No comments about Spent: Break the Buying Obsession and Discover Your True Worth.

5 comments about Metaphysical Meditations: Universal Prayers, Affirmations, and Visualizations.

1. This little book can be kept in pocket or purse. For decades I have known about its power to change the reader from darkness to light, from despair to hope, and from "give me" to "I give." Far ahead of its time, "Metaphysical Meditations" by the famous teacher Paramahansa Yogananda (Self-Realization Fellowship) will not disappoint. First published in 1932 by a teacher who sees positive similarities in many of the world's religions, this book urges the reader to actively pursue spiritual growth, self-love, love for others, kindness and positive thoughts for all our concerns. I love ya Yogananda, wherever your spirit is residing! Bless you!



2. Inspiring and uplifting words are what you will find in this book! The title 'Metaphysical Meditations'doesn't seem to do justice to the beauty of this book, and yet, I don't know what words would. Also, another reason to not be put off by the title is that this book, in my opinion, crosses over and into all religions. You do not need be a follower of Paramahansa Yogananda or Self-Realization to reap the rich benefits of reading these meditations. An open mind and heart and love of God is enough.
   
   The book is small, pocket sized, which makes it perfect for carrying with you. -And once you begin reading this, you'll want to have it with you to glance at whenever you feel the need, have a need, or for an inspirational pick up, or whenever you happen to have a few moments to spare. I like to flip this open in the mornings, and anytime throughout the day and read whatever page I come to.
   
   The book begins with a 'Prayer for a United World.' Then, there's a forward that goes over meditation briefly. Which begins with this: "Most persons would want to meditate if they understood how to do so. The purpose of meditation is to know God, to connect the little joy of the soul with the vast joy of the spirit."
   
   The meditations are short, 3-5 lines per paragraph on a page, and easy to read. No complicated long winded stuff in here. Some of my favourite titles/meditations from this book are:
   'Never Lose Hope'
   'Spreading Divine Joy'
   'Creative Activity'
   'Overcoming Fear and Worry'
   'Divine Prosperity'
   There's also a "Christmas Meditations" section in the back.
   
   There is so much love in this book.
   This is a great gift to give as well.



3. I have always respected other religions, and that's what i love about this book! No matter who or what you believe in... you WILL get what you need from these prayers!



4. Yogi is a true Gru. Following his teachings will truly teach you how to commune with GOD, our creator.



5. This little book is a gem for meditators and the like. Read one of Paramahansa's eloquent poems and move into stillness to ride the waves of bliss. I use it before meditating and floating. It also makes a great gift to meditators and yogis. A wonderful collection of Yogananda's writings!

5 comments about Modeling: How One Parent Started Her Children.

1. As a mother protecting the dignity and well being of her children, Sue's personal accounts are told with a down-home touch sprinkled with humor. In a dog-eat-dog industry, save yourself time and costly mistakes. This author really knows the ropes !!



2. It has been two years that this book has been out and the parents are still wanting it. Thank you to Amazon.com for making Modeling How One Parent Started Her Children available to so many parents through your website. The letters and e-mails I receive are so heartwarming to know what I wrote is helping so many people. You are the hero in this review for me the author and I am sure for all those parents who have brought Modeling How One Parent Started Her Children from Amazon.com and it has been many, I know because I send them out just about every week. And thank you to all the readers, it is for YOU that I wrote down all the valuable information in this book to learn from.



3. Ms. Halter provides the steps that she took to successfully get her kids started in modeling/acting. Particularly, I found the "to do" list and the resource list at the end of the book to be quite useful. I also really enjoyed the use of her own personal stories.... I do appreciate the values ("Don't be a stage mom) that she imparts to her readers. If the child doesn't want to do it, don't force them!



4. This is a really good book and includes information and reproductions from a variety of sources. It is unique in that it is written from a mom's perspective. It is however, because of it's perspective more valid to someone looking for work in the Chicago area- although it is still really useful for other people too. It is one of the more expensive books on the topic.



5. This book is an excellent resource for any parent interested in getting their kids into modeling. The book takes the reader through a step by step process of the modeling process. It gave me the information I needed to launch my son's career in modeling. He is now represented by a well known agency and has done some great print and television ads.

5 comments about I'm Beautiful, Dammit!: Waging Your Own CurvOlution.

1. with so many unrealistic images it is empowering to finally find someone with a realistic voice telling us all to appreciate the beauty that we each already have...



2. All I can say about Rachel Caplin and her excellent book is HALLELUJAH and a hearty thank you! Being a woman who has had ongoing weight and body image issues since 3rd grade, this book is a godsend. Rachel's style is charming, honest and captivating and her message of body acceptance is SO necessary in a society where I can scarcely think of a gathering of women where weight and body issue does not come up, usually in the context of shame and self-loathing. This book is the perfect antidote to a culture obsessed with unnatural expectations of women.
   
   After reading this I "got it." The upshot--yes, take care of yourself, eat healthy and get regular, moderate exercise, but do NOT feel any less beautiful if you cannot wear a size 0, or if you had a slice of pizza today or if you didn't run 10 miles a day this week. We have all heard this before but it is time we all started to walk the walk: beauty not only comes from within, it also comes in all sizes and shapes! That is not preachy, it is fact.
   
   This book made me want to just go out there and shine. Rather than tear one another down, we women must unite and recognize that there are many faces of beauty--not just the one very slim (pun intended) definition forced down our throats by the media. And we should all give ourselves a break from the constant self-criticism as well!! This book is a positive, uplifting leap in the right direction--GO RACHEL!! Heartily recommended!



3. I just want to say thank you to Rachel for opening up and exposing herself, sharing her struggle with body acceptance and inspiring me with her suggestions and stories of success. I am not alone as I know many women struggle with the illusion of a "perfect" body which first of all is nearly impossible to obtain yet alone sustain. This book is a breath of fresh air and a powerful tool for any person that is looking for inspiration and some truth into the epidemic we are living in. Rachel, Thank you! I can't wait for your next book!



4. I was looking through the options for yet another 'get fit quick' book and stumbled across I'm Beautiful Dammit!
   What a refreshing change it was to read about not trying to change everything about what makes us US but to take a moment to reflect on the beauty that's inside us all. The fact that this is well written was icing on the cake.
   I'm now waging my own Curvolution!



5. Reading this woman's book was like drinking from a cool stream on a hot day. Everything in our media instructs us to loathe ouselves. Not intentionally, of course. (Ya, right.) Permission is one of the most powerful things we can give each other and it's all thru our own living. Caplin does a wonderfully fun and honest job at sharing her own story, poking fun at our own paranoia and challenging our paradigms all at the same time. Thank God someone is finally speaking up and calling a spade a spade. We are all beautiful in our own right, DAMMIT! This CURVOLUTION should be TELEVISED!

5 comments about Inspired to Lose.

1. Dr. Rankin captured real life in these stories. Readers can relate to these stories. Some of them are beyond what I am going thru and but after reading them I realized if they could lose their weight, so could I.
   The book is an easy reading book, and you won't want to put it down once you start reading it.
   A wonderful book of what TOPS (Take Off Pounds Senisbly) is all about. Thank you Dr. Rankin.
   Diane H. Urbaniak



2. I own the book, I've read the book, I'M IN THE BOOK!

   I echo the sentiments of I believe all of us who were honored to share our story with everyone, and, if this helps just ONE person achieve the inspiration to help themselves defeat this 'enemy' called weight control, then what we endured was worth the journey.

   Thank you, Dr. Rankin, for allowing me help not only myself, but those fortunate to purchase this great book.




3. On too many occasions, books that are dedicated to helping people lose weight are too full of the basic "I ate less and started exercising more" stories. How boring (even though it's true). I want to hear about people that will INSPIRE me to keep going when all I want to do is quit. We all love to hear about how someone triumphs over adversity to reach their goal. Weight loss is no different. If it were truly that easy to lose weight then there would be a lot less overweight people in the U.S. And I doubt most overweight people would agree that the reason that they overeat is so that they can be treated poorly by society or to set themselves up for having a weight related disease such as heart disease or diabetes. Losing weight is a complex issue. It takes more than just eating less and exercising more. The stories that Dr. Rankin has insightfully included in his book deal with people who have low self-esteem, were abused as children or were just raised in families with skewed eating habits. It takes a very courageous person to get through the underlying issues and make their health a priority. Dr. Rankin sensitively approaches the many challenges that overweight people face. After reading this book, you will not only have more empathy for yourself if you are overweight but also for any other overweight person.



4. I found this book to be exactly what it suggests.....INSPIRING. I liked the stories of what finally motivated these men and women to start to lose weight and how they succeeded in making it work for them. I am in Weight Watchers now, and like it very much, and I find that this books goes along very well with what I am learning in my WW meetings. It's the kind of book I'll pick up over and over to reread and keep me motivated. Anne Fletcher's books are in my "motivation basket," too, but I'm happy to find this one, and wish there were more like it.



5. In this book the author summarizes the stories of people who struggled with their weight i would say mainly people who are over 300lbs. I have a lot of respect for the people who decided to share their stories in this book. At the same time i was hoping to read more about people who were not over 300lb but still struggled with eating healthy and exercising. Sorry to say but I found the stories very depressing and for some reason i wasn't able to finish the book and i put it away. It is very touching but it was not the type of motivation that i was looking to read. What's amazing is that these people were overweight but managed to fall in love and get married...how insecure could they have been? It proves to me that appearance is not everything because someone had noticed them and overlooked their weight problem and at some point they felt comfortable enough to feel attracted to someone...which for me is very difficult to even think about dating anyone when i am overweight.

5 comments about 10 Days to More Confident Public Speaking.

1. I enjoyed the encouragement and the practical tips and instructions. It's doable and just what I was looking for - a good course in a book. It's a fast read. The author understands what is needed and he delivers. He delivers it well.



2. We all know that our first public speaking event was unsuccessful. However, after giving more and more and more speeches in school, business, church meetings etc., you build more confidence and your nervousness turns to confident energy. What I have learned is that in order to get over the nervousness as a beginner, you must PRACTICE, PRACTICE, and volunteer or participate in any communication topics that you can speak on. Basically "initiate communication" at all times in your environment such as school, work, on the phone etc. The other secret is to have patients, it takes time, but the more you practice and study the art of public speaking, you will become very proud of your increase confidence and speaking ability. This book should be your number 1 source to develop this skill. Read it atleast 3 times, while practicing and giving speeches before you purchase other public speaking book. I have several to increase my knowledge, but this one is the best. God bless you and you will do great. Remember - you develop this skill, you become very valuable and unique to yourself, your career and to others because this skill is very powerful.



3. The content of this book is excellent. The chapters are clearly stated. It is written in a logical sequence and is practical and helpful. It was also in excellent physical condition. It is a very good reference book, also.



4. I'd attended Lenny's "Simply Speaking" workshop at Duke University, and coupled with reading this book, I feel much more confident about my future presentations.
   
   Lenny provides extremely helpful tips from his broad experience throughout the book. I also found the "Lessons from Mom" and "Tip of the Day" sections ingenious!



5. I'm reading this book for my class 'Speaking As A Leader' and find it gives practical nuggets of info and easy to implement exercises that can make you more comfortable and confident speaking in front of any group.

2 comments about Thoughts for the Free Life: Lao Tsu to the Present.

1. Margaret Grierson, archivist at Smith College, wrote of the jewels in this collection from 25 centuries and 5 continents, on the Art of Living, Freedom from Oppression and the Natural Way, by LAO TSU, haiku, and Persian poets. With index by authors and original languages, which are often included with the English translations: the Greeks and Romans (Pericles and Robert Kennedy share a page on war); Isaiah and Palestinian poets and JFK speak of the children. Antonio Machado and a Japanese proverb remind us that "we make our own way as we go...se hace camino al andar", Rabelais says laughter is the essence of man while Camus turns a corner to discover the beauty of morning dew. A Finnish proverb says "when you drink the water, think of the well", while the Russian version says "remember the well-digger." Harlan Ellison (script writer of one of the memorable Star Wars scenarios) gives the worst case scenario for the world, against which Eluard's Seasons and Asian wisdom from Persia and the far East shine, while Thomas Hardy reminds us, in planning, to take a good look at the worst. Listen to Cervantes: La musica compone los animos descompuestos ~ Music restores broken souls and lightens the worries of the mind. Heed the advice of a Nigerian proverb: The biting fly gets no satisfaction on the back of a turtle. Scott Momaday and other native Americans wisely propose what it takes to make a beautiful day. 3rd edition now includes e.e.cummings, Thoreau, Wordsworth, Paul Eluard.



2. This is a delightful little book, full of insights from poets and philosophers who span more than 20 centuries and as many languages. While most of the authors are famous, most of the quotations are not, so you can expect surprises. Simple line-drawn illustrations by the editor, Cicely Buckley, add to the charm of the volume. This timeless classic will make a great gift for anyone you care about, no matter their age.

5 comments about Wise Women Speak to the Woman Turning 30 (Capital Lifestyles) (Capital Lifestyles).

1. Although the title indicates that the book contains advice for the woman entering her fourth decade of life, actually the wise women quoted therein speak to women of all ages.

   The perfect gift, extremely reader-friendly with beautiful illustrations, full of witty aphorisms from worldly-wise, everyday women, the book will be a great addition to any woman's library shelf.




2. Although the title indicates that the book contains advice for the woman entering her fourth decade of life, actually the wise women quoted therein speak to women of all ages.

   The perfect gift, extremely reader-friendly with beautiful illustrations, full of witty aphorisms from worldly-wise, everyday women, the book will be a great addition to any woman's library shelf.




3. I know that the title of this book implies that it is only meant for women turning 30. My mom got me this book as a gift and I found it to be very uplifting and helpful, even as a 16 year old. I think that the same advice applies to all women who are reaching turning points in their lives, young and old, and I stronly recommend this book to anyone. I know that more books are coming out in the series too, so keep a lookout!



4. Great job, what a delightful, wonderful book. I ordered one for myself, and now I am going to buy the book for my daughters and my grand daughters. I will enter my thoughts on the pages for each of my girls, an give them as Christmas gifts. I will keep my grand daughters books for a while and write wonderful things about life for them and give to each of them as they mature.
   There is alot to absorb in this adorable book, each page can be put to everyday use.
   Carolyn



5. I'm astounded to see several good reviews of this book on amazon.com. From my perspective, it is a waste of money. There is very little text; most pages contain a sentence or possibly two, and every dozen pages or so, you will find two facing pages with no text whatsoever. The creators of this volume try to pass this off as space in which to write down your own wisdom, but if you want blank pages to write in, buy a notebook at the drugstore for 75 cents!
   
   The "wisdom" contained in this slim volume is dispensed in the form of banalities ("Always tell the truth"; "Have faith"; "Give more than you take") attributed to supposed women with names like "Mary M", "Jean A", and "Peggy S" (I particularly grew to hate Peggy).
   
   I did find the little watercolor illustrations of bunnies and flowers charming. Until I started noticing them repeating! Someone should clue the illustrator in to the fact that one usually does not recycle illustrations over and over in the same book.
   
   I can't believe trees had to die for this. I can't believe I have to give this an entire star in order to post a review. Two thumbs down. Actually, I really need to grow more thumbs so I can point even more of them down.

1 comments about El poder de una sonrisa.

1. Un gran libro para la comunidad latina. Me da mucho gusto haberla comprado y conocer a Karla Martinez mas a fondo de lo que habia visto en el programa "Control". Ese show me encantaba. Karla es un orgullo latino y una buena influencia para las jovenes de hoy en dia. Compren este libro, no se arrepentiran.

4 comments about Alive and Well with Pluto: Transits of Power and Renewal.

1. "Alive and Well with Pluto" is an excellent choice for either getting acquainted with Pluto and its mysteries, or for furthering your study of this often intimidating planet. This book has something new and different to say about Pluto and is quite readable for those at all levels of astrology.

   I read the author's "Twelve Faces of Saturn" two years ago and was impressed with his grasp of this serious and weighty planet, and so, I was anticipating a penetrating look at Pluto and was not disappointed. After reading this book, you will understand how relevant in today's psychology-oriented culture is the mythology of Pluto, and you will feel much more hopeful about any Plutonian transit you may have coming up.

   Chapter Two---not to be missed---presents the benefits associated with successfully managing transiting Pluto. There are many suggestions, written in a witty, but exceedingly practical way, of how to do just that: manage your own Pluto encounters.

   Before turning to Part II---a thorough analysis of Pluto transiting each house and planet of our natal chart--a careful reading of the "Tour" chapters (Three and Four) will provide you with a foundation for Part II. These chapters, covering how Pluto sizes up each natal planet and house, are well written and very easy to digest. These forty-four pages are lucid sketches of these basic factors of our chart, and what can happen when Pluto pays a visit.

   The author seems on such intimate terms with the principles of the planets and houses, collectively and individually, that one feels as if he/she is reading a direct translation. Tierney's natal concepts are presented in a fresh way---you may look at the planets and houses with a clearer eye after reading this book. A bonus in reading "Alive and Well with Pluto" is that the Outer Planets are sometimes discussed as a group. Additionally there are excellent sections of the transits of Pluto with each of the other Outer Planets, Uranus and Neptune.

   I now look forward to reading Bil Tierney's other two books in this trilogy---"Alive and Well with Uranus" and "Alive and Well with Neptune."




2. As one who has had some significant Pluto transits, this book has been a frequent companion. Transiting Pluto in particular gets a lot of bad press, but Tierney approaches these times of transformation in a positive manner and offers practical ways to make the most of these transits. The writing is clean and accessible to readers at all levels of astrological knowledge. The reader has a reference for Pluto transits through all the houses and to all the planets, which makes this work an excellent reference for practicing astrologers, as well as a support tool for those undergoing the transits themselves. Tierney has done astrological practice a great service with his trilogy of works on outer planet transits. He is as authentic as Pluto demands!



3. This is an excelent in depth book.
   Very complete and powerful inspiring and revealing.
   Excelent section concerning the transits to each house and to each planet. Maybe to complete with other books as well.
   Maybe it could have a section on natal positions of books.
   Still a 9 out of 10 book.



4. Of all the astrology books I have read, this one is the most considerate of the reader. Pluto can sometimes be a scary planet to face, but Tierney's writting style and explanation is such that the reader is left feeling empowered rather than terrified (as with other pluto books.) Great job Tierney, keep em coming.