2 comments about A Homeowner\'s Guide to Mortgage Acceleration.

1. I am a mortgage professional. I found this book to be outdated. It does not discuss the state of the industry methods and products for mortgage acceleration. I was dissappointed and re-read the table of contents hoping I had missed something. I was looking for a book to hand out to my clients. I would not recommend this book to anyone.



2. As a homeowner preparing for retirement, I was looking for a book that would teach me how to get rid of my mortgage before retirement. After reading the book, I now see light at the end of the tunnel (30 year mortgage). The book teaches homeowners how to do it themselves without paying fees to mortgage companies or brokers. I will be able to knock 10 to 15 years off my mortgage and save thousands in interest. The method demonstrated in the book is proven, timeless and effective.

2 comments about Daily Word Prayer Journal.

1. This is a great little book. Being familiar with the Daily Word magazine and having read the book "Daily Word: Love, Inspiration, and Guidance for Everyone," I was excited to see this new prayer journal. It has a forty-day theme with poems, articles, inspirational messages, and a place to journal for each day. It has really given me a boost each day, and as I journal I found myself learning more about myself and my God. It doesn't focus on any one particular religion, but on the bond of spirituality that we all share. I highly recommend it!



2. Forty is one of the important spiritual numbers...one you'll find several times in our Bible. And so a 40 day journal is symbolic. This journal has poems and devotions for each of the 40 days, but most importantly, it has space for your own thoughts with suggestions for journaling subjects if you don't already have your own planned. This is truly constuctive spirituality, and you will be rewarded for it, just through the journaling experience.

1 comments about How to Be an Effective Speaker.

1. This book was recommended to me by a colleague when I was asked to do a presentation at work. Expecting a book with a lot of jargon or unlikely examples, I was pleasantly surprised.

   Ms. Stuart gives specific examples so that you know exactly what she means, and you, the reader, will know that the steps she talks of are doable. From the preparation to delivery, she covers the whole gamut.

   Towards the end of the book, she discusses humor, which is helpful, but she also discusses talking to the media, which sounds great (but I really don't know when I would use it). The use of visual aids and scripts are covered.

   I have recommended this book to students and coworkers. I would recommend keeping a copy for personal reference.

5 comments about Self-Esteem Comes in All Sizes: How to Be Happy and Healthy at Your Natural Weight, Revised Edition.

1. The main message I took away from this book was that being fat is nothing to be ashamed of, and no reason to put off enjoying life and doing what you want to do.

   Given that millions of women of all sizes are miserable about their weight, hide themselves away because of shame about their weight, and think "I have to be thin before I can participate in public life or enjoy myself," I think Johnson's book sends a very important countermessage.

   Given the daily media bombardments reinforcing the notion that fat people don't deserve to be part of public life, I think her message needs wide distribution.

   The tips on creating your own support group are invaluable.




2. I read Carol Johnson's book a long time ago, before it's revision and it truly changed my mind about myself. While I am not obese, I have weight issues that I have dealt with since my first diet at age 12. I think that some of the other customer reviewers have missed the point of the book. I don't believe that Carol Johnson ever denied that healthy eating and exercise are a very big part of being healthy. What she does emphasize is that even those who eat healthy foods in reasonable portions and who exercise to their best ability may not fit into what one reviewer called "normal" status. "Normal" is one of those words that some people use to keep prejudice going. What is normal anyway? There certainly isn't one definition for that word, because what you feel is normal is different from what I feel. That's because we are viewing it with a subjective rather than objective eye. Self esteem is vital to success; whether it be in school, business or your personal life. I believe that Carol Johnsons' book supports self esteem for all people, regardless of their size. And that is the point, my friends. Thin people are not necessarily better or smarter than heavy people; the so-called "experts" out there would just like us to believe that it is so.



3. I put off buying this book for a long time for whatever reason, but am so glad i finally did! This is a life-changing book. For those of us who struggle with weight and everything that goes with it, this book is for us. It reminds us that there is more to life than what size we are and has some really good resources of where to find clothing, shoes, etc. I highly recommend this book. It is right up there with Hirschman and Munter's book, Overcoming Overeating and When Women Stop Hating Their Bodies. This is a keeper!



4. Written from the point of view of a woman who is on your side, Carol Johnson had given us a book for a person of any size. Ms. Johnson is a research sociologist and certified psychotherapist. She is the founder of LargelyPositive.com. This website has been a great help to me even before I began writing here at BellaOnline.com.
   
   Just reading the first line of Chapter 1 will get you siked up to read this book cover to cover. "Buckle up! You are about to take a journey unlike any you've been on before - at least in this society, because by the time we reach our destination, a place called `Largely Positive', you will no longer allow your size and weight measure your self-worth." She keeps to her work in this statement. The way she advises us isn't in a corny way that makes you roll your eyes like some self-esteem books I have read.
   
   One of my favorite chapters of the book is Chapter 2 - "Separating Fact From Fiction." In this chapter, she presents facts of why most overweight people stay overweight or struggle with taking the pounds off. One theory about obesity that she points out is that many people believe is the gene factor. She says researchers haven't been able to pinpoint only one single gene that predispositions us for obesity but rather there are many different factors that can be looked at, such as you ancestry and immediate family members.
   
   Her statement on page 41 really helped me in feeling better. "Larger people are biologically and physiologically different from thin people. It has nothing to do with willpower. It has nothing to do with your character." Every thin person who makes fun of larger people nee to read Chapter 2. I don't know how many times a thin person has commented to me how easy it is to lose weight and the tings I tell them (like all the women in my family are overweight) they say are me making excuses for my weight.
   
   Another useful chapter is Chapter 4 - "Acceptable Discrimination". Not only does she point out the most common discriminations that most people go through but some that I hope I would never have to endure. Through this chapter she empowers us to recognize discrimination and ways to fight back.
   
   Even though this isn't the typical workbook type book like a lot of self-help books, Chapter 5 offers a great section on working through how you developed the feeling you have now about your body and how to begin to except the size you are.
   
   I could just go on and on about this book. Thank Gods I had a free weekend to read it because I couldn't put it down! I recommend this for anyone struggling with their body image and also to anyone who looks down on us. You will learn that just because someone is overweight doesn't mean we aren't healthy, happy, productive individuals
   
   See more book reviews by me! http://bodyimage.bellaonline.com



5. I love women. In fact, before I got married I loved as many as I could. It's a joke, c'mon, laugh...but anyway, the thing that I think is so great about women is that they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. I've always been attracted to women who are, shall we say, a little "fuller" than those size 0 models that you see "gracing" the covers of the various magazines. I have a friend who says he has his "standards" when dating women. They must be a size 1 or smaller. Now here's a guy who is bald, has a beer gult, and smells like maynonaise that's been left out in the sun for too long, and he has standards...geesh...I tell him that if he wants someone who is a size 1 or lower, why doesn't he start dating little boys? Women are supposed to be full bodied. Women are supposed to have hips, breasts, and even a little belly, and y'know what, it is sexy, it is attractive, it is beautiful. I believe that women with curves are symbols of prosperity, wealth, and abundance.
   
   Now, I'm not talking about obesity. I'm not talking about people out there who are just eating themselves to death. I'm talking about women who are a little fuller, a little rounder, a little more robust...women like Oprah, Tyra Banks, Jennifer Lopez, my wife. Besides ladies, do you really wanna know what most men find sexy? Confidence, certainty, charisma. My wife has the most incredible sense of humor. She has to. She married me. (There, I beat you to the punch) But, she can have me in stitches and if more and more people...not just women...let their inner light shine, they would be attract true love, true joy, true peace. Of course, there will always be those people who are shallow and superficial and just judge by appearances, but like my bald , paunchy, buddy they judge others but do not see themselves.
   
   This book is a great book, a wonderful book and I am happy that people are reading it, but what would make me even happier is if people...particularly you women, is if you really did believe it, accept, embrace it, and embody it. The world needs another wounded soul like we need another Bush in office. We need people who are spiritually, mentally, and emotionally empowered. We need people who can look at their reflections in the mirror and say, "Hello, you beautiful child of God!"
   
   Love yourself. Be happy with yourself. Accept yourself for who you are. It's a funny thing, but we become who we truly are when we allow ourselves the gift of Love. Diet and exercise only help things, but SELF-love and SELF-acceptance are keys to making your diet and exercise program successful.
   
   You are beautiful because Spirit made you that way. May the old, lumpy caterpillar die to its old ways of being and may the beautiful butterfly come forth. You are loved, because you are LOVE.
   
   Peace & Blessings,
   john, 'the Light Coach'

5 comments about Rejuvenate! It's Never Too Late.

1. This is a tremendously motivational book. She will show you what she does to keep in good health and shape both in mind and body.



2. I have admired Eartha Kitt for years and have always found her facinating when ever I've seen her performing or on a talk show.
   She is truly an amazing woman who has lived an extraordinary life and looks absolutely wonderful at her age. Her philosophical ramblings in this book merit consideration and we may learn from them. Still, the book is a rather meager serving and I wish that Ms. Kitt had included more practical advice and better photos.



3. I read this from cover to cover over three connecting flights from Richmond, VA to Idaho. Miss Kitt provides basic advice, infuses it with her wit, and sprinkles various life experience "skits" into the mix. I enjoyed it very much and got more out of it than I realized at the time. Miss Kitt displays her intelligence and common sense when it comes to taking care of oneself. Take a look at her and you will see, now at age 80, she clearly knows what she is talking about.



4. This is one of 4 books written by Eartha Kitt and I highly recommend making it a reading project to read all of them. She is one amazing lady and the story of her childhood leaves you with your mouth open and in wonder at her strength and belief in self.
   This book touches on stories from all through her life along with basic but very solid advice on how to maintain good health. I got it from a library to read first, and it was so good that I bought it to have for reference and inspiration. Eartha is 85 as of now (8/07) and STILL doing shows from time to time at the Carlisle Hotel & Carnegie Hall in New York, and she was even in an off-Broadway play in 2007. She should be given the spotlight in many more venues, especially on TV, and someone should arrange a tribute. I clearly remember her on radio & TV when I was a little kid, but I had no idea about her background or how she got where she did. This woman is one of the most interesting and inspiring and strongest women I've ever known of.
   By the way, I think other straight White women should get a clue --Eartha belongs to everyone, but this icon needs more press and more appreciation!



5. This was a real steal, in great shape and of course Eartha Kitt can't be beat. Very pleased with this purchase.

5 comments about Sudden Violence: The Art Of San Soo.

1. Wow, this book is awesome. If you want to learn how to injure someone fast and efficient then buy this book. I'm glad that not a lot of people know about this style of kung-fu because then everybody on the streets would be deadly. So please don't buy this book and leave me, and me alone, with this priceless knowledge of how to inflict excruciating pain with minimal force.



2. It is a book that is barbaric Judo. It does not get intermediate or advanced, it is a bigginer Judo book with no technique. Little can be learned from this except how to injure a groin or poke out eyes.



3. Author Greg Jones presents the style of Jimmy Woo (not to be confused with James Wing Woo) in a practical and complete light. A brief history of Jimmy Woo's San Soo Kung Fu is offered, with indepth handling of topics such as striking, leverage, balance, etc. There is a lot of writing in this book, it is not a picture how-to book. You will find a detailed explanation of how to understand why these methods work. Jones offers detailed reasoning behind all of the major theories of San Soo, and professionally shot photos give examples which help explain concepts. Jimmy Woo's San Soo is a descendent of Choi Li Fut kung fu, stripped down to its most practical elements. Woo was a strong believer in using what was effective and winning the battle without delay. Jones does an excellent job of explaining that message to those of us who haven't studied Woo's San Soo Kung Fu but would like to understand the concepts of the art and gain an insight into how a fighter and survivor like Jimmy Woo thought.



4. Anyone who wants to learn how to protect themselves should seriously buy this book! It has alot of material to go through and pictures that aid as well, buy this book you wont be sorry!



5. I am currently a Green Belt studying San Soo Kung Fu in Huntsville, Texas. This book is an amplified version of everything I have learned so far, and then some. The insight and techniques given in this book can be directly applied to any self defense situation.
   I highly recommend both books by this author,though they are not the type of books to be left lying around for just anyone to read.

5 comments about Yesterday I Cried: Celebrating the Lessons of Living and Loving.

1. Iyanla writes a great book that is truly inspirational though sad. I could not put this book down, it is such a look into the feelings of a young girl and how her life affected her. I could totally relate and see this book as giving anyone hope and inspiration to have a great life and help others.



2. This book was written for me. I can relate to the story. Gives you hope and inspiration. Iyanla hasn't let me down yet. You'll want to read this book over and over. I even bought the book for a friend of mine.



3. I loved this book, but unfortunetely I did not read the one that I ordered from Amazon. This particular edition is in small print and it was hard for me to read it. So I ended up buying it at a local bookstore where the print was bigger and much easier to read. So if small print with no space in between the lines bother you, this may not be a good edition of the book to purchase. But please purchase a copy of the book. It's a wonderful story with great lessons to be learned.



4. Iyanla Vanzant has written from her heart of her personal and difficult journey in life. I learned a great deal from her style, a "What's the lesson when..." heading for each chapter. All of those lessons are life lessons and she let's us peek into areas and emotions of her life that many would try to hide. Even pushing 68 years, I learned new things and ordered copies for all of my children dealing with similar or the same issues. Sometimes, I wanted to say, "Oh, no. You're in the same old situation again!", but then, we all repeat the same senario again and again until we learn the lessons! I read a quote that experience is the only teacher that gives the test first, and then the lesson. Iyanla proves that again and again for us.



5. This book has been truly amazing and life changing for me. I picked it up at my local library during a very difficult time in my life. After I racked up a great deal of late fees from the library I knew I needed to purchase my own copy, as I carry it with me and read it often. Iyanla's story moved me to tears as I recognized alot of similarities in "Rhonda's" and my own life. I now have some necessary tools to help get my life in order. Iyanla Vanzant is truly a blessing.

1 comments about The Baglady's Guide to Elegant Living: Learn to Love the Life You Have.

1. 
   
   Wow, again! What a simple story but with profound truths. Fun to read.
   Easy storyline to follow. I could identify with the lady struggling to find herself.
   
   Diana West

1 comments about Smiling Through Your Tears: Anticipating Grief.

1. Reading the interviews and experiences of the authors, I recognized stages of grief I went through during my father's 20-year struggle with Parkinson's Disease and also the early grief I experienced during a recent divorce. My mother is aging and this book shows me where I am in the process of grief and acceptance. I highly recommend it. Give it to anyone whose parents are aging, who have a loved one with chronic illness or are going through a divorce. It will be helpful to them.

5 comments about In Praise of the Crone.

1. I don't know why any woman of a "certain age" wouldn't find this book entertaining. What's not to like about an author who tells you that eating chocholate and steak are good for you. I knew if I searched long enough I'd find someone who would encourage me to behave the way I want to.

   Now is the time to have your second childhood. Now is the time to enjoy. After all, what do you have to lose? Not much as it turns out. I still don't think of myself as a crone. The term conjures up an image of a little old stooped woman with a crooked back, a long nose, pendulous ears and other body parts and a chin that points upward. Well, I'm not there yet, but as one part of me and then another malfunctions, I say, what do you have to lose.

   Morrison points the way to enjoying life after 50. All those years of dieting so that you could stay rail thin, and now the scientists are actually saying women with a little weight are in better shape (bone-wise and maybe otherwise too, who knows what the guys will uncover tomorrow). And leafy vegetables, to heck with them, I'm for eating steak and tomatoes two days a week and chocolate the rest of the time.

   And hot flashes. Why they can be beneficial. Clears out the pores. Drives blind dates away from the front door. Keeps you warm and toasty on those cold winter mornings while others freeze. Okay, it's a little tough on hot days, but hey, it can save you bucks on a sauna. And, there are non-HRT remedies you can use.

   Science moves on. Since Ms. Morrison wrote her book, the boys and girls in white have discovered that too much roughage can be bad for women, so some of her recommendations for bulking up (and that's not in the muscle sense) may be wrong. However, this just proves the point, that no matter what you do, you're going to die, and you'd better make the most of the time remaining. I don't know about you, but I'm on my way to visit Lady Godiva.




2. This wonderful book helps you realize the joy (yes, I do mean joy) of approaching cronehood. One of the rituals is designed to help you meet your personal crone, but mostly I felt that the book helped me find myself. Dorothy Morrison helps you realize that - no you're not going crazy, all those strange things that you're feeling are really happening - and they're happening to a lot of us. It made me feel good to know that I wasn't alone, that I was free to try and do all the things that I didn't when I was younger and felt I had all the time in the world ahead of me. I'm now going for dreams that I had since I was in high school, and because I now know my personal crone is with me, I know I have all the support I need. I actually got to meet the author and thank her in person. After you read this book, you'll want to do the same.



3. Ms. Morrison introduces her work as a "Sassy Guide to Cronehood", which is why I probably picked up this book to begin with.

   I am in the process of walking the Path of the Crone, and I spend time scouring the shelves in book stores, looking over the material that deals with "The Maturing Woman". Most of the material is dry, scientific and does not seem to "grab" me. Ms. Morrison's subtitle "A Celebration of Feminine Maturity" on the front cover is more in line of what I am feeling at this time in my life. So, I picked it up, took it home, and found another good friend.

   Ms. Morrison is a Wiccan High Priestess of the Georgian Tradition. She is a teacher, and previous books she has offered are Magical Needlework, in 1998; Everyday Magic in 1998; and The Whimsical Tarot, also in 1998.

   I found the book to be very well written. Her approach is one of casual conversation, not learned preaching, so common in these types of books. She covers a wide range of material on the Changing Woman, from her encounters with "She-Who-Nags" (her personal Crone, and probably mine is one who trained under her), to Rituals of Spiritual Rebirthing, to an easy home remedy for those hot flashes or night sweats. For those who seek alternatives to what modern medicine is offering these days, this book offers some practical suggestions, natural alternatives, and a common sense approach to the common problems we have as we enter this Change in our lives.

   I do not encourage anyone along any path that is not right for them. I have done much reading and much research on this change in my life. There are so many different approaches to how to handle Menopause. Because of the times we live in, it is no longer a topic we hide in a closet, nor do woman fear the change as an end in their lives, but rejoice as a new beginning for them.

   I highly recommend you explore all options and make a life long plan for yourself based on your own individual needs. Each woman is different, and so are her needs, physically and emotionally. Problems at this time should always be handled by a Medical Professional.

   But for those who, like me, have done all the reading and research, and know what they want, this book is perfect for starting yourself along the Natural Path women have always taken towards being Crone, and celebrating that new part of your life.

   Dorothy has some wonderful material here, give this one a shot and see for yourself.




4. I just love everything Dorothy Morrison does. period. Not only does this book make those of us who are "slightly over 25" feel good, this book makes you feel the power we gather as we age. Combine this book with her other books: Sun Magic, Moon Magic and Tarot Magic and you have one powerful magickal army of knowledge!!



5. Dorothy Morrison's writing is always very frank and unabashed. This book certainly holds true to that style! I bought this book because I needed some coping ideas from someone else who began experiencing peri-menopause at an early age. Dorothy's approach of celebrating "the change" as the beginning of a new stage in life makes a lot more sense than lamenting it as the end of an era. Blessed Be.