5 comments about Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief.

1. Good reference book on how important this topic is to overall wellness and the individual herbs use.



2. I am delighted to hear David Winston's voice reflecting his skill and wisdom as a herbalist in the book Adaptogens Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress. This book brings to the reader the opportunity to learn from both the traditional herbal knowledge on this important subject along with the information coming to the subject from science and modern technology. The book has the flavor of a more traditional herbal bringing in the subtle skill of energies unique to each individual plant which belong to this group and introducing the reader to the concept of formulation of adaptogen plants. The reader can truly begins to experience the Art of Herbal Medicine reflected in David's writing voice.



3. I have studied folkloric herbalism for many years, and in the last three years it has become a passion. This book is wonderful, and is by far one of the best books available as an in-depth reference and treatise regarding these valuable green allies and their medicinal properties. Enlightening to the new herbalists, and invaluable to the more experienced.



4. Adaptogens is a book that shows skillful research and imparts that knowledge beautifully. I was thrilled to find this book is one that I will refer to often and each time will enrich my life. Life without knowledge is like a peel without a bannana. this book is an extraordinary find. A book like this can make our world a better place.



5. This book was an excellent source for learning about adaptogens and their health benefits. I bought it mainly for help in reducing stress and anxiety.

5 comments about Happiness Now!: Timeless Wisdom for Feeling Good FAST.

1. I loved this book, it was the most freeing book ever! I saw Robert Holden on the Oprah Show. I really wonder if she actually read it, because she didnt touch on the true the essense of his message. Which was profoundly, "we need to stop 'trying' to fix ourselves". This is the missing link to benefiting from using the Law of Attraction to enhance your life.
   
   If you read this book and really get the message, you will not try to fix yourself or anyone else, again.



2. I loved this book. I actually bought it for a friend, started reading it when it arrived, kept it for myself and bought several more copies for my friends. It's a book everyone should read from time to time. It's a really simple lesson we all forget to enjoy the 'now'. Many of the statements are wonderful and I find myself thinking about them often when hearing about people's everyday troubles or worries. Love the book and would recommend it to all. Read it and scatter happiness.



3. This book is an easy to follow and easy to read book. It is filled with so much common sense that just "clicks" in your mind -- As if you already knew this and why aren't you doing this. It is a great reality check on being happy and not waiting until life has passed you by. Enjoy the journey.



4. Robert Holden is a terrific author. "Happiness Now" and his book "Shift Happens" are both masterpieces. As a huge fan of self-help, I think his work really brings it all together.
   
   The title really says it all, and it's amazingly simple... that's the beauty of this philosophy. And it's really more of a philosophy than an action plan for happiness. It's all about letting happiness in. Holden has an amazing way of bringing this across to the reader!
   
   This book will change lives, it has definitely changed mine for the better.
   
   Amazing book! I wonder what society would be like if this was obligatory reading in school. :)
   
   Paul



5. This book was so enjoyable, I read it non stop. I am now in the process of reading it again. This time, taking it slowly while I reflect on each sentence. I am engulfed with happiness as I am reading this book. I want to continue feeling this free, one moment at a time.

5 comments about How to Do Good After Prison: A Handbook for Successful Reentry (w/ Employment Information Handbook).

1. As the mother of a son who is currently in prison, I have ordered several books in an attempt to get some kind of idea of what we can expect both in prison and when he gets out. This is one of only two books that I have found to be most helpful. The writer has a unique understanding of the system on both sides of the barbed wire and gives some excellent tips on how to succeed. Our family has never dealt with anything like this so we are completely in the dark and this book shined the light on some points I had never thought of that might have taken me by surprise if I had not read this book first. I highly recommend this book both for inmates and their families.



2. 
   The book is an insightful honest passionate look into what issues an ex-convict will have to face when they are released. The book is basically a lot of very common sense advice to ex-convicts written and presented in a language and style I am sure they are uniquely qualified by their prison experiences to understand.
   
   While I suggest the book has lots of so called, "Common Sense" advice I speak as a man who has never been to prison and will hopefully never know the prison experience first hand. What is simple basic "Common Sense" self respect, personal dignity, manners, and civics' 101 that I learned at my grandmothers knee and at church is likely a strange new world to ex-convicts. I am the product of a loving home and strong grandparents who took time to teach me to be a strong civil respectful black gentleman. I am a far cry from ex-convicts many of whom had no strong father figure so they learned how to survive on the hard cold gang and thug infested streets.
   
   This book is a rough blueprint designed to show life long thugs and ex convicts with the desire to improve themselves how to strive for goals and demand levels of respect far greater than what a clinched jaw, a strong fist and a loaded gun will ever bring them. The book is written by a person who speaks a highly cultured rarified version of prisonese but that just proves he is real when he says he divorced himself from his former prison life \ mentality.
   
   The author states specifically that this book alone will NOT save an ex-convict from themselves. The author states correctly that this book is merely a tool. Honestly it is not the quality of this book as a tool that defines the likelihood of an ex-convicts ultimate success. It is the strength desire and passion to rehabilitate them selves that burns in the heart of an individual ex-convict that will determine the effectiveness they make of the awesome tool this book can become in the hands of an ex-convict who is committed to eventual total success.
   
   The book does not sugar coat reality. The book does tell the reader that they will face the once a convict always a convict felon mentality and how that Neanderthal mindset is particularly dangerous for them during any encounters with police. The book tries and effectively teaches the balance an ex-convict must walk because, many in this society never totally forgives an ex-con no matter how much crime free straight time they have racked up. The book teaches that sometimes you survive by letting most fools be themselves unmolested because for an ex-convict fighting a fool is just an engraved invite back to prison and NO FOOL IS WORTH THE LOSS OF FREEDOM, DIGNITY AND YOUR GOALS a fight demands.
   
   I used to help ex-convicts learn community living skills after being released from long periods of incarceration and I remember teaching the exact same lessons this book offers. Many ex-convicts honestly want to go straight but they don't know how and few people skilled at living the crime free life actually want to teach ex-convicts how to live crime free. Most crime free people are afraid of ex-convicts because, they have too much to lose if an ex-convict is just running a game about living crime free. At the time as a disabled black man on government subsidies I had nothing to lose, so I could risk helping ex-convicts and did. I found IF an ex-convict was totally serious about living crime free and getting his life together your guidance, friendship, support and time were his private stash of gold and he would defend, protect and love you as if you were a beloved family member.
   
   Weird thing is a convict wanting to live crime free is often the best friend a crime free teacher could have. I laugh at times when I see successful old ex-con friends I taught community living skills to upon their release because, I am like so TOTALLY a straight arrow Joe citizen looking disabled geek people do a double take when some thuggish looking dude walks up, hugs me crying tears as if he has found a long lost family member. I shared my story here because this book teaches everything I used to teach ex-convicts how live in society and I know for the committed real man these pearls of wisdom all work but only if an ex-con remains strong enough to stay crime free no matter what to the very end! This book teaches that despite all the prison convictions and hellish prison experiences there is hope. Ex-convicts are garbage only if they buy into other loathesome peoples ignorant stereotypes and if they do so they have only themselves to blame for their own weakness. Society in this way is just like prison life. If you let other stuck up people in society steal your hope, your joy and commitment to live crime free then society has made you its punk slave society has turned you out. In society its about keeping your dignity, commitment to living crime free and love of others when society does its best to turn you out as its punk slave rotting in its prison like an animal whose upkeep feeds someone else's children and builds others families while yours go wanting. Look at prison for what it is. Prison is a capitalist society's way of culling then turning out its weakest, uneducated or most vulnerable people for use as slaves to feed this nations growing prison industrial complex.
   
   To all the ex-cons out there trying to go straight and live a crime free life you have my undying love, respect and admiration gentlemen, stay strong and do not let anyone steal your joy or commitment to live as your own man instead of enslaved property in some fools prison. Hugs love my constant prayers to a higher power and peace to you my brothers and sista's!



3. This is the 2nd book I have read by Mr. Jackson, and have passed this along to others that are in the similar situation. Great, easy read. Wealth of information! Mr. Jackson himself is an inspiration!



4. My son has been back and forth to prison for 20 yr. + . I bought him this book and to my amazement he is reading it. He tells me about it all the time. It has given him some great food for thought. I hope he finishes it and refers to it in difficult times. He is going to share it with his Parole Officer.



5. My Boyfriend who is in prison for some time now, read this book. He loved it and he used the word insightful. He said he wished he read it before he went in. I think it helped him and will be very useful when he gets out and I think it helped him changed his way of thinking. He has passed it along to other inmates and they have enjoyed reading it too! I suggest sending this book to someone who has a love one in prison. It's worth it!

5 comments about Legacy of Honor: The Values and Influence of America's Eagle Scouts.

1. Legacy of Honor: The Values and Influence of America's Eagle Scouts This is a great book for all Eagle Scouts, both new and old. Makes a great gift for a new Eagle. Solidifies the importance of the rank of Eagle latter in life. I bought two and gave them to knew Eagles. It was a great hit. Not likely to be a duplicate gift and something to refer back to as the scout gets older.



2. This is a priceless book for someone who is into scouting or who is an Eagle Scout. I bought this book for a family member who was extremely pleased. I would highly recommend purchasing this book!



3. A second class scout, I left Scouting at 16, became a father at 21, joined as an adult leader when my eldest of two sons turned 11. Two months later, the Scoutmaster announced at a Court of Honor that his job had gone away and I was taking over as Scoutmaster, and I was too surprised to say no. Steve came home from his first meeting and announced that he was going to be an Eagle Scout as soon as he could, and two years and 4 months later, his mother pinned his Eagle on his shirt, and I, as his Scoutmaster, MC'd his Eagle Court of Honor. His younger brother took a longer route, with more encouragement, and after I despaired of his ever getting there, he decided he also wanted the honor, and had his board of review the eve before his 18th birthday. I bought 3 copies of the book, after reading it, to give one each to my two Eagles, and one to the troop, which I still serve as a troop leader and counselor for several merit badges, in the hope that it will encourage several more boys to achieve. Years later, their Eagle awards opened doors for my sons, and in a way, I am still "paying thier dues".
   As an adult leader, I have organised and led our sons and others to most of the high adventure bases, and many other high adventure trips, and as many of those quoted in the book, get more out of Scouting than I put in.



4. A great read, very uplifting.
   Captures the positive difference that Eagle Scouts and Boy Scouts create in our world.



5. Anyone with a background in Boy Scouting will love and appreciate this book. Oh my gosh, the memories that it brought back. I will definitely read this again.

3 comments about The Master Key Workbook.

1. I have read the Master Key System and followed the exercises a few years ago. I found that the system did indeed help me better my life by changing my thought patterns.
   However, lately life has been very challenging as I embark on some major changes such as a new career path and moving to another state. It was perfect timing that the MKS workbook was released and I decided to give it a go.
   It is the perfect companion to the insightful original book. It summarizes each chapter and then provides additional exercises or written materials that allow you to really grasp the idea behind each chapter. All of the exercises are clear and allow you to follow through at your own pace. The extra materials are beautifully chosen to illustrate Haanel's concepts. The format of the workbook is easy to read and follow with plenty of room to write in the book. The book itself is a comfortable size, not so small as to be uncomfortable to read but not too large as to be cumbersome to work with. It is a perfect size for a briefcase or a tote bag and lies flat on a table.
   A word of caution - the exercises and extra materials really cause you to think and reflect. This can be a bit difficult if you are being honest with yourself. Trying to physically list the twenty things that you do to hold back your own success can be daunting. However, I have found it to be liberating as you then learn how to apply Haanel's concepts to these negative patterns and change them into positive steps to success.
   To understand the MKS is great, but to be able to master it is life changing. This workbook allows you to master the concepts by engaging you both mentally and physically. I highly recommend this book!



2. A long time ago I made the transition from blue collar worker to independent business man. It was something that I thought I was prepared to do because my entire life was one of "hard work" and diligence. So, when I entered into this new career I felt that I could make that transition without a lot of "speed bumps" along the way.
   
   Luckily for me, thru a series of synchronistic events the "mind stuff" came into my life just as I was going full fledged into business. What I found was a world that literally amazed me in its simplicity.
   
   Imagine (no pun intended) that a simple thought could have more power than all the hard work ever done!
   
   Then imagine that simple thoughts done with consistancy could have a more dramatic impact on your financial fortunes than all the hours spent "chained to the desk!"
   
   Better yet.....imagine that there were men and women out there who have already succeeded in business by using those simple principals and who were willing to write the "mind stuff" down on paper so that you and I could literally "follow the leader" to financial success.
   
   One year after my very first "major exposure" to the materials that are presented by Tony and Bob in this work book my life changed dramatically and all for the better.
   
   Today I own a multi million dollar business that continues to grow monthly and I look around at my life and realize most of it was "written down" on a piece of paper long before it ever really happened.
   
   And if you look in my wallet today you ll find a small piece of paper with things written on it that express my desires for my future. All of these things would be "wishes" instead of "eventual realities" had it not been for the information that is contained in books like this.
   
   If you want real change in your life.....start now.....buy both books and start NOW!



3. .
   Works well with the original Master Key book.
   
   This book is to be used WITH the Master Key program, not as a substitute.

5 comments about Black Swan: The Twelve Lessons of Abandonment Recovery.

1. If you want a great guidebook on abandonment recovery, read Anderson's "Journey from Abandonment" (and see my review of it). I found this fable extremely depressing, and some of the hideous self-loathing the little girl goes through may have some psychological validity, but finding her sleeping on piles of rags while enjoying her own excrement crossed a line, of what I am not sure. My experience of being an abandoned child (by a mother with severe emotional problems and a father who was in denial and/or at work most of the time) made me into a superachiever and driven by fears of not being good enough in the eyes of others. I would have never let myself disintegrate the way the little girl did - although it is, yes, an allegory for one's inner self. I didn't identify with that part at all. The fear is the main thing that has sabotaged a good bit of my journey in relationships. Anderson is fabulous in her other work that explains the five stages of abandonment feelings, and also offers wonderful daily exercises that have transformed my life in just a few weeks. Maybe this book just isn't everyone's cup of tea - but I want those who are turned off of it or maybe would not give Anderson's work a chance because of it or some of these reviews - please read her other work. She is amazing.



2. I bought this for a woman I care deeply about. I knew she had some abandonment issues and thought it may help and want her to be happy and healthy even if she's not with me. I read through it briefly. I'm sure it helped me too and I don't have this type of issues. It's the only book I've read besides parts of The Message (bible by Eugene Peterson) were I felt strange afterwards. A weird kind of good headache. It's written about a girl named Amanda that meets with a black swan (therapist) that talks with her to teach her the 12 steps (lessons) that she is a stong person and can survive and be happy in the world all on her own. It helps you develop inner strengths (reaffirms power and control) that people, mainly women and children "belief" they don't have; was stolen. It is a short, easy read. It has a self guided mediation of the 12 steps in the back. I would suggest everyone read this book. It could radically change you life for the better.



3. Black Swan: The Twelve Lessons of Abandonment Recovery
   
   I bought this book for a friend who is receiving counselling due to abandonment issues from childhood. I wasn't sure whether it would help or not. However, after the first few pages, my friend broke down in floods of tears, so it certainly went straight to the heart of her problem.
   
   She has told me that she finds the book very helpful, and intends following each step in the book to, hopefully, some kind of recovery. She said that she thought one would have to have suffered abandonment to fully relate to this book. She said that it walked her through each step and emotion that she had felt at the time of abandonment, and that the child in the book was just as she was at that time.
   
   She would give it full marks.



4. This is a book on abandonment that is put in a childs story. The reason this works is because the material comes through without the typical roadblocks we put up when reading academic stuff. Like music would, it gets inside you via your heart. I love this book and have purchased it 4 times and need to buy another...I keep giving them away. It is a lovely book. I can't tell you how wonderful this is.



5. Excellent book. I highly recommend the book. The book is written through a child's experience. It's a great way to illustrate the hurt, pain, one feels when abandoned. Reading the book brought back the experiences I felt when I was a child and my father abandoned us.
   
   The child in the book was able to learn from her painful experience, deal with the hurt and grow from it.
   
   I highly recommend the book. I think the book would also be a great tool for children old enough to understand it's contents.

5 comments about Deadly Emotions: Understand the Mind-Body-Spirit Connection That Can Heal or Destroy You.

1. I'm not in a position to review the material because I bought this as a gift for my mother, who has gotten very much into this subject recently and asked me to buy this for her. She seems quite satisfied with it, though, and recommended I buy a copy for myself.



2. This was an excellent book, I didn't care for all the detailed doctor talk but what did get my attention was the seriousness of what these emotions can do to your body if left unchecked. I do believe that cancer and all other illnesses come because of all the negative emotions people hold inside. I'm glad for the wake up call this book gave to me. I highly recommend it to anyone that wants to see change in their body and attitude. It will make you think twice about hanging on to those negative emotions.



3. In January, 2007, my 56 year old husband, a fit and active man, had a sudden and severe heart attack. He had no risk factors, except stress. This book shows the mind and body connection and explains how stress is directly related to certain diseases. It is easy to read and understand and full of helpful, useful information. I urge everyone to read it. It may save your life, or the life of someone you love.



4. I highly recommend this book to anyone trying to bridge the gap between spiritual, emotional, and physical health. Very insightful!



5. Very informative and fairly easy to read. I plan to also have my daughter it. It is an "eye opener."

5 comments about Personality Types: Using the Enneagram for Self-Discovery.

1. This is one of my favorite reference books. Without getting all detailed about the contents, because the book description is accurate enough, I can say that this book has helped me many times in dealings with difficult people and also in analyzing my own behavior. I have never seen a personality profiling book so accurate before. I have never found an instance where I have not been able to classify someone as one of the 9 personality types with the correct "wing". Go get this book, if you are at all curious about how people work and what motivates them.



2. Don Riso is one of the key figures and innovators in the field of Enneagram studies. This is not the first of his books (and here he has partnered with Russ Hudson), nor is it the most recent, but it does represent refinement and improvement over his earlier works. There are several other authors who have written books on the Enneagram, but I don't think anyone else has done it as well. Riso is a highly articulate guy who doesn't sugar coat things, and reading his descriptions of personality types such as the average or unhealthy three is a bit unsettling. I'd say he has, for better or worse, great insight into human nature. A minor criticism is that I disagree with his classification of certain famous people, although in most cases he seems to get it right. Anyone interested in personality and human behavior in general will find this a fascinating read. Author of Adjust Your Brain: A Practical Theory for Maximizing Mental Health



3. First of all, let me say that I don't think you will come across a more accurate and useful personality typology system than the Enneagram. It offers the reader much more as far as self-awareness and possibilities for personal growth than the Myers Briggs. In other words, it's a much more complete system. Why? Because not only do you get a description of your personality type, but you can understand how two people of the same type can be so incredibly different. Levels of development, wings and direction of integration and disintegration create a vast array of levels of functioning among members of the same type. If you don't know what those terms mean, I trust the other reviewers have covered them, or you just might want to read the book. It's not difficult to understand at all.
   
   I do have a small complaint: I felt that the authors made some generalizations without qualifying their information. For example, I clearly identified myself as a type 4 with a 5 wing. However, according to Riso and Hudson, part of the reason I am a four is because I was not nurtured by my parents. Not true at all. I have a very loving relationship with my parents. I felt abused by peers at school and certain teachers but never my parents. Riso and Hudson don't say "sometimes, 4's will have tenuous relationships with their parents"; they said something like "4's felt like their parents were not there for them and consequently, they had to construct and search for their identity". I would be surprised if every single 4 on the face of the earth had a bad relationship with his or her parents so I think it's slightly irresponsible to make such a blatant generalization without having research to back it up. Moreover, I found many generalizations like this throughout the book that didn't even pertain to my type. Sloppy research on the part of the authors.
   
   However, the authors do a very good job of explaining the types in great detail. I just wish they would have strayed away from some of the overgeneralizations.



4. I have several books by the same author(s) from 1987 on. This one, after 1987, is an excellent update and contains wonderful charts and scientific data and insights. Also good is the 2000 or so update of this one which has its own unique perspectives and charts. All are worth reading.



5. The author is sincere and direct to the point. To avoid every illusion, he warns his readers that the book is not "a typical self-help book" and therefore, does not "promise miracle." The fact that the author makes no presumption, makes it possible for him to be down to earth and therefore, convincing. The question whether Enneagram makes sense or not, is a question ones needs to answer after going through the book and after having understood his/her personality type. The only proof of Enneagram's accuracy is to have identified your own personality. And I think this is itself a miracle. The historical survey of Enneagram is objective. Personally, I found the book very useful. Discover your self by discovering the contents of this book. Spend your money for it and you will earn a lot because this book is very illuminating.

5 comments about Responsible Drinking: A Moderation Management Approach for Problem Drinkers.

1. How many people actually know what a standard drink is? Or, how much alcohol is safe to consume? Or what acceptable drinking behavior is? Very few. In our neo-puritan, abstinence-only society, there are few guidelines for sensible, pleasurable indulgence.
   
   Studies on abstinence-only sex education prove it a failure. Similarly, limited studies on abstinence-only treatment for drinking problems show it less effective than offering choice. Perhaps the message that one is "powerless over alcohol" undermines all efforts to exercise any form of reponsibility vis a vis drinking. It certainly provides a convenient excuse.
   
   If you have questions about drinking, but don't want alarmist dogma; if you believe human beings are capable of making responsible choices; buy this book!



2. AA is not for everyone, despite what you may hear. If the 12-step cookie cutter approach leaves a bad aftertaste, this book may help.
   
   It's true that one of the founders did drive drunk and kill someone. What one of the reviewers fails to mention is that it was after she had returned to A.A. and was practicing abstinence.
   
   A.A. does work. For about 5 percent of those try it, (according to AA's own studies), but there are alternatives for those not sold on the Big Book.



3. Anyone who has questioned or been surprised about the amount they drink will not feel alone after reading this book.



4. This book is an excellent tool for anyone concerned about their drinking habits, yet doesnt feel the need for AA.
   I believe it is beginning to help me make some lifestyle changes for the good.
   I highly recommend this book to anyone who has any doubts about their drinking or another family member or friend.



5. This is an extremely beneficial book for those who feel their alcohol consumption needs moderating. There are no judgement calls or hard sells, just honest, practical advice and alternatives for those who wish to implement them.

5 comments about Healing Mantras: Using Sound Affirmations for Personal Power, Creativity, and Healing.

1. A good book for those who interested in transcendental meditation. It explains very well about the using of mantra.



2. This book offers a wonderful view into the world of using sound to heal the body, mind, and soul. It provides an excellent foundation for understanding the power of mantras.
   
   When I purchased this book (about four years ago), I had a lot of problems with my eyes. I used to get ulcers on my cornea, and no doctors were able to explain why this happened. I discovered a mantra in this book, dedicated to healing the eyes. After practicing this mantra for a few weeks, my eyes began to feel better. After a few months, my eye doctor was suprised to find a noticeable improvement in my eyesight. Since practicing this mantra, I've only experienced one more corneal ulcer (about two years ago).
   
   Since then, I've incorporated many of the mantras found in this book into my daily life.
   
   Peace be with you! Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti!



3. Very well written. Immensely helpful for any openminded people.
   Hope that everybody understood the benefit of mantras that the author has
   so well described. Strong recommendation.



4. This is great guide for those who want to introduce themselves in the world of mantra meditation or yoga mantra.



5. I have never met Thomas Ashley Farrand, but he seems like a familiar person. I have both the CD and this book. I bought the CD to hear the mantras. I like Farrand's voice. As far as this book, I think it is very well-written. It is more of an introductory book, and it is great for someone just starting out, and he is very good at explaining things and making you feel that he put his heart-felt, personal touch to writing this.