5 comments about Love Dharma.

1. That these women attained the levels of wisdom they attained is astonishing enough. That they did so in societies that tended to discourage spiritual practice for women, if not outright saying, "Women aren't fit to do this," is almost inconceivable. In the final analysis, of course, gender isn't the point, for what do wisdom and compassion know of gender? As a man, I place my head at the feet of these women.

   LOVE DHARMA is a true gift. In it, Larkin displays a knack for bridging what normally seems a 2,500 year gap, making these womens' stories our own. The modern stories she adds to them are useful, resulting in what amounts to the best book I've read on romantic relationship, completely lacking the sort of smug, self-satisfied, ultimately useless, advice-of-the-month one often finds in such work.

   I've read every book of Larkin's since STUMBLING. In every case, she seems willing to lay bare her own difficulties in her efforts to help others. It seems her own sincerity is worthy of these remarkable women, and I can't recommend LOVE DHARMA highly enough.




2. This is an excellent Buddhist companion to Cheri Huber's BE THE PERSON YOU WANT TO FIND for its wisdom on navigating relationships (or recovering from a tough one), sexuality, and being alone. Besides sound observations and two cents' worth of advice here and there, with a lot of valuable personal material, Larkin is providing another gift to western practitioners of Buddhism by bringing out old Buddhist stories about female practitioners. Where there is a real need for female models, Larkin has done her research (as well as her practice) and provided some wonderful material showcasing lesser-known Buddhist women in a tradition that has been decidedly male-centered. The two projects blend together into a distinctive and rich book. Very well done.



3. As Geri Larkin's book illustrates, relationship issues are nothing new, and the ancient teachings of the Buddha are rich in wisdom on matters of the heart. Larkin is the author of several spiritual memoirs (FIRST YOU SHAVE YOUR HEAD) and a Zen teacher at the Still Point Buddhist Temple in Detroit. LOVE DHARMA is a relationship guide offering "relationship wisdom from enlightened Buddhist women" who, until now, have been largely unknown outside Buddhist academic circles (p. 5). As such, this is not so much a self-help book, as a collection of Theravadan stories of love, loss, and personal transformation offering us guidance on relationship issues such as "relationship rage" (pp. 53-78), jealousy (pp. 79-101), "the pull of an affair" (pp. 103-127), competition (pp. 129-151), surviving the loss of a lover to death or infidelity (pp. 153-180), the "gift of bone-deep loneliness" (pp. 181-199), and being alone (pp. 201-215). In returning again and again to the Buddha's four noble truths--that life brings with it suffering, that we suffer because we are always wanting something more, that there is a path out of suffering, and that path consists of deep morality mixed with attention to our lives (p. 4)--the simple, "Golden-Rule" teaching of Larkin's LOVE DHARMA is to "treat others as you would like to be treated" (p. 34).

   G. Merritt




4. I had high hopes for this book based on its great title, but the contents fall short. This is bascially a book about the author's personal view of love and relationships, and there are some irrelevant poems by ancient Buddhist nuns thrown in here and there (just a handful in the entire book.)

   The advice the author gives is not always the most enlightening, but fairly common-sense attitudes about how to deal with general relationship issues. That's why I give it two starts instead of just one. I highly suggest you save your money (and the paper used to print this book) and look for love advice elsewhere.




5. While I will agree that this book was a bit "fluffier" than Larkin's others, I had a lot of "A-ha!" moments while reading it. She provides sound insight from a Buddhist perspective in dealing with common relationship emotions: rage, jealously, the desire to have an affair, and loneliness. A very good read.

3 comments about How to Grow Up When You're Grown Up: Achieving Balance in Adulthood.

1. I didn't understand why I always got into the same problems in relationships, but after reading Dr.O'Connor's book I realized the patterns of my own behavior that I have used to sabotage the relationship. I tried her suggestions and now I do things in a different way. Thanks, Dr. O'Connor for the insight and help



2. I just read your book and my impression was really fabulous. I was amazed at how easy it was to understand. With this one book I can begin to help myself and know what kind of help I need. With this book "growing up" can be easier than you think. I highly recommend this book to anyone who needs self improvement and wants to work on giving thier best.



3. I had been deeply emotionally hurt by someone extrememly close to me. I prayed about it -- the hurt and the pain, that is. I told this person that I forgave him and that I would support him. However, I found myself always judging him. I could never get passed the acts he'd done to me. Sure, I'd been told to "let go of the past". But how can you move forward when the trust is gone? Well, one section in Dr. O'Connor's book (pg.74 paperback) released me -- totally. I give high praises to this book and to its author. Dr. O'Connor,what a wonderful job at addressing an issue that many of us deal with inside, but never voice to those around us. You understood us . . . thank you.

5 comments about Every Day I Pray: Prayers for Awakening to the Grace of Inner Communion.

1. I have incorporated the prayers in this book my everday spiritual well-being. My fiance' and I read a prayer from this book, and a daily devotional from another book, and I have never felt this close with him before. We take time to pray together and relfect on the devotional for the day every night before we go to bed. God has definitely sent his message through this sister because they are on point almost every day. Thoughts expressed in this reading can apply to almost every area in my life. I love this book!



2. I loved this little book filled with dynamic verses and prayers designed to unlift the spirit and feed the soul, while addressing a variety of subjects and situations that we are often confonted with in life. A prayer book to make reference to for any and all occassions.



3. Prayers for all occasions, a book you will always return to. You will enjoy tremendously



4. Enjoyed the book. Noticed neither Jesus nor the cross referenced a single time. How can a Christian write an entire prayer book and not ONCE mention the Lord, the King, the cross, our ONLY mediator and advocate, the way the truth and the life for us?
   
   (It's a rhetorical question.)



5. I'm a huge fan of Iyanla's and I love almost everything she writes- this book is no exception. It gives you a glimpse into how she communicates with the Divine. It inspired me to add more depth and more honesty to my own prayers. Highly recommended

5 comments about Silver's Spells for Protection.

1. There are SOOOO many GREAT books about wicca and witchcraft out there I certainly wouldn't waste my money again on another ravenwolf book, and I suggest others don't either. I am a solitary practioner for 8 years and have been studying wicca for 10 and when I picked up this book I thought it was very cheesy. There are many many books that focus on different spells to try, with lots of background information on how to do them corectly, this book isn't one of them. It is a lot of pop propaganda made to make wicca and witchcraft look like something out of the movies.
   It is however full of false information made just to look cute so it will sell, sell, sell. This book is not for anyone who is seriously interested in learning Wicca and spells
   This supposedly "advanced" book doesnt go into details on how to focus or make your spells stronger, it doesn't go into the operations and importance to keep your spells safe so they work corecctly, and it doesn't go into making your own spells (which tend to work BETTER). It DOES however make the reader feel like they can just read a spell out loud from the book and it will all work in a puff of blue smoke...which is far from reality.
   Instead of just reading spells from a book a reader should look into expanding their knowledge of witchcraft and of wicca so that they will have a solid understanding of how and why spells do what they do so that they can feel confident in creating meaningful, sucessful spells of their own.
   
   Unfortunatly this book may seem fun but it it is far from what most consider resonable information. Her different of opinions and different practices one can handle as a form of paganism but she portrays a real, religion as a fun and games, do whatever you want choice. I am not in a coven and I am very happy being a solitary practioner but I understand wicca is a religious choice and like any religion there are beliefs and redes which are followed. It is not 'do whatever you want to do and call yourself wiccan'. Yes some things in religion are personal choices but the building blocks of the religion are totally lost on her. Freedom of choice in religion is wonderful and its everyones right but if your choice is to make up your own religion you should not go around saying your wiccan when you do not follow the wiccan ways, Unfortunatly that is EXACTLY what ravenwolf does.
   This book seems a nice commercial, and cutesy to make everything pretty and oh so shiney. If you truely want to learn about wicca and learn how to cast better spells then you need not do the spells in this book but look deeper into magic and learn what makes a spell work and how to improve your spells. Then you won't need a book like this to read aloud from every time you feel you need a change.



2. This book panders to the emotional insecurities of youth. The instances of "psychic attack" which are actual, are a minute percentage compared to those claimed by teen-aged drama queens. SRW tends [especially with this work] to cater to the dramatics of the teen-aged mentality.
   
   If you are searching for a serious book concerning protection for home, land, and psyche, I highly recommend "Psychic Protection: Creating Positive Energies for People and Places," by William Bloom [ISBN: 0684835193], instead of a book which preys on the fears and insecurities of a juvenille mind.
   
   While Bloom isn't my favorite author on any subject, at least he isn't selling poison to children.



3. I know so many people absolutely hate Ravenwolf for one reason or another. I own two books by her (this one and solitary witch), and I've only found a few instances where I scratched my head. Of course, I tend to read everything with a grain of salt and understand that any spell I read can be altered to suit my purpose, etc. Silverwolf is definately not a total fluffbunny in my humble opinion, which can be good or bad depending upon the mindset of the reader. I would suggest that a beginner start somewhere else as this series assumes you have a handle on witchcraft. Please also remember that one person's idea of violating the rede may be different than yours, adjust (or reject) the information you receive to match what you think is right. I found this book to be a nice idea generator when I'm in a situation and need a jumpstart on following through. The information is mostly concise, although there are instances in the book that a little confusing.



4. This book is exactly what it is meant to be, a cook book of spells for protection. The writer doesn't claim it to be anything else. It says on the cover in plain site "Spells for Protection!" If you want more in depth teachings about magic she does get into this subject in other books. Anyone who has been practicing witchcraft for very long knows "anyone" can cast a spell, even if they don't know there doing it. Anger and jealousy are both energy and can be directed by the people feeling them and cause harm to you. I personally like her techniques for protection and use them often. There simple and to the point and she encourages you to customize them to your needs. So many of the people reviewing her books really need to lighten up.



5. I own the collection of Silver's Spells (the first printing), and Spells for Protection is probably the strongest of the series. Protection magick is always a good idea, and RavenWolf emphasizes this in her book. She also says that witches are never to attack, but we are entitled to defend ourselves when necessary, which is true. Right on the first page of the book, she says "Don't Be a Victim...Be a Victor!" which I found to be empowering, especially in an age where protection magick is needed more than ever.
   
   In the opening of the books ("Operating Instructions"), she explains some of the basis of spellwork (when specific spells should be done, correspondences, etc) but the reader should already have at least a basic knowledge of how spells work before moving on to advanced spells, like some in the book.
   
   The book itself is divided into Operating Instructions, Personal Prevention Magick, Banishing Those Lesser Irritations and When Things Get Sticky. The organization is to be applauded.
   
   Something that struck me as setting this book apart from other Protection spell books on the market is the spell that she has in Chapter 4 called "To Bring an Animal Killer or Abuser to Justice", which I have never seen in print before, but is nevertheless something that every animal-loving Witch should have handy.
   
   From minor inconveniences to major catastrophies and everything in between, Silver has got you covered with a spell in this book.

No comments about Meditaciones Metafísicas: Oraciones, Afirmaciones y Visualizaciones Universales.

2 comments about Simple Happy: Finally Learning to Listen to Yourself.

1. Simple happy is an excellent read.Need a change of attitude?
   Pick it up to read, you will find it a one minute manager of and to happiness.



2. Upon seeing the title of the book, I thought, that is a catchy phrase, but it can't be true. After reading the book, it delivers what it promises. This is not an in-depth psychological analysis of the various factors of the human existence that lead to happiness. No, this is a set of simple everyday exercises and thought patterns that improve our happiness level. I picked up many tips on my first read-through and I keep it close by for occassional reinforcement. Highly recommended.

5 comments about Don't Take It Personally!: Transform Rejection into Self-Acceptance.

1. I usually find that the average self-help book could be boiled down to a long magazine article and not lose anything valuable in the process, but "Don't Take It Personally" is different. Dr. Savage is obviously a very experienced therapist; I especially like the perceptive way she explores the many reasons we allow other people's opinions and comments to wound us. I recognized my own tendencies in several of the case histories presented, and was also impressed by her canny analysis of clients' family background. I can't say that reading "Don't Take It Personally" has cured me for good of my hypersensitivity, but I do feel that I have a better grip on it: when someone criticizes me now, I'm far more likely to remind myself, "That's simply her viewpoint; she may be right or wrong, but it doesn't have to define who I am." Taking control of your own life is a great experience, and Dr. Savage's book is a useful tool for getting you there.



2. "Don't Take it Personally" is a wonderful guide to exploring the rejection encountered in family, intimate, office, and social relationships. Elayne Savage's personalized and clear style engaged me from the beginning and led me through the process of identifying, understanding and taking control of my rejection issues. Dr. Savage establishes a comfortable atmosphere to understand the impact of childhood experiences of rejection on adult relationships and expectations, and helped me to realize that I am not alone in my feelings. In fact, throughout the book I often found myself exclaiming "Wow, that's me!"



3. I first saw this book while browsing for something completely different. The price was right so i decided to pick it up. I really wasnt expecting much at all from it, but was pleasantly surprised to find it explained alot where behavior comes from when dealing with others in plain English. I wouldnt say it gives enough advice to do as the title says, but it does give alot of insight into re-evaluating past rejection--especailly with families. I feel this book has a lot of pontential, but unfortuantely doesnt explore things into as much depth as i would prefer. I would also have liked to see more said about approaching things and how to change instead of just exploring where certain things come from. However, it has a lot of great ideas presented clearly. All in all, a good book.



4. The book Dr Savage wrote was absolutely electrifying to me! I did not expect to have answers and solutions to my personal and social questions. As an example, I was stunned to realize that I cry, when my husband directs his anger at me because I was emotionally abused as a child. That was something that never occurred to me. And I better understand things like why women stay with me who are severely abusive to them. As a result of reading his book, I'm noticing when I start to sabotage my hearts desire and I can reverse that action. I think if I read this book over and over I will continue to glean true jewels of understanding about myself and those around me. I definitely take this book personally. I think everyone could use this as a guide book to improve their life and understand the people of the world a little better.



5. The author works really hard at putting a positive spin on rejection, because she proposes that what we perceive as rejection actually has more to do with the other person's attitudes, or it might even just be a complete misunderstanding. I found it hard to entirely buy this argument, because--let's face it--often the person who rejects is doing it because they either don't like something about you or just aren't that interested in the first place. I was hoping for more help on that level, but there's still a lot of rational information here. One thing the author touches on briefly is how some people get caught up in the relationship fantasy created by songs, novels, movies, etc. instead of seeing things realistically. I would have liked an expanded discussion of this topic. There are intermittent typos throughout the book, and although the publisher is to blame, it does affect credibility to a small extent.

5 comments about The Nice Guys' Guide to Getting Girls 2: You CAN be a Nice Guy & STILL Attract Women!.

1. This book is extremely remedial. The book is mostly fluff with about 4 solid concepts. The guys in the book do not appear to be 'nice guys' either, but horny toads with poor social skills. the book does nothing to address actual relationships beyond the introduction and the bedroom.
   
   Conclusion: pretty much garbage.



2. If there was an option for 0 stars, this book would definitely deserve it. The two fellows who wrote this book are scammers. Please do not buy this book unless you want to waste your money. If you use any concept from here, you will make every girl run for the hills because there will be no attraction.



3. I bought this book thinking it would have helpful pointers with women, but this 'complete guide' is nothing but a bunch of fluff. 16 pages into this book i come across a sentence that should have been on the BACK of the book. It says, this guide assumes that you have read our other two books, blah, and blah. At the start of every chapter they shamelessly plug thier other books, "in our last book, blah, we taught you how to blah, now continuing on from that point..." Do not buy this book, it is very misleading and has little helpful information in it.



4. I don't know how this book even made it to publication! What a bunch of useless drivel. I DID read it front to back though. It constantly, and I mean constantly, references the author's previous two "works," which gets extremely annoying. This is merely an "add-on" to their last two books, which, if this one is any indication, must be full of useless information as well. Stay away from this particular volume in any case.
   
   If you want a good book on how to approach people (yes women too) and keep conversation flowing, I'd recommend "How to talk to anyone" by Leil Lowndes.



5. I've read a lot of books about dating.
   
   I rarely give one star to a book. But this one deserved my coveted special award.
   
   TWO THUMBS DOWN!

5 comments about The Fat Girl's Guide to Life.

1. I think every woman over the age of 13 should read this. first for Wendy's down to earth take on the diet industry and what "healthy" is and second for the homerun she hits in reminding us that there are different defintions of beauty and we are ALL beautiful in our own way. She makes so many great points about what it means to be overweight in the world today and offers a fresh take on loving who you are.



2. I'm certainly not skinny, I've had times where I've certainly been in much better shape, but I have always had the body image problem that is spoken of in "The Fat Girls' Guide to Live" by the very funny writer, Wendy Shanker.
   She tells it like it is, and she knows she is fat, and she isn't going to let anyone get her down. She lives life in the fat lane but that doesn't mean she is going to slow down. NOt wanting to conform, she stands up for herself, and tells the readers about her experiences with diets, diet book camp, shopping, dealing with comments from pretty much everyone, and you know what? I related, laughed, and loved this book.
   It was a sudden suggestion for my book club and i read it in just a few days. I will probably read it again and again. It made me feel better about myself and not want to lose weight to please someone else.
   It's one thing to be fat and not happy with it, but if someone is comfortable in their own skin and body overall, good for them!
   I recommend this book to girls of all ages who has ever felt looked down upon cuz of a mere 15 pounds over her high end of the weight watchers range. I recommend this to anyone who has a bad body image. The way media has worked us all over the past few years, I can imagine there are many of us out there with a less than good image of ourselves and our bodies alike.



3. Wendy Shanker has a great message in this book: What else could you be doing with the time and money you are spending obsessing about your weight? This book is funny and insightful but mostly practical! You are practically ticking the moments of your life away worrying about your thighs or butt or ____ . I would recommend this book for anyone that wants to get off the diet rollercoaster and learn to love your unique body and what it can accomplish.



4. I took this book out from my local library several times and decided that it was worth adding to my permanent collection. I love this book! It discusses so well how so many women beat themselves up throughout life to be thin and fit into a certain "standard" of beauty. I highly recommend this book to ALL women. It's reads as though you were talking to a close girlfriend with a very witty sense of humor.



5. I read this book some months back with a reading group that I was in. I hadn't heard of the book prior to this. On the whole, I'd say I found this book to be a good read, one that I'd recommend. There are some good sections relating to self-esteem, exercise, quirks in the weight loss industry, and other important issues. The main reason I rate this book at only 3 stars is mainly the ranting and railing the author makes towards the concept of losing weight. She does make an excellent point that those of us who are heavy (and yes, I am one of 'them') need to learn how to love and respect ourselves for who we are today, but at the same time seems to dismiss the motivation to lose weight. She spends a lot of time railing against organized weight loss programs- and some of it IS warranted- but fails to realize that what she herself does is essentially the maitenance component of a major nation-wide weight loss program.

3 comments about Tracking Freedom: A Guide for Personal Evolution.

1. Most of us having been reading the "metaphysical" books for the last twenty years and it is all basicly the same. I found "Tracking Freedom" refreshingly different. It took reading the book several times and suspending my own usual way of thinking to start to digest what Ken Eagle Feather is trying to get across. I love the book. I will undoubtly read it again and again. Ken Eagle Feather's style of writing makes reading the book a pleasure; like two friends having a conversation. A book to be savored.



2. Of the three books by Ken Eagle Feather, this one is my favorite. Each of his previous books led me up to this one - which launched me into a new way of perception. Tracking freedom is precisely what the book is about, with no wasted words. It is packed full of exercises and information that helps one along the path to freedom.



3. If you have read "A Toltec Path" by Ken Eagle Feather you will know what to expect from "Tracking Freedom" It's basically the same information with emphasis on tracking/stalking. Despite this there are a few concepts elucidated upon and some new insights that make it worth picking up. Those of you who are new to the information, I recommend reading the author's books as well as other toltec authors to understand the overall vision of the message. If you decide to embrace this path you may come across the "Don Juan" controversy. The question of Don Juan being an actual person or a metaphor for the collective shamanic wisdom of the people of New Mexico, is completely irrelevant. The knowledge is real. The proof of the toltec system lies in its implementation. The arts of tracking/stalking and dreaming are invaluable to any spiritual pursuit. But remember, don't limit yourself, I believe that all spirituality stems from one source that has been fragmented throughout human history. The study of one system lights the path of another, for example the books of Eckhart Tolle, which teaches the spiritual practice of present centeredness are a great aid to tracking/stalking practices.