5 comments about Beyond the Influence: Understanding and Defeating Alcoholism.

1. I was so impressed with the service and the quality of my purchase that I will come here first for all my college books. I am so grateful to have found a place where it is easy and priced right to find my textbooks without any hassle. Thanks Amazon



2. This is an awesome book for anyone who wants to really understand the disease of alcoholism. As a recovering alcoholic it helped me through a difficult time. It also helped my family members understand what I was going through. It explains what is going on chemically inside the brain of an alcoholic. It addresses many of the issues we go through. I even bought one for my doctor.



3. In Under The Influence Dr. Milam clearly outlines the physiological causes of alcoholism, the progressive nature of the disease, and the solution.
   
   The authors of Beyond the Influence have done a great disservice to anyone struggling with this disease by taking the valid evidence from Under The Influence and tossing in erroneous "causes" of alcoholism. This mishmash of ideas only serves to throw the struggling alcoholic back into the confusion that makes successful recovery nearly impossible.
   
   The brilliance of Under The Influence is this: When the alcoholic understands the true nature of the disease, all the guilt and remorse resulting from the life led "Under The Influence" vanishes. Without the weight of this guilt and remorse recovery is easily attainable. The alcoholic understands that they did not cause their disease any more than they caused their hair color. If only the rest of society would catch up with what Dr. Milam wrote in 1981.
   
   The authors of Beyond the Influence say:
   
   "Alcoholism is caused by biochemical/neurophysiological abnormalities that are passed down from one generation to the next or, in some cases, acquired through heavy or prolonged drinking."
   
   and:
   
   "Over a period of several years and sometimes decades, the social drinker is irreversibly transformed into an alcoholic."
   
   The guilt is back. They are saying the alcoholic caused the disease. This Is A Lie. This lie has killed countless alcoholics and will continue to do so aided by Beyond the Influence.
   
   We live in a culture that has been overcome by the concept of "Fair and Balanced." That in order to discern the truth both sides of an issue must be presented. It is not Fair and Balanced to mix lies in with the truth. The truth stands alone.
   
   It was not necessary to "update" Under The Influence. It is important for anyone concerned about the devastating impact of alcoholism to read Under The Influence. The authors of this "sequel" should have re-read it.
   
   Dr. Milam's first book, The Emergent Comprehensive Concept of Alcoholism, and his more recent position papers can be read or downloaded from his website Alcoholism Again http://www.alcoholismagain.com.



4. The authors here perpetuate the confusion that has existed all along about alcoholism, even while claiming science on their side.
   
   Only a born alcoholic can be an alcoholic, is the strong claim on page 5.
   
   But they go on to say that behavioral tests are still the most reliable way to predict alcoholism (p. 112). The problem is that the tests that they administer will create a "positive" for almost anyone who drinks regularly. "Problem drinkers" will certainly score high on these behavioral tests. But the authors are at pains to say that many, if not a majority, of "problem drinkers" are NOT alcoholics (p. 105). In my view, "problem drinkers," with their outrageous misbehaviors, are more likely to be thought of as alcoholics than true born alcoholics who are operating in the "high-function" area between early- and middle-stage alcoholism. Although many "problem drinkers" are alcoholics, not all alcoholics present themselves as "problem drinkers." The tests would mistakenly nail the one group, and also mistakenly miss the other. Are you confused? If you're not, then you haven't been paying attention.
   
   For me, the clarity cited in my review title comes from reading Ketcham's earlier book, "Under the Influence." It was a huge light bulb that came on in reading the descriptions of acetaldehyde in our bodies. In Milam and Ketcham's description, the distinction between the born alcoholic and the non-alcoholic centered on how early (after the first drink) acetaldehyde appeared in the bloodstream, and how long it persisted there. Born alcoholics generated more acetaldehyde in their systems more quickly, and they evacuated it more slowly. If the persistent presence of acetaldehyde in the system (with its attendant metabolic transformations) is the primary thing that leads to alcohol addiction, then that leads to an inescapable conclusion... eventually, anyone that drinks long enough and hard enough will exceed his or her ability to efficiently evacuate acetaldehyde from their system... eventually, if you drink long enough and hard enough, acetaldehyde will be present in your system, and you'll subject yourself to its addiction-causing effects... eventually, you'll become an alcoholic.
   
   This would explain delayed-onset alcoholism. A truly "born" alcoholic could become irretrievably lost after a few short years of problem drinking. But a "problem drinker" who is not born to alcoholism might drink heavily for 20 years, give up without difficulty for a whole year (impossible if you're middle-stage or later), return to 20 years of hard drinking and finally, in retirement, be diagnosed as a late-stage alcoholic. I've seen any number of cases of this long-onset alcoholism, and it's always been puzzling, but the acetaldehyde model explains it quite well.
   
   The inescapable conclusion of reading between the lines of "Under the Influence" was that ANYONE CAN BECOME AN ALCOHOLIC.
   
   That conclusion is supported by the behavioral tests in "Beyond the Influence," but we're still left with the insistent claim that many "problem drinkers" will not become alcoholic, even if they continue heavy drinking throughout their adult lives, and that the distinction is black and white.
   
   So which is it? The only reason I'm not confused is because I believe what I've read in "Under the Influence," and I believe that ANYONE CAN BECOME AN ALCOHOLIC. It may take 40 years for the full symptoms to appear, but if you abuse for long enough they WILL appear, and you WILL be an alcoholic... all you have to do is the acetaldehyde math. It's also clear that if you stay below your acetaldehyde evacuation threshold, you can stay out of trouble, but that the acetaldehyde evacuation threshold isn't that high for most of us (the problem is that we don't have reliable ways of determining our acetaldehyde evacuation threshold). That's what I believe. It's as clear as a bell, which is more than can be said for "Beyond the Influence."
   
   "Beyond the Influence" almost seems like it pre-dates "Under the Influence." It features less science and more behavior. "Beyond the Influence" should have benefited from almost 20 years of hindsight and improved technology. Instead, the lines are fuzzier, not clearer.
   
   Oh, and one last thing. Ketchams's been right all along about one thing. However you got there, if you're an alcoholic, once you're there, it's definitely physiological.



5. This is a wonderful book that updates readers on the newest research in dealing with alcoholism. A must for every professional therapist and recovering person to read.

5 comments about Good Grief.

1. I worked for Hospice Austin and we used this book in our grief counseling groups. It is an excellent guide to the stages of the grieving process.



2. This book "Good Grief" was a most helful little book to me. It tells the
   syptoms of greif in truly honest manner. It brings comfort and hits the
   symtems right on the nail's head. I ordered three more copies for my adult
   children, who had just lost their father, {my husband[.
   My pastor recommended it to me.
   
   In faith of God's love, Doris A. Voller



3. Excellent material for anyone going through deep grief whether death or deep pain and disappointment.



4. Good Grief is an excellent book for all families that have lost a loved one. We are never parpared for death, this book leads you through the griefing process and makes it much easier.



5. I got five copies of this book to give to co-workers who had deaths in the family. I got them quickly and in excellent condition. All of the recipients said they were helped by the books. Thanks so much.

5 comments about In The SpotLight, Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking and Performing.

1. There are a lot of self-help books on the market that deal with the fear of public speaking. But I can say first-hand that if you are looking for help in how to overcome this fear, this is the best one you can buy.
   
   The book is more than just speaking tips or techniques---it takes you right to the heart of the issue, which I found to be surprisingly helpful. It helps you understand where the fear is coming from in the first place and how to ultimately overcome it. I read the book about a year ago, and have re-read certain chapters many times since then as both a resource and a confidence booster when I've have a big speech coming up.
   
   There's not much more I can say, other than I bought the book. It helped me. I highly reccomend it to anyone who is looking for help with this very common fear.



2. Reading Janet's book was a revelation for me. It was amazing to find that someone understood exactly how I felt when I found out that I had to speak in public and the torture I imposed on myself leading up to, during and after speaking. But better yet, she not only empathizes with the reader, but provides a clear path to overcoming the torture. So enjoy the empathy, but enjoy even more the tools for success!



3. The author had first-hand stage fright experience and she shared the techniques that she learned to overcome the stage fright and to go beyond the fright to enjoy being in the spot light. The skills are very valuable for a stage fright person like me, and are also valuable for teachers of music who would want to learn how to help students with stage fright.
   
   The skills mentioned in the book are transferable skills that can be used to reduce stress and to cultivate positive self-esteem. Teachers can use these excellent skills to help their students.
   
   It was by far the best book that offers alternative and possible solutions to shift the stage fright paradigm. The book has been helpful to me as a personal growth tool and in other areas of my life, in addition to the performance anxiety challenges. One day I was feeling down, and reading chapter 10 of the book re-channeled me to something more funny and pleasant and I was uplifted. That was a powerful experience.
   
   The book is easy, fun and enjoyable to read. Once you start reading, it is hard to stop reading.



4. I would listen to this CD to sleep, not for my anxiety. The best thing for anxiety is Celexa and EMDR. I bought this CD with the book and it's terrible. It states the obvious and is not helpful at all.
   
   Sorry, but it sucks.



5. I am a college student studying Business and I've had a long history of anxiety and panic with being "In the Spotlight." I finally got sick of living in fear-- that a teacher would call on me or that I would have to give a presentation. If a presentation was listed on the syllabus for a class I would have a panic attack right there just in anticipation! I was finally fed up and joined Toastmasters about a year ago. I then set a goal to start the only Speech club on my college campus. At this point, I was still VERY nervous about public speech and decided to read this book in preparation of the first Speech club meeting.
   
   This book helped me in many, many ways. It helped to go forward with that first meeting for the Speech club-- something I had been dreading for months and months! There are many positive and useful techniques: positive thinking, reassurance training, breathing techniques, getting to the source of the anxiety... The list goes on!
   
   I still get nervous giving speeches and continue to have small panic attacks when put on the spot in a class. I know that if I continue to face this fear and use constructive techniques such as the ones in this book, I will slowly grow out of it. Good luck!

5 comments about The Road Less Traveled and Beyond: Spiritual Growth in an Age of Anxiety.

1. I have not read many of M. Scott Peck's books although they have all been highly reccomended. I got this one and it was a PERFECT PLACE TO JUMP IN FOR NEW READERS. He briefly summarizes the highlights of his works and then goes further to bring in his more recent insights. A great book.



2. Practical, level headed advice. Great psychological insights!
   
   This book would make a great gift for friends or relatives who may be searching for some understanding and meaning in their lives.
   
   I recommend this book!



3. Again M. Scott Peck has created a tool for discovering meaning in the complexity of life. There are answers to be found in the reading of this masterpiece.



4. It's true, this book is not an "easy" read. I have been stuck at some points in the book because what he said rang so true to my life. I've had to take his ideas seriously into account and review my thinking style. Which has been quite erroneous, not due to me, but to a bad upbringing. Also, being a human soul, I need to progress. So what do I do? I need to change the way I think to a more realistic way. "Know the truth and the truth will set you free". Thinking with God is now my #1 ambition.
   
   I like the real life case studies he presents from his practice as a shrink. I can relate to many of these people. They are like me in many ways ( neurotic). It has given me a new perspective on my past. In my opinion, that's all that therapy can do for you, e.g., give you new framework to view your life from. I've had a little therapy, but so far, the best way I've discovered is to learn a new way of thinking about everything. That's a lot of work and many will not go there.
   
   I like the quotes he makes from the wisdom of great thinkers. He stresses that life is complex, no way around it. No easy way of thinking either. It's not black vs white. The gray area is the reality.
   
   He delves into the world of psycho-therapy. It's hard work to face therapy and " the truth" . Often, people live like ostriches with their heads buried up to their necks in sand to escape the truths they ought to face up to.
   
   His view of the purpose of life as a training ground for learning is very interesting. I'm also reading Rick Warren's "The Purpose Driven Life" and this ties into his thinking perfectly. We are a creation of God, we live here in His power for His purposes during our time here. The creation can't out think the creator, that's for certain. Maybe all this was covered in his earlier books, I don't know because I didn't read them.
   
   This book has been my therapist for a few weeks. It's a good thing.



5. Excellent book in a series or spiritually invigorating books. Particulary good in today's age of fear and rampant consumerism.

5 comments about The Way of Transition: Embracing Life's Most Difficult Moments.

1. This is a engrossing book about what happens when a person who has made a career out of understanding "transitions" (and helping other people and organizations through times of transition) comes face to face with a gigantic transition. As Bridges dealt with the death of his wife and the concomitant end of a lengthy marriage, he found himself wondering if he really understood transitions at all. This book is the story of how he navigated that period in his life, how he achieved a new understanding of everything that had gone before, and what it has meant to him since.
   
   There is a lot going on in this book. On one level, it is the story of a marriage. On another level, it is the story of how truly immersing oneself in the transitions one encounters can deepen a person's relationship both to the self and to the personal history that has created that self. And then there is the general philosophical musing about how a person can open himself to the possibilities that come with major life changes. It's not a book of ideas about what to do (for that, the same author has a couple of other books on transition), but instead it's a deeply personal reflection on the meaning of life and life's transitions.
   
   Highly recommended for anyone who is of a contemplative turn of mind.



2. The author is very professional in his knowledge of tranistion vs. change and the merging of the process so that one understands the need to understand transition and that understanding to facilitate change. It is a very personal account of his understanding of the value of "letting go". His wife of 48 years is about to pass and the culmination of their realtionship and acceptance of the change to come and the phases of tranistion. To me personally, the acceptance of "letting go" allowed me to move further into my life and relish the anticipation of what could be. But not until I "let go". To me that was an exceptional development. And it all had to do with understanding transition. I am deeply grateful as is my wife who is reading it now.



3. William Bridges surprised me with this extremely well-written and personal book. I am an executive coach who had read many of his other books and have often recommended Bridge's Managing Transitions to clients and friends in the business world. I opened the book expecting to find a how-to manual on getting through midlife in business,or through the loss of a job or some other similarly difficult but containable business transition. What I found was a deeply personal (and to me intensely meaningful description of) William's own life transitions through his job changes, marriage difficulties, and most significantly the death of his first wife and the transition that ensued. This beautifully written book reads more like a novel than a self help book, but the fact that it describes real transitions at a very deep level is exactly what makes it helpful. I congratulate the author for having the guts to write it.



4. William Bridges revisits the topic of transitions after the death of his first wife. This is an emotionally powerful book and Bridges is brutally honest and open about his own personality and relationships. I give it 4 stars, though, because I'm not sure that he adds a whole lot to his orginal work on transitions.



5. 
   I often list the pros and cons of the books I review. This book, like most others, has a few drawbacks, but they are not important enough to list. What is important is to know that this book is one of the best guides possible for those who are going through losses and do not know where to turn. If you or someone you know is reeling from a major life set back this is the book you need to turn to. This book will help you process the loss, understand the empty feeling that follows, and will offer hope for a new beginning. This book is a first aid kit for the emotions.

5 comments about Now, Discover Your Strengths.

1. Nice concept that could have been handled with a 10 page paper. Clearly authors had to have some volume to prove value so they drone on and on and on. Very tedious reading. Then at every turn they continue to try to sell other products or services. The major killer is having an online exam to evalute your strengths; however, the code is only good once - so DON'T buy a used book as your code will be invalid. If the exam is a work related exercise, you'll be forced to buy a new book just for the code. Also, DON'T let your spouse read the book. If you do, they'll want to take the exam and suprise suprise, you would need another new book just to take the test.



2. [As a corporate human resources director, I often work on developing the latent talents and skills of various managers. Years ago, I taught a class where I had each participant to look into a hand-held mirror and ask the question, "Would you want to work for this person?"
   
   This book takes this exercise to a completely different level. To discover your own inner strengths (and weakness) ensures that you will become the very best manager possible. As a fan of First, Break All the Rules, I was very satisfied that this follow-up was as timely and useful as the first book. I highly recommend you purchase a copy of this book for yourself and for all of your managers. Michael L. Gooch, SPHR Author of
   [ASIN:1897326882 Wingtips with Spurs]]



3. I think the subject of the book is good, however a big part of dicovering your strengths is taking the on line strength finder quiz. Unfortunatley for me the code provided on the inside of the jacket is either invalid or has been used by someone already.
   So as I read this book I will be left to wonder "what are my strengths..."



4. Probably the best management and personnel development tool around! Four staff members were each given a copy to read and to follow the instructions for getting an analysis. Each was asked to bring the analysis for their annual job review. They expected the typical "this is good and that is bad" comments but found that when they reviewed their positive traits they were asked "how can you apply that in your job?" Ar real morale and performance builder.



5. Marcus Buckingham is truly an inspiring writer and this book really helps one identify their great strengths. I loved this book. Also highly recommend "Running with the Rhinos" by Christian Warren as a companion book. excellent insight in terms of leading with your strengths.

No comments about The Wounded Heart: Hope for Adult Victims of Childhood Sexual Abuse.

5 comments about Journey of Awakening: A Meditator's Guidebook.

1. If you are a point in your life where you've had more than a fleeting thought regarding "there being something more", this book is certainly a fantastic place for beginning your journey to self-discovery (and/or awakening).
   
   I have never been inspired enough to write a review about a book but this book deserves my most profound endorsement.
   
   Best of luck in your journey.



2. This book is great. Ram Dass helped me get a better understanding of what meditation really is and how not to take myself too seriously.



3. I'm doing a form of meditation called brain entrainment called Holosync through Centerpointe. I wanted to know about meditation: what to expect and perhaps some tips on how to get the most out of it. This book provided all of that and more.
   
   Ram Dass is the best!



4. I've been a big Ram Dass fan for over twenty years now. I "knew" him when he was just Richard Alpert and worked closely with fellow doctor, Timothy Leary. But like all of us, he wondered, "What's next?" And so he went to India on a Spiritual Journey and had an awakening and came back to the states as Ram Dass which means "servant of God". Since that time he has devoted his life to writing and teaching about spirituality and how we can wake up to the Truth that God is not external to our being, but is our being.
   
   I read this when I was taking my foundation course work to being a Practitioner at my church. I ate it up like a kid eating candy. I was always classified as the "weird" one of the family and learning to meditate would firmly cement the title in place. My stressed out dad would complain to my equally frazzled, recovering fundamentalist sister, "He's crazy, I tell ya...why would anyone wanna learn to meditate..."
   
   Mmmmm...I wonder...
   
   One never really "learns" to meditate...we remember how to meditate. Don't tell me that you don't know how because you do. You just forgot. You still think of yourself as a human doing and not as a human being and it is our nature...our True Nature to simply be and when we allow ourselves to have periods of just being who we are, that which is unlike this beingness falls away.
   
   This book goes through various ways to experience this beingness. Meditation can range from sitting in the lotus position and chanting "Om" to taking a slow and gentle walk being mindful of every step.
   
   Meditation is not something one "gets" and then that's it. To me, daily meditation is a gift I give to myself to remind me of the Truth that the Living Spirit is within me and I am within the Living Spirit and that just as God can never be completely known- because God is Infinite, I can never fully and completely know my mind because my mind is God's Mind. I can, however, "touch the hem of the garment"...in other words, have glimpses of Truth and in these glimpses be encouraged to continue on with my practice. It's never about "getting it"...it's always about "being it" and when I am in that place of Pure Being, I know I am It but I also know that you are It and they are It and We are It and I know that It is us, as well. In Truth, there is only It.
   
   So, I'm still the weird one of the family even though my dad and sister both practice meditation now. I guess I need to have some kind of identification that's tied in with the world. Heaven knows I don't want to "shine" too much.
   
   Yeah, okay, dad...
   
   Shine on, children of Light...shine on...
   
   Peace & Blessings.
   
   john, "the Light Coach"



5. This book is my favorite for any beginner in meditation. It was also the book I read before I sat down on the mat for the first time.
   To begin with Ram Dass is a great teacher. He's a westerner to which I can relate much easier than an Indian guru.
   The book describes various meditation techniques and what you can expect following this path.
   But the best part are the quotes. Ram Dass took a deliberate effort to pick great inspirational quotes which will create your 'must read' list.

5 comments about Essential Spirituality: The 7 Central Practices to Awaken Heart and Mind.

1. If you are on a quest of spirituality, this book is a must for your libarary of references.



2. I've been a fan of Roger Walsh for a long time and was extremely honored that he endorsed my latest book, Beyond the Secret. In many ways this book inspired my own. Though the sub-title says this book is about seven practices, there is much more here than that. the book is filled with practical advice and exercises on how to reduce craving to find your soul's desire (similar to the theme of my book to move from consumption to contribution), to cultivate emotional wisdom (which inspired the chapter in my book on tapping into your feelings), living ethically by feeing good by doing good (are you listening followers of the popular book The Secret that only emphasizes the feel good part), calming your mind, developing wisdom, and learning to embrace the joy of service (service being a spiritual "law" that I emphasize in my own book is far more important than any law of attraction technique). In short, I am indebted to Roger Walsh and especially this book for having done so much to open my own heart and inspire my life. And, you will do very well to have this book in your library as it will truly help you make a difference in your life. - Dr. Lisa Love, Beyond the Secret



3. This is an interesting and somewhat unique book because the emphasis isn't theological or philosophical at all, but rather on spiritual practices one can apply in daily life.
   
   As such, the author doesn't burden himself (or the reader) with trying to rigorously justify the recommended practices, nor does he attempt to build a theoretical framework. Instead, he simply presents the practices and suggests that readers give them a try. I agree with this approach, because it seems that sometimes, especially in spiritual matters, we have to first take action and experience the consequences of that action in order to develop our understanding, rather than the more typical (and skeptically cautious) western approach of first developing understanding on rational grounds, then acting on that understanding.
   
   Although the book doesn't include rigorous argumentation, the author does link the practices to a variety of spiritual traditions, including many quotes from sages and spiritual texts. I presume this is mainly to show the universality of the practices, and also to increase the chance that each reader will find things they can resonate with. Here and there, the author also mentions cases in which modern psychology and neuroscience provide scientific evidence supporting the practices, but this is a minor component of the book.
   
   The book is divided into short chapters, and I think that reading a chapter a day will work well for most readers. I've read the book once, and I think it's valuable enough that I'll periodically reread it in the future.
   
   Overall, I highly recommend the book to anyone motivated to grow spiritually, and who is open-minded enough to not be troubled by seeing references to many different spiritual traditions. Also be sure to check out 50 Spiritual Classics: Timeless Wisdom from 50 Great Books on Inner Discovery, Enlightenment and Purpose, which I think nicely complements this book.
   
   As a final note, please remember that the key is to implement the practices in your daily life, not just read about them and understand them intellectually.



4. An incredible work of art. I've sent copies to a devote Catholic and Orthodox Jew that I know and both were equally impressed. If you have any interest in the Spirituality of the World's great religions, read this book.



5. For those who have not considered spirituality before, this is a great book, it is very thorough without being confusing. For those who are natuarally introspective -- this is also a good book, one that will either stregthen or validate what you already know in your heart.

5 comments about My Descent Into Death: A Second Chance at Life.

1. This is a must read book. I have shared with several friends and all have had a postive feedback from reading this book!



2. First, I would like to say that I am so tired of the christians & the catholics with their bible opinions about this book. New age is not really new age it's old just as Gnostic Christianity/Jewish Mysticism are ancient religions. Nobody disrespects your religion don't disrespect others for their beliefs. BTW who wrote the bible? How does anyone know that is truly the word of god & not lies? Everyone knows that the bible has had texts taken out, manipulated texts, & things added in by the catholic church. So do not assume that you know the truth because really no one does & all religions will bring you to god. As for this book I loved it & I thought it was absolutely beautifully written. Truly inspiring!!!



3. I loved this book. I think every human being should read this. Really let's you see what's important in life and what's not. This is a wonderful glimpse of the other side. It's easy to read and such an encouragement.



4. Ok, I've read something like 10 NDE books as well as countless stories of them from the IANDS site, but this book is by far the best. If you're looking for something that is realistic, and doesn't lie to you about virtually everybody going to Heaven (now there's an inconvenient truth, eh?), then this is the book for you. Keep in mind that even Dannion Brinkley himself admits that he was wrong about telling everyone that there is nothing other than love and light in the afterlife. In his recent book (Secrets of the Light) he acknowledges that his experiences are not, and are not going to be, everyone's. I commend Dannion for coming to that realization and helping others to see it too. And it was this book that helped me do a 360 when I was in the midst of persecuting everything except new age fluff (*shakes head* all that time wasted, as a self-righteous fool indeed). All I search for is the truth, and I believe that can best be found in this book as well as some of Emanuel Swedenborg's writings. I know that in recent times Christianity has gotten a horrible rep, and the Inquisition is inexcusable we can all agree (see how no one is denying that, let's face it they were demons in sheep's clothing were they not?), however, you might possibly feel caught up in the lie that everything is fine and dandy in the new-age fluff world, which of course you know isn't true (visit your local ER on a Friday night or penitentiary on any day, as a reference for why that's a conclusion to be made) so I highly recommend this book for you. For all we really know, all those people "lying to you about hellfire" might have really cared about you and been trying to warn you about hell's salivating mouth that's waiting to give you your real welcome. And if you don't think that hell should exist then I must introduce you to some of my neighbors at once. In this book Jesus says that religion isn't the important thing it's people's hearts that matter, nice message and I very much agree with it, but let's face it it was Jesus Himself that saved this man and not just some multidimensional martian entity with a soft-spot for humankind. Recommended but not for the faint of heart, as I believe Mr. Storm really did experience the bowels of hell. My Descent Into Death, the book that changed me for the better and might change you too.



5. Howard Storm's remarkable journey to the gates of hell and his subsequent rescue by Jesus which completely transformed his life is, by definition, a story of salvation as Christians understand it. From the moment he prays in that dark place of despair, and sees a light being coming towards him, he immediately identifies this being as Jesus. He spends time in the company of Jesus and the angels learning about God's nature and his plan for all of us, and the way we can accept God's will or turn from it. He asks questions, all of which are answered in a way consistent with the way God and His Son are revealed in scripture. Then there is the story of Howard after he returns to this life: he burst at the seams with joy at God's love for everyone and wanted to tell everyone about it. How is that not a Christian experience of deliverance and carrying the joyful message to everyone? The closing line of the book is "Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He is the best friend you will ever have." Rest assured, this IS a Christian book.