5 comments about Don't Bite the Hook: Finding Freedom from Anger, Resentment, and Other Destructive Emotions.

1. The entire book is wonderful -- after reading so many works (and listening to some talks) by noted teachers and other Buddhist practitioners about this or that element of the philosophy/faith, it's refreshing to just hear someone talk. That is, rather than innundating a lay listening like myself with this or that concept in Sanskrit or Pali and using confusing allegories that made perfect sense when they were related several thousand years ago, listening to the wonderful words of Pema Chodron is so nice.
   Above all other teachers, she talks to me -- and the many thousands of others who listen to hear -- as if she were a friend. She tells me about her own experiences and then makes fun of herself and so I don't feel like she's someone above me, someone to work at trying to be. She just seems to be someone who is further along the same path I'm walking down.
   The only reason that I have any problem with this audio book is that the idea of Shenpa in the book was still a little unclear to me after I had finished it. Although now I know that Shenpa is a bit ephemeral; this was never explained, clearly at least, in the book.



2. This is an advisory not a review. The content of these three CD's is excellent. When Pema speaks there is a continual popping-clicking sound which is not present when Robert Walker the reader speaks. This indicates to me a defect in the original recording, perhaps in her attached microphone. I'm surprised these weren't picked up by the sound technicians and the noises eliminated during the recording. These odd sounds exist through the entire recording and for me were disconcerting.
   Listening to Pema speak I was getting annoyed by the strange crackling sounds when I realized she was discussing "bourgeois suffering"--those minor things that irritate all of us, traffic jams, rude people, not getting your correct seat in an airplane, etc. I laughed and finished all three CD's, crackling sounds and all. If odd noises like this bother you, be forewarned.



3. Pema Chodron explains the Buddhist philosophy in this as well as her many other CDs in a clear, relevant manner with just the right touch of humor relating to the human condition. She has mastered the philosophy, yet her modesty lets the listener know that she has been where we listeners often are. Easier to absorb than reading, for me, and a lot more fun. A great way to clear the mind at night when trying to get negative thoughts out of my head and helpful to prepare for sleep. I actually fall asleep with the headphones on and hope that perhaps my subconscious is learning her explanations of various instructions. Super for the novice or the more advanced student.



4. Good practical advice that allows you to get to know yourself. This CD helps you to practice spiritual principles in our daily lives. Loved it!



5. This recording is ok. I had not heard Pema speak before and she does have an engaging speakers voice. I was disappointed however as I did not realize this recording is mostly about interpreting verses from Shantideva's writings. I wanted more practical advice (from a buddhist perspective) on how to deal with anger. I don't believe this recording provided that. Would I buy it again knowing what I know now? No, there is not a lot of substance to it.

5 comments about From Panic to Power: Proven Techniques to Calm Your Anxieties, Conquer Your Fears, and Put You in Control of Your Life.

1. I can say that after going through "Attacking Anxiety and Depression" and reading,"From Panic To Power" I have come to relize just how important every word Lucinda had to say. This lady is an angel, and I thank Jehovah God for sending her into my life, I'd have no clue where I be today if it was'nt for her annointed words. THIS WOMEN TAUGHT ME WHAT THE WORD FAITH TRULY MEANS.



2. OK...well written, but didn't tell anything we don't already know all over the internet on this subject. Basically, breathe deep and think positive. Duh.



3. Only listen to a little but like what i heard, it makes you feel the fear and go for it. Because you can conquere your fears and be free.



4. This author was actually pretty screwed up before she wrote this, and she's better now. She tells about what she (and some support group members) did to overcome agoraphobia and anxiety. If it worked for her, it has to work for anyone. This is great in conjuction with Edmund J. Bourne's Anxiety and Phobia Workbook. The techniques she used are more detailed in his workbook. They actually work if you can master them.



5. I was literally ABUSED when I called for the "free cd" she does not really offer. After asking for it to be sent to me so I could make an informed decision I was told by her salespeople, "I've told you everything thats on the cd, you do not need to recieve it". And then I was literally BULLIED into ordering the extrememly expensive program with no chance to think it over. Even when I later became angry about the hard sell & tried to cancel the order, the person I spoke to literally tried to force,refused & even DEMANDED, that I not cancel my order! Only when I finally gave up on politeness & literally screamed at the salesperson, "I said CANCEL THE GD ORDER"!! & then threatened to change my credit card info with my bank, did the person finally cancel the order. This woman uses extreme bullying techniques to push a wayyyy over priced questionable product,taking advantage of people already weakened by mental distress. She & her infomercial need to be investigated by the BBB and consumer watch dog groups!! As far as all these supposedly good "reviews" this woman's "program" is getting, I have to wonder, after my own experience, how many of these she wrote herself (or had her toadies write for her). BUYER BEWARE!!!!

5 comments about Life Is a Verb: 37 Days to Wake Up, Be Mindful, and Live Intentionally.

1. Patti Digh has done a marvelous job translating her 37days blog (already a brilliant work-in-the-making, as she posts regularly) into hard copy with all the benefits a printed book can provide. To her publisher's credit, they went all out to make this book beautiful, and it is, and it matches the complexity and simplicity, at turns, her words offer.
   
   There will be lots of reviewers who comment on Patti's amazing talent for getting to the heart of the matter, and thus, to our hearts. What I find just as fascinating about Patti is her sense of humor, one which operates at all levels.
   
   Her ability to offer her joy in addition to her passion for her subject matter is what has hooked me since I first discovered her blog.
   
   Life is a Verb is an in-the-moment perfect snapshot of three years of Patti's wisdom, pain, insight, and sighing admission of shortfalls.
   
   Buy this book. I promise you will be thanking Patti that you did!



2. This book should be required reading in every college, high school and jr. high to teach kids how to become authentic, compassionate, caring adults. I've read Patti Digh's blog from the get-go and it has enriched and completely altered my life and my way of thinking. I want to be her!!!!! This book is a gold mine, pure and simple.
   
   When I'm feeling blue, she cheers me up.
   When I'm feeling invisible, she rearranges the molecules of my thinking.
   When I'm down, she lifts me up.
   When I'm sad, she makes me happy to be alive. . . all with her luminous, fabulous, magical essays. Thank you, Patti, for this gift you've given the world. This tattooed grammy loves you fiercely!!!
   
   If you need a book that will enrich your life every single day, then buy this one. And get several copies because you will most definitely want to share with your friends and loved ones.



3. It makes you think about how to live your life better - not necessarily more organized or efficient or more anything, unless the "more" is some part of your own personal "better". The writing exercises are excellent, bite-sized, and spur you to much deeper consideration of the topics. And the writing itself is funny, real, down-to-earth and extremely moving. I've bought one copy and will buy several more as gifts.



4. To have Patti Digh's "37 Days' in BOOK form is to have the most amazing sourcebook for soul sustenance I have ever run across - and I read A LOT! Patti is clearly both gardener and chef; from the seeds she plants to the manna she provides. If your life is lacking color and depth (and humor, ah yes!), if you're missing that feeling of being connected and necessary, or losing your sense of direction or self - this book's for you.
   Being a devoted fan of Patti's "37 Days" blog for the past several years, I was anxious to have the book, but didn't expect the additional impact that "Patti in print" would have for me. I lift my head reluctantly from the pages; but need to break and savor all the different sensory stirrings as I read her words. Cerebrally and soulfully nourished as I am by all that this book contains, I'm craving more, and look forward to filling my shelves with the next editions (additions?) of her unique diet of life lessons, personal musings or anything else she might choose to cook up! Bon appetit!



5. Inspired by the death of her step-father (and informed by the death of her father), Patti Digh's book offers advice, nudges, and insistence toward joy and responsibility (not quite the word I want), in equal measure.
   
   With essays like "Dance in Your Car," "Follow Your Desire Lines," and "Always Rent the Red Convertible," Digh urges us to loosen up, take chances, take hold of this "one wild and precious life" (as she quotes Mary Oliver).
   
   But she assumes a life of joy will be a life touched and shaped by other people, and she includes their care in her instruction manual. "Save Face for Someone Else," and "Wear Pink Glasses" offer models of graceful ways of being with, seeing, and upholding other people. "Love Unloveable People" gently offers each of us a daunting challenge: to respond to what is good in everyone.
   
   Digh doesn't overlook the challenges of relationship, including our relationship to self. From "Choose Your Seatmates Wisely," to "Burn those Jeans," "Don't Sell Your Red Shoes" and "Say Wow When You See a Bus," she offers fresh perspectives on familiar situations and straight-jackets of "propriety," inviting each of us to find a way to be a little more authentic.
   
   The essays alone would be engaging and provocative, as Digh has proven in her blog, 37days. In the book a precious few are arranged to illustrate her six-point guide to a life marked by Intensity, Inclusion, Integrity, Intimacy, Intuition, and Intention. Each is followed by a short exercise to help the reader respond to and integrate the example, and a longer "movement" exercise that readers are invited to take up for 37 days: be alone for 30 minutes every day, write ten letters (in longhand) over the course of 37 days, ask yourself at lunch (for 37 days) "Am I becoming someone I respect?"
   
   Digh suggests we take on that last question at lunch, so that we have the afternoon to save ourselves, if we are failing. It is just this kind of gentle wisdom, this confidence in all of us, that leads me to embrace this book.

5 comments about The Biology of Belief: Unleashing the Power of Consciousness, Matter, & Miracles.

1. I have referenced this book to so many people I cannot count. When I encounter people who do not understand the actual biology and physics of the "attraction principles", I send them to Lipton who does a superb job. He is able to clearly describe what a non-scientist can understand, while using scientific backbone to support his views. I am glad this one is on my shelf.



2. Often, personal stories of discovery in books on physics/healing/cosmology, etc, tend to be tedious and self-indulgent. Not so with Bruce Lipton's work, "The Biology of Belief". Not only are his descriptions and analogies for his discoveries and insights into cell biology and consciusness clear and concise, but one finds oneself swept along through the book by Lipton's own great enthusiasm for his subject.
   
   This is a ground-breaking book based on ground-breaking, risk-taking science. I congratulate Lipton on a wonderful work that is intellectually stimulating, enjoyable, and thought-provoking. Lipton is bringing biology into the new spiritual era of quantum theory, and placing the power for our own healing of life and body squarely onto ourselves. A must-read!



3. I don't think this book is worthwhile to the public. The author borders on the edge of intelligent design and creates unbased analogies in his book about how things just work out.
   
   I can't think of examples because I honeslty tossed this book in the trash and am just writing a review because for some reason Amazon has this book as one its recommendations for me.



4. Lipton's book turns our understanding of the world inside out: it is not the DNA inside the cells that controls them, but the interaction of the outer cell membrane receptors with their environment. Starting from what is known and accepted, the author extrapolates to what transcends accepted science. Along the way he presents to the reader a thorough description of cell biology. It is all quite remarkable, but will you dare follow where he leads? How the mind affects the body's health? The effect that mother's emotions have over the development of the fetus? How some hydrocephalic children have high IQs although they lack most of their physical brain?
   
   And then there is the matter of matter. The author points out that everything in the universe consists of atoms, and atoms are made out of [electrons and quarks] invisible energy not tangible matter. And since all energy in the universe should be describable by one mathematical expression, everything is inter-related, everything communicates with everything else. One could follow many paths from here, but Lipton concentrates on how our personal beliefs affect our physical cells: how many of these beliefs, formed from as early as our fetus days, lie hidden in our unconscious only to surface unexpectedly and affect our cells in completely mysterious ways.
   
   The author saves most of his personal conclusions for the epilogue: a discussion of our conscious selves, our personal relationship with everything else in our environment (which he calls the Divine), and mankind's next step up the evolution ladder. He concludes that "The survival of the Most Loving is the only ethic that will ensure not only a healthy personal life but also a healthy planet." He thus joins the considerable number of scientists who have discovered that the effect of love exceeds the boundaries of religion and should be treated as a real and potent power in the universe.
   
   (The writer is the author of The Way of the Butterfly: A Scientific Speculation on God and the Hereafterand of "Christianity Without Fairy Tales: When Science And Religion Merge.")



5. This book is a fantastic primer on cell biology and what's being discovered today about quantum physics and how it relates in a macro way to the cell. what was both daunting AND respectable about the book is the amount of technical education given on cell biology, chemistry, energy, etc. I found myself skimming over some, but I wanted to honor the mans' work as much as possible, and I realized that I could say "no" to the dumbing down of society by slowing down and ingesting the information.
   
   The book gives an entirely new slant to how our state of mind as well as subconscious programming gives rise to changes in cell and body chemistry. In fact, this is probably the most complete information I've seen on how the subconscious works in relation to the conscious, as well as the REASON that the first four years of a child's life are the most important. Very sobering, a must read for anyone wishing to lead a more conscious life.

5 comments about Kitchen Table Wisdom 10th Anniversary.

1. This is one of my all time favorite books. Since receiving a copy as a gift about ten years ago, I have purchased more than half a dozen to give as gifts. As I explained to a grieving friend, this book does not grab you and dazzle you, it just sneaks up quietly and gives you a very comforting hug. Obviously, it has staying power. I leave my copy out and will randomly read a chapter since I find it enlightening and inspiring. Oh, that all doctors had Dr. Remen's insight and sensitivity! I feel I know her, and I do truly love her. Like all really great books, it seems to develop more depth as time goes by and I mature.



2. Kitchen Table Wisdom: Stories That Heal
   I was given a copy of this book by a colleague many years ago. I only recently read it for the first time, and I now realize what a wonderful gift I received. I know I will reread this book and refer to it many times. The subtitle explains it: "Stories That Heal." I cannot imagine that anyone reading this book thoughtfully would not be deeply rewarded for the time spent. I very rarely have read something that I would recommend to EVERYBODY, but this is one book I WILL recommend to everybody. Epiphany, anyone? File under "Guide for Living Well."



3. This is one of the most incrediblely healing books you will ever read. You will find yourself refering to it and giving it to friends (like I did) because it is so theraputic. A must read if you are a self-aware person.



4. Although the title sounds simplistic, the contents of this book are
   profound. It is a book of inspirational true stories, written by a most perceptive physician/counselor about the wisdom she has gleaned about life and death through her experiences with patients. Each chapter is a new story, and they open windows in our minds and hearts. One of the finest books I have read in years.



5. Kitchen Table Wisdom 10th Anniversary
   
   I ordered 2 "New" Kitchen Table Wisdom books to be given as gifts. The cover of one of them was crooked and did not cover the first page. The book was simply not made right. I was not allowed to exchange it for another, just send it back and charged a bit to do that.
   It turned out all right because I found out another way (not Amazon) to get books at discount and got the 2nd one right away.

5 comments about What now?.

1. I really enjoyed this speech-turned-essay. So many wonderful morsels of wisdom to "chew on". She shares a few personal anecdotes, but does not make the speech about herself. It is inspiring and contemplative, encouraging her audience to look inward for happiness; and then sharing it with the world.
   
   Because it was a commencement speech that she have at her alma mater, it is almost guaranteed that it will remind you of your college/university days. Unfortunately, I don't remember anything about the commencement speech at my college graduation, so I will keep this one in mind.
   
   I see it becoming a bestseller gift around high school and college graduations in May and June of each year, alongside Dr. Seuss's "Oh, The Places You Will Go!"



2. I was interested in reading this edited and longer version of a graduation speech by Ann Patchett because of her perceptive writing style in the novel Bel Canto. Her newest book reveals personal experiences that shaped her both as a writer and person. "What now?" is a useful book for recent college grads facing the challenges of turning their just-earned degree into a stepping stone to life -- a course that can't be taught in college -- and for parents who may not remember the "now what?" uncertainties graduates face. Patchett pays respect to those who influenced her, including a writing professor who encouraged his now famous student to almost completely rewrite the first draft of her speech, suggesting one of Patchett's life lessons is that we're never too old or accomplished to benefit from the wise counsel of others.



3. Somebody gave this to me. I have been down on my back for a month or so - lost my jobs - i had a few and have been struggling to make ends meet so my sponser haned this to me casue she thought it woudl make me feel better. my whole life people have tried to help me by handing me books and gicving me lectures but no one ever relaly gives me the help i need - i need money and a job and a way to lose the weight and stay off disability and then here comes some succesful lady tellin me to make choices and hang in there and anything I want i can have as long as i listen to the news and get out there and get it done - but no one thigks about folks like me - I was abused every second of my life since I was a kid - by priests and teachers and the system everybody takin a piece from tonya wantin something for nothin - I was on drugs and sold myself for nothin but I got wise - i had to run away from a man - and then I had to get lots of different jobs to help my kids who don;t even speak to me anymore - but I stayed the course and tried to be string . but I give up when everyone I know accuse me of stealing from them - at jobs - I closed up one night and forgot to take the deposit to a bank so all of a sudden I am in jail for the 5th time and nobody cares. So this lady cna wriote her book and talk to the young ladies at some fancy school but here in the projects i am keepin it real and trying to live another day without getting readdicted to painkillers and tryin to look for a job when nobody wants me - so keep on talkin ann - the people who really need help dont go to soome fancy school - an if you saw me on the street - with my walker and my oxygen - i know you'd walk on past



4. We used this book for a staff retreat, to get conversation going about ourselves and the college students with whom we work. A short read that staff won't groan about with limited time to complete it, funny and inspiring, thought-provoking as well. Recommend highly.



5. Ann Patchett is one of my favorite authors. I loved her description in this book of how she discovered how to be one. Learning to stare figured into that and the now habit of staring also delayed her decision to get married for many years. "I just couldn't imagine living in a house with another person when so much of my life was spent sprawled across the sofa eyes wide open, saying nothing at all."
   
   This book is short, but full of words to live by with thanks for those who have guided her way. It is delightfully highlighted with many photographs.

5 comments about The PTSD Workbook: Simple, Effective Techniques for Overcoming Traumatic Stress Symptoms.

1. What do you do when something beyond traumatic happens to you?
   In my case,I forgot the whole thing!
   But you don't,it's festering in your subconscious.
   And then the nightmares came.
   
   To make a long story short,I worked through my traumas with therapy and support groups and I recovered.
   This book is one of the tools to be used.
   Lots of exercises,excellent resource
   Highly recommended.



2. I had been in therapy, and still am in therapy, for over ten years. I had a very difficult childhood and a lot of the memories stayed with me and controlled my adult life. My therapist had explained PTSD and I thought I understood it well. This book took me further and really gave me some self help measures which I have used and to an extent rely on. Highly Recommended!
   
   I am the author of:
   
   One Boy's Struggle: A Memoir: Surviving Life with Undiagnosed ADD



3. The authors of this book assume that you can solve post traumatic problems by filling out forms. This assumption is rediculous.



4. This book is awesome. I am going through it with a counslor. I even enjoy doing the work. If you have been diagnosed with PTSD and you are having a hard time working through or need more help-I strongly recommend this book.



5. The book is really helping me get unstuck. PTSD has gotten in the way of work and some housekeeping, but now that I am doing the work I feel like I am getting unstuck. I really recommend this book and recommend having a therapist while you do the work. My traumatic incident happened 4 years ago and even though I have tried to help myself I didn't have the tools that this workbook has. Now I am taking steps to get more centered and less overwhelmed. I give the book credit for this new energy and focus and sense of security.

5 comments about Shalom in the Home: Smart Advice for a Peaceful Life.

1. Shalom in the Home is one of the best parenting books out there. And I've read a lot of them. Rabbi Shmuley uses examples from his TLC tv show and then adds information on what they or you should do. In every example, I found myself taking certain truths away that could help me with my kids. Also, the ideas are very easy to implement and work! Shalom in the Home should be a must read for every parent.



2. It was an OK book but I did not think it would be a total recall of the show. My fault! I would like to read another of his books.



3. I like shalom in the home. I also have another book by this author called facing your fears. I am glad they are available



4. I can't say enough about this book-- I accidentally came upon Shmuley while watching a television show in which he was ranting about parenting and I thought he was absoutely hilarious and thus checked him out.
   
   I don't even have kids and I found so many places in his examples where I could identify with the parenting styles. More importantly, the root of every "parenting" issue is the relationship with the parents, the hands-down cause of all problems in the home.
   
   He illustrates his stories with commmon-sense hilarity that is easy to follow. I want to get this book for everyone I know. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!



5. Loved the TV series so I got the book. It was good but read like the show.

5 comments about Broken Open: How Difficult Times Can Help Us Grow.

1. I'm not at all into self help books....but this is one i'm glad i tried out.
   So i do highly recommend this book to others skeptical of the self help genre.
   It's one I didn't even feel i needed to hide... :)



2. one of the few books on self improvement and growth that is readable. it is fast, insightful and useful. I read it at a time when things we going great for me and I had no idea how bad they were going to get. Some of the stuff in it came back during hard times and gave me strength and hope. I would definitly give this book a chance. personally i think books such as these, come to you. u shoud read them if u can relate to them, or else u will get bored or feel they r useless.



3. "Broken Open" is the first book I read after losing my husband. Indeed, I felt broken open, so it seemed an apt buy for me. I really appreciated the honest, open tone of Elizabeth Lesser's style of writing. "A heart made crooked through loss and change is a heart that can love the world and its less than perfect people." So true. After you lose someone, you appreciate so much more what you have. You're less willing to waste time on the petty and look for the more enriching experiences in life. Change, as difficult as it is many times, brings those experiences. Life is so much more if we're open to receiving it. Elaine Williams



4. This is one of the best books I have read. Highly recommended for those who what to find ways to get through difficult times without wallying in the mud to get there!!!



5. How I am enjoying this book! Elizabeth Lesser can communicate, so thoroughly, to the heart and soul of our humanity. I can only hope she will grace us with more of her written word. Thank you, Elizabeth. P.S. I love the Wavy Gravy quote!

5 comments about This Year I Will...: How to Finally Change a Habit, Keep a Resolution, or Make a Dream Come True.

1. Not a bad book at all. The author has done a superb job in approaching the bad habit problems we humans have developed over our lifetime into another way of thinking about it. I think if you are like most people and have tried everything out there including reading various books on goal setting this one might be worth trying. It has helped me, I'm not completely there yet but I feel I am at least on the right path.



2. I am a high achiever and always looking for an edge. This book was excellent, simple and easy to follow. The exercises were relevant and contributed to the learning and integration process. It had a profound affect on multiple areas of my life!



3. This is really one of those you can change your life books that actually work. I loved the way it was written and I really felt like she cared about me. I would highly recommend for anyone who wants to make some changes in their life but is have a hard time doing so.



4. This book is well written and easy to understand. The explanation of how the various parts of the brain and how to get your brain working for you was very good. An easy read that doesn't require a psychology degree to understand the material and how to use it. I have used some of the described exercises to help my clients envision their future the way they desire it to be.
   I recommend this book highly!!!!



5. I'm someone who spent years stuck in a rut. I spent a lot of time wondering why I never got anything done but never did anything beyond wondering. I've spent the last few years turning my entire life around. I quit drinking, quit smoking, started working out, started taking my job seriously (which has garnered me two promotions in three years), and generally started taking charge of my life and I've found that I love getting up and getting to it every day. Something I never could have claimed before in my 30+ years. A lot of these changes have been hard work. I've read a LOT of self help material and found hidden gems here and there. I only wish I had found THIS book years earlier. Everything I've learned. Everything I've known. It's help me put all of that into action. Have you ever run across a situation where you KNOW you could teach the world how to do something but you just CAN'T do it yourself? Well, this is the book for you. I'm on my second time reading it and I just bought three more copies, bringing my total purchased to eight. I've given them away to a lot of the people I kind of left behind when I started changing my old life. Even the ones who don't read are reading it. I've seen weight loss, better jobs, less stress, less anger, reduced drinking, happier relationships... all as a result of things myself and these people have learned through the steps in this book.
   
   If you find yourself in a rut and just can't seem to move forward. Or even if you're doing fine and think you might just need a little push. This book is a priceless work.
   
   Thanks to the author and good luck to everyone else who reads it!