5 comments about Man and His Symbols.

1. This anthology of essays by Jung and his colleagues yields great insights into Jung's school of depth psychology and the psychology of archetypes. This is a must read for any magician and other workers of the mind. One of the later essays reports the revelation that the visions of certain attuned minds answer to some of the images of the quantum realm drawn from experiments in quantum physics. Consciousness is a quantum phenomenon expanded to the human scale of size by the central nervous system.



2. The content is classic and deserves better quality presentation. How about a hardcover? The paper is cheap and already turning brown. The print is miniscule and could be a font size or two larger. I want to buy books to continue building a quality library, not a cheap throw-away.



3. I picked up a copy of this book in Mendocino, CA just after I graduated from college and was trying to figure out what to do with my life. For those of you who are somewhat introverted, academic, or artistic, you may find that his book changes your view and helps begin the process of what Jung (and now other therapists) call the "individuation" process, or normal unfolding of human life. I ended following my bliss and doing all kinds of things that have made me a very happy, very satisfied and yet unendingly curious person. I am now studying to be a therapist, and whether or not I graduate is not the point. The journey and the dream images and meaning we assign to them are the whole point. Life became a meaningful joy for me and (no kidding) this book was the ONLY source of that inspiration.
   
   I have the coffetable version of this book, which is much larger and in color, but the smaller paperback will also do...I'm sure the pictures are good enough. It is the words, not the pictures, that change your life. Who knew that western individualistic humanism was such a powerful and compelling force of psychology?
   
   This book changed my life for the better permanently. Read it.



4. I purchased this in a batch of books which I had wanted to read for a while, including Richard Dawkin's The Selfish Gene.
   
   To be honest, this book is quite a disappointment to me. As noted in other reviews, Jung actually wrote only 1/5th of this book, serving as editor for the rest of the pieces. And it is exactly Jung's own writing which I find disappointing.
   
   Jung's style is sloppy and unfocussed, possibly because this is evidently the first time he writes 'for the layman'. Compared to Dawkins' The Selfish Gene, which I read alternatingly with this book, Man and his Symbols reads like a sloppy collection of personal opinion. It's hard to see from this introduction how Jung is considered to be such an important thinker.



5. This is a book that everybody should own, in my opinion. Karl Jung is a must have.

5 comments about What now?.

1. I would read anything Ann Patchett writes! I listened to this audio version of her book -- short and sweet and nice that she is the reader. She has a great voice. Very nice story.



2. Summer time and the reading is easy; barely 100 pages, "What Now" is based on Ann Patchett's commencement address at Sarah Lawrence, is a quick morning read and seems to me like a nice gift for a graduate.
   
   The title intrigued me as I am often asking myself a similar question maybe even as a method to embrace uncertainty by at least taking the next step, especially when it comes to vocation. Ann expresses gratitude for where she is at when, a life lesson taught her through experience that married well with her Catholic school through MFA formal education. I appreciated the vignette about working as a waitress and a dishwasher, acknowledging the opportunity this afforded her and the teamwork required to assure it especially in an age of unrealistic independence. She further shows her commitment to others by responding to her mentor's advice to rewrite her graduation speech.
   
   Here we have the chance to remind ourselves how possibility feels and how important it is to help each other receive possibility along the way. There are some interesting black and white photos herein as well.



3. "What now?" is the extended version of Ann Patchett's graduation speech at Sarah Lawrence College. In a nutshell, Patchett uses her life story to make the slightly overmade point that we should embrace the uncertainty and change we face. Patchett's points are original enough--they are a bit clichéd, but they are put here in poignant form, as Patchett is a master at language. But as with Patchett's fiction, she dots around beautifully for many pages, but never really settles down with some great conclusion or moral. Thus, the book ends up feeling very thin. That's partially because it is thin--only 97 small pages, with oversized font. But it also is heavy on the details of her life journeys and very light on the meaning of it. In a book that's supposedly inspirational, I would've liked to have been inspired more. I don't really a care about every little step along her way.
   
   I'm sure it was a great graduation speech. It's a great coffee table book. But it's not a book to live your life by.



4. I really enjoyed this speech-turned-essay. So many wonderful morsels of wisdom to "chew on". She shares a few personal anecdotes, but does not make the speech about herself. It is inspiring and contemplative, encouraging her audience to look inward for happiness; and then sharing it with the world.
   
   Because it was a commencement speech that she have at her alma mater, it is almost guaranteed that it will remind you of your college/university days. Unfortunately, I don't remember anything about the commencement speech at my college graduation, so I will keep this one in mind.
   
   I see it becoming a bestseller gift around high school and college graduations in May and June of each year, alongside Dr. Seuss's "Oh, The Places You Will Go!"



5. I was interested in reading this edited and longer version of a graduation speech by Ann Patchett because of her perceptive writing style in the novel Bel Canto. Her newest book reveals personal experiences that shaped her both as a writer and person. "What now?" is a useful book for recent college grads facing the challenges of turning their just-earned degree into a stepping stone to life -- a course that can't be taught in college -- and for parents who may not remember the "now what?" uncertainties graduates face. Patchett pays respect to those who influenced her, including a writing professor who encouraged his now famous student to almost completely rewrite the first draft of her speech, suggesting one of Patchett's life lessons is that we're never too old or accomplished to benefit from the wise counsel of others.

5 comments about The Anger Workbook: A 13-Step Interactive Plan to Help You... (Minirth-Meier Clinic Series).

1. What a great book. I wish I had had this book when I was in my 20's, it would have saved me alot of family and work problems. Finally I am finding positive ways to deal with my anger and finding out why I have had such anger problems for all my life. If you have anger problems get this book. They also have one for depression and my wife went through it and it is just as awesome as this one. Don't wait any longer! Get control of your anger and depression.



2. The cover and description of the book do not express that Les Carter and Frank Minirth are really only interested in appealing to Christians or people who want to convert to Christianity. I look to books like this for scientific reasoning, but was greatly put off when it started quoting Jesus on page 11 (after prompting the reader to complete workbook questions on previous pages therefore making the book unreturnable.) Anyway, I think it's a shame the authors do not put "For Christians Only" on the cover so at least their book would only end up in the hands they intended.



3. This book is supposed to help with anger management? I am open to listening to mythical stories about dudes who lived a couple of thousand years ago as much as the next guy, but in an anger management book? Sin is causing all my anger? Wow didn't know that. I do have a better idea of something that makes me angry now, religious mythology passing itself off as a self-help book. Get this book over in the religious section with the rest of the fairy tales.
   
   I wouldn't have been so upset about this if the book had something marked on it saying that it was religious in nature. I don't normally don't read such garbage and leave that to others who do believe in such things, but to slip it in and waste my time!!! Is this how you indoctrinate people in your beliefs?
   
   Oh well, there's plenty of other anger management books out there. I will be more careful next time I select something like this and get something actually useful.
   
   This book owes me some stars for being such a tremendous waste of time.
   
   I'm sure christians will get upset at hearing this, but I'm sure you'll turn the other cheek.
   
   If you need me I'll be over here with my "Sin"



4. I've browsed through many Anger Management books and found this one to be good. Despite the reviews about religion and Christianity I picked it up with an open, objective mind.
   
   As a person who has suffered with anger issues for more than 25 years I can say that I've had so much help from this book, even more help than my therapist. The impact of writing out personal things inside the book is very helpful to get a better understanding of the material and make it more personal. I've always felt it important to write my thoughts down to get a better understanding of myself, rather than just speaking them out loud to a stranger, and this book does that.
   
   I'll admit that there was alot of references to Christianity, but I was able to take the core beliefs (I DO believe in God, and love for all man) and put the book to that use. It has given me a greater understanding of myself and why I used to get so pissed off.
   
   Just understand that in order for Anger Management to really work, it will take time. The foundation may be laid out in a matter of minutes (depending on how quick you read), but the real work (changing your ways and outlook) takes time. Don't expect a quick fix because you will never find one. At least nothing that will last.



5. I cannot say I didn't know about the bible references when I picked up this book. I had read other anger manegement books and was still looking for one that would give me insight into my own situation. So, after reading some of the reviews and feeling it would be worthwhile, I plunged in and resurfaced somewhere near the middle of the book. I had promised myself I would keep an open mind but it seems that wouldn't be enough. Just when things were getting good and I felt I was making headway I would crash into a bible quote. "Who put THAT there??" I would ask. It really proved to be a distraction to me. Kinda like a hitting a pothole or playing bumper cars.
   Take chapter 7 for example, "How Pride Influences Anger".
   "Aha!" I said. Here's where I get to learn something profound. And so it seemed. I was having one of those "That's ME!" moments as I read about pride/insecurity/control when it happened again. Everything was moving along fine when suddenly I find myself confronted with
   "For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do" (Rom. 7:15)
   No lie! Straight from pg. 120.
   I started out a little angry, but now I'm baffled AND angry PLUS I have a tension headache.
   Somebody tell me how this book ends 'cause I just can't take it anymore. All I wanted was to seek some self improvement. Jeez!

5 comments about The Grief Recovery Handbook : The Action Program for Moving Beyond Death Divorce, and Other Losses.

1. We purchased this book based on a recommendation that although it talked about divorce and death, the process was helpful for other losses as well. You need to be able to plow through A LOT of repetition about divorce and death to see that. I am a very open reader and can see past the obvious, but this one was even tough for me. If the authors are serious about using the book for other losses, then create a book that focuses in as much detail, and with as many examples, as the death and divorce events in this one.



2. This book does what the title promises, gives instruction and plan for working through grief. It is not a religious book, rather about the mechanical details, the ups and downs. It makes you realize others have survived grief in a healthy way and so can I. Thanks



3. This is an incredible book that helps you to process your losses. This is great for anybody. It should be a requirement for all helping professionals to understand how to be the best support to those who you will be assisting.



4. This is the Timeless Book that gets you through Grief. "The Grief Recovery Hand Book, The Action Program For Moving Beyond Death Divorce and Other Losses" needs to be in every home. This book takes you beyond all losses. However you must be willing to do the grief work to get there. The main cornerstone of this book is the loss history graph.
   The loss history graph can help you to sort out the past from the present and clear the way for a better future. This book actually takes you to a new place no matter what the loss. I give five stars because I own three copies. One copy is the first edition which is all covered with hand written notes. Two copies of the second edition one to study and a loaner copy.



5. The Grief Recovery Handbook: A Step-By-Step Program for Moving Beyond Loss The service from the provider was excellent. I wanted only the original because I have my own copy. This is helping numerous people 3000 miles across trhe country, thanks to you.

5 comments about How to Break Your Addiction to a Person.

1. A bit too much like a book from an academic but If you are love addicted and need help besides counseling and a support group this book may be helpful to you as well as other books on ending codependency.
   See authors like Robin Norwood etc.



2. I've been miserable over a breakup for four months - not sleeping, eating, obsessing, etc... I read this book over a two day period, and have not been this clear headed since before the breakup "started." If you are someone who is having trouble letting go, especially of an abusive relationship, buy this book today. The ideas in it did more for me in 48 hours than 4 months of friends and family, counseling, and anti-depressants did. I've never reviewed before, but I feel compelled to share this with those of you out there who are going through the pain of a "heartbreak" - its horrible. Halpern's analysis and insight will give you a jumping off point to realize that all is not lost, and that you will be happy again, and probably happier.



3. I first read this book in the early 80's, highlighted it, worked through parts of it, and felt that it helped me tremendously. Over the years I've kept my original copy (which is now yellowed and stained) and I still return to it to remind myself of the truths which are so well presented. The material is clear, not condescending, and for those brave enough to put Dr. Halpern's recommendations into practice - invaluable! I can honestly say this little old paperback has changed my life for the better - more than once.



4. I have been searching all over the internet for Dr. Halpern's contacts to send him a mail and thank him for this phenomenal book. "How to Break your Addiction to a Person" has completely changed my thinking about relationships and about the concept of "self." It made me realize that it is essentially a problem in ME (and not the guy I was dating) that perpetuated the problem. It's no use blaming a partner for being a bad person or a relationship for being a bad one, but that we have to understand the real reason why we can allow ourselves to remain in THAT relationship with THAT person. You can not change circumstance but you can change your own self and take some responsibility for your own life. The silly phosphoric cover illustration of the book really doesn't do it any justice and undermines the pivotal psychological concepts explained inside. I truly and honestly felt extremely empowered as I read though it. I was able to muster the strength to stay away from a man who was bringing much negativity into my life, but to whom I'd been attached for countless years. I keep reading and re-reading the book every time I feel drawn back to that person.
   
   The book opened my eyes on several central ideas:
   
   1)The concept of "attachment hunger" (how unsatisfied needs for attachment in our childhood linger with us as adults and resurface in our romantic partnerships). The mere awareness of this "hunger" allowed me to understand my scenario better and be more forgiving towards myself and more clear about how I will overcome my unhealthy addiction.
   
   2) Addiction has nothing to do with a substance (drugs, alcohol or otherwise) but rather that the addicting element is a personality quality (it is within the person who is addicted). And yes, it has a lot to do with self-esteem and self-sufficiency. Both of which you can work on successfully.
   
   3) Our concept of time changes when "attachment hunger" takes over. When we say things like "I will be alone forever" or I will be in "eternal pain," this stems from our infant perception of time. Consider ths example: "I told myself I would call her after an hour, but after three minutes, three very long minutes, I dialed again. I let the phone ring twenty times. I called every two minutes for the next hour, and each time I felt like an eternity had gone by. I looked at the stupid clock like it was mocking me, like it was stubbornly slowing down." Now compare this excerpt to the following infant experience: "He wants to be fed. He cries out. The response is not immediate. In adult time maybe it's three minutes before mum gets the bottle warmed up. But what is that in Infant Time? A century? An eon? A boundless amount of frustration spread over an incomprehensible dimension?" When you read through the chapter in the book that discusses Infant Vs. Adult Time, you will realize that often your infant perception of time is what makes you afraid you could be alone "forever" or experience "eternal" pain. It makes you realize that often your lose your sense of Adult Time and start to express your fears in Infant Time. No, says Dr. Halpern, be assured that there is a tomorrow. There is usually nothing in our appearance/character/life that is so unappealing as to make it likely that we will ALWAYS be rejected or will be alone FOREVER. Those words (always and forever) distort our perceptions completely and make us hold on to a bad relationship because we are so afraid to be alone.
   
   4) Being jealous over someone does not mean you love them. It is possible to feel jealousy towards someone you even dislike, based on two false beliefs: a) if someone else wants him, he must be better than I think and b) if he wants someone else, the other person must be better than me, and I am being dismissed because I am undesirable. Dr. Halpern explains why those two beliefs have no basis of truth and why they are founded on our attachment hunger needs.
   
   5) We tend to fall into traps of rationalization, idealization and self-delusion and that a good rule of thumb is to take the other person'a frustrations at FACE VALUE rather than to do fancy mental gymnastics to explain it away.
   
   6) Often we do not realize that the person in front of us is subtly controlling us through various tactics including power, weakness, servitude, guilt and jealousy. Dr. Halpern explains how you can recognize those tactics. Whilst reading the book, it dawned on me that my partner was ACTIVELY and CONSCIOUSLY using jealousy to keep me bound to him while I was too oblivious and taken away into the relationship to recognize his control tactics.
   
   7) We become addicted to other people because we have a weak sense of SELF. We incorrectly believe that we will be insecure or lonely or unhappy without our attachment/association to that person we are addicted to. Dr. Halpern explains the importance of recognizing yourself as a mature, self-sufficient entity who can survive on its own and who needs to bond with a partner out of healthy love rather than complusion or false belief that we can not live without this person.
   
   There is so so much more in the book. My explanation doesn't even begin to rival the clear, eloquent, beautiful way Dr. Halpern explains the concept of being addicted to a person. He is a terrific psychiatrist and a terrific writer. I enjoyed the book more than any other self-help title I have ever read. It shook me, moved me, and made me learn a lot about human relationships, attachment, love, jealousy, and self-esteem. The most important thing I came out with from this book is that the problem is not only that I dated a jerk....the bigger problem is this: what is it in myself that has allowed this problem to happen? I realized that it was time to work on ME and not just blame the partner I was with. Honestly, this is a fantastic book that will blow your mind and teach you a lot about your own self that you didn't even know....will definitely quell your addiction!



5. This book by far was the key to me being able to break the pattern of unhealthy relationships. Love addiction, codenpendency is very real and very deep seeded. This book is the manual for learning how to identify why and how bad relationships keep happening..and how to break the addiction.

4 comments about Your Brain: The Missing Manual.

1. 'Your Brain: The Missing Manual' is a different book than most of the fare that Pogue Press puts out, but this doesn't mean that it's not a good read!
   
   The Missing Manual line of books is simply one of the best publishers I have ever had the PLEASURE to read. I stress the word pleasure because TMM books truly are what they say they are. Incredibly laid out, easy to follow, and enjoyable to read and hold in your hand, most of The Missing Manual books I have read I give 5 stars and it's no mistake.
   
   With 'Your Brain' this book looks at how the brain works from all different perspectives: logic, eating, aging, sex, stress, pleasure. It examines how the brain interacts with these subjects and why things work they way they do.
   
   If you like previous Missing Manual books or are curious how the brain works, you owe it to yourself to pick up this book. Jam packed with color pictures and a small footprint with a small size of 250+ pages, this is a great weekend read that will entertain and TEACH you something as well!!
   
   ***** RECOMMENDED



2. There are a number of reasons why I can recommend this book.
   Matthew MacDonald displays a great sense of humor in Your Brain: The Missing Manual.
   He covers a complex subject as complex as the human brain in simple easy to understand language and does it in about a third the number of pages needed to cover a much simpler computer operating system.
   He includes summaries of the information that can help you to use this understanding for your own brain maintenance.
   I believe some of the most useful information that he provides has to do with how the brain and our own expectations can fool us into an unshakable belief in something that is absolutely untrue.
   I also believe that his own brain fooled him into including a probability example from a 1990 Parade magazine article. I had read about this before and the author repeated what I had read - that hundreds of math professors wrote in with faulty logic to "correct" the solution that was given in the Parade article.
   A person is to pick the one of three doors that leads to the prize. After he picks the door, the host then eliminates one of the remaining doors that does not contain the prize. The person is not told whether the door he picked leads to the prize or not. It is true, but maybe not obvious, that this first choice is absolutely meaningless and provides no information about what is behind the other two doors.
   The person is then told that he can pick either of the two doors. Wording this instruction in terms of switching or sticking to the person's initial choice obscures the fact that this is now a new separate simple probability game where choosing either door has a 50 - 50 chance of winning.
   If you cannot see that this simple solution is correct, it is probably because who are we to question it when hundreds of math professors wrote it with faulty logic to "correct" it?
   I recommend reading this book to learn more about how our brains and others words lead us to incorrect conclusions, and about ways we might better maintain the way our brains function.
   If you read the above probability example remember that the probability depends only upon the doors and has nothing to do with whether he changes his mind.



3. I read a lot of books on science and the human body, so I expected the usual on this book. Matthew MacDonald's book, "Your Brain, The Missing Manual" blew me away. In this book MacDonald covers the entire brain from neurons, to glands, to emotions. The book starts out covering the brains biological workings. It covers neurons, synapses, the Endocrine system and the Nervous system. Next he covers how the brain uses energy and how it gets its food. In this section MacDonald includes the Brain-Friendly Diet and explains how Protein, Fat and even Chocolate affect the brain. There is a great explanation on how the Human Appetite works. In one chapter he discusses the brain and sleep. He writes how the human brain needs light and dark to regulate the sleep cycle. In the book, MacDonald, state how sunlight or bright lights can wake you up fasters. I tried it for myself, I got out of bed early one morning and stepped outside and faced the morning sun. I was amazed at how fast my mind woke up and how clear my mind was.
   
   The Sections on the mind's visual perception and memory were extremely interesting. I enjoyed the Optical Illusions that he included in the book. One thing I would like to point out is that MacDonald references several websites throughout the book were you can get additional information. I found this very useful and learned a lot on these websites. In addition, the section on how to improve your memory helped me significantly. There MacDonald lists several methods on how to boost your memorization powers, don't skip this section trust me.
   
   The author goes on to cover such topics as Emotions, Reason, Personality and more. MacDonald lays all the information out in an easy to understand format. This is one of those books that you're skeptical on getting, but once you've read it you know it was well worth the purchase price. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to better understand the brain, or just wants to improve their memory. This books is a must have on every book shelf, you won't be disappointed with "Your Brain, The Missing Manual".



4. I heard of "Your Brain: The Missing Manual" from the technical podcast "The Java Posse". I wasn't disappointed.
   
   This book gives the casual reader a detailed exposition of the brain, its parts and their functions. It mixes in quite a bit of fun facts about the brain functions, such as optical illusions, with practical ways for how to better use them, such as memory improvement tips.
   
   This is a thin book, and can be read over a weekend.

5 comments about Treat Your Own Knees: Simple Exercises to Build Strength, Flexibility, Responsiveness and Endurance.

1. I've never written an Amazon review before, but this little book impressed me so much that other readers should share its benefits.
   
   I damaged my knee in a motorcycle accident and had recurring pain for two years. A string of hospitals, therapists and acupuncturists were all unable to diagnose, never mind treat, the problem.
   
   Enter Jim Johnson Stage Right>>>
   
   6 weeks after doing only part of the exercises, my knee has stopped locking up and I don't feel any discomfort after playing soccer.
   
   In short: I can't recommend this book highly enough. Well done Mr. Johnson and your team.



2. the book is clearly and concisley written.the method prescribed is simple,but effective.i have also read his back pain book .he presents a clear and simple method with dealing with pain in that book also.at first one might say ,is that all there is?;but the proof is in the pudding.if you are diligent and consistent in your efforts,you will be rewarded.in these cases less is more.the author knows his stuff.



3. This book is okay. I can't complain because its relatively inexpensive otherwise would be 3 stars. Still, I don't find anything truly great about the book. The one nugget of information I did get from the book was that your knee actually rotates your lower leg (we all know it extends and flexes, but the book actually proves to you that your own knees rotate the lower leg as well). Due to the price, I don't mind the purchase. I wouldn't recommend this to any younger readers, I myself am 30 and don't find the 'treatments' all that relevant. I sometimes have mild knee pain that for me seems to be better treated by doing full depth squats (yes, full depth squats, performed properly are good for you and do not hurt your knees).



4. After reading the reviews and suffering from knee pain, I decided to buy this book. My expectations were pretty high since all of the reviews were glowing. Perhaps that's where I went wrong.
   
   I was expecting a series of ailments and exercises to help alleviate them. Instead you get one strengthening exercise, a few stretches, one prioperception exercise and a recommendation for some endurance exercise. All of this could have fit onto a single sheet of paper.
   
   Sure the discussion of the studies is interesting but it really doesn't help me treat my knees. By taking the step of buying the book, I already had commited to wanting better knees and the author didn't need to convince me to do exercises or stretch.
   
   All in all, it was a quick read and at ~$10, was less than most people pay for a co-pay. I'd recommend it if you want some general information about knee health and studies but not if you are looking for rehab exercises to get better knees.



5. I read this book cover to cover and found it most helpful. I don't believe in surgery unless absolutely necessary. This book guides you through all the things to do to improve your own knee health without the surgery. Fantastic!

5 comments about Maxwell 3-in-1 Special Edition (The Winning Attitude / Developing the Leaders Around You / Becoming a Person of Influence).

1. Do you want to free your mind of bad attitudes, educate other and become a positive influence? Then you must have this masterpieces. Read them, apply and you'll see the results



2. I have never read a book that uplifting, when I am on my worst moments for that day I pick up that book and it takes me some where else, even takes me to the bible to look up motivational readings. It has trully changed my way of thinking. I love it.



3. I appreciate having the 3 books in one. I also appreciate the large font type of the books, although I am young, I often read in dim light (when babies are sleeping) and the large font really makes it easier. The books are excellent reading. Biblical leadership perspective that really is so practical for all leaders at all stages.



4. Wonderful! The book was used, but I could not have asked for a better product! Book was in GREAT shape! Exactly what I needed. A+



5. John Maxwell is ranked by Harvard University as America's #1 leadership expert and this book is a combination of his greatest insights and leadership application principles from several of his best selling books. If you are stranded on an island and can only take one book with you, take this one because by the time you finish reading through it, you'll have gained an MBA level of insight into practical ways to lead others with clear perspective and personal power.

5 comments about First Things First.

1. This is a great book to read for those of us who juggle life. It talks about how to prioritize and how to over come Urgency Addition. If there was one book to make the time to read, it should be this one.



2. This book is phenomenal. It encourages us to create a vision for where we want to eventually end up in life and gives us the necessary tools to get there. It is a very good reminder of what really matters. I highly recommend it!



3. Despite the fact that I plan my week using the Covey time management principles as a result of having taught this program for many years some time back, I recently re-read the book.
   
   What struck me was that the lessons are timeless. I doubt if anyone is going to come up with as powerful a matrix as Stephen's and the Merrills' to sum up how we spend time.
   
   Once you grasp the difference between managing your time and leading your life, you will never turn back.
   
   Many years ago, as a Covey apprentice, I used the annual planner to analyse how I had spent the entire past year. The result enabled me to change my life by highlighting where I needed to increase my leverage. Could I have come to the same conclusion through common sense and discipline? Perhaps. BUT - I hadn't! I came to these conclusions because the book presented strategies and tools to make it easy.
   
   The recent re-read has allowed me to connect again with the system.
   
   And of course, I have yet to come across another system that tackles motivation as robustly. Good intentions often fall by the wayside but with First Things First, you have tools to support and reinforce those good intentions.
   
   
   The greatest strength of the book for me, lies in the single lesson of Quadrant 4, that is, a section of your total time allocation devoted to IMPORTANT things - not emergencies - but things that can be planned and then YOU decide what's important to you and plan to do it. That way it gets done.



4. The book provides a great framework for being productive - focusing on the important over the urgent. It covers the dangers of spending too much time on things that others deem mandatory, sacrificing what is truly valuable.
   
   Two dissenting thoughts on the book. The first is the obvious - "If only it were so easy..." Of course if it were easy, there would be no need for the book. The second is that the key concepts could be delivered in a much shorter format. But that's a small complaint - how expensive is a $12 paperback? It pays for itself with even a small improvement in personal productivity.



5. I give this book five stars as it really helped me organise and prioritise my life.
   I develped a great mission statement, I review my roles weekly, and I am so happy with all the things I am achieving.
   I am also developing Integrity, really! Rather than just talking the talk I am walking the talk. I have had a few friends recently comment on my input into their lives.
   I now can schedule, my personal goals weekly, my family goals with my two young children, making my husband happy, doing commmunity work and looking out for my friends. Whilst I am still a work in progress, this book together with the 7 habits, have made a huge impact in my world.
   I have read SO many self help books, but in the end they just made me feel bad that I wasnt achieving all these things. But FTF, really makes you think about whats important to you, there is no use in following someone elses plan if those values dont resonate within your own world or heart.
   Go ahead and get this, read it and apply it. Slowly you will see how putting FTF can rock your little world.

5 comments about Save Me from Myself: How I Found God, Quit Korn, Kicked Drugs, and Lived to Tell My Story.

1. I picked this book up on a whim, never being a Korn fan myself. The book starts with details on the formation of the band and Welch's childhood. This helps with not having the book become too preachy. His interaction with the Lord and introduction to Him is truly a miracle in itself. I encourage anyone and everyone to read this book.



2. At last he is at peace with himself and his God. Wonderful. May this book only be an inspiration and motive for others to seek the same awesome and True God he has!!
   
   However- I cannot understand why when Brian was speaking of God or Jesus, "He" was not capitalized, because it should have been. That bugged me. The publishers should have known better. Brian should have insisted on capitalizing "He" every time it referred to The Lord.
   
   I wished he had elaborated more about this tattoo fetish he has and continues to have, because I for one, do NOT understand why he has all these and what is the purpose or reason for them all, especially on his neck and face and fingers. Geeezzzz. He'll never hold a normal, ordinary job. I guess he's typical for this time and age, but I don't get it.
   
   But what I do get matters most....He found Jesus, the Savior and the True God of this world and has become His child. Hallelujah!!



3. This is one of most refreshing books I have read in long time on the Christion faith. The author gives you a snapshot of how the faith is to be lived out, which he draws from His own experince of growing in the Christian faith. He keeps you wanting to read until the very end.
   Brian writes a book from his heart while on this journey of faith that makes life pratical and real without any artificial religion.
   Brian's life and growth as a Christian is so remarkable that it will simulate you to challenge your own personal growth in the Christian walk.
   I know this book speaks to the those who are battling with drugs and alcohol, but it is also great reading for those who call themselves Christians; it allows them to see the simplicity of how life is to be lived. This book reveals the great depth of an individual, who lets go and lets God take over His heart with sincerity and genuineness.



4. Hmmmmmm.....
   
   This was a very weird book for me to read through.
   
   I'm a hugh Korn fan and not a Christian.
   
   The Pros:
   
   This is the first book by a member of Korn which (I hope) tells the story, albeit very briefly, as it was. The best thing about this book is that at least for the first part Head didn't try to use someone else' voice to narrate the story. And it's also nice to know some of the things that went on without the fans knowing them.
   
   The Cons: SPOILER'S ALERT
   
   First, this book is too short for me. His life should not be summed up in 218 pages.
   
   Second, although I'm not a Christian, I don't mind reading about it and having Head talking about all the things and miracles that transformed him. Those are things that make him like this and I fully respect him and the things he decided to do in life, especially the good things he's trying to do to the world.
   
   
   BUT my mood changed at the LAST page before the epilogue (which I didn't read although it's like 3 pages long). On page 218, he used the words "TRUST ME", and went on to say that Jesus Christ is the way. I HAVE NO DISREPECT TOWARDS ANY RELIGION WHATSOEVER. But by doing so well telling interesting story for 217 pages, why would he want to spoil it for the non-Christians by saying 'trust me, Jesus Christ is the only way to happiness'. Well, I'm not a Chirst's follower but I am a very happy man. It's a bit disrespectful to me that he would use the book to try to convert some of the people to become what he became (which is not a bad thing). But I'm a type of person who believes that one should not be forced into anything. Head said it himself that he hated being forced into Christ at first and felt really uncomfortable if someone push him too hard. Well, he's done the same thing he hated to his fans, at least some of them would feel the same way I'm sure.
   
   Head is a great musician and I love him. He shouldn't try to change his fans if they're already happy with life. He just have to accept the fact that not everyone went through what he went through and believe what he believes. I happened to think that if he lived in a different part of the world he would've become a convert to another religion to that culture.
   
   Some other musicians who failed in life and were addicted to a lot of things didn't have to become like him to be clean and good again. Head is very vulnerable and needed something to guide him towards the light. That's all, that's very understandable but please, don't force me.
   
   All religions are good, Head proved that by doing great things to the world. But don't force people into it. Let them find the goodness in whatever they believe in by themselves. BELIEVEING yourselfe IS the only way, TRUST ME.
   
   ***And I agreed with a lot of reviews that he used the word God too much
   
   It's still a good book and Korn fans shouldn't miss it.
   
   One question though, I just looked through his website and found all the things involving MONEY which he said Christ forced him off it. Well, he should be doing it for free or little money then, right? At least charge me something less than 29.99 dollars to become a fan club! That's a bit off for me.



5. I have bought this book for many people and they have all enjoyed it. They don't all necessarily agree, of course, but they are nevertheless blown away by the simple, honest style.
   
   If you are a Christian by this for someone, anyone, everyone!