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Book Reviews |
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The Following Reviews are compiled from Amazon.com
Dr. Sharon Wendt reminds us that we all have the capacity to love and heal ourselves and others. She provides not only her personal experiences in this realm, but also gives the reader step-by-step exercises/meditations on how to release the pain within to heal the heart and soul. Anyone searching for wholeness and healing in their lives will be forever touched by the honesty and love in which Dr. Wendt shares her message. I highly recommend this book - it has changed my life tremendously and opened me up to possibilities of healing and love that I was unaware of before. Dr. Wendt teahes us that we all have the power to live our lives filled with light and love and shows us where to begin. This book is a journey you won't forget!
This fine book is one part history, one part story-telling and one part desert poetry. If you like the Arizona history texts of Marshall Trimbel, the story-telling of Studs Turkel or the desert poetry of Wallace Stegner, you will love this book. It joins the growing body of literature that deals with mans relationship to "place", and how we inhabit and live in concert with the places we live. In this regard, it will remind readers of the works by Dan Kemmis. Arizona has a brighter future if its residents take heed of the message this book provides.
I truly enjoyed Mr. Smith's "Life Journey". As I began reading, I did not know what to expect. I quickly found myself drawn to the passionate expression of love the author displayed for all areas of his life: family, friends, other loved ones and of course his first love of Baseball; later NFL (also basketball!) Not many individuals are as centered and grounded as this man, with all of his athletic prowess, ability and everything that goes along with that, he did not loose sight of his foundation - the love and dedication his family shares, the bond they have and continue to share to this day. Something else I found impressive was the honesty he shared with his readers about the highs and lows he experienced in both his professional sports life and his personal life. We all have a past, good and bad, but there are few of us who are willing to discuss this publicly and accept responsibility for our actions and as well as praise for our achievements. Mr. Smith exhibited both of these attributes effortlessly. I am reminded of one of my favorite sayings "life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away". Life is short, tomorrow is promised to no one. Mr. Smith's book reinforced this to me as I thought about my own dreams and desires. His book was a wonderful read and an inspiration to me. I thank Mr. Smith for sharing his life with myself and anyone else lucky enough to purchase it! Thank you Mr. Smith!!
This book is great for kids and adults of all ages...as long as you love animals! Young ones can enjoy the playful illustrations and rhyming of the poems and can even enter information about their own dog in the interactive sections; and as they get older, they'll appreciate some of the humor and meaning of the words. Adults who have adored their canine companions will relate to the sentiments and be touched and amused by the poetry. There is a hint of Shel silverstein here, too. It would make a wonderful holiday gift. If I was a dog, I'd give it "Two Paws Up!"
I am not an avid reader but I could not put this book down. It is very easy to read because it is in conversation form. It was incredible the number of battles and bureaucratic red tape that had to be fought to get the services that were legally mandated to be given to Michele. Make your child a ward of the state in order to get the services she needed? No way! Kathleen's story is truly one of courage and determination. She not only fought for her child's rights but the rights of other children she didn't even know. We need more Kathleen's in this world.
This book went beyond William Least Heat Moon's journeys across America books in that it gives a spiritual dimension that was able to drag me out of the negative funk I've felt since 9/11 and the elections. Non-political, and without religiosity, I found every day on the road helped to heal my spirit and renew my desire to continue being the change I wish to see in the world. Thank you, Ray!
Bags Out at Seven is a true page-turner. Robert Globerman vividly and eloquently puts into words what we all can relate to about traveling with a group of strangers, experiencing the unknown for the first time, and the thrill of seeing the most magnificent sites. It made me laugh, cry, and relive my own travel experiences. It is written with humor, intelligence, and love. I couldn't put it down!
Where There's No Will, There's Still a Way Graham Fitch's account of his search for Stanislaw's heirs is riveting. The dangers and excitement of going behind the iron curtain in the '60s must grab and hold your attention; but, if they don't, surely his account of his sojourn in an isolated Polish village, completely untouched by influences beyond it's boundaries, will. It is this part of his quest that I found most enthralling. Graham's experiences truly corroborate the adage that truth is stranger than fiction.
A reader is essentially an outsider looking in. The story of William Kollar and his fellow survivalists on his journey towards Freedom during World War II opened a door that allowed me the ability to walk with them. This book is for the most part well written, easy to read and exciting. With descriptive language that makes you feel as if you too are experiencing the adrenalin, laughter and tears on a personal level.
It appears that Mr. Kollar's personal experiences during his youth gave him the determination and skill required for his survival. In fact, it seems as if bad times, people and situations can be used to build a character of necessary strength to survive even in the face of death and destruction.
After reading Kenneth Weene's majestic poetry, I was struck by the fact that he has such a profound knowledge of the human condition. His deep insight and almost mystical understanding drew me into the work more deeply with each reading. It is not beyond me to call him a "sage". The case to me is simple, Mr. Weene has the ancient voice of poetry, the deep and profound voice which reverberates in us all and through out the poetic endeavor. The topic is grand and often seems Joseph Campbell-esque in its observations and complete understanding of the father figure - in all of its frailty and grandeur. Truthful, I am reminded of Dylan Thomas when I read these poems - that should say it all.
I have had the privilege of knowing Dr. Gladys in person, and it is just as much pleasure to read her life story. It is special that it is shared with us by her daughter. I feel as though I have experienced her life with her! Analea is a great writer. Gladys is a great doctor. This story would be enjoyable for anyone to read who likes life and people and adventure! I will read and re-read this one! It is ageless and priceless.
This book contains fascinating case studies and anecdotes of people healing long-held physical and psychological conditions while under Dr. Pressman's care. It is particularly interesting because the method he uses seems to be a combination of analysis and spirituality -- a good direction for psychiatry to be taking nowadays. For this reason I felt the book would be useful to both professionals and lay people.
The lessons that Dr. King teaches can be applied in all areas of your life. Be patient, everything cycles. The thoughts that you carry with you in your life, you also carry to the golf course. Dr. King tells you how to deal with your mind so that you can focus on what you want to accomplish.
As a personal friend of the author, I have had the pleasure of discussing this book with Rob. I can tell you with great certainty that you will not be disappointed. I hope this book finds you, and you enjoy reading it as much as I did.
I believe the author was entirely honest about his loves, fears,
hopes and dreams. He explored his family circle in a funny, yet
powerful way. If you don't know what the closeness of family is all
about, this book is for you. You will feel it. It expresses such a
solid positive attitude in simply living day to day. The book was
even more of a delight for me because I grew up close to the area
that the Diebolds had lived. Remembering particular towns, streets,
the Midwest lifestyle and even the weather made it special to me ! It's always amazing to me how one human life effects another, like Charlotte's did D.J.'s ~ Very powerful. I so enjoyed the positive life lessons ending each chapter. I made adjustments during my days to continue chapter after chapter. I didn't want to close Charlotte's eyes...
Imagine a "rag-tag band of crackpots" whose movements and
activities remind one of outrageous scenes from a Marx Brothers
film or the Keystone Kops but whose activities are capable of
wreaking havoc and destroying America's sense of security forever.
There was such a group and this is what happened on September 11,
2001. A relatively small group of devout, dedicated fundamentalist
Muslims, consumed by their terrorist efforts proved that if anyone
wants to "get Americans" they could find a way and accomplish what
50 years of the "Cold War" failed to do. And all of America's
missiles and sophisticated weaponry would be as useless as trying
to sweep back the sea. Anyone who has witnessed the destruction of the World Trade Center - and who has not? - can easily identify with Ms. Devji's stunned disbelief as she describes this event. She has captured the essence of our reactions on that day of infamy. Her words echo the feelings of tragedy we all experienced and her own understanding and personal life experiences of the East adds to the poignancy of her words. As such the book is an excellent primer for anyone who wants to know who the men of Al Qaeda are and their dedication to their own peculiar and virulent version of Islam.
Books like this are a necessity on your shelf. Both the author and illustrator deserve commendations! In these years when the world is full of fear and uncertainty, you can pull this book and read with your child about "what to be when you grow up". Adorable Fifo reminds us of the pure innocence and wonder about the future from a child's eyes. This is a fantastic book to ground us again and focus on those vital parts of growing up. I am a teacher and can recommend this book as a great learning/discussion tool for your classroom, too!
I t is nice to have a book to read that the parent enjoys as much as the child. Like Dr. Seuss, it doesn't matter what age you are, you can appreciate it. This is how I found the Chameleon's Tale to be for my son and me.Appreciating your own "lizardness" is an important message to impart to children. I loved the fuchsia lizard who taught George to stand out instead of hide in the "status quo". The illustrations are brilliant. I would love to have them as prints for my child's room. As a previous preschool teacher, I thought the use of color and the naming of orchid and fuchsia and other like colors to be an added teaching tool. I think the topics in this book would also make an excellent platform for journal writing and self-help groups.
We need more books with great messages like this!
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