3 comments about The Great Connection.

1. EXCELLENT resource for college age students to learn how to interact and gain interpersonal skills. Easy to read (you can finish it in one day) and understand, this book describes how to best communicate with four different styles of individuals. I use this book as a supplement to my management text in college level courses. This is one book students ALWAYS FINISH!!!!! Can't say enough about it.....READ IT AND SEE FOR YOURSELF!



2. The Great Connection turned out to be The Great Captivator! I'm one of those who enjoys 'stretching' a good book over time, but I just couldn't put this one down from the moment I dove into the first chapter. Four hours later, I sat back amazed that I had read this book cover to cover in one sitting and, not only enjoyed a great story, but discovered some very important life lessons. The author has done a tremendous job weaving insightful information into a page-turning story.
   
   If you have a pulse, you'll love this book!



3. Hippocrates was the first one to observe that people tend to fall into four behavioral styles. So what if your team members could really nail those four styles? What if you could dramatically increase their effectiveness with customers, partners, donors, board members and colleagues? What if they were better listeners?
   
   It's subtitled "A Story That Reveals Life's Most Vital Lesson: How to Connect With Others--Especially Yourself." That's the big idea behind this book. Know yourself--because you are your highest priority, says Warren. Then understand both the effective traits and the ineffective traits of your style and the other three styles. (Can you name your top-5 most ineffective traits?) It's all about connecting and adapting to other styles--and, as you'll see in this book, the results can be amazing.
   
   The book is not boring theory. It's a quick-reading business story about a radio talk show host that is superb at interviewing guests--but doesn't know what he doesn't know about the four styles: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness and Conscientiousness. (They correspond to the four styles of Drivers, Expressives, Amiables and Analyticals--as described in the People Bucket in my book, Mastering The Management Buckets: 20 Critical Competencies for Leading Your Business or Non-profit.)
   
   Plus, there's a bonus insight on how to listen (culled from the talk show host's years of interviewing). That section alone is golden. Step 1: Tell me about...; Step 2: Signposts; Step 3: Brief inserts; Step 4: Pause; and Step 5: Summarize. Read that chapter and you'll never listen the same way again. Guaranteed.
   
   Before you pass on this book, ask yourself:
   1. Can I describe the behavioral styles of my boss and four people I supervise or work with? Which person is the best listener? Why?
   2. What would happen if I became really, really proficient at understanding both the effective traits and the ineffective traits of my boss?

3 comments about You Can Do It! Workbook.

1. You Can Do It! was an idea Lauren Catuzzi Grandcolas had for a year before she died on September 11, 2001, on her way home from her grandmother's funeral aboard United Flight 93. Whether it was learning to cook, garden or scuba dive, Lauren was always trying something new. She is remembered by her friends and family as their personal coach and champion. It is a fine tribute to Lauren's memory that they completed this project on her behalf.
   
   Lauren, a former Girl Scout, structured the book around sixty "badge activities." Mentors for each chapter become a cheerleading team, encouraging women to make our dreams a reality. In order to earn a badge, you need to follow the "badge steps." The badges are full-color stickers created by Toronto illustrator Julia Breckenreid.
   
   The first chapter I turned to in the "Create" section was "Be an Author." I always love to see what other writers have to say about the writing life. In this one, poet and novelist Laurie Henry explains what she does (writes books including The Novelist's Notebook) and why she does it ("it's an engrossing challenge"). For "extra credit," there's some advice on "Getting Published." The chapter touches on every aspect of the writing life, such as what to do when you're not writing (read). Or to keep the momentum going, meet with other writers. Every chapter has an extensive list of resources as suggested by the chapter's mentor.
   
   No dream is too big or too small the author reminds us. So readers can check out firewalking, beading or sewing. Practical advice is included on the subject of money, and inspiration is included for our inner lives through such activities as meditation. Maybe you don't know what it is you need mentoring for. As you browse through the book, you'll remember, "Oh, yes, that's the dream I put on hold." At the end of the book, you are invited to dream up your own badge.
   
   I found the book's design, by Debbie Berne of Herter Studio in San Francisco, attractive as well as practical. An innovative approach to the table of contents, for instance, is a checkerboard in greens, white and black. It's visually appealing and reminds us there are many moves we can make as we dare, create, learn, play, deal, connect and dream--all headings for the sections of the book.
   
   The book made me feel like an excited kid again. But this time my kid has a team of mentors to encourage me. You Can Do It! is an inspiring and encouraging springboard for girls of all ages. Young girls can learn of all the many possibilities, and mid-life women (or beyond mid-life like me) can be affirmed in knowing they still have a chance to learn something new.
   
   The accompanying You Can Do It! Workbook is a place to Dream It, Write It, Do It, and it reminds you to turn your to-do lists upside down. That means your want-to-do's will be on top. The workbook has lots of space, guided exercises, roomy pockets for brochures, an address book for your support network. The inspirational quotes throughout were like the voice of a coach as I made my daily journal entries.
   
   Lauren Catuzzi Grandcolas pursued a career in marketing and advertising, had her own consulting company in Northern California and, most recently, served as account executive for Good Housekeeping. As the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States reported, "The nation owes a debt to the passengers of United 93. Their actions saved the lives of countless others and may have saved either the U.S. Capitol or the White House from destruction." Lauren's legacy lives on in the dreams and aspirations of women of all ages. The proceeds from You Can Do It! go to the Lauren Catuzzi Grandcolas Foundation to support charitable causes that were of interest to Lauren.
   
   by Mary Ann Moore
   for Story Circle Book Reviews
   www.storycirclebookreviewsorg
   reviewing books by, for, and about women



2. I gave them as gifts to young women. Comments were that it gave them focus while having fun. Most importantly, one said that it gave her "atta girls" from herself instead of others.



3. This was a blank, lined workbook - with little to no instruction or written dialog for teaching. It arrived in great shape, good packaging, shipped well. I would buy from this seller again, but I wonder if the description was thorough enough to let me know what I was buying - as I would not have purchased a blank workbook.

5 comments about Transformation Soup: Healing for the Splendidly Imperfect.

1. While it pains me to say it, there were times when I was reading "Transformation Soup" when I felt cheated. Having discovered Sark through "Succulent Wild Woman" and having found that book to be gloriously uplifting, funny and helpful from first page to last, I found myself disappointed by the first half of "Transformation Soup." Just about the time I was thinking this, the book started to turn around for me. By the time I finished it, I was back in the same warm, blessed and happy place I was when I read "Succulent."

   Thank goodness we have a world with Sark in it.




2. This writer is a joy to read and so invigorating. My life is changing with sark and her inspirational writings. I have the freedom to have a sark moment every minute of the day. Don't ever stop giving us your thoughts because you make my life colourful, dreamy, scrumptious, special, lovable, tender, exciting and anything else that sounds good.



3. Ok I admit that I was attracted to this book (I own all her books) because of Chapter on Bodies and the topic of Why Do We Care About Chin Hairs. My late Mother in Law whom I idolized would sit and pluck her chin hairs as she watched television. And SARK points out that the reason some people care so much is because of the preoccupation society has with "looks". My mother in laws chin hair simply served as a reminder that we as human animals have hair in places we wish we didn't and have no hair in places we wished we did.

   Her chapter on page 66 Food And Where It Leads Us speaks of the love hate relationship some people have with food. People who meet me say I look like a cross between the fairy godmother in the Disney Cinderella and some wild mountain woman. I am not thin I am not fat I am plump and like myself, even though I am always trying to improve on myself for ME which is what SARK talks about.

   The whole book I must say is full of wisdom and fun and is a book I read and read and re-read and glean new wisdom from each time. There is something I believe in all sincerity, for every woman who reads the book.




4. I accidentally became acquainted with Sark's books when a friend gave me one of her calendars. I was stunned by the artwork because it looked as if a child had done it, but the little sayings were so wise. I absolutely adored that calendar! So naturally, I explored books by Sark. One of her favorite words is succulent--she wrote a whole book about it and every word was interesting. She takes herself to task, chides herself, admits she cries and feels fury--A LOT--but also goes into her brutal childhood, her fights and wonderful discussions with her brother, her incredibly complex relationship with her mother--in other words, Sark chronicles LIFE in all its pain and joy. Transformation Soup is essentially about healing ourselves and how we must get beyond the past events in our lives which cripple us and hold us prisoner. Truly, I loved every word of this book (it especially speaks to middle-aged women, I think) and have read it three times. Sark is extremely honest and forthcoming in all her books, but she really did save her best for Transformation Soup. Sark is a compelling artist and writer and I pick up her books when I feel low or confused and they do help so much. I cannot say enough superlatives in describing the books written and illustrated by Sark. She uses simple language and helps you reach deep inside--she helps you help yourself.



5. I received this book as a Christmas Gift Dec of 2007. This is my first intro to SARK. I loved her work for being creative and fearless. This product represents her definition of ART, Writing, and Style and establishes SARK's bar. Too many times, we allow world's views to keep us trapped in expressing our authentic works. I found this work as refreshing as cool water on a warm day. It redefined for me the definition of true self expression without trepidation.
   
   Thank you Angela for the gift.

2 comments about Best of Ann Landers: Her Favorite Letters of All Time.

1. I initially picked this book up at the library because I enjoy her column. I found myself wanting to mark pages due to all the resources she mentions in the book. In fact, there were so many I decided it would be easier to just buy the book. I was impressed by her ability to adapt to changes in society without losing her sense of values. This one is a keeper.



2. Item a little more worn than described, but is still in good shape. Prompt shipping.

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

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



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



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

5 comments about Illuminations: Visions for Change, Growth, and Self-Acceptance.

1. I think I have given away a couple dozen copies of this book to people I care about. On the surface, that may sound a bit obsessive, but with it's simple subtle phrases, it changed my life. It walks you through remembering all the things that most of us desire and wish to have in our lives. The emphasis is on love, kindness, joy, and treating everyone with respect and compassion, most especially ourselves.



2. This little book is chock-full of spiritual reminders and thoughts for meaningful meditations. It is geared toward working on self acceptance in a busy, demanding world. The artwork in it inspires the eye, while the words inspire the soul.



3. ILLUMINATIONS is 96 pages of inspired, joyous, loving insights. Each page contains a postage stamp sized abstract illustration accompanying a poetic affirmation which is only one or two sentences in length. This may not seem like much, but I just adore this book for its simple directness! I keep this book near where I work, and give myself a treat by simply opening it to some random page -- it's better than getting a fortune from a fortune cookie! As I do that right now, I read, "It's easier to pretend that you don't know what to do than to do what you need to do. You know what to do."



4. Many short, powerful and thought provoking statements. Beautiful illustrations. I'd suggest it to anyone.



5. I first read this book 15 years, or so, ago in my doctors office. I searched for months to find a copy for myself, and finally found one in a small bookstore in Solvang, CA. I came across it recently and decided to purchase 3 more copies to give to friends and relatives, if I could FIND 3 copies anywhere. This book is a gem. I was happy to pass it on to others.

No comments about The Floor is NOT an Option!: Simple Solutions WILL Stop Clutter.

No comments about Think Straight Feel Great: 21 Guides to Emotional Self Control.

2 comments about Be Happy: Remember to Live, Love, Laugh and Learn (Gift of Inspiration, 12).

1. If you are considering this book, do yourself a favor: Google for your quotes; you'll get a lot more for your unspent money. In part, the Acknowledgements section states: "Some...may be imperfectly worded or attributed." What is the point of a quotation book that (1) doesn't get the quote correct, and (2) doesn't get the author correct? This is a QUOTE book, not an opinion book or a paraphrase book, so one might think that the correct quote and author would matter, but I guess not. If Danny Boy couldn't verify a quote or source, could he have used a replacement quote ... like one of the tens of thousands that I can get for free from several dozen websites? This guy has found a short road to publication, and it's paved with laziness, carelessness, and lack of responsibility. His publishers should also be held responsible, but, hey, why should we let a little thing like accuracy stand in the way of greed.



2. Oh GOD!!!!! Why?? WHY?!?!?!?!?! I wish I could just off myself, real easy like. No mess, no clean up, no relatives breaking into my studio apartment only to find my nude clay-like corpse sprawled out on the floor with empty food containers from Wendy's crushed beneath the weight of my, then, bloated mortal coil. What's the point of going on? Really, what IS the point?!?!?! Just as I was lurching through another uninspiring, energy draining, soul crushing day on this God forsaken hell planet, I entered a nearby Jamba Juice to purchase a Fat Burning fruit smoothie, when I looked to my left and found this little treasure trove of revivifying quips and quotes. WOW!!!!!! What a Life saver!!!!! I really DID buy a 12 gauge shotgun that I was going to use to do an instantaneous color scheme change on my studio apartment's ceiling but when I read Leo Buscaglia's quote, namely "Don't be afraid of a little poop"......well, the shear genius of that idea pierced my mind like a diamond bullet, and it got me to realize, "Hey, Life's just a bowl of cherries so don't mind the pits" (pg. 78, 3rd paragraph). I've never turned back. As for my shotgun.........well, let's just say I use it to hunt deer. Better them than me. HA HA HA HA God Bless.

5 comments about I Know I'm in There Somewhere: A Woman's Guide to Finding Her Inner Voice and Living a Life of Authenticity.

1. I have bought this book 4 times now. Because the book is so good, I give it to others to read, because in my mind this is a must read for all females!!! I just recently bought my last 2 books (finally got smart and saved one for me). I have read it 3 times myself and keep it on hand for a good read at any time. I recently divorced my now ex-husband, and thanks to this book alone, it gave me the inner strenghth to get out of an unhealthy relationship which I would not have had without this book. I highly recommend it for all ladies. I have learned in the past that we as women give too much of ourselves away and get so little in return - read the book, you will recognize yourself in many chapters. For me, I felt that the author was writing about my life word for word - it was creepy, but at the same time it was an eye opener for me. Needless to say my exhusband probably hated this book for many reasons - oh well, his loss. Ladies if you have lost your inner voice, find it - if you have never had an inner voice - get one - it is never to late and you will survive!!!



2. This is a great practical help for those of us who get lost in our relationships and make others our central meaning. This is usually, but not always women, and this is therefore mainly directed at a female readership but could be useful for overfunctioning men. A step by step approachable guide.



3. I just finished this book and doing all the wonderful "innercizes." I love the person who shines through every helpful, healing, powerful word. The author is so accepting, so celebrational of individuality and diversity, so gentle, so supportive, and so visionary. Dr. Brenner's many intertwined ideas are beautifully organized, and are enjoyably, simply, compellingly and clearly shared. Her prose is lovely and the book is beautifully designed and edited. What interesting, thought-provoking stories she tells of so many appealing, varied people (that's all of us....)
   
   One of the things I've been happy to learn is how far I've come toward becoming the person I wanted to be. Nearly all of my wants now are things I'm currently involved in. I have few "outside voices" competing anymore with my many interests; on the other hand, I still struggle to juggle and prioritize among my many compelling interests. I'm learning to enjoy whatever I'm working on now, and for the moment, let go of the rest....
   
   My favorite exercise (of many favorites) was the last one in the book, talking with "me" twenty years from now. At first, I saw no one--I didn't want to even think about how awful age 81 might be, didn't even want to be alive then, hoped I wouldn't be, remembering my unhappy Mom.... Then I had to talk with a very "dread"-full, scary vision of the scared, defiant, defensive, resentful, angry "me" I feared becoming. Wow. That was difficult. But I had learned from Dr. Brenner not to run away from her, but to be compassionate and talk with her, be OK with her too. Eventually she faded....
   
   And then I embraced a wonderful, positive, completely different and very possible vision of me at 81, and I am so happy with it. She is/I am so healthy, so vibrantly alive, so quiet and loving inside, a good listener, accepting, helpful. Thank you. I'm learning to be OK with all of these "me's," ever moving in the direction of my highest goals but being compassionate with my weaknesses, sadnesses, mistakes, failures, fears too. I feel completely different about my future right now. It's more doable and hopeful, much more peaceful...and more fun.
   
   I look forward to sharing your book with many friends. I'm so grateful for all the lovely doors which have opened with me. I embrace and share so much of the author's peaceful, positive vision.
   
   I've really come a long way in NOT "stuffing" my scary emotions down and back where they just get stuck and hang around in the dark to weigh me down, but instead I now have ways to quietly just be with them for a little while, accept them as-is, and happily, they soon change to something else. I used to think, for instance, that if I let myself cry I would never stop, but even rain can't fall forever if you just let it be rain.
   
   I also enjoyed the author's website, www.helenebrenner.com. Dr. Brenner, how can I thank you enough for so many gifts to my life?



4. I Know I'm in There Somewhere: A Woman's Guide to Finding Her Inner Voice and Living a Life of Authenticity
   Book in excellent condition.
   Delivery within specified time.
   Very satisfied first time purchaser - would have no hesitation in recommending Horizon Books.
   THANK YOU!



5. I would recommend this book for anyone who is uncomfortable with being emotional. As a follower of Jesus, I see the references to the Larger self as the place God has in my life. Overall, it is very helpful and gives you a place to start working through overwhelming emotions that certain life events might trigger.