Phillips' Book of Great Thoughts & Funny Sayings: A Stupendous Collection of Quotes, Quips, Epigrams, Witticisms, and Humorous Comments. For Personal Enjoyment and Ready Reference.

Average customer rating:

Just Okay

delightful

Phillips' Book of Great Thoughts & Funny Sayings: A Stupendous Collection of Quotes, Quips, Epigrams, Witticisms, and Humorous C

Neither Great nor Funny

rewarding read ..

Phillips' Book of Great Thoughts & Funny Sayings: A Stupendous Collection of Quotes, Quips, Epigrams, Witticisms, and Humorous Comments. For Personal Enjoyment and Ready Reference.

Manufacturer: Tyndale House Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Quotations | Reference | Subjects | Books
General | Foreign Languages | Reference | Subjects | Books
Look Inside Entertainment Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Look Inside Nonfiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Look Inside Reference Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

The Most Brilliant Thoughts of All Time (In Two Lines or Less)

Oxymoronica: Paradoxical Wit & Wisdom From History's Greatest Wordsmiths

Quotable Quotes

Great Quotes from Great Leaders

Best Quotations for All Occasions

ASIN: 0842350357

Book Description

From Bible quotes and Christian teachings to the words of renowned historical figures, this collection of over 3,800 entries offers wit, wisdom, and an emphasis on practical living.

Customer Reviews:

Just Okay.......2007-05-07

While this book does have plenty of quotes and sayings to choose from, the organization doesn't make a lot of sense. When you're quickly looking for a motivational quote, you end up referencing several different sections to find what you're looking for. Don't get me wrong, it's fine and has plenty of content but it's just not intuitive to use.

delightful.......2006-07-23

I picked this book up in a store to browse through while waiting for the wife to finish shopping. Started laughing so hard at some of the entries, I had to wipe the tears away. Other sayings were insightful and wise. Ended up walking out of the store with it.

It's great for the bathroom or bedside. Easy to pick up and put down at any time. The reason I'm here writing this is because I plan on purchasing some copies for relatives as gifts.

Phillips' Book of Great Thoughts & Funny Sayings: A Stupendous Collection of Quotes, Quips, Epigrams, Witticisms, and Humorous C.......2006-01-29

I bought this for a friend

Neither Great nor Funny.......2002-03-08

Probably would best serve entry level speakers. Quick reference for simple needs. The kind of stuff "Inro to Speech" in college was made of. Sparce, very sparce, on the humorous side and lacking citations for many quotations. I'll keep it on the shelf but it won't be the first place I look for quotes or quips.

rewarding read .........2000-06-11

this is a fantastic book to have around to read thoroughly or just to browse at your leisure. the quotes and comments vary a great deal covering many different issues and situations.

this book would come in especially handy for an individual who speaks in public. chances are if you're looking for an ice breaker or a clever anecdote, it's in this book.

Book Description

We usually consider literary thinking to be peripheral and dispensable, an activity for specialists: poets, prophets, lunatics, and babysitters. Certainly we do not think it is the basis of the mind. We think of stories and parables from Aesop's Fables or The Thousand and One Nights, for example, as exotic tales set in strange lands, with spectacular images, talking animals, and fantastic plots--wonderful entertainments, often insightful, but well removed from logic and science, and entirely foreign to the world of everyday thought. But Mark Turner argues that this common wisdom is wrong. The literary mind--the mind of stories and parables--is not peripheral but basic to thought. Story is the central principle of our experience and knowledge. Parable--the projection of story to give meaning to new encounters--is the indispensable tool of everyday reason. Literary thought makes everyday thought possible. This book makes the revolutionary claim that the basic issue for cognitive science is the nature of literary thinking. In The Literary Mind, Turner ranges from the tools of modern linguistics, to the recent work of neuroscientists such as Antonio Damasio and Gerald Edelman, to literary masterpieces by Homer, Dante, Shakespeare, and Proust, as he explains how story and projection--and their powerful combination in parable--are fundamental to everyday thought. In simple and traditional English, he reveals how we use parable to understand space and time, to grasp what it means to be located in space and time, and to conceive of ourselves, other selves, other lives, and other viewpoints. He explains the role of parable in reasoning, in categorizing, and in solving problems. He develops a powerful model of conceptual construction and, in a far-reaching final chapter, extends it to a new conception of the origin of language that contradicts proposals by such thinkers as Noam Chomsky and Steven Pinker. Turner argues that story, projection, and parable precede grammar, that language follows from these mental capacities as a consequence. Language, he concludes, is the child of the literary mind. Offering major revisions to our understanding of thought, conceptual activity, and the origin and nature of language, The Literary Mind presents a unified theory of central problems in cognitive science, linguistics, neuroscience, psychology, and philosophy. It gives new and unexpected answers to classic questions about knowledge, creativity, understanding, reason, and invention.

Customer Reviews:

O Occam - where is thy razor?.......2003-03-17

As previous reviewers have observed, though this book is eight chapters long you really don't need to read the whole book to get the message - because however radical some readers may think it, the basic idea really doesn't amount to much.

To summarise the whole business:

1. Chomsky says that we can only explain grammar by assuming the existence of a mental organ which no-one has identified or located and wich, according to Chomsky, sprang into existence without the benefit of precursor or the influence of natural selection, just "appeared".

2. Pinker and Bloom have modified the gross unlikelihood of any such event by invoking natural selection as the "father" of grammar.

3. Both views of both incredibly unlikely (though not impossible), says Turner, and "trades Occam's razor for God's magic hat".

4. The mythical grammar organ is not needed because understanding how parable works can explain the rise of both language and grammar.

The rest of the book rambles on, and on, AND ON, about not much more than the idea that we can understand why parables are comprehensible by understanding that meaning does not transfer directly from the source (the parable) to the target ("real" life) but goes through an intermediate "blending" process.

This conflicts, somewhat, with the sweeping claims in the Preface:

"In this book, I investigate the mechanisms of parable. I explore technical details of the brain sciences and the mind sciences that cast light on our use of parable as we think, invent, plan, decide, reason, imagine and persuade. I analyze the activity of parable, inquire into its origin, speculate about its biological and developmental bases, and demonstrate its range. In the final chapter, I explore the possibility that language is not the source of parable but instead its complex product."

Well, I came to the book prepared to agree with Professor Turner's proposition, and I still do - but NOT on the basis of this thin volume.

Not surprisingly, despite the small font, in only 166 pages (plus notes), the book tends to skim its subject in all areas. And the fact that the author keeps going back to describe the source -> blending space -> target model - without a single diagram! (how "literary" can you get) - serves to minimise the space available for any other discussion.

It would also help if the writer had a better grasp of the English language. Numerous expressions which he seems to think are every day language read as though they were invented to fit the discussion, such as "he had almost arrived at the point of having the job in hand".
His translation of Proust produces the phrase "I must have overslept myself" - perfect Hercule Poirot, but not regular English, I think.
And he has begun to rewrite the English language so as to use phrases like "When we see someone startle as he looks in some direction ...". Now a person can BE startled, and a person can startle someone or something else, such as the proverbial horses; but I must confess that I was not aware that someone could startle.

My point, pedantic as these criticisms may appear, is that I got the *impression* that the book was written in a hurry and never properly edited by the author. Should that last quotation have actually read "When we see someone start as ..." for example?

In practise, the book itself, short though it is, might have benefitted considerably from the use of Occam's razor.

So, an interesting thesis, *some* good supporting material, but seriously undermined as a whole by poor presentation.

Definitely one for the academics.

A startling and fresh view of cogntion.......2001-06-26

I'm giving this book a 5 star rating because of the first 3 chapters. You really don't have to read any more. After that, the author gradually seems to lose his direction and punch, but it really doesn't matter.

The book attempts a very difficult project, investigating the cognitive aspects of story telling. It seems simple enough on the surface, but quickly gets enmeshed in stories about stories. It gets very confusing.

Turner holds that stories are based on the combination of cognitive elements called 'schemas' and a cognitive process called 'projection'. An image schema might be a 'ball flying through the air' or 'a boy talking to his mother.' Schemas have their own intrisic value and emotional content. Via 'projection', schemas transfer their 'content' and 'emotion' onto entirely different schemas such as 'a baby horse talking to its mother.'

Turner's examples are excellent, particularly his parables. For a somewhat more complete study of cognitive aspects, look at Lakoff and Johnson's 'Philosophy in the Flesh'. Lakoff and Johnson avoid the technical term 'image schema' and use the more familiar term 'metaphor.'

Here is a quote from the introduction that gives a good outline of the book's project: "Story is a basic principle of mind. Most of our experience, our knowledge, and our thinking is organized as stories. The mental scope of story is magnified by projection - one story helps us make sense of another. The projection of one story onto another is parable, a basic cognitive principle that shows up everywhere, from simple actions like telling time to complex literaray creations like Proust's 'A la recherche du temps perdu.'...

Highly original and important.......2001-05-22

Turner's contribution may turn out to be the most important among recent insights into the nature of consciousness. Also, less pretense, more content, and a wonderful writing style mark this work.

Documentary mind........2000-04-30

Eight pages before the close of his story Mr. Turner grants that his thesis is "trivially true" and characterizes his work as "a gesture toward documenting it." One wonders if he means to document its truth or its triviality. Nevertheless, this book is worth a read. I suggest you borrow a copy from the library, read the first two chapters and the last, and then decide if you want to own it. Once you get his idea of the small story projected through parable, you don't really need his 100 pages of examples, entertaining though they may be.

It's a shame, because I think he sells himself short. I think he has a plausible thesis that is potentially very significant; not at all trivial. But he plays to his own strength and glosses over the difficult. His theory of language origins is fascinating, but it needs further support and clarification. His anti-Chomskyan argument is quite likely correct, but he spends pages disposing of a Darwinian gradualism that is rapidly being displaced by complexity theory, with which he seems unfamiliar, or at least chooses not to address.

Can he really believe his own theory trivial? His exposition on tense belies the possibility. His book raises important questions; promises new understandings. His modesty does not serve. This modest contribution could have been much more.

Book Description

"The days of the pure whites, the victors of today, are as numbered as were the days of their predecessors. Having fulfilled their destiny of mechanizing the world, they themselves have set, without knowing it, the basis for the new period: The period of the fusion and the mixing of all peoples." -- from The Cosmic Race

In this influential 1925 essay, presented here in Spanish and English, José Vasconcelos predicted the coming of a new age, the Aesthetic Era, in which joy, love, fantasy, and creativity would prevail over the rationalism he saw as dominating the present age. In this new age, marriages would no longer be dictated by necessity or convenience, but by love and beauty; ethnic obstacles, already in the process of being broken down, especially in Latin America, would disappear altogether, giving birth to a fully mixed race, a "cosmic race," in which all the better qualities of each race would persist by the natural selection of love.

"This bilingual edition of The Cosmic Race by José Vasconcelos gives the reader a clear and concise introduction to contents that have caused much critical controversy. Didier T. Jaén places this essay in perspective, discussing theories relevant to Vasconcelos's thought... [and] also provides an historical context for Vasconcelos's evolving ideas." -- Hispania

Customer Reviews:

Spiritual and not scientific.......2004-07-07

If read in the light of race, Vasconcelos at first appears disturbing. However, Raza Cosmica needs to be read in the light of the spiritual vs. materialist debate raging in Latin America through the 19th century into the mid 20th. The Author is reflecting on "Anglo" materialism vs. "Hispano" spiritualism, and the idea of race is really secondary when compared to his vision of the future. An absolute must read for the debates of the Revolution in Mexico and all of Latin America trying to find a place in the world of a North Atlantic economy.

racist psycho.......2003-08-25

vasconcelos was a man who used racism to promote his views. an extremely interesting, yet equally disturbing essay. if curious about race in mexico, this is an important read.

racist psycho.......2003-08-25

vasconcelos was a man who used racism to promote his views. an extremely interesting, yet equally disturbing essay. if curious about race in mexico, this is an important read.

an out of the ordinary book.......2001-01-09

This book basicly revolves around a central thesis that all of the races on earth tend to intermix at a gradually increasing pace, and eventually will give rise to a new human type, composed of selections from each of the races already in existence. This race will be called the Cosmic Race. It is an interesting theory that in some ways is similar to the darwinist doctrine. This book is exceptionally well written and very compelling. I enjoyed this book and would recommend trying it out.

The Hand Of God: A Collection of Thoughts and Images Reflecting the Spirit of the Universe

Average customer rating:

Brings a glimpse of wonder of our amazing universe to the coffee table
The Hand of God - The Hubble View
Could be written by the Hand of God...
from atheist to Christian
Inspire Your Vision, Beautifully.

The Hand Of God: A Collection of Thoughts and Images Reflecting the Spirit of the Universe
Ltd Lionheart Books
Manufacturer: Andrews McMeel Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Psychology | Religious Studies | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Science & Religion | Religious Studies | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Cosmology | Astronomy | Science | Subjects | Books

General | History & Philosophy | Science | Subjects | Books

Cosmology | Physics | Science | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Nonfiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Religion & Spirituality Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Science Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Inside The Mind Of God: Images And Words Of Inner Space
Reflections On The Nature Of God
The Art of God
Passionate Presence: Experiencing the Seven Qualities of Awakened Awareness
The Fall: The Evidence for a Golden Age, 6,000 years of Insanity and the Dawning of a New Era

ASIN: 0740703234

Amazon.com

The idea behind this magnificent book is to pair stunning images from outer space alongside meaningful spiritual quotes from here on earth. Ultimately, the two work well together, suggesting the presence of a divine hand, or at least a divine order in the universe. Editor Michael Reagan deserves much praise for his keen visual eye, as well as his selection of quotes from the likes of Albert Einstein, Jane Goodall, Stephen Hawking, Dr. Seuss, Theodore Roethke, Carl Sagan, Mark Twain, and Annie Dillard.

Many of the photos were taken from the Hubble Space Telescope, offering fascinating glimpses into distant black holes and galaxies. Some images are vivid and romantic like a Renaissance painting. Some (such as the Voyager I photo of Jupiter) seem to suggest that Vincent van Gogh had a hand in painting the universe. Each photo has a concrete caption and clearly explains what is happening and where the image comes from.

With a hint of irony, Reagan placed the following quote beside the explosive, womb web photo of "Star Birth Region NGC 604": "Stars are like animals in the wild. We may see the young but never the actual birth, which is a veiled and secret event." - Heinz Pagels, Perfect Symmetry

It is quotes such as these that make readers feel especially blessed. If not yet true voyagers, we can at least become voyeurs into space and spirituality--the far reaches of our final frontiers. --Gail Hudson

Customer Reviews:

Brings a glimpse of wonder of our amazing universe to the coffee table.......2007-08-11

This work brings home the grandeur of our universe (and the creator behind it) as best as any book, video or special I have ever seen. The quotes from theologians, astronomers and prophets that accompany the images do not all point to a singular philosophy or faith, so do not be too hasty to write this tome off as a religious work or creationist propaganda. The photo prints are of superb quality and the quotations are well matched. My personal favorite quote is found on page 128, next to an image of a cluster of Massive Infant Stars: "I find it as difficult to understand a scientist who does not acknowledge the presence of a superior rationality behind the existence of the universe as it is to comprehend a theologian who would deny the advances of science. And there is certainly no scientific reason why God cannot retain the same relevance on our modern world that he held before we began probing His creation with telescope, cyclotron and space vehicles." -Wernher Braun
This text is also a fresh reminder that while popular, secular science writers often demonstrate a lack of wonder and exaggerate the claims of their theories, the real scientists, the Einsteins, Newtons and Keplers, regarded themselves as full of wonder and mere children who had stumbled upon a few pretty pebbles upon the ocean's beach (a paraphrase from Abraham Heschel's "A Philosophy of Judaism"). Regardless of your personal faith proclivities, if you understand that no human has all the answers (and perhaps not even very many) you will enjoy this book, guaranteed.

The Hand of God - The Hubble View.......2007-02-11

This excellent collection of pictures from space presents an awesome and inspiring view of space through many of the Hubble photos accompanied by pertinent and profound quotes from thinking peple.

It is a marvelous and thought-provoking encounter with the heavens regardless of your religious views.

I have given it to my children and friends and received 5-star responses from all who see it.

Could be written by the Hand of God..........2007-02-07

I am not one to give praise easily. In fact, I can't remember when I last reviewed a book. But this book is truly a work of art. It is very well written and will prick the conscience of any agnostic or non-believer. It's as if there is this giant puzzle which nobody has been able to put together, till Michael Reagan came along and assembled the pieces.
Well done, that man. I also believe this book should be in every Primary school library.

from atheist to Christian.......2007-02-04

As a young atheist, I was numb to the Creator. And now, after God's mercy has brought me to Him through His Son Jesus Christ, I know the joy of worshipping Him. This is a book that, for me, leads the heart to humility and worship of the great Creator of all.

Inspire Your Vision, Beautifully........2005-12-17

If you are looking for a book to provide snippets of inspiration for others who are dear to you, or, perhaps one that will spark your own prayer and devotional time, this may be the book you are seeking.

"The Hand of God" is a collection of photographs taken in space, many by the Hubble Telescope, showing the vast and awe-inspiring wonder of the universe. These photos, a new "eye on the heavens" show every manner of nebula, comet and star formation for the wondering earthbound traveler. Presented in deep and vivid colors, the photos are thoughtfully paired with inspirational quotations, both familiar and obscure.

Of the many gorgeous images, surprises abound. A view of Jupiter's Great Red Spot and its surroundings looks every bit like a segment of Van Gogh's "Starry Night". A shimmering white cross-like photograph of Galaxy NGC 4640A is coupled with these lines from an ancient Jewish proverb: "God said to Abraham, 'But for me, you would not be here.' 'I know that, Lord,' Abraham answered, 'but were I not here, there would be no one to think about you.'"

Here are page after page of vast and panoramic views--both in word and in photograph, ranging from the tender greens and blues of our own earth, to a halo-like image of a filament eruption on our sun.

One would not classify this as a coffee table book per se, since its 8" x 8 1/2" dimensions are much smaller. It is perhaps best called an end table or nightstand book, suitable for an occasional glance or prolonged study. Either way, the unfamiliar images are profoundly inspiring, and invite the reader to move beyond Arthur Schopenhauer's observation, "Everyone takes the limits of his own vision for the limits of the world." This book is sure to expand your limits and inspire your vision, beautifully.

So Say We All: An Unauthorized Collection of Thoughts and Opinions on Battlestar Galactica (Smart Pop series)

Average customer rating:

Good - but too much "religion".
Thoughtful Essays
Loved the Essays
Challenges you, just like the show. Way better than the "official guides"
Thought provocing and fun

So Say We All: An Unauthorized Collection of Thoughts and Opinions on Battlestar Galactica (Smart Pop series)

Manufacturer: Benbella Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Television | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Guides & Reviews | Television | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

History & Criticism | Television | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Performing Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Space Opera | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Entertainment Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion Season Two (Battlestar Galactica the Official Companion)
Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion
Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion Season Three (Battlestar Galactica)
Sagittarius Is Bleeding: Battlestar Galactica 3 (Battlestar Galactica)
Battlestar Galactica: Season 2.5 (Episodes 10-20)

ASIN: 1932100946

Book Description

** COMPLETELY UNAUTHORIZED **

The science-fiction television series Battlestar Galactica is known for raising thought-provoking questions concerning martial law, artificial intelligence, power and corruption, and ultimately what it means to be human. What ethical complexities come into play when one mistake could mean the anihilation of the human race? How do you maintain faith in the Gods when you're involved in an Armageddon of your own creation? What is the distinction between a terrorist and a freedom fighter? These questions are given an intelligent and insightful examination in this engaging collection of essays.

Customer Reviews:

Good - but too much "religion"........2007-03-29

I really enjoyed reading the essays in this book. I'm a regular watcher of Battlestar and thought these essays added something to the shows as I watched! I did get a little tired of reading all the "religion" essays (monotheism, polytheism of Colonials, etc.). I ended up skipping one or two of those. There were a couple of creative and fictional essays as well. I recommend this for true Battlestar fans.

Thoughtful Essays.......2007-03-13

Overall well-written, thoughtful essays, on a variety of aspects of the show - religion, gender roles, the media, politics, psychology.

A few too many of them focused on the show's relevance to current politics, which, please, I am SO tired of people on both sides of the Iraq War fussing at how some movie or TV show is so "liberal" or so "conservative," didn't anyone ever hear about classical themes?

I would have liked more humor, even given the general darkness of the show. The only "funny" essay was the one that placed characters into different jobs, which I thought was thoroughly un-funny, and the weakest essay of the book. I liked the inclusion of a negative essay, a bold move but one that made me appreciate the updated show more.

Loved the Essays.......2007-02-20

Husband and I both had great discussions due to the thought provoking nature of these essays. Enjoyed Immensely!!

Challenges you, just like the show. Way better than the "official guides".......2007-01-20

I recently purchased both season 1 and season 2 "official guides" and was immediately disappointed by the lack of intelligent content. There were a few tidbits of information about the producers' perception and experiences in creating specific episodes, but I was so disappointed by a lack of meaty material and the excessive number of PR photos which showed us nothing new about the show, the actors or the creative process.

Battlestar Galactica reminds me a little bit of how The Simpsons is always saying more than you think. You watch and you know there's something metaphorical going on, but not sure what it is at all times. That's why the official Simpsons guides are so great - the point out the references and allusions you might have missed.

This supposed "unauthorized" collection of thoughts and opinions has the content I was looking for. Right out of the gate the first writer, Eric Greene, talks about terrorism, 9-11, human rights and a myriad of current events and how they're dealt with in the show. It challenges you. For example, as admirable as President Roslin is, she clearly violates her stated beliefs of supporting democracy. Just like the show, the author doesn't let you off the hook. It demands that you look at the situation in its entirety and admit that maybe what you emotionally want isn't exactly what you say you believe.

This first essay even offers a few examples of metaphor that I know I missed entirely. The assassination of Boomer on Galactica? Think 1963 in a parking garage when a man named Jack Ruby decides to take matters into his own hands.

"So Say We All" even pushes the buttons of its own audience by including an essay entitled "GINO" or "Galactica in Name Only." It's an in your face negative review of the modern BSG and praise of the original (which I personally find to be campy nonsense). I have to respect a book more when it's willing to include material that bashes the very show it's trying to praise.

That's the kind of content I wanted from the "official guides." BSG is a political show for our times. At times it's liberal, at times it's conservative, at times it's in the middle. Part of that process is not taking the easy route. It means challenging its audience to think and examine their own beliefs. And that's exactly what "So Say We All" does as a book. I highly recommend it.

Thought provocing and fun.......2007-01-11

Being a huge fan of the 78 series, I was interested in the "remake" of Battlestar. Needless to say, I am completly hooked. I recieved this book for Christmas, as sort of a joke from my family. The book is very interesting with essays from all sorts of people who are highly respected by their peers. I found the stories to be thought provoking, insightful and some of them are very funny. I am glad that I got this book and have enjoyed reading it. One essay is wrong on the cylon numbers but can be forgiven by the overall subject.

The Wisdom of James Allen II: Three Classic Works from the author of As a Man Thinketh, includes; Light on Life's Difficulties, Above Life's Turmoil, The Life Triumphant (Wisdom of James Allen)

Average customer rating:

The Wisdom of James Allen II: Three Classic Works from the author of As a Man Thinketh, includes; Light on Life's Difficulties, Above Life's Turmoil, The Life Triumphant (Wisdom of James Allen)
James Allen , and Andy Zubko
Manufacturer: Laurel Creek Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Essays | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Classics | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

New Thought | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Religion & Spirituality Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

The Wisdom of James Allen III: Out from the Heart/Byways of Blessedness/from Passion to Peace/the Heavenlylife
As a Man Does: Morning and Evening Thoughts (Square One Classics)
As a Man Thinketh
Eight Pillars of Prosperity
Day by Day with James Allen

ASIN: 1889606073

Book Description

James Allen, a 19th century English writer, is best known as the author of the best-selling, inspirational classic, As a Man Thinketh. For over a hundred years, this timeless work has motivated readers to lead more successful, effective, and peaceful lives. James Allen is also the author of over twenty other books, that are lesser known but equally powerful. The Wisdom of James Allen II is the second book in the Laurel Creek James Allen Wisdom series. It combines 3 of his classic works in one volume and includes: Light of Life's Difficulties, Above Life's Turmoil, and The Life Triumphant.

Amazon.com

When Rumi was born in Afghanistan in 1207, it was a time of tremendous political turmoil in the Near East. Paradoxically, it was also a time of "brilliant mystical awareness," writes translator Coleman Barks in The Soul of Rumi. This brilliance shines through in every passage, as Barks celebrates the ecstatic nature of Rumi's poetry. Barks (The Essential Rumi) has been given much credit for leading modern Westerners to this astounding poet. His sensitivity to the reader is evidenced in how he organizes the poetry according to themes. Since Rumi is often quoted at public gatherings, such as weddings and memorial services, this makes referencing especially easy. In the section entitled "When Friend Meets Friend," readers find the poem "The Soul's Friend":

The most living moment comes when those who love each other meet each other's eyes and in what flows between them then. To see your face in a crowd of others, or alone on a frightening street, I weep for that….

Barks offers a gracefully rendered introduction to each section, providing personal and historical background of the poetry. Elegantly designed and printed on cream-colored, heavy-stock paper, this is a delight for Rumi fans. --Gail Hudson

Book Description

Inside A Lover's Heart There's Another World, And Yet Another

Rumi's masterpieces have inspired countless people throughout the centuries, and Coleman Barks's exquisite renderings of the thirteenth-century Persian mystic are widely considered the definitive versions for our time. Barks's translations capture the inward exploration and intensity that characterize Rumi's poetry, making this unique voice of mysticism and desire contemporary while remaining true to the original poems. In this volume readers will encounter the essence of Sufism's insights into the experience of divine love, wisdom, and the nature of both humanity and God.

While Barks's stamp on this collection is clear, it is Rumi's voice that leaps off these pages with a rapturous power that leaves readers breathless. These poems express our deepest yearning for the transcendent connection with the source of the divine: there are passionate outbursts about the torment of longing for the beloved and the sweet delight that comes from union; stories of sexual adventures and of loss; poems of love and fury, sadness and joy; and quiet truths about the beauty and variety of human emotion. For Rumi, soul and body and emotion are not separate but are rather part of the great mystery of mortal life, a riddle whose solution is love. Above all else, Rumi's poetry exposes us to the delight that comes from being fully alive, urging us always to put aside our fears and take the risk of discovering our core self:

No one knows what makes the soul wake up so happy! Maybe a dawn breeze has blown the veil from the face of God.

These fresh, original translations magnificently convey Rumi's insights into the human heart and its longings with his signature passion and daring, focusing on the ecstatic experience of the inseparability of human and divine love. The match between Rumi's sublime poetry and Coleman Barks's poetic art are unequaled, and here this artistic union is raised to new heights.

Customer Reviews:

Find Rumi's Essence Elsewhere.......2007-02-03

Rumi is one of my favorite poets but Barks does not do him justice. The translation poorly written so it feels choppy. Furthermore, he changes it so it water down the power of Rumi's poetry. Do not choose this book.

Coleman Barks.......2006-03-20

Coleman barks translation in my opinion is superior to any others who have attempted Rumi. I really liked this book.

Amazing!.......2005-08-08

I find it absolutely amazing that those who claim to be admirers of Rumi, online reviewers and editorial reviewers, do NOT even know where he was born! Persia, not Afghanistan, was his birthplace. Afghanistan did not even exist until the 19th century, thanks to the British.The land that is now called Afghanistan was part of the Persian Empire and remained so for centuries AFTER Rumi's death (500 years to be exact!). Rumi is a Persian poet, has been and forever will be. His poetry exemplifies pure, eloquent Farsi (language of Persia/Iran). The utter ignorance of this fact on the part of some reviewers, nonetheless, does not detract from the brilliance of the poet and the excellence of this translation. An absolute gem.

Transforming.......2005-01-20

It would be pointless for me to really try to "review" this book. I can only highly, emphatically recommend it. This book is the first introduction I've had to Rumi, and it's been an incredible literary experience for me. This book has really touched and inspired me. I've been reading it slowly over the last few months, digesting it bit by bit, because I wanted to savor it instead of rushing through it. One day in particular, I remember being in a foul mood, fed up with people and the world, and after reading a handful of Rumi's poems I felt peaceful and transformed. If you have any interest at all in spirituality or poetry, do yourself a favor and buy this book.

Best introduction to Rumi available.......2004-02-08

If there is only one book of Rumi you purchase, this should be it. But warning, the purchase may send you into a frenzy to learn and read more.

Barks' works as a translator here make poetry come alive, leap off the page and fly circles around your mind. A single poem can bring a person to great thoughts.

The book begins with a great introduction to Rumi's life, work, culture, spirituality, but Barks also includes some history of Sufi poetry. Then Barks divides the poetry into logical sections. Some involve community, others involve love, some love of God, peace between religions, inner life, work, home, playing... The range of catagories Barks creates represent human life in a wholeistic manner. They make Rumi's poetry easier to grasp, much more enjoyable, and center on the needs of all human beings. Barks also introduces each section (usually no more than a page). Barks' intros are concise, clear, and point toward key ideas in the most notable poems of each section.

Customer Reviews:

A biased presentation by an incapable author.......2007-09-02

Although most of us would acknowledge some or most of the books picked, it is by no means close to the 70-30 ratio guessed by the author. But what hurts the most is Seymour-Smith's arrogance that grows into plain stupidity on his reviews and method of selection(not to mention coward attacks on defenseless popular authors).
I never bought a book written by such a malignant mind. Save your money, Martin Seymour-Smith not only likes the sound of his own demented voice way too much, but makes sure to affirm that it is the only one that bears truth!

Opinionated, Prickly, Refreshing.......2007-03-15

Many reviewers seem to have forgotten the purpose of the book. It was not to show off the pyrotechnical writing skills of the author or his strong opinions or his knowledge of literature. It was to identify the 100 Most INFLUENTIAL books ever written. The structure is similar to the "The 100 Most Influential People" as is the content. In both cases, it is the religious and spiritual realms that have exerted the most influence with political philosophy and scientific breakthroughs secondary. There may be a greater quantity of the later two but what has truly shaped mankind are the I Ching, The Old Testament, The Upanishads, Avesta, Dhammapada, Analects, The Way, etc.

The author does not timidly offer the easy way out, saying that it could have meant this or that they may have been right. No, he states what he thinks emphatically. For those who blasted his left-liberal stance, they should note that he takes on all comers. He savages the eco prophets of doom as well as the Marxist Left. In the preface he skews Richard Dawkins, the new High Priest of Atheism, by saying his books will NEVER be included because he has contributed nothing original and besides, what he has written is "ludicrous". So tell us what you think, Martin! He omits E.O. Wilson because he treats people like his beloved ants. Yet he has praise for Aquinas and Augustine even as he decried their faith. He distinguishes between popular classics ("Gone With the Wind") and literary classics ("War and Peace"). He skipped Whitehead and Russel for Hegel. So this is not a random selection of "popular" works - a few are obscure.

The descriptions and commentary are jewels - his skewings of Hegel, Chomsky, Martin Luther and Newton are worth the price of the book alone. One can argue with "Candide" (represents the Enlightenment) or Malthus's
"The Principle of Population (included because Malthus was wrong and policies deriving from this were harmful). The one, similar thing uniting all these books is their promulgation of an idea that has changed mankind for better or worse. This collection proves that by far, "the pen is mightier than the sword".

Defense of Mystics.......2006-06-06

I'm rather dismayed at the unending assult on MSS's choice to include esoteric literature.

I think we tend to forget the vision of the book is to outline the 100 most influential books. Nowhere is it stated that any of the literature is going to be weighed on the basis of truth or in the case of philosophical texts, judged by how well they can explain what we percieve to be real (the basis by which we typically judge philosophical texts.)

The inclusion of Sufi, far and near east, as well as mystic ideas--and MSS's defense of them, represent the influence those ideas have had on that culture.

Various esoteric ideas have been practiced indepth on the continent of asia and the middle east. These ideas are best understood by esoteric groups, groups to whom many of those in political and social positions go to for advice.

These ideas, as practiced by those who understand them, have no doubt had unimagingable influences on the climate of these regions for thousands of years.

We can hope to, in a book of summary, understand fully these ideas, and the impact they have. For instance, G. I. Gurdjieff is listed as the author of All and Everything, one of his texts. He, in this book recieves a token amount of pages in explination. The book in question is roughly 1,300 pages, written fully in allegory.

While some might be quick to dismiss MSS's election of texts, perhaps this springs partially from a misunderstanding of the ideas conveyed.

One of the most annoying books ever written..........2005-06-26

I can echo all of the existing reviews: Martin Seymour-Smith (MSS) was an arrogant and opinionated curmudgeon who insisted on thoroughly injecting himself into each and every chapter of this book. He had a discursive and highly elliptical writing style that quickly became tedious. He died just before this book was published.

Other reviewers have already correctly mentioned that MSS hated Christianity, bureaucrats, and political correctness. Well, he also hated science and capitalism. MSS wasted considerable ink laying out one rabid mini screed after another. These are littered throughout the book.

In summary, MSS was a sourpuss and a complainer, who missed no opportunity to inject himself into each topic, and yet offered no coherent or systematic ideas of his own.

MSS also seemed enamored of mystics and cranks. In one notable example, MSS emoted glowingly about Mohammed. On p.129 - MSS wrote "Mohammed was undoubtedly a true mystic..." Then speaking of the Sufi mystic Rumi, MSS wrote "if a man of his genius could acknowledge Mohammed as an authentic prophet, then so can and should we."

MSS spent more ink and page real estate on a crank like Noam Chomsky (5 pages, 1/2 of which is about Chomsky's hard-core left politics rather than his contributions to linquistics) than on David Hume (3 1/2 pages).

So what is worth it? I give it a grudging "yes" and 3 stars ("It's OK"). The book had three strengths. First, this book is organized in a way that makes it easy to read small chunks at a time. Second, it gives a broad overview of some intellectuals and writers you might never have heard of. To give but one example in my own case, I had never heard of Mary Wollstonecraft before, and I was fascinated to read about her. Finally, MSS does just enough justice to most of the books by describing the historical and social milieu in which it was written, and by occasionally recounting some interesting facts and anecdotes about the various authors.

I wish his middle name was "sayless".......2005-03-22

This was an interesting and useful book but Mr Seymour Smith is very opinionated and injects his opinion into every area of the book.

His personal politics also come to the fore much more often than necessary and welcome.

If you can get it at a deep discount it is worth it.

Average customer rating:

Who should purchase this book?
We will never know for sure
Stephen Lives!
Please Stop
Enlightening!!!!!!

Stephen Lives
Anne Puryear
Manufacturer: Pocket
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Parapsychology | Occult | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Conversations with the Spirit World : Souls who have ended their lives speak from above
The Complete Conversations with God (Boxed Set)
Home with God: In a Life That Never Ends
Conscious Evolution: Awakening Our Social Potential
Questions and Answers on Conversations With God

ASIN: 0671536648

Book Description

This is the first published account of a child who committed suicide, and who subsquently communicated with his family from the "other side." Anne wrote this book to alert parents and teens to suicide warning signs and also to help console the family and friends of children who take their lives. This is a book of healing, inspiration and warning.

Customer Reviews:

Who should purchase this book?.......2006-11-21

If you are wondering whether or not you will love or hate this book after reading many of the very disparate opions written here, I hope to clear it up a bit...

Firstly, if you are an admamant atheist, forget it.
If you are a fundamentalist Christian, not for you.
However, if you are an openminded skeptic, much like myself, who is interested in the existence of near death experiences and other kinds of strange and unexplainable paranormal occurances, you might like the book, or at least be interested.

If you have just suffered a loss of a loved one very recently (say, within 6 - 12 months) perhaps this book might be a little much to take all in one gulp, if you don't agree with the beliefs. I myself do agree with many of the beliefs and that's why I gave this book such a high rating. Some of the beliefs in the book are: 1. Life after death exists. Communication with souls who have crossed over is possible. 2. Suicide is not an option for young people because it causes so much pain for those left behind. (However, for older people with chronic fatal illnesses it is different)

I think that a lot of the reason that people did not like this book is because they may have focused more on the suicide notes that Stephen left behind, and not the tormented words of his mother. These notes are sad, yes, but in Stephen's twisted way, he tried to make light of the situation and made lots of jokes and thought everything would be better once he died. The notes are truly sad and I think we should try to remember how naive he was at 15 years of age. I lost one of my best friends to suicide, and I am sure that she thought she would be better off "over there" because she was in so much mental anguish. Stephen's notes do not belie the immense pain he must have felt, probably because even in his death he was trying to uplift the people around him and help them get over grieving for him. He had a personality that seeked to please others, and the jokes and pronouncements about how he'll be so much better off dead and on the other side are a sad lie to himself. Or maybe he really did not know how much his family would suffer. I myself did not forsee how horrifying suicide could be. I thought that if anyone around me ever did that, it would be like griveing a normal death. How wrong I was.

I can understand why people would react so strongly to this book. Most of the people, from what I can tell from their posting, have lost someone to suicide. This type of death causes so much pain in those left behind that many people actually suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Some people are looking for someone to blame for Stephen's death, as much as they are looking to blame someone for the death of their own loved one. In this case, it is the author, Anne, who gets blamed. Many grievers also feel unmitigated anger, towards everything and anything. This is a normal part of grief. These people need to express their anger in a healthy way. That's why I wouldn't reccomend this book for someone who is in the "raw" part of their grief. If they don't agree with the ideas in the book it will just piss them off more than they already are.

I thank Anne for being brave enough to publish such a controversial book. It has helped me, as much as it has inflammed others. (from the ratings of the postings, the ratio seems to be about half and half) I personally do not believe a suicidal teenager would take their life after reading this book. The aftermath of suicide is clearly stated (perhaps many of the negative reviewers did not read the book through to the end, which is unfortunate, as they may have come away with a different perspective. The consequences of suicide on the other side is to see the incredible pain that the person who killed themselves has caused. And to experience that there is no way for them to take away this gigantic and final and terrible mistake. Stephen many times says that he wishes he could change what happened, that what he believed before he did it (see above, his suicide notes) was absolutely completely crazy. The book very explicitly states that suicide is not an option. It would be interesting to hear from a teenager who has read the book, and whether or not it helped them see this.

It is true however, that some people will want to do it and find cause to end their lives no matter what. They will try to find "answers" and reasons, as if looking for someone else to guide their own hand. With that said, any kind of material, be it a book, a song, or the words of a loved one, that can be twisted into some sick kind of urging to end their lives. That is their own fault, not the fault of someone like Anne, someone who wrote the sad lyrics to a song, or even your fault, if you feel that you may have pushed your loved one to suicide. You didn't. It was their desicion, alone.

We will never know for sure.......2006-07-14

I bought this book because one of best friends committed suicide and I wanted some answers. I have read all the reviews and was prepared to either believe or dismiss it as the delusions of a mourning mother. I never actually believed that Anne lied, but I was prepared to believe that Stephen's narration was just an illusion in her head, born out of a desperate need to believe that he is ok.

I just finished this book and even though on one hand some of Stephen's narration speaks to my heart, to a certain degree, in my opinion readers should be prepared to feel rather empty after reading this book. This book will not bring your loved one back. This book will not reassure you that your dead loved one is ok. Perhaps it will give you an idea of what afterlife is like, if you have a little faith, but the truth is, until you die and you meet your loved one and hear the truth personally, you will not rest.

I was surprised at Anne's honesty. It takes courage to admit to all the mistakes that she did. She was a bad mother. But she did try to do the best that she could under the circumstances. Her mistakes do not justify Stephen's death. You are either strong enough to handle what life throws at you or you are not. Stephen was not.

I do not believe that this book encourages suicide. I mean, Stephen's account of what happened to him after he died is not that great. It is only with time that the soul is able to find its way. But until that happens, it's not pretty.

I would recommend this book to people who want to reassure themselves that their loved one is ok, and I believe that there is a degree of truth in this book, but be prepared to remain feeling restless afterwards. Because whatever you read, whatever reassurance you get from any book, your son, daughter, relative or friend will never tell you face to face what really goes on. Unless you achieve the state of consciousness that Anne describes which allows her to talk to her son, which, if it is true, I hope that some day we can do that too.

If you are still looking for answers, I would recommend the "Conversations with God" trilogy by Neale MacDonald Walsh.

Stephen Lives!.......2005-03-12

I may not be a teenager anymore, but I too have suicidal tendencies occasionally. After reading this book, it doesn't seem to be a big deal to actually go through with it. In fact, it sounds pretty neat!
Thankfully, as an adult, I still have some good sense left to decide against it everytime that thought crosses my mind.
This book would have a tragic result in the hands of a suicidal teenager. Of that, I'm certain.
However, unlike most other reviewers, I do not believe Anne Puryear had ulterior motives other than to help others in similar cirmcumstances.
I do not believe she is the epitome of evil like some have portrayed her.
One reviewer even went so far as to suggest Puryear intentionally drove her son to suicide so that she could write about it and make tons of profit.
Those types of allegations are absurd and heartless when the simple fact remains she only meant to help. Nothing more, nothing less.
Unfortunately,she was too grief stricken to realize how her book might do more damage than good. That's where her fault lies.
All other accusations are ridiculous and border on the bizarre.

Please Stop.......2005-02-27

If you had a son or daughter take their own life, would you try to profit from it? This is a sad sad story of a sad young man who took his own life to become closer to his delusional mother. Wake up, Anne. You talked all this physic nonsense and new age mumbo jumbo to your vulnerable and hurting son. And you have the audacity to write a book in his name after he is gone? This is not his story. It is your sick, twisted story, told in your words. Not his. You are evil.

Enlightening!!!!!!.......2005-02-26

As a "suicide survivor" after the death of my younger brother, I found this book very enlightening. The suicide of a loved one leaves many unanswered questions for the survivors. Reading this book acknowledges many of the same feelings I had, and continue to have,after my brothers death. I hope with all my heart that my brothers spirit is watching over our family, as I miss him dearly every day. This book has brought me hope for my journey into the next life.

Because I Said So!: A Collection of 366 Insightful and Thought-Provoking Reflections on Parenting and Family Life

Average customer rating:

A Year of Daily Common Sense.
Love it, love it, love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Read Mr. Rosemond's book with discernment
Dr. Phil emphasizes "Children Join YOUR Life" - take heed!
Mindless?

Because I Said So!: A Collection of 366 Insightful and Thought-Provoking Reflections on Parenting and Family Life
John Rosemond
Manufacturer: Andrews McMeel Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Parenting | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

General | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Nonfiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Parenting Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

John Rosemond's Six- Point Plan For Raising Happy Healthy Children
Family Building: The Five Fundamentals of Effective Parenting
Making The "Terrible" Twos Terrific
John Rosemond's New Parent Power!
A Family Of Value

Accessories:

Health o Meter HDC100-01 "Grow with Me" Teddy Bear Scale for Babies and Toddlers

ASIN: 0836204999

Customer Reviews:

A Year of Daily Common Sense........2007-09-18

A daily refresher of wisdom, that is too often forgotten. Would be great in the format of a perpetual desk calender.

Love it, love it, love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2006-12-02

I am a professional nanny of 12 years and I have to say, reading this book changed my life and everything about the way I work! I have always been a very fun loving, yet strict caregiver but I have felt pulled between what my instinct tells me to do and what the parenting "experts" say. I have found myself being guilted into hours and hours of playing dress up, holding children while they throw temper tantrums and explaining my choices until I am red in the face to a small child who is not listening. I thought that was my job, and the job of any parent or caregiver. Although I wanted so bad to be able to say "no I will not play with you right now" I always was made to feel like I might harm their "self esteem" if I did not drop everything and consider how they might feel if left to play alone for a while. There are so many books on raising children and many of them focus on teaching you how to not harm your childs "delicate" self esteem. This book gave me permission to be a person, even while at work. I dont have to be a slave to a young child in oder for him/her to turn out right. In fact, I learned that I do them more justice when I refuse to be the 24/7 playmate/friend and just focus on making sure they are safe. After reading this book, I have been better able to guide parents into putting their foot down and no longer being owned by their children. This is an amazing book and I recommend it to anyone who refuses to allow children to be the center of the universe.

Read Mr. Rosemond's book with discernment.......2006-10-23

Thinly veiled fundamentalism. Many of his ideas and musing are right on but under what appears to be expertise is harsh old testament fundamentalism. I don't want to throw the baby out with the bath water here but please read with care.

Dr. Phil emphasizes "Children Join YOUR Life" - take heed!.......2006-08-19

if you are parenting a young child, ask the parents of teenagers and young adults to tell you HONESTLY what it's been like for them and what they think they did right/wrong...

ask teachers at the local high school how much they like/don't like their students... and how they wish parents were training/preparing the next generation for Real Life in the Real World ~

John Rosemond reminds all of us that we wanted children because we were sure the experience would enrich our lives... and there is Nothing Wrong With That...

and that the goal is to raise a child that The Rest Of The World will like and love and admire... your child will thank you for teaching them the ways and means to become truly wonderful people, to be recognized as exemplary...

for years now, parents seem to think that if they are long-suffering, it proves that they love their kids... t'aint so...

no one likes a dog who can't behave... suffering with bad behavior from your kids just scares your kids that you are stupid and that no one is in charge! What is wrong with YOU that you'll put up with stuff from them that No One Else will tolerate!

Don't let the tail wag the dog... you have a right to enjoy your life - and the goal is to be as proud of your children as they are of themselves... For Good Reason...

one thing is for sure: leading a good life is Simple... and it's Hard...

be good, work hard, put everything you have into everything you do, be grateful - that's all simple and it's all hard...

and it's all worth it - and LOTS of people will want to know you, date you, be friends with you, hire you, do things for you, be there for you... Everyone loves a truly good person -

Life Is Hard. Period. It can be hard - in the effort you put into being your best self and DESERVING the best life...

or it can be hard going -

day in and day out,

knowing that - the truth be told - you don't measure up...so No Wonder your life isn't so great...

the first accomplishment of children can be Knowing that for sure, they were a joy to their parents, their parents "dug" them and were sorry to see them leave the nest... it's a wonderful thing to be loved and liked by your parents...

it's a gift every parent can give their child... John Rosemond Gets It ~

Mindless?.......2005-05-26

Not to worry, you couldn't raise a mindless robot if you tried! Children are naturally dynamic individuals, ever increasing in independence, and Dr. Rosemond just helps parents set guidelines for appropriate behavior within YOUR family. Too many parents today are overly-concerned with boosting self-esteem and being their child's friend and confidante more than being what they should be - a parent. That really leaves a heavy burden on the child to create or guess the rules. This advice is helpful to the child as it is to the parent. And it is for your child's own safety that they heed their parents.
Not to worry, they'll still rebel when they're teenagers!

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books