Divine Madness (Cherub)

Book Description

CHERUB agents are all seventeen and under. They wear skate tees and hemp, and look like regular kids. But they're not. They are trained professionals who are sent out on missions to spy on terrorists and international drug dealers. CHERUB agents hack into computers, bug entire houses, and download crucial documents. It is a highly dangerous job. For their safety, these agents DO NOT EXIST.

When CHERUB uncovers a link between eco-terrorist group Help Earth and a wealthy religious cult known as The Survivors, James is sent to their isolated outback headquarters on an infiltration mission. It's a thousand kilometers to the closest town, and James is under massive pressure from the cult's brainwashing techniques. This time he's not just fighting terrorists.... He's got to battle for his own mind.

Customer Reviews:

teenage book.......2007-03-27

I purchased this book for my 14-year old son. He loves this series. Read each book in a couple of days because he couldn't set it down.

Divine Madness: Ten Stories of Creative Struggle

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Loved it!
Approach with Caution
One Star for the Choice of People, One Star for the Work

Divine Madness: Ten Stories of Creative Struggle
Jeffrey A. Kottler
Manufacturer: Jossey-Bass
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Creativity & Genius | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0787994138

Book Description

"Madness can afford the individual certain resources and abilities that are not available to others. The fantasy life, free flight of ideas, distortions of reality, and heightened senses . . . offer a unique perspective on the world."
—From the Introduction

Why do some extraordinary individuals overcome mental anguish and produce brilliant creative artistry that is often enhanced by their madness? New York Times best-selling author and noted psychologist Jeffrey Kottler explores this fascinating question in Divine Madness. His book is filled with the compelling stories of emotional turmoil that many great artists have undergone as they struggle for success and survival.

Jeffrey Kottler writes about the dramatic and tragic lives of cultural icons Sylvia Plath, Judy Garland, Mark Rothko, Ernest Hemingway, Virginia Woolf, Charles Mingus, Vaslav Nijinsky, Marilyn Monroe, Lenny Bruce, and Brian Wilson. In this riveting book, Kottler highlights the personal story of each of these extraordinary individuals and analyzes how they struggled to overcome their emotional hardships.

Divine Madness clearly differentiates between those who surrendered to their illness, often taking their own lives, and those who managed to endure and even recover. Kottler details how their profound psychological issues affected their lives and work, their great productivity and success, and how they strove to achieve some kind of personal stability.

The fascinating and brilliantly told stories in Divine Madness help us to find meaning in the incredible lives of these artists. They also serve as an inspiration for those who are grappling to rise above their own challenges and limitations and express themselves more productively and creatively.

Download Description

Dramatic stories of famous artists who suffered emotional turmoil in their quest for success and survival In this engaging story of the emotional origins of creativity, Jeffrey Kottler writes about the dramatic and tragic lives of such genius artists as Judy Garland, Sylvia Plath, Ernest Hemingway, Virginia Woolf, Marilyn Monroe, Brian Wilson, Lenny Bruce, Mark Rothko, and others. In each case, he writes a fascinating personal story that also analyzes how each of these exceptional women and men struggled to overcome their emotional hardships, and how their psychological issues impacted their lives and work, as well as their great productivity and success. Jeffrey Kottler, PhD (Fullerton, CA), is Professor and Chairman of the Department of Counseling at California State University, Fullerton, and author or coauthor of 60 books, including the New York Times bestseller The Last Victim (0-446-52340-2) with Jason Moss.

Customer Reviews:

Loved it!.......2007-04-30

I am a college student in an abnormal psychology class. Divine Madness was for extra credit. I did not want to put the book down, I loved it. The stories are all very intrigueing, and things I never knew about some of the "stars" in the book. I would reccommend it for those that like psychology.

Approach with Caution.......2006-04-04

Poorly Written, January 25, 2006
Being a "doctor" does not necessarily make one a good writer, which is the case here. The subject matter is intriguing for sure, but the author here does nothing to elevate the subject matter beyond what is already quite well-known. What is surprising and a little unsettling however, in regards to having this written by a "doctor" is the continued use of expressions like "she wasn't quite right in the head" and the complete lack of medical insight, and more importantly, respect. There is also a general disrespect for women-- or rather "girls"-- as the author prefers to call them. Some of the facts are completely incorrect, and one wonders who the fact checkers and editors on this project are. The psychiatric and medical credibility of the author is nill, as well as the ability to write well. It is up for debate within which of these two trades he is most lacking in skill, ability, talent or integrity.

One Star for the Choice of People, One Star for the Work.......2006-02-14

I agree with BogWoz that this is a sloppy treatment of the artists' lives that does little to add any new insights.

Being a follower of Charles Mingus and Lenny Bruce, I was interested in seeing what the author would say. Instead he mentions that Mingus's childhood friend Britt Woodman went on to play trombone with Miles Davis (he means Duke Ellington), and that the position in which the deceased Lenny Bruce was discovered was manipulated by the police (the police did wrap a bathrobe sash back around his arm and placed a box in the background that was labeled "syringe" -- although it was a bulb syringe and not hypodermic...the odd position of the body came from Bruce's friend discovering him and falling as he picked him up).

Albert Goldman's "Ladies and Gentleman -- Lenny Bruce!" is plagiarized (the mention of Lenny's mother nagging him to "Eat better. Exercise. Take care of himself..." is a direct lift from Goldman's work) and likely other biographies are borrowed from liberally.

Kottler also says things that are overblown such as "Judy Garland is perhaps the greatest performer ever...Garland's 1961 Carnegie performance is perhaps the greatest performance ever...Mingus is perhaps the greatest bass player ever." Everyone in the book is a master of their particular art, but anyone who would admire these artists would know that there are equally great artists who influenced or were influenced by these people. Is Kottler trying to validate his work by hammering at the idea that the people he's writing about are the most important ever? Why not Elvis? Why not Montgomery Clift (equally as messed up as Judy...and by the way, Judy and Monty were both in "Judgment at Nuremberg" but not in any scenes together, so Kottler citing Clift as an actor of caliber that Judy performed with is fudging the facts)? Why not Charlie Parker (way more messed up than Mingus, yet Parker is the model that Mingus is held to)? Why not Pollock, Roethke, Delmore Schwartz, James Dean, Richard Pryor?

Or are you planning "More Divine Madness: The Creative Struggle Continues"?

"Divine Madness": Plato's Case Against Secular Humanism

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Pieper on being authentic
Human Existence is Possible through Openness to the Divine
Inspiring book

"Divine Madness": Plato's Case Against Secular Humanism
Josef Pieper
Manufacturer: Ignatius Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0898705576

Customer Reviews:

Pieper on being authentic.......2001-05-10

Pieper's interpretation of Plato's late Dialogue Phaedrus, and how Plato's views of where and how divine inspiration comes about, or what he calls "being-beside-oneself". Of all of Pieper's books I have read, thus far, none conjured up similarities of thought to Von Eschenbach's "Parzival", or Joseph campbell, or Allan Watts as this book does. His discription of the complications of staying in the state of "being-besides-oneself" may be the sort of advice Parzival might have used on his first experience of being in the Grail Castle; or, for that matter, for a surfer riding a wave. Pieper says the trouble is, "He can on condition (of being-besides-oneself) that when recieving the impetus born of emotion, he accepts and sustains it in lasting purity. In this context the possibilities of corruption, adulteration, dissimulation, pretension, and psuedo-actualization lie dangeriously close." It reminds me of Joseph Campbell saying "the privilidge of a life-time is being who you are"; or Allan Watts discussing the benifits of living in spontaneity, trusting in one's first thoughts, without the duelistic inner voice of self-doubt that makes one a splintered person; or, for that matter, "The Force"; or, further, the Kaballa's admiration of chaos; or Albert Camus' facination with the absurd. Pieper, in a nutshell, states that this divinely inspired "being-besides-oneself" may come from an unforseen act of chaos or "ecstatic frenzy"; or submission to god, creation; or Poetic mania; or beauty (of a very specific nature). Peiper, seemed to be saying, that like the Holy Grail, this "being-besides-oneslef" is a difficult thing to find if one is, on the whole, consciously looking for it. Pieper seemed to struggle to find a voice for this book, and it didn't seem entirely complete, thus the 4 stars.

Human Existence is Possible through Openness to the Divine.......2000-12-02

This little book lacks Josef Pieper's usually flare, but it is still very good.

The subtitle is very important -- "Plato's Case Against Secular Humanism" -- for it tells us what Peiper is up to. He is arguing against secular humanism which he defines in the following way:

"We do not need any supernatural answers; we ourselves takes care of any psychological problems that call for relief; any "art" that neither satisfies a specific need, even if this need is only entertainment, nor serves the political and technological control of the world is not welcome; and above all, sexuality must not be hindered in its expressions or idealized romantically."

Pieper responds to this anthropology through a careful analysis of Plato's "Phaedrus." His answer can be divided in the following four points:

1. It is only when the human person looses his or her rational sovereignty that he or she can gain a wealth of intuition, light, truth, and insight into the MYSTERY of reality.

2. It is only when we realize that we have inherited the guilt of the human race -- i.e., that in some way, we are all responsible for the moral evils in the world -- can we open ourselves up to Divine Healing.

3. True poetry transcends rationality insofar that is originates in divine inspiration. (Note: this is one of the sub-themes of the Dead Poet's Society.)

4. Natural beauty must be seen as a metaphor for divine beauty. Natural beauty gives us an eschatological awareness by awakening in us a yearning to behold divine beauty.

This book is not very easy to read, but very profound, especially if you are interested in a philosophical starting point for dialogue with modern and post-modern men and women.

Inspiring book.......2000-05-15

This is a short essay on the real location of happiness. Pieper writes this book in a sofisticated way (perhaps is the translation) but his ideas are clear and deep.

Enthusiasm and Divine Madness: On the Platonic Dialogue Phaedrus

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Enthusiasm and Divine Madness: On the Platonic Dialogue Phaedrus
Josef Pieper
Manufacturer: St. Augustine's Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 189031823X

Book Description

Plato's famous dialogue, the Phaedrus, was variously subtitled in antiquity: "On Beauty," "On Love," "On the Psyche." It is also concerned with the art of rhetoric, of thought and communication.

Customer Reviews:

Jackson delivers in style.......2006-11-29

I love Melanie Jackson's books because she is dancing to a different drummer. Praise me. If we could pick up a book and KNOW what it's going to be like wouldn't that be very dull? I never guess what her books are going to be, just let them happy and enjoy the creativity.

This one is dark, sexy, edgy. And very original.

Not what I was expecting........2006-11-14

I guess when I purchased this novel I was expecting a paranormal romance. But it was more of a horror novel with the romance thrown in as an after thought. Another thing that bothered me was the book started out in third person and then half way through it went to first person, I guess I like my book to stay in one POV. There was alot of random violence, I don't think was really necessary. I was expecting something alot different when I picked up this novel. I enjoyed her pervious works. But this one I didn't care for.

Wonderfully dark and horrific!!!.......2006-09-17

This is not your standard romance novel with the standard romance plot. This is a book that is a horrific s/f novel with romantic elements. After reading Harriet's review, you know know a bit about what the story line is. I am going to tell you WHO would like this book. The person that would like this book (and the previous book in this series) is a person who loves to read dark science fiction and horror. A person that likes to read books about people on the run from supernatural beings that have no qualms about killing anyone that gets in their way. A person who reads Ann Rice, Laurell K. Hamilton, and Stephen King.

This is NOT a light hearted tramp through the poppies. This is a dark run through the deserts of Mexico with madmen and demons on your tail. After this book, I slept with the lights on for 2 days. Whoa!!! I really loved this book!

Bore.......2006-09-09

I usually read a book in a day or two. This book was so boring, after my 3rd day trying to get through it, I gave up. I kept falling asleep or skipping sections just to get through. I found it to be dull, confusing, and slow. This is my first Melanie Jackson book. I have to say I do not enjoy her style of writing. I will not be reading another.

"Divinely Boring" is more like or "Mad from Boredom".......2006-09-05

After 'Divine Fire" what a disappointment...I normally love Jackson's books, but this one really was a dry, dead read...I agree with the other reviewer, it was hard to read it took me 4 days, I had to force myself to finish it......There was no connection with the characters and the romance and other aspects of the book felt forced & unresolved....I'm not one for bashing authors, but this book really was a poor follow up & I found it to be a confused mess, even though I understood the dark tone she was trying for....

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For anyone who has considered a religous life
A Must For All Women

Divine Madness: Why I Am Still a Nun
Karol Jackowski
Manufacturer: Ave Maria Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Women | Specific Groups | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

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Sisters: An Inside Look (Vocations)

ASIN: 0877935947

Customer Reviews:

For anyone who has considered a religous life.......2000-09-27

This little book it one of the best books about being called to a religous life and what it's like to follow that call. I've read a lot of books about life as a nun and this one is the one that spoke to me the most. It adresses many aspects of why one would choose to become a nun and why one would want to stay. Her writing style is easy to read and laced with humour. I would want Sister Karol Jackowski as a friend. But then again, after reading this book and "Ten Fun Things To Do Before You Die", I kind of feel like she already is.

A Must For All Women.......2000-07-19

My favorite book by Karol Jackowski, Divine Madness, relates to all women, not just nuns. By sharing her experiences and inner feelings, Sister Karol, allows us to look into ourselves and find a common bond. She brings to light the relationships woman share and often take for granted.

Average customer rating:

An Encouraging Eye-Opener

Divine Madness
Shellee A. Mitchell
Manufacturer: Thirst for Bread, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0977877507

Product Description

Desperate Single Mom Pursues Last Hope. For a single mother raising two kids on a small income and overcoming pain from an abuse past, God was the only One to turn to. At a time when religion is under attack in America--from the California Supreme Court's "Pledge Of Allegiance" ruling to state lawmakers debating taking the word "God" off public buildings--author Shellee A. Mitchell, a single mother, believes God should come first. In her new book, "Divine Madness," Shellee tells a story about faith, hope and God's divine intervention when the world seemed to be crashing down. "I had an inner struggle with my faith and my beliefs," said Shellee. "'Divine Madness' illustrates how the struggles within us affect the movement and attitude of our physical presence and surrounding environment." "Divine Madness" is based on Shellee's life and discusses such difficult issues as abuse, molestation, sexual promiscuity and failed marriage.

Customer Reviews:

An Encouraging Eye-Opener.......2007-02-10

I think this book pulls on the heart string of what so many of us are looking for today in the world - love; affection; attention; respect; honor; the desperate need for approval wherever and however we can get it; to fit in, to belong. We've all been there. But in the end, we find that the only thing that truly matters most, is the ultimate, assured VICTORY delivered to us through the cross of Christ.

Ms. Mitchell, i say congratulations to you for overcoming the struggle and obtaining for yourself and maintaining the affixed and sure victory of Christ Jesus Our Lord. Knowing Him and having Him for yourself. Amen.

Alleluia.

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Divine Madness
John Haule
Manufacturer: Shambhala
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0877734836
Release Date: 1990-04-14

THE SEVEN (7) DEADLY SINS OF SCIENCE FICTION: Sail 25; Divine Madness; Hook the Eye and Whip; Midas Plague; Man Who Ate the Worlds; Margin of Profit; Peeping Tom; Invisible Man Murder Case; Galley Slave

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Very Hard to Find but A Few Good Stories Especially The Invisible Man Murder Case

THE SEVEN (7) DEADLY SINS OF SCIENCE FICTION: Sail 25; Divine Madness; Hook the Eye and Whip; Midas Plague; Man Who Ate the Worlds; Margin of Profit; Peeping Tom; Invisible Man Murder Case; Galley Slave
Isaac; Waugh, Charles G.; Greenberg, Martin H. (editors) (Jack Vance; Roger Zelazny; Michael G. Coney; Frederik Pohl; Poul Anderson; Judith Merril; Henry Slesar) Asimov
Manufacturer: Fawcett Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000GVS9F6

Customer Reviews:

Very Hard to Find but A Few Good Stories Especially The Invisible Man Murder Case.......2007-09-29

The 7 Deadly Sins of Science Fiction is a various author anthology published in 1980. The stories inside are older still with the most recent first published in 1974 with most in the mid 1950s. Stories are set in the real world, space, future and present time (well 1950s anyway). They cover topics such as space travel cadets who have a lazy captain adult supervisor and have to make it to Mars and back when someone is sabotaging their ship and it seems likely to be the captain. A serial killer who is an invisible man, a soldier with a destroyed leg in Southeast Asia learning supernatural skills from an old man in a small village down the road from his MASH hospital bed and a robot on trial in a court of law. This isn't the first time any of these stories were published but since they are so old they are probably not going to be any easier to obtain elsewhere.

There are nine stories in total falling under the 7 deadly sins categories. The 7th sin apparently is often disputed to be either Avarice or Covetousness with either appearing as the seventh sin depending on the historic source, so both sins are included in this collection. They are -
SLOTH: Sail 25 (1962) by Jack Vance
LUST: Peeping Tom (1954) by Judith Merril
ENVY: The Invisible Man Murder Case (1958) by Henry Slesar
PRIDE: Galley Slave (1957) by Issac Asimov
ANGER: Divine Madness (1966) by Roger Zelazny
Gluttony: The Midas Plague by (1954) Federik Pohl
The Man Who Ate the World (1956) by Federik Pohl
Avarice: Margin or Profit (1956) by Puol Anderson
Covetousness: The Hook, the Eye and the Whip (1974) by Michael G. Coney

The stories inside do vary in quality from very, very average to very, very good. The pick of the stories inside is Henry Slesar's The Invisible Man Murder Case. Jeff Oswald a successful writer is invited to give a speech at the Mystery Authors Association banquet even though he doesn't believe his books fall under the mystery category. There he meets his childhood idol author Kirk Evander who he quickly learns hates his guts. Evander blames authors like Oswald for the decline of the classic detective story. In the days following, three murders occur where the victim are found in a room locked from the inside (obviously they didn't have self locking doors in the 1950s), the last victim is Evander. Oswald's publisher sends out media releases that Oswald is going to track down the killer of his friend so to put the lie in motion Oswald agrees to meet Evander's brother Dr Borg Evander. In the scientist's lab although the scientist knows very little about his brother, Oswald meets Borg's cat which is completely invisible. Borg has invented a substance he calls Sulfaborgonium which when painted on anything turns it invisible. Dr Borg Evander can see no use for this accidentally invented product but being a writer Oswald can, and he thinks he knows how the murders were committed and that it's pretty obvious that his former idol has given this paste to the killer. As the body count rises it becomes obvious to Oswald that he'll have to catch this invisible man killer or become the next victim!

BETTE! DIVINE MADNESS - PLAYBILL - DECEMBER 1979

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BETTE! DIVINE MADNESS - PLAYBILL - DECEMBER 1979
MARLA (CHOREOGRAPHED BY) BLAKEY
Manufacturer: MAJESTIC THEATRE
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000WAO3F6

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