5 comments about A Cry from the Womb: Healing the Heart of the World: A Guide to Healing and Helping Souls Return to the Light After Sudden Death, Miscarriage, Stillbirth or Abortion.

1. A Cry From The Womb: Healing the Heart of the World is a spiritual guide for connecting with and healing the souls of children lost to sudden death, miscarriage, stillbirth or abortion. A disclaimer warns that A Cry From The Womb is strictly a spiritual book and does not offer any medical counsel, nor does it replace proper care from a physician. Chapters discuss the nature of the soul, the voice of the unborn, the power of prayer in fostering a healing journey, and case histories of individuals and couples rent apart by grief. A deeply moving and spiritual book; the authors wish to promote spiritual recovery and wellness shines through the pages. A Cry From The Womb cannot be neatly categorized as a pro-choice or pro-life book; though the author believes very strongly in the souls of the unborn and speaks of the negative impact abortion can have on both this life and the hereafter, the author also believes firmly that no woman should ever be forced to carry out a pregnancy. A Cry From The Womb is not about politics, but about spiritual healing from unbearable loss with the grace of God and His Angels.



2. Gwen Jones has written a guide for men and women in the 21st century as we grapple with the realities of our times. The spiritual guidance and clear instructions, including deeply healing prayers, will be a boost to anyone interested in pursuing a spiritual path full of light and love. I recommend it for anyone who has lost a child, has terminated a pregnancy, or who knows anyone who has gone through such an experience. If you are ready to move forward and heal the wounds of the past, read this book.



3. We are all affected by the cycles of birth and life in more ways than the average person can perceive. No author understands this better than Gwendolyn Awen Jones. Her clean-cut explanations help us understand the many ways in which we are affected by our connections to our loved ones and how we must all work to heal ourselves. Her insightful advice is useful to everyone wishing to heal themselves, and in turn heal the planet, at this toubled time in our history.
   
   Her antecdotal stories are profound and concise. The choice of stories covers a wide range of topics. Even if the reader has not been part of a similar story, each story has a message for all readers.
   
   Her explanations about who and what we are as spiritual beings in this world is key to everyone's understanding of themselves and their purpose here on this earth. Just the glossary is a treasure in itself!
   
   I have followed and practiced the simple prayer steps that Gwendolyn Awen Jones has written for us and must say that I feel more grounded and at peace than ever before.
   
   Good transformational literature is hard to find. I have a library full of self-help books that I put down after a few chapters. A CRY FROM THE WOMB is a must-read for all spiritual seekers, mothers, fathers and anyone who wishes to understand themselves as a human being on planet Earth. It is an easy read that packs a big punch!



4. A very unique and different approach in healing the world, accessible to anyone who is open enough. A book that makes you think, realize and want to be more responsible with your own choices about conceiving and bringing a child into this world. Everyone should read this book but especially women in general, as much as couples having experienced stillbirth, abortion or considering the last one...



5. Gwen is amazing gift to the world when it comes to moving energy from passed miscarriages, abortions and/or still births. There are great stories and wonderful exercises that really work. I moved a miscarriage out of my space and was pregnant 3 months later with a healthy baby! Thank you Gwen for your book and guidance!

4 comments about Success Secrets of Super Achievers.

1. Great Book! I was especially touched by the words of Ken Venturi who responded to a question regarding his possible pro golf ending condition by saying: "I don't believe you have to be better than everybody else. I believe you have to be better than you ever thought you could be." This book contains submittals from 82 stars, business executives, government and spiritual leaders, and sports heroes that express their thoughts on success. The book provides the reader with a number of thoughts that may unlock their potential. Here are some of them: "It is not always getting what you like but liking what you get."----Donna Fargo (Singer) "It all boils down to spirit and thinking. Everything happens in the mind."--Phyllis Diller "If you can meet Triumph and Disaster and treat those two imposters the same...." Oleg Cassini (Designer for Jackie O) "Everyone has problems. It is part of our mortal experience." ---Gary Player (Professional Golfer) It has 2-3 pages of thoughts on success from all 82 people. Awesome book. I recommend it. I read it in one night!!!!!!!



2. I firmly believe that if you want to win the Daytona 500, you don't go to the junkyard, you go to the winner's circle. Mr. Stovall has a great collection of stories from winners and most importantly, what made them successful. A must have for a motivational library



3. Jim Stovall went to people who were the top of their fields and asked them for their own personal keys to success. This book contains over 80 responses from some of the worlds greatest figures in business, sports, religion, law, politics, entertainment, and more. Names we all know, love, and admire, like Jacqueline Bisset, Lou Holtz, Carol Channing, Dave Barry, Eddie Albert, Charles Schwab, Johnnie Cochran, and Socks the Cat. Each person's profile give a simple and straight forward answer to success on their own terms.
   
   You can digest each one in moments, and before you know it, you've read the entire book! I read it all in one night, and three more time in the following week.. This book instantly became one of my favorites for inspiration, and I plan to keep it nearby for those time when I feel less that stellar to remind me of the things I need to focus on for my success.



4. Success Secrets of Super Achievers by Jim Stovall
   
   Unlike most books that touch on the 'success secrets' or 'the ultimate success formula' (USF), this book takes a seemingly broad-based & light-hearted approach to the subject. Best of all, it doesn't pin down to a specific formula but rather chooses to give readers an opportunity to explore diverse perspectives.
   
   To cap his clever approach, the author even draws on the candid viewpoints of a relatively disparate sampling of ordinary people who have lived or are living great lives, with goals, vision & passion - 82 of them to be exact, widely known & admired in movie entertainment, music, politics & law, business, sports & even religion. A lot of these people, to my surprise, are not the traditionally rich & famous but, as the author puts it, these people have been "to the mountaintop" in their respective field.
   
   As an award-winning broadcaster, the author has abundant access to these successful people - or super-achievers - in the real world. To his many personal & frank interviews with these people, he has asked two compelling questions:
   
   - How do you define success; and
   - What does it take to be happy?
   
   This inspiring book certainly captures the 'strategic heartbeat' of most of the interviewees' inspiring responses. Their advice is very simple, straight-forward, & effective, with no ulterior motive other than to help those who seriously want to join them on the mountaintop.
   
   The author is in fact a super-achiever himself & despite his failing eyesight & eventual blindness, he has been an Entrepreneur of the Year, a national champion Olympic weightlifter, a successful investment broker, an accomplished musician/songwriter, a marketing consultant, & a professional speaker, an author & president/co-founder/host of a television network.
   
   As a matter of fact, I understand that one of his best-selling books, "The Ultimate Gift" is now a 20th Century Fox major motion picture, starring James Garner.
   
   In a nutshell, & collectively for readers, I am very confident readers can find numerous startling answers as well as unusual perspectives in your continuing quest for:
   
   - Becoming the best you can be;
   - Changing your life;
   - Turning your dreams into reality;
   - Taking action starting today;
   - Finding & fulfilling your destiny regardless of your circumstances;
   
   Many of the super achievers whom the author had interviewed, especially those from movie entertainment, also brought forth many sweet memories of my childhood times in the late fifties & throughout the sixties, during which I had spent much of my spare time going to the movies & watching the black box.
   Here are some of my unforgettable movie/TV characters with their winning insights in the book:
   
   - Eddie Albert (played a big city attorney - who long desired to become a farmer - opposite Eva Gabor in 'Green Acres' TV series): "I really don't care how I am remembered as long as I bring happiness & joy to people";
   
   - Joseph Barbera (creator/producer of 'Tom & Jerry', 'The Flintstones' cartoon series for TV, among many others): "Without persistence, it is impossible to experience success."
   
   - Ralph Bellamy ('Frontier Justice', 'The Eleventh Hour", 'The Survivors', but I remember him best as the rich Texan J W Grant in 'The Professionals'): "Never back down on your dreams!";
   
   - Pat Boone (for me, his original rendition of 'Speedy Gonzales' is the best!): "I define success as somehow having a positive effect on the lives of others."
   
   - Chuck Connors (as rancher Lucas McCain - with his modified Winchester - in `The Rifleman' TV series): "Concentrate on the fun-damentals!"
   
   - Jack Elam (memorable supporting roles in 'High Noon' & "Gunfight at OK Corral'): "Never say die! You can make it by just trying & trying & trying...& taking chances!"
   
   - Douglas Fairbanks (often played the debonair character in slapstick comedies or adventure yarns e.g. 'The Legend of Robin Hood'; best remembered from his role in 'The Prisoner of Zenda'): "Only when we rise above our current circumstances & escape from the day to day can we really explore the possibilities."
   
   - Peter Graves (as Jim Phelps in 'Mission: Impossible' TV series): "Success in life means...a goal that you have an eye on...that goal...something you must do & persevere until you got it done or got a start at it...then you stay on top of it, & keep punching & pushing & striving all the time to go in the directions that you want..."
   
   - Katharine Hepburn ('The Philadelphia Story', 'Guess Who's Coming to Dinner & `The African Queen' are three of her most memorable films): "All of us need to find that passion in our work, or find work where we can experience the passion."
   
   - Charlton Heston ('Benhur', The Ten Commandments, 'The Omega Man', & `Solyent Green'): "Spend your time wisely!"
   
   - Shirley Jones ('Oklahoma', 'Elmer Gantry', and `The Partridge Family'): "If you know how to get along with people, you are a lot more likely to succeed in all the areas of your life."
   
   - Deborah Kerr (a captivating portrayal opposite Burt Lancaster in 'From Here to Eternity'): "...There are some limitations that simply cannot be overcome. But instead of giving up on all your dreams just because your first dream can't be true, transfer your enthusiasm to a new endeavour."
   
   - Dorothy Lamour (I will always remember her roles in 'The Road to...' pictures, a series of movies with Bob Hope & Bing Crosby): "The world takes itself far too seriously; laughter is something there's far too little of. Whatever one does, they should always remember to laugh."
   
   - Jack Lemon ('Mister Roberts', 'Some Like It Hot', 'Days of Wine & Roses' but his role of Jack Codell in 'The China Syndrome' in the late seventies was the most memorable): "Achieving success can be thrilling, but it is a lot more satisfying if you can make a worthwhile difference in someone's life on your way up."
   
   - Robert Young ('Father Knows Best', 'Marcus Welby' TV series): "You have to have enthusiasm."
   
   - Joseph Wambaugh (creator of the classic anthology series for TV under 'Police Story' in the seventies): "The only thing I have learned about success is that if one is willing to listen, really listen, to things that are said, as well as to things that are not said, that person will be miles ahead of the competition."
   
   Other successful people interviewed in the book include: The Dalai Lama, Alexander Haig, Robert Schuller, Charles Schwab, Robert Shapiro (remember O J Simpson?), Ted Turner, Denis Waitley, Art Linkletter & Gary Player.
   
   To conclude my review, I would like to paraphrase what the author wrote in the Introduction, which I thought really accentuates the essence of his book: "...I have now read the biographies of more than 1,500 great & famous people. One of the traits they have in common is a sense of expectation & destiny. They always believed that they were destined for greatness. I trust that you believe that you are destined for greatness, & that this book will be a launching pad for all that is yet to come...This book & the success secrets it contains should be your constant companion on the road to success. Don't try to reinvent the wheel. Simply follow the trail that has already been blazed, & you will find that your success is not a mystery, but a certainty."

2 comments about The Art of Worldly Wisdom.

1. I heard about this book from an online newsletter. Some of it is very interesting, but the translation into English leaves something to be desired. Some of it is very obscure and difficult to understand. After awhile I found it to be repetitive and it got a bit boring.



2. I own this book and read it over a prolonged period. You cannot read this book in 2-3 days; you have to sip it slowly like a good, calm dessert wine.
   
   The language is strange at first and the aphorisms take a while to get used to, however once you grow an appetite for this type of writing, you quickly realize that good writers transgress time/civilizations.
   
   His aphorisms are all applicable today not simply because they are nebulous but because they speak to the ways of the world in the context of global civilization and is agnostic to time.
   
   Hope this helps.
   
   -Richie Etwaru

1 comments about Human Motivation: A Social Psychological Approach (Psychology).

1. The research and the topics discussed in this book are both very well done. Some perspectives seem to be very one-sided. While all topics are covered with both sides looked at and different issues examined there is a definite slanttowards one opinion over another.

5 comments about The Dolphin: Story of a Dreamer.

1. Obra de facil lectura, con un gran mensaje acerca de como no dejar de soñar, resalta lo sencillo y simple que nos rodea y que muchas veces no valoramos y disfrutamos, por estar inmersos en lo cotidiano. Lograr nuestros sueños no es facil, implica compromiso y tezon en lo que queremos alcanzar "...es facil defender algo que no entraña ningun riesgo" y el sentimiento de logro al llegar a la meta trazada, llena toda perdida y compensa todo sacrificio realizado. En un mundo cada vez mas complicado, obras como "El Delfin" nos marcan el camino para no perder la oportunidad que tenemos todos de alcanzar nuestros sueños.



2. This is a delightful book, overflowing with deep spiritual meaning and colorful allegory. Mr. Bambaren brings us through life's issues with the delightful story of this book. It is profound and long-lasting in its effects. Excellent work, a must-have book for any seeker. Namaste!



3. like jonathon livingston seagull, this is a moving tale that can be easily adapted and interpreted in many different ways



4. A poetic and positive story about a
   dolphin. Dedicated to the dreamer in us all. It is about
   following your own dreams and going your own way. A perfect present to give away. Especially to people on the verge of going their own way. Often they are very insecure about what to do. This will help them to take the last hurdle and jump!



5. What a beautiful inspirational tale, about the importance of following your heart, rather than your eyes. So many parallel similarities to Jonathon Livingston Seagull. Loved them both. Arlene Millman, author of BOOMERANG - A MIRACLE TRILOGY.

5 comments about The Five Secrets You Must Discover Before You Die.

1. What are the secrets to finding happiness and living wisely? This second line of the first chapter captures the purpose of Dr. John Izzo's new book The Five Serects You Must Discover Before You Die (2008 Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Inc.). The book is an urgent plea to the reader to embrace life--in ever encounter, every experience, every emotion every single day.
   
   Izzo proposes we do that by accepting that life is limited to an unknown amount of time for each of us but that within this limited time we have unlimited opportunities to choose to find meaning by living a purposeful life and thereby find happiness.
   
   He interviewed several hundred older people--"wise elders"--based on the recommendations of persons who recognized them as sources of wisdom. In this way, Izzo turns to ordinary folks who have lived full lives for the wisdom necessary to do the same. If other great teachers of our time and previous times have said it before, so be it. Now we receive the wisdom from the local barber, the Holocaust survivor, the grandma on the porch rocker.....All of Izzo's sources are over 60 because, the author said, this is the age at which most people tend to reflect on life. They're done having and getting; they are looking back on all that they have done.
   
   This diverse group offered insights that came down to these five points:
   
   1. Be true to yourself by living with intention. Know your heart's desire and seek it.
   
   2. Live with no regrets. Regrets, Izzo said, are most persons' biggest fear--not dying itself. So mend fences, make peace, and move your life into a place of peace. The best way to live without regret, Izzo says, is to take chances, pursue those dreams, and accept the failure that might be your way. Rather than be crushed by failure, learn from it.
   
   3. Become love. Love is not an emotion but a choice, a way of being that involves seeing ourselves and others with kindness and compassion. That love creates the opportunities to follow your bliss, heal hurts in yourself and others, and to find peace despite challenges and hardships.
   
   4. Live in the moment. Right here right. That's all.
   
   5. Give more than you take. Izzo explores that wonderful idea of finding yourself and then losing yourself. Once you identify your heart's desire and live your life pursuing it, the chance of accumulating any regrets is reduced. Once you become love, kindness itself becomes part of your purpose, and each moment offers all the joy of a lifetime. This creates an abundance of resources in the forms of love, trust, hope, joy, kindness, compassion. Draw from this deep well and give it away. Leave the campsite better than you found it, as one wise elder put it.
   
   And then, as the saying goes, you will wake each day knowing it is a good day to die.
   Posted by SandyCarlson at 6:51 AM 0 comments



2. Although the "secrets" are all things you should have learned in kindergarden, the book really does cause you to stop and think about how short and precious time can be. It gives the reader valid thoughts to relect upon and also recalls into mind those who have departed before us.
   If you've attended some funerals or memorial services, it helps to realize how the life the person has lived is relected by those who were touched by the deceased.



3. This book has been beautifully written and is a great reminder of something that most of us know already but sometimes can't see. In the busy-ness of everyday life, we forget the truths written here and the author uses language that tugs at the heartstrings.
   
   I love this book!



4. No one ever said on their deathbed, "I wish I had spent more time at the office."
   
   I saw this book at an airport bookstore and was intrigued by the title. Author John Izzo, a former Presbyterian minister, undertook to interview about 200 people (mostly elderly) about the ingredients for living a fulfilled life. The results he has distilled into five separate precepts.
   
   These may not necessarily be "secrets," in that we have all likely heard them expounded from time to time. Still, the reinforcement is helpful. Each chapter on one of the "secrets" closes with a short list of practical tips and questions for how to implement these steps into your daily life. That is the kicker - not knowing but doing.
   
   "Five Secrets" is a useful spur for all of us to slow down, step back from our busy-ness and to invest time and effort in those things in our lives that really matter.



5. You can go to the contents page to discover the five secrets of living well. But what you find there are straightforward principles that you probably already sense are good values for gracious living. John Izzo and his associates interviewed 235 people who seemed to have learned how to live well. They found that people who were respected had lived through most of their life experiences. What they learned were not so much secrets, as common insights that these people shared about how to make the most of life. The pages are full of insight and advice that is inspiring reading, well written, and very much worth your time and attention.

5 comments about Chicken Soup for the Wine Lovers Soul: A Toast to the Perfect Occasion (Chicken Soup for the Soul).

1. This is a fun book on wine that was so nostalgic for me. While living in San Francisco for seven years, I learned a lot about wine and took many day trips to Napa and Sonoma. Now that I live in the Arizona desert, several stories in this book took me back to those fun experiences! A great book for anyone who enjoys wine and wine tasting.



2. Not only are the stories well-written, beautiful, and inspiring, so are the many other features included in the book. This is a must read for any wine lover.



3. This book is the perfect present for the holiday season (or any other special occasion). For those not knowing what to give as a gift, this little tome will definitely please male and female friends and relatives with its inspirational true stories of wine and how wine has brought people together in fellowship and family. First off, this book looks a bit different from the usual Chicken Soup tome - the cover is about an inch smaller in size and the inside pages are printed on soft white paper (instead of the usual bright white) which makes reading easy on the eyes. The cover is shaded with a rosy pink, reminiscent of rose wine. It's a pleasure to hold this book in my hands. And it's an even greater pleasure to relax with this book for an invigorating spell of reading enjoyment. I always feel better after leafing through a Chicken Soup book, and this one in particular. I thrive on "feel good" stories. I appreciate the life lessons that the authors provide, and I get a kick out of seeing how they incorporate those lessons with the joy of wine. Pass the cheese tray, friends, and relax with a glass of rose or white wine - and this book.



4. I checked out the new Chicken Soup specialized books - chocolate lovers, tea lovers, etc. and this wine lover's is the best of the lot.



5. I am not one for short stories, but I loved "Wine Lovers Soul". In fact, I bought one for my friend's birthday. It was the perfect gift to give to a friend, whom you have enjoyed wine with.
   
   Each story is touching or funny in one way or another, whether it is the couple of many years sharing a quiet moment at home with a good wine, or a daughter making a fine dinner for her family using her father's oldest reserve wine by accident. Once you finish the book, it is easy to see that the love of wine is about tradition, celebration, love of friends and family and much more.
   
   Not only did I love the short stories, but I also appreciated the extra little tidbits and facts that are given as a side note in each chapter. As well as, the suggestions at the end of different chapters on wines to try.

5 comments about What Matters Most : The Power of Living Your Values.

1. If you are searching for a set of rules to get your life on track this is a highly advisable read. He talks about the affects of roles, missions, and values on how we make decisions about who we are and identifying who we want to become. It is a very COMMEN sense book which does have a lot of what's already been said alot of other times, but is still well worth reading.



2. the author's first book "The 10 natural laws of time and life management" which got a better balance of strategies and tactics.
   
   According to page 66, the primary objective of the book is to help readers close the gap between what they really value and what they are doing, which the author describe as the most excruciating kind of pain. Along such, the author "prescribed" : "Burn it into memory. Wake up each morning and ask yourself, "What am I going to do today to close the gap between what I am doing and what really matters most to me?"" In my opinion, the author had been very successful in achieving his goal. This is a very enjoyable book under the author's very good writing skill. I might have rated it a five star if I had not read "The 10 natural laws" before this.
   
   Below please find some passages I love for your reference. Hope you can have a better grasp of the strengths of this book.
   
   Page 64: Why New Year Resolutions don't work? Part of the problem is that we have the cart before the horse. We think that by simply setting out a few vague goals, behavior changes will miraculously happen. Setting goals is important and necessary, but it's not the place to begin. My suggestion is that you delay writing resolutions until you have identified your governing values, those things in life that matter most to you, those things without which you would find life meaningless or unfulfilling, those things that lie at heart of who you are and who you hope to become.
   
   Pg 150: The most effective tool I have discovered in whipping the demons is to have regular victories in my life every single day. When you do something right, take a moment and savor the feeling. Even a little victory does wonders for your confidence and motivation. Make a conscious effort to successfully complete some task each day related to something that really matters to you. That'll help keep the demons at bay.
   
   Pg 151: There are many types of diseases that afflict the human body, and we spend millions and perhaps billions of dollars trying to find cures. But there is one disease of epidemic proportions in our society on which we spend little or no money or effort - the crippling disease called fear of failure.
   
   Pg 153: There is a wonderful story about a very successful entrepreneur who was asked why he was so successful. His response was "Good decisions." The second question was "Well, how do you make good decisions?" The response,: "Experience." And then the final question: "How do you get experience?" And the response:"Bad decisions."



3. This is one of the most powerful and useful books on identifying my core values. The stories relayed and examples given are on point and very applicable to me and my life. I found myself tabbing several pages with quotes or historical references that provided insight into my values and how I want to live my life.



4. Really enjoyed this, it is a lovely easy read dealing with a very important topic - what matters most in life ! Smith is a fan of Covey so you might find the references to Covey a bit grating at times, but stick with him. Worth buying for sure !



5. If you are already familiar with the other books written by Hyrum W. Smith, you will know that his words inspire confidence and encourage people to find greater meaning in life. This book is similar and will help readers discover their values as well as their goals. The two are inseparable and the author shows how and why. Establishing a mission statement is recommended to encapsulate aims and aspirations. There are wonderful exercises that develop self-understanding and to assess what the author calls "governing values".
   
   Smith is a clever writer, creating short and catchy phrases to get his meaning across and to make it memorable. "Be yourself, but be that perfectly" is the theme of this book and that phrase itself could be meditated upon for a while. There are many of these short and snappy expressions in the book, which highlights the author's ability to take an issue and whittle it down to bite-sized pieces. That's so important in a book like this. After all, the reader will want to take something significant from these pages, and Smith recognizes that and even helps to make by making these principles clear and concise.
   
   There is a genuine emotional appeal here, as he discusses the real fears of failure and change. He has many anecdotes that make his ideas come alive. It's obvious that he understands the path to success and is really reaching out his hand for the reader to come along. At times though, he attitude seems a bit condescending and even smug, but that may be because it's the printed word. He is a sought-after motivational speaker and these same ideas are presented to audiences with outstanding results.
   
   He expounds on the idea of acting perfectly and describes it as the feeling we have when we act within our moral values. This is an exciting concept and most readers will nod their heads in agreement. Basically, the book rests on exploring ways to verbalize and recognize these values, and then incorporating them into every aspect of our lifestyles. When a person's values are allowed to set their course, they will understand their life's work and actually enjoy it.
   
   Smith knows how to connect with people and his discussion of hero qualities is excellent. He demonstrates how each person is unique, filled with certain traits and qualities that give them their own brand of personal magnetism. This is like a breath of fresh air. Every reader will go away from this book knowing they are special and are made for something important.
   
   The author is also to be applauded for recognizing the agony of deferred dreams. Instead of just glossing over this lament, he urges everyone to start right now--today. We can stop the loss of time by grabbing hold of these principles and putting them into effect now. There is hope on every page and the emphasis is on renewing character and developing integrity. Change comes from within, but first the author shows how to start it happening.
   
   Readers who want a new beginning in their lives will love this book. Smith tells us how to take control of our lives by first finding out its true meaning. Once we are set on a course that is steered by our values, the only way to go is up!
   
   Raymond Le Blanc: psychologist & economist
   Author: Achieving Objectives Made Easy! Practical goal setting tools & proven time management techniques

5 comments about A Year of Daily Wisdom Perpetual Flip Calendar.

1. Last year when I received this calendar as a gift, I thought, "Sounds great, but I'm sure I'll forget to flip the pages in about 3 days." Well, I turned the pages every day last year, and have eagerly started over with the new year.

   This isn't an ordinary calendar; it doesn't tell you the days of the week, and you don't write your appointments on it. It does however, have one quote or thought each day from A Course in Miracles or from Marianne Williamson's own writing. Each quote is insightful and moving.

   It's a perfect way for someone who may not have time to meditate or read each day to have a spiritual, loving or healing thought to ponder for the day.




2. Several years ago, when I was at the height of a devastating emotional change in my life, this calendar was instrumental in helping me through the pain. It, along with several other Marianne Williamson sources, was the beginning of my journey toward spiritual understanding and peace.



3. I had seen this item in a psychologist's office and only read a few of the daily pages. I liked the wisdom and helpful affirmations. However, I did not realized how much of the contents was religously refereneced and used as the foundation or grounds for supporting the validity of the statements. I preferred a non-secular publication without religious references.



4. Marainne Williamson is my favorite spiritual leader so this calendar gives me chance to get a message from her on a daily basis. It starts my day in the right direction.



5. I keep this calendar on my desk. It's a classic for spiritual growth and inspiration.

5 comments about If I Only Knew Then...: Learning from Our Mistakes.

1. If you can admit that you are not perfect (yet), and want an instruction book for life, this it it. Buy it. Read it. Learn from it.



2. Yawn. A few of the chapters were interesting, otherwise not a great read. Glad to hear proceeds go to charity.



3. Charles Grodin has assembled eclectic information from many interesting people - much of which is valuable - and gives his proceeds to a very worthy cause. Great gift item.



4. This was an enjoyable book and a quick read. It was interesting to read what notable people felt were learning experiences for them and why they thought so.



5. Everyone can look back on their life and describe a significant mistake they've made and the lesson they learned from it. But how many of you would be willing to write it down and have the world read about it?
   
   Charles Grodin found over eighty people to contribute to his collection of essays in If I Only Knew Then..., and the net profits from book sales go to HELP USA, a not-for-profit organization. HELP USA's mission is to empower the homeless and others in need to become self-reliant, an excellent cause in this reader's book.
   
   Many of the contributors are celebrities such as Alan Alda, Carol Burnett and Ben Stiller. Others are accomplished and well-known people in the industries of politics, business and Hollywood.
   
   Sally Kellerman (Hot Lips from the movie M*A*S*H) learned what happens when you play hard-to-get with Marlon Brando. Judge Judy got a lesson in how to gain respect as a woman. Senator Orrin Hatch regrets voting against the Martin Luther King holiday.
   
   Some of the essays are entertaining, the lessons poignant and universal. Others seemed to have missed the point, or were turned in like last-minute homework assignments, perhaps out of guilt or obligation to Grodin.
   
   One lost lesson in particular comes from Leonard Nimoy, who still bristles over the memory of inappropriately naming his book I Am Not Spock. He declares that he is still unconvinced he was wrong. He writes, "Live and learn," but did he?
   
   This book feels like it was put together more for the sake of HELP USA than for the readers. If I Only Knew Then... hits and misses. The "hits" are moving and, at times, heartbreaking. If you do decide to purchase this book and read selectively, do not miss the stories by Barbara Feldon (from TV's Get Smart) or Sheldon Schultz. Their lessons anchor the book, providing meat and meaning.
   
   The misses, however, are a tad boring and blowhardy. It's like when you're mingling at a party and some clueless guy sidles up and chimes in within seconds as if he's with the program already and rather misses the point, contributing little, while you make excuses to escape what was, just a minute ago, a lively conversation.
   
   Maybe we're not meant to take anything substantive away from some of these stories. Or maybe, if the authors are neither famous nor literary pros, we aren't that interested. If the little boy next door is selling magazine subscriptions to buy uniforms for the school band, should you subscribe to three or four periodicals, including Tedious Times and Pointless Monthly in order to support a good cause because you also get Entertainment Weekly out of it? Well, that's up to you.
   
   
   Reviewed by Margaret Andrews for Curled Up With A Good Book