5 comments about The Friendship Factor: How to Get Closer to the People You Care for.

1. If I ordered this I wonder if I ever got it because I don't remember it.



2. This book gave me brilliant insight into freindships and relationship building. It is a real privaledge to be able to learn from Alan McGinnis the keys to good frindships. These are tried and proved priciples and I thought the value placed on true fiendship and the practical examples were inspiring and helpful.
   Using Jesus was not over the top as it gave us insight into someone most people know about and and an awesome example of how to live the ultimate life.
   A real help to thoses who feel the need for richer frienships in this increasingly lonely world.



3. This book is a great book for people trying to get closer relationships...it's very specific.



4. I've read this book years ago and I've been recently looking for a new book on the subject being that I'm in a new country and may be here for some years. (I've moved from all of my old friends) Anyways, there's this reviewer Hansen (something or other) who's given this book a 1 star. He's given the book a pretty accurate review. It is written from a Christian perspective and it just seems like light weight self help fluff.



5. Being of a cynical bent I must first confess that the rather gimmicky title of the book did put me off a bit. However, intrigued by the premise of a friendship book based on Christian principles, I took a closer look. By and large, while there are indeed references to Bible passages and Christ, the points that the author is putting forward can usually be understood by a person without a Christian background. Even so, for a Christian reader like myself I found the Biblical references did valuably strengthen the point the author was making.
   
   What I liked about the book was its focus on getting simple, basic principles across. We all know the importance of love and forgiveness and suchlike; I don't believe anyone sets out to be a bitter and loveless person. Yet, as the author points out, the main trouble people have with love is not that they dispute its value, but that they despair of ever finding it. This book serves as encouragement that things once thought hopelessly impossible may actually be achievable, by dispensing timeless, practical advice presented simply and memorably - advice made all the more so by the author's wealth of experience as a professional therapist. There is little in the way of abstract psychoanalytic terminology; Freud and Jung, when mentioned, are plainly summarized and used to make a practical point. And by practical I don't mean "try this approach, it really works, I tried it and see I have tons of friends now" (which - let's face it - is a trait too common to many self-help books) - rather, I mean that it is something which makes intuitive sense, which checks out somewhat to my personal experience, and which I can see working for me in the future.
   
   All-in-all, anyone looking for a sensible approach to friendship would do very well to buy this book.

5 comments about Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding: Achieving Permanent Weight Loss with Minimally Invasive Surgery.

1. I didn't gain any new information or tips on dealing with the lap band. This same information I have received from my doctor and off the internet. I think it would be good for someone who didn't know anything about the procedure.



2. If you are thinking about or have recently had the lap-band surgery it is very informtive. I still pick it up and read it as a reference guide and I'm 6 weeks post-op. It has helped me alot.



3. This is a very good book and people who are thinking of doing the lapband should review it. Also people who are not doing lapband should also read it as it gives a lot of information about what to expect etc. This is a very good informational tool



4. I had lap-band at Northwest Weight Loss Surgery Center where Jessi Ahroni works. She is a no-nonsense person that tells it like it is. This book is a must read for ANYONE that is deciding if Lap-Band is for them, those who have made the decision AND for their family and friends. I am one of the lucky ones that has been able to work with Jesse as well as read her book. This gives the up front approach and gives you so much information that you want and need to know. I have had HUGE success with my lap band. I was banded 5/22/07 and am down over 100 lbs at my 6 month mark. It's do-able, it's a great decision for me and this book can help you decide if it's right for you. Leigh Bergman



5. Although this is a fairly short book, it is very informative and it is easy to read. Most of the information in the book, I already knew about (I've done a lot of research on the band) but, If you haven't done much research yet, this is the book to read. Or if you have family members/friends that want to know more about the band, this would be a good choice for them to read. I have had the pleasure of meeting Jessie, and she knows what she is talking about! She is no nonsense and just wants to make sure everyone succeeds and that the band is the right choice for them. This is a wonderful book, and again its not complicated and anyone would be able to understand it. If you are even considering getting the Lap Band, I would read this book.

5 comments about Man Up! Nobody is Coming to Save Us.

1. Mr. Perry expresses what the real problems are in the Black community. He is right when he states that we women are to take blame for the way we make excuses for our sorry sons behavior. I have two sons and I and my husband have tried to teach our sons what being a "real" man is all about. They have chosen to live the "cool life of the streets". We plan to give them both a copy of this book and hope they can finally see the light. A must read for men and women alike. If you have a loved one in prison, send this book to them, perhaps this will help them to finally grow up, and hopefully, "MAN UP!"



2. This book is a hard-hitting, unblinking, tough love prescription for fixing the Black community. Steve Perry is a principal in an urban school in Connecticut, so he's no right wing, Ivy League windbag who lives in a mansion yet tries to tell people in the hood how to fix their lives. This man fights in the trenches every day trying to educate young Black people and give them a future. This book is definitely not for the sensitive, thin-skinned or faint of heart. There are plenty of "feel good" books out there like "The Audacity of Hope" for those who would rather keep on their rose-colored glasses, delude themselves into victimhood and point the finger of blame elsewhere. However, for those who are serious about cleaning up our own back yard and putting our people on the path to success, then this book might just be for you.



3. This book makes some good points, but to me, it discounts the affects of historical and present racism within the equation a little too much. One would think that Blacks in America are just inherently morally bankrupt from reading this book, and like my Grandfather always said "If your enemy likes what you are doing or saying, it's something wrong with what you are doing or saying". I'm sure that the racist elements within our society really LOVE what this author is saying and the way he is saying it. Mr. Perry, you are on the verge of becoming a sellout..............



4. I wanted to read "Man Up: Nobody is Coming to Save Us" but never took the time until recently. I was cognizant of Steve Perry's reputation as principal and founder of The Preparatory Magnet School (in Hartford, Connecticut) and his commendable work preparing low income high school students for college. "Man Up", exposes raw nerves in the heart, head, and soul, of black communities across America. I suffered blunt force trauma while reading the author's views on black churches, high- profiled national leaders, and their part in maintaining the status quo. The truth hurts!
   
   Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan (June 1987) warned us in his book, "Family and Nation" ... about family disorganization, increasing numbers of impoverished preschool children, illegitimate births, and the destructive influences they had upon all communities in America. For his heroic efforts, he was excoriated by national leaders and branded a kook, hate -monger, and racist.
   
   Unfortunately, his warnings were ignored and conflicts have increased exponentially in black communities all across America. "Man Up" takes up the mantle of exposing these problems ... as a reminder they are still alive, well, and destroying the fabric of black families. It is a precursor to similar warnings outlined in Bill Cosby's and Dr. Alvin F. Poussaint's controversial book, "Come on People: On the Path from Victims to Victors".
   
   I found this exquisite book to be an inspiring read, well paced, and exceptionally informative. Those who point out flaws in editing, should not quibble with the appearance of the messenger, but should concentrate on the relevancy of the message. Man Up does more than just state what is wrong ... it provides realistic (but tough) solutions to the problems at hand.
   
   If we are to take back our children, schools, and neighborhoods ... from thugs, drugs, and criminal scrubs; we must start at the source and do everything in our power to educate, motivate, and discourage young girls from having out of wedlock pregnancies. Illiterate children are not capable emotionally, financially, and intellectually... of coping with the challenges of rearing families. The author is correct when he states we should stop looking for saviors from without and accept personal responsibility and accountability ... if we are to remain viable as a community in the twenty first century. Join me, purchase this marvelous book, and support his call for action ... now!
   Reviewed by Reginald V. Johnson, Upper Saddle River, NJ



5. I found this book so inspiring that I've bugan to purchase additional copies for friends and relatives. "Man Up," is a gut checking collection of facts designed to move one to take stock of him or herself, decide what needs to be improved, THEN MAKING THE NECESSARY CORRECTIONS !! For too long we have blamed too many other people for our problems. "Man Up" offers critical insight into what is "wrong with us," and practical steps we as a people can take take to help get us back on the path to glory.
   
   After my husband read "Man Up," he was inspired to become a Big Brother. We both contacted our local Board of Elections so we can volunteer to work the polls on Election Day. And no we are not retired; my husband is a corrections officer and I'm a secretary at a local hospital, but we both feel the need to take responsibility wherevever the opportunity presents itself.
   
   I feel this book needs to be in every Black family's home, right next to our copy of the Bible. Every Black male should have a copy of this book right next to his condoms, and every Black mother needs to read it and pass it on to her daughters as a guide for what to look for and what NOT TO accept in a potential mate. This book should be in churches, bars, liquor stores, schools, on basketball courts, family reunions, and anyplace else Black folks gather en mass. This information here is too precious not to be passed on. I urge everyobe read this review to purchase a copy of "Man Up," read it, then pass it on to someone you know who can benefit from it, because we ALL have someone in our circles who needs to hear what Steve Perry has to say.

5 comments about Shame and Grace: Healing the Shame We Don't Deserve.

1. Quick delivery. Book in good condition



2. Smedes' strength in this book is his balance between academic investigation into the causes of shame and nature of grace, and the pastoral, almost familial sensitivity with which he discusses it. Shame and depressing rob us of real life -- don't let them any more. If you are plagued with the sense that you are just not worth much in this world, let Lewis help you understand the gritty power of grace that God offers.



3. This is one of the most inteligent and insightful investigations into tthe nature of the human soul that I have ever read. Excellent read. I gauarantee you wil parallel your own life with Semedes' examinations.



4. Smedes has done his best work in this brief, but effective work on the reality of shame and how shame can inhibit our ability to even function or have healthy relationships. It is very easy to identify with his descriptions of shame and how, from a Christian standpoint, to counteract this potent destroyer of a person being able to reach their full potential.



5. Lewis Smedes has to be one of the leading authorities on the art of forgiveness. In this book he helps us understand just how much we are loved by God and no mater how much shame we bring on ourselves, God extends grace beyond comprehension. This book helped me get through a very difficult time in my life.....a time when it was difficult to forgive myself. A time when I felt full of shame and guilt. If you struggle with self-forgiveness, you need to read this book.

5 comments about You Can Do It!: The Merit Badge Handbook for Grown-Up Girls.

1. A wonderful self help book for women who, after setting aside personal dreams and aspirations for the sake of others, seek to reconnect with their own unique dreams in life. Based upon the Girl Scout Model of the Merit Badge, Lauren Catuzzi Grandcolas' book defines a step by step approach for a variety of accomplishments, big and small. Menors who are experts in the field provide guidance and advice.
   
   For those who do not know, the author, Lauren Catuzzi Grandcolas, tragically died on United Flight 93. She had (and has still) a special gift for mentoring and encouraging other women. Very refreshing for today. Proceeds from the book, which was finished by her two sisters, goes to Lauren's favorite charities.
   
   This is a very touching book through which the spirit of a vibrant, compassionate woman lives on.



2. I once wished that there was a grown-up version of the Girl Scouts for well-meaning women, like myself, who needed only a little guidance to get started. I purchased this book for my 81 year old mother and borrowed it soon after. I will now have to go back to the bookstore and buy more. I feel compelled to share this book with women I know and love. Knowing that the author died on United Flight 93 adds unbelievable weight to her words. It reminds me that no woman knows how much time she has left. I'm going to use this book to help me live, live, live!



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



4. Don't get me wrong, I really like this book. It's got good tips in it, but it's definitely overly 'cheesy' to me. Some points in some topics are *somewhat*-to-completely obvious, so it gets a little tiring to skim through things I already know through common sense (and perhaps through being a little older than 12).
   
   Also what I was somewhat annoyed by was the 'motivational' tips on each page where I can basically write that I'm going to get more organized or make sure I throw out old banking statements.
   
   What I do like is the uncommon suggestions from real experts on such things. That's the sort of thing I bought the book for. So my suggestion to make the book better would be to condense things a bit, and don't suggest everything, only provide more helpful tips that most seemingly don't think about instead of a gen-ed guide to living.



5. What a great idea for a book!!! And the background on why this book was created was really touching...so glad this book was made!!!!!

5 comments about For Each Other: Sharing Sexual Intimacy.

1. I found this book very useful in it's approach and focus. It helped me out tremendously. Barbach has many useful exercises to practice both alone and together, as well as many insights into possible problems.



2. VERY disappointed in this. Thought it was a way that both partners could share, but it's written by a woman FOR women on how they can work through the WOMAN's perspective.
   Actually didn't even read much of the book -- skimmed all chapter titles and several sections. This is a "Return to Sender" for me.



3. I only bought this book because it was a dollar or two. If I had seen it in a bookstore instead of online I wouldn't even have spent a dollar or two. Not a very modern sex book. Wouldn't recommend it at any price.



4. Potential readers should start by considering what this book *isn't*. It's not an "erotic" book, intended to titillate. It's not a "how-to-make-your-hot-marriage-hotter" book or a "how-to-be-a-better-lover" book. Neither is it intended for couples whose marriages are extremely dysfunctional, erotically or otherwise. It also might not be helpful for people who don't have a regular sexual partner. With some modifications, it might be helpful for gay and lesbian couples.
   
   It's possible that some of the negative reviews on Amazon have come from people who did not have realistic expectations of this book.
   
   This is a self-help book for couples in committed loving relationships, who are having trouble getting normal enjoyment from sex. Couples having problems in bed with ordinary issues like modesty, female orgasm (that isn't usually a problem for men), difficulty becoming aroused, difficulty expressing tenderness and affection during sex, clumsiness and inexperience, and so on, will find they are guided toward easy and friendly solutions.
   
   In most cases, the underlying problem for such couples is poor communication. Many couples find it difficult to *talk* productively about such intimate and potentially humiliating matters, even though they are *doing* it all the time! That's unfortunate and unnecessary, of course. The author provides a wide variety of ideas, techniques and structured experiences that will help couples overcome these barriers to enjoyment of sexual love.
   
   Sex counselors and all-around marital counselors have been recommending this book for years, and still do. It's a classic. If you look at the list of other titles Amazon customers considered, you can see that this book is one of the best of its type.
   
   The author previously wrote a self-help book for "orgasmically challenged" women. That does not mean she is biased in favor of women, or unable to understand the male point of view. She's a seasoned professional perfectly able to understand the sometimes-differing needs and feelings of men and women. She handles these topics even-handedly, with a compassionate light touch. Highly recommended.



5. Every man and wife should read this book !! It really helps to hear a female sex therapist describe how a woman really feels about sexuality . And more importantly it helps a woman to be orgasmic on her own and then to share this joy with her husband. Highly recmend

5 comments about Makeup Your Mind.

1. this book is for more advanced makeup artists who have grasp basic concepts already. it is more of fashion/glamour makeup, and talks more about contouring and highlighting. it can be used as a face chart or reference when you deal with different faces. the pictures are of very high quality, with all the details exposed. recommended for pros.



2. I have already exchanged mine.Very nice quality of paper and pics, but:
   - it just shows very young models w/ pale pale complexions (that is, where makeup really shows easily);
   - it carries transparencies with the names of their colors aplied in every pic (what ridiculous propaganda!);
   - it is based on the fact that one simple item (like just a red lipstick, or just eyeliner or whatever) can change a whole look and that's all they show.
   (So far, Auckwin's have been the best I've bought, I just love both of them!)



3. This is a great book for beginners. The photos are dummy proof, and the plastic overlay explains everything without confusion. Fantastic. Good investment.



4. I read all the reviews before I bought this book and found them to be quite equally negative and positive.I should have listened to the negative ones,because I was disappointed!I was looking for some new looks and techniques and all the looks in this book are really quite basic,even if you are a beginner at applying makeup I think you could recreate most of the looks in this book.The gray on white pages was small and very hard to read as well.If you are looking for a makeup book to teach you new ways of applying makeup check out Kevyn Aucoin or Robert Jones books.



5. This book is definitely worth reading for those interested in makeup. However, many complaints stated by others are valid, such as the light, small type, in block paragraphs on white paper, is hard to read. The "before" photos can be a little disturbing because they are nearly life-size, and despite the statement that they haven't been retouched, there are no blood vessels visible in ANY of the models' eyes, making them look oddly lifeless (this effect is compounded by their flat expressions). No doubt that reminds some readers of "The Stepford Wives." Many of the models are extremely freckled - I wonder if that is representative of the human population to the degree you see it in this book. It does appear that the models' skin and facial features haven't been altered; after looking at them for awhile, I came away thinking, "THESE people aren't pretty enough to be models!" It made me start to think NO ONE is really beautiful - we're just being conned by the "beauty industry," Hollywood, advertising, etc. Also, the models' names aren't labeled on their photos. The text does have some useful tips and information, and there are short descriptions for application of the products for each of the looks in the back of each section. The most useful sections to me were the ones on neutrals and pastels. All of the other looks would have to be modified for use in the real world. I found one flaw in the book - one of the plastic overlays was clearly the wrong one for the page. The instructions at the back of the section made it possible to deal with that, so it wasn't a significant problem. Also, the slipcase is very thin and fragile; mine was already cracked when it arrived. No wonder used copies of this never seem to have a slipcase.

2 comments about The Power of Coincidence: How Life Shows Us What We Need to Know.

1. Excellent! If you have had things happen in your life that seemed like a 'coincidence' read this and decide for yourself if you think it was a conincidence or sent to you and meant to happen.



2. if there were more stars, i'd give this more. and, if you look over my reviews, you know that i save the very highest ratings for the very best books that i've read. and, this is one of those great books that i come upon maybe once a year... the author writes a well grounded book, based upon principles of psychology and metaphysics. he is not one of those flaky writers. in fact, if you're anything like me, you find that it takes some real time to read this through. it is also likely to be a book, like ernest becker's of victor frankel's, that i read from time to time.

5 comments about The Last Addiction: Own Your Desire, Live Beyond Recovery, Find Lasting Freedom.

1. Beth Moore recommended this book at one of her conferences. I was able to get the last copy available at the local book store and as I picked it up from the shelf 5 other women were looking for the same book. It is still sold out at all of the local bookstores. Just the title speaks to the hearts of so many who are struggling!
   
   I read the book in a matter of days. I was unable to put it down! I am a graduate level counseling student, lead an addictions group, and I have been through my own recovery from numerous addicitons. Needless to say, my bookshelves are FULL of addiction books. This is BY FAR the best book I have ever read on the topic. It reaches the heart in a different way and puts a whole different slant on the struggle.
   
   THIS BOOK IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR ANYONE INTERESTED IN ADDICTION PROCESSES, HELPING SOMEONE THROUGH AN ADDICTION, TREATING ADDICTIONS, COMING FROM A FAMILY WHO STRUGGLES WITH ADDICTION, EFFECTED BY ADDICTIONS IN ANY WAY.... Pretty much anyone!!!



2. "The Last Addiction" is a book for everyone. A manual to follow on where to discover the answers for lasting freedom from the cycle of addiction for yourself or someone you love. Sharon's meaningful pages lead the reader on a journey to find that the ultimate answer to their desires can only be found in the love of Jesus Christ. She gives all glory and praise to our Heavenly Healer and Father, all the while generously blessing us with her earthly wisdom, life-experiences, and profoundly insightful analysis of our very human hearts. I am always delighted and changed after reading Sharon's work. She is an author and person to admire.



3. Yes ... a gift. Sharon Hersh speaks from experience, not as an addict who has successfully "overcome" her addiction. Rather, she speaks as a woman who has been found and has surrendered to her Pursuer. Here's an example: "My experience of redemption in the humiliating and broken places of my story has taught me that the deepest reality is that God is searching for us. In the midst of our pain and foolishness, we wonder why God isn't doing anything about it. But in fact, the pain, failure, and foolishness are driving us to God. Redemption does not mean that God meets our needs and then our souls stop longing. No, redemption does not eradicate kamar (desperation.) Instead, redemption allows us to surrender. We don't give up craving. We give in to craving God. And God doesn't want something from us. He wants us."
   
   This book is a must read for all of us who find ourselves (or love another who is) "in bondage to something that initially promised to make everything better, until it made everything worse."



4. This book is amazing. It comes at addiction from a refreshing & Biblical perspective.
   I would highly recommend this book to everyone regardless of whether one thinks they have addiction issues or not. Everyone will benefit from reading this book.



5. The Last Addiction is a book of hope. It will take you on a journey of self-discovery that there is no turning back from. Author Sharon Hesch helps you break the cycle of addiction for yourself or someone you love. This book changed my perspective and my life. I highly recommend it.

5 comments about The Compassionate Samurai: Being Extraordinary in an Ordinary World.

1. If interested in taking charge and transforming the course of your life, begin by reading The Compassionate Samurai! Great thoughts, great words, great insights on causing sustainable change towards achieving extraordinary results in your life. If there were ever a book to read and use as a life-long guide for a life of purpose and fulfillment, this is it.



2. I have given many copies of this book to friends, family, colleagues and acquaintances. I can always tell which ones have read it because they call or come by to thank me and several with tears in there eyes because this book has made such an impacted on them. The Compassionate Samurai is about integrity, which is so lacking in our world. Nine of the ten traits deal with integrity: Courage, Personal Responsibility, Trust, Honesty, Commitment, Focus, Contribution, Honor, Knowledge and the tenth trait Abundance is the natural consequence of being in integrity. Take a close look at Mother Teresa she had Abundance. How many loved her (abundance), she had every form of transportation at her deposal (abundance), if she ever needed anything do you think it was not made available (abundance). She chose not have a bank full of money. If you are want to learn how to express your greatness or what is holding you back this is the book for you!



3. It is refreshing when I find authors who are willing to speak their mind with clarity, honesty and integrity. Brian Klemmer has given me a fresh drink of water with his book The Compassionate Samuri. Klemmer walks you through a myriad of life experiences using ancient Samuri warriors as his example to follow. I appreciate when a book speaks to my heart and causes me to reflect on my own life. This book does that. Klemmer's straight forward writing style is often tough to accept especially when it exposes a truth that speaks to your inner soul. There were many (and I mean many) times when I felt somewhat punched in the gut. I wanted to divert to the 4 year old boy that I once knew and respond to Klemmer with - "Big Mr. Brian man hurt my whittle feelings. He call me mean names like "Average" and that give me tummy ache. Mommy give me band-aid to make big Mr. Brian man go away." Fortunately Klemmer does not back down but continues to speak the truth in love. If you approach the book with an open mind and heart you will reap treasures of insight, knowledge and peace. I say "peace" because I find when I am willing to admit my shortcomings, release them to oblivion and begin to practice new principles, then I experience peace. The Compassionate Samuri had the same effect on me as Dr. Phil's book Relationship Rescue. Both books do not pull punches yet still contain enough grace to prevent a knock-out so you can still move forward. Sometimes a bit preachy but always honest The Compassionate Samuri is a book I will recommend to my two sons, wife and friends. I want them to experience transformational words of wisdom that will solidify their success as they move forward on their life journey. I will also be sure to include a band-aid as a bookmark.



4. Brian Klemmer is a man who wants to make a difference, and he wants to challenge other people to make a difference. The lessons/traits he dicusses in this book are not only inspirational but applicable for anyone willing to do the work. Results are often harsh, but always fair, so it is up to each person to make the choice to change. It is easy to read and understand.
   
   Interestingly, when I reviewed this book 50 out of 51 rated it 4 or 5 stars, and only one person rated it with one star. I guess you are either you are going to love it or hate, but I loved it.



5. Brian Klemmer's first book, If How-to's Were Enough We'd All be Skinny, Rich and Happy, was a catalyst that provoked me to pursue my life's purpose. His newest book, The Compassionate Samurai, provides the foundational traits that I can emulate while being on purpose and creating an abundant life. Whether you are stuck in life or not this book is a must read to gain greater insight to living life to the fullest.