No comments about Still Doing It: The Intimate Lives of Women over Sixty.

5 comments about It's Called Work For a Reason!: Your Success Is Your Own Damn Fault.

1. I have three of Larry's books. This guy is telling folks the very same things I have said all my life. I later went out and bought 40 copies of the three books I have read so when my friends start their whining I just hand them a copy and tell them to go read it. Maybe they have short term memory issues when I tell them so here is a copy of the same stuff I have preached about for years. GREAT STUFF!!!! Just a lot of the truth that people should take to heart. Grow up and start taking responsibility and STOP EITHER BLAMING THE WORLD OR LOOKING FOR A HAND OUT!!!!!!!!



2. If you do not know Larry Winget, the Pitbull of Personal Development, and what he is all about, then this book might be the kick in the butt you have needed to jump start your life. If you do know him, then you will know that HE says what he means and means what he says. This book, like his others, is meant to help, motivate,and encourage greatness. No matter your job, this book, if applied, WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE! Larry Winget does not sugar coat anything. He tells it like it is. I loved reading all the stories of good and bad customer service! It is amazing that there are so many! Buy the book. You will love it! It is worth the few hours out of your life to read this... Isn't it time for all of us to make a change?



3. Common sense realities expressed in a funny, in-your-face format makes it impossible to ignore our own reality and our role in it.



4. I also couldn't decide for a long-time whether a 5 star or 2 star rating was appropriate. Larry's blunt drill instructor caustic style really could be very USEFUL for those who've either forgotten, deliberately ignore or never learned the obvious truths Larry delivers. It would be too easy - although largely true - to say that Larry repeats himself, rarely uses one sentence when three will do, contradicts himself and frankly is a shameless self-promoter.
   
   BUT if you're tired, depressed, discontented at work, his "snap out of it" truisms could get you moving positively: either doing your job better, enjoying it more or finding a better place of employment. And frankly, there are more than a few people out there who've never incorporated Larry's simple truths.
   
   However, if you're relatively well-content in your job, doing it well, but looking for some solid non-intuitive tips to getting ahead, then this isn't your book. You'll see behind the "stop whining" bluster that other reviewers have already pointed out.
   
   Larry's the king of the obvious, prince of the basics; but sometimes the basics are needed. If Larry had written a dating handbook, he'd tell you to shower more, wear clean clothes, stand up straight, etc. and talk to the girl. If he'd written a personal finance book, he'd tell you to spend less than you earn and have savings. If Larry were coaching baseball, he'd explain the rules and tell you to keep you eye on the ball.
   
   Well, ok, Larry, but some of us need more help when stepping up to bat. I'm not saying I didn't enjoy or benefit from Wingate's opinions - it's far better to have tough love than to keep complaining alone or with others - but there's a lot more in earth and heaven than are dreamt of in your philosophy.



5. [..] nothing for poitical correct people who "suffer" with the circumstances,but an kick for people who want to be a sacrifice for the "bad world"

5 comments about I Choose To Stay: A Black Teacher Refuses to Desert the Inner City.

1. I Choose to Stay is a compelling book. It is not only a great read but it is also deeply informative about the needs of inner city schools, and analytical about the strengths of inner city education. The intertwining of the professional and the personal journeys of the author give this book depth and energy.



2. Salome Thomas-El's book, I CHOOSE TO STAY is both a memoir and inspirational tale of his unrelenting dedication to inner city schools. Born one of eight kids, he began his life in the projects of Philadelphia. Even as a child, he showed dedication to his community and a thirst for knowledge. Most of his fondest memories are of teachers who supported, encouraged, and helped to mold him into the man he is today.

   After high school, Thomas-El attended East Stroudsburg University, a predominantly white institution where he had to fight hard against prejudices and racism. Upon graduation, he pursued a career in broadcasting, but soon he was called on to teach. After teaching in several suburban schools, Thomas-El realized that he could give back more to his community by teaching in inner city schools. Once he had the opportunity, he began transforming the students and the schools by establishing a chess club, Saturday schools, and several tutorial programs. Students have gone on to attend colleges and win national chess championships under his guidance. Although he has been offered several lucrative contracts from suburban schools, he declines to take them, knowing that helping these children is much more rewarding than anything that money can buy.

   I CHOOSE TO STAY is a must read for anyone in the education system. It shows how one man's vision, dedication, and perseverance helped transform a school system, and encourage students who were otherwise lost. Salome Thomas-El exemplifies what it means to be a teacher and many can learn from hearing his story.

   Reviewed by Latoya Carter-Qawiyy
   of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers




3. As with most inspirational titles, this is a fast read. Mr. Thomas-El's account is especially worth reading for an inner-city teacher such as me. Both the downs of teaching in a challenging environment (violence and death, pernicious attitudes undermining success) and the ups of an energetic and talented teacher's influence are presented.
   Readers will be unhappy with views presented by Mr. Thomas-EL if they bring a basic misunderstanding of the book's purpose and premise. Although co-written, Mr. Thomas-El's personal experience is foremost. Yes, the man is smart, but he admits failures and mistakes and seems to have no delusions about the likelihood of more of them in his future.
   If a reader is concerned with depth, standardized test scores and the overall political scene in education, attempting to focus on them in this context would totally miss the point of the book. As a teacher in a school system with a significant percentage of families who are dealing with the issues Mr. El finds himself facing every day, I can completely understand how one person could have a profound impact on the lives of a small (but not insignificant) number of individuals within his sphere without that sphere being large enough in and of itself to result in increased institutional test scores. The title says it all: "I Choose to Stay". Mr. El is there because of what he is able to do with the relatively few students he spends time with day in and day out, not because he feels he is personally charged with the task of bringing about a sea-change of attitudes in American inner-city culture or the U.S. political environment on education. As to why Mr. El's school "always scores in the bottom percentile" of its standardized tests, I believe the answer lies in the frequency, intensity and duration of the problems the majority of his students are facing. If every teacher in Mr. El's school influenced five students in his or her classroom in a way similar to Mr. El's work with his chess students, I think the school's test scores would rise. I believe almost any teacher could have that much effect on a small number of students, but very few have the drive to spend the quantity of personal time required above and beyond the requirements of a daily routine with 20-30 students.
   Perhaps changes could be made to the educational system that would make a difference, but I feel that this is where the educational community has been misled in the past. The most important issue highlighted by Mr. Thomas-EL's experience is not the educational system, but the overall cultural, spiritual and economic inheritance with which so many families are coping. Changing the entire culture, converting unbelievers and raising everyone out of poverty are goals that reach beyond the educational system (and the scope of this book), but according to the author, the best place to start seems to be with the circle of people with whom you connect every day.



4. Have not finished reading yet but others who have read it in my group say it is wonderful and very enlightning. I am please with what I have read



5. This book was well written with good details and imagery. This book let me know that my passion for working with inner city youth is shared among others

5 comments about Cosmic Consciousness: A Study in the Evolution of the Human Mind (Arkana).

1. About 12-14 years back I was at the beach with a friend of mine and it was a grey, drizzly day to say the least. But because I love the beach, I was going to make the best of it no matter what. So I dug a body length trench in the sand, draped my towel over the trench I had just dug, laid down and closed my eyes and just began repeating quietly to myself, "Let there be Light...let there be Light..." I really wasn't going for anything in particular I was just repeating this line from scripture because I was in a good place, but I wanted to feel an even deeper connection to life.
   
   And as I settled into a deep meditative state, I let go of the mantra I had been repeating to myself and just let myself feel Life within me and all around me. Ahhhhhh...I can still feel those wonderful, alive feelings. It was like my body was buzzing from head to toe.
   
   I came out of my meditative state and sat up. During those 30 minutes of meditating, the grey, overcast day seemed to give way to beautiful, golden light. I had never seen it so bright. Everything seemed to be lit up from the inside. I turned to my friend and I said, "Wow...it sure did get incredibly bright out here all of a sudden..."
   
   He looked at me like I had just flipped my lid and said, "What are you talking about?"
   
   "The sun...it's so bright. Everything looks as though it is awash in golden light..."
   
   Again with the look, "John...it is very overcast out. In fact, I was going to ask you if you just wanted to go home..."
   
   And then slowly the golden light began to slowly fade from my sight and everything began to dingy gray. So where did that light come from? Was I just imagining it? It all seemed so real...
   
   I had, what Maurice Bucke calls, a "cosmic consciousness experience". You see, the Light I saw was not coming from the outside, but from the inside and I believe that we have all had one at one time or another and if we haven't, we will...but please, do not dismiss the experience. Like I said, I had one over fourteen years ago and it changed my life forever. I am so glad that I just didn't toss it aside. I'm glad that I was given just a little glimpse to how things really are.
   
   I believe that the whole universe is alive with Light...that in Truth, the only thing that is real, is the Light. Everything and everyone proceeds from this Light. But we forget. Oh, man do we forget. This Light remains deep in our subconscious minds. At a deep, deep level we know that we came from it, but we fall into a sleep...a trance...and we begin to think that everything is dull and leaden, mundane and ordinary...
   
   This book will excite you in a very deep way...but again, you have to be open to it. I used to try so hard to get my friends' and family to share my passion for these things, but they weren't ready...and now I know that it's okay...now I know that they will have their own experiences of the Light. Maybe in this life...maybe in the next...I don't know when, but I don't need to know when...
   
   This book fueled my passion to become more and more acquainted with Higher Laws. Not so I could escape this world but so I could be in the world but still know in the back of my mind and in the front of my heart that I am not of it.
   
   If you are into metaphysics and spirituality, you must add this classic to your collection. It's amazing...but then again, so are you...
   
   
   Peace & Blessings



2. _Cosmic Consciousness: A Study in the Evolution of the Human Mind_, first published in 1901 and republished by Arkana books, by Richard Maurice Bucke, M.D., is a classic investigation of the development of man's mystic relation to the infinite. Richard Maurice Bucke was a Canadian psychiatrist (or "alienist") who served as the head of an asylum for the insane. Bucke had little formal education and during his youth had traveled to the West where he lost a foot due to frostbite. Bucke became a doctor of medicine after putting himself through medical school and won many awards as a psychiatrist. After hearing of the poetry of Walt Whitman (particularly his "Leaves of Grass"), Bucke underwent a profound change and devoted much of his time to mystical matters. His first book was dedicated to Whitman, and Whitman plays a unique role in this book as well. In 1872, Bucke experienced an Illumination (which he took to be glimmerings of "cosmic consciousness") which led him further into his researches into mysticism. Furthermore, Bucke was long fascinated by the question of the authorship of the works of Shakespeare and long maintained that Francis Bacon was the real author of the Shakespeare plays and poems. This book came to have an important influence on later generations of mystical writers, including the Russian mathematician and philosopher P. D. Ouspensky, the American psychologist and philosopher William James, and the British writer on mysticism Evelyn Underhill. Throughout this book, Bucke maintains that a new form of consciousness is developing in man (that of "cosmic consciousness"), that this form of consciousness is as different from man's normal consciousness as "self consciousness" is from "simple consciousness", and that this development is part of an evolutionary process (Bucke bases much of his theory on the writings of Charles Darwin).
   
   This book begins with a dedication to Richard Maurice Bucke from his father, following the death of his son. Following this a brief introduction to "The Man and the Book" by George Moreby Acklom appears. The first section of this book is entitled "First Words" and is dedicated to expounding Bucke's theory of cosmic consciousness. Bucke writes, "Cosmic Consciousness, then, is a higher form of consciousness than that possessed by the ordinary man." Bucke distinguishes between what he terms "simple consciousness" (possessed by the upper half of the animal kingdom; consciousness of oneself, one's body, and thing's around oneself), "self consciousness" (the consciousness in man in which one becomes aware of oneself as a distinct entity from all the rest of the universe), and "cosmic consciousness" (a consciousness of the cosmos accompanied by feelings of illumination, joyfulness, elevation, and moral exaltation). Bucke contends that this new form of consciousness is developing in man, just as self consciousness developed out of simple consciousness through the process of evolution. Bucke goes on to explain various instances of cosmic consciousness, accompanying processes, and relates it to God, Christ, Nirvana, and Brahmanic splendour. The second section of this book is entitled "Evolution and Devolution". Here, Bucke traces the development from simple consciousness to self consciousness (as animals progressed to man). Bucke makes several interesting observations, including particularly noting that the ancients apparently had fewer words for colors than modern man does (perhaps indicating an evolutionary development in color consciousness). Bucke also provides a chart showing the development of the levels of consciousness (and their apparent proportion of occurrence in the general population). Bucke also mentions the idea of "devolution" (noting the prevalence of insanity and "idiocy" as instances of this). The third section of this book is entitled "From Self Consciousness to Cosmic Consciousness". Here, Bucke notes the various accompanying phenomena of cosmic consciousness (including that of moral elevation), the rarity of cosmic consciousness, the fact that instances of it are apparently increasing (since the beginning of recorded history), the fact that it is more likely to occur in men than women, and the fact that it tends to occur at the age of full maturity. The fourth section of this book is entitled "Instances of Cosmic Consciousness". Bucke maintains that the following individuals experienced definite instances of cosmic consciousness (and uses the increasing frequency of such cases to argue for his evolutionary theory): Gautama the Buddha (called "Nirvana"), Jesus the Christ (Bucke maintains that Jesus was a man; called "the Kingdom of God"), Paul (called "Christ"), Plotinus, Mohammed, Dante (called "Beatrice"), Bartolome Las Casas, John Yepes (Saint John of the Cross), Francis Bacon (Bucke maintains that Bacon was the real author of Shakespeare's plays and poems and quotes extensively from them to "prove" this), Jacob Behmen (the Teutonic Theosopher), William Blake, Honore de Balzac, Walt Whitman (Bucke quotes extensively from his "Leaves of Grass" believing Whitman to be among the highest levels of cosmic consciousness so far produced in man), and Edward Carpenter. The fifth section of this book is entitled "Additional - Some of Them Lesser, Imperfect And Doubtful Cases" and details some additional cases of cosmic consciousness, though of a lesser or more doubtful degree. Bucke mentions here various authors, poets, writers, and prophets known to him as well as a few cases from individuals that he personally met or corresponded with. The sixth section of this book is entitled "Last Words". Here, Bucke expounds upon some other instances of cosmic consciouness, again details his evolutionary theory, and explains why it is necessary for the individual so illuminated to be of the right mental and physical physique.
   
   In this book, Bucke provides a unique study of the mystical phenomenon and its apparent increase among members of the human race. As with many scientists from the Victorian era, Bucke was perhaps too wedded to the ideas behind evolutionary theory and the notion of progress. Indeed, Bucke maintains that with the coming development of cosmic consciousness a new social order will be made possible, echoing many of the socialist theories popular at the time. Nevertheless, this book played a very important role in furthering our understanding of mysticism, our sense of the cosmos, and the attempt to study it using scientific methods. Bucke's work would be carried on by later thinkers and researchers who were to reference repeatedly in their own studies of mysticism.



3. This book was referred to me by a friend. It is all that I expected and more. The language is easy understand, and the flow of the book is just as I would expect. I can embrace the knowledge of this book and it's author. It certainly helps to have some past knowledge of the workings of the mind and soul, however.



4. This is the book that coined the term "Cosmic Consciousness". It is the original work on the subject. A must read!



5. Dr. Bucke had a personal inner experience which was very powerful and illuminating to himself (what some call "a private revelation"). In the edition I have it is described on pages 9 and 10...As the book develops he divides consciousness into simple consciousness (the animals), self awareness consciousness (human beings) and cosmic conciousness (very advanced human beings). He tells us that the founders of our well known religions, plus various well known writers possessed cosmic conciousness, and as the world advances, more and more persons will possess it...The book does not align itself to any particular religion. It is more a work of philosophy and imagination. The reduction of Christianity to just another religion is a disappointment to this reviewer. However, it is a book of powerful experience and powerful thought.

3 comments about Thoughts from the Heart of the Soul : Meditations on Emotional Awareness.

1. Heart of the Soul is a gem of wisdom that brings clarity to your thoughts, old negative beliefs, and illuminates your mind with soul wisdom to help you rise above the negativity of the past in order to live from the heart center.
   I found that each page carries wisdom that is relevant, illuminating, and will definitely awaken your mind to help you get un-stuck in any area where your heart might be blocked. Recommended from my heart,
   Barbara Rose, author of "Stop Being the String Along: A Relationship Guide to Being THE ONE" and 'If God Was Like Man'
   Editor of inspire! magazine



2. using the philosophy from the "seat of the soul", he gives daily bits of most profound and direct wisdom. a treasure chest. an insightful and helpful companion for one on an upward spiritual path. part of my daily meditation, and a favorite gift to give.



3. This book is an excellent source of meditative thoughts for those who have already read Gary Zukav's books, "The Seat of the Soul," "The Mind of the Soul," and "The Heart of the Soul." Carry it along with you to create moments of contemplation when you are held up waiting---for example in a doctor's office or some other appointment.

4 comments about 365 Health and Happiness Boosters.

1. M.J. Ryan is a fantastic writer who brings truly heart warming wisdom onto the pages of this book. It's a great book to keep at work or at your desk at home fora brief uplifting note on those though days. Suggestions such as "hold a pity party," "commit to loving better" and "identify your hot buttons," Ryan offers ways to free up you rmind, body, and spirit.



2. This book is so much fun! I've only been working with it for a week but I can definitely feel a change, a lift in my spirits. By reading only one day's suggestion (okay, it's really tempting to read ahead, but resist the urge!) you have a fresh idea to anticipate and savor each day. You'll be invited to ponder questions that gently unlock happiness-enhancing insights. It is like having a friend along on the daily journey of life, a wise and supportive voice that helps keep you focused on the simple and readily available means of fostering your own happiness.



3. This little book is chock full of helpful suggestions
   from the very "easy to get along with" author, MJ
   Ryan. What I love the most about this book is
   that Ms. Ryan offers such a variety of ideas AND
   she shares ideas that DON'T work for her that
   MAY be helpful to you. She doesn't make those
   ideas WRONG, she simply says "I don't value
   this but many do" such as Walking Meditation... and
   she gripes about exercise yet asks you to do it
   and maybe, then, she will feel energized to
   exercise, too.
   
   Some of my favorite suggestions include
   creating a drawer of happinesss enhancers,
   Call in Well (this is on my Son's birthday, May
   6... it isn't a national holiday YET!).... Walking
   Meditation... (I love walking meditation, works
   wonders for me..... and is on August 19, my daughter
   Emma's birthday).... and Dedicate this Day...
   by sending positive loving feelings to someone
   in need (this is on December 25, my daughter
   Katherine's birthday.)
   
   This book is a perfect one to use as a daily
   companion, taking one day at a time - or for
   a quick pick-me-up, thumb to any page
   and apply what you learn.
   
   Great stuff!



4. This book was among the best of daily readings I've ever read. The tips are short and to the point, and are useful for anyone--physically, mentally, and spiritually. M. J. Ryan has put together many useful books, and this is one which I will buy several for gifts. It's that good!

5 comments about 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families.

1. Ordered the Steven Covey CD's to listen to and share with my husband. We have both found the CD's to be valuable to our ever changing family life. The discs are clear in their presentation of advice and give sensible suggestions on how to nuture your family in a busy world. Glad to have found this resource and happy to share it!



2. THE BEST BOOK EVER PROVIDING STEP BY STEP GUIDANCE ON HOW TO CREATE BETTER FAMILY LIFE.
   
   WE READ IT OVER AND OVER AGAIN.



3. Amazing book that shaped my entire family culture. Filled with lots of good, practical advice and real life examples, taken from Covey's own life, in his children's own words. A book you read again and again as your family changes and grows and improves and regresses. . .



4. This book is the positive, realistic guide all parents should have. I found the real life examples especially helpful and advice practical enough that anyone could use. Having been raised in a very difficult and punishing manner, I wanted to read a book which suggests a better way and when I meet and talk to new parents this is one of the books I always suggest parents read. It really is worth it.
   
   I am the author of:
   
   One Boy's Struggle: A Memoir: Surviving Life with Undiagnosed ADD
   
   Bryan



5. I got this book because EVERYONE reccommends the 7 habits books. I have thoroughly enjoyed the first couple chapters.

5 comments about The Best Year of Your Life Kit.

1. In the past, when people have talked about self-love, I must admit I've always been a bit confused. Besides affirmations, which have never had that great an impact on me, what does that really look like in action? Well, The Best Year of Your Life Kit answered that question for me. I did the Best Year kit with a couple of girlfriends this year and each week when I picked out a card, I felt like I was picking out a self-nurturing act that I wouldn't have done otherwise. I was challenged to grow, to stretch, to dream and to play in this amazing offering. I didn't use the "game" or "workbook" aspects of the kit, but the cards and the CD are worth more than the price of the product in and of themselves. This would make a great holiday gift and an amazing way to kick off the new year. I'm excited to start over when the new year comes!



2. The Best Year of Your Life Kit is the perfect way to start off the new year. The kit along with the "Best Year of Your Life" book give you the tools to transform your life. I highly recommend them both.



3. I'm so tired of self-help kits that are demanding on my time and push me harder than what was good for me. I didn't realize this until it was too late. If you want support, but have it come from a place of compassion instead of intensity, then this is the kit for you!
   
   The visualization CD alone is worth the cost. I've heard negative reviews about Debbie's voice, but I appreciate her coming from a place of neutrality instead of stressing words she feels you should "get". Whenever I get stressed, I put on her CD and give myself love and nurture myself from the inside. I highly recommend this kit!



4. I love this Best Year of Your Life Kit. It contains a CD with four delightful guided visualizations, a handy sized workbook and 52 "Self Love Game" cards, making an easy to use personal support package. My favorite part is drawing one of the cards each week. Each one has a concept to contemplate on one side, and a self-love assignment on the other. I've found the cards to contain practical wisdom and surprisingly often, the topic I draw seems to directly relate to some circumstance or situation in my life that week. For example, the card I have right now is an invitation to 'look for what's right' in my life. This simple reminder has helped to refocus my attention to the positive, rather than dwelling on the negative aspects in a particular situation that has been nagging at me. This alone, has lightened my heart, had me notice all the blessings I have and totally turned the direction of my week around. Buy it, try it, put it into practice.
   
   I also recommend the similarly titled book by Ms. Ford, The Best Year of Your Life: Dream It, Plan It, Live It



5. Someone gave me Debbie Ford's Beat year of Your life Kit as a gift a couple years ago and it has helped me tremendously. The kit not only gives you the tools you need to create your best year but also helps you REALIZE what you want and what you deserve. The daily cards are fun and helpful.....it really keeps you accountable to take care of yourself. Like my title says with the holidays approaching this is the perfect gift! I gave this last year to 10 of my closest friends and they still use it to this day and pass it along to their friends and so on. yay!

5 comments about Sark's Journal and Play!Book : A Place to Dream While Awake.

1. I love this book!
   
   This was given to me as a gift. I've been looking for something to unleash my inner soul and creativity within, and this is just the book for that!!! My colorful pages and her carefree instructions brings you back to your childhood days where you're free to rant and write anything under the sun. Definitely not your typical journal.



2. this is your chance to see what your words look like while mingled with sark's.....journaling, i feel, is crucial to living a productive and positive life...if you don't have a lot of experience in being creative and/or journaling, this is the perfect starter for you...and it's great for any age, any sex!



3. I received this journal book as a gift, and have throughly enjoyed it. My recent purchase of the journal was for me to give to a friend as a birthday present. I know she'll enjoy recording her goals, thoughts, fears and ideas in this clever journal as much as I have!



4. This book is one of my most treasured things. I bought it years ago and still am filling out the pages...playing and learning more about myself as a succulent and amazing woman. Sark gives women the permission to play and say wonderful things about themselves...to open up fantasy and to journal. If you need a gift for any woman in your life - go for it. They won't be disappointed and you'll get credit for years giving them a workbook they can play in and explore themselves and happiness with.



5. SARK is weird. This book is odd. And fun and great and unusual and full of positive energy. The pages are pretty blank, so if you want a psychobabble self-help book, this ain't it. It's a JOURNAL, and the author encourages YOU to write about YOUR LIFE: happy things, scary things, dreams . . . And she prompts you to look at situations in your life from a positive light. The handwritten pages have ideas at the top and bottom to get you writing: How have you amazed yourself? What are your favorite books? What unusual private things do you enjoy doing? Design your own special dream space. Live juicy! It's calming, encouraging, and if some of the pages you don't want to do, don't. I'm sure SARK wouldn't mind.

5 comments about The 7 1/2 Habits of Highly Humorous People.

1. The book "The 7 1/2 Habits of Highly Humorous People" by David, M. Jacobson is good reading and very funny. I enjoyed reading it and it is improving the quality of my life every day by looking for the humor in stressful situations.



2. Life is funny if you let it be. Even when you feel like it shouldn't be, deep down in your spirit there is humor waiting to giggle out into the world. David M. Jacobson reminds us to let the laughter loose in his book, "The 7 ½ Habits of Highly Humorous People." It isn't a joke book, but it is a delightful reminder to watch for the jokes in life, even, or maybe especially, the ones that are on you.
   
   David has had his fair share of jokes played on him. Is he bitter? Not that I could tell. He emits happiness through the pages of his book. He shares joy and it's contagious. Be warned that you will not be able to read this book without cracking a smile and likely will come away from it a better person. Of the 7 ½ habits you'll learn about, I think the half habit is the most important and the best way to get started on changing your life. Simply, it is to change the way you think. Not a simple task! Turning the negative thought into a positive one is challenging, but the rewards are immeasurable. What finding the positive does for yourself is life changing, and the thoughts you share with others can have a profound influence on them. The other 7 habits are equally reflective and uplifting, from realizing that humor is a necessity to humorizing with humorgy (you'll have to read the book to find out what that means!); the lessons within this book are not meant to simply help a class clown to develop his style but to show the world the power of laughter.
   
   David uses his self proclaimed necessary self-effacing humor to open his world to the reader. It becomes very easy to understand how he needed to let out those giggles and how it changed his life. Throughout the book he throws in one liners and obtuse observations and this made me laugh out loud. It is a funny read, but also a wonderful life lesson guide. Would you go to a guru who sits atop a unicycle? Maybe you should. This book is well written and easily accepted as truth. It holds deep insights regarding inner spirit and higher powers, and interpretations of classic comedy. This is a mix you cannot miss! (this book review was written by another person ... i found it on the internet ... but you must buy this book today ... it is a must read!!!)



3. I could tell by the silly man on the cover of the book, it was an unusual book -112 pages of extremely good advise.
   The reader needs to know this is not a joke book. There are plenty of them in bookstores. No, this is a serious humorous book, if that is possible. Jacobson has been a very ill person and he used humor and other special qualities to get him through to where he is today: brilliant, vibrant and living a life of "helping others" and making people laugh.
   He believes that humor can change your life for the better; that humor can get you through the most catastrophic events of your life. Jacobson says that "a highly humorous person is the most resilient person on the planet."
   The 7 1/2 Habits of Highly Humorous People will make you smile, laugh and find more inspiration than you can imagine. For many occassions buying a few of these books will be the "perfect" gift!



4. Reviewed by William Phenn for Reader Views (3/08)
   
   David M. Jacobson, MSW, LCSW is a professional speaker, licensed psychotherapist and social worker. He is a self-proclaimed international expert in humor and health and is also President of Humor Horizons. Among his other affiliations is the National Speakers Association. David received the National Hero Overcoming Arthritis Award and the Arthritis Foundation's Lifetime Achievement Award. He has been presented with the "Joy Mask" for his work with the Korean Broadcasting System, The President's Award from Flashnet Marketing and the Jim Elliot Award for his fund-raising, 50-mile unicycle ride. David also served on the Arizona's Governor's Office for Children's Justice Task Force.
   
   Mr. Jacobson's book was a pleasant surprise compared to some of the other comical editions by others. His mixture of poetry and prose brought a refreshing tone to this little 120-page volume.
   
   David explains the seven and a half habits in this way, beginning with "The Half Habit." "The half habit: This is a half habit because you don't need the whole habit in order for you to be effective." He goes on to say that it is the most difficult habit to maintain because it is the habit of changing your thoughts.
   
   Habit number one he says is to treat humor as a necessity. As much as using the bathroom is a necessity, so is humor--placing an importance on treating your sense of humor as high up as a basic bodily function.
   Habit number two is termed "Use Self-effacing humor."
   What it is and how to use it, when making yourself the butt of a joke.
   The third habit is very self-explanatory. "Keep your eyes open for humorous situations or create them with your imagination."
   Habit number four begins with a cute poem and is titled, "Use the Power of Humor and its positive influence on your own self and that of others."
   Habit five goes into detail on how to use your humorous imagination to improve your communication. This chapter deals with the ability to communicate with others.
   In habit number six, David throws in his own words that are not in Webster's.
   "Humorize with Humorgy," he professes that your whole life will change.
   The grand finale comes in habit seven when David says, "Act like the highly humorous person you've become or are becoming."
   
   I enjoyed "The 7 ½ Habits of Highly Humorous People," and think it would make a nice addition to a library. It's a well-worded, funny little book that would make great reading on an airplane. I gave it a B and that was only because I did not find all the photos as funny as the verbiage.



5. Where would we be without humor in the world? Would you want to live in a world without humor? I don't think so!
   
   The author begins by giving us a definition of a "highly humorous person". He describes this type of person as someone you will be drawn to and want to spend time with. You will enjoy their company no matter what your surroundings might be. Most people possess these traits; however, few reach their potential of being a highly humorous person.
   
   The author then goes on to explain the 7½ habits of highly humorous people. You will find it interesting that the first one listed is only "The Half Habit" - Mastering your thoughts. David explains that you don't need the whole habit in order for it to be effective.
   
   On a very personal note, when the author talks about the ½ habit, he tells the readers that ten years ago psoriatic arthritis seized many of his joints and as a result changed his self-image. He entered a bicycle race which was a fundraising event and managed to cross the finish line after 115 miles. He received the Jim Elliott Award which is given to someone with a chronic illness who is not the normal type of person to compete against healthy individuals. David also received a silver medal. Due to all the media attention, he was considered the person the next year to win the gold medal. However, on David's first training ride the next year, his knees and back prevented him from going past one mile. David began to feel depressed. After all, he was the inspiration to many and now he could not ride the bike for more than a mile. Also, his ego was involved. For a moment, David felt his only choice was to give up. This was a negative thought and he had to bring in some humor to help him out of this situation. It didn't take David very long to come up with the idea of riding a unicycle in the race. His goal was to ride the unicycle 50 miles. It was difficult because of the cold and wind and after 48 miles his body told him it was time to quit. Did he? No way. David's humor came into play and he told himself to go another couple of miles and he could laugh and tell his grandchildren about this one day!
   
   I found the chapter on Self-Effacing Humor very interesting. The author states that you should know your weaknesses and turn them into strengths. Poke some fun at yourself in order to open some communication. When you laugh at yourself, it is a very healthy form of humor.
   
   There are many other interesting parts of this book but I don't want to spoil it for anyone so I will stop here.
   
   As soon as I saw the cover of this book, I knew I was in for a treat! Did you ever give much thought about the meaning of humor? David M. Jacobson has written a guide to humor and this book shows the reader just how talented this author is when it comes to writing. As you go through each section of this book, you will find them both funny and serious at the same time. The author has delivered a book that is written in a very clever manner. He has incorporated some ideas that I never would have thought of doing such as adding a backward instead of a foreword, a preface that lists things we can do with this book if we don't like it, a postface and a fast foreword. David Jacobson does an excellent job of showing the important role that humor plays in our lives. This is a very well written book. What I really enjoyed most about it is the way the writer includes many of his own personal obstacles in life and added the results of how humor has helped him work his way through it all. It just goes to prove that no matter what happens, we need to just sit back, relax and try to put some humor into our thoughts. Maybe things won't look so bad after that. As you read through this book, you will come across many statements made by David that make so much sense. You will find yourself thinking "Wow! That is so true." This is an inspirational read as well as one that you will find thoroughly entertaining. This is a fast paced book that you could read in a couple of hours so get ready to sit back, relax and enjoy David Jacobson's humor "therapy". I highly recommend "The 7 ½ Habits of Highly Humorous People".