Book Description

In the history of the Western World, the Bible has been a perpetual source of inspiration and guidance for countless Christians. However, this Bible has also left a trail of pain. It is undeniable that the Bible is not always used for good. Sometimes the Bible can seem overtly evil. Sometimes its texts are terrible.

Bishop John Shelby Spong boldly approaches those texts that have been used through history to justify the denigration or persecution of others while carrying with them the implied and imposed authority of the claim that they were the "Word of God." As he exposes and challenges what he calls the "terrible texts of the Bible", laying bare the evil done by these texts in the name of God, he also seeks to redeem these texts, hoping to recover their ultimate depth and purpose. Spong looks specifically at texts used to justify homophobia, anti-Semitism, treating women as second-class humans, corporal punishment, and environmental degradation, but he also delivers a new picture of how Christians can use the Bible today. As Spong battles against the way the Bible has been used throughout history, he provides a new framework, introducing people to a proper way to engage this holy book of the Judeo-Christian tradition. ... Read more

Amazon.com

John C. Maxwell offers lively stories about the foibles and successes of Lee Iacocca, Abraham Lincoln, Princess Diana, andElizabeth Dole in The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. Readerscan expect a well-crafted discussion that emphasizes the core attitudesand visions of leadership. Maxwell uses the same tell-it-like-it-isapproach that he honed in the bestselling Developing the Leader Within You. For instance, when explaining "The Law of Influence," Maxwell states that "job titles don't have much valuewhen it comes to leading. True leadership cannot be awarded, appointedor assigned. It comes only from influence and that can't be mandated."Even after Princess Diana was stripped of her title, Maxwell says shewas still able to lead a global effort toward banning land minesbecause of her sophisticated ability to influence others.

If readersare looking for a step-by-step formula, Maxwell's list of "laws" willprobably seem too chatty and anecdote driven. There are no specifictips on what readers can do during the next workday to help them becomestronger leaders. On the other hand, Maxwell's background as a pastorgives him an inspirational voice and a spiritual context to leadershipthat many business and church leaders appreciate. --Gail Hudson ... Read more

Reviews (138)

Good beginning
I liked the book, but like others I was looking for more application than theory. If you can get past Maxwell's logic on how the examples explain EVERYTHING and determine how to apply the laws to your own situation you will do well to read the book. One reason his book doesn't explain how to apply the laws is because he has published numerous video tapes, audio tapes, and other books that you can buy which do explain how to apply them. In the video series on this book each of the "21 Laws" has references listed (which are published by Maxwell, imagine that)which cost hundreds of dollars. If you bought all of them they would cost almost $3000! He has a good system but it is very expensive. THe book is not meant to teach you everything, it is only a beginning. Learning leadership takes a lot of time and money if you are going to learn it from Maxwell.

If he put everything into one book it would be a VERY BIG BOOK and Maxwell wouldn't make as much money as he does from the complete series......

This book offers a background for successful leadership.
John Maxwell's hard cover is available on audio cassette. It was a pleasure to listen to it in the car on my way to work. It is filled with bits of wisdom I found very valuable to have in my thinking. The narrator has a steady, pleasant voice. He explains each of the Laws clearly and understandably one at a time, thus allowing the listener to pause at each new law to reflect.

There are many references to founders of popular businesses. I could relate to his success stories of well known companies like McDonald's or Apple Computer.

Maxwell is himself a minister of a church which he built successfully using the laws he describes. Because he is a minister, he has the ability to communicate in layman's terms. The story like manner in which the book is written allows for stress-free listening and easy learning.

I would recommend this book as an excellent supplement to any class in leadership skills or mentoring. It gives the reader a broad base to rely on when dealing with the long range goals.

The reality of leading in business
This is an excellent book of legendary leaders and management. We gain the opportunity to see the "big picture", and learn from the successes and failures of others. If you believe that we should always be surrounding ourselves with more wise and experienced people, then this book will make sense to you. I will reiterate that this is not a step-by-step, tips, tricks, or get rich tomorrow book. Whether, you are an entrepreneur or climbing the corporate ladder, this book will help with your vision and relationships in business.

On The Soap Box
Zig Ziglar has some good ideas, but the overall advice in this book doesn't offer clear tips to improve leadership skills in the short term. With elections drawing near, it reminds me of a dry, rambling political platform. Check out Rat Race Relaxer: Your Potential & The Maze of Life, it has practical every day advice on how to be the leader of your own life.

The most concise and applicable book on leadership
This book is the best book on leadership i've ever read. It seems to me that the negative reviewers of this book misunderstood this book. The book is not meant to go step by step through all 21 laws. The book is meant to tell you what the laws are of leadership, it's ur responsibility to find out how you can use these laws in your life. Honestly the laws are practical and simple and they can be implemented as soon as u understand them just by the way u speak , how much u read, how many seminars you attend and audio training material you listen to. All those things will help increase your lid of leadership but that won't happen until you know what u need to work on and this book pinpoints what a true leader is and does in the world as we know it. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Why do some people consistently inspire others to follow their lead? According to John C. Maxwell, author of 24 books and a regular speaker on the topic, it's the "character qualities" they possess. In The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader, Maxwell identifies these top traits as character, charisma, commitment, communication, competence, courage, discernment, focus, generosity, initiative, listening, passion, positive attitude, problem-solving, relationships, responsibility, security, self-discipline, servanthood, teachability, and vision--and then defines them in ways that readers can absorb and utilize. Each is covered in a separate chapter opening with a high-concept definition and continuing with relevant anecdotes, details on its meaning, suggestions for further reflection, and exercises for improvement. For example, in the section on vision ("You can seize only what you can see"), Maxwell describes how Walt Disney initially developed the theme-park concept after accompanying his daughters to a fun-filled but rather shabby amusement park. He then analyzes how Disney's resultant projects drew on his personal history while meeting other's needs, and explains how readers must "listen to several voices" to develop successful foresight in a similar way. Finally, Maxwell suggests methods to articulate these visions and measure their implementation. --Howard Rothman ... Read more

Reviews (45)

leadership simplified
Written to complement The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, this book will help you identify and develop the personal qualities you need to become a more effective leader.

Maxwell does an excellent job of getting to the heart of each quality in a few short pages. He starts with two relevant quotations to start you thinking. He then gives you a short real-life example of that particular quality in action.

He breaks each principle down into specific applications, gives you a brief period where you can assess your own effectiveness, offers you concrete ways to improve yourself, and wraps each chapter up with a profound thought that will stay with you long after you have closed the cover.

What you get out of this book depends on how you read it. This is a very simple read, and you may be tempted to race through it and miss some key points. Maxwell rightly suggests that you walk through each quality methodically, giving it the attention that it warrants based on your current level of competence.

While the material warrants five stars, some spelling mistakes and the author's use of his own quotes dropped it down a notch for me. Otherwise, an excellent handbook for improving your personal leadership qualities.

Larry Hehn, Author of Get the Prize: Nine Keys for a Life of Victory

MAXWELL HAS A WINNING COMBINATION!
Of all the books available on leadership, I have found this to be one of the best, and leadership is part of what I teach through my business management courses. This is by no means one of the lengthiest books or most in-depth books, but it says more in 157 pages than others say in 400 pages. The easy-flowing writing style creates an enjoyable reading experience which does not take an extensive amount of thought or time to comprehend. The end result is an accomplished, basic book served in a professional style.

The author uses these twenty-one qualities for the basis of successful leadership: character, charisma, commitment, communication, competence, courage, discernment, focus, generosity, initiative, listening, passion, attitude, problem-solving, relationship, responsibility, security, self-discipline, servanthood, teachability and vision. What a sensational, winning combination! Each of these twenty-one components is discussed separately. While all of these elements are critical for strong leadership, if I had to narrow the scope down to five areas of particular benefit, it would be the ones on character, competence, listening, generosity and self-discipline. I particularly liked Maxwell's straight-forward approach and positive attitude exhibited throughout the book. One other book that rated at the top of my list, and one I would also highly recommend, is a favourite, all-time classic, "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie.

Spot on!
This is one of the best books on leadership I have read. It gives specific examples and motivational thoughts as to what it takes to live the life of a leader.

The book is an easy read and can be used as part of a 21 day/week/month program to apply the morsals and maxims of leadership Maxwell provides.

Now that my copy is all marked up, I can't wait to share it with my employees!

Qualities Every Leader Needs to Know and Apply
I genuinely like this book because it causes the reader to BE the qualities of a leader. It addressed character, charisma, commitment, communication, competence, courage, discernment, focus, generosity, initiative, listening, passion, positive attitude, problem solving, relationships, responsibility, security, self discipline, servanthood - to get ahead put others first, teachability - keep leading - keep learning, and vision.

This book will show you that every leader is a leader first to themselves, by integrating the above qualities into our consciousness, and walking our talk with others, and especially within our own selves.

I recommend that the reader seeks to BE these qualities, and to integrate them into a positively focused life - from the inside out.

This book is a wonderful contribution to embrace the highest qualities of genuine leadership, sans the ego's need to try to get others to follow you, but simply to be joyously immersed in BEING you.

Highly recommended to bring out the leader in you.
Barbara Rose, author of 'If God Was Like Man: A Message from God to All of Humanity' and "Individual Power: Reclaiming Your Core, Your Truth, and Your Life'

Foundational Leadership Information
Dr. John Maxwell offers clearly defined and timely advice for leaders. This resource is based on ethical leadership and other foundational truths. You may refer to this motivational and inspiring resource numerous times in your career.

Kenneth McGhee - Author
Eleven Leadership Tips For Supervisors ... Read more

Amazon.com

The spiritual premise in The Pupose-Driven Life is that there are no accidents---God planned everything and everyone. Therefore, every human has a divine purpose, according to God's master plan. Like a twist on John F. Kennedy's famous inaugural address, this book could be summed up like this: "So my fellow Christians, ask not what God can do for your life plan, ask what your life can do for God's plan." Those who are looking for advice on finding one's calling through career choice, creative expression, or any form of self-discovery should go elsewhere. This is not about self-exploration; it is about purposeful devotion to a Christian God. The book is set up to be a 40-day immersion plan, recognizing that the Bible favors the number 40 as a "spiritually significant time," according to author Rick Warren, the founding pastor of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California, touted as one of the nation largest congregations. Warren's hope is that readers will "interact" with the 40 chapters, reading them one day at a time, with extensive underlining and writing in the margins. As an inspirational manifesto for creating a more worshipful, church-driven life, this book delivers. Every page is laden with references to scripture or dogma. But it does not do much to address the challenges of modern Christian living, with its competing material, professional, and financial distractions.Nonetheless, this is probably an excellent resource for devout Christians who crave a jumpstart back to worshipfulness. --Gail Hudson ... Read more

Reviews (548)

Excellent Supplement to the Bible for Direction and Purpose!
Rick Warrren's new book is an excellent read for the person who desperately seeks direction and purpose for life. At the outset, Warren challenges us to believe that we were created for a far greater purpose than just the pursuit of happiness.

The text is designed to be a 40-day ( a significant number in the Bible) devotion covering a particular topic and with a relevant Bible verse. Each chapter is around 10 pages and covers five major purposes: 1) You were planned for God's pleasure, 2) You were formed for God's family, 3) You were created to become like Christ, 4) You were shaped for serving God, and 5) You were made for a mission.

Warren's purpose is to move the reader from a realization of being loved by God to challenging the reader to express gratitude by loving God and serving others in Jesus' name.

Some of the more compelling topics covered were: developing a friendship with God (yes indeed, God wants to be your Friend!), finding a church and fellowship to belong to, dealing successfully with temptation, understanding how God shaped you, thinking like a servant, balancing your life, and living to please God and not man.

"Purpose Driven Life" is helpful in that it validates what the Bible already said thousands of years ago. I am now in the process of writing what I believe to be God's purpose in my life. From now on, Lord willing, I will read this book starting January 1 of every year while expecting to learn new insights after each read.

All in all, the book is highly recommended and is an excellent supplement to the Bible. Unbelievers will also be challenged to think deeply and critically about why they were created and what their purpose in life is!

Understanding what the fuss is all about....
I have bought five hardcover copies, plus the PocketPC version (for my daily reading). And I will probably pick up more copies.

This book helps to focus your perspective on what really counts:

Day 3: What Drives Your Life?
This chapter sets the tone for the book and should provide the reader with enough information on what the remaining 37 days will hold, such as purpose giving meaning to your life, simpilifying your life, focusing your life, motivating your life, and preparing you for eternity

Day 5: Seeing Life from God's View
Talks of Life on Earth from God's perspective as a test, a trust and a temporary assignment.

For me, the mundane activities of everyday life, that you would not give a second thought, now take on a new light. The simple act of coming to a complete stop at a stop sign now holds greater meaning and insight to my character.

Day 25: Transformed by Trouble
Bring out that everything that happens to a child of God is Father-filtered, and he intends to use it for good even when Satan and others mean it for bad.

For me, this has been a mind-blower to understand that God has actually orchestrated life events that will strengthen my character, not tear it down.

Day 26: Growing through Temptation
For me, seeing temptation as an opportunity for growth in character was freeing. I have always viewed temptation as a deficiency in character, but now I view the decision made at this point to be the true indicator. People with a good moral compass will be tempted, but they resolve it in a manner that will be strengthen their character.

Day 40: The book ends with an encouragement to create a life purpose statement. How working through a purposes statement can really help align your priorities to reach what really matters to you the most--your purpose or, as others have put it, the meaning of life.

The books make strong defense for not focusing on the rat race, but taking inventory of your life to find out what really will matter at the end of your life here on earth in order to gain the fulfillment of a life well-lived.

I hope this review helps to give light to what all the fuss is about...

Unusual
I usually run screaming from the room when self-help, religious, or "inspirational" reads are recommended by a friend. Usually I'm right. But in this case, and a few others, I was wrong. The Purpose Driven Life may not be the best book ever written, but it is full of some great ideas and elements that get the wheels turning. Certainly it's worth the price of admission. While it's not one of those fiction books that are inspirational, books like "The Five People you Meet in Heaven" or "The Bark of the Dogwood," it is nevertheless a good read and I have to also recommend it. Just don't run screaming from the room on me.

Powerful
I think the reason that some people have given this book 1 stars is because it takes discipline; it takes discipline to pull away from the tv set or the pc and read a good book like The Purpose Driven life. It take discipline to design a life of purpose. It take discipline to practice God's word as advocated by Rick Warren.

So I guess 1 star reviewers just lack discipline---too bad for them.

Very Helpful
I love this book. I am a Christian, but this book has helped me delve a little deeper into what God means for my purpose to be in my life and road to a closer relationship with God. I found that chapter 2 so far is one of my favorites. It does help to have a friend reading the book with you so you can discuss some of the questions at the end of each chapter, also just questions and thoughts in general from what you have read. This book also helps those who are looking for a different way to do a daily devotional to God.
Just a suggestion: I went to the back of the book to find what scriptures the footnotes were refering to. I wrote next to eacg each number the book, chapter and verse it was referring to. It made it alot quicker to go through the chapters that way. Instead of focusing on what Bible Warren took the scritures from I just used my King James version. Also in the back are further questions for you to think about regarding each chapter.
I highly recommend this book to Christians who are looking for a more structured way of finding out not only what God's purpose is for them in this life, but a bit more about themselves. This book isn't just a one time read, it is a good book to reread. It is also a good book to give to the Christian friend or family member that is trying to find their path and their personal journey on their walk with God.
Take your time reading and enjoying this book. It doesn't have to be read in 40 days. ... Read more

Book Description

Paulo Coelho's enchanting novel has inspired a devoted following around the world, and this tenth anniversary edition, with a new introduction from the author, will only increase that following. This story, dazzling in its powerful simplicity and inspiring wisdom, is about an Andalusian shepherd boy named Santiago who travels from his homeland in Spain to the Egyptian desert in search of a treasure buried in the Pyramids. Along the way he meets a Gypsy woman, a man who calls himself king, and an alchemist, all of whom point Santiago in the direction of his quest. No one knows what the treasure is, or if Santiago will be able to surmount the obstacles along the way. But what starts out as a journey to find worldly goods turns into a discovery of the treasures found within. Lush, evocative, and deeply humane, the story of Santiago is an eternal testament to the transforming power of our dreams and the importance of listening to our hearts.

Reviews (604)

Looking to follow your dream?
If you are looking to follow your heart in a chosen path or seeking the truth then this book is for you. The book contains great insights and spiritual awareness but is written in a very easy to read style.

I would strongly recommend that before you read this book to follow the principles listed in the Fit for Life books by Harvey and Marilyn Diamond. This cleansing of the body will take several months but it is worth it, as then you can experience the insights and spiritual guidance for yourself.

Another book I would recommend following the detoxification process is The Kingdom of God is Within You by Leo Tolstoy.

Good luck and God bless.

Oprah, please!!!!
It it high time Oprah picked a Paulo Coelho. It is so much like the pseudo intelectualism she likes. This is highly recommended for whose have a lot of time to waste. I don't get why people read it with so many good choices to read instead... that's the ugly truth.

Herman Hesse Wannabe
If nothing else, The Alchemist provided stimulation for me to search out more authentic sources on the topics it endeavored to attack (Buddhist philosophy, Arabian desert lifestyle, etc). And because it WAS a source of stimulation, and because I could not allow myself to group it with the 1-starred Stephen King or Danielle Steele 'novels', I give Coelho 2 stars for his effort.

Basically, this is a simple story of a man on a journey through Arabian deserts; on his way he meets mystics, women, takes up odd jobs in glass blowing, caring for sheep, and such soul searching enterprises. Suppossedly by the end of his adventurous journey (which leads him to a "treasure") he 'learns'/attains the meaning of life.

I do believe Coelho was a little theologically confused at the time he wrote this story. His main messages are:
"Follow your heart", and "Learn the Language of The World"; but see, Coehlo and his main character are Christians; the boy travels through a (mainly) Muslim land, and though he ends up at the Egyptian pyramids, the preachings seem to be quite "eastern" in take (buddha comes to mind). But of course, the whole POINT of Eastern philosophies is that they cannot be described in words (Coelho constantly preaches about how things cannot be told, they must be experienced).

For all that, Coelho does a lotta telling.

The language is quite simple, which can be beautiful (read: Herman Hesse); however it comes off as quite redundant and sermonic. Every other sentence contains at least one reference to either "The Soul of the World", or "The Personal Legend", or "Follow Your Heart" with a big fat capital H. By the end of the novel I am skimming most passages.

The characters are flat (I didn't really "feel" them, what they were going through, and there was no character development), and the storyline resembled that of a children's folktale (I like folktales).

Overall, it was a worthwhile read given that it only took a couple hours, presented some interesting ideas (albeit, without illustrating any of them satisfactorily), and removed me to the Spanish countryside/Arabian desert for a bit (I am a sucker for folktales, and if this book is nothing else, it would make a BEAUTIFUL illustrated children's book-- I like that).

NOTE TO ALL Reviewer-Reviewers: Please consider rating the reviews as helpful if they contain pertinent information on the item under discussion, not if you agree with what the reviewer has to say. I've noticed unhelpful one-liners get "helpful" votes (when the reviews were positive), and other, more full/explained (but more negative) reviews get NO helpful votes -- this IS NOT A VOTE on how much you agree with the other reader! Be FAIR :o)

Enjoyable yet inspiring
I really enjoyed this book. It didn't bog me down with a lot of details, it told a simple story, with a message. Kind of reminded me of myself and the journey called life that I go through. I highly recommend this book.

"The fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself"
THE ALCHEMIST is the story of a young Andalusian shepherd who pursues his dream to travel to Egypt where he hopes to find a treasure.

Santiago spent two years at a seminary where he received an education. He left after he decided not to become a priest. He told his parents that he wanted to travel, and his father told him that poor people where not able to travel, unless they were shepherds. So, Santiago became a shepherd and moved his flock of sheep all over Spain. He learned a great deal from his sheep, but he made sure to keep reading and he always carried a book with him.

He encounters many people on his journeys, including a king, a gypsy and a true alchemist. The alchemist tells Santiago to "tell his heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself, and that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of the search is a second encounter with God and with eternity." In the desert he learns to see with both his eyes and his heart, he also meets Fatima and falls in love.

This book is simply written, but I can already tell that certain parts of the story will always remain in my mind. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl is among the most influential works of psychiatric literature since Freud. The book begins with a lengthy, austere, and deeply moving personal essay about Frankl's imprisonment in Auschwitz and other concentration camps for five years, and his struggle during this time to find reasons to live. The second part of the book, called "Logotherapy in a Nutshell," describes the psychotherapeutic method that Frankl pioneered as a result of his experiences in the concentration camps. Freud believed that sexual instincts and urges were the driving force of humanity's life; Frankl, by contrast, believes that man's deepest desire is to search for meaning and purpose. Frankl's logotherapy, therefore, is much more compatible with Western religions than Freudian psychotherapy. This is a fascinating, sophisticated, and very human book. At times, Frankl's personal and professional discourses merge into a style of tremendous power. "Our generation is realistic, for we have come to know man as he really is," Frankl writes. "After all, man is that being who invented the gas chambers of Auschwitz; however, he is also that being who entered those gas chambers upright, with the Lord's Prayer or the Shema Yisrael on his lips." ... Read more

Reviews (174)

A Book to Provoke, What is Your Life's Meaning?
I wish I read this 20 years ago, it would have created a whole new perspective on my life. I won't repeat what many of the other fine reviewers have mentioned, but will add the following:

According to Frankl, man's search for meaning is his primary motivation for life, not a secondary rationalization.

Existential Vacuum, in today's Modern Society, we all have basic food, and shelter, we all can survive (thank goodness we don't have to endure what Frankl had to), we are all comfortable in our existence, and yet this comfort creates boredom, and therefore, our search for meaning is even more compounded. Thus is what Frankl refers to as existential vacuum, we exist today day to day, but do so in a vacuum of existence, until we know our meaning.

Man should not ask what is the meaning of life, but rather BE asked. In response, man must answer in his responsible, to whom is he responsible to, to what, to whom?

True meaning is discovered in the world, not within man himself. Seek out your experiences, the meaning is out there in the world, not within yourself.

You cannot avoid untentional suffering, but you can change your attitude towards it, to give suffering a meaning to you.

Live your life as though you were living it the second time. View life as a series of movie frames, the ending and meaning may not be apparent until the very end of the movie, and yet, each of the hundreds of individual frames has meaning within the context of the whole movie.

View your life from your funeral, looking back at your life experiences, what have you accomplished? what would you have wanted to accomplish but didn't? what were the happy moments? what were the sad? what would you do again, and what you wouldn't?

A must read for anyone searching for a deeper meaning in life. The book won't give you the meaning, only you can, but it will certainly help you get started.

POWERFUL AND COMPELLING!
I look with awe and reverence at those who have survived Auschwitz and similar death camps and am amazed beyond belief at how they managed to survive not only physically, but emotionally. I do not believe any amount of psychology could fully prepare one for the horrors inflicted on the survivors of such attrocities. Both my parents fought for their country overseas during the World War II and I heard, first hand, of stories that touch, horrify and will remain with me for a lifetime.

Dr. Frankl developed an approach to psychotherapy known as, logotherapy. At the core of his theory is the belief that man's motivational force is reaching for meaning. While this book is not one that could be described as enjoyable reading, there is something about the author's experiences that will remain with us long after the book has concluded. Frankl gives meaning to life, despite life's suffering, and in a thought-provoking manner leaves a lasting impact on the reader that could well change the path of direction you choose to follow and how you continue to live your life.

All have a unique meaning to life to personally discover!
After years of hearing others praise this book, I finally read it for myself, and found it is worth reading! Dr. Victor Frankl, an author-psychiatrist, experienced first-hand the horrible atrocities that were forced upon the Jews in Nazi Concentration Camps, and lived to tell about it. He shares the truths he learned as a prisoner, including man's search for meaning in life, and his ability to survive extreme physical and emotional hardships, despite the odds. In the process he developed a new approach to psychotherapy, known as "logotherapy." At the root of the theory is the value of helping others find their unique purpose or mission in life.

What was the key to the survival in the Nazi death camps? It wasn't survival of the fittest in the traditional sense of those who were the most physically robust of the human species. Rather it tended to be those individuals, described below, who found inner survival strength as follows:

(1.) Those who had a meaning in life, a sense of purpose, or intent to accomplish a goal. It was Dr. Frankl's desire to survive the death camps so that he could write and publish his experiences and truths learned through his suffering.

(2.) Those who had a spiritual belief in God and a faith that there was a divine plan for them. They believed God would help them through their difficulties. Dr. Frankl said: "In spite of all the enforced physical and mental primitiveness of the life in a concentration camp, it was possible for spiritual life to deepen."

(3.) Those who had an intellectual life to fall back on (in their thoughts) during the monotonous, strenuous, and most painful times of endurance. He states: "Sensitive people who were used to a rich intellectual life may have suffered much pain... but the damage to their inner selves was less. They were able to retreat from their terrible surroundings to a life of inner riches and spiritual freedom." This was something their oppressors were not able to take away from them.

(4.) Those who held on to the cherished bonds of loved ones. Dr. Frankl often found strength by carrying on imagined conversations with his beloved wife who had been taken to another death camp. His ability to communicate his love for her in his thoughts, and receive back her love, gave him the incentive to hold on to life during the toughtest of times. Unfortunately his wife was not able to survive, but he didn't know this at the time. (Perhaps it was her Spirit he was communicating with afterall.)

I was impressed with the description Dr. Frankl gave of a few of the prisoners, who despite being in a starving and sickly state, managed to go around offering aid and moral encouragement to others. Such individuals often gave of their meager piece of daily bread to keep another fellow prisoner alive. Such selfless service in the face of death, was truly admirable.

In the second half of Dr. Frankl's book he distinguishes the difference between his theory of logotherapy and that of traditional approaches to physcho-analysis. At the core of his theory is the challenge to help individuals discover for themselves their reason for being, even a worthwhile goal. He quotes Nietzche who said: "He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how." Dr. Frankl says: "The meaning of life always changes, but it never ceases to be." This book can be a great resource for readers to evaluate their own purpose in life, and perhaps in the process choose a path that is worthwhile not only to them but that will benefit others as well.

Both touching and helpful!
This book was touching to the point that it was painful to read at times. Yet, the overall message of this book is wonderfully exhilarating. Whatever meaning you find in your life is your life. If that meaning gives you hope, you will have hope. If that meaning gives you despair, you will find despair. This is a fantastic piece of existential work! The whole idea in this book reminds me a bit of the concept of the self-system in Toru Sato's genius book "The Ever-Transcending Spirit". Now "The Ever-Transcending Spirit" is a much newer book but it is another truly excellent book that takes these things one step further by integrating these ideas with the psychology of relationships as well as transpersonal experiences. I recommend this Frankl and Sato's book very very much! They are both outstanding!

A monumental work of human courage
This book would be instrumental to those who wish to understand the greater purpose behind their suffering. The author describes his enduring many horrific experiences of the Holocaust while discovering a greater meaning in these experiences.

Viktor Frankl believes there is a deeper meaning behind the suffering many continue to experience. He also feels that it's one's personal challenge to discover the purpose behind the pain they feel. While being non-judgmental about human suffering, the author sees our pain as a source of strength rather than as a sign of weakness.

This book is ideal for those who are seeking the greater meaning in their suffering. While much of his story takes place during the Holocaust, the lessons are universal to anyone who has ever experienced great difficulty. ... Read more

Book Description

Be careful. This book is dangerous. It explores with startling freshness the most important question you could ever ask, and offers with breathtaking courage the most extraordinary answer you could ever imagine.

That answer is so theologically revolutionary and so spiritually empowering that it could change the course of human history. If embraced, it most certainly will change your life.

There are people and institutions in the world, long in place and long in power, that want neither of these outcomes to occur. They would rather that you put this book down right now.

It's up to you. ... Read more

Reviews (84)

Great and insightful!
This book gives us many things to think about.Don't put it down until you read the very last word.Some ideas may seem controversial at first but upon reflection they really make sense.
Blessed be on your journey to enlightenment and oneness with God.

What God Wants
This book merits at least four stars simply because of its content.Any piece of work that puts forth this type of message is an admirable one, in my opinion.That being said, there are some inherent aspects of this work that are bothersome.

First and foremost is the overall tone of the writing.Again, the message is great, but NDW's writing style comes off as borderline overbearing, self-important, and narcissistic.The proclamation of it being one of the most "dangerous" books ever written is self-aggrandizing.Let's be honest, It was dangerous for Jesus, The Christ to put forth this message - to a world that was not ready to hear it - and was crucified for it.It certainly is not dangerous for NDW, who I'm sure will profit enormously (as is his divine right to - and good for him). His ideas of a "New Spirituality" are nothing new at all.The idea that God is a singular, divine, energy that is love, and that each of us is made up of that same energy - in effect that each of us is God, has been taught for as long as there have been people willing to listen.Unfortunately the message has been diluted and changed through centuries of mankind's interest in power and control over each other.

Another bothersome aspect of this book is the author's failure to give any credit whatsoever to Ernest Holmes and his Science of Mind teachings.The content of NDW's book and Mr. Holmes philosophy/spiritual teachings are essentially identical, though Mr. Holmes was lecturing about this almost one hundred years ago.There's nothing wrong with having the same opinion, but I would find it hard to believe that NDW was not somewhat influenced by Mr. Holmes (especially since he was interviewed by Science of Mind Magazine).

This - I admit - is like debating over Jesus or Buddha, however.The important thing is the message, and with that said, "What God Wants" is another important work in history reminding us that we are all in this together and that we should treat ourselves and each another with love, compassion, and respect.

The begining
Thiugh this is the latest of Walsch's books in the CWG series, it should be read first as it provides a solid foundation for all the rest of the wonderful, truth revealing boods in the CWG series.

Not an end, it's a beginning!
With all this hype about end of days. All the doomsay and conjecture, judgement and condemnation I thank God for writers such as NDW. Who said that God stops talking to us or only through people (usually men) thousands of years ago? Who says that superiority exists, that some races or people are better than others? Organised religions say such things.
Thank God for such organistations I say. How else would we be able to see how not to be? Without the experience of relativity or the opposite how could we use this contextual field to experience our own divinity.
These books urge us to be the change we wish to see in the world, to look around and see the beauty and perfection in all things great and small, pretty and not so pretty. Open your eyes to see God in all her glory, in the eyes of your children and loved ones, your pets and this amazing abundant and glorious realm of the relative we call earth. Lets not consider that it is over, it has just begun. We have it all here and now and thats what Neale's work shares with us. To love as a sponsoring thought, not to fear.
What God wants is brilliant, though the first to say "Mine is not the only way, merely another way". All roads lead to God, lets take a pleasant road my friends, have we not made our journey tough enough so far.
Love
Andrew

A truly "must read" -Most Relevant Message - Dare to Read It
Having read the reviews below, I can only add that, if you haven't read this author's other books, you will still be blown away by what this little book puts forth!You'll want to go back and read the others whilst going forward into a New Spirituality.

For those who have already read his earlier books, this is Dynamite as well!

It's Time.Thanks to the author for his Courage and Spirit!Bravo! ... Read more

Book Description

In this major new Bible, the foremost names in Christian spirituality and biblical scholarship, including Richard Foster, Dallas Willard, Eugene Peterson and Walter Brueggemann, come together to provide a unique study Bible that rediscovers Scripture as living and active text of spiritual formation. NRSV translation.

The Renovaré Spiritual Formation Study Bible offers a new way for discovering the full riches of the Scriptures. As bestselling author and the project's editor, Richard Foster explains, "When I first began writing about Spiritual Formation, the soul hunger in people was obvious and the resources meager. Since then, a publishing avalanche has occurred on the subject -- some helpful, some less than helpful. But there has remained a huge gap; a gap that if not filled will seriously undermine all the gains that have been made. The gap I refer to is a resource for approaching the Bible through the lens of Christian Spiritual Formation."

The Word of God is not merely a text to be mastered but a lifestyle to pursue. This unique Bible, spearheaded by bestselling authors Foster (Celebration of Discipline) and Dallas Willard (The Divine Conspiracy), integrates the spiritual disciplines into the Christian life by showing how they are central to the Bible's teachings and stories. The desperate need today is for a richer, fuller understanding of the relevance of Scripture for daily living. The Renovaré Spiritual Formation Study Bible focuses on illuminating issues of spiritual formation throughout the Scriptures, providing a unique window into how we can become more intimate with God. More substantial than a devotional Bible, yet deeper than a study Bible, the Renovare Spiritual Formation Study Bible is poised to redefine what the Bible can mean for Christian discipleship. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Few of us are natural-born leaders, according to John C.Maxwell, author of Developing the Leader Within You. Fortunatelythough, "the traits that are the raw material of leadership can beacquired," he promises. "Link them up with desire and nothing can keepyou from becoming a leader. This book will supply the leadershipprinciples. You must supply the desire." True to his words, Maxwelloffers a detailed and inspiring primer on becoming a leader. Even theTable of Contents reads like a motivational poster.

Maxwell (The 21 IndispensableQualities of a Leader), who is the founder of INJOY, aChristian-based leadership program, debunks the myth that strongleaders must have big egos and spend all their time harnessing personalpower. Instead, he elevates leadership to a spiritual act of service:"The growth and development of people is the highest calling ofleadership." Maxwell relies on real-life anecdotes, short paragraphs,charts, and numerous lists to make his wisdom accessible. As a result,his writing often seems simplistic, with a self-help tone. Nonetheless,in teaching readers how to bring out the best in themselves as well asothers, Maxwell offers a worthwhile life lesson that extends far beyondthe workplace. --Gail Hudson ... Read more

Reviews (31)

A Leader is Born!
A leader is always Born and as far as the belief goes 'Leos are Born Leaders' - However, the concept of this Book by John Maxwell is Developing a Leader within. This requires a motivation, a vision and an influence as the writer shares the principles of management through real life anecdotes, charts and graphs. A truly inspiring book that reveals wiz ways to excel and be a Leader. Interesting strips portray Leadership qualities with real life examples and sure, this becomes a quick 'glance read' chirping the zeal in to strife for successive climb. I've always recommended Management Quotes book of Pramod Batra and so is this Book on top of my Charts. Influence always make a big difference and this book implies the influential tricks to scale high to be a leader. Maxwell's techniques prove to be genuine stuff and anyways, the picked topics speak wide :

1. Influence - Defining Leadership qualities
2. Attitude - It really makes a big difference
3. Positive Change - foster integrity and self-discipline
4. Priorities - Defining goals
5. Integrity & People - Developing ties

Becoming a person of Influence is another Book of Maxwell that is thought-provoking and a Leadership technique of 'Influence' pays big dividends in longer run. A worthwhile life lesson to boost up self confidence and keep on high spirits with 'Developing the Leadership qualities' by John Maxwell. A sure fire way to adopt the techniques and surface the best in you.

An inspiring inspiration for aspiring leaders
Developing the Leader Within You was a first rate book with an outstanding amount of useful and applicable knowledge. Dr. Maxwell guides the reader through the steps they need to become a leader such as solving problems effectively, learning to appreciate people, developing the right attitude and improving your leadership abilities and various other categories. One of the aspects I found useful was small activities interspersed within the chapters. These proved to be a way to gauge your progress at developing skills and also a nice break from reading the book. One of the most useful sections, to me, was the one on developing people. Dr. Maxwell provided specific ways in which leaders can motivate people and also tactics to avoid because they can de-motivate people. One of the traps I noticed myself falling into was thinking that success was based on luck, not planning. After reading this book I now realize that I do not have to wait around for a lucky break, but I can take action to make success happen. The book was easy to read and stayed away from text book like content. Dr. Maxwell interjected numerous quotes and stories which helped to keep my interest. He chose quotes from Charlie Brown to President Eisenhower to everyday people he encountered. Not only was the content helpful, but discovering fun bits of trivia was exciting. The only fault I found with this book was that Dr. Maxwell was sometimes a little vague in his descriptions on how to address certain issues. But as I read the book and understood his message more fully, I realized that he wants the readers to figure out the solutions for themselves. He provides the framework for us to become better leaders but each of us has to chose the best way for our personal styles. If you want to enhance your leadership ability, become better at working with people, or just improve yourself in general, I highly recommend this book. You will not be disappointed.

everything you wanted to know about becoming a better leader
Whether you are an established leader or just getting started, there is something in here that will benefit you. By clearly defining leadership and its five levels, Maxwell starts you off with a strong understanding of the type of leader you can become, and how close you currently are to achieving it.

He then brings clarity to the obstacles that may be in your path and shows you how to clear them out of the way. He helps you to set your priorities, check your integrity, learn how to initiate positive change, and become a problem solver. He stresses the importance of attitude, people, vision and self-discipline. In the end, he shows you not only how to develop your own leadership ability, but how to start developing others as well.

Though sometimes choppy in its presentation, with maybe a few too many quotes and cliches, the content here is top notch. If you are a Maxwell reader, you will see repeats of this material in his other books. But then, some things are worth repeating.

Larry Hehn, author of Get the Prize: Nine Keys for a Life of Victory

Do Not Waste Your Money
This book is a bore and contains no useful information.
The book has so many quotes of others that it seems the author couldn't develop an original thought were he paid to.
Save your money or spend it on something worthwhile - this isn't.

Enlightening and enjoyable
"Developing the Leader within You" by John C. Maxwell was a very enlightening book to read. It is designed to advise you how to be a leader and where to begin. I also found the book to be a good reminder of things that I should be doing in everyday life when interacting with people. I think sometimes we need to be reminded how important it is to have a positive attitude, integrity, and get to know those with whom you interact; people skills can go a long way. Mr. Maxwell made the book enjoyable by relating the topics to situations and people that he knew.
I enjoyed the research facts of how many people with terminal illnesses were still living due to a positive attitude compared to those who have a negative attitude. It wasn't like some books that try to dictate to you. He also used a mix of Charlie Brown from the Peanuts comic strip and other well-known individuals like Abraham Lincoln to help illustrate his points.
I'm not currently a leader within my company but this gives me a place to start and to practice some of the topics mentioned before I have to. Throughout the book you notice a few topics mentioned over and over showing their importance such as influence, people, and how the leader develops before his followers. I think something else John C. Maxwell does that is great is he has exercises for you to participate in while going through the book. So you're doing more than reading you're interacting. The one thing that is going to stick in my mind is "We are responsible for our attitudes". I sometimes forget its something I do have control over. I was reading this for a class but I would recommend this book to anyone to read, not just for those in the leadership world. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Blasphemy! Heresy! Who does this man think he is, claiming to speak directly to God?! Jesus did it, Muhammad did it, the Jewish prophets did it, but none of their Gods had the sardonic wit or raw verve of Prophet Walsch's God. Neale Donald Walsch isn't claiming to be the Messiah of a new religion, just a frustrated man who sat down one day with pen in his hand and some tough questions in his heart. As he wrote his questions to God, he realized that God was answering them... directly... through Walsch's pen. The result, far from the apocalyptic predictions or cultic eccentricities you might expect, turns out to be matter-fact, in-your-face wisdom on how to get by in life while remaining true to yourself and your spirituality. ... Read more

Reviews (859)

Provoking
When I started reading CWG, I could not believe the words I was reading. It was not doubtful disbelief, but awe-inspiring disbelief. I had been questioning God's existence. Just days before I read the book I had a conversation with my mother. One of the question's I asked was why a Good God would let all these bad things happen to people and why a Good God would let punish those He created to damnation in the proverbial Hell as we have been brainwashed to believe. By page 50 of the book I was hooked. I found myself lost in the words which formed more questions in my mind which were answered in almost the next paragraph, This book confirmed what I have always felt that the God we should love is a God of Love. Not one that is judgemental, jealous and possessive. One that gave us free will and does not condemn us when we use it. I was born a Muslim with muslim beliefs and still had questions. I do not dispute Islam after reading this book, I just think that people in general should be more open minded with regard to matters of the spiritual kind. We should not judge others based on their beliefs, but accept that that is exactly that, THEIR beliefs.

I would always ask for answers but always got one that was vague and filled with religious dogma. It was because of lack of answers that I resorted to thinking that religion was personal and dictated by the one practicing it and not by someone who stands at the pulpit. How wonderful to have these feelings confirmed.

For all those negative people who claim to be True Christians, Jehovah's Witnesses, Muslims, etc etc. let me ask you this : Would the Good God you believe in really punish you to a realm of eternal fire , brimstone and torture beyond belief, see you suffer, see you cry...and all because you used your free will which He gave you. Why would He not have just made everyone sin-less ?

Neale's book is a wonder in itself. It opens up our hearts, mind and soul. But this book is not God's only vehicle. If you choose not to believe that God spoke to Neale, that's fine. You have your free will and God will not punish you for that.

What's in a Title ?
I don't care if Neale Walsch named this book "My Own Opinion". I bought this book because I heard the name over and over for months and I saw the changes in people who had read it.

If God is in all of us, which I believe he is, and God speaks to all of us on our own terms, which I believe he does....then yes, this book is a conversation between God and Neale.

It is a shame that people who rate this book a 1 or 2 follow with " I only got to page 40 or chapter 6." As for my re-view....God or blasphemy, spirituality or religious, 10 commandments or no ten commandments; I choose to take what I need and leave the rest.

I did question some points but the reason I did was because as Neale puts it "This goes against everything I have been taught. It doesn't stand up to the facts." WHO'S FACTS? WRONG ACCORDING TO WHOM ? HMMM, makes you think doesn't it?

There is no book on earth, including the bible, that people won't "pick apart". They see one sentence, idea, or paragraph and make a conclusion about the whole book.

The whole basis of the book is to get people to THINK for THEMSELVES not take Neales word for it.

We are all "called" for different reasons. Find your "strong point" or your "weak point" for that matter, in this book and make a change for you. After all, isn't that what we're all trying to do...find our place in this mess we call our world. Why people fight to keep things the same is beyond me. Take what you need and leave the rest and above all EXPECT A MIRACLE.

I hope you are knowledgeable to separate truth from untruth
I don't know what God this guy said he was hearing from, but it certainly isn't the same God I believe in. I just finished listening to Walsch's audiobook of Uncommon Dialogue. Don't make the mistake that his deepness is actually a word from God. Many of the concepts he brings up are just sublime (love, peace, joy - who would not want that). But many of his concepts also contradict the very word of God! Just to cover a few contradictions right here...

First of all, he claims that there is no heaven or hell, that we, you and I, are gods. My spirit cringed when I heard that. That couldn't be anymore wrong as the First Commandment states "Thou shalt have no other God's before me." That means there is only one true God and it is Him not us.
Walsch also says that there are no Ten Commandments. That makes me nervous this man even calls himself a Christian as this guy is making God out to be a liar.

He believes Buddha is a God, that all gods are basically the same God... He just said that there are no Gods, so he just contradicted himself AND the First Commandment.

He also goes on to say that God in you changes as you change yourself. Not in my Bible! Malachi 3:6 states that "I, the Lord, do not change" meaning that God is the one part of this crazy world that is stable and consistent. He is not moody nor does He change, rather you change as His pure and eternal love works through you and radiates out to the people in your life... people in your home, at the workplace, on the street and at the store. When God's love works through you, people can't help but notice you and they will be magnetized to your presence. Not because of you, but because of God in you working in your spirit.

My only fear is that newbie Christians take Walsch's "conversation" as the supreme truth as they would be thoroughly mislead and confused by his beliefs. Walsch is no prophet. I see right through his flowery philosophy through which he uses to appeal to a vast audience of agnostics and New Agers. It's just unfortunate that a newbie Christian will read his book or listen to his tape for the first time and soak up every word as the true word of God, and sway that Christian into his New Age/agnostic way of thinking. Now that to me is just plain scary. No offense to any devout CWG readers out there, but that is EXACTLY what the devil does. The devil is sly and deceptive. He gives you a little bit of truth and twists it around to distort it. What he says is fully distorted truth! And anything that is not the complete truth is not from God.

For those of you, though, who strongly believe that Walsh did in fact hear a word from God. I want you to know this right now... his "conversation," his "word" is like stale bread. When you have a day-to-day relationship with God it is like getting fresh-baked bread everyday. And when you pray that powerful prayer, the Lord's prayer, and get to the part "give us this day our daily bread," think of that... the daily bread is the fresh wisdom for the day you are receiving from Christ. God has something new, fresh and revitalizing for each day you are in a relationship with Him and believe me it ONLY GETS BETTER!!! You don't need to eat off someone else's plate per se. If you want God to show Himself to you, just simply ask Him right where you are with a pure believing heart that He will show Himself to you. AND if you are as truly open-minded as you say you are, you will be open to the many times He will speak to your heart and your spirit. You have to slow down to hear it as it is true, it is a still, quiet voice.

So let your true self follow you here....
http://www.joycemeyer.org/real/video/july/071404_video_hi_en.smil
http://www.joycemeyer.org/wmp/video/july/071404_video_hi_en.asx

And remember this Philippians 1:6 being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.

I distrust those people who know so well what God wants them to do because I notice it always coincides with their own desires.
--Susan B. Anthony

***God bless you Rachel for your beautiful post a few pages back. I too can relate from your side as the sinner dealing with drug addiction and exploring several routes of religion and from the side of the non-Christian who felt condemned against. I was very religious, but not Godly-spiritual in any way getting involved in the mystic realm of tarot cards, agnosticism and even New Age religion... All the while calling myself a devout Christian pretty much ever since childhood. Thankfully Jesus, a few years back, showed me what real love is, what real heart-to-heart spirituality is when I prayed for him to enter my life after many trials and tribulations and realizing what I was doing with my life was not working. I needed emergency help. So after many falls, He picked me up and with many tears dusted me off showing me that He has always been there for me waiting by my side like the gentleman He is for me to call out to Him. Thank You Jesus, I love You and I love God! Bless you both! I have completed your duty. This is for you.

Start to a Beautiful trilogy
I recently finished the 3rd book of the CWG trilogy and loved it just as much as the other two. Book 1 is obviously what hooked me. I must warn any hardcore religious fanatics that this book is NOT RELIGIOUS. The subject matter here is life and the entire book reads as a conversation with god (hence the name). I love this book mainly because it offers practical advice and knowledge for dealing with questions that philosophers can only guess at... how does the universe work? Is there heaven and hell? why is there 'evil'? ..... and on and on. If your mind is open enough and your beliefs flexible enough then this book and the 2 others in the series offer very practical and real insight into the past, present, and future of the human race...although the books also reveal that time is an illusion. So if you are ready to question everything you have learned, then start here!!

Best book I've read in ages...
Honestly, I'm only half-way through the book (its only taken me a good 2 days to read that lazily, it's that easy of a read). I came on here NOW to tell you how impactful this book has been.

Even if you do not believe the fact that Neale Donald Walsch did, in fact, have communication with God, himself, you will take from this book an almost surreal, and quite easy to understand vision of what we are here for. The text is easy enough for a 12 year old to read, but it will require much deeper thought than you have quite possibly ever had to put into reading a book EVER before.

Before I read this book, I was, and still am in fact, a very strongly based Christian man, but after reading this book, I found that my ideas and thoughts may have lead me to other possibilites within the Christian realm, such as Gnosticism. Do not be alarmed because of what I say, you need to read this book for yourself RIGHT NOW. I AM NOT KIDDING. ... Read more

Book Description

For those of us who have always been fascinated by the unexplained—or inadequately explained—secrets and mysteries of this world, Sylvia Browne now brings her great insight.

Using a combination of information from her spirit guide Francine as well as her own incredible psychic powers, Sylvia augments current scientific research to provide us with detailed explanations about seeming inexplicable concepts.

From the Great Pyramid to Stonehenge, Sylvia reveals amazing facts about some of the world’s most mysterious sites. The truth behind sacred and controversial objects such as the Shroud of Turin and the Holy Grail are brought to light; and fascinating and mystifying topics such as crop circles, the Lost Continent of Atlantis, UFOs, Easter Island, and much more are examined and clarified.

Sylvia tears away the obscure and timeworn explanations that hide the underlying truths about these fascinating subjects. ... Read more

Book Description

Miles away from the hectic city, Reed and Rebecca hike into the beautiful Northwestern woods. They're surrounded by gorgeous mountains, waterfalls, and hundreds of acres of unspoiled wilderness.

But something—or someone—begins closing in on them. Something no human has ever seen. And it's killing everyone in its path without remorse.

Best-selling author Frank Peretti has sold more than 12 million novels about angels, demons, and dragons. That was just the warm-up.

From the master of suspense and supernatural thrillers comes the season's hottest page-turner.

Be warned: this monster's got teeth.

Amazon.com

The old Quaker adage, "Let your life speak," spoke to author Parker J. Palmer when he was in his early 30s. It summoned him to a higher purpose, so he decided that henceforth he would live a nobler life. "I lined up the most elevated ideals I could find and set out to achieve them," he writes. "The results were rarely admirable, often laughable, and sometimes grotesque.... I had simply found a 'noble' way of living a life that was not my own, a life spent imitating heroes instead of listening to my heart."

Thirty years later, Palmer now understands that learning to let his life speak means "living the life that wants to live in me." It involves creating the kind of quiet, trusting conditions that allow a soul to speak its truth. It also means tuning out the noisy preconceived ideas about what a vocation should and shouldn't be so that we can better hear the call of our wild souls. There are no how-to formulas in this extremely unpretentious and well-written book, just fireside wisdom from an elder who is willing to share his mistakes and stories as he learned to live a life worth speaking about. --Gail Hudson ... Read more

Reviews (27)

Living life with purpose!
To discover the purpose and meaning in life is an aspiration that all people desire and seek. Many live a lifetime never finding their true purpose for why they were born and what their contribution towards community should be. Parker Palmer addresses this need head on. In his book Let Your Life Speak, Palmer explains that it is through listening and responding to the signs of life that we can find hope, comfort and peace. Parker uses his personal life, to tactfully illustrate the seasons of life that all experience. Parker causes the reader to explore their souls and lives to discover why we too are given our gift of life and what are we to do with it. Parker encourages this inner examination and encourages a response of reality and integrity. This little book is both practical and inspirational.

Quietly Paradoxical
Parker Palmer creates a peacful arena for understanding our own lives by sharing what he has experienced and learned from his own. I found this book to be a "quick read" on the one hand and yet I keep going back and rereading parts of it ... and then rereading the whole section.

I came away from reading this book - the first time - with a peace about my life and how I have lived it. I better understand the lessons I have been taught and more faith about the path I am following. A whole lot for a little book to accomplish.

fluffy. very, very fluffy.
my god, what an obnoxious, over-wrought, self-important heap of nonsense. this man thinks far too highly of his life story, which is low on anything truely trying and high on sentimentality. i quote:

"i love the fact that the word humus, the dacayed vegatable matter that feeds the roots of plants, comes from the same root that gives rise to the word humility. it is a blessed etymology. it helps me understand that the humiliating events of life, the events that leave 'mud on my face' or that 'makes my name mud' may create the fertile soil in which something new can grow."

well, good for you, pal. the oft-used metaphores and life stories that are not incoherent are utterly laughable in a droll, sugary way that does not lend itself to serious reading. some people may be capable of enjoying such writing and finding it truly inspiring. i am not one of those folks, and do not reccomend this book. to anyone.

Interesting if Not Useful
I found this book to be an interesting read into one man's journey toward self-discovery. He has some good insights into how one might take a different view of the world and find one's true vocation.

From my perspective, it was a bit too self-absorbed and self-engrandizing. I would recommend this book to anyone that is depressed about his or her life and needs to find a potential source of comfort. If you have a fairly good sense of self, this book may not be of great benefit.

Validating....
This book is an inspiration for those feeling "the pull"--the struggle between "what society tells me I should be doing" and "what I feel I need/was born to do". Both my husband and I could not put it down. Palmer validated our feelings of "I don't think the rat race is what life is really about..." whereby giving us the confidence to pursue major life and career changes. Read a paragraph, stop and think...and then read on.... ... Read more

Reviews (15)

An excellent investment!
Anybody who seriously studies theology and/or philosophy, especially those who are Roman Catholic, must have some knowledge of this timeless classic written by St. Thomas Aquinas.

I heartily recommend this English translation of the Summa Theologica; however, if you want to do scholarly research, it would be best to get your hands on a copy of a good Latin version. A good Latin version provides access to many nuances not adequately expressed in the English translation.

Serious and orthodox Catholics, especially, will discover the Summa Theologica to be an endless font of knowledge and wisdom.

If you are a non-specialist or a person with little background in philosophical-theology and the history of ideas, it would be wise to find a companion to guide you. For this purpose, I recommend anything on the topic written by Rev. Dr. Brian Davies, OP (Oxford University), Rev. Dr. Armand Maurer, OSA (Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies), Dr. Ralph McInerny (University of Notre Dame), and/or Dr. Eleonore Stump (Saint Louis University). Be careful not to read St. Thomas blindly without guides who have truly studied his thought. These scholars will provide much needed background and prerequisite knowledge.

The Single Foremost Work of Catholic Theology in History
St. Thomas Aquinas' Summa Theologica is the premier work of Catholic theology, studied at all major Catholic universities and seminaries, as well as by theologians and philosophers of religion of all denominations. Of St. Thomas' many works, this 5-volume masterpiece presents a systematic and organic treatment of several thousand important theological questions, ranging from God, the Trinity, and the nature of Christ, to the nature and psychology of the human person and the nature and mission of the Church. St. Thomas considers creation in its natural light, as well as under the operations of grace, including discussions of morality, redemption, the sacraments, and the operation of divine providence. The scope of topics is enormous, and these few hardly do justice to the contents.

The format of this work is arranged into individual articles for easy reading of St. Thomas' answers to individual questions, but there is a continuity to the way questions are raised and answered that makes the work a unified whole -- not simply a theological manual or encyclopedia, but also a profound read from cover to cover. A leading biographer of Thomas (O'Meara) has called the Summa "a cathedral of thought," which is perhaps the best description for such a short space here.

This translation has been prepared by the Fathers of the English Dominican Province. This information is not evident in the on-line description, but it should be, since it is very important that the translation of the Latin is accurate and in conformity with modern usage. (I found out by searching the ISBN at the Library of Congress website). There are many translations of the Summa available, but not all are good. The English Dominican Father's translation is one of the best editions available, and widely recommended in scholarly circles.

While the Summa Theologica is available at libraries and on the internet, it is very convenient to own your own copy of such a large work. This edition is sturdily bound with decent margins for notes, with each of the 5 volumes of a portable size and weight. (The earlier two-volume editions are large and unwieldy.)

I heartily recommend this work and this particular edition of the Summa in English

Profitable Even For Non-Catholics
You might get the idea from some of these postings that only Catholics could care about Thomas, especially hearing about how he manages to theologically justify some, ah, rather untheological matters (if you have read some of these reviews, you will know what I mean). This is quite false. Most of the Summa is quite interesting to anyone interested in philosophy, especially the two traditions that Thomas inherited and synthesized, the Aristotelian and the Augustinian. Near the very beginning, he divides off the formal features of God (eternity, immutability, simplicity, et cetera) from the attributes proper, which is a very fruitful means to begin. I've also found his work on the will, and on ethics generally, to be insightful, and I think that the kind of concreteness that characterizes Thomas' treatment of the will is incredibly profitable.

I've never read the Summa from cover to cover - indeed, I doubt that too many of the reviewers here have - but there is much here to feast upon for philosophers and theologians of all traditions, especially those interested in Virtue Ethics (a movement I confess I have great sympathy for). Don't be frightened off from it simply because some Catholics act as if the Summa IS Catholicism itself. I think that is a rather naive view, since it is clear that (1) Catholicism has changed a fair bit since Thomas' time, and (2) as Chesterton said, the Catholic Church is bigger on the inside than on the outside - so even within the RCC, there can be huge controversy over some points, such as whether to adopt a Thomistic conception of providence or a Molinist one.

Detractions? Some of his speculative work is, by my lights, too speculative, but this does not detract from the many arguments that are rich, deep, and grounded. Read Thomas for what he does in fact argue, and judge for yourself where he is successful, or where he at least provides fruitful insight.

A Must Read For All Who Seek The Truth
I had read some Aquinas in college and decided to get the complete Summa Theologica. I believe that this is a must read for all people who seek the truth, not just Christians or Catholics. In today's day and age in America and our world where the secularists are attacking our traditional foundation on a daily basis one will find much knowledge and comfort in this brilliant work. These books logically and eloquently provide the foundation for true clarity of thought rather then the emotion driven cultural relativism that seeks to remove God and absolute truth from all things. After all it is important to remember the very foundation of truth and law itself: God

Brilliance!
The Eucharist, Mary, the essence of God, how to obtain salvation, the nature of Christ! This set of books effectively affirms virtually every Catholic doctrine using Holy scriptures, philosophy, and theology in a way not forgetting reason, but embracing it! ... Read more

Book Description

Ask the successful CEOs of major corporations, entrepreneurs, top salespeople, and pastors what characteristic is most needed for success in leadership positions, and they’ll tell you—it’s the ability to work with people.

Some people are born with great relationship skills, but those who are not can learn to improve them. In Winning with People Maxwell has translated decades of experience into 25 People Principles that anyone can learn.

Maxwell has divided the People Principles in this book according to the questions we must ask ourselves if we want to win with people:

• Readiness: Are we prepared for relationships?
• Connection: Are we willing to focus on others?
• Trust: Can we build mutual trust?
• Investment: Are we willing to invest in others?
• Synergy: Can we create a win-win relationship?

Each section contains guiding People Principles. Some are intuitive, such as The Lens Principle: Who We Are Determines How We See Others. Others may go against your instincts, such as The Confrontation Principle: Caring for People Should Precede Confronting People. All of them are 100 percent practical!

Amazon.com

As a spiritually inspirational book for teachers, The Courage to Teach is one of the best. The premise is concise and unarguable: good teaching comes from the identity and the integrity of the teacher. Teachers are encouraged to turn their inquiring minds inward--developing a deeper understanding of what it means to fulfill the spiritual calling of teaching. Good teachers share one trait, says author Parker Palmer, they are able to weave a complex web of connections among themselves, their subjects, and their students, so that students can learn to weave a world for themselves. The connections made by good teachers are held not in their methods but in their hearts--the place where intellect and emotion and spirit and will converge in the human self. --Gail Hudson ... Read more

Reviews (31)

Reading Group Favorite
My professional reading group is currently reading and journaling about The Courage To Teach. We have read many books about teaching and learning together, but Palmer's book brings us to our knees. As we focus on "Who" we are as educators, we are forced to soulfully search our spirits for that which makes us willing to greet each day in the classroom. We unanimously agree that Palmer's book should be required reading for every teacher in America. We are finding ourselves again.

Inspiring and Honest
"The Courage to Teach" should be read again and again. It invokes new insights into your teaching career every time at various points in your life. The concepts are inspiring, and the conclusions honest.

If I have any complaints, it's that at times in the book, the language became a bit thick and abstract, losing the reader in extensive passages that might need to be reread several times to fully understand. For example, a sentence from page 105 reads:

"In rejecting the objectivist model, I have not embraced a relativism that reduces truth to whatever the community decides, for the community of truth includes a transcendent dimension of truth-knowing and truth-telling that takes us beyond relativism and absolutism alike."

To be fair, this quote is taken out of context, and I know that the book is not meant to be read like a pleasure novel... it's much deeper and more though-provoking than that. It's a real gem when Palmer describes examples of his points from classroom experiences, but I found myself choking on the pages of abstract language separating these examples. It took me longer than expected to finish.

Despite my minor misgivings, I highly recommend the book... especially to teachers. It'll be a permanent fixture on my bookshelf for years.

Excellent book!
I notice that the more negative reviews posted here are from semi-literate people. Makes sense. If you are actually educated and teaching, this book is extemely inspiring. It is a good counterpoint to the test and assessment-centered madness that is being foisted upon the US by the current radically conservative government. It tells the truth about what makes a good teacher. I highly recommend this book.

For any teacher, this should be in your library for your use
Recently I have been teaching Middle School Students as Substitute.
I agree with this book's philosophy. I love to teach younster, but get mad when they do not respoect and listen. My heart is there along with my head.
I need to use my heart more.

Points to Ponder
I was not enchanted or spiritually lifted after I had read this highly-praised book. It was too much talk with little background. I love stories that empower, or motivate, where as that was what I was expecting with this book and was sadly disappointed. It scared me more to become a teacher (with it's sherr negativity) and failed to make me fel the need to explore my inner landscape. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sit down with the Dalai Lama and really press him about life's persistent questions? Why are so many people unhappy? How can I abjure loneliness? How can we reduce conflict? Is romantic love true love? Why do we suffer?How should we deal with unfairness and anger? How do you handle the death of a loved one? These are the conundrums that psychiatrist Howard Cutler poses to the Dalai Lama during an extended period of interviews in The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living.

At first, the Dalai Lama's answers seem simplistic, like a surface reading ofRobert Fulghum: Ask yourself if you really need something; our enemies can be our teachers; compassion brings peace of mind.Cutler pushes: But some people do seem happy with lots of possessions; but "suffering is life" is so pessimistic; but going to extremes provides the zest in life; but what if I don't believe in karma? As the Dalai Lama's responses become more involved, a coherent philosophy takes shape. Cutler then develops the Dalai Lama's answers in the context of scientific studies and cases from his own practice, substantiating and elaborating on what he finds to be a revolutionary psychology. Like any art, the art of happiness requires study and practice--and the talent for it, the Dalai Lama assures us, is in our nature. --Brian Bruya ... Read more

Reviews (279)

Counter to the negative reviews
I have noticed several reviews that blast Howard C. Cutler for the way he wrote this book.

I would like to say that I think he did a good job.

As an enthusiast of Buddhism, I am inclined to agree that I would have liked to heard more from the Dalai Lama himself, but I understand that the intent of this book was to allow non-buddhists to learn to appreciate and to implement this marvelous system of Buddhist psychology in their lives.

In some senses, Buddhism is a science of understanding and mending the human psyche. For myself, I already understood a lot of the principles in the book, but it was very nice to hear a western psychologist's viewpoint. Sometimes I get lost in the volume of material there is to read about the practice of Buddhism. There are many different approaches to Buddhist thought.

This book is perfect for any non-Buddhist who would like to get a taste of the basic psychology derived from the teacings of one of the most brilliant men in history, The Buddha. The Dalai Lama is a wonderful man in his own right, and is a very wise and worldly translator of this complex system of thought. His profound and well thought out answers to the questions posed by Cutler reflect the depth of his understanding of the human condition and the remedies prescribed by the Buddha to end the suffering that we all must endure.

The Dalai Lama does not give a full exposition of the Buddhist teachings on any of the subjects presented in the book, but his answers are profound and can be put to use in the daily life of any westerner who desires to be happy. Cutler is a reassuring figure in the book who is there to raise the questions that any westerner might raise. More importantly, he is there to compare and contrast the words of the Dalai Lama to the work of western psychologists and to confirm and even exalt the approach of the Dalai Lama.

Excellent Guide To Happiness And Mental Health
The Declaration of Independence asserts our self-evident right to pursue happiness, but doesn't teach us how to do so. The Dalai Lama says happiness is the goal of human existence and teaches us not just how to rid ourselves of the negative thoughts from which unhappiness springs, but also how to grow into an habitually positive frame of mind. This is not a selfish pursuit since compassion and altruism are understood as essential to personal happiness. In an age of road rage and air rage, depression and anxiety, such a guide to mental hygiene and growth is needed and welcome. I was initially disappointed that the book had two authors, but now consider this a strength. Dr. Culter not only adds western psychological information that complements "Buddhist" doctrine, but also provides good descriptions of the Dalai Lama, engages him in a running dialogue, and asks the questions that I would like to ask, particularly how a non-Buddhist would use the teaching just given. As it turns out there is very little in this book that is strictly "religious" or that would be unacceptable or impractical advice to a believer in another or in no faith at all. The Dalai Lama addresses himself specifically to such people. Obviously the book needs to be put into practice, not just read.

A good introduction to Buddhism and Dalai Lamas thoughts
This is a good book to help you learn about the principles and ideas of Buddhism. Written for a Western audience, it takes up problems of daily life and how to be happy with the right mode of thinking. How to live a balanced, peaceful and happy life. Reading the book is easy. How to follow its teachings perhaps not that easy, but obviously worthwhile.

-Simon

The Art of Happiness Explained By The Dalai Lama
This is a thoroughly enjoyable book that is easy and interesting to read, understand, and most of all apply to your life.
Here are a couple of quotes from this book that shed light on His Holiness The Dalai Lama's Views:

P. 173: "The ability to look at events from different perspectives can be very helpful. Then, practicing this, one can use certain experiences, certain tragedies to develop a calmness of mind. One must realize that every phenomena, every event, has different aspects."

"It seems that often when problems arise, our outlook becomes narrow. All of our attention may be focused on worrying about the problem, and we may have a sense that we're the only one that is going through such difficulties. This can lead to a kind of self-absorption that can make the problem seem very intense. When this happens, I think seeing things from a wider perspective can definitely help - realizing for instance, that there are many other people who have gone through similar experiences, and even worse experiences."

When Howard Cutler questioned about dealing with anger, his question was: "...You might think about an event...even much later, and every time you think about it you become angry all over again. How would you suggest dealing with (this.")
The Dalai Lama had this to say on P. 175: "If you look from a different angel, then surely the person who caused this anger in you will have a lot of other positive aspects, positive qualities. If you look carefully, you will also find that the act which has made you angry has also given you certain opportunities, something which otherwise would not have been possible, even from your point of view. So with effort you'll be able to see many different angles to a single event. This will help."

By reading this book, you will gain a greater understanding of HOW to transform the difficulties in your life, by transforming your views of them. It will greatly contribute to your inner peace, as well as peaceful relations with others, along with how to deal with life's constant changes with calm and assurance.
Highly Recommended! Barbara Rose, author 'If God Was Like Man'

FACT: Teachings in New Testament have Buddhist roots
The book is ok .... I disagree with the retarded Christian from FL. It doesn't take a degree in rocket science to note that the Old Testament and the New Testament are of a completely different flavor. The Old Testament is full of fire and brimstone, an eye-for-an-eye kind of stuff whereas the New Testament has a distinctly Buddhist slant. Gee, I wonder if the fact that Jesus Christ spent several years in Tibet studying with the Buddhist monks had an influence on his teachings?!?!... ... Read more

Amazon.com

In 1988, Rabbi Joseph Telushkin undertook amission to heal "Jewish ignorance," an affliction whose symptoms include the ability to name the three components of the Trinity, coupled with an inability to explain mitzvah. Telushkin's contribution to the cure is his wide-ranging, entertaining Jewish Literacy. First published in 1991, Jewish Literacy contains almost 350 entries onsubjects ranging from the Ten Commandments to TheProtocols of the Elders of Zion. Entries are numbered (for easy, encyclopedia-style reference) and organizedtopically (to smooth the experience of reading each page straight through). And the revised edition contains several new entries (including articles about the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin and the vice-presidential nomination of JosephLieberman) as well as numerous corrections, enlargements, and updates. One might expect Rabbi Telushkin's project ofinspiring Jewish literacy to be overly earnest, but the author's understated wit adds considerable levity to mostentries. The entry on "Sodom and Gomorrah," for instance, ends this way: "A number of years ago, some Israeli promoters of tourismsuggested transforming the modern city of Sodom into a tourist haven with casinos, nightclubs, and even strip shows. The Chief Rabbinate in Israel sharply demurred, warning that there was nothing to prevent God from destroying the city a second time. The plan was dropped." --Michael Joseph Gross ... Read more

Reviews (43)

Judaism 101 -- excellent for those considering conversion
This book contains approximately three hundred one to three page entries on almost every aspect of Jewish culture, religion, and history. The entries are further subdivided into related chapters: the Torah, Biblical Judaism, the Roman Era, medieval european Judaism, American Jewery, Soviet Jewery, Antisemitism, Life Cycle events, Jewish Holidays, The State of Israel, and others.

J.L. is encyclopedic in scope, but the entries have a more familiar feel to them, in part due to Teluskin's own personal anecdotes that are found in many of the entries. This makes the reader feel like he is not reading an academic text, but rather listening to a friend or family member share his accumulated knowledge and wisdom.

I think most Jews will find a lot that they didn't know, or had forgotten, within these pages. For those who are considering conversion, this is a wonderful book to read cover to cover, because it exposes the reader to a full cross section of Judaism.

Great reference book- a must
This is a truely wonderful book. It is a great reference work with information about just about anything Jewish you can think of yet it is a good read. Most reference books are very dry (how interesting can a several paragraph entry about a topic be) yet as with everything he writes Rabbi Telushkin makes this a very interesting book.

It is a must for non-Jews and Jews who aren't well educated in Judaism who want to know more. It has entries on scores of topics to give a short overview of most of the important people, events and ideas for Judaism. Even for educated Jews this can be a good reference work, and it is an enjoyable read.

Rabbi Telushkin is a Modern Orthodox rabbi who studied under some of the greatest minds in late 20th century Orthodox Judaism (at Yeshiva University) so he knows his subject. However, he is a liberal minded Orthodox Jew who treats the liberal movements in Judaism in quite a fair, balanced and non-judgemental manner. He never talks down to you when you read no matter what you previous knowlege of the subject or point of view.

Extensive & Lighthearted Overview of "The Jewish Adventure"
Believe it or not, I started with this book by digging in, dishing out, page after page, on Amazon.com's Search inside option...

After having reached a hundred pages or so (the limited viewable amount kindly and generously made available by the Publisher - he must have known what he was doing, the smart chelloveck), I decided, well, what the heck, let's just buy it. I have not regretted it...

This book (670 pages in full length) astounds one as to its vast, elegantly segmented, multi-facetted and easy-and-friendly-to-use approach.

Its lighthearted and friendly tone may even cheer you up on some of the traditionally more dramatic and gruesome themes. The freshness is envigorating and encouraging. What the author manages to do is to almost never ever make what is called an authoritative statement (in my humble opinion, such so-called "authoritative statements" can generally, if not most of the time, be considered as partial and personal views/vistas), but usually always manages to give an alternative view on a specific subject.

The end-result is a vast and multi-sourced overview, a mild although quite thorough presentation of a great amount of subjects attending the History of the Jewish People.

This book is something like a must for its extensive vastness. By never unduly and wryly scratching below the surface of things, it remains easy and friendly to use, even allowing and lending itself to some sporadic readings, enabling one to gain some sporadic insights and knowledge on a quite great variety of subjects.

Well, Easy-Reading does it, every time. And here, Joseph Telushkin seems to have done a marvelous job.

To sum it up, this book is a pleasure, deserves actually six stars, is highly recommended, for just every and anyone.

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Post Scriptum, a personal note (being human, I just can't avoid it): There is an almost exasperating tendency of many Jews to define Judaism and Jewishness in their very own terms and within their own (at times petty) referential system. Even an often subtle author such as Joseph Telushkin makes this mistake in this otherwise magnificent and extensive Magnum Opus that is "Jewish Literacy" when he states that the Satmar and the Neturei-Karta positions can by no means be regarded as significant of the Jewish people. How wrong... He then compares the Satmar and Neturei-Karta positions towards Zionism as analogous to that of the Christian sect of Virginia's Snake handlers, a mere fringe of each movement, both, in his own words totally insignificant. I believe that the author somehow errs in not seeing that both Virginia's snake handlers and the ultra-Orthodox anti-Zionist position are the views of sincere fundamentalists, that feel in no way entitled to disregard a significant portion of their Scriptural inheritance (Mark 16;16-18 and B.T. Ketouvot 111a, respectively). Such utterances attempting to define fundamentalist movements and tendencies as a mere fringe, are tantamount to imply that most Jews and most Christians have always been experts at comfortably following a religious herd of some sort. Far be it! If you need to be reassured as to the remaining vital strength of some of Judaism's proponents and exponents, get Aviezer Ravitzky's fascinating and incisive book "Messianism, Zionism and Jewish Religious Radicalism", where the sheer vast amount of diverse sources and positions (most of them unavailable in all but Hebrew) are in a position to satiate even the most information-hungry and avid enquirer of true facts (it may even appease your soul to see that the so-called "religious tree" is not yet fully dead and dry). Finally, I was surprised and somehow disappointed about the total omission of a rather great figure, and a no less great individual, namely that of Menachem Mendel of Kotsk. But since this is my sole substantial disappointment to the vast gathering of factual information contained in "Jewish Literacy", this detail probably just emphasizes my general level of satisfaction and happiness with this small but nonetheless vast and handy encyclopedia of Jewish history that constitutes Rabbi Joseph Telushkin's "Jewish Literacy".

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A Great introduction, slightly simplistic
This is a good book, with several small flaws. First off this is the perfect book for any return Jew, secular Jew or anyone interested in the many facets of Judaism. For instance: How did Reform Judaism start? What was the Sanhedrin? Who was the Baal Shem Tov? Probably many Jews would stumble over the answers or be left speechless and this is where this book shines. This book details almost every facet of Judaism anyone could ever want or need to know. What is the difference between the Mishnah and Midrash? Once again this book gives short concise answers to this. From Ertez Israel to the Oral law this book outshines many like it in the sheer breadth of knowledge contained.

The major flaw in this book is that it is almost useless if you are already versed in Judaism. If one wants something deeper and wants a more thorough explanation of the items contained here they will not get it. This book is written in a folksy manner, like someone lecturing a small group of interested students. Jokes protrude from the page for instance "many Europeans believed Jews had to kill every tenth patient...I wouldn't want to be the 10th guy in line at the doctor". While funny these passages detract from the text and sometimes makes the book feel more like '1000 things you didn't know about Judaism'. Nevertheless this book is an essential text for any Jewish household and an essential read for anyone exploring Judaism, thinking of conversion, in a relationship with a Jew or simply wanting to learn more about this worlds first monotheists.

Seth J. Frantzman

Eye-opening to a Christian
I found the book to be very interesting. It certainly gave one Gentile a footstep into a world previously unknown. The book is an easy read and the Rabbi's wit and honesty is refreshing. I almost rated the bood a 3 because the views on Jesus and Christianity were just so far off-base.Then I realized that this view reflected the Rabbi's and probably most Jewish people. How could I criticize him for his own view. I was truly amazed and saddened by just how much two people groups who both love the God of the Hebrew Bible could know so little about each other. ... Read more

Book Description

Drawing from John Maxwell's bestsellers Developing the Leader Within You, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader, and Becoming a Person of Influence, Leadership 101 explores the timeless principles that have become Dr. Maxwell's trademark style. In a concise, straightforward style, Maxwell focuses on essential and time-tested qualities necessary for true leadership —influence, integrity, attitude, vision, problem-solving, and self-discipline —and guides readers through practical steps to develop true leadership in their lives and the lives of others.

Reviews (6)

What you need to know is don't buy this book....
Unless of course you take your roll as a leader seriously! Listen, John has done it again with Leadership 101: What Every Leader Needs to Know. Will this man never cease to produce books of such excellent quality? I sure hope not! Rather than ranting and raving about the contents of this book, let me just say this: get it, read it, you'll love it!

Reviewed by: James L. Clark, MBA, MSc., PhD Candidate (Leadership) is a serial entrepreneur, lecturer, and consultant in the areas of success, achievement, personal development, influence and leadership. He is the author of the book Wading Through the Crap: How to Start Living the Successful Life You Have Always Wanted (ISBN 0972697551), which has received rave reviews.

Unleash your leadership potential.
This 100 page book is jamm packed with information. Some of the topics include:

* follow your vision and bring others with you

* produce a lasting legacy

* grow the lotalty of your followers

* determine your leadership "lid"

* create a foundation of trust

Great book that belongs in your briefcase or purse and by your bedside to review every day.

A Helpful Summary of Dr. Maxwell's Leadership Concepts
I was torn in deciding how to grade this book. Clearly, anyone who has already enjoyed most of Dr. Maxwell's outstanding leadership books would find this book to be a valuable, inexpensive and highly portable reminder of those many lessons. For that person, the book is clearly a five star value! Carry it around and draw sustenance from it!! My rating above reflects this perspective, since there are lots of people who do know his work well. When you face a leadership challenge, pull this book out to refocus you and your energies in the right direction!

What about the person who's new to leadership? I would have to grade the book much lower, probably a 2 or 3. Somewhere in the middle of the book (probably between chapters 5-7), most people new to leadership would lose the thread. It's just a little too condensed. In addition, I just didn't think that several of the examples worked for the point they attempted to make. For instance, Dr. Maxwell could have found more meaningful examples for me than Princess Diana and Roberto Goizueta if I were a new leader. I would nominate instead Barbara Bush for her caring and Frances Hesselbein for preparing successors.

Here are the book's structure and key examples for its 108 jam-packed pages:

Part I: The Development of a Leader

1. Why Should I Grow as a Leader? The McDonald brothers versus Ray Kroc in developing McDonalds.

2. How Can I Grow as a Leader? Teddy Roosevelt

Part II: The Traits of a Leader

3. How Can I Become Disciplined? Jerry Rice

4. How Should I Prioritize My Life? Paul Tsongas

5. How Do I Develop Trust? Billy Graham

6. How Can I Effectively Cast Vision? Walt Disney

Part III: The Impact of Leader

7. Why Is Influence Important? Princess Diana

8. How Does Influence Work? Robert Dilenschneider

9. How Can I Extend My Influence? His father

10. How Can I Make My Leadership Last? Roberto Goizueta

Finally, what's the best part of the book? For me, it was the repetition of the Law of the Lid: Your ability to accomplish things is circumscribed until you can energize others in the same purpose. There's a nice set of graphic displays to make this point.

As a technical note, some of the information in the examples seemed dated. I don't believe that Mr. Dilenschneider has been head of Hill & Knowlton for many years . . . yet that's the way he is described. Roberto Goizueta's hand-picked successor at Coca-Cola, Douglas Ivester, did not work out (although he is described as a great success here) and had to be replaced. Paul Tsongas later reentered politics to run for president rather than smelling the roses with his family (even though he had had a recurrence of the cancer that soon killed him). It's almost as though these examples were all written a number of years ago, and not revisited.

Draw inspiration from your vision of serving others . . . and get busy!

Tips, tricks, techniques, insight, keys to self-confidence
Leadership 101: What Every Leader Needs To Know by John Maxwell (a gifted public speaker and the founder of "INJOY", an organization helping people maximizing their personal and leadership potential) is a concise and profound guidebook to unlocking one's inner potential to influence, motivate, and unite others toward a common goal. Tips, tricks, techniques, insight, keys to self-confidence and more fill this practical and resourceful pocket resource. Leadership 101 is strongly recommended, highly rewarding reading for anyone with leadership responsibilities or aspirations.

WOW
I think this is a very well written book. It really encouraged me, and I would recommend it to anyone. ... Read more

Book Description

Abram's Daughters Book 5 Spanning three generations, the compelling novels of the ABRAM’S DAUGHTERS series feature five courting-age sisters, their extended family, and their quaint Old Order community, whose way of life and faith in God are as enduring as their signature horse and buggy. Or so it seems... In this suspenseful conclusion to the series, readers will thrill to another gripping story with Lewis’s trademark captivating twists and turns, and startling answers to the compelling questions set into motion in the first book, The Covenant. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Fabulous!!
After waiting a year for the final installment to come out I was not disappointed when I finally got my hands on Book 5.It was wonderful reading and I couldn't put the book down!If you like this series by Beverly Lewis you might want to keep your eyes out for the first book in her new series debuting this Fall.It is titled The Preacher's Daughter...can't wait!

Not her best read.
While she finally ties the books together in a conclusion this is not her best work. It was a rather tedious read and not her best work. While it was still worthwhile it was rather wordy and rambling for this author and not up to her usual standards. It was as if she felt like she didn't have enough story line to fill the whole book but things she alluded to could have filled it in nicely. It was quite slow at times and somehow just didn't seem to totally flow like the previous books did. It's almost like she ran out of steam at the end of the series.

Is a revelation enough to end the conflict? Find out!
Finally, the prayers of the Ebersol family are gracefully addressed in this conclusion to the series. Lewis leaves no loose ends in the grande finale where every secret is exposed and every question the reader has developed is finally answered. This book doesn't carry quite the same urgent feel as the others did, where previously we saw all of the characters trying their best to manage chaos and conflict by using their own will as they attempted to protect and save one another in the most imperfect of ways. Now it seems the Ebersols, Masts, and Schwartzes surrender themselves to allow God to handle their crises and answer their prayers in unforeseen ways. Ultimately, this is a lesson in faith and trusting God's perfect timing. It's also a very pleasurable read.

Beyond Explanation Marks!!!!!
This book is truly the great ending to a wonderfully written Christian fiction series containing romance, suspense, mystery, historically correct and educational information all bound up into one! Truths are revealed to Jake and Lydiann, and yes, Leah discovers the identity of her birth father. What happened to Sadie? Did Leah and Jonas finally marry?What about poor Lydiann and Jake?Get the book and discover the answer to all your questions. You will not be disappointed in this last book of a great series.

A Beautifully Portrayed Work!
"The Revelation" is the final book to the, "Abram's Daughter's series.It displays patience and tenderness as the final scenes play out.Ms. Lewis is the most wondeful person at displaying the simple Amish life with a spark of conflict.This is a must read for all.Also get the whole series for Mother's Day!I also recommend Former Old Order Amish author, Teresa Phillips', "Leaving Lancaster County" series, as well as, "The StoreKeeper's Daughter" series by Wanda Brunstetter. ... Read more