Book Description

Foreword by Hans Küng

A fascinating look at the founders of the world’s main religions.

The major religious traditions of the world owe their existence to the vision of an ancient founder. This important volume explores the lives of the five founders of major world religions—Moses, Buddha, Confucius, Jesus, and Muhammad—chronicling what is actually known of these charismatic men and introducing readers to the cultural and religious worlds that heard their messages.

Readers in predominantly Christian lands, in addition to learning about the lives of Confucius, Buddha, and Muhammad— whom they might not be familiar with— will also be introduced to modern research now casting fresh light on the careers of Moses and Jesus. Whether studied individually or in comparison with one another, these biographies, together with a chapter on the characteristics of religious leadership, chart the spiritual rivers that continue to feed the diversity of religious expression today. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Excellent (and Much Needed Just Now)
There has never been a time when interreligious understanding was more needed. And I don't have in mind only the atrocities committed at the Pentagon and the World Trade Center and what seems to be, as I write, an impending war. It's trite to say, but true, that the vast geographical distances that once separated the great religions from one another have vanished, both figuratively in the sense that modern transportation and communication technologies have rendered them insignificant and literally in the sense that, given modern immigration patterns, Hindus and Muslims and Buddhists and Confucianists and Sikhs are very likely to be living in the same neighborhoods with Jews and Christians. It is imperative that we learn to understand one another better.

This book is an important step in that direction. By presenting academically serious, reliable, but still sympathetic portraits of the five great religious founders, it provides a basis for genuine dialogue between the faiths. It is an excellent book. The authors are first-rate, and the writing is generally clear and occasionally even quite good.

I wish it weren't so expensive, but I hope that it will nonetheless have a large readership. I recommend it enthusiastically.

An excellent contemporary review
Contributions from the best contemporary thinkers provide explorations of the lives and beliefs of the five founders of major world religions: Moses, Buddha, Confucius, Jesus and Muhammad. These essays provide new insights into the careers of these individuals, blending biography with spiritual insights. An excellent contemporary review. ... Read more

Book Description

Written from the perspective of a logic-driven realist transformed by the wisdom of alternative therapies, Buddha in the Waiting Room shares the insights that Paul Brenner gained treating patients with life-threatening diseases. This book contains such practical guidance as how to interview a doctor, how to get straightforward medical advice, and how to change from passive recipient of healthcare to full participant in the process. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

From Surgeon to Solomon: One Man's Quest for Meaning
What happens when an esteemed California gynecologist chisels the "M.D." off his door and announces to his family and stunned colleagues that he is giving up his lucrative medical practice? Find out in this true account of Paul Brenner's personal search for the meaning of life, as he trades his Mercedes, white coat and speculum for a pickup truck, tai chi and poolside chats with terminally ill patients.

In a narrative that allows the reader a rare peak behind the often-intimidating white coat, Brenner reveals personal details of his life as an ob-gyn, his rejection of that life and his quest to recover his lost humanity and passion for living. From his original epiphany at the site of a Guatemalan earthquake to astute observations made watching an anxiety-ridden vegetarian, Brenner expounds on the modern doctor-patient relationship and laments the state of contemporary health care in America.

"Healing the person has been lost to the science of healing the pathology," Brenner writes. "I was tired, burned out, and burned up. I did not have the heart to fight to convince others that caring counts, acupuncture works, the unborn have intelligence, or maternal/child health is more important than mechanical hearts, organ transplants, and most medical research."

Should the avoidance of death at any cost be medicine's primary goal? If life cannot be saved, should death be embraced? What responsibilities do patients have for their own care? These are some of the questions Brenner grapples with as he begins his search.

Brenner turns to a variety of alternative therapies in his pursuit for answers, including acupuncture, meditation, the laying on of hands, journaling and solitary drives across the country. Along the way, Brenner discovers that each person must accept responsibility for his/her own health. He asks himself, "What is healing? What is health? Is it the absence of disease or the presence of passion?" Brenner realizes he has spent his life trying to keep an impossible vow made to God made when his best friend died at the age of ten-that he would never let anyone die again.

Leaving traditional medicine behind, Brenner discovers a new calling--assisting others in becoming responsible for their own healthcare and redefining the meaning of health.

".....[H]ealth is defined by our response to life," Brenner notes, "and just as life changes, so does our health. Health is the acceptance and appreciation of life."

On one of many light notes, Brenner observes the agony of a strict vegetarian as he picks through spinach salad searching for the "sinister bacon bits." When Brenner jokingly tells him, "You just swallowed a bacon bit!" the man is horrified. The doctor-turned-philosopher points out that while to some people, a bacon bit is a delicious morsel of nourishment to savor, to others it becomes, in their own minds, a poison to be avoided at all costs.

Today's sterile clinics are populated by doctors obsessed with charts and fear of lawsuits, according to Brenner, and patients who need compassion as much or more so than prescriptions and invasive procedures. Both doctor and patient need to relearn to trust each other.

"An essential bond must exist between the healer and the healee in order to initiate the healing process," Brenner writes. "This bond is a bond of trust. Trust has a healing effect because it creates an emotional response."

As marvelous as gene therapy, antidepressants and online medical care may be, they will never replace wisdom, values and perspective. When modern doctors want to surgically divide the disputed baby/life/disease, then it is time for the wisdom of Solomon to determine ownership of life. Imparting that wisdom is part of healing, according to Brenner.

In his observations, Brenner injects common sense, trust and humanness back into medicine and life. Rather than continually fighting disease and natural body processes, such as growing older, doctors and patients should once again embrace the indigenous wisdom within themselves and rediscover the wonder mirrored all around them, whether it is found in a birthing room, on a deathbed or in a simple bacon bit.

After decades of delivering babies for patients, Paul Brenner has brought forth his own gift to his profession and clients-a book replete with wisdom gleaned from powerful encounters with souls on the journey known as "life." ... Read more

Reviews (1)

"I Love Lucy...---Even MORE!!"
I had to read this book as part of my AP american history course at school. We had a semester to read a book on an Amercian person, and being me, I procrastinated until the last two days. Let me say, reading this book was no chore! I enjoyed it, and flew right through it. Charles Higham presents excellent in depth information into the private, and not so private lives of the Arnezes. I'd recommend this book to any Lucy fan! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

great
Want to learn fundementals on how to play better basketball this is the book for you ... Read more

Book Description

Meet Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers' young basketball prodigy and the heir apparent to the great Michael Jordan himself. Here, for the first time, is the whole story of this incredible athlete--how he became the great person and incredible gifted, driven player he is today. Follow Kobe's life from growing up as the son of an NBA player through his decision to turn pro at 17, his rookie season, the All-Star Game, and his amazing second year in the pros.

A must for every fan, Kobe includes eight pages of color photos, personal stats, and the rising star's career records. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

"The Air Apparent Kobe" is a great biography of his life.
Where did he grow up?How many points does he average a game?These are just two of the many questions answered in the book all about Kobe Bryant in the new biography "The Air Apparent Kobe" by Joe Layden. You will find out the history of Kobe by Joe Layden like how he scores an average of 50 points a game and grew up in Philidelphia.When he was three years old Kobe put on an old clippers jersey worn by his dad and dribbled a foam ball around practicing every move he learned from watching his dad play and from then on Kobe's mother knew he would have plenty of basketball talent. In his teens Kobe started playing basketball on his highschool basketball team and from then to the Philidelphia 76er's where he scored an average of 42 points a game.The Air Apparent Kobe also tells the lifestory of Kobe's father like how he played on the Philidelphia 76er's before Kobe did. After the Philidelphia 76er's Kobe had a chance to go to North Carolina or even Duke to show off his talent,but instead he chose to go to the Los Angeles Lakers where he is now "a star" and scores 50-60 points a game.Kobe went for a record that had never been broken,but failed by only making 42 points when the record was 50.4 points.I would give this book 5 stars because I think Joe Layden did a very good job telling Kobe's life story. If you would like to know about Kobe's whole life story check out the book by Joe Layden "The Air Apparent Kobe."

Kobe the story of NBA's young...
The book Kobe is one of my all time favorites. It talks about the life of Kobe Bryant. Kobe is my all time favorite basketball player along with Michael Jordan. I see a lot in Kobe like in mj. This book talks about the life of the young rising star Kobe Bryant and how he got to where he is now. It is a great book.

Love Basketball
"The Story of the NBA's Rising Young Star Kobe Bryant" great for Lakers' fans. If you like basketball you will like this nonfiction book. Joseph Layden .I thought that the book was very easy to read and young children could read it by themselves. In my mind he is the best player ever. It the best book I ever read. I like the book, because I like to play basketball too.
In the beginning of the book it talks about his father and mother how they met each other. The book talked a bit about his family and also where he attend at school. I like the book, because you can image in your mind what it is talking about, and you can learn a little bit of vocabulary.
The setting of the book is in Philadelphia and also in Los Angeles. The author wrote the book very well, because it gives a lot of important information, it the best book I ever read. I like the book, because I like to play basketball too. I want to read more byJoseph Laden.
I want to recommend to book to people that like the Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant and who like to play basketball. The book makes you think that you could be a great basketball player like Kobe, if you keep on practicing. I would recommend this book to grade school and also high school students.

Kobe's Incredible Life
I chose the book, Kobe, because I was interested in knowing more about the life of Kobe Bryant. I was surprised to learn about Kobe's upbringing and background because it was totally different than what I had expected.

I liked this book because it tells all about Kobe Bryant's love for basketball, and his determination and drive to improve his skills. Kobe's basketball career begins when his family moves back to his hometown in America. The book also contains a lot of really cool pictures.

Learn about how this young star athlete developed into an all star basketball player. Joe Layden does a terrific job in revealing what makes Kobe a superstar. I recommend this book to anyone interested in basketball. It is very inspirational!

Mine's and who elses favorite basketball player
My favorite basketball player is Kobe Bryant.Some people ask me why but I just say why not,he is the best.Kobe Bryant has it all he has all the moves,the looks,skills,and he is just fatal flaw raw talent.Kobe is the man teams in the nba can't stop him no one can.I know Kobe has heard this before but I am his biggest fan Iknow everything there is ro know about him.If I had one wish it would to meet him,just to talk to him even if it was just one word even though I don't know him I still love him very much after all he does have it all he's the best.Who's going to be mvp next season if you guessed Kobe Bryant than you must be physic.Kobe thanks for everything you taught me a lot you are the reason why my team is undefeated everyone I know just calls me little Kobe,what a great person to take after. It is an honor to be called little Kobe ... Read more

Reviews (1)

"Call the Briefing" Puts You in the White House
"Call the Briefing" by Marlin Fitzwater puts you in the White House. The reader is brought right to the Podium, fielding questions from a voracious Press Corps ready to do almost anything for a story. And you are there with the President and the Cabinet, discussing strategy and estimating every action's media reaction.

It was hard to put this book down. You meet the very idealistic Ronald Reagan and the very professional George H. W. Bush through the eyes of the man who served a Press Secretary in both Administrations. Mr. Fitzwater's longevity in that position attests to his skill at working with the White House insiders and the news media. Many of the events covered are specific to the Reagan and Bush days, but you also experience the many duties of the White House Press Secretary, a role that could give ulcers to almost anyone. This gave me a real appreciation of the "24/7" crises White House Staff in any Administration, must battle every day.

I especially liked Mr. Fitzwater's writing, honed through years of experience. I liked his ability to paint events in a terse yet rich way. All the journeys of Marlin Fitzwater come alive, starting as a farm boy in Abeliene, Kansas and a reporter and editor in small-town Kansas newspapers.

Although he had originally wanted a career as a journalist, his opportunity came on the other side of the podium, handling public relations at Government agencies. Mr. Fitzwater got his baptism by fire at the Environmental Protection Agency, handling the hot potato of the Three Mile Island Nuclear leak. I think most people in this country know that it is ultimately the news media which ultimately decides what is news and how that news is presented to the public. But their power is even greater than we perceive. They can choose to make any particular event, such as a Presidential Speech, front-page headline news or bury it on the Obituary page.

Mr. Fitzwater handled his dual challenge very well: to communicate the Administration's activities in the most favorable light, and at the same time building trust among the White House Press Corps by being fair and honest. One sees the successes, such as the Summit Meetings held by both Presidents Reagan and Bush with Premiere Gorbachev of the Soviet Union. And you see the bad times, such as the unfortunate illnesses suffered by Mr. Bush at Camp David and again in Japan, which caused many people to question his ability to finish his term. The reader also learns about the successes and failures of the Movers and Shakers in the White House, from Caspar Weiberger and Iran-Contra to the rise and fall of the autocratic Chief of Staff John Sununu. And of course the Media are happy to make a story at anyone's expense.

Definitely five stars, and recommended for anyone who wants to know more about what happens in White House and how it affects the Nation. ... Read more

Book Description

Compiled from rare sources, this scholarly work offers a fascinating examination of the lore surrounding the life of Buddha. From his ancestry, birth, and youth to his final days, it chronicles Buddha’s preaching, his 20 years’ wandering, the establishment of rival schools of philosophy, and much more—including thought-provoking perspectives on Buddhism as religion and philosophy, plus its associations with myth, history, and Christianity. "We would recommend this important work to all interested in Eastern philosophy."—Spectator.
... Read more

Reviews (3)

Napoleon the Man
This is undoubtedly the best biography available on Napoleon. It centers around Napoleon as a person and Emperor, and concerns itself less with his military achievements. His rather humble beginnings on Corsica, his education in the military school at Brienne, and his feeling for, and after his father's death from stomach cancer (which would later kill him), his taking over has head of the family is thoroughly and thoughtfully brought into focus. These are the character building years for Napoleon, and though something of a loner in school, as well as a serious student, it demonstrates thoroughly how he had the wherewithall to achievve what he did in life.

Contrary to most biographies, the author concentrates on what Napoleon was like as a man and a person. He talks of his personality, friends, what he did and didn't like in other people, and in his daily personal and professional relationships with those around him. The picture painted is quite different than the traditional 'Corsican Ogre' that has been passed down since the final defeat in 1815.

Traditionally, as well as recently in some substandard biographies, Napoleon has been presented as a murderer, sadist, psychopath, friendless, a military dictator, looter, ruthless conqueror, and as a soldier, though talented, one who cared little for the lives of those soldiers who followed him the length and breadth of Europe. Cronin presents the very human, and humane, soldier and head of state, careful of the money he spent, always balancing his budgets (even in 1814 with the Empire crumbling around him, France had practically no national debt). Napoleon was careful of the lives of his men, ensuring the wounded were always taken care of after the fighting was over.

The Consulate and early Empire are thoroughly covered, giving just due to the myriad and monumental civil achievements Napoleon accomplished during that period. In truth, Napoleon entirely remade France, based on the social gains of the Revolution, firmly, but fairly reestablishing law and order after the tumultuous upheavals of the Revolution.

The book is thoroughly researched and sourced, much of it from primary source material that hadn't been used before. The author is sympathetic to his subject, and maybe it is about time a biobrapher is. Napoleon has been inaccurately vilified by too many authors with either an axe to grind or relying on suspicious source material. In one of the appendices, Cronin evaluates many of the period memoirs for authenticity and reliablility. It is a small gem in the larger crown of the book as a whole.

This volume is highly recommended and it is one of the few in print that looks at Napoleon the man, and destroys the myth of Napoleon the 'Corsican Ogre.'

A great read start to finish
A smaller, simpler, more accurate, and infinately kinder book than Alan Schom's attempt at destroying the myth of Napoleon.I bought this book many years ago at the Waterloo battlefield, and it has remained with me since. Not a large book as biographies go, but full of wonderful observations and insights. Well worth buying.

Full detail of the man who chased his dream
This book tells very specific detail of Napoleon's life. Story begins from childhood in Corsica then his constant victories on wars and tragic ending in St.helena island. Until I read this book , I didn't even know Napoleon's mother's tongue was Italian, not French. It really surprised me that an ordinary soldier became an emperor of France and threatning entire Europe. What was his secret to achieve his dream. Read this book, and you will get an answer. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

so/so reading material
This book was an impulse buy for me. I saw it wasn't expensive so I thought "why not?" Nothing really in depth about Buddhism. It was all pretty much just historical accounts of the religion. I was not sastified with it at all. Dry reading, not very interesting really. Look else where for a book on the Buddha's wisdom.

The history of Buddha - full of facts.
For a history of Buddha, this book is excellent. Dates, names and cities are listed on almost every page. The pictures are colorful, brilliant and numerous. I enjoy reading a story, but this book was more historical than enjoyable for me. For a history project or for more information on the Buddha, I would recommend this, but for "pleasure reading", I would not. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A fascinating picture of life in musical Vienna
I approached this book with some trepidation, as I am not a fan of biography. Fortunately, this volume is much more than just a life of Beethoven- it is also a fascinating picture of the musical and social life of the Vienna of the early 19th century, with Mozart just dead, Haydn in his late, great years, and Beethoven the young lion of society. Although I call it a picture, it is more of a jigsaw, built as it is of snippets- letters, newspaper reports, bits of gossip, descriptions from contemporary accounts of all types. This has been skilfully done so that it does not feel fragmented, but rather forms a remarkably cogent whole. Apart from the structure, the image of Beethoven that the book creates is also of interest. No misunderstood artist struggling in the garret here, but a young man celebrated by society, the associate of the aristocracy and suitor of several beauties. Yes, this degenerates to some extent as he becomes shut off by deafness and the desire to express more in his music, but he is clearly seen to have retained very strong support. This is a believable biography, and a very capable use of a difficult format. ... Read more

Book Description

This brief text assists students in understanding Buddha's philosophy and thinking so that they can more fully engage in useful, intelligent class dialogue and improve their understanding of course content. Part of the "Wadsworth Philosophers Series," (which will eventually consist of approximately 100 titles, each focusing on a single "thinker" from ancient times to the present), ON THE BUDDHA is written by a philosopher deeply versed in the philosophy of this key thinker. Like other books in the series, this concise book offers sufficient insight into the thinking of a notable philosopher better enabling students to engage in the reading and to discuss the material in class and on paper. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Good for understanding the Buddha's practical teachings
I show that the Buddha rejected speculative metaphysics and focused on a practical solution to the problem of suffering. Quoting from primary sources, I begin with a clear presentation of the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, Buddhist ethics, and the Buddha's account of the nature of the self. I also introduce the reader to brief but accurate accounts of loving kindness, compassion, equanimity, mindfulness, meditation, monasticism, the three refuges, "nirodha" (cessation), and dependent origination. I include brief accounts of Zen, Mahayana Buddhism, Vajrayana, and a comparison of Theravada and Mahayana Buddhisms. Throughout the text I addresses several philosophical objections that might be raised against a Buddhist perspective and devote one chapter to a particularly difficult problem (i.e., that a "desire for desirelessness" shows that the aim of Buddhism is ultimately impossible). The aim of the book is to provide a clear presentation of the basic teachings of the Buddha and to lay out the basic method of practice. I use numerous quotations and references that empower the reader to explore the primary texts. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Comprehensive, authentic and very instructive.
Dr. Schweitzer himself is an excellent interpretor of Bach's music, especially his organ music. His christian belief put him closer to the heart of the great German composer. Everyone who is seriously interested in Bach should read this book which is full of information and insight. To those who not only listen music but alos feel it, the book is will be a spiritual revelation. Shortcoming: in comparsion with German version, some translation is a bit vague or inaccurate. ... Read more

Book Description

They would be called upon to lead a nation in one of its darkest hours -- but were they up to the task? He had been the wild, hard-drinking scion of one of America's premier political families. She was the school librarian with a warm smile and a tragic secret of her own. Yet after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, they rose to the challenge: He became the embodiment of America's fighting spirit and she assumed the role of "First Comforter" with effortless grace. Still, the true nature of their relationship has remained a mystery.

Until now. In the style of his #1 New York Times bestsellers The Day Diana Died and The Day John Died, as well as his bestselling books about another President and First Lady, Jack and Jackie and Jackie After Jack, Christopher Andersen draws on important sources -- many speaking here for the first time -- to paint a vivid, sometimes startling, often inspiring portrait of America's First Couple. Among the intriguing insights and stunning revelations:

• Important new information about 9/11 and its aftermath -- including a gripping moment-by-moment account of how the President and First Lady coped as the horrific drama unfolded.
• The true extent of George W.'s drinking problem, the strains it put on his marriage, and the ultimatum that changed his life -- and the course of history.
• Their heartbreaking battle against infertility and how close Laura came to dying in childbirth.
• The early tragedies that shaped them, including the car crash caused by a teenage Laura that took the life of a former boyfriend -- and changed her life forever.
• Laura's surprising behind-the-scenes influence on U.S. policy -- foreign and domestic.
• The pressures of raising headstrong twin daughters in the glare of the media -- and how 9/11 has brought the Bushes and their children closer together than ever before.

George and Laura is a compelling look at their unique partnership, and the courage, grace, and humor that defines it. It is a stirring wartime saga of triumph and tragedy and, above all, a uniquely American love story. ... Read more

Reviews (35)

Love Bush or Not-- A Must Read
Whether you like Bush or not, this is a must read.
Mr. Andersen lets you into the real life of George and Laura that has shaped who they are as people, as president and first lady. He lays out all that shaped their lives and lets you decide for yourself. Not too many politicians would let this information out about their past, although the Bushes didn't give any information about themselves, close family members and friends didn't feel that they could not speak.
I love the cover and the picture of them dancing together. You can see in their eyes the love and respect they have for each other. This is the picture of us, everyday Americans. We love, work and live our lives with all its ups and downs. We make mistakes, but we are passionate about our country. That is why we are Americans.
George and Laura show the best of us inspite of our failings. As George Bush said, "even a C student at Yale, can become President." Well, even an former alcoholic can change and be a strong president with the right woman by his side.

Definitely worth while
Have just finished reading Christopher Andersen's book GEORGE AND LAURA. I recommend it highly. Respectfully and sensitively written. While there are one or two brief passages that make us think, "Andersen is probably not a co-partisan of the President!" -- still -- he respects the president.

Above respectful and sensitive, I would add -- quite poignant at certain points. Both figures have had to deal with tragedies, and before adulthood. Not a definitive biography -- the subtitle is "Portrait of an American Marriage" -- but it does give us a clear enough picture of both the President's and the First Lady's youth and upbringing and things they did for fun. The First Lady, for instance, likes Van Morrison and white-water rafting. The President has switched from strong drink to diet coke (and more power to him!) and likes hard-boiled egg sandwiches.

The book begins and ends with a look at how the Bushes were compelled to deal with terrorism and its aftermath on September 11, 2001.

Worth reading!

A true and eventful look at a real American marriage
I started reading this book on a Friday night and finished it on Saturday. It is such a welcoming look at a real marriage portrayole. It reminded me so much of my husband and myself, who also will be married 27 years this July. My Daughter read it first, brought it to me, now my son and husband are agruing who gets to read it next! Christopher Andersen did a great and explicit job of portraying these two intoxicating, loving, yet determined individuals in this book. Hats off to you. What a great read. I recomment this one at 5 stars!

Insightful
I loved this book. It was like a "Biography" episode including details on families, childhoods. I see one person wrote "come on George you can do better than this" uh...hello..
he didn't write the book! another saying "pure fiction". Not sure how listing moving here and moving there and various jobs and turmoil is fiction, but there's a hate filled liberal for you. I thought this was a nice sweet book about real people and it's nice to be reminded they still exist, politics aside.

It made me want to read more about Bush Sr. and Barbara, which is how I wondered into this area..I thought I may as well post.

Good Light Read
This is an even-handed story of the marriage of George and Laura Bush. They've both had their problems and overcome them. It is a true love story. They really compliment each other. It is not a PR piece. There are things in here they would probably prefer were not. I would recommend it. ... Read more