What Jesus Meant

Book Description

In what are billed “culture wars,” people on the political right and the political left cite Jesus as endorsing their views. Garry Wills argues that Jesus subscribed to no political program. He was far more radical than that. In a fresh reading of the gospels, Wills explores the meaning of the “reign of heaven” Jesus not only promised for the future but brought with him into this life. It is only by dodges and evasions that people misrepresent what Jesus plainly had to say against power, the wealthy, and religion itself. But Wills is just as critical of those who would make Jesus a mere ethical teacher, ignoring or playing down his divinity. An illuminating analysis for believers and nonbelievers alike, What Jesus Meant is a brilliant addition to our national conversation on religion.

Customer Reviews:

Not the best.......2007-09-09

I really wanted to like this book. However, after finishing it, I couldn't and don't understand all the hype about it. Quite simply, it isn't that great. I found it largely unoriginal and there was little in it that I hadn't heard before.

Although this book attempts to present Jesus as a radical, I can't help but think it's the kind of "radical" that many modern people would be quite comfortable with. At many points, in trying to make Jesus appear radical, he actually makes Him less challenging to modern man. At points, it seems like the author is attempting to co-opt Jesus to fit his own particular agenda. For example, he actually presented the old saw about Jesus being a pacifist, which seems to reflect his own political bias much more than it reflects the actual text of the Gospels. I could pardon one or two expressions of such bias but they seem to be weaved throughout the whole text.

There were far too many bows to political correctness in this book, as well as to political ideologies like pacifism and radical egalitarianism, for me to recommend this book. At many points, he simply tells people what they want to hear. For example, those looking for an excuse to sleep in on Sundays instead of attending church are likely to take comfort in his anti-institutional bias; apparently Jesus doesn't like organized religion either (although I'm not quite sure where he finds that in the text). The Jesus he ends up with is not all that unlike us; apparently He even buys into the latest fads and political fashions. Wills frequently ends up just reading modern ideas into the Gospels and, in doing so, presents a Jesus that fits well with our own biases and presuppositions and presents us with remarkably few challenges.

What Garry Meant..........2007-06-19

There's a fair share of reviewers here who describe something of an epiphany as a result of reading this book. I'm not sure why. Wills provides nothing of consequence that can't be readily ascertained with an attentive reading of the Gospels. Jesus preferred pariahs to the wealthy and well-heeled? No surprises. Jesus condemned the sanctimonious positioning of corrupt co-religionists? No, none there either. Jesus eschewed traditional Jewish law for the transforming grace he had come to provide? Again, nothing.

Beyond what one can easily distill from the Gospels, Wills offers Jesus as rebel around which a liberal-minded 21st-century believer may rally. While he takes the Jesus Seminar to task for creating a Jesus of convenience, Wills makes the same mistake from the perspective of faith. The primary components of love, mercy, and hope are left abandoned without the concept of repentance - something Wills singularly refuses to recognize. This is perfect for the navel-gazing generation of instant gratification, but soteriologically unworkable.

I agree with the author that organized religion eventually devolves into a celebration of earthbound rites and formalities, principles and political suasion. But, I find it overwhelmingly self-evident that this would be so. Who among us is immune to power, ego, and the subversion of truth for self? This doesn't obviate, however, the need for self-reflection, realignment, and a new commitment to the ideal. To do so, some of us gather in numbers, while for others it is an inner quest. So, Mr. Wills, what now?

"What Jesus Meant" is theology-lite, a contrived primer of sorts, lacking cumulative value and by no means comparable to bigger, better, more thought-provoking works. I respect the author's personal faith, (it is, undeniably, his to have), but find this outward manifestation of it less influential than expected. 3 stars.

What did Jesus mean?.......2007-05-21

This little book by Garry Wills is an easy read and somewhat inspirational. I would have appreciated it more, and given more credence to it, had I found footnotes, references and an index. It is simply one man's personal opinion of what he thought Jesus meant.

Mind blowing. Great for inquisitive believers of Jesus and fans of intellectuals of the Philip Yancey class.......2007-05-20

Since my encounter with Philip Yancey's monumental works including "What's so amazing about grace?" "Jesus I never knew," "Bible Jesus read" etc a few years before, I had not been that fascinated by a Christian book as great as this. It's by all means original, thought provoking, insightful and brilliant. In short, a must read for all believers in Christ. Highly recommended!

p.s. Below please find some of my favorite passages to justify my short but sincere and highly positive review above.

A letter addressed to a Protestant evangelical who believes in literal reading of the Bible. "....When somebody tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for e.g., I simply remind them that Lev 18.22 clearly states it to be an abomination - end of debate. I do need some advice from you...
1. Lev 25.44 states that I may possess slaves, both male and female, provided that they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why cant I own Canadians?
2. I would liek to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21.7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?
3. I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness. Lev 15.19. The problem is: how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.
5. I have a neighbour who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35.2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself, or should I ask the police to do it?
6. A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination (Lev 11.10), it's a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I dont agree. Can you settle this? Are there degrees of abomination? pg 33-34

What is the kind of religion Jesus opposed? Any religion that is proud of its virtue, like the boastful Pharisees. Any that is self righteous, quick to judge and condemn, ready to impose burdens rather than share or lift them. Any that exalts its own officers, proud of its trappings, building expensive monuments to itself. Any that neglects the poor and cultivates the rich, any that scorns outcasts and flatters the rulers of this world. If that sounds like just about every form of religion we know, then we can see how far off from religion Jesus stood. pg 77

If Jesus did not come to establish a church, why did he come? He said it over and over, from the outset. He brought us heaven's reign...The word "reign" is normally translated "kingdom," but that is a misleading term. It suggests a place or a political structure. The Christian reign is the personal presence of Jesus. pg 84

All these men (Paul Schrader, Martin Scorsese etc) think that Judas, in betraying Jesus to the high priests, did not believe that he would be sentenced to death, since Jews had no authority for capital punishment under Roman rule. He did not foresee that Jesus would be turned over to Pontius Pilate, who had the power to crucify. They think Judas may have been trying to shock Jesus into taking a more aggressive and rebellious stand against Rome, to convince him that endlessly turning the other cheeck would not liberate the land. pg 102

Jesus was, in the words of Raymond Brown, "abandoned by his disciples, betrayed by Judas, denied by Peter, accused of blasphemy by the priests, rejected in favor of a murderer by the crowd, mocked by the Sanhedrin and by Roman troops and by all who cam to the cross, surrounded by darkness, and seemingly forsaken by his God." pg 114

Thought-provoking and faith-inspiring.......2007-05-13

My faith was energized and deepened by this thoughtful, fascinating perspective on Jesus's life and teachings. I was very moved by many aspects, especially sections on the meaning of the Resurrection, Judas, and the radicalism of Jesus's life. I enjoy reading Garry Wills's perspectives on religion.

Average customer rating:

Interesting Introduction to Pauline Thought
Would not recommend this book
What Paul Meant
An excellent companion volume to Wills's WHAT JESUS MEANT
What I Think as Opposed to What God Said

What Paul Meant
Garry Wills
Manufacturer: Viking Adult
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0670037931

Book Description

A brilliant synthesis of the Apostle Paul's thought and influence, written by a “foremost Catholic intellectual” (Chicago Tribune)

All through history, Christians have debated Paul's influence on the church. Though revered, Paul has also been a stone on which many stumble. Apocryphal writings by Peter and James charge Paul, in the second century, with being a tool of Satan. In later centuries Paul became a target of ridicule for writers such as Thomas Jefferson (“the first corruptor ”), George Bernard Shaw (“a monstrous imposition”), and Nietzsche (“the Dysangelist”). However, as Garry Wills argues eloquently in this masterly analysis, what Paul meant was not something contrary to what Jesus meant. Rather, the best way to know Jesus is to discover Paul. Unlike the Gospel writers, who carefully shaped their narratives many decades after Jesus' life, Paul wrote in the heat of the moment, managing controversy, and sometimes contradicting himself, but at the same time offering the best reflection of those early times.

What Paul Meant is a stellar interpretation of Paul's writing, examining his tremendous influence on the first explosion of Christian belief and chronicling the controversy surrounding Paul through the centuries. Wills's many readers and those interested in the Christian tradition will warmly welcome this penetrating discussion of perhaps the most fascinating church father.

Customer Reviews:

Interesting Introduction to Pauline Thought.......2007-10-13

St. Paul has been a center of controversy probably since the day he first encountered the Risen Lord and began to change the course of history. He sparred with St. Peter over the issue of circumcision and the relationship of Gentiles and Jews. Later on, his words would be used as a cornerstone of the Protestant Reformation. In modern times, he has been accused of starting a religion that Jesus never intended and has been attacked for his bias against women.

Garry Wills in "What Paul Meant" seeks to rehabilitate St. Paul's reputation and get to the bottom of what he actually wanted to convey. Of the thirteen letters attributed to Paul in the New Testament, Biblical scholars today only accept seven as certainly by him: the 1st Letter to the Thessalonians, Letter to the Galatians, Letter to the Philippians, Letter to Philemon, 1st and 2nd Letter to the Corinthians, and the Letter to the Romans. Wills relies only on those letters to form his picture of Paul.

Wills spends much time comparing and contrasting Paul's versions of events with the version provided by Luke in the "Acts of the Apostles." Wills refers to Luke as a "theological artist. He creates for a purpose, and the purpose can shift from one part of the story to the next." As a result, his words are not necessarily historically accurate although they were used to illustrate theological truth.

"What Paul Meant" explores Paul's travels, his relationship with Peter and the other brothers in Jerusalem, his feelings on women (which really weren't all bad), and what he was trying to accomplish with his letters. It makes for interesting reading and a good introduction to the life and times of Saint Paul. The appendix of the book on "translating Paul" is especially enlightening, showing how words which Paul used have been translated into terms that he would never have considered using, such as "Christians, Church, Gospel, etc.) because they didn't exist yet.

Someone interested in finding out all about Paul would probably want to do further reading in order to get a more balanced portrayal of his thought, but it is always good to get some new insights and this book does provide them.

Would not recommend this book.......2007-10-06

This book was recommended to me by someone I respect, so I began it with high expectations. There were some interesting historical points, but I got tired of the repetition and the constant attack on the author Acts (clearly the author does not believe in Divine inspiration). In the end I managed to plow through it, but just barely.

Wanting another opinion; I loaned it to an orthodox Catholic friend. He put it down after just 3 chapters.

What Paul Meant.......2007-09-08

Garry Wills is a scholar who does not hesitate to cut against the grain. I have enjoyed each of his books.

An excellent companion volume to Wills's WHAT JESUS MEANT.......2007-07-24

I have long loved Garry Wills's books, whether he was writing on Nixon or the Constitution or Reagan or John Wayne or Henry Adams or the Federalist Papers or Jefferson or Lincoln or the papacy or any other subject he has chosen to take up. Wills's perspective is definitely not a narrow one, but informed by a broad acquaintance with a very large body of knowledge. He is a generalist rather than a specialist. I previously was a big fan of his book WHAT JESUS MEANT. In that book he managed to summarize in popular but extremely intelligent fashion the message of Jesus. Here he does the same for Paul.

Paul rarely gets the respect he deserves from educated Christians. His words are often used as bludgeons for enforcing some exceedingly repressive or even evil practices. Or just plain dumb. A number of more conservative evangelical denominations have used Paul to ban the wearing of make up by women or the cutting of women's hair. (I still remember the astonishing beehives of some Nazarene women I went to high school with in Little Rock, Arkansas.) He has been used to justify the persecution of Jews and to insist that women should not be allowed to preach. Wills seeks to defend Paul from such nonsense while also providing keys to correctly understanding his letters.

Before Wills became one of the leading constitutional and presidential historians in America he was a teacher of Greek and it is clear that he has spent a great deal of time reading the New Testament in the original. He is not a Biblical scholar, but he is clearly a serious student at a very high level. He is willing to use contemporary scholarship, but not being a scholar he is able to use the body of literature concerning Paul in a practical way to illumine his subject, while at the same time avoid getting bogged down in somewhat arcane academic debates.

Many have been fans of Jesus but critics of Paul. Wills will have none of this and correctly gives Paul his due as the person from whom we have by far the earliest glimpses not only of the earliest days of the spreading of the revelation concerning Jesus but the earliest accounts of the message of Jesus. Many treat the Gospels as primary and Paul's epistles as secondary, but in fact Paul wrote several decades than the earliest of the Gospels. Given that Jesus knew and sought out hundreds of people who knew Jesus personally, his account is unusually rich and informed.

Much of the book is devoted to various topics in Paul's writings. Wills correctly points out that the heart of Paul's message is the teaching of Jesus as resurrected from the death who is the Messiah who fulfills the law of the Old Testament. I've had little patience in recent decades with writers on Jesus or Christianity who somehow imagine that the resurrection is a detachable part of Christian belief. Wills correctly points out that it is at the heart of the Pauline message and later of the Gospels. It isn't just a minor point to be argued about Jesus. It is if anything the main point. Wills does a great job also of providing the context for Paul's other teachings, most importantly perhaps that Paul never saw himself as leaving Judaism or as anything other than a Jew. For Paul the Church did not exist and he was unfamiliar with anything called Christianity. Wills stresses that "Christ" was not for Paul a proper name as it is for us, but a descriptive title that identifies Jesus as anointed, as the Messiah. Wills therefore chooses to translate all passages about "Jesus Christ" or "Christ" as "Jesus Messiah" or "Messiah." He strives to break us out of our normal complaisance in hearing the word "Christ."

I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Combined with his book on Jesus, Wills has provided a wonderful two-volume introduction to Christian belief. I will add that although Wills is a Catholic, I suspect that Protestants will find more value in the books. My own experience has been that the vast majority of Catholics have little or no direct knowledge of the Bible. The reading of the Bible simply does not play the central role that it does for Protestants. In this regard, Wills, whose knowledge of the Bible is remarkable, more closely resembles a Protestant. He also refuses to be hemmed in by Catholic doctrine in reading the New Testament. I've been exasperated in talking to some Catholics who are shocked to hear that Peter had a wife and are unaware that it is explicitly referred to in the NT. Wills clearly has an understanding of Peter and his early role much closer to a Baptist than most Catholics. I haven't read his book WHY I AM A CATHOLIC but would very much like to do so. I frankly cannot see why he is. Regardless of denominational affiliation, this is a wonderful book. Along with the book on Jesus, I strongly recommend it to anyone who would better understand the Christian message.

What I Think as Opposed to What God Said.......2007-07-11

Very readable book containing current thought on Paul.
I have to admit that Paul was my hero since I was 10.
He seemed to be a great advernturer.
When I was in my 20s, Paul kept me out of seminary with the image of a minister who worked at a trade, studied and ministered to others without the limitations of being a priest.
Now, I am in my late middle years and I sat down over coffee with my minister friend and went off on a rant on why Paul is the most important part of the church that holds me to the Christian faith (as reflected in my title for this review).
My minister of mid-middle years said this was the first time a parshioner wanted to discuss Paul or any other biblical author with him. Most of his contact was organizational or counseling people who wanted to know if Jesus would mind if they cheated on their diet or spouse just a little bit.
Point being that we have so little opportunity to discuss "What Paul Meant". Even those of us who are churched and I would think less so of those who do not hear the weekly readings via awful church sound systems.
Thanks so much to Mr. Wills
But, now I must read his other books to find out why he remains a Catholic.

Finding Your Own North Star: Claiming the Life You Were Meant to Live

Average customer rating:

This is a simply lovely book
Highly Recommended Life Transition and Discovery Tool!
This book is a gift
A Turtle Tracking the North Star
Worth checking out, but stay real....

Finding Your Own North Star: Claiming the Life You Were Meant to Live
Martha Beck
Manufacturer: Three Rivers Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0812932188
Release Date: 2002-01-29

Amazon.com

Put the telescope away; the North Star mentioned here is a human body, not a heavenly one. And like Polaris, which has guided sailors for centuries, the human body's gut feelings and emotions can help guide a wayward soul back to his or her "essential self." In this absorbing combination of detailed self-awareness exercises and true stories from her own counseling experience (equal parts sobering and hysterically entertaining), Harvard-trained sociologist Martha Beck invites readers to explore their heart's desires and the vast social webs that keep such desires in check. The goal is not to forsake the "social self" and indulge every emotional impulse of the "essential self." Rather, Beck gives readers the tools and the encouragement to achieve maximum happiness by harmonizing these typically divergent voices.

Beck (author of Expecting Adam) admits that repairing a damaged emotional compass and setting out on such a vital journey--which often involves painful realizations and changes--"has all the combined attractions of suicide and childbirth." But the payoff, she concludes, is a love affair with real life. To that end, she walks readers through a lengthy exercise to evaluate their current lifestyle's pleasures and pains, teaches the process of listening to the body for directional cues, describes how to extract "soul shrapnel" (healing all those nasty, self-defeating emotional wounds), and provides an intriguing "Map of Change" to achieve an authentic life. Beck's impressive knowledge, her engaging (if somewhat irreverent) voice, and her ability to parse this scary process into achievable steps make her a new champion in the self-help arena. --Liane Thomas

Book Description

“Explorers depend on the North Star when there are no other landmarks in sight. The same relationship exists between you and your right life, the ultimate realization of your potential for happiness. I believe that a knowledge of that perfect life sits inside you just as the North Star sits in its unaltering spot.”

Martha Beck has helped hundreds of clients find their own North Star, fulfill their potential, and live more joyfully. Now, she shares her step-by-step program that will help you take the exhilarating and frightening journey to your own ideal life. Finding Your Own North Star will teach you how to read your internal compasses, articulate your core desires, identify and repair the unconscious beliefs that may be blocking your progress, nurture your intuition, and cultivate your dreams from the first magical flicker of an idea through the planning and implementation of a more satisfying life. Martha Beck offers thoroughly tested case studies, questionnaires, exercises, and her own trademark wit and wisdom to guide you every step of the way.

Customer Reviews:

This is a simply lovely book.......2007-10-21

Finding Your Path Through Life

Martha Beck is a wise and insightful woman, and this is nowhere more clearly seen than in her book Finding Your Own North Star. My own book makes important use of her concept of finding out who you really are and then living the life that is uniquely right for you, but Martha's book is the definitive work on that subject. 2500 years ago Pindar, one of the great poets of ancient Greece, wrote "Become who you are." That is wonderful advice - vital advice - and Finding Your Own North Star tells you exactly how to start down that perfect road for you.

Highly Recommended Life Transition and Discovery Tool!.......2007-09-09

It became clear when reading her earlier book "Expecting Adam" that Martha Beck was born to write. Thankfully she found this out for herself and has continued to share her gift with others through books like this one and her regular column in "O, The Oprah Magazine".

After my first read of "Finding Your Own North Star", I began sharing it with several of my life coaching clients. I also have given numerous copies as gifts.

This book is broad in its coverage of a wide variety of life challenges and tools. Martha Beck's humor weaves itself in and out of the text, making you laugh when you least expect it. Some of the material likely will surprise you in a wonderful way (this was my personal experience especially when reading the chapter on intuition). But mostly Beck's wisdom will help guide you to your own North Star.

I have not read another author who better helps you explore your essential self, become aware of the triggers that cause you to put on your social mask and show you how this gets in the way of living an authentic life.

Plan to spend a lot of time with this book. When done right you will think, ask questions, ponder, journal, reflect, explore, write and take concrete forward steps. Join with others in a group to work through this book and the exercises together. Sure, that sounds like a lot of work . . . yet small in comparison to the payoff of reaping a more authentic and rewarding life.

As a social psychologist, I respect this book. As I coach, I recommend this book to all, especially those experiencing a major life transition or anyone trying to figure out what it is you love to do and how you can do more of it. This is a great instruction book for creating your unique and best life.

This book is a gift.......2007-05-24

This is in response to "working girl" and others comments that this book is about "spin". The concept behind "Finding Your Own North Star" implies that we don't all have the same "dream job". The idea that there are "North Star" businesses is just an example of why we NEED this message. Our society has conditioned us to believe that there are a handful of careers that reap success and happiness. And if you don't qualify for those positions, you are doomed to a medoicre life. This simply is not true. It may be that a person's "dream job" is working in an animal shelter giving love to injured animals. It may be a low paying job, but if it is that person's true path in life, they won't care about that. The joy of life fills the person that is doing what they love. Each and every human being has a purpose on this earth. Every purpose has immeasurable value. The challenge is to look beyond what we are told by society, and find the answers within ourselves. Martha Beck has provided an instruction manual on how to do just that. I hope that you will read the book again. Don't rush through it, but let it sink in. Take some quiet moments to really contemplate the message. Finding your North Star isn't about money. It is about reconnecting to your true self, and letting it guide you in the direction that you were meant to travel.

A Turtle Tracking the North Star.......2007-05-04

Martha Beck - life coach and monthly columnist for "O: Oprah Magazine" - adores turtles. The turtle, after all, embodies much to be admired: a hard, thick shell on the outside, to protect itself from the bumps and bruises of manuevering through life; a very soft and vulnerable inside beneath the resistant carapace; lacking in speed but has a plodding persistence that wins over the hare every time; and, while protecting its head when at rest, is required to stick its neck out in order to move forward. The turtle, Beck points out, is a role model for living successful lives.

Moving ahead in life, turtle-style, is an excellent way to reach our North Stars - that point of light to guide us home like a compass in even the darkest sky. In an easy-to-absorb and enjoyable, often humorous style, Beck explains how so many of us get lost, or get stuck, and fail to achieve our most cherished dreams or any measure of happiness. We are a division of two selves requiring balance: the essential self - our core being that is guided mostly by uninhibited instinct combined with an inner voice of wisdom - with the social self - the part of us that has learned how to play nice with others, function in a diverse society, and, alas, all too often wear masks to hide our more tender and true core selves.

Beck does not advocate turning to one or other self exclusively, both essential and social selves are necessary, but rather finding the healthy balance so that we can remain on the right path toward that North Star. Too much essential self and we become irresponsible members of a civilized society. Too much social self, and we lose touch with our core, sinking into superficiality, losing sight of our dreams, and wearing our masks so long that we forget our own true faces.

Beck illustrates how our physical bodies often are first to let us know, loud and clear, if we only pay attention, that we have veered off the path. A persistent unhappiness is our first clue. Easy enough to recognize. But sometimes our grief is more internalized, less obvious, and so signs of illness, fatigue, boredom, apathy, chronic irritability, all point to a need to check our internal maps. People behaving badly are not so much mean and evil, she says, as in pain. And pain of any kind is a clear signal that we are not doing what we are supposed to be doing, that we have lost touch with our essential, core selves. It's time to listen to the voice inside again, the one belonging to the essential self, for where we have gone wrong.

In fifteen chapters, the author gives plenty of guidance and examples, many quizzes and questions to ponder, much sound advice and clear illustration. Whether the issue at hand is a relationship gone sour or a career gone dull (and one issue often goes hand in hand with another), her common sense guidelines encourage the reader to get back on track again and how to do so. Change, she acknowledges, is uncomfortable. But life IS change, and it is in fact change that keeps us young and vital and alert, much as flexing a muscle keeps it strong. The turtle never gets ahead without stretching its neck out from under that shell first. The bounty and joy of life, however, is always worth it. Dealing with change and the unknown is part of the hero's saga, or quest, in finding the North Star, and no one gets through without encountering their share of obstacles and hurdles and tests. It is the testing, in fact, that makes us into heroes and gives us the tools and know-how we need to go on.

"A willingness to make mistakes and recover from them is absolutely essential," she writes. As is doing a "terrible job" if it is on the path to learning and growth. To sustain oneself through the rough spots, her advice is to keep oneself in the positive, avoid the negative, and that includes the company one keeps (find people who support and encourage you), the kind of recreation one chooses (don't watch a violent movie and expect to feel positive about yourself or others), and how one treats others (don't just take the support, offer it in return to those who are worthy).

"Change hurts," she warns. "...for a person who's stuck in the wrong life, setting out on a North Star quest has all the combined attractions of suicide and childbirth. To complete it, you'll have to kill off the old You and give birth to a different You, someone nobody has ever seen before. Neither side of this process is painless, and they're both scary as hell. I've watched hundreds of folks make dramatic life transformations, and in every case, the person in question experienced alienation, confusion, frustration, and a thousand other forms of acute distress... the eventual payoff was tremendous - cheap at twice the price."

In the end, Beck states, we all manifest our own destinies. Whether we finally reach our personal North Star or not, it is entirely up to each and every one of us. Those of us who are eternal pessimists and live in a mire of negativity will always hone in like magnets on failure and disappointment. Those of us who maintain our North Star focus throughout the expected trials and tribulations of normal living, will claim what we were meant to have: our dreams. Turtles are created to cross the finish line.

Worth checking out, but stay real...........2007-04-07

It's always interesting that honest and critical comments like working girl's often get the fewest "votes" from surfers indicating a review is helpful. People just don't want to hear that side of it...they are lookin' for a little of the ol' soft shoe. Nothing wrong with that - - hey, it's why I'm here! But... I do so with one foot in reality.

Her comment that some of the stories in the book may be "spin" likely has truth. Like rewarding positive reviews, we are mesmerized with the glowing possibilities of triumph over the nine to five grind, versus contemplating the hard reality that most people will still end up working jobs they don't like to make money. Hope simply makes for better copy and more sales.

Look, not ALL people can or will follow their star even if they could find it...someone's still gonna take orders at McDonald's, haul the garbage, answer the phones, install the cable. If all of us were destined for "living the life we were meant to live", nobody would do those jobs!

At day's end, I'm STILL optimistic and looking forward to employing some of the author's suggestions. Meantime, I'm still payin' my dues.

There's Nothing in This Book That I Meant to Say

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There's nothing in this book that I meant to say by Paula Poundstone
Humor, History and Humility
A pleasant, rambling read
There's Nothing in This Book That I Meant to Say
Nayslove

There's Nothing in This Book That I Meant to Say
Paula Poundstone
Manufacturer: Harmony
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0609603167
Release Date: 2006-11-07

Book Description

Part memoir, part monologue, with a dash of startling honesty, There’s Nothing in This Book That I Meant to Say features biographies of legendary historical figures from which Paula Poundstone can’t help digressing to tell her own story. Mining gold from the lives of Abraham Lincoln, Helen Keller, Joan of Arc, and Beethoven, among others, the eccentric and utterly inimitable mind of Paula Poundstone dissects, observes, and comments on the successes and failures of her own life with surprising candor and spot-on comedic timing in this unique laugh-out-loud book.

If you like Paula Poundstone’s ironic and blindingly intelligent humor, you’ll love this wryly observant, funny, and touching book.

Paula Poundstone on . . .

The sources of her self-esteem: “A couple of years ago I was reunited with a guy I knew in the fifth grade. He said, “All the other fifth-grade guys liked the pretty girls, but I liked you.” It’s hard to know if a guy is sincere when he lays it on that thick.

The battle between fatigue and informed citizenship: I play a videotape of The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer every night, but sometimes I only get as far as the theme song (da da-da-da da-ah) before I fall asleep. Sometimes as soon as Margaret Warner says whether or not Jim Lehrer is on vacation I drift right off. Somehow just knowing he’s well comforts me.

The occult: I need to know exactly what day I’m gonna die so that I don’t bother putting away leftovers the night before.

TV’s misplaced priorities: Someday in the midst of the State of the Union address they’ll break in with, “We interrupt this program to bring you a little clip from Bewitched.”

Travel: In London I went to the queen’s house. I went as a tourist—she didn’t invite me so she could pick my brain: “What do you think of my face on the pound? Too serious?”

Air-conditioning in Florida: If it were as cold outside in the winter as they make it inside in the summer, they’d put the heat on. It makes no sense.

The scandal: The judge said I was the best probationer he ever had. Talk about proud.

With a foreword by Mary Tyler Moore

Customer Reviews:

There's nothing in this book that I meant to say by Paula Poundstone.......2007-08-06

This is a funny book... I listened to it in my car on five CDs. Paula has been through a lot and yet she has not lost her sense of humor. If you ever get the chance to go see her live, don't miss it. She is one of the quickest and the best at adLib that I have ever seen.

Humor, History and Humility.......2007-07-29

What do Joan of Arc, Abraham Lincoln, Helen Keller, Beethoven, Charles Dickens,The Wright Brothers and Sitting Bull all have in common? Isn't it obvious? Paula Poundstone of course.

Ms. Poundstone makes both humorous and serious parallels with these historical figures as she goes back and forth between her life and theirs. We not only learn about her own history, we learn about her wry views on life, recovery from her addiction and her number one priority-her three children. As an added bonus we may even be motivated to read more about the people whose names are the titles of the seven chapters.

I especially appreciated her frank discussion of her alcoholism in terms of acceptance,taking responsibility as well as making amends to those whose lives were most affected, her children.

Well done Paula!

A pleasant, rambling read.......2007-07-26

This book feels a lot like listening to a Paula Poundstone comedy routine. She starts off on one topic and you never know where you will end up. I was pleasantly surprised by how personal she was willing to get when talking about her recent substance problems. She did so with much grace and self-deprecating humor. I just love her wit and found myself laughing out loud on several occasions.

There's Nothing in This Book That I Meant to Say.......2007-06-08

Great book. She writes with raw honesty and gentle humour. While reading the book, you feel like you're having a great heart to heart talk, with a good friend.

Nayslove.......2007-05-12

If you are a fan of Paula's, you will LOVE this book! If you aren't and are looking for a good read, you will enjoy the history lesson and fall in love with her. I laughed so hard I had tears rolling. It is both poignant and hysterically funny. She is brilliant as a comic, and now as an author.

Farther Than I Meant To Go, Longer Than I Meant To Stay

Average customer rating:

I Love A Good Book
Real Life Here
Great Ministry Tool
What a Ride
Farther than I meant to go, Longer than I meant to stay.

Farther Than I Meant To Go, Longer Than I Meant To Stay
Tiffany L. Warren
Manufacturer: Walk Worthy Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

United States | Short Stories | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0446693537

Customer Reviews:

I Love A Good Book.......2007-09-25

First of All, I picked this book up at the library and was attracted by the cover. It kept me enthralled and I found myself unable to put it down. I saw myself in a few of the characters in this book and I never knew Christian Fiction could be so good. This book really spoke to me and the scriptures explained and put in here were appreciated. I related so much that some things I would apply to my life. I have been sharing this poor little book. I believe I will buy it to give to my sistahs that can also get alot out of reading this.

Real Life Here.......2007-08-23

I found this book to be similar to my life. It may be considered fiction, but it sure did seem like things that happen in real life. I believe persons who purchase this book will truly enjoy it.

Great Ministry Tool.......2007-08-20

I picked up this novel by accident while searching for something else. I believe it was divine intervention because elements of the story hit close to home and what was therapy for the main character became my therapy as well.
I found Farther Than I Meant To Go, Longer Than I Meant To Stay to be a good solid story that I could truly label as Urban Christian Fiction.
My only critisms would be that I felt the novel was very "safe". I wished the author would have dealt with a few more natural issues a little more realistically just as she dealt heavily with spiritual issues. For example, after being intimate with someone who is cheating, I felt the character should have gotten tested for STD's, etc. That was never explored.
I also felt at times that the characters were one-dimentional and lacked "flavor".
Over all, I do think that the story was good and the ministry was undeniable. I only wished the author would have given it more of a "punch".
I would highly recommend this novel for women in their late thirties and over who are single - particularly those who are full figured.

What a Ride.......2007-07-28

Okay the main character is definitely a mirror image of some of today's women. But no matter your situation you will find that you can relate.

Farther than I meant to go, Longer than I meant to stay........2007-06-10

This was a great book, it is an example of what we experience in life.

Be Yourself: Living The Life You Were Meant To Live By Understanding Your Natural Abilities

Average customer rating:

Be Yourself
A definite must read...more than once!
Less Stress through better Understanding!
Why Can't You Be Normal ? ? ?
The Fast Track to Happiness

Be Yourself: Living The Life You Were Meant To Live By Understanding Your Natural Abilities
John Buffini
Manufacturer: Olivemount Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Self-Esteem | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

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

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

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ASIN: 0971563802

Book Description

Be Yourself is a guide to discovering who you are and a primer for managing your innate abilities. Its goal is to help you live the life you were meant to live by understanding your natural abilities and by utilizing your gifts to fullest advantage. It will help you address the important areas and issues in your life, both personally and professionally.

In a conversational, engaging manner, this innovative book introduces readers to an unique process of personal profiling and ability management. It initiates awareness of the different abilities and attributes we each own individually, details and discusses our dominant abilities and their combinative forms, and recommends ways to use and manage them to improve ourselves. Through 26 comfortably constructed chapters, Be Yourself deals with the positive and negative aspects of self-awareness, relationship dynamics, and personal motivation. The book points up revealing insights concerning work styles, individual perspective of time, and what makes us tick. It relates to the reader by examples and anecdotes in an easy-reading manner with positive direction, humanity and humor.

This book brings fresh insights to the literature of self-improvement. In practical terms, it puts forth a powerful message: be your true self; discover and manage your abilities; optimize yourself and your life.

Be Yourself is a new and effective approach to personal development.

Customer Reviews:

Be Yourself.......2003-01-24

I found this book to be extremely helpful to me in assessing and accepting the natural attributes of the people I love. It helped me realize I'm OK too. We are built a certain way and we can improve ourselves and don't have to try to change our nature just manage it better. I loved the book and am going to gift it to others.

A definite must read...more than once!.......2002-07-11

This is a wonderful book on revealing the layers of ourselves and what we take for granted in our daily living. John Buffini has opened up or re-opened up many things about how and why I get the best out of myself and how to work and live with the important people and family. It is amazing to have the words jump of the page as I read them to get a better understanding of who I am and want to become. Be prepared to make notes and work exercises that will be helpful for the long term as you learn to become a better version of yourself. Very enjoyable experience, to having a good life!

Less Stress through better Understanding!.......2002-05-14

"Be Yourself" focuses on helping people understand themselves better through great stories and tremendous "word pictures". There are so many positive aspects of the book it's hard to describe in under 1,000 words. One of the benefits that may not be obvious at first, though, is the ability to have better relationships with others around you. Reading the book helps you to understand not just how you tick but how others around you tick as well. So for me, "Be Yourself" allows me to appreciate not only my own gifts and abilities but other's as well. Understanding that we all naturally have different gifts and abilities and learn and understand things differently, reduces my stress level in both business and personal relationships. I'd recommend this book to anyone that wants to better understand themselves and those around them.

Why Can't You Be Normal ? ? ?.......2002-05-08

Yes ... I've been asked that question ... and ... yes ... I have also had the urge to ask that question. However, this book provided insight into personality dynamics between and within myself and others ... thus helping me understand how silly that question actually is. The primary benefits of having read this book ... are that I feel better able to celebrate my victories and strengths ... and more importantly ... I am better able to recognize people and environments that are toxic ... to me (i.e. not toxic in an absolute sense). This has made it easier for me to exercise the power of choice ... by either consciously making allowances ... or intentionally disassociating. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who is serious about self-improvement ... in an absolute sense.

The Fast Track to Happiness.......2002-04-19

I'm so grateful that I was given a copy of this book by a friend. John Buffini has explained the human condition with remarkable accuracy. I now understand myself on a much deeper level and am able to live my life in a way that is finally meaningful and rewarding to me - the way I actually am instead of the way I always thought I was "supposed" to be. Many of the things that I would have changed about myself I've now learned are some of my greatest abilities. Learning to champion those abilities as well as how to appropriately manage and restrain them has become a huge part of my dramatically improved personal and professional success. What a remarkable journey and gift - one that I intend to share with everyone I care about. I wouldn't want anyone to miss the path to true individual happiness that I have found. Thank you John Buffini!

Be the Leader You Were Meant to Be: Growing into the Leader God Called You to Be

Average customer rating:

Good overview of leadership, from military background
Great Leadership from a great man!
Excellet! I highly recommend this book
Great Book for Any Church Leader
Ho Hum, I've read better

Be the Leader You Were Meant to Be: Growing into the Leader God Called You to Be
Leroy Eims
Manufacturer: Victor
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Inspirational | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0781438853

Book Description

A Leadership Classic!
Personal and Group Study Guide Included

A Practicum for Christian Leaders
Modern management strategies are valuable-no doubt about it. But too often we ignore or miss the tremendous spiritual leadership and management principles found in the Bible.

That's the reason for Be the Leader You Were Meant to Be. It presents what the Bible says about leadership. And that's a great deal. This book is as down-to-earth practical as your everyday shoes. In fact, it's a must if you feel that God has any type of leadership role in mind for you--or if He has already given you a job of leading people.

First published in 1975 and with more than 300 000 books in print, this newly updated edition of Be the Leader You Were Meant to Be includes a personal and group study guide.

Customer Reviews:

Good overview of leadership, from military background.......2007-05-09

I liked this book a lot. It is easy to read and understand and gives specific guidance for leaders.
I found it's scope to be limited to a more military style of leadership, with some flexibility.
If you read it understanding that people today expect more involvment in decisions, it is very good.

Great Leadership from a great man!.......2007-01-09

Having served in the Marine Corp, Eims knows leadership first hand. And he knows his Bible, too. His delineating of the principles 1) single-mindedness 2) whole-heartedness and 3) a fighting-spirit are brilliant. This guy knows what it takes to step out front and lead the pack.

Eims doesn't beat around the bush. He tells you straight-out that your relationship with God is foundational to success as a leader. It's this fellowship with Him that "flips the switch" and turns everything on.

Get this book, read it, mark it up and then get into God's Word. You'll see these principles all over the pages of Holy Writ. Become the leader God intended you to be!

God bless you!

Excellet! I highly recommend this book.......2006-11-05

As I have served in leadership for years in various church setting and secluar settings, I have learned some lessons the hard way. Part of that is simply the maturing process as we grow in faith. However, this book echos so many of the lessons I have learned! It is refreshing to see it written from a very real perspective (not just pie in the sky theories) with real life illustrations as well as solid Biblical support. A refreshing and easy to read book that I personally plan to purchase more of for individuals who serve in my leadership circle - especially those who are the "up and coming" leaders who are eager to learn and grow in their gift and calling to the glory of God.

Great Book for Any Church Leader.......2003-09-23

As a leader of Women's Ministries in my church, I needed a training book to encourage and teach the Women's Ministry Board. The principles stated in this book are very important to ministry at any level. It involves the personal and spiritual disciplines important to setting the right model of leadership. Our ladies team has enjoyed the study of this book and find if helpful. I recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about the principles of leadership.

Ho Hum, I've read better.......2003-08-02

The author is the director of evangelism for the Navigators and a combat marine veteran of WWII. These two experiences have shaped his view of leadership. Unlike many other books on leadership, Eims has structured his book sole on leadership and management principles taken from the Bible.

His belief that any pastor can be a better leader is the chief strength of this book. Eims points out that the source of spiritual leadership is not found in natural charisma, but in the infilling presence of God; thus, leaders in the church must be men of faith before anything else. They must set the example before the congregation of what it means to be a Christian.

There were some significant weaknesses in this book. There were just too many sermons. Page after page is devoted to biblical illustrations. For instance, in chapter nine over three pages of biblical exposition are devoted to Moses resolving conflicts.

It was an OK book, I've read better.

Average customer rating:

The Best

Great Teaching Book

Best book I've ever read

God Meant It For Good by R. T. Kendall

You must read this book!

God Meant It for Good:
R. T. Kendall
Manufacturer: Morningstar Publications (NC)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Christian Living | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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Total Forgiveness

The Thorn In The Flesh

Total Forgiveness Experience: A Study Guide To Repairing Relationships

Believing God:

The Anointing: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

ASIN: 1878327305

Customer Reviews:

The Best.......2007-01-21

This is truly one of the best books ever written. Actually, anything by RT Kendall is a book with substance

Great Teaching Book.......2007-01-09

This book is filled with scriptures and valuable information. I highly recommend it.

So many people have their own interpretations of what is happening when you go through something, but R. T. Kendall gives you biblical truths that give you concrete information of what is really going on.

A must read.

Best book I've ever read.......2006-11-04

I first read God Meant it for Good about 15 year ago. It has since become very difficult to find. Amazon is one of the few places where I can still find it. I would not part with my original copy but I buy extra copies whenever I can and give them to friends who are going through difficult times. When I read it the first time I was going through some very trying times in my career and wondered why all these troubles were coming my way. As I read the book it was as though someone was putting salve on my soul. It was so uplifting and encouraging that I recommend it to everyone who is going through hard times. If you start reading it I guarantee you will finish it! I wish more people had a copy of it.

God Meant It For Good by R. T. Kendall.......2006-11-03

This was the most revealing book I have ever read. Because of its emancipation and understanding of my dissapointments, fears and griefs; I now look at adversity through a different lens. I was so inspired by this particular book; I found myself searching out all of his works. It is the most comprehensive and compelling look at the life of Joseph I have ever read. The author utilizes the Bible, his own life, and an adequate challenge to the reader to examine his or her own life to gain the maximum impact and inspiration. It is a firm track to run on when applying the life of Joseph to today's times, trials, and triumphs.

You must read this book!.......2006-07-08

If you have ever been hurt by another; if you have ever been abused; if you have ever felt forsaken; if you have ever wondered, "Why did God let this happen to me?" Then you need to read GOD MEANT IT FOR GOOD.

Road Trip: Five Adventures You're Meant to Live

Average customer rating:

For the Modern Girls
Refreshing Author!!!

Road Trip: Five Adventures You're Meant to Live
Jen Hatmaker
Manufacturer: Navpress Publishing Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1576838927

Book Description

What's better than a group of your best friends piled in for a road trip? Take them all along for the journey we call life, complete with the ultimate guide book.

Customer Reviews:

For the Modern Girls.......2007-03-19

Ok, gather your girlfriends and sit down together and go through this book! You will laugh out loud, nod your heads in agreement, and learn a ton in the process! I can't recommend this book enough! Whether you are a "Bible Study Scholar" or a "Bible Study reject" it will set you on fire to study God's Word in a whole new way.
No more dull, sit around and stare at each other Bible Study groups!
AMEN JEN!

Refreshing Author!!!.......2006-08-28

Jennifer Hatmaker has proved once again that she is a refreshing author on a timeless subject. She has openend my eyes to see God's word in a whole new wonderful light. I highly recommend this great book!

Each for the Other: Marriage as Its Meant to Be

Average customer rating:

Awesome book!!! Highly recommend!
Approve
Excellent Book
Condescending
We both thought is was great

Each for the Other: Marriage as Its Meant to Be
Bryan Chapell , and Kathy Chapell
Manufacturer: Baker Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Marriage | Relationships | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0801066018
Release Date: 2006-08-01

Book Description

Marriage requires not just love, but sacrificial love, says Bryan Chapell. In his newly revised and updated book, Each for the Other, he shows married couples how to emulate the unselfish, sacrificial love of Christ. While imparting invaluable instruction grounded in Scripture, Chapell not only helps husbands and wives understand the nature of God's care but also affirms the importance of building a spiritual foundation that binds them together as one. By presenting a biblical model of marriage, Chapell encourages couples to dive into the deeper dimensions of their relationship. The result, he says, is a Christ-centered marriage and a grace-filled family. Refreshing and honest, Each for the Other is a perfect guide to show spouses, engaged couples, and marriage counselors what marriage is meant to be.

Customer Reviews:

Awesome book!!! Highly recommend!.......2007-05-08

I've been married nearly 17 years and have found this book has given me so much inspiration! I have read many marriage enrichment books but I have to say this is the tops! (Yes, I am a woman, and did NOT feel the least bit intimidated by what he said). I have been challenged to be more serving to my husband and my children, which in turn, is serving my God. It is also a challenge to the husband as well to nuture and nourish his wife and children and this will cause the wife to respond in a way that she wants to serve. I could go on and on and on. I picked up the book to read the back cover and before I knew it I was half way through the book! Other than the Bible, it's right at the top in my opinion.

Approve.......2007-03-11

The book is very benefitial. My fiance and I are getting married next weekend, and the chaplain that is marrying us, suggested this book for the both of us to read. It helps keep into perspective the way you are to treat your spouse. Somewhat repetitive at times, but overall, I think it is a great book.

Excellent Book.......2007-03-08

We love this book and often give it as an engagement or bridal shower gift.

Condescending.......2007-02-08

Has anyone mentioned to the author that women actually have important jobs outside the home and that most of us can carry on an intelligent conversation with our husband's about business??? He tries very hard to explain headship and submission, however, his "real life" examples seem to come out of the 1950's.

This book is an insult to women and the spouses who love them.

We both thought is was great.......2006-11-03

My fiancee and I had to read this book as part of our pre-martial classes at our church. We both thought it was a great book. Some points may have been a little redundant but overall, the book really showed us how to have a God-honoring marriage. I would highly recommend it to any couple preparing for the covenant of marriage.

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