Book Description
Beth Moore wants readers to know if God could lift her out of the pit, He can get ANYONE out! She admits she wasn't just a visitor; this former pit-dweller had to be delivered from acres of life-accumulated dirt, bone-chilling darkness, spirit-deadening anger, heart-breaking desperation and mind-numbing confusion. The permanent lessons she learned in her desperation-shared in this very personal book-are lessons of hope for all of us. While she deeply empathizes with the hows and whys of life in the "pit," she continually points readers to the deliverance that awaits. Deliverance is for everyone, she proclaims-no matter how you got stuck, no matter how long you've been down, whether you think you deserve it or not. And in her straight-talking but loving style, she reminds readers that deliverance can begin for them this very day.
Customer Reviews:
Great book, terrible accent.......2007-10-10
I loved the content of this book on CD although Beth Moore's Texan twang could be a little distracting at times. Like all things Beth Moore, it was a very uplifting but stern reminder of the toll this life can take on us and how to make sure we don't get used to the pit we have fell in, slipped in or jumped in. This book has brought up a lot of discussion topics and afterthought. Well worth suffering through the accent!
First Beth Moore Book? It was mine..........2007-09-27
Before reading this book, I had never read anything by Beth Moore. Although talented and driven in her call, her style of writing is conversational and, at times, confrontational. As I was reading this book as a member of a club, I did not put it back on the shelf and suffered through becoming comfortable with a one-sided conversation. I am quite happy that I did.
If you have not read Beth Moore before, give her a chance. Let her "Talk at you", and respond with prayer - He is the one you are looking for a conversation with!
A Bit of a Disappointment.......2007-09-12
I was hoping this book would have some solid answers for me to get out of my own personal pit but all it did was describe many different types of pits without alot of specific sure fire help and ways to be free. I think it's great that so many of you found help with Beth's book, but if "I" had to do it over again, I wouldn't buy it.
What a blessing!.......2007-09-09
Whether you are currently in a pit of your own making or have been tossed in a pit via the wrongs of someone else or just difficult life circumstances, this book is such a wonderful tool to help keep your eyes on God through it all and to "get out of that pit". This is the third Beth Moore book I have read (the first was When Godly People do Ungodly Things and I am ongoingly reading Praying God's Word Day by Day)and she is such a blessing--accessible and solid.
Beth is at her best!.......2007-09-05
I read this book when I was in a pit, myself. Beth's bubbly personality came shining through in this book and made me laugh when I didn't especially feel like laughing. She has the ability to make you feel as if she's talking to you like a true girlfriend and you come away with the feeling that, "Yeah, she's been in a pit too and came out victorious." I highly recommend this book to anyone who needs a good pick-me-up and a catalyst to turning to God for guidance in those times in your life when things seem overwhelming.
Becky Hester (Eastman, Ga)
Amazon.com
How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk is an excellent communication tool kit based on a series of workshops developed by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish. Faber and Mazlish (coauthors of Siblings Without Rivalry) provide a step-by-step approach to improving relationships in your house. The "Reminder" pages, helpful cartoon illustrations, and excellent exercises will improve your ability as a parent to talk and problem-solve with your children. The book can be used alone or in parenting groups, and the solid tools provided are appropriate for kids of all ages.
Book Description
You Can Stop Fighting With Your Chidren!
Here is the bestselling book that will give you the know–how you need to be more effective with your children and more supportive of yourself. Enthusiastically praised by parents and professionals around the world, the down–to–earth, respectful approach of Faber and Mazlish makes relationships with children of all ages less stressful and more rewarding.
Their methods of communication, illustrated with delightful cartoons showing the skills in action, offer innovative ways to solve common problems.
Customer Reviews:
THIS BOOK WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE - AMAZING COMMUNICATION SKILLS .......2007-10-14
THIS BOOK CHANGED MY LIFE AND THE LIVES OF EVERY ONE I LOVE!!!!
IT IS EASY TO READ AND EASY TO USE THEIR SUGGESTIONS FOR A HUGE CHANGE IN RELATIONSHIPS.
IT IS A MUST READ - NOT JUST FOR PARENTS - THE PROACTIVE, POSITIVE WAY TO COMMUNICATE IS USEFUL IN ALL RELATIONSHIPS. THEY DO A VERY GOOD JOB OF TEACHING ACTIVE LISTENING.
EASY READ !!!!
MUST READ!!!!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!
THE WORLD WOULD BE BETTER PLACE IF EVERYONE READ THIS BOOK!!
A True Fundamental.......2007-10-14
My mom pretty much raised my brother and me according to this book, and I give it most of the credit for how good our relationships remain to this day. When I was in college for my Teacher's Certificate, I got myself a copy and found it more useful than any of my textbooks.
Yes, it's got cartoonish drawings. Yes, sometimes things are presented in a somewhat simplistic fashion. That's because this is a book to be used with your kids, not just from your end. Go through it, do the exercises, and then do them with your kids. You'll be amazed at the difference it will make in your approach to conflicts.
Not just conflicts with kids, either. Pretty much all of the techniques in this book can be applied to any conflict situation with good results.
ONE GREAT PARENTING BOOK.......2007-09-30
I learned many ways of listening to my children, making them talk, very helpful in many ways. One great parenting book. A MUST HAVE FOR MOMS and DADS!! My husband read too and helped him to see a whole new way of managing trantuns and every day circunstances with the children.
There are better books on the market on this topic.......2007-09-25
This book has a lot of little cartoon drawings which I personally find annoying in a book geared towards adults. In the book and the cartoon drawings there are many sample conversations of what a parent should say and then how the child will respond. Most of the cartoon scenarios depict best case results, with the children positively responding when the parents use the tactics suggested in the book. I can see where some parents might like this book and some children might respond positively. However, I think it seems a bit naive on the part of the authors to assume that all children will respond exactly as they predict based on being talked to in a certain way. I agree with another reviewer that said the content and drawings were kind of cheesy.
I find the number of recent glowing, over the top reviews that pushed my review down the page interesting since this book has already been out several years, and I've noticed it for sale at a book close out store. Many of the other reviews read a bit more like advertisements to me than actual, unbiased book reviews.
Instead of buying this book I would recommend the book Assertive Discipline by Lee Canter and Marlene Canter. It is much more professionally written, geared towards adult readers and I suspect the ideas in that book would be more applicable to a wider variety of children's personality types.
Such a BIG difference in my family!.......2007-08-16
Wow I thought I was an encouraging loving mother until I read this book, there are all kinds of little things I was doing that were kind of undermined my kids self esteem and confidence! What a shocker for me! I have also read How To Talk So Kids Can Learn, another EXCELLENT book. That book was the beginning of a much more positive homeschool situation and excelled learning!!! Both books have transformed me from a frazzled tired Mom to a much less stressed one, knowing simple ways to make a difference in my kids lives...the best part is that the more confident and happy the kids are (and the happier I am from not being so overwhelmed) the better they behave daily! I checked the book out from the library but am going to buy a copy of my own to keep and share!!! I wish every parent and teacher could read this book!
Book Description
Prayer transforms lives every day.But for those who pray, how manytruly understand its power? In herstraightforward and profound stylebeloved by millions worldwide,Joyce Meyer reveals the incredibleforce that comes through the simpleact of prayer. By explaining thekeys to unanswered prayers, thehindrances to prayer's effectiveness,and the Bible's role in prayer,Joyce gives readers a new perspectiveon how best to communicatewith God. She reveals that throughprayerful conversation comes theability to be successful in life, strong at heart, and sincerewith others. Simple prayer, powerful results.
Customer Reviews:
Prayer without guilt.......2007-08-15
I know the title might not sound that juicy. Prayer is not that exciting. Wrong! Read this book if you want to wash away all the garbage you believe about not praying good enough or correctly. Joyce encourages us to identify the originator of all those thoughts and he lives down below. An encouragment to read.
Power of Prayer a keeper.......2007-08-07
I am a huge Joyce Meyer fan. This is one of her best efforts. Practical and scripture based- with her signature humor thrown in for easy reading.
Just as the title says: SIMPLE PRAYER!.......2007-07-25
I've been on a quest to spend more time in fellowship with God throughout the day, and have my prayers be more meaningful and less child-like (i.e. "Why God???" or "Gimmie, gimmie please!!"). This book has pointed me in the right direction. Joyce talks about how prayer is not only when you're down on your knees, crying out to God; but it's also simple, heartfelt, one-on-one CONVERSATION with God. And prayer doesn't have to be just one set time each day, but God wants us to talk to Him throughout our day. Joyce also explains how each individual is to be led by the Holy Spirit about whom and what to pray for, and we don't have to feel condemned or guilt if we don't pray about everything under the sun. The Holy Spirit will also lead us in how to pray for ourselves, so that we are not focusing mostly on things; but rather, our prayers will primarily focus on praising and worshiping God for who He is and what He's done for us, and on our becoming more like Him and living according to His will for our lives. I think it's a great book for all Christians, regardless of where you are in your walk with the Lord.
Very Insightful!!.......2007-07-12
I was sensing God wanted me to learn more about prayer so I prayed He lead me to the information He wanted me to read. Shortly after this some friends gave my wife and me this book for an anniversary gift. I must say, it was GREAT!!! I've never been taught to read outside of dinner grace and bedtime prayers. I knew prayer needed to be personal and this book helped me to apply the things need for personal prayer and the things in my life that could hinder my prayer. I would recommend it to anyone who is starting out and wanting to step deeper than the "Now I lay me, down to sleep" and "Come Lord Jesus, be our guest" type prayers.
BTW-Interestingly enough, my pastor started a summer series teaching about prayer. God came through for me again.
"Simple" +"Prayer" = "Breakthrough".......2007-06-14
For the longest time, I've struggled with prayer.
Then I got hold of this book
I thought I had to assume the position (on my knees, eyes closed)
I found standing at the bus stop, leaning over the copier or my child's bathtime works fine
I thought I needed eloquent, prayer-worthy verses to be heard
I found my everyday words get the message across to my Father
I thought I needed to finetune my pitch before knocking on the Boss's door
I found Someone who listens to everything I say- what I whine about, sob over- without judgement
I thought that I needed to schedule a set block of time
I found 5 second prayers work but I still to schedule a prayer date with my Friend- that works
I thought I repeat my personal requests over and over in case the first never made it passed my ceiling
I found I'm heard the first time and now I can spend the extra time praying for others who need it more than I
I'm only a few chapters into the book
... excited about what else I'll learn about my Friend
Amazon.com
David Sedaris became a star autobiographer on public radio, onstage in New York, and on bestseller lists, mostly on the strength of "SantaLand Diaries," a scathing, hilarious account of his stint as a Christmas elf at Macy's. (It's in two separate collections, both worth owning, Barrel Fever and the Christmas-themed Holidays on Ice.) Sedaris's caustic gift has not deserted him in his fourth book, which mines poignant comedy from his peculiar childhood in North Carolina, his bizarre career path, and his move with his lover to France. Though his anarchic inclination to digress is his glory, Sedaris does have a theme in these reminiscences: the inability of humans to communicate. The title is his rendition in transliterated English of how he and his fellow students of French in Paris mangle the Gallic language. In the essay "Jesus Shaves," he and his classmates from many nations try to convey the concept of Easter to a Moroccan Muslim. "It is a party for the little boy of God," says one. "Then he be die one day on two... morsels of... lumber," says another. Sedaris muses on the disputes between his Protestant mother and his father, a Greek Orthodox guy whose Easter fell on a different day. Other essays explicate his deep kinship with his eccentric mom and absurd alienation from his IBM-exec dad: "To me, the greatest mystery of science continues to be that a man could father six children who shared absolutely none of his interests."
Every glimpse we get of Sedaris's family and acquaintances delivers laughs and insights. He thwarts his North Carolina speech therapist ("for whom the word pen had two syllables") by cleverly avoiding all words with s sounds, which reveal the lisp she sought to correct. His midget guitar teacher, Mister Mancini, is unaware that Sedaris doesn't share his obsession with breasts, and sings "Light My Fire" all wrong--"as if he were a Webelo scout demanding a match." As a remarkably unqualified teacher at the Art Institute of Chicago, Sedaris had his class watch soap operas and assign "guessays" on what would happen in the next day's episode.
It all adds up to the most distinctively skewed autobiography since Spalding Gray's Swimming to Cambodia. The only possible reason not to read this book is if you'd rather hear the author's intrinsically funny speaking voice narrating his story. In that case, get Me Talk Pretty One Day on audio. --Tim Appelo
Amazon.com Audiobook Review
"It's a pretty grim world when I can't even feel superior to a toddler." Welcome to the curious mind of David Sedaris, where dogs outrank children, guitars have breasts, and French toddlers unmask the inadequacies of the American male. Sedaris inhabits this world as a misanthrope chronicling all things petty and small. In Me Talk Pretty One Day Sedaris is as determined as ever to be nobody's hero--he never triumphs, he never conquers--and somehow, with each failure, he inadvertently becomes everybody's favorite underdog. The world's most eloquent malcontent, Sedaris has turned self-deprecation into a celebrated art form--one that is perhaps best experienced in audio. "Go Carolina," his account of "the first battle of my war against the letter s" is particularly poignant. Unable to disguise the lisp that has become his trademark, Sedaris highlights (to hilarious extent) the frustration of reading "childish s-laden texts recounting the adventures of seals or settlers named Sassy or Samuel." Including 23 of the book version's 28 stories, two live performances complete with involuntary laughter, and an uncannily accurate Billie Holiday impersonation, the audio is more than a companion to the text; it stands alone as a performance piece--only without the sock monkeys. (Running time: 5 hours, 4 cassettes) --Daphne Durham
Book Description
David Sedaris became a star autobiographer on public radio, onstage in New York, and on bestseller lists, mostly on the strength of "SantaLand Diaries," a scathing, hilarious account of his stint as a Christmas elf at Macy's. (It's in two separate collections, both worth owning, Barrel Fever and the Christmas-themed Holidays on Ice.) Sedaris's caustic gift has not deserted him in his fourth book, which mines poignant comedy from his peculiar childhood in North Carolina, his bizarre career path, and his move with his lover to France. Though his anarchic inclination to digress is his glory, Sedaris does have a theme in these reminiscences: the inability of humans to communicate. The title is his rendition in transliterated English of how he and his fellow students of French in Paris mangle the Gallic language. In the essay "Jesus Shaves," he and his classmates from many nations try to convey the concept of Easter to a Moroccan Muslim. "It is a party for the little boy of God," says one. "Then he be die one day on two... morsels of... lumber," says another. Sedaris muses on the disputes between his Protestant mother and his father, a Greek Orthodox guy whose Easter fell on a different day. Other essays explicate his deep kinship with his eccentric mom and absurd alienation from his IBM-exec dad: "To me, the greatest mystery of science continues to be that a man could father six children who shared absolutely none of his interests." Every glimpse we get of Sedaris's family and acquaintances delivers laughs and insights. He thwarts his North Carolina speech therapist ("for whom the word pen had two syllables") by cleverly avoiding all words with s sounds, which reveal the lisp she sought to correct. His midget guitar teacher, Mister Mancini, is unaware that Sedaris doesn't share his obsession with breasts, and sings "Light My Fire" all wrong--"as if he were a Webelo scout demanding a match." As a remarkably unqualified teacher at the Art Institute of Chicago, Sedaris had his class watch soap operas and assign "guessays" on what would happen in the next day's episode. It all adds up to the most distinctively skewed autobiography since Spalding Gray's Swimming to Cambodia. The only possible reason not to read this book is if you'd rather hear the author's intrinsically funny speaking voice narrating his story. In that case, get Me Talk Pretty One Day on audio. --Tim Appelo
Customer Reviews:
Put down your drink to read this one.......2007-10-13
Sedaris is hilarious, and this is his best book. The "Rooster" chapter is so funny that I couldn't read it out loud to my husband because I was almost choking from laughing so hard.
David Sedaris...........2007-09-04
...Need I say more? He is hilarious. I have many books from him and this is really funny.
WHAT A MISNOMER FOR A TITLE.......2007-09-04
Let me start by saying I am a bibliophile and will sometimes buy a book just for the look of it. I ended up throwing the book away rather than offer it to any one else. If I could have given this book something less than one star I would have given it a negative fifteen (-15). I found this book gross, crass and inappropriate. I've read books with strong language in them, but never like this one that has filthy language just for the sake of using filthy language. I wouldn't have this book in my home and am sorry that I read the whole thing, but it was a private book club choice. As it turned out no one else finished reading it. DON'T BUY, READ or OWN THIS BOOK!
Always Enjoyable.......2007-08-30
Good book. Not laugh-out-loud funny, but it is full of the kind of humor you would expect from Sedaris. Well worth the price and effort.
Hilarious!.......2007-08-19
I love this book. My copy is completely worn out - I rarely re-read a book, but I did this one. I forced it on all my friends. Very sick and hilarious!
Customer Reviews:
The art of mastering your inner talk.......2007-08-16
One of the most exhilarating experiences one can partake in, in my opinion, is being able to feel in absolute control of themselves and of their thoughts.
This book explains in a simple format how to effectively 'coach' yourself in to success.
One of the books I read and enjoyed being of its individuality.
Your inner talk will dictate much of your success and achievement in life, and before I made my own 'concept innovation program' this was one of the greatest gifts I had given to myself.
Seth C. Olsen
C.E.O. & Founder of The Desired Reflection
(www.TheDesiredReflection.com)
A must read for anyone who cares a little about themselves.......2007-08-12
I've read several self help books and this one really sunk in. I've read it once and plan to read it again. The message is so clear-talk to yourself in a positive way and be your own coach. We live in a world of so many negative comments and people that this book instructs you to do something so simple and that is talk to yourself by providing positive messages until you get rid of the negative subconscious. No pills, videos, coaches, and tapes, just you. Perfect.
GREAT BOOK.......2007-07-27
"Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill is a great book. It is amazing it was written so long ago and I only heard about it latly. It provides ways to change your thought process to reach your dreams. I recommend it to anyone who wants to reach their desires!!!
I Stopped a Three Pack a Day Smoking Habit in Three Weeks.......2007-06-09
Twenty years ago I quit smoking using the suggestions in this book. My husband raced stock cars and during the race evening I would smoke at least one pack and open another. That didn't include the pack I smoked during the day. I read the book, and took a business card, listed all the positive things about quitting, put a piece of clear packing tape on it and stuck it in my cigarette case. Each time I lit up I would read this card out loud, that is key. Your brain begins to make the changes in your body to change your habit. Within three weeks I had quit, with NO WITHDRAWAL symptoms. Twenty years later I am smoke free and my lungs have no lasting effects from three packs a day. Try it, IT WORKS.
Excellent starting point to get your life back on track.......2007-05-09
More than likely, your current thoughts - your programming (Self-Talk) - is not doing you any justice. This book exposes your negative thought processes that are encompassing your life. And it will give you an excellent solution to get rid of negative thoughts and replace them with positive good thoughts. This book is a great starting place to allow you to start living a much better quality of life.
Book Description
What would you do if you were sitting quietly in your living room when a mysterious couple appeared from out of nowhere - and then told you they were "ascended masters" who had come to reveal some shocking secrets of existence and teach you the miraculous powers of advanced forgiveness? Would you call the cops? Call a psychiatrist? Call out for pizza?
When two such teachers appeared before Gary Renard in 1992, he chose to listen to them (and ask a lot of impertinent questions). The result is this startling book: an extraordinary record of 17 mind-bending conversations that took place over nearly a decade, reorienting the author's life and giving the world an uncompromising introduction to a spiritual teaching destined to change human history.
Customer Reviews:
For serious spiritual seekers only.......2007-10-17
The first time I read this book, it messed me up for about ten months. I no longer knew what to think or believe about all the spiritual concepts I had been studying and practicing for many years. In the end, though, it literally changed the way I perceive reality. As a result of reading the book I learned to live life without beliefs. Now life is split up between what I know through direct experience, what I think might be "truth" or the way things work until I learn differently, and what I just don't know. It is not necessary to be a student of A Course in Miracles to benefit from reading this book, but if you have very strong beliefs about the way things are, this is a book that will challenge them from nearly the beginning to the end. For all the difficulty I had with the cognitive shifts that reading this book provoked, my life is clearly better for having read it
The disappearance of the Universe.......2007-10-11
This is one of those books that includes lots of Ahaaaa moments. One of the best books that I have read in a long time. I would recommend it to any one that is either considering or doing a Course in Miracles.
You definately need to be open minded to read this.......2007-10-09
This is interesting and different from anything I'd ever read before! I don't believe everyone should read this book. I know many people who are just not ready or open minded enough to accept some of what's covered/proposed here and would end up vehemently opposing it. The first time I read this I honestly didn't know what to think. I was shocked really. Many of the things this guy was saying was just out of bounds of the 'conditioning' I grew up with. I initially checked this out from the library and returned it without having made it thru the first chapter. Then, several weeks later, I ordered it kind of by accident (a recommendation from another source)and was surprised to see that this was the same book I had checked out and returned mostly unread. I think things happen for a reason, and so I thought obviously I was supposed to read this book.
This guy has had the experience of two spiritual instructors who materialize to him on several different occassions and set him straight on how things really are. They are from his past and his future. As far as the information they conveyed, I'm thinking, how could they know all of those things if they were not who they claimed to be, and why would they and Gary lie about it? Some things were easier for me to accept than others. But, that doesn't mean that I don't believe it all, it just means that I don't exactly understand it all, so therefore I won't say that it's not true, because I really don't know. Some things I just need to think about a little longer I guess.
I still pick this up and read it now and then. I have underlined and made notes to myself which I have found helpful. I was glad to have read this before I started 'A Course In Miracles'. Otherwise, I think I would have had a harder time with that. This was like a primer to get me ready for the concepts presented in ACIM.
This book has the power to change the world!.......2007-10-03
I am recommending this book whenever and wherever I have the chance to. I suffered all my life from a traumatic and tragic childhood until I read this book and began practicing true forgiveness. Mr.Renard's teachings showed me a new way to view this world and a new way to forgive. My life is forever changed. If I can heal from sexual assault, deaths, and a lifetime of suicidal depression than so can others. This book has the power to change the world, one life at a time.
Everyone must read this book!.......2007-10-01
This is a life changing book. A must read by everyone. I loved it.
Book Description
This collection of the timeless teachings of one of the greatest sages of India, Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj, regarded by many as a "modern spiritual classic" is a testament to the uniqueness of the seer's life and work
"I Am That" preserves Maharaj's dialogues with the followers who came from around the world seeking his guidance in destroying false identities. The sage's sole concern was with human suffering and the ending of suffering. It was his mission to guide the individual to an understanding of his true nature and the timelessness of being. He taught that mind must recognize and penetrate its own state of being, "being this or that, here or that, then or now," but just timeless being.
Customer Reviews:
all you need.......2007-10-17
Consume it slowly over time. A little bit goes a long way. Nisargadatta comes across as far more patient than eye witness accounts usually describe him. Listen carefully to what he says and let it work on you.
Wisdom Beyond Expression.......2007-09-01
This book can only be described in the format of the writing. The interviewer gets annoying due to his unnecessary struggle with the universe of philosophical and existential crisis. However; the words of Maharaj exhibit a sort of brilliance, a sort of light, that CANNOT be put into terms of a book-review. Buy this book not to read every sentence from start to finish, but to expose yourself directly (on any page) to the light of the mind of Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj.
Incites Spiritual Depth in the Reader.......2007-08-30
A well done summary of Sri N.M.'s advice to seekers. It doesn't take long to catch the simple principles that lead to greater insights into the divine self. While the documented dialog does get repetitive after a point it still compels the reader to further introspection and engagement. Highly recommended for the serious seeker.
My favorite .......2007-08-23
My favorite book in the world. I've read it 4 times and I imagine I'll read it another 10 times! It was recommended by a friend, and it was his favorite book, too. He had read it 3 or 4 times when he loaned it to me very reluctantly. So I definitely had to purchase my own copy.
THE MOST LUCID BOOK ON THE SUBJECT--GET IT!!!.......2007-07-14
I had come across this book many times over the years, and had thought that Nisargaadatta looked like a "wild-eyed crazy person." This scared me away from reading his book, until about a year ago. I had been completely wrong about him, and judged him only by his looks. I had also thought that the black and yellow cover of the book was so bold and intense that it seemed really "fringe," but I was also wrong about that. My mistake! I judged a book by its cover, thinking that Nisargadatta was out to convert people into a cult, or something like that. That's a bunch of NONSENSE. It's bold and intense because the publishers know that the book is dead-on about the truth and are not afraid to announce it, not because Nisargadatta is trying to blind you with a bunch of pseudo-spiritual crap.
So, one day I became curious about the book, and read some sections on Amazon. I was amazed at the quality of the communication! No riddles, no bullsh-t, no vague leading-on of the reader, no mindgames. It was as clear as a pure diamond, and incredibly INTERESTING.
I am so glad that I finally got over my prejudices and read this book. Before and after I read this book, I'd read works by Ramana Maharshi, Vivekananda, Ramakrishna, Sailor Bob Adamson, John Wheeler, Leo Hartong, and many others, but this one is THE MOST LUCID BOOK ON THE SUBJECT, period.
Unlike some Advaitan authors, like Gangaji, for example, Nisargadatta DOES NOT PLAY "HIDE THE BALL" with you. Gangaji hides the ball behind opaque, riddle-like nonsense and she makes money off of it, too. I've seen Gangaji speak in person, on videos, heard her on audio, and read some of her writings, and while many like her, I think that she's leading people down a path of needless confusion and makes people worse-off by leading them astray through a maze of irrelevancies and BABBLE. Clearly thinking herself ABOVE the masses--although she claims to be an Advaitin, which is purely contradictory!--she'll just look her stage guests in the eye and start in on her "knowing" laughter, or smile at them silently. Whatever. There's no mojo flowing from her during her "Satsang," just a bunch of devotees plopping down $20 to hear her prattle on in circles as she leads them into a paralyzing maze of verbiage. It's totally annoying. Her delivery is so baffling and time-wasting that few people in the audience even knew what the hell she was getting at. I felt like standing up and shouting: "Look, people, what she's trying to say is that YOU ARE GOD, DUH!!!" She's completely cryptic and self-obsessed, and of course being obsessed with your own ego is the OPPOSITE of Advaita.
Many "teachers," like her, mean well. Yes. But if they can't communicate, they should go home and leave people alone before they do any more damage. They may have understanding inside of them, but if they can't inspire understanding in others, they have NO BUSINESS acting like they're "teachers."
Nisargadatta, on the other hand, doesn't f-ck around with his audience in order to make himself seem larger than life, or in order to make a buck. He was poor his whole life, but still communicated the message with vastly more clarity and directness than any white-robe-clad goon with a fat bank account and a penchant for acting like The Riddler.
Even writers like John Wheeler just repeat their vague assertions thousands of times in a row with no new content delivered. Nisargadatta, on the other hand, has an astounding knack for communicating LUCIDLY with the reader. His questioners aren't "nice and polite" like Gangaji's are. No, they ask him tough questions and sometimes argue with him, and he answers their questions dead-on. They don't worship him and treat every word he says like it's true, even if they don't understand it. No, they challenge him, and the reader is better off for it.
He's down-to-earth, he's incredibly insightful, and the book will change your life!
I also heartily recommend Leo Hartong and Ramana Maharshi...
Book Description
The gripping international bestseller about motherhood gone awry
Eva never really wanted to be a mother—and certainly not the mother of the unlovable boy who murdered seven of his fellow high school students, a cafeteria worker, and a much-adored teacher who tried to befriend him, all two days before his sixteenth birthday. Now, two years later, it is time for her to come to terms with marriage, career, family, parenthood, and Kevin's horrific rampage in a series of startlingly direct correspondences with her estranged husband, Franklyn. Uneasy with the sacrifices and social demotion of motherhood from the start, Eva fears that her alarming dislike for her own son may be responsible for driving him so nihilistically off the rails.
Customer Reviews:
Disturbingly Good Book.......2007-09-18
Although I found this book to be written about very disturbing subject matter, I also found it to be very well written and compellingly readable. The mother of Kevin chronicles the ongoing crisis situation of an upwardly mobile New York couple and their decision to start a family. Dire consequences follow when their first child is nearly 16. The "narrator," in a series of letters to her huband reveals what happened with tantalizing glimpses of her life at present and the life of her family in the past.
Shriver also makes sly yet poignant commentary on American culture throughout the book, and it really works in this context, not ever coming across as condemning or preachy. She writes what is real, and gives life to her characters in the suburban, upper-class environment they live in.
I don't want to give too much of this book away, but Shriver does an excellent job with this storyline. This is sophisticated writing with incredible character development and a great story that actually has meaning, something that seems to be lacking in so much popular literature of the day.
A Chilling, Riveting, Brilliant Page Turner.......2007-09-16
This is one of the best books I've read in a while and I read everything! It is riveting, creepy, intelligent, and profound. I just devoured it. It's one of those stories that stays with you long after you finish the last page. This was my first book of Lionel Shriver's and I can't wait to read more of her stuff. Great book!
Excellent, Disturbing Read.......2007-09-14
A Novel, a story - that's what I had to keep telling myself. One that stays with you. The Negative to "My Sister's Keeper" - just as haunting.
Brilliant and compelling.......2007-09-04
This book held my interest all the way through even though parts of it could have been a bit more condensed. Kevin sent chills up my spine.
I found it very difficult to sympathize with his mother, but I also found it difficult not to examine my own style of parenting as compared to her style and her husband's.
I think the book was far superior to Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult.
Mesmerizing, hauntingly so...........2007-08-27
The novel is based upon a series of letters that the protagonist, Eva, writes to her husband, wanting to understand what went wrong with Kevin, what made Kevin do what he did. The letters are truly mesmerizing in a horrible/haunting sort of way. I was reminded of Lovely Bones, where the horror of the act that Kevin committed is not as terrible as you think it might be, that you can stomach it if only because you want to understand how it came about.
Eva is by her own admission, not the best of mothers. Still her letters are so well written, at times the word choice so exquisite, the stories she tells so commanding, that you pull back and think 'this is an intelligent woman' and you admire her and wish you could know her. Other times you despise her and want to shake her and say 'how could you pit yourself against him all the time, be reasonable' . In the end I felt only pity for her, she obviously didn't realize what she had when she had it and she failed to recognize the warning signs. So she confines herself to her own little hell, and in the end comes to understand more about her son and herself - perhaps more than she ever really planned too.
Shriver is a dark writer - by her own admission (at the end of the book we get a conversation with Shriver about Kevin, about books she recommends...). She is very convincing at portraying Eva as a successful woman who occasionally suffers from insistent whining...ah, but such is the dilemma of first person novels... and Eva is perhaps sometimes too much the villain, but then hind sight is always better than foresight...Still this is brilliantly written and well worth reading, a letter at a time. I could even forgive Shriver's use of "mobile" instead of cell phone (apparently, Shriver has been residing in London for a very long time). Shriver's character, Eva, most likely would have used the word 'mobile' rather than 'cell', if just to distance herself from the general rabble so I let it slide, figuring it to be more in keeping with Eva's character, although at first I felt it a grating mistake for one who is so bent on being right and supposedly American.
A haunting tale that captures your attention and holds it through 400 pages wanting to know how it ends...
Amazon.com
When Terrence Real was studying to be a therapist, he accepted the notion that women suffered depression at rates several times that of men. Now he believes that conventional wisdom is wrong, that there has been a great cultural cover-up of depression in men. Real is convinced of the existence of a mental illness that is passed from fathers to sons in the form of rage, workaholism, distanced relationships from loved ones, and self-destructive behaviors ranging from stupid choices at work and in love to drug and alcohol abuse. Men reading I Don't Want to Talk About It will probably recognize themselves in every chapter, while women will recognize their partners--and, of course, both sexes will see their fathers in a new light.
Book Description
Twenty years of experience treating men and their families has convinced
psychotherapist Terrence Real that depression is a silent epidemic in men -- that
men hide their condition from family, friends, and themselves to avoid the stigma
of depression's "un-manliness." Problems that we think of as typically
male -- difficulty with intimacy, workaholism, alcoholism, abusive behavior, and
rage-are really attempts to escape depression. And these escape attempts only
hurt the people men love and pass their condition on to their children.
This groundbreaking book is the "pathway out of darkness" that these men and
their families seek. Real reveals how men can unearth their pain, heal
themselves, restore relationships, and break the legacy of abuse. He mixes
penetrating analysis with compelling tales of his patients and even his own
experiences with depression as the son of a violent, depressed father and the
father of two young sons.
Download Description
Each year, millions of men and women fall prey to depression. While the disorder has been called "psychiatry's most treatable condition", less than one in five get help. In recent years, the silence surrounding depression in women has begun to lift, but only now, with this powerful groundbreaking work, does psychotherapist Terrence Real expose a virtual epidemic of the disorder in men. Twenty years of experience treating men and their families has convinced Terrence Real that there are two forms of depression: "overt" and "covert". Feeling the stigma of depression's "unmanliness", many men hide their condition not only from family and friends but even from themselves. Attempts to escape depression fuel many of the problems we think of as typically male - difficulty with intimacy, workaholism, alcoholism, abusive behavior, and rage. By directing their pain outward, depressed men hurt the people they love, and, most tragically, pass their condition on to their children. A master storyteller, Terrence Real mixes penetrating analysis with poignant, compelling tales of the men and women whom he treats. He writes with passion and searing clarity about his own experiences with depression, as the son of a depressed, violent father, and the father of two young sons.
Customer Reviews:
I Don't Want to Talk about It: Over Coming the Secret Legacy of Male Depression.......2007-08-31
Should be required reading for every male because it would help them to much greater happiness. If we all realized how male socialization helps mold ALL males, willingly AND unwillingly become soldiers treating ALL of their interactions as battles and ALL people as enemies or potential enemies who must be controlled or defeated.
An uncomfortable but needed book.......2007-08-11
This is the second book on male depression I have read (first being Archibald Hart's Understanding Male Depression and out of print). Not written from a Christian perspective but a good read and useful for all men at every age-in other words, it's never too late nor too early to read this book! He has an insightful discussion about the active and passive abuse that occurs to many men in the socialization process, a process that teaches us to hold emotions at a distance. What I take away from the book is that many men suffer from covert or overt depression. They have learned to cover up the pain of their depression with addictive behavior which may lead to abuse or irresponsibility toward others and by keeping relationships at a distance emotionally. When things collapse or their self-medication attempts fail, the depression breaks out.
One of my favorite quotes: "The essential shift in question that marks a depressed man's transformation is the shift from: What shall I get? to: What can I offer? . . . Recovery demands a move into generativity." 321
For more look up my blog at ruach.wordpress.com
This book can help you.......2007-06-27
If you are in a relationship with a depressed person, this book can help save your sanity. Depression is very insideous and destructive. This book can help you avoid some of the pitfalls and understand what drives your depressed loved one. My therapist recommended it and it truly helped me see the illness for what it is.
Overcoming? Not Quite.......2007-04-03
This was a very well written book, and has plenty to sympathize with. The portions about forced male gender roles contributing to ongoing inner turmoil isn't bad, though i'm not entirely convinced that's a major contributing factor to male depression.
The big problem here is: THIS IS NOT A SELF HELP BOOK. The title is "overcoming" male depression, but the author does not lay out a game plan. What he tells you, you've already been told: Go find a shrink. Great. So much for saving thousands of dollars on years of therapy on a do-it-yourself approach.
Disppointed.......2007-01-11
This is a difficult read, its mostly composites and difficult to glean any real clinical information. Admittedly i haven't gotten though the entire book yet. Unmasking Male Depression is much better for clinical information, if you can stomach being preached at.
Book Description
Couples consistently name “improved communication” as the greatest need in their relationships. Love Talk is a deep yet simple plan full of new insights that will revolutionize communication in love relationships. Includes The Love Talk Indicator, a free personalized online assessment ($30.00 value).
Customer Reviews:
What Kind of Love Talk Are We Talking About?.......2007-06-14
This book includes some very helpful grids for helping spouses ( or friends - or enemies!) to understand each other. It would have rated higher with me if it had emphasized more the attitude of a servant spirit to which God calls His people, and the distinctive commands to the wife and the husband.The Excellent Wife: A Biblical Perspective
Love Talk Book.......2006-12-22
I bought this book in hopes to find more knowledge about how to communicate better, however I soon discovered that the book coincides with a workbook. Every chapter describes scenarios/experiences that the authors went through but is followed by "please see the workbook" to find out on how to communicate better. So buy the workbook if you want to get the full use of this book as well as reap the benefits in your relationship.
On the upside the book does have some good examples of what types of communication styles there are. I hoped this is helpful.
Excellent Guide to Enriching Communication.......2005-10-15
I am still working through the book but it has been an excellent guide to improving communication skills at all levels.
Deep Wisdom Practically Explained and Applied.......2005-07-17
"Love Talk" is a very practical book that is also very deep. What a rare combination. Far too often we find deep books that are vague and impractical or how-to manuals that are shallow and unbiblical. "Love Talk," as the authors accurately label it, is "a deep yet simple plan full of new insights that will revolutionize communication in love relationships."
Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott help couples to go deep by identifying their fear factor (a catchy and helpful phrase)--a soul issue necessary to expose for soul talk by soul mates. They then help couples to go simple (but not simplistically so) by helping husbands and wives to determine their communication styles.
They also help couples to go deep by exposing the deep mystery of the male-female relationship, doing so in a way that honors the complex nature of masculinity and femininity. They then also go simple by sharing a "doable" plan for moving husband-wife communication from good to great (another catchy and encouraging phrase).
"Love Talk" offers many deep/simple tools such as the Love Talk Inidicator, the Secret to Emotional Connection, and a short course on Communication 101. Two companion his and her workbooks provide exercises and self-test to help couples apply the content and concepts contained in "Love Talk."
Reviewer: Dr. Robert W. Kellemen is the author of "Soul Physicians," "Spiritual Friends," and "Beyond the Suffering: Embracing the Legacy of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction."
College student.......2005-07-01
I got this book because it was required for a class taught by Les & Leslie Parrott at Seattle Pacific University. The class and book are awesome! I'm not married, but I still learned a lot of practical tips for communicating with my future wife (hopefully) and even my friends and family!
They truly taught me a lot about the importance of communication & understanding each other...then you'll reach Love Talk!
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- Hearts Divided: 5-B Poppy Lane\The Apple Orchard\Liberty Hall
- His Rules: God's Practical Road Map for Becoming and Attracting Mr. or Mrs. Right
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- Hope Rising: Stories from the Ranch of Rescued Dreams
- Horton Hears A Who! (Classic Seuss)
- Keeping a Nature Journal: Discover a Whole New Way of Seeing the World Around You
Books Index
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Personal Transformation
| Self-Help
| Health, Mind & Body
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| Books
Praying God's Word Day by Day
Facing Your Giants: The God Who Made a Miracle Out of David Stands Ready to Make One Out of You
Praying God's Word: Breaking Free From Spiritual Strongholds
Breaking Free: Making Liberty In Christ A Reality In Life
Believing God
