5 comments about Choices and Illusions: How Did I Get Where I Am, and How Do I Get Where I Want to Be?.

1. Choices and Illusions: How Did I Get Where I Am, and How Do I Get Where I Want to Be?
   By Eldon Taylor
   ISBN 1-40191-853-0 (Hay House, 2007)
   
   Nothing is more vital than questioning our beliefs about how we see the world and our relationship to it. Reading Eldon Taylor's book helped me see through many of my self-limiting beliefs and illusions through a very rational and comprehensive approach. Most people are caught in an endless cycle of self-delusion, which only reinforces itself with time because we seek to reinforce previously held beliefs and filter out the rest as irrelevant. If you feel stuck, this book will help.
   
   Rahasya Poe, Lotus Guide magazine



2. Parts of the book are difficult to understand because they are written poorly...I found myself re-reading sentences and paragraphs trying to make sense of ideas that didn't hang together. Additionally, the book is basically a marketing tool for the subliminal CDs that are sold through a web site. I would like to know, from an independent source, if the CDs actually have made a difference for people. Until I find independent reviews of the CDs' effectiveness, I will not buy them,nor would I recommend someone spending money on this book.



3. Great Book. Easy read with some good examples & inspirational stories to help people looking for some simple great advice for leading a more impactful and rewarding life.



4. I have only read about half the book and I already am making some real progress.



5. Eldon's Choices & Illusions is a masterpiece! A real jewel! I wouldn't part with my copy! Thanks, Eldon, for such a fine treasure!
   
   Review by: Angelo B., Kew Gardens, NYC, USA

5 comments about How Could You Do That?!: The Abdication of Character, Courage, and Conscience.

1. One minute she's posing nude and later, later becomes Orthodox yet
   is severly impolite to so many on her radio program. Why can't she admit how dysfunctional she was and still is no doubt. Yet the content of her book is in the best tradition of good. Too bad she wrote it.



2. There is really no such thing as unconditional self-acceptance. Those who say so are promulgating a pernicious falsehood. One must first live a decent, honorable and productive life. Only then do you get to feel good about yourself. Seeking to heedlessly gratify your desires or impulses of the moment to do things (or fail to do things) your conscience knows to be contrary to your standards of right, worthy and virtuous behavior is, in a mental, emotional and spiritual sense, akin to spending capital that you have not earned, and therefore will eventually cause you to feel very negatively not just about your behavior but also about who and what you are (except, perhaps, for sociopaths). You cannot have your cake and eat it too. The longer, for better or worse, you behave in certain ways, the more it comes to define you, not only to others but also to yourself. Thank you, Dr. Laura, for helping me to learn this lesson of life.



3. She's witty, entertaining, and so full of good advice. And this book is right there. Even though it's almost a decade old, it sounds like the same old Dr. Laura. Don't shack up. Have some character. Do the right thing. I guess these are the types of things that should never go out of vogue. I was entertained, though you can get the gist of what she says here from her radio show. But then you get to skip the commercials here. I think if more people would only listen to the good doctor, perhaps they wouldn't screw them up so much.



4. This book has changed my life. It made me relize how my choices affect my life and the lives of others. I recommend this book to anyone who is unclear on what life path to take. I have a very large collection of books in my home, I rank this book as one of the best in my collection. It has helped my world become a better place. If you are looking for a better tomorrow, read this book.



5. A 2007 Summer mini review
   
   I have been listening to Dr. Laura on and off for several years. I do not always agree with her stances or advice but more often than not I have. I listen to her on on and off, because I can not always stomach her crassness and bluntness. I decided to read her book and see if this would be a happier medium for us.
   
   What I found is that the majority of the book is based on transcripts of calls and correspondence from her radio program. While I expected this, I did not expect that those would be the best and most coherent parts of the book. I agree with the premise of her book stated clearly in the title. The overall impact of this message was greatly diminished by the disjointedness between the callers faxes and radio transcripts and her overall writing style. If this book is any indication, she has a better "voice" for radio.

5 comments about Secrets About Life Every Woman Should Know: Ten Principles for Total Emotional and Spiritual Fulfillment.

1. When I first read this book, I had purchased it by mistake. I thought I was buying "Secrets about Men Every Woman Should Know", which I read many years earlier after seeing Barbara DeAngelis on Oprah. I so enjoyed "Secrets about Men..." that when I saw it in a window, I snagged it quickly. To my surprise, I bought an even better book this time, "Secrets about Life...". I gave that copy to my mother who also thoroughly enjoyed it, and then bought a new copy from Amazon to share with another friend.
   The author writes from her own experiences using a very personal perspective that I find easy to relate to.



2. This book came as a life-saver for me during the time when I was under tremendous stress from juggling the problems and obstacles in my life. I was so stressful that time until my health was deterioriating. Thanks to the book, coz without it, I would not have become a happier and freer person which I am now. I can almost instantly feel my perspective towards life change as I was reading this book.
   
   If you are feeling very stressful with the problems/obstacles in your life, please get this book and read it. It will change your life instantly!



3. You know that saying "when the student is ready, the teacher will appear?" Well, Barbara had been here for some time and whenever I cleared out the old or "never going to read" books, she held on. Now that I needed her, she kind of called out to me from the bookshelf. I read the book in one sitting. I cried, I laughed, I found clarity and I am so thankful. This book can be lifechanging and she'll wait until you're ready.



4. This is an affectionate self-help book, written with love in a very friendly tone. It is motivational, spiritual, devoted to improve your self-esteem. Unlike the other self-help books that merely tell you what do to and give examples, this title helps you to change your beliefs, values and to set the new goals in your life. These goals are aimed to make you happy, strong and self-confident. All of the advises throughout the book are gender-neutral. They can be equally applied for both men and women without any change. Why then the author has called the book "Secrets ... Every Woman Should Know"? Because, as she considers, when women teach each other, something spiritual, magical happens, and the author would be happy to be a teacher as a woman, since most of her teachers were men. The author writes with great amount of love, and the love transmits to the reader. I had great pleasure and inspiration reading the book. What I would have suggested to this book is the index, references and further reading section, although this is somewhat atypical for self-help books.



5. THIS BOOK WILL TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE IF YOU LET IT!!!! IT IS VERY EASY TO READ AND UNDERSTAND YET VERY POWERFUL AT THE SAME TIME!!!! SHE IS AN AMAZING AUTHOR!!!

5 comments about Daily Affirmations for Adult Children of Alcoholics: For Adult Children of Alcoholics.

1. "Affirmations are a way to discover personal awareness, growth and spiritual potential, and self-regard. Reading this book gives us an opportunity to nurture ourselves."--Barnes & Noble



2. Whether you grew up in a home with alcoholic parents, or simply in ANY tough enviroment -- divorce, single parent home, etc. -- this book shares valuable insights with anyone who finds themselves struggling in adulthood. The advice isn't pithy or cliched, but instead candid and wise. The book gives the reader practical and philosophical daily reminders about self-worth, healing, grounding, focusing and generally living a healthier, fuller life.



3. This book of Daily Affirmations is a perfect companion book to any daily meditation books, yet also stands alone and is as powerful as can be. Each day holds a new key for overcoming the negative things I grew up with so that my todays might be postive, uplifting, and hopeful. A true gem of a book.



4. This book just didn't speak me. Compared to her "Affirmations for the Inner Child", which is fantastic, I found the affirmations in this book lackluster and uninspiring. If you're an ACOA, buy the afore-mentioned book for some real food for thought, not this one.



5. SINCE I GREW UP IN A HOME WHERE BOTH PARENTS WERE ALCOHOLICS, I KNOW ABOUT THE FEELINGS OF DESPARATION, LONELINESS, AND DENIAL. I KNOW ABOUT PHYSICAL, VERBAL AND EMOTIONAL ABUSE. NOW THAT I AM AN ADULT, I HAVE ISSUES WITH TRUST, COMMITMENT AND EXPERIENCING JOY. THIS BOOK AND OTHER AL-ANON LITERATURE HAS BEEN A LIFE SAVER FOR ME. THE INSPIRATIONAL PASSAGES HELPS ME THINK ABOUT MY LIFE IN RELATIONSHIP TO THE ALCOHOLISM IN THE FAMILY. IT HELPS ME SEE HOPE AND LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL. I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO ALL ADULT CHILDREN, SPOUSES, AND/OR FRIENDS OF AN ALCOHOLIC. IT DOESN'T GET MUCH BETTER THAN THIS.

5 comments about Toxic Parents: Overcoming Their Hurtful Legacy and Reclaiming Your Life.

1. Do you walk on eggshells around your parents? Do you dread seeing them, really? If so, chances are, your parents are toxic and they have you under their control. I have since realized this after 36 years. This book almost appears to have been written by me as it captures what happened in my past and recent relationship with my parents. Get this book! They are crazy and you no longer have to buy into their loonyness! By the way, I just saw a counselor and she said that the first person to either leave the family or get kicked out of it is the healthiest. GO for it; run! You can't change them no matter how much you pity the crazies!!



2. ... having someone who stands by your side.
   
   Perfect examples, broad life experience, no judgement, just a quest for the inner truth each one of us has deep inside.
   
   I suggest this book to all those who need a neutral point of view, beyond common sense, religion, and even psychotherapy itself.



3. If there is any lingering hurt between you and your parents or you and your children, this book is worth reading. Even young people can relate well to it's concepts (yup - that's me! pointed out my son - and we're from a pretty close family). I have sent it to many teens and twenty-somethings, but even my 40 & 50 something friends have found some wisdom and comfort in knowing that "it wasn't just them" or "oh my g..! I did that too!"
   
   Knowledge is power and choice - once we have a better understanding about where our "hurts" are originating from, we can change those thought patterns and maybe even find the courage to talk to the ones we have hurt or have hurt us.
   
   Easy, fast and can be read in parts.



4. A well written easy read. If the title grabs your attention and you find the word "toxic" best describes your parents, then this book will give you more than one chapter that will make you think the author was watching you grow up. It is inspiring and hopeful, and best of all, helpful.



5. Toxic Parents was extremely useful in helping me to understand my dysfunctional parents. Not all of the chapters pertained to me but they were very helpful in understanding others. I found a certain peace just after reading it, not even having to do the exercises mentioned. It will serve as a great reference book!

5 comments about The Search For Significance.

1. McGee has written an excellent book (contrary to what some reviewers say) about obtaining significance in life through Jesus Christ (what He did for us and Who He is) instead of through our fleshly effort and the fickle approval of others.

   Among the points McGee covers in the book include:

   1. The abundant life does not mean a problem-free life.
   2. Our worth is based on what God says about us and what Jesus Christ did for us, not our performance or the opinions of others.
   3. God wants to be the Lord of our lives and He is unwilling to share that Lordship with anyone or anything.
   4. Express your hurt and anger to God first before going to other people (the Psalmnist often did this).
   5. The worries of this world are the main culprit in hindering our spiritual growth.
   6. Christ, not self-improvement, is to be the goal.
   7. God is not obligated to bless us, but does what is best for His honor and our growth.
   8. 5 ways to use God's affirmation as an offensive weapon for changing our lives.

   Yes, despite the pain and pressure in our lives, we can and do have a hope in Jesus Christ!

   Read the book and be encouraged to focus on Jesus instead of yourself or others, to get your self-worth and significance.

   Highly recommended!




2. "The Search for Significance" by Robert McGee is a book that esteems self-esteem, but in a less fashionable style than "The Purpose Driven Life." I do not recommend it. It will not change your life. Buy Lewis' "The Four Loves" and "Mere Christianity" instead.



3. This book can complete your life. I have always struggled with my significance in life and this book completed my life by letting me know I already had significance by Christ's death. I now have peace in my life knowing how I am significant by no power of my own, but am just as significant and equal as a human being through Christ's death. What a peace this book gave me.
   
   Rebecca D. Turner author of "Tattoo" a business book, read it-grow your business-enjoy your life!!Tattoo



4. Theology is often seen as abstract. This book nails it down to everyday life! Do you want real satisfaction in God? This will lead you into the truths of the Bible.



5. As a Christian book reader, I recommend this for uplifting, and learning. We can't ever learn too much!

5 comments about Pocketful of Miracles: Prayer, Meditations, and Affirmations to Nurture Your Spirit Every Day of the Year.

1. I have been in 12 Step recovery for most of my life and do a lot of reading on a wide variety of spiritual books by people like Eckhart Tolle and the Dalai Lama and love the essence of Christianity and Buddhism which is forgiveness and kindness. It's difficult to find a daily reader and meditation guide that synthesizes the best from the roots of spiritual beliefs but this little guide is a delight and surprise on a daily basis. It also talks about ego in a very understandable and approachable way (myself and many others have found that ego hates to be looked at and is the artful dodger!) I'm not totally into the Angel belief system when this comes up in the readings but put up with it because the rest is so great.
   Great daily reader and meditation guide!
   Frances H.



2. I read this book every day. It has been a part of my life for ten years. It has new and refreshing thoughts everyday of every year. It keeps me centered. I just purchased three new books to give to people I love. I know that when I am reading it each they are reading it also.
   
   It is the best book to help one working on spirituality that I have experienced. Thanks to my daughter-in-law I have had this gift for ten years.



3. I have been reading this book every day for about 12 years. Year after year, it is always a pleasure to read. I like the way Ms Borysenko draws from different faiths and spiritual paths. This book makes a great gift for someone you love. For daily mediation I also recommend Glimpse After Glimpse by Sogyal Rinpoche.



4. Pocket Full of Miracles in Paperback
   I have purchased this book many times, especially as gifts to my friends. They all rave about the contents and its effect on their spiritual growth. I love this book!!!!!



5. This is a fantastic book which draws from many religious and philosophical sources. I like both the seed thought for the day as well as the suggested action/activity.

4 comments about You Are What You Think.

1. Dr. Stoop combines teachings from the Bible with psychology to demonstrate how principles of good mental health can enable a person to create a better life. This book gets to the practical application of these principles. It literally tells you what to do to put them into practice. Readers are taught how to change self-defeating thoughts into thoughts leading to positive behaviors.
   Even people who are already familiar with the value of positive self-talk can reap the benefits of this book by being reminded of the power of this potential which is available to everyone.
   He gives examples of how it has worked successfully in the lives of various people from differenct backgrounds.
   Unlike a lot of other books in this genre, he devotes a chapter to the abuse of positive self-talk by putting it into a broader context than most authors. Stoop addresses the issue of the sovereignty of God in the matter of faith and positive confession. He goes on to point out that self-talk isn't something we create, it already is going on, the issue is learning how to use this reality to one's advantage.



2. I actually picked this book up at a local drug store. I had all these products in my basket to enhance the outer me. I figured I'd add something to my shopping experience that would hopefully enhance the inner me, and did it! This is a great book if you are in need of an attitude adjustment especially if you are in a situation where the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of changing. After reading this book I realized that there is "nothing new under the sun" and that God has been suggesting faith, obedience and "cognitive behavior therapy" as part of the strategic plan of becoming a better you for centuries. The author takes a God-help/self-help approach and uses practical cognitive behavior theories in conjunction with scripture to help the reader achieve spiritual and psychological insight. Once again, great book but it only works if you are willing to have the faith and are willing to do the work.



3. This is the most practical book on controlling thoughts I've ever read.
   
   Being made over again in His image requires active participation in controlling our thoughts or as Paul says "...taking every thought captive..."
   
   This is the best practical book out there on how to get more control of thoughts and take them captive. Buy it.



4. For those with a lot of "head trash", the practice of replacing negative self talk with affirmation-type messages is life changing. This is not just a theory book, it is a primer on helping yourself that could benefit just about anyone.

5 comments about I Had It All the Time: When Self-Improvement Gives Way to Ecstasy.

1. Another great read by Alan Cohen. Reinforces the notion that you already know how to live your life and just need to be reminded (or rather need to reach deep down through the denial).JUST DO IT!



2. After being a self help junky for the last 15 years Alan Cohen gives good advice and stop trying to fix your self and just enjoy life



3. "This book will not have a sequel; to the contrary, it heralds the end of a long and self-diminishing train of thought- the notion that you need to be something other than you are. It will not introduce you to a revolutionary technique; but it will introduce you to yourself. This book will not direct you to a mystical master or exotic gems- but it will assist you to unearth your own hidden treasures and awaken the master within you......The Spirit within you is greater than anything in the outer world. The power of your life is now redeemed to your own hands, where it has always been. You had it all along." (from the introduction)
   
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   
   This book does everything it claims to. It was the one book that I gave all my coaching clients and everyone that has ever read it has raved about how much they loved it. With chapters like....
   
   Let It BE Easy
   There Ain't No Future In The Past
   If You Can't FIx It, Feature It
   First Class Flying
   and
   I'm Off To Be The Wizard
   
   ....You know you are obviously going to have FUN on this journey of rediscovery. With lighthearted wisdom and practical evidence of our internal greatness, Alan Cohen makes self-help a thing of the past and self-worth a household mainstay.
   
   I can't recommend this book enough. I wish I could attach a picture to show you all the flags that adorn its pages. It looks like a rag quilt with all the frayed edges from hours and hours spent revisitng its wisdom. Treat yourself to yourself. Give yourself the gift of this book.



4. I found this book by Alan Cohen much better and different in style than anything written by Wayne Dyer (who is very good) if that helps put my review into perspective. Refreshing, insightful, and uplifting yet down to earth in a spiritual way (which is what are all doing of course).



5. Trust me! I looked everywhere and couldn't find it til I read this book. Now I know that, "I Had It All the Time". Execllent book written by an excellent author. This is a fast read and easy to follow.

5 comments about You Can Heal Your Life Study Course.

1. I have used these items more than I ever thought that I would! Thanks to Louise Hay and the Amazon price is much better than most. I plan on ordering additional materials as well. I just keep giving them away to people.



2. Louise L. Hay books are incredible. It's as if the Holy Spirit wrote them. "Heal Your Body A-Z" has become my bible. It works everytime, EVERYTIME! Try it. You won't go wrong. I am not only healty my financial life is alive and well. I owe it all to Louise L Hay's teachings. I listen and I hear what she is saying, then I focus on one issue at a time. When that issue is resolved, following her advice, I move to the next until all is well and I can trust life to work for me rather than against me.
   
   Love and Blessings,
   
   Dr. Joysong, PHD, DD in Spiritual Studies



3. You Can Heal Your Life (2-DVD set)
   By Louise L. Hay and Friends
   
   Entering her eighth decade of life, Louise Hay is an inspiration for all of us. There is a depth of communication, when it comes from direct and profound experience, that is inescapable. This was what I found while watching and listening to such people as Wayne Dyer, Greg Braden, Doreen Virtue, Candice Pert, Christine Northrup, Louise Hay, and many more on the subject of using affirmations and "changing your life by changing your thought." From the very roots of her transformation while practicing religious science techniques to the experiences gained during a lifetime, Louise shows how we can all become the miracle we're waiting for. Timely information for all of us.
   
   Rahasya Poe, Lotus Guide magazine (www.lotusguide.com)



4. I am very pleased with the quality of this product and also with the delivery service. I love this course and I find it very helpful and I will certainly recommend it to others.



5. Though initially Louise Hay's ideas may seem a little 'out there', this CD has great thoughts to contemplate, and I love her VERY direct approach on self-acceptance. Basically her approach is 'You are good enough' - END OF STORY!! Her advice to stop beating yourself up and criticizing yourself is so direct it couldn't help but sink in!
   
   If you're looking to find a deeper peace within yourself, this CD will give you some great strategies to help you do just that!