5 comments about Before I Got Here: The Wondrous Things We Hear When We Listen to the Souls of Our Children.

1. I was excited to receive this book, but was not impressed with the contents. There was too much written by adults in the beginning, so I guess by the time you got to the stories of the children, it was a let down. I also thought there could have been a lot more to it. It just wasn't all it was built up to be.



2. It definitely seems to be more religious than I expected. Although I only browsed though it, I thought there were going to be more recurring themes regarding reincarnation, children relating stories of having been here before,or knowing things beyond their circumstances. It does have some sweet stories and is nicely laid out for the reader. I got a bit choked up reading a couple of the stories.



3. [...]
   
   Jesus chided religious leaders who were appalled by children shouting, "Hosanna to David's Son." The Savior asked them, "And haven't you read in God's Word, `From the mouths of babes I'll furnish a place of praise'?"
   
   Actor Blair Underwood has compiled a host of stories contributed by parents, grandparents and other caregivers who have marveled over the things spoken from that place of praise - a child's mouth. Before I Got Here (Atria Books) beautifully intimates and illustrates the depth of spiritual knowledge children possess.
   
   Underwood posits: "The occasional nonchalant `utterings' of those youngsters can now and then leave a parent speechless ... if we truly listen to what our children are telling us." His own son, Paris, tried to explain the Rapture though he was only four and had no earthly exposure to the concept. Paris informed his dad, "God told me, when he made me, but I only had one ear at the time, so I could only hear a little."
   
   The little bit Paris heard inspired the book. Blair Underwood discovered that other parents and caregivers shared similar stories. One friend, photographer Donyell Kennedy-McCullough urged him to put the stories in a book. And it is Kennedy-McCullough's poignant and incredible images of children that grace Before I Got Here's pages.
   
   Each story is intriguing at the very least and astounding at best. What would you say about a three-year-old who admonishes his grandmother to, "Trust and believe in the Lord your God and He shall comfort you?" He'd never been to church or read the King James Version of the Bible.
   
   There are countless stories of children who handpicked their parents in heaven. There are other stories of children who offer often amazingly wise counsel, beyond their years and scope of experience, to adults in peril.
   
   Before I Got Here is not a Christian book and does not endorse religion of any type. Still, it is spiritually challenging as it confirms the very special place children hold in God's heart.
   
   Before I Got Here is a great book to stick in a gift basket to a new and older mother. And the aesthetic quality of the cover and photographs make it an excellent coffee table book.
   
   [...]



4. This was a really fun book to read. It was nice to see the innocence and wisdom of children compiled in one book.



5. Like other reviewers I wanted to like this book, but found it too religious (sentimental) and not spiritual enough to hold my interest.
   
   I heard Underwood talk about it in a charming NPR interview, and for $.01 couldn't pass it up, but even at this price this very small volume of parent's stories of their young children's insights and comments is disappointing. The book is carefully and beautifully published, but seems all too brief, and limited in it's scope. Many of these stories are touching, some profound, and some just sentimental. The children show great insight into remembering bits of past lives or sensitivity to emotional situations in this one, which is not very remarkable from a spiritual perspective, and probably unbelievable from a materialistic one. Their comments show how natural intuition is, while their parent's often incredulous responses tend to show how much is lost as we grow up and become "educated".
   
   I got this book hoping to hear many detailed stories of children's recollections of past lives (as this age group is the most likely to be able and willing to communicate their memories). What I heard were only a few brief past-life memories, and mostly the gentle and simple (if naive) wisdom of caring childen. Perhaps because the book comes from a Western/Christian perspective which tends to be materialistic and narrow in it's acceptance of the continuity of mind and life, this book is more ground breaking and introductory than educational (may be a fine intro for an American family unfamiliar with such stories).
   
   I get the feeling Underwood appreciates children and is truely open to their memories, insights and presence. I'd love to see him follow this volume up with a more comprehensive collection (including different cultures and religions from around the world). Maybe there are already books like that (I'll keep looking... any suggestions?). I'm not interested in dry academic studies, but this little book while sweet and nice is too light to make a real addition to my library. I think I'll give it to a Christian friend for some light inspirational reading. It may even challenge her.

1 comments about Sexual Awareness: Couple Sexuality for the Twenty-First Century (McCarthy, Barry & Emily).

1. I am a clinical psychologist and work with many individuals and couples with sexual disorders. This book is one of the most helpful tools I have in my practice in teaching sensate focus techniques and equipping patients with accurate information

5 comments about Chicken Soup for the Working Woman's Soul: Humorous and Inspirational Stories to Celebrate the Many Roles of Working Women (Chicken Soup for the Soul).

1. Here is yet another amazing collection of stories that will make you laugh and cry and everything in between. This is an ideal gift for the workplace and for anyone who is in the workforce.



2. Every woman alive is a working woman, no matter whether she has a husband and/or children, or not. There are daily struggles with family, weekly struggles with work and ultimately, very emotional struggles with just living! Chicken Soup for the Working Woman's Soul is a moment of relaxation. It's a chance for a woman to sit down with a soothing drink, put her feet up and dive into the issues that we all face - as seen through the eyes of our peers. As a mom, it's a chance for me to see that my kids aren't as wild as I sometimes feel they are ... as a woman, it was the opportunity to see that work and balancing issues happen to everyone ... and as a wife, it gave me a firm appreciation for the amount of work that my husband and I accomplish as we take care of our family. The one point of this book that isn't mentioned enough is that our souls need to be in shape before we can contend with the world around us. Chicken Soup for the Working Woman's Soul gives a woman a chance to parlay her soul into the being that she wants it to be, while allowing us to view inside a slice of another's soul. It's thought provoking, entertaining and reassuring to see that other women are in the same places in their lives that we have been with various issues. It's a chit-chat, without the other person sitting in front of you. I believe this is one of those books that you read, set on your bookshelf, and read again when the world around you is pulling you in every direction. It's a safe haven in turmoil, and it's a chance for a woman to recharge after a rough one! It's, well, it's chicken soup for the working woman's soul!



3. This book will lift your spirits any day no matter how bad a day it has been. This shows so many things that women in the workplace encounter and also the lighter side of things. Great book. I especially like it because the stories are short so you don't need a lot of time to get a quick lift.



4. I have enjoyed most of the "chicken Soup" books I have picked up to read. This one was for my daughter who is struggling with work and being a new mom. I felt like the stories would give her insite.



5. I bought this book for my mother for Christmas. She is a working woman after all... She finally had a bit of time to read the book in the morning before she gets ready for work, and she loves it. She said that it's very inspiring and motivates her. It fits the working woman status. The book is great. I have other Chicken Soup books and so far, I've loved them all.

4 comments about Embracing Your Big Fat Ass: An Owner's Manual.

1. I think we all need encouragement not to buy into magazines and television telling us what size we need to be to be attractive. I really had high hopes that this book would be affirming. But it seemed to focus on what is bad and why we shouldn't care rather than what is good about us. I felt it said, "Yeah you look terrible, but who cares?" Bummer.



2. This is a great summer book, read it in your bathing suit. It's light, funny and so true!



3. This book is so bad and so pathetic it is very hard to believe it got published. It is one very long bad joke with the same dumb punch line. It is not so much advice as it is sad self-deprecation. Close the window and back away from the computer.



4. I thought this would be a good light-hearted read, but I was absolutely disgusted. There is nothing redeeming about the book. Don't waste your money. It's poorly written, not funny, and extremely shallow.

5 comments about Prosperity Pie : How to Relax About Money and Everything Else.

1. I facilitate a popular prosperity class so I like to keep myself abreast of all the prosperity books which blossom forth, especially those which take a spiritual approach.

   I have not been a Sark reader to this point although I was vaguely aware of her work as "the author whose books look almost like a very colorful journal" and kind of dismissed them as not being "meaty" enough for my usually taste.

   What I found from this particular title is Sark is plenty meaty after all, she just provides her meal in a way that makes the digestion much easier - much less of a work out for the reader.

   I found myself laughing out loud and nodding in recognition as I read Sark's words and I even found she uses a word I thought I had made up: "enoughness" - as I am so likely to say "Syncronicity rocks!" (in more ways than one!)

   The Self Love chapter is absolutely excellent - very simple and also very profound.

   I also appreciate Sark's take on dropping incessant inquiry and analysis and the idea of giving ourselves the gift of what we seek from others.

   These two gems are worth more than gold in my book - and I certainly will be passing along these thoughts to my students and clients.

   Thank you - to Sark - I know my experience of YOU has expanded as my experience of the Prosperity Pie (expanding all good things) has grown as a result of actually reading your book instead of skimming and rejecting.




2. As many people have suggested, this work is no where near as good as her older works like 'Living Juicy' and 'Inspiration Sandwich.' Those were deep rich colourful pieces, and while this is still colourful, it does feel a little more souless and a little less rich than the rest.
   
   However, I am suprised many old Sark fans thought that it was such a disappointment. Of course its the same as the last works, she is the same woman growing in the same way! I guess some of the stories do feel a little reguitated and I miss her many personal stories (which she has probably run out of by now) but I didn't find it disappointing as such.
   
   I agree, there are probably far too many references, but her chapters on inspiration and adventures were jems. I loved the story of the traped ladybug as a metaphor for her aging mother, just as I adored the tale of the well dressed drunken man.
   
   I only wish Sark's more recent works was as rich with these idosyncratic little stories that made her older works so delightful.
   
   Additionally, I was pleased to note that this work is not in Sark typeface (as her previous work was), but her traditional handwriting style which makes it feel that little more personalised and lovely and a little less like a Sark industry.
   
   I recommend it for long time Sark lovers, but suggest that new-comers pick up 'Living Juicy', 'Inspiration Sandwich' or even 'Succulent Wild Woman.' Or better yet, read them both, but buy the older works and borrow this one from the local library.



3. it's hard to believe that someone who has struggled with finances so much wrote such an inspiring book that finance magazines actually refer to it! this is a HUMANISTIC view of finances in today's world, especially for those of us who are trying to live life to our fullest and to go for creativity in our daily lives. thanks sark!



4. I've loved SARK's work since finding her greeting cards, then her calendar many years ago. Never before bought a SARK book.
   
   Prosperity Pie is as free-thinking, stream of consciousness as her cards, and I enjoy her colorful handwriting as text in the book as well, would never have dreamed of a book looking like this before buying it.
   
   Fun, easy to read, and full of thinking outside the box ideas for appreciating the money we have, and what we have that's not made from money. A pleasure.
   
   Five stars since it delivers what it promises, ideas about how to relax in a free-wheeling, yet, goal-oriented way.



5. I first discovered the SARK books when I was a junior in high school. Ever since then I have been in love with them! They are great inspirational self-help books. The pages are in full color and completely uplifting. This book is no exception.

3 comments about Loving Relationships.

1. This is an easy to read very enlightening book. It really points out the things in life we so often blame others for when in actuality, it's all of our own doing. It's sensitive and insightful and hits a cord within your heart to motivate you to put your life in order. I thought my own personal life was in great order until I read this book and found there was so much more for me to learn. I've been on a happiness "high" for the past two weeks after reading this book and each day, I reread many pages and chapters. Because it is an easy to read book, it's a great refresher when you need to remember what it was you were supposed to do when a particular situation occurs.I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to gain real happiness in their life and find peace within their soul.



2. This easy to read book uses ideas and philosophies from Werner Erhard's est training, Ernest Holmes' Religious Science, rebirthing, affirmations, as well as cognitive and traditonal modes of psyco-therapy to give the reader new insights into the nature of love relationships.

   Techiniques and ideas are given in workbook style to help one to improve and create sucessful relationships. Not for those who "pretend" to be open minded or prefer to blame the circumstances of their life on others. Not the standard "self-help" book that seems to find its way on to so many people's book shelves but not into their lives.

   Perfect for those who have completed the est training, The Forum or LifeSpring etc., as well as those folks who practice Relgious Science, Unity or any other of the "New Thought" faiths. Equally helpful to those who have not participated in any of the above...

   I loved it and am buying extra copies for those I love...

   Enjoy!




3. This is the book that the famous LRT/Loving Relationships Training is based around. Techniques are given to help you create or clear your loving relationships. Some anecdotal material, but mainly very clear and concise. Hopefully this book will be re-printed soon, because its a classic that belongs in the personal library of everyone who wants great relationships!

5 comments about I Am a Woman Finding My Voice: Celebrating The Extraordinary Blessings Of Being A Woman.

1. This book gave me a sense of validation and empowerment that cannot easily be found by women. Janet Quinn captures the struggles that women encounter everyday and the true reverence that women have for themselves and everyone around them. I am purchasing several copies as gifts. Every woman should read this book!



2. Thank you Janet Quinn for reminding us of the power of the "I AM" statement. I was inspired to CLAIM my truth; to claim all my parts; to feel all my feelings. And to do all this without judgement.

   I recommend this book to all women transitioning to their true selves --- the self not defined by a role, such as mother, wife, friend.

   Because of this book, I AM a more whole person. I honor the work it took to create this safe place for all women to find their voice.

   I plan to share this book with all my women friends so that the gifts of Janet Quinn's truth-telling benefits us all.




3. This is Janet Quinn at her best, modeling for women everywhere, of every age, the importance of voice. She tells her story, and in doing so, tells "everywoman's" story, and in finding her voice, she helps all women find voice. I strongly recommend these meditations, both for personal reflection, and as the perfect gift for women. In the first reading, I could not put it down; now, I return for the pause of contemplation.



4. Janet Quinn aims directly at the heart and soul of being a woman - actually being a human being. Her willingness to be open and honest with the pain and ecstasy that make up our lives is inspiring. Great book - one I'll read again and again.



5. Even those women who have found and freed their authentic voice need encouragement. In those sere times, or in those times of gestation, or times when we feel we don't know where the next step is let alone where the path is taking us, these are reminders of who we are. These are reminders to care for ourselves and to shake off those little judges that sit on our shoulders, whispering seditious insidious sentences, telling us to quesion or refrain from using our voices. An important book in any woman's library!

4 comments about Transforming Anxiety, Transcending Shame.

1. I was taken back while reading this book because all I kept thinking was finally someone who really understands what I am going through! It was an amazing book because the author who wrote the book used to suffer from anxiety .Transforming anxiety transcending shame gives readers a very encouraging and hopeful outlook on the recovery of anxiety. I would hope that anyone with anxiety disorders would read this book, it helped me alot.



2. Really all I can say is WOW, I bought this book to try to help my daughter whom suffers from anxiety, and ended up helping myself. This book has actually helped me push for some dreams I had in my early years, and I know I can achive them. And for my daughter, she is doing wonderful. She still has her moments, but for the most part she is good, and I would recomend this book to anyone, even if they don't suffer from Anxiety. The exercises in it are very awakening.



3. Really all I can say is WOW, I bought this book to try to help my daughter whom suffers from anxiety, and ended up helping myself. This book has actually helped me push for some dreams I had in my early years, and I know I can achive them. And for my daughter, she is doing wonderful. She still has her moments, but for the most part she is good, and I would recomend this book to anyone, even if they don't suffer from Anxiety. The exercises in it are very awakening.



4. A wonderful book. Well written. Well organized. I am a therapist and I would like to endorse Rex Brigg's ideas. If you want to get to the bottom of Anxiety, this is the book for you. If you actually want recovery from Anxiety, this book truly is the book for you. I have no qualms about this statement.... buy the book!

No comments about Things to Do Now That You're...60.

5 comments about The Language Of Letting Go.

1. I HAVE HAD THIS BOOK FOR MANY YEARS AND HAVE ALWAYS FOUND IT VERY USEFUL.
   I NOW GIVE IT AS A GIFT TO NEW WOMEN I WORK WITH IN A 12 STEP PROGRAM.



2. as a recovering addict I found ther were other areas in my life that needed work.
   This little daily reader has hit home on many fronts and although the language of letting go is directed towards co-dependency I found a lot of answers between it's pages that help me daily. I recomend this to anyone just for an up lifting way to live.



3. A decade or so ago a friend who was going through a rough patch in her life had a therapist who highly recommended this book of meditations. I happened to be in Barnes and Noble with her when she bought Melody Beattie's book, and after perusing a few of the passages, I bought one for myself. What a difference reading The Language of Letting Go made (and continues to make) in my life.
   
   I've bought and given away several copies of Letting Go since that night in the bookstore in the hope that my friends will benefit as much as I have from these sage words of "gentle" advice and reminders that we deserve "the best that life and love have to offer." A few of my personal favorites are the reminders to be patient and realize that timing is perfect, that it's okay to say "no" sometimes and equally okay to say yes to what feels right and good, and that we are responsible for taking care of ourselves.
   
   The realization that we are being divinely led and that we need to trust our Higher Power is reinforced throughout the book. Anyone interested in growth and self-care will benefit from reading it.



4. I use the information in this book in my daily experience. Great tool! Healthy living!



5. This book has helped me overcome some painful experiences in my life. If you want to really understand what letting go means, I'd also recommend a great companion of this book about relationships I Love You. Now What?: Falling in Love is a Mystery, Keeping It Isn't