acknowledge our weaknesses and refrain from blinding ourselves in subjectivity. Its our dispassionate need as the observer, the we see our own reactions from the view as an outsider watching our reactions as habitual patterns our physical and mental beings perform.

Our thoughts act as clouds that pass by and we can be aware of this if we can gain the ability to observe them as an outside consciousness, alert to when we get sucked up in subjectivity. To rest in awareness in ourselves, with company, allowing and helping others to find themselves. The sage helps the ten thousand things find their own nature. We move away from viewing the world strictly in concepts and recognize the intellect blinds intuitive awareness. We see our self image as a prison we create, roles to survive in this game of life but also a prison for us if we fail to find our higher objective observer selves. We need our roles to survive as humans and communicate with one another but in order not to get trapped in them we have to enter behind our roles out of the blindness.

"The most familiar models of who we are - father and daughter, doctor and patient, helper and helped - often turn out to be major obstacles to the expression of our caring instincts; they limit the full measure of what we have to offer one another . . they are delusions of separateness. Our task is to free our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole nature in its beauty . . " p.20

I read the book called "How can I help" by Ram Dass and Paul Groman when I attended a seminar for care givers. It was intended to help us not get "used up" or "burned out" as the saying goes. The book has a number of vignettes followed by commentary. Each vignettes has proven an inspiration and the commentary has always added to the insight.

I do something I call "peer counseling". What it means is I simply try to provide a really safe place for them to express themselves. I have a structured way of developing that environment but that's too complex for this email. I believe that even if we think very hard about an issue we still need to say the words before we get a complete perspective. When we say the words out loud the first time to someone else we some times think, "Damn I'm right!" other times we think, "Boy is that stupid." and I try to provide a non-judgmental place to reach a conclusion. I also expect that if the outcome is the second they will try to distance themselves from everything that was associated with time spent working in the wrong direction. Generally that means they distance themselves from me too. I have to help them leave me with no feelings of guilt because they are "abandoning" someone who has befriended them. That is the second part of my counsel letting them go guilt free. I sometimes fear "losing" clients will drain me but re-reading the vignettes in the book renews me.

I am a second-year teacher working with Kindergarten special needs. I bought this book after having it recommended at a training. This book has brillant strategies for giving young children a way to do independent work, and it includes color pictures for each activity.

I have already begun using some of these work sysytems in my classroom and my kids love them. Not only do they feel accomplished but I am hoping this will help motivate them to work independently in the regular education classroom more often.

I would recommend this book to any one working with young children, whether they be classroom teachers, resource teachers, preschool/daycare, or parents. It has many simple yet amazing ideas.

This book has been a lifesaver! As a special education teacher, I am looking for ways for all my students to learn. I first started using activities in the book with my student with autism but then my other students became interested in the tasks and I use them for all my students!

I recently purchased this book in a search for appropriate planning for a child with autism who has aggressive behavior when required to complete any academic task. This book is wonderful and has helped me plan activities that this child can complete. Recommend it for anyone searching for hands on materials to help a child learn to learn.

I just received this book in the mail. I am currently teaching Special ED - Autism & also did so for my student teaching. Many of the activities in this book I used in my student teaching setting. They are good ideas that can be transformed & used a million different ways. Every teacher of kids with ASD needs it.

Really great ideas for activities in my classroom! There are 80 different matching, sorting, reading, writing and math tasks included in this book. These really help the student to learn how to work independently and stay on task. There are photos, descriptions, and list of materials needed for each task. I highly recommend this book to educators as well as parents. "So You Want to be a Special Education Teacher" is also a humorous, insightful, very enjoyable, must read for your library.

Ms. Freeman is the Credit guru/savior. I have seen significant improvements over time in my credit scores using the suggestions and tips in Ms. Freeman's insightful book. Debt can seem insurmountable when you are in it and I am now on the other side and plan to stay that way. I want to testify to EVERYONE. The strategies are written in understable language and are very doable. It has really opened up my eyes into my negative spending and credit usage behaviors. I now always shop with a purpose to get a specific item in mind rather than overspending without purpose, just being drawn to a sale for the sake of the sale. I have also bought this book as a gift for recent college grads so that they may avoid some of the credit pitfalls. I highly recommend it to everyone!!!

This is a fantastic guideline on how to get out of debt...it tells you the reasons why you allowed yourself to create your bad debt and explains the necessary steps to take to get out of debt, starting with calling your creditors and working out a payment plan, to creating and sticking to your budget.

Thanks Harrine for this informative read!

Harrine has written a wonderful book that will help you get out of the credit trap. Her down-to-earth writing style and common sense strategies are useful and effective for anyone who needs help in re-building their credit. A great book, a great resource, and a lifeboat for many people. Two big thumbs up!

I think this book is a terrific resource for credit repair. I have just gone through many of the processes outlined and it was extremely useful to me.

Will that be cash, check or charge? We have all heard those words as we step to the cashier. But how many of us pay cash for everything? Not many seeing that over 30 million Americans are in debt. Freeman has written an easy to follow guide to becoming debt-free and getting an "A+" credit score.

The chapters discuss everything you need to turn your credit situation around. How to recognize the warning signs of bad credit, getting on track after bankruptcy, repairing your credit, improving your credit rating and surviving identity theft are all fully explained with suggestions on how to go about turning things around. Freeman includes examples of letters to send to creditors explaining late payments, reducing your interest, and how to stop junk mail. There are also samples of budgets, how to calculate your spending levels and ideas on cutting back in order to pay off your total debt.

HOW TO GET OUT OF DEBT is an outstanding tool that can be used to restore your credit. Every person needs to read and understand this information before graduating from high school. Parents have to stand tall on discussions concerning finances so that our children don't perpetrate the current financial travesty going on in America. So buy this book for yourself, friends, church, youth group and community organization, your financial independence depends on lessons taught in its pages.

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