3 comments about Miles to Go Before I Sleep: A Survivor's Story of Life After a Terrorist Hijacking.

1. I saw Jackie Pflug speak at a luncheon and I knew I had to buy her book. Her speech was the most inspirational I have ever heard and I have been a "junkie" of inspirational speeches. The book did not disappoint.
   There is something here for everyone -- a riveting adventure story as she gives a moment by moment account of the hijacking. There is inspiration in her telling of her recovery and the goals she set for herself. Jackie explains her philosophy and spirituality in a way that would be consistent with most any relious belief-- or non belief.
   Most of all, you will learn to appreciate every single day. This is not a sappy "survivor" account but a real life experience that happened to change the author's life. This book will give you the courage to face your obstacle's. It is on my gift list for everyone I know.



2. I just heard Jackie Pflug speak at an event yesterday and she was amazing. Her incredible story and her determination to recover and remain positive truly are an inspiration. I had to get her book after hearing her story and she really explains why you shouldn't sweat the small stuff in life. She was simply amazing and blew me away.



3. I read "Miles To Go Before I Sleep: My Grateful Journey Back from the Hijacking of..." and I assumed "A Survivor's Story..." would be the sequel. It is actually the same book with a new title and cover.
   
   The story is very inspirational. I would love to see a sequel about where Jackie is today.

5 comments about A Special Kind of Hero: Chris Burke's Own Story.

1. When I first began watching "Life Goes On", years ago, I was immedietly drawn in. The sheer talent and ability of Chris Burke blew me away, and this book really gives insight into his childhood and life. It really is a fantastic story that I suggest to anyone looking to read about someone with the courage and strength of the biggest tiger in the jungle, who overcomes stereotypes and boundaries. I wish there had been a little bit more about the behind the scenes of "Life Goes On" and about his musical career, but all in all, it's well worth the money.



2. Creepy - his bizarre relationship with the lil girl from Growing Pains. It just screamed inappropriate.

   Funny - When he was just born and the nurse tells his mother, "you better lock that mongloid away in an institution if you know what is best for him!" I also enjoyed his recollections of Patti Lupone and how her diva-ishness would make no accomendations for his Downs.

   I often wonder if Geri Jewell hates him for stealing her thunder?




3. Chris Burke is one of my favorite actors. I started watching Life Goes On back in 1989 through 1993. It is still my favorite all time show. I taped about half the episodes. ( I just wish i could find out where you can buy them...I'd love to have the whole show on tape) I had no idea how many obstacles, due to his condition of Down Syndrome, Chris had to overcome before becoming an actor. His faith in God and himself is so inspiring. Even his family tried to discourage him from thinking he was going to be a Hollywood star someday, but he obviously had a vision and stopped at nothing to achieve his dreams. I love that his disabilty is not his identity. He rises far above any trial. I also found out many interesing facts from his Life Goes On costars. He and Kellie Martin's friendship was so strong, they were like siblings. He sometimes had to deal with actors who thought they were above him and were very impatient and patronizing with Chris. Chris really is a "normal" person with normal desires- to fall in love, be treated with respect, make his own living, and take care of his loved ones. Whether or not you have seen his show or movies, I recommend you read this book, especially if you are disabled or know someone who is. You don't have to be afraid of someone who looks and sounds a bit different than you. Chris really changed my heart and mind. He has more wisdom than anyone I know.
   
   P.S.( afew months later) Hey Life Goes on fans, I just found out the first season of the show will be released in the summer of 2006! I can't wait to buy it. I hope they will release all four seasons.



4. This book was recommended to me because I am the parent of a special child. I have since recommended the book to all of my friends, whether they have special children (or any children) or not.
   
   Chris Burke's story is remarkable. He beat all the odds and achieved more than most of us could ever dream. This is clearly because of his wonderfully supportive family, who never told him he couldn't succeed.
   
   Moreover, Chris has a great sense of humor, making the book a joy to read.
   
   Well done Chris!



5. This was particularly special for me to read, as Chris Burke was one person who fulfilled a life long dream of mine. I championed for children who were "differently abled" to be treated like everyone else. I was only 11 & 12 years old when I believed that with love, understanding & perseverence, those with "Up Syndrome" could succeed in life, if given the chance.
   
   Chris was one whose family allowed him to grow & believe in himself, to follow his dreams, & I must say, "Chris, you are MY hero! I am so happy that I accidently found out about this wonderful book. It touched my heart, & I recommend it highly, for those wanting to read & experience through words, a true success story, & how all of us can beat the odds, if we believe.

5 comments about The Best Seat in the House: How I Woke Up One Tuesday and Was Paralyzed for Life.

1. This book doesn't belong with all the somber "coping with illness" type of books. Allen Rucker's experience of the indignity and struggle of working in Hollywood alone is worth reading. After you commiserate with the dilemma that befalls Allen, and recognize how easily it could happen to any of us, anytime - we could take a nap one Tuesday and "wake up paralyzed for life" - the part that sticks with you is gratitude for the profound wake-up call you have received. It was hard to run after reading this book without thinking of Allen. Anyone who doesn't fully appreciate their body, or sees only the imperfections, will find that invaluable.
   
   After the book came out, Allen Rucker spoke at a Writers Guild press conference on diversity, responding to a UCLA study showing the low employment of minorities in film and TV. He reminded them that the disabled are by far the largest minority in America - 56 million - yet are invisible both on TV and in the report. Allen's book is paving the way for those over 50 who are feeling increasingly invisible and are waking up to the fact that unexpected things will happen to our bodies as we age, not many of them good, and provides an inspired blueprint for dealing with it.



2. Allen carries us through the deep interiors of emotional exhaustions, redemptions, and explorations of wrestling with a life-affirming, physical alteration. For this reason, the book and the man are close to my heart. He is clear with his words, direct in his perspective and his narrative. This story is an uncompromised one.
   
   Allen broadcasts his investigations of the more difficult and frustrating moments of his adult life. In the same breadth, he reveals the liberating ones, reminding us that our own personal narratives may not always progress linearly. Not everyone welcomes introspection with both repose and vigor. Allen does here, and in doing so, he proves that achievement is not necessarily charted with self-awareness, but with self-discovery.



3. Allen Rucker's book is an entertaining read, a poignant portrait of a man who learns life's most important and hard-to-face lessons in a brand-new body in his 50s, and a spot-on social commentary about the way people with disabilities are treated in this culture. The most compelling and memorable aspect of this book is the way it reveals, through wit, at times scathing sarcasm, clear observation, and a healthy dose of compassion, the way a man navigates a new life in a new body. At turns poignant, revealing, terrifying, and hysterically funny, the book has no false notes and reminds disabled and non-disabled readers alike that we are given one body and we don't know what its future in this world will be, despite our most carefully crafted plans. The scenes and insights in this book will resonate when you read them and stay with you long after you've finished the book. Bravo!



4. A truly amazing book - very well written. Allen Rucker's account of overcoming adversity is a great story of courage, bravery and perseverance. A must read for everyone!



5. Having just recently been told I will have to be in a wheelchair to save what is left of my legs due to polio, I was really interested in what this book had to say. I had read a review in the New Mobility magazine and it got my curiosity aroused. I ended up getting it from our local library and read it in almost one sitting! It seemed to strike a "nerve" with me - I just turned 53, having had a very busy and enjoyable life - built my own house, was a scuba diver, kayaker, bicyclist, raised two active boys, etc - then, as polio caught up to me, I am finding that I need to use more and more "help" to just get through the day. That was a very disturbing and somewhat depressing thought, to me. But, if I was going to make what I had left last for many more years, I knew I had to do it. So, I am moving into a wheelchair, using hand controls on my van, using a crutch all the time, etc. It was a bummer, in my mind. Then, along comes Allen's book and my mind was turned upside down! I found a kindred spirit in Allen, and just loved his sense of humor, his somewhat acerbic wit, and his learning to look beyond the terrible things that his body had done to him and focus on the positive things. Yes, it is not always positive, and he made that very clear, but there are ways to look at just about everything that make it easier or funnier or reflective. I found myself cheering for him when he made those "steps" of discovery - dealing with his work, his house, his wife, his mother-in-law (I was crying laughing!), his kids, his bitterness, his anger. I bought this book because I know that I will read it again and I have recommended it to many of my walking friends, as well - we all have disabilities, in one way or another, and learning to live with them is a great lesson. Allen Rucker has done that and has described a way that worked for him and will work for many others -

5 comments about George & Sam: Two Boys, One Family, and Autism.

1. I want to thank Charlotte Moore from the bottom of my heart for writing this wonderful book about her two sons with autism. I have read many, many accounts of life with autistic children, and never have I read one I loved this much. I loved it because Moore accepts her children, finds them lovable and fascinating just the way they are, but that doesn't mean she doesn't do all she can to help them. She just isn't doing it to find a "cure". She doesn't waste time worrying about why---why autism struck her twice, what caused it. She doesn't cast blame or ask for sympathy---she just describes, and does it so well! I've never read another account about how hard Christmas is for children on the autistic spectrum. My son has Aspergers Syndrome, and is quite high functioning, but Christmas has always been a nightmare for him, for just the reasons this book talks about---surprise presents that bring with them an expectation of a certain social response are not his idea of fun! I've taken to telling him in advance exactly what we will give him.
   
   I also was struck by Moore's writing about imagination and autism. It's not that kids with autism don't have an imaginary life---it's just that it's a lot like their real life---not much social content. My son has a whole imaginary world, and has for many years. You would think it would be interesting to hear about, but it's not---mostly he tells me about things like the population density there, the major imports and exports, the state of the transportation system---the same things that interest him in the real world!
   
   I hope Moore writes more books about her sons. I would love to hear more about them as they grow up. I also hope that anyone who loves someone on the autistic spectrum will read this book, and learn from it. I know that even after 12 years of hands-on experience with my son, I learned a lot here. Thank you again, and all my best wishes to your family, Charlotte!



2. I have a 3 yr old autistic son who moved from severe to mild with a lot of intervention. I have read a lot of books, and I was particularly interested in this one because I had heard so many positive things about it. I am glad that I did because overall, I really liked the book. I found her accounts of her sons to be filled with love, honesty, and sometimes even humor. She is an amazing woman to raise 3 boys alone (she's a single Mom!), and two of them with autism. I give her a lot of credit. I give it 4 stars though instead of 5 because while I liked her accounts, I think she made some pretty odd assertions. Some of it has been mentioned already in the reviews, and some not. I just hope that people read it with an open mind - that her assertions on autism is just that of a Mom with two autistic boys, and they are not always...accurate. Regardless, I highly recommend this book.



3. I read this book because Nick Hornby recommended it in his book, "The Polyphonic Spree." (By the way, Hornby's novel, "How to be Good," though not about autism, is an entertaining read). Hornby has a son affected by autism, so he has insight into the subject.
   
   I don't agree with everything Moore writes, but I found this memoir to be very real and moving. She discusses the CF GF diet, but isn't a zealot about it, which I appreciated. She uses ABA, whereas we use Floortime in our family. She's anti-inclusion, whereas my son attends a school with an inclusion program.
   
   This book shows what it's like to live with autism. The author has a sense of humor, which makes it readable. I could identify with her gradual awakening to the fact that something was wrong. I appreciated her worries about what will happen to her boys after she's gone.
   
   Moore says her sons are "autistic through and through," which is to say, there are not "normal" boys inside, struggling to get out. I think this is an important view to have represented, because there are a lot of miraculous recovery stories out there, and the truth is that sometimes, recovery doesn't happen. Recovery makes for a more dramatic story, and probably sells more books. But there's a place for truthful accounts like this, too. I resonated with it.



4. As a psychologist who works with children with autism, I have read many of the books written by parents so I can have a better understanding of their experience. Many of the books focus on some of the alternative treatments and how one or another "cured" their child. This is not the case with "George and Sam". Charlotte Moore does describe treatments that she has tried, and discusses the pros and cons of the outcome in a realistic way. She doesn't expect to find a miracle cure, just treatments that can improve her boys' quality of life. She wholly accepts who they are. She doesn't lead the reader to believe that if they try a particular treatment their child will be cured. I believe this is a great book for parents, especially those who have a child that is newly diagnosed.



5. I read this book on a recommendation and it was of particular interest to me, since a close friend has an autistic child and another close friend works with autistic children. This book deals with a heavy subject in a very accessible manner and gives out a lot of information without feeling preachy or reading like a textbook. I recommend it for everyone.

4 comments about Terry Fox: His Story (Revised).

1. "Terry Fox: His Story" tells of the life of a man who needs little introduction the world over. Terry's one-legged run halfway across Canada in 1980 is a story of great national pride here, and indeed many countries have caught on to the spirit. Terry's tragic, heroic story is commemorated every year with the fundraising "Terry Fox Run", held around the world, with the proceeds going towards cancer research.

   "His Story" succeeds in providing a comprehensive, if not overly personal, look at Terry's life. I was also impressed by the dynamic and care given to the run itself, as it progressed from one location/town to another. Not every city was as enthusiastic as the last one, for instance, and the author takes care to show how Terry learns to respond to these varying regional reactions, and learns to become a very capable public speaker. The author also takes great care to show that the running was not easy work for Terry, that on many days he simply physically could not accomplish what he set out to do. It makes what he did accomplish all that much more impressive.

   All in all, I was left with a new respect for Terry as a result of reading this book. As an occasional runner myself, I know how difficult it is to get up, on two legs, and go. Which makes you wonder, if Terry Fox could jog nearly a marathon every day for six months on one leg, by comparison, what excuse has anybody else got to not do anything?

   Matthew D. Johnston




2. Terry Fox His Story is a wonderful and intriguing book about a young man who touched my heart in ways you couldn't imagine. I felt that I was right there with him all the time and I knew what he was going through.
   This is a book about a young man who had a wild dream. Running across Canada. The really unbelievable thing about this is Terry lost his leg to bone cancer. By the time he died he had raised more than 24 million dollars for cancer research. Because of Terry we are getting closer and closer to a cure for this horrible disease!
   I would definitely recommend this book to everyone. It taught me to take a hold on life and to not let it slip away. If everyone read about this amazing young man I'm sure the world would be a better place!!



3. This is a great inside look at the inspirational life, and especially the three thousand plus mile 1980 trek, of Terry Fox. If you don't know who Terry Fox is, shame on you... You need to read this book. If you do know who Terry Fox is, read this book to bring back the memories of this selfless hero. The book has been updated since its original publishing 25 years ago and still has the inside story from Terry's family and friends, as well as his own words from interviews and journal entries. If you are interested in Terry Fox, you should check out the Terry Fox Foundation website as well as the newly published "Terry" by Douglas Coupland.



4. On harsh moments, Terry's story seems to be the reminder and remmedy. An inspiring life. A must read book!

5 comments about Never Die Easy: The Autobiography of Walter Payton.

1. and he was no slouch in football, first ballot hall of famer over 16,000 yards rushing. 13 seasons, 9 All Pros and a Super Bowl Champion, yet all that is nothing compared to what kind of man Walter Payton was.
   In this inspiring and uplifting book we get to meet the very private Payton and get a portrait of a man of faith, values, morals and integrity. We also get to learn from someone who is facing the biggest tackler in life ( impending death) in his own words.
   I cam away awed and inspired by Walter Payton and hope that kids get ahold of this book, in a time where the above qualities are rare in sports heroes, we need more heroes and Walter definantly lives up to that title.



2. I am a huge Bears and Walter Payton, and absolutely loved this book. It covers all the aspects of his life, from growing up in Mississippi, to college at Jackson State, on to the Bears, his many business endeavors after this retirement, and his untimely death. You get an in depth look into his life, as told not only by him, but from his friends and family. I would recommend this book not only to Bears and football fans, but anyone in general. There are many things you can learn from Walter, whether it be treating people the right way, or always giving 100%, even when things are bad.
   
   And one last note. Be prepared before you read the last chapter of the book. It is very emotional, to say the least, but a great read.



3. Excellent book, very well written, and quite moving.
   
   This is NOT a book about football, but rather, a book about an amazing individual, and the impact he had on so many people.
   
   It's very easy to read, as it's more like a collection of short stories, so you don't have to read-it at one sitting.



4. The title of this book says it all! Walter Payton lived life the best way anyone should, doing your very best at whatever you do! Walter Payton was extraordinary both off and on the football field. He is a true hero who touched many lives and leaves a great legacy behind; Walter you are still missed by all! I never met Walter and I was too young to see witness his amazing football skills but I am inspired by his personal story. Everyone should read this; it's inspirational!



5. Bought this for my boyfriend, who is a huge Walter Payton fan. He loves it. Great book for any fan who remembers and loved Sweetness.

5 comments about A Shining Season: The True Story of John Baker.

1. This true story of a runner and coach tugs at your heart strings. It is so sad , at times I could not see the page because of my tears. Mr. Buchanan does a remarkable job of painting the portrait of this young man's life in a realistic manner. Very well written - THIS WAS A GREAT READ!!!



2. I first read this book when it was passed on to me in high school by a friend. The story of John's life and battle with cancer is something that really makes you put your life in perspective and is truly inspirational. I don't know anyone that has made it through the book without some tears...just reading through the reviews here, I found myself with tears streaming down my cheeks. If each of us could do 1/2 the good in our lifetimes that John Baker did in his that ended much too soon, imagine how much better the world would be.



3. I was 8 years old when John Baker passed away but, I do remember when they changed the name of the school to honor this hero. This book is chicken soup for the human soul. This book belongs in everyone's personal library and it should be read at least once a year to remind us that every little thing counts.



4. I originally read this book about John Baker's life and impact on young people when I was in grade school. I still had it on my bookshelf when I was in college in 1988. I felt a lump on my testicle and immediately saw a doctor. The diagnosis was malignant testicular cancer, but thanks to God and the fact that I had re-read John Baker's story so many times, I caught it early and am completely cured. John's life continues to have an impact on many people long after his tragic death.



5. This book needs to be read by everyone especially by all those over 13. I read it frequently and every time I am more amazed by John's incredible greatness, sacrifice, courage and love of children. I am also very thankful that his family, friends, professional co-workers et.all were there to help him. Even Dr. Johnson contacted medical assistance all over the country to help him. It is more tragic that his form of cancer is now much more treatable. The last line says that Coach Baker turned tragedy into an enduring legacy. Amen! The Duke City Dashers and the children of Aspen were so so blessed by their "Coach Baker." My paperback from 1982 has been replaced by a hardcover. Aspen, by his children was named "John Baker Elementary" in tribute to this great man and their "teacher" Words really can't describe him. I am so thankful that Mr. Buchanan has told all of us the life of one of the greatest people that I have ever known and heard about. Truly, Coach has received in heaven all of the crowns, trophies, medals that the Lord provides to His good and faithful servants!!Five stars all around to everyone involved in John Baker's legacy and William J. Buchanan. Coach Baker's story needs to be told even 38 years later!!

5 comments about Prozac Diary.

1. well written. scary details about mental illness. both scary w/ respect to what i might see in myself and what exceeds greatly in a dystopic fashion what i see in myself. is a testament to how well prozac can work, and in that fashion, this memoir is quite effective and honest, although some may call it "over salted" (as Hamlet didn't want his plays to be like over salted dishes.)



2. This book follows the story of learning, recovering, and adjusting of a woman, confused
   and feeling alone. Chronicling a young woman's experiences of the late 80's, being one
   of the first to take Prozac, it focuses on the changes and mixed emotions associated with
   taking the new drug. Reality and psychology blend together to form an inspirational story
   for those that can relate. Recommended age 16 and up due to sexual content, adult
   themes, and language.
   
   Based on a true, biographical story, the story behind the author (Slater) is very intriguing.
   Being a somewhat difficult read, following the ups and downs, the story details the life of
   a depressed, suicidal-prone young woman trying to survive in society. Setting up the
   story, it details doctor's visits, past attempts to regain a grasp on her life, and her
   prescribing doctor. Upon actually being prescribed Prozac, the story details the tough
   decision and thought process about being one of the first to take the new psychotropic
   drug. Once making a decision to proceed with the medical treatment, a focus is paid to
   the effects and results. Although changes are felt within the author's attitude and outlook
   on life within very few days, questions are provoked about whether these changes can
   appear in such a short amount of time. A diary-like feel is given to the story when the
   author accounts her days on the drug. In going from depressed to a never before
   experienced happiness, the question of truth behind these feelings is proposed. 888 Over
   the course of her first few weeks on Prozac, Slater personally tests her true happiness and
   ultimate truth behind this happiness. Throughout her treatment period, the author makes
   large progression toward her final goal of happiness, seeking help along the way and
   receiving it where hands extend. Struggle and strength are themes throughout the
   chronicle, displaying conflicts associated with taking a somewhat controversial and
   amateur market drug of the time. Now a large name drug, the unknowns behind it in it's
   early stages are marked within this diary of a young woman pleading for her happiness-
   something she has never truly known.



3. Lauren Slater was prescribed Prozac in 1988 when the pharmaceutical first came out. She recalls having an almost immediate and "blissed out" feeling. Slater says that Prozac made her "high" and goes on and on about it obsessively as she describes her reaction to Prozac as, "the single most stunning experience of my life." This is rather melodramatic. I have tried Prozac and I have been depressed throughout my life. Taking a pharmacetical like Prozac does not make a person "high."
   
   I have a real problem with the way Slater portrays Prozac as her "drug." She pontificates as if taking an anti-deppressant for DEPPRESSION is shameful, secretive. Slater becomes an intern at a half-way house for "boozers" and is informed that staff member's sign waivers allowing the administration to do random urine screens. Athough Slater does not use any illegal drugs, she panics at the thought of "being revealed." Slater compares herself to the addicts who live at the half-way house. Describing a client, she says "he stared straight at me, one junkie to another..."
   
   It insulting to those of us who have struggled with addiction to have Slater describe herself as a "junkie" because she is over dramatizing her experience with Prozac. It was persribed to her for the treatment of a disease and she was NOT abusing the medication.
   (I am in recovery and have been clean for 3 years). Slater later also considers herself "drug-dependent" and tries to convince the reader of her claim with her interpretation of what The DSM IV calls addiction. I don't buy it, and I don't think anyone who has struggled with drug or alcohol addiction will either. Maybe a reader without a history of addiction and/or depression won't notice that Slater is a phoney and an alarmist. Nobody is buying the "addicted to Prozac" crap.



4. Dr. Lauren Slater woke up one day to discover that Prozac had eliminated one of her most closely held realities - Obsessive/Compulsive Disorder (OCD). This book is a journal of her experiences for the ten years that would follow.
   
   Slater documents her fear of losing that comfortable reality, her ability to write creatively, her disciplined reading and eating habits, her inhibitions and her familiar internal voices. Having survived multiple hospitalizations for anorexia and other medical interpretations of her behavior, Slater agrees to begin therapy with Prozac during the drug's infancy. Her physician, overtly wooed by the pharmaceutical's manufacturer, supplies an ever-increasing dose of the wonder drug without mentioning its side effects and its temporary efficacy. While the author refuses to become the Prozac poster-child, she does experience a significant amount of success with the drug and is forthright about her satisfaction as well as her fears.
   
   Lauren Slater is inspirational on many levels. Not only does she treat the status of her psycho-emotional health as something to be embraced as worthy, she regards this unique piece of her identity as something normal for her in this place and time. Slater acknowledges the need for caution when it comes to safety and well-being without negating the value that an alternate psychological reality can present. In addition to her open-minded views on psychic illness, Slater channeled her experiences into motivation and earned her PhD in psychology. She now sees patients of her own and writes professionally regarding subjects in her field.



5. This book was just okay. It was somewhat interesting to read about her experiences with Prozac, but she did a lot of whining about the things that it took away from her, rather than focusing on the fact that it gave her her life back. Her writing is also tangential when she tries to become poetic. Something seemed to be missing. The book felt incomplete or rushed. It is a quick, easy read, but I can't say that I would recommend it.

5 comments about Babyface: A Story of Heart and Bones.

1. This book is not just for parents of children with special needs. The lessons learned by the author and her family and the details of their struggle are beautifully written. Reading this book nudges the reader to think about the blessings of children and the trials of daily life in a new way. A wonderful, inspiring book!



2. I love this book. My 2 1/2 year old son went through four surgeries in his life time and I can so relate to the recall of ICU's and operating rooms. My son also has a form of dwarfism and will be different. I love her philosophy, so much peace and forgiveness to stranger's rudeness! She has so eloguently speak of the growth that any parent of child with differences have experienced. Babyface will be kept close to my heart forever and I recommend this book to all parents who are struggling with the challenge of bring up a child with a difference. In time, you too will gather the strength and peace demonstrated so well and articulated by Ms. McDermott.



3. Jeanne McDermott paints an inspiring portrait of her own family, forced to understand and live with the trials and hardships that accompany a child born with Apert Syndrome. She tells the story of Nathaniel with grace and candor informing the reader along the way with insights into the medical, genetic and developmental aspects of this condition. I cried with her pain and embraced her joys through the trials and triumphs of this journey. For anyone who has had a child born with a medical condition this is a must read.



4. The book was in excellent shape and was received within 2 days! The book is wonderful by the way, a warm read.



5. This book was so great! I cried, laughed, and was so deeply moved I was loathe to close the book. Great!

5 comments about Light in my Darkness, 2nd Edition.

1. I really enjoyed reading this book. It made me look again at what I believe and see it more clearly. This is a great introduction to the ideas of Emanual Swedenborg and the New Church.



2. This book was not only touching because of Helen Keller's fascinating story, but also an uplifting reassurance that life is worth living. Her ideas, those from and about Emanuel Swedenborg, strike me as poingantly true. Helen Keller's unique perspective on the world adds an amazing depth and reality to this work. I absolutly reccomend it for anyone and everyone.



3. I have always been very impressed with the life of Helen Keller. The difficulties she overcame in life were phenomenal. This book, however, was not interesting to me in the least. I am sad to hear about how she moved away from her traditional Christian background and followed the false teachings of Swedenborg. The book is more about Swedenborg than it is about Helen. It is a strong promotion of Swedenborg's New Church. She claims that he had a special ability from God to find the truth in scripture. The problem is, he like all other cult founders, only takes portions of scripture and uses them out of context. He claimed to have special revelations that no one else ever did. Beware of anyone who makes such claims. According to the book, Helen was pretty silent on her beliefs for the last thirty eight years of her life. I hope she was silent out of her realization that Swedenborg is not master of the truth, but Jesus is the truth instead. I do not recommend you use your time reading this book. It can be spent much more wisely.



4. Helen Keller was born June 27,1980 in Tuscumbia Alabama. Her father was an officer for the Confederate army and her mother was a wife. Keller wasn't born deaf and blind that started once she got older. She was about 14 months olds when she started the Perkins School for the Blind.As she grew older she moved to New York to attend Wright Humason School for the deaf. She went to Radcliff college in 1900 and graduated four years later. She died June 1, 1958 in Eastern Conneticut.
   Raven C



5. I received the book in no time at all. It was in great condition. I was completely satisfied.