1 comments about A Raft Around the Corner: And Other Stories To Keep You Going.

1. Way to go, Dave! There are always ways to find a positive spin in most of life's adventures.
   Thanks for putting this collection of short stories together.

1 comments about Finding the Champion Within: A Step-by-Step Plan for Reaching Your Full Potential.

1. I stumbled upon this audiobook when I was going through a bin of [money] tapes at a local discount store, most of which were that cheap for good reason. Being a "motivational" tape I was immediately skeptical, as I usually am with self-help tapes. But having already picked through everything and deciding that death was preferable to listening to OJ Simpson talk about the "real killer" or other celebrities turned activists turned egomaniacs patting themselves on the back for "caring", I took the chance and bought it. I was expecting a lot of mindless sloganeering designed to hype up your emotions and turn off your brain, but I was pleasantly surprised that this tape is in fact very constructive as well as inspiring. Jenner comes off extremely articulate and likable, describing his aimless beginnings as a student content with mediocrity, to suddenly grasping hold of a lofty goal and pursuing it to the point of obsession. Then to achieve it only to once again slowing descend back in to obscurity, mediocrity and aimlessness, until he finally (with a little help from true love) grabbed hold of his life again and now pursues it with as much success and passion as he pursued the Olympic gold. He talks a lot of sense and his experiences are easy to relate to, helping you focus on what really holds one back from taking chances and pursuing success. I've got a lot of audiobooks, probably close to two dozen, but this is one of maybe three tapes that I'll throw in my car stereo as I go about my business and still enjoy listening to it. Good work Bruce!

2 comments about Quantum NLP: Thought Into Manifestation.

1. 8 endless hours of compliant clients -- all getting better. No problems. No reality. Of no value. A ride on NLP/Quantum coat tales. 8 CD's -- no index, no titles, no choices. Get some real NLP knowledge -- from Tony Robbins, Grinder, Bandler, Dilts, Gilligan.



2. It's a super book with super techniques. The person who reviewed it before me, just wasn't ready for it or something. It's super-awesome. It's so simple, and it's so cool. I really recommend it. It goes very deep, but it is simple to follow and practice. I saw results right away. After listening just 45 minutes.

1 comments about Embracing Coincidence.

1. This is an enjoyable and enlightening little book!! One might think they are reading fiction, but the author is recounting true occurrences and events from her own life.
   
   A few years ago, I might have poo-pooed the idea of meaningful coincidence and synchronicity, but events in my own life have led me to see the truth and importance of such occurrences.
   
   This book can provide a good introduction to the subject of meaningful coincidence for anyone not familiar with the concept. From there, one might be prompted to dig deeper into the scientific aspects of this very intriguing subject.
   
   I wish I could shout it to the world....."Wake up to what is going on in the world around you, for it pertains to your life!!" Thank you, Carol Lynn Pearson, for sharing your amazing experiences!

3 comments about Therefore I Am: A Book for African-American Men.

1. Words Of Wisdom To Help You Live And Grow.
   
   "Therefore I Am: A Book for African-American Men" is definitely a book that should be read by today's African American men. It is a unification of a common thought process assembled from the gems of knowledge offered by a variety of men of color. Each of them come from different backgrounds and age groups, but the words they offer seem to merge with one another and become priceless advice.
   
   I had the benefit of a father who constantly taught me life lessons at each and every given opportunity. Under his counsel, I have values, morals and beliefs that I now pass on to my children in my own way. The value of Covington's book exists in various forms. Individually you can decide to heed or ignore the information that is presented. However, if you are an African American Male or a male/female of any cultural/socioeconomic group, you can benefit from this collection of wisdom. If you are looking for direction, guidance or even affirmation of your current positive values - you will find it in this book. If you are without a positive male role-model in your life you are in luck because you will find them here as well.
   
   "Therefore I Am: A Book for African-American Men" is similar to James Allen's "As a Man Thinketh" in that it strives to teach and empower individuals to better themselves from within. The major difference however is the fact that Covington's work is straight forward and devoid of flowery words and symbolism. It is true knowledge passed down from positive role models and community activists. The men in this book practice what they preach as they carry out the occupations that they have obtained or in their deeds and actions.
   
   These words taken directly from the book sum up the spirit of this piece of nonfiction:
   "Not all men worthy of listening to or learning from are deceased or are those few that are only mentioned during Black History Month." I applaud Mr. Covington and thank him for collecting this information to share with and motivate others to become better. Read "Therefore I Am: A Book for African-American Men" and keep it close by. It is a priceless "user-guide" to the human experience.
   
   Tyrone V. Banks



2. Frederick B. Covington has compiled a collection of sayings and teachings shared by African-American men ranging in age, social status, and beliefs in his first book, THEREFORE I AM: A Book for African-American Men. Broken into six main sections: Intelligence, Responsibility, Point of View, Character, Diligence, and Relationships, this book shares the lessons these men have learned through the words given to them in various parts of their lives. One of the more well-known sayings is "to whom much is given, much is required" which states one should give back from which they've been blessed to help others, as a means of progress for everyone. Also included are teachings that children are influenced by what they see and being accountable for your actions, no matter how small they seem as they can affect someone else. These types of teachings, amongst others in this book and those passed down from parents and other relatives, if followed, will build up not only the reader, but also those they interact with.
   
   While this is a very good book and does a commendable job of keeping one focused in the right direction and informing men of their worth, their value, and the power they hold within themselves, I didn't necessarily see how it was specific to men. Most of the sayings I've grown up with myself and have also applied them to my life, so I don't think the collection is gender specific, but basically an inspiring and motivating guide in which anyone who chooses can use to empower themselves and those around them.
   
   Reviewed by Tee C. Royal
   of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers



3. "No one reports how many planes take off and land safely in the world everyday, but Heaven forbid if one, just one, falls out of the sky!" Such is the progress of the African American male.
   
   There is a popular conception in America that black males have it rough and that the whole world is against us. It is a popular conception because there is so much `evidence' proving such a notion. Black males aren't openly, widely embraced by the white community; they no longer carry a good name with black females and worst of all, they seem to fall victim to other, yes other, black males. In the public eye, it looks pretty bleak, but is it?
   
   Frederick B. Covington says "NO!" and has published a book to prove it.
   
   Therefore I Am is an extraordinary collection of quotes, parables and idioms all contributed by successful African-American men. Quotes they used to stay focused on their road of success.
   
   The label `successful' has not been granted to these men because they are famous. Author, Frederick B. Covington makes a wonderful assessment by stating "Therefore I Am takes the words from the everyday Black man. From one who has persevered through life and continues to remain ahead of the game." Men who strive to do the right thing; whether they receive recognition for it or not. Those Black men that take care of their families, work for their education and continue to move forward no matter how difficult life gets. Frederick B. Covington compounded this list of contributors that range from farmers, barbers, professors, banking executives, FBI agents, taxi drivers, doctors and students.
   
   I loved this book because it is full of WISDOM. Quotes shared by men that have battled the stereotypical labels and continued to move ahead. These are heroes of the Black communities that are rarely showcased and their voices seem to be silent---well not anymore.
   
   Occupational therapist, award-winning inventor, musician, entrepreneur and now author, Frederick B. Covington has compiled this marvelous collection that is easily read and could serve as a wonderful gift. It contains quotes and advice on the topics of intelligence, responsibility, point of view, character, diligence, relationships, prosperity and hope. Some of my favorites include:
   
   "One thing you can give and still keep is your word."
   
   "The greatest obstacle to discovery is not ignorance - it is the illusion of knowledge."
   
   "Every closed eye is not sleeping and every open eye is not seeing."
   
   "A wise person has something to say; a fool has to say something."
   
   "Deliberate often, decide once."
   
   "There is nothing in a caterpillar that tells you it's going to be a butterfly."
   
   I highly recommend Therefore I Am: A Book for African-American Men. It praises and focuses on all of the "Behind the Scenes" people who make sure good values are continually handed down to a part of society that truly needs it.
   
   Review by Robert Denson III
   Managing Editor of Sunpiper Press

No comments about Attitudes and Attitude Change (Frontiers of Social Psychology).

1 comments about What the World Needs Now- Healing Messages from Angels.

1. I really enjoyed this book.It is helpful and very informative.It shows the author to be honest,truthful and a real geniune person.It is a book that every one should own and the way it is written you will keep refering back to it.There is a powerful energy that radiates from this book.It is both healing and inspirational and many people will connect with it.Keep up the good work Paul.looking forward to the next.love & light ann

5 comments about Laugh Again.

1. Swindoll has written an excellent book encouraging the reader to not take him/herself so seriously that all joy is gone from life.
   
   The book is a refreshing change from the excellent and decidedly more serious titles Swindoll has written in the past.
   
   Each of the 14 chapters contains biblical admonitions to not be so stressed out on life and to realize the joy you can have in Jesus Christ. While life has challenges, Swindoll encourages us to not look like we have been sucking lemons or tasting vinegar all day!
   
   Read and be encouraged to learn to just chill every so often!



2. This book is a prime example of how an able Bible expositor can sometimes rework a scripture text in order to make it say what he wants it to say. Swindoll does this throughout his book LAUGH AGAIN, which is a loose exposition of the book of Philippians. He substitutes the word `laughter' for `joy' and transforms the book of Philippians into a message that helps us to laugh about life. His application of the first eleven verses of Phillipians 1 is that we begin to laugh again when we place our full confidence in God (p. 44, large print edition). Moreover, his title for the chapter on Philippians 2:12-18 is "While Laughing, Keep your Balance." When Swindoll is determined to teach something that isn't in the text, his exposition tends to go awry, and that is exactly what happens in this book.
   
   Dr. Swindoll would have been farther ahead to write a book about experiencing more joy in your life and letting Philippians speak for itself. Not only would joy have been a relevant topic of discussion, but this approach would have modeled for his readers how to handle scripture. I do not recommend this book, but Swindoll has written other books that I do recommend heartily, including his GROWING DEEP IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE and his book PAUL from the stories of great lives series.



3. Well written and easy to understand. Swindoll hits the target with his encouragement to develop and keep our sense of humor, and not let the problems of the world take away our joy.



4. Laugh Again was great. Pastor Chuck offers timeless wisdon from the book of Philippians that should be used in every Christians' life. It was also a fun read.



5. Swindoll's dated book (1992 hardback) claims to be about laughter but it's really a mostly dry Bible study on "joy" in the New Testament book of Philippians. It is NOT a book that looks into laughter in the scripture--as a matter of fact he ignores the fact that there ISN'T laughter in the New Testament! Instead he misinterprets the word "joy" for "laughter" and "happiness." Those are all very different things.
   
   He doesn't use many practical examples--this is mostly a sermon-like, verse-by-verse approach to Philippeans. When he does use examples they are odd choices of people who actually disprove his theories. Mother Teresa is one of the first he mentions, quoting her about the need to be joyful, but the saintly woman who rarely smiled was not talking about laughing! He also mentions former coach Tom Landry (a real sourpuss whenever shown on TV) and British author Malcolm Muggeridge (one of the saddest-looking people ever). So while Swindoll tries to claim the book is about laughter, in reality he can't find laughter in the New Testament nor in the people he uses as examples!
   
   Most offensive is his swipe at the Pope--in discussing the word "saints" (why is that needed in this book?) he claims that "Pope John Paul II has been sainting more men and women than all of his predecesors in the 20th century." He then briefly explains what the Catholic church requires to be a saint, then says, "I should also add you need a pretty good slug of money to saint people." What? They don't saint people in order to make money! His views are archaic and demeaning to Catholic readers.
   
   His interpretation of Scripture is just strange in many places--he takes a simple word and then twists it to fit a different meaning. He says that "the most Christlike attitude on earth" is NOT LOVE but is being "unselfish" (how this ties into the theme of the book isn't exactly stated!). He also claims that he has studied Jesus and "I find no evidence of impatience or anxious irritability as I study his life." What? Did he skip over Jesus sweating blood before he was crucified or turning over the tables in the Temple?
   
   He isn't preaching the pure word of God...he is preaching his own word and then supporting it with scriptures that really don't have anything to do with what he concludes. The theme of the book is a good example--"Laugh Again" implies that God wants you to laugh, yet there is nothing in scripture that supports that. Does he show there are some verses that support "joy"? Yes--but that is not the same as laughter and often those joy verses come from Paul who wrote of having joy through his serious pain. Paul wasn't laughing as he was being whipped in prison, though he did "count it all joy."
   
   This is the first Swindoll book I have read and will be the last--he is tricky in his twisting of scripture and creating a conclusion that just isn't there. I was looking for steps to be happy and instead came away unhappy.

No comments about Living Your Strengths: Discover Your God-Given Talents, and Inspire Your Congregation and Community.

No comments about Fuentes De Fuerza Interior: Para Renovar La Vida (Senderos / Paths).