5 comments about Married to the Military: A Survival Guide for Military Wives, Girlfriends, and Women in Uniform.

1. Every woman new to the military should read this book. It covers all of the basics that you will need to know and it explains everything in plain english and not military jargon. This book should be given to every woman\wife entering the military!!!!!



2. The military changes its rules and policies so rapidly that a lot of the information in this book is actually incorrect. It is also highly biased toward the website www.cinchouse.com and really should be called "Married to the Navy: A Survival Guide for Navy Newlyweds." If you're only currently dating a military man or you're in a different branch is isn't nearly as informative.
   
   It contained a lot of general ground rules on how do keep a long distance (high-stress!) relationship working and it was useful in that way, but I'm of the opinion that there are probably better, more informative books in print than this one.
   
   Useful if you know nothing about military life, but in general most of this information can be found on the internet.



3. I'm a military girlfriend who's boyfriend is currently deployed to Iraq. This book looked interesting and seemed like a helpful tool for me while he is away. I started reading it. I got to about the fourth page and decided it wasn't the best for me. It's more for a military spouse with children. The jargon available was helpful, but I was extremely disappointed in the overall quality of information provided. If you're looking for a good read, Separated by Duty, United in Love is an absolutely phenomenal read. THAT is a good book with a lot of advice-written so we civilians can understand the life and duties of servicemembers and it's written by a woman who's been there and seen all of it as a veteran AND as a spouse.



4. I bought this book and 2 others ("Homefront Club: The Hardheaded Woman's Guide to Raising a Military Family" and "Today's Military Wife: Meeting the Challenges of Service Life") and this is by the far the best one. It only contains relevant data, unlike the others which for the most part contain common sense. This book has a lot of useful information like websites and names of organizations to contact for different things. I would definitely recommend this book to any military wife or fiance.



5. I work for USAA which has made me a tiny bit more familiar with military life and has opened my opinion of dating military guys. I've begun to date someone in the AF and am now considering going into that or my first choice, the Coast Guard. I LOVED THIS BOOK! I don't know how anyone of the other readers picked up a condescending tone because I don't see it; and, granted I know nothing yet, but the different branches of the military can't be THAT different, and I don't think this book was more representative of one branch or the other. Easy read, I was done in a few days, and have checked out her website and it looks really cool.

5 comments about Survival Tips for Women with AD/HD: Beyond Piles, Palms, & Post-its.

1. I have ADHD. This book made me laugh out loud,which is something hard to come by with this...altered brain of mine.
   I've shared it with some of my patients who share this joy as well.



2. In the last few years, lots of books about adult ADD have come on the market, and most of them are better than this one. I am embarrassed to admit I bought this book strictly because of its cover - I thought it was a tabbed spiral notebook. As another reviewer mentioned, it's actually a plain paperback. The title was also appealing since I've experimented with nearly every organizational method known to man, including "piles, palms, and post-its". I assumed the book would include creative ways to organize, but it was only "tips", which are small blurbs that I forgot within five minutes. Search Amazon for "adult adhd" and you'll find tons of books on the subject, almost all of them more genuinely useful than this one.



3. I bet you think from the subtitle that this book is new and different, not just more of the same.
   
   Well, that would be wrong. It is more of the same, so much more, and so much of it useless.
   
   This is very important: the picture of the cover is deceptive. The book is NOT spiral bound, and there are NO tabs. It is a plain old paperback. Very disappointing, and in this case you really can tell a book by it's cover: the contents are at least as disappointing. You'd have to slog through pages of irrelevance to find something useful.
   
   And the tips border on the hilarious: Use rice in water to clean out a baby bottle. This is helpful? Come on, this tip isn't even remotely relevant to an ADDer, in fact it adds to the confusion: by the time you get the box of Uncle Ben's out, you'll be thinking of fried rice and a great Chinese takeout place you know; you'll order in bean curd Hunan style, wolf it down, and when you're cleaning up, hours later, you'll find the baby bottle in the sink, unwashed, and next to the dish drainer will be your unopened box of rice.
   
   And oh, in case you're wondering what to have for dinner next Halloween, did you know you can hand sculpt mashed potatoes into Halloween ghosts? You think I'm kidding, huh? Oh no, it's right there on page 277. And, they suggest, "You can serve it with bat shaped meatloaf (using a cookie cutter)." But only if you can remember why you're going through your cookie cutters in the middle of making dinner while the trick or treaters are banging on your front door.
   
   I suggest you keep it simple. Step 1, do not buy this book. Read the alternative suggestions in the reviews. Browse carefully, very carefully.
   
   PS Notice that the top favorable review is written by a career and life-planning counselor, not by someone with ADD.



4. As books go this is very client friendly and I liked that - Helps normalize folks with ADD and ADHD - gives ideas and structure to people with the disorder



5. Having read and found this book helpful (in fact, inspirational) for myself I purchased this book for an adult friend who is struggling with the idea that she may have ADHD.

5 comments about The Science of Success: How to Attract Prosperity and Create Harmonic Wealth Through Proven Principles.

1. James Ray does an excellent job of giving simple powerful examples of how by applying subtle truths together and creating massive results. If you agree that all actions mental/physical/spiritual have equal and opposite reactions then you can understand how James Ray's book can show you how you can have anything you can dream.



2. Unlike The Secret, I find that this book presents a true methodology for individuals who are really interested in being successful.
   
   I take issue with other reviewers that critcize the author for using principles previously presented by other writers - let's face it, these principles have been around for ages and the down to earth manner in which James Ray presents them makes perfect sense.
   
   I was inspired by this presentation of good wisdom and hope that it will bring happiness, prosperity and joy to you as well.



3. I found this book to be extremely helpful. James Arthur Ray is an inspiring author who mixes scientific facts, historical facts, tough love and humor to convey his message. I appreciated the calls to action on top of positive thinking with a sort of plan, ideas and ways to implement experiences that I prefer into my life.
   
   The section on "The Power of Partnerships" has had a profound effect on me. Instead of always trying to do everything on my own, his explanation about how powerful partnerships changed my perspective on climbing every mounting alone. I've also been more particular about who I spend my time with and who I associate with.
   
   Like other self help books, he explores giving and gratitude, yet he's got his own voice and adds to the subjects. He also touches on Vision (mostly having one). There are also some of the principles from the ever popular "The Secret."
   
   Another section of interest to me was "The Power of Accountability." Mr. Ray talks about holding yourself responsible for your choices, for your life, etc. This is something I practice and hold dear.
   
   I enjoyed the entire book and have read it more than once. I'm sure I'll read it again as it's a great lifestyle reminder. Mr. Ray has done a lot of research and presented it in a very useful and engaging way. I highly recommend.



4. Very good book. It goes straight to the point of describing the laws and principles governing the Universe and how to use them to create your ideal life.
   
   Not too long, very simple to read, clear pointers.



5. I recommend this book to anyone who is ready and willin to put these priciples into action. I have begun to put these into practice an I am seeing these laws work. Truley an amazing book. This can be a life changing book but only if you get off your duff and DO the things outlined in the book and also and can look at your life and realize you and only you have made it what it is and no one else. This can be a hard thing for some peole to realize and come to terms with. But its in your best interest to take a real good look at yourself from the inside out it will change your life. Good Luck!

3 comments about When Anger Hurts Your Relationship: 10 Simple Solutions for Couples Who Fight.

1. I have read many books on anger and for couples who have distorted anger, this one is the winner. I also recommend the book "Getting Over getting Mad", by Judy Ford. It explained the importance of anger in our lives and how it "is an indispensable emotion, which when used productively allows us to develop ourselves and our relationships. Its only "when anger covers up pain and fear", that it "clogs our energy, dilutes our joy, and keeps us off track, going in circles, making no headway. Instead of helping us, anger becomes self-defeating." The book has ideas for managing anger in a positive way.



2. I found the situations to be almost as if she wrote this book about me. Everyone in a relationship needs to read it. May help cut down on divorces.



3. This book was suggested by a friend. I found this book to be dead on for some issues I was dealing with.

5 comments about Beyond the Influence: Understanding and Defeating Alcoholism.

1. I was so impressed with the service and the quality of my purchase that I will come here first for all my college books. I am so grateful to have found a place where it is easy and priced right to find my textbooks without any hassle. Thanks Amazon



2. This is an awesome book for anyone who wants to really understand the disease of alcoholism. As a recovering alcoholic it helped me through a difficult time. It also helped my family members understand what I was going through. It explains what is going on chemically inside the brain of an alcoholic. It addresses many of the issues we go through. I even bought one for my doctor.



3. In Under The Influence Dr. Milam clearly outlines the physiological causes of alcoholism, the progressive nature of the disease, and the solution.
   
   The authors of Beyond the Influence have done a great disservice to anyone struggling with this disease by taking the valid evidence from Under The Influence and tossing in erroneous "causes" of alcoholism. This mishmash of ideas only serves to throw the struggling alcoholic back into the confusion that makes successful recovery nearly impossible.
   
   The brilliance of Under The Influence is this: When the alcoholic understands the true nature of the disease, all the guilt and remorse resulting from the life led "Under The Influence" vanishes. Without the weight of this guilt and remorse recovery is easily attainable. The alcoholic understands that they did not cause their disease any more than they caused their hair color. If only the rest of society would catch up with what Dr. Milam wrote in 1981.
   
   The authors of Beyond the Influence say:
   
   "Alcoholism is caused by biochemical/neurophysiological abnormalities that are passed down from one generation to the next or, in some cases, acquired through heavy or prolonged drinking."
   
   and:
   
   "Over a period of several years and sometimes decades, the social drinker is irreversibly transformed into an alcoholic."
   
   The guilt is back. They are saying the alcoholic caused the disease. This Is A Lie. This lie has killed countless alcoholics and will continue to do so aided by Beyond the Influence.
   
   We live in a culture that has been overcome by the concept of "Fair and Balanced." That in order to discern the truth both sides of an issue must be presented. It is not Fair and Balanced to mix lies in with the truth. The truth stands alone.
   
   It was not necessary to "update" Under The Influence. It is important for anyone concerned about the devastating impact of alcoholism to read Under The Influence. The authors of this "sequel" should have re-read it.
   
   Dr. Milam's first book, The Emergent Comprehensive Concept of Alcoholism, and his more recent position papers can be read or downloaded from his website Alcoholism Again http://www.alcoholismagain.com.



4. The authors here perpetuate the confusion that has existed all along about alcoholism, even while claiming science on their side.
   
   Only a born alcoholic can be an alcoholic, is the strong claim on page 5.
   
   But they go on to say that behavioral tests are still the most reliable way to predict alcoholism (p. 112). The problem is that the tests that they administer will create a "positive" for almost anyone who drinks regularly. "Problem drinkers" will certainly score high on these behavioral tests. But the authors are at pains to say that many, if not a majority, of "problem drinkers" are NOT alcoholics (p. 105). In my view, "problem drinkers," with their outrageous misbehaviors, are more likely to be thought of as alcoholics than true born alcoholics who are operating in the "high-function" area between early- and middle-stage alcoholism. Although many "problem drinkers" are alcoholics, not all alcoholics present themselves as "problem drinkers." The tests would mistakenly nail the one group, and also mistakenly miss the other. Are you confused? If you're not, then you haven't been paying attention.
   
   For me, the clarity cited in my review title comes from reading Ketcham's earlier book, "Under the Influence." It was a huge light bulb that came on in reading the descriptions of acetaldehyde in our bodies. In Milam and Ketcham's description, the distinction between the born alcoholic and the non-alcoholic centered on how early (after the first drink) acetaldehyde appeared in the bloodstream, and how long it persisted there. Born alcoholics generated more acetaldehyde in their systems more quickly, and they evacuated it more slowly. If the persistent presence of acetaldehyde in the system (with its attendant metabolic transformations) is the primary thing that leads to alcohol addiction, then that leads to an inescapable conclusion... eventually, anyone that drinks long enough and hard enough will exceed his or her ability to efficiently evacuate acetaldehyde from their system... eventually, if you drink long enough and hard enough, acetaldehyde will be present in your system, and you'll subject yourself to its addiction-causing effects... eventually, you'll become an alcoholic.
   
   This would explain delayed-onset alcoholism. A truly "born" alcoholic could become irretrievably lost after a few short years of problem drinking. But a "problem drinker" who is not born to alcoholism might drink heavily for 20 years, give up without difficulty for a whole year (impossible if you're middle-stage or later), return to 20 years of hard drinking and finally, in retirement, be diagnosed as a late-stage alcoholic. I've seen any number of cases of this long-onset alcoholism, and it's always been puzzling, but the acetaldehyde model explains it quite well.
   
   The inescapable conclusion of reading between the lines of "Under the Influence" was that ANYONE CAN BECOME AN ALCOHOLIC.
   
   That conclusion is supported by the behavioral tests in "Beyond the Influence," but we're still left with the insistent claim that many "problem drinkers" will not become alcoholic, even if they continue heavy drinking throughout their adult lives, and that the distinction is black and white.
   
   So which is it? The only reason I'm not confused is because I believe what I've read in "Under the Influence," and I believe that ANYONE CAN BECOME AN ALCOHOLIC. It may take 40 years for the full symptoms to appear, but if you abuse for long enough they WILL appear, and you WILL be an alcoholic... all you have to do is the acetaldehyde math. It's also clear that if you stay below your acetaldehyde evacuation threshold, you can stay out of trouble, but that the acetaldehyde evacuation threshold isn't that high for most of us (the problem is that we don't have reliable ways of determining our acetaldehyde evacuation threshold). That's what I believe. It's as clear as a bell, which is more than can be said for "Beyond the Influence."
   
   "Beyond the Influence" almost seems like it pre-dates "Under the Influence." It features less science and more behavior. "Beyond the Influence" should have benefited from almost 20 years of hindsight and improved technology. Instead, the lines are fuzzier, not clearer.
   
   Oh, and one last thing. Ketchams's been right all along about one thing. However you got there, if you're an alcoholic, once you're there, it's definitely physiological.



5. This is a wonderful book that updates readers on the newest research in dealing with alcoholism. A must for every professional therapist and recovering person to read.

5 comments about Coping with Anxiety: 10 Simple Ways to Relieve Anxiety, Fear & Worry.

1. Very common sense approach to dealing with anxiety.



2. It's conscise, but offers practical suggestions. It dosent really go into depth with any one topic, but gives enough information so you can have something to work with.



3. I haven't finished reading this yet, but overall my first impression is good. It is straight forward and quick to read through. Recommend for anyone working through anxiety issues or helping someone else work through them.



4. This is a very good book. It gives you everything you need to know and do in 10 easy steps. I have read many books on anxiety and all the advice boils down to what is written in this book. I believe it to be the most valuable book that I have gotten on anxiety so far. It does not replace what one on one therapy provides because people with anxiety always want to know how they got their problems to begin with. Once that is answered with the aid of a therapist, this book will help you on the road to recovery.



5. Like the title says its great if you want to look at your anxiety in general but its not for a specific anxiety disorder

5 comments about Nuts to You!.

1. And, so did our puppy (she devoured it) that's why we are buying another. It's well worth the money, and Amazon.com has the best price around. This a a great book for little kids who love animals. The pictures are colorful and the text is simple and catchy.



2. This book is great. It tells the story of a boy who has a squirrel come into his room through a hole in a window screen. The story isn't too wordy, and you can get extra info on plants and animals throughout the story in smaller print. The book is funny also, which parents and children should enjoy. Wonderful illustrations.



3. I am a two and a half year old boy. I go to a parent-toddler class with my mommy, and my teacher read this story to the class. The pictures captured my interest immediately. The storyline is compelling. But the most fun part is the new vocabulary I've learned from it. I adore this book and I read it several times a day at home (I memorized the text after my teacher and my parents read it dozens of times for me). I'll never look at a squirrel the same way again!



4. I got this book for my daughter at a public library when we were temporarily living in Greenbelt, MD--a total squirrel haven. She was just about 20 months old and was fascinated by all the squirrels running around during the spring and early summer. This book was perfect to talk about squirrels and their environment. Although, gotta say, it's not so great to have your toddler going around shouting, "Nuts to you!" to strangers.



5. I got this to enhance a fall theme for my preschool class. After reading, it doesnt really fit great. It is a good book but it isnt one of my favorites.

5 comments about How Can I Help? Stories and Reflection on Service.

1. I read the book called "How can I help" by Ram Dass and Paul Groman when I attended a seminar for care givers. It was intended to help us not get "used up" or "burned out" as the saying goes. The book has a number of vignettes followed by commentary. Each vignettes has proven an inspiration and the commentary has always added to the insight.

   I do something I call "peer counseling". What it means is I simply try to provide a really safe place for them to express themselves. I have a structured way of developing that environment but that's too complex for this email. I believe that even if we think very hard about an issue we still need to say the words before we get a complete perspective. When we say the words out loud the first time to someone else we some times think, "Damn I'm right!" other times we think, "Boy is that stupid." and I try to provide a non-judgmental place to reach a conclusion. I also expect that if the outcome is the second they will try to distance themselves from everything that was associated with time spent working in the wrong direction. Generally that means they distance themselves from me too. I have to help them leave me with no feelings of guilt because they are "abandoning" someone who has befriended them. That is the second part of my counsel letting them go guilt free. I sometimes fear "losing" clients will drain me but re-reading the vignettes in the book renews me.




2. This book is filled with insights. These insights are hidden gems of wisdom revealing our personalities desire to seek and find what we all have in common. This unity is driven by our need and desire to find peace in the midst of life's most difficult moments. As our heart goes out to those in need, our acts of service contain our soul's longing to connect with a fellow soul. Once our soul is awakened in service, a path opens and leads us into a sacred human relationship infused by the power of peace. Thanks, Ram Dass, for your guidance into the realm of spirit through the words written in this book.

   I also recommend: What the Dying Teach Us: Lessons on Living by Samuel Oliver




3. I am a social worker and an author. I have recently become involved with writing about medical as well as human rights issues. (My book BEHIND THE BURQA, which is to be published in October by John Wiley, is the memoir of two women who escaped the brutality of Afghanistan and the suffering they endured in the US.) Through my work, I have come into contact with people, such as the two subjects of my book, who have endured excruciating circumstances. HOW CAN I HELP sits on my night table so that I can read it after I've come home from interviewing someone in pain. It addresses all the issues that come up when people try to help each other, whether as "helping professionals" or simply as friends or family who are reaching out--guilt, burnout, fear, sense of helplessness--the myriad emotions that afflict those who want to make a difference in the lives of others. HOW CAN I HELP is psychologically astute, spiritually enlightening and written with great gentleness, compassion and occasional moments of humor. I feel the authors have become my mentors and friends. They accompany me to detention centers when I interview imprisoned asylum-seekers who have fled horrific tortures. They're with me when I visit people in the hospital. Their wisdom and guidance inspire me and inform my ability to remain intimately involved with people who have undergone horrible suffering. This book should be required reading in medical schools, psychology and social work programs, and any other context in which people are being trained to work with others in need.



4. An excellent book on helping ourselves which in turn act in helping others in a life of service. The awareness first must be found in ourselves before we can exercise the compassion for others. It is here we gain insight into a larger order of lawfulness we cannot understand rationally but which nevertheless resonates within. Compassion becomes an increasingly automatic response.
   
   Ideas conveyed rest in the process of ambiguity and paradox in the realm of not knowing, resting in mystery. Living in the game of subjectivity, we always remain in touch with the silent observer, the witness self in calm abiding and when caught up in subjectivity to see the absurdity of the game and using absurd comedy to deal with it. We end up trusting in a larger pattern beyond the absurd surface world of our actions. We see the truth in uncertainty, we maintain the Zen beginner's mind. We work on ourselves as a vehicle for our higher selves. And we recognize that all of us have a flag to wave which is the folly of our human existence. We are conscious of our lack of integrity while trying to convince others, as we see ourselves from the outside as the silent witness. We see compassion and peace as the only way to make peace in everything we do and are in touch with the quiet self behind all our subjective roles, behind all the thinking, actions and experiences. We see the polarization's of differences as our habits of thinking, seeing beyond the circle of opposites knowing that our mind acts in Gestalt as it perceives and decides in categorizing what is essentially neutral information.
   
   The way to compassion is simply to just listen, stop thinking, stop speaking and listen. be the observer. Its our reactions that determine our pains and sufferings as opposed to the happenings themselves. We acknowledge our weaknesses and refrain from blinding ourselves in subjectivity. Its our dispassionate need as the observer, the we see our own reactions from the view as an outsider watching our reactions as habitual patterns our physical and mental beings perform.
   
   Our thoughts act as clouds that pass by and we can be aware of this if we can gain the ability to observe them as an outside consciousness, alert to when we get sucked up in subjectivity. To rest in awareness in ourselves, with company, allowing and helping others to find themselves. The sage helps the ten thousand things find their own nature. We move away from viewing the world strictly in concepts and recognize the intellect blinds intuitive awareness. We see our self image as a prison we create, roles to survive in this game of life but also a prison for us if we fail to find our higher objective observer selves. We need our roles to survive as humans and communicate with one another but in order not to get trapped in them we have to enter behind our roles out of the blindness.
   
   "The most familiar models of who we are - father and daughter, doctor and patient, helper and helped - often turn out to be major obstacles to the expression of our caring instincts; they limit the full measure of what we have to offer one another . . they are delusions of separateness. Our task is to free our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole nature in its beauty . . " p.20



5. My wife and I are both first person volunteers (Red Cross and St. Vincent de Paul Society) and we both have full time jobs. I thought that we know about helping until I read this book.
   
   Basically, it starts with a focus on knowing and understanding yourself, tossing in a little mediation practice for good measure. If you are helping to feel better about yourself, you are not really helping.
   
   Along the way there are, as other reviewers have said, inspirational stories that (well) inspire. It is a great balance of discussion and insight with stories about service.
   
   When I got to the section on burn-out, I presumed that I know the answers. I have survive burnout and read several really good books on the subject. Relax, step back, etc. This book has an entirely different perspective that I think is more useful than the other books.
   
   If you want to help people, and I presume if you are reading this book that you do, then you should consider reading this book. Thanks for helping.

5 comments about The Art of Sexual Ecstasy: The Path of Sacred Sexuality for Western Lovers.

1. This book is a complete sacred sex course in itself. With lots of meditations, activities, and exercises, it is particularly suited for couples who want to open up to each other emotionally as well as physically.



2. I think this book is made up of a bunch of baloney. I don't believe a word of it. I think that way too much importance is placed on sex, to the point of being obsessed with it. It's about a bunch perverts, in my opinion. The author's interest and obsession with sex is not normal. It appears she thinks of nothing else in life, except sex, and who to have it with.



3. I have owned this book for years and finally found a partner 6 years ago who was open enough to try some of the practices with me. It is chock full of fantastic exercises and ways of percieving and looking at things, with tools for opening your heart and mind to true intimacy.
   
   We liked it so much that we went to a workshop with Margot last week. Of course, we came home and got the book out right away to see what else we can use to add to our relationship and our lives together.



4. Margot Anand has several books available to keep intimacy fresh for couples. This book is the best of it's kind. Even for people who roll their eyes at the "spiritual" aspects of sex, this books advice on sensuality, intimacy and arousal can bring a revived freshness into relationships even after years with the same partner.
   
   The "Ritual of the Senses" itself is worth the price of the book. Guys that don't think they have anything to learn about sex REALLY should read this book...



5. I'm still waiting for the book on sacred sexuality that doesn't talk to me like I don't know where my own vagina is. I'm from a freak scene where men aren't afraid to indulge their feminine sides and neither are the women, where walking around naked ain't no big deal and many of us have found our g spots and prostates and are happily stimulating them.
   
   It seems that this book targets the same audience as practically every other mainstream "sacred sexuality" book out there - middle-aged folks bored with their sex lives and with the kind of money necessary to attend these sorts of workshops (and the illustrations reflect that - I'm not complaining though, I'm happy to see realistic folks getting down!)
   
   So be it - I'm happy to know that Margot Anand is doing the work that she does, even if I couldn't ever afford one of her workshops. Like I said, I'm still waiting for a book that ups the ante on sacred sexuality and I might just have to write it myself. If that were the case, I'd want this woman right by my side to help me out. I know she knows what she's talking about.
   
   Btw, folks, let's not confuse today's "sacred sexuality" with real, true tantra (Anand makes this difference clear). Sexuality IS sacred, however, and realizing it as such will definitely change your life. However, sex is merely a small part of the TRUE practice of Tantra.

5 comments about The Road Less Traveled and Beyond: Spiritual Growth in an Age of Anxiety.

1. I have not read many of M. Scott Peck's books although they have all been highly reccomended. I got this one and it was a PERFECT PLACE TO JUMP IN FOR NEW READERS. He briefly summarizes the highlights of his works and then goes further to bring in his more recent insights. A great book.



2. Practical, level headed advice. Great psychological insights!
   
   This book would make a great gift for friends or relatives who may be searching for some understanding and meaning in their lives.
   
   I recommend this book!



3. Again M. Scott Peck has created a tool for discovering meaning in the complexity of life. There are answers to be found in the reading of this masterpiece.



4. It's true, this book is not an "easy" read. I have been stuck at some points in the book because what he said rang so true to my life. I've had to take his ideas seriously into account and review my thinking style. Which has been quite erroneous, not due to me, but to a bad upbringing. Also, being a human soul, I need to progress. So what do I do? I need to change the way I think to a more realistic way. "Know the truth and the truth will set you free". Thinking with God is now my #1 ambition.
   
   I like the real life case studies he presents from his practice as a shrink. I can relate to many of these people. They are like me in many ways ( neurotic). It has given me a new perspective on my past. In my opinion, that's all that therapy can do for you, e.g., give you new framework to view your life from. I've had a little therapy, but so far, the best way I've discovered is to learn a new way of thinking about everything. That's a lot of work and many will not go there.
   
   I like the quotes he makes from the wisdom of great thinkers. He stresses that life is complex, no way around it. No easy way of thinking either. It's not black vs white. The gray area is the reality.
   
   He delves into the world of psycho-therapy. It's hard work to face therapy and " the truth" . Often, people live like ostriches with their heads buried up to their necks in sand to escape the truths they ought to face up to.
   
   His view of the purpose of life as a training ground for learning is very interesting. I'm also reading Rick Warren's "The Purpose Driven Life" and this ties into his thinking perfectly. We are a creation of God, we live here in His power for His purposes during our time here. The creation can't out think the creator, that's for certain. Maybe all this was covered in his earlier books, I don't know because I didn't read them.
   
   This book has been my therapist for a few weeks. It's a good thing.



5. Excellent book in a series or spiritually invigorating books. Particulary good in today's age of fear and rampant consumerism.