5 comments about Thanks!: How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier.

1. I bought this book after reading the glowing reviews here on Amazon, and listening to several recorded interviews with Dr. Emmons.
   
   The book is disorganized, choppy, and preachy, in my opinion. It reads like a semester's worth of lectures to undergraduates, slightly massaged to be a book. Very, very disappointing.
   
   Especially, it does not live up to the subtitle: "How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier"--it offers very little in the way of exercises or practices that one can use.
   
   Don't get me wrong; it's worthwhile borrowing this book from the library and reading it, once you get past the choppiness. But it's not worth spending any money on it.



2. I have been reading up on the topic of gratitude since reading a newspaper account of Professor Emmon's research on the topic. I have now studied this recent book on the topic and taken extensive notes. While the issue has always struck me as very important, I didn't realise the empirical support for the topic. Work conducted by Professor Emmons and his colleagues has provided important evidence of how even simple interventions such as keeping a daily gratitude diary can have a significant impact on students as well as clinical populations. I would thoroughly recommend this book as it provides a comprehensive overview of the gratitude literature, as well as tips on how to bring more gratitude practices into your daily life. Unusually, it is not just a self-help book but a scientific guide, written by a genuine expert in the field, unlike so many books in this genre. I look forward to developing and extending my own work in this area. There can be few better introductions than this book.
   Dr Jerome Carson, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, London, England.



3. Thanks is a great primer in gratitude for those working in the coaching field. It gives a good mix of research, world experience, and individual stories. To that mix is added proven tools and techniques to enhance gratitude as a way of creating a happier life.



4. I bought 60 copies of this book to give as part of an "Adult Goody Bag" to my guests at a party I gave. Needless to say I think this book has lots to offer all the successful, anxious friends I have. And clearly many of them are heeding the books advice as they're sending me Thank You notes. A wise and true book.



5. The social sciences have investigated positive attributes, and research on gratitude is emphasized in Emmons' book. He clearly states his purpose: "This book showcases the new science of gratitude. Woven into the narrative is a discussion of how the great religious leaders, philosophers, theologians, and writers have written about gratitude in different cultures and historical periods. To encourage the reader to begin the journey of gratitude practice, I include a discussion of practical techniques that will increase readers' gratitude and happiness. I intend this book to provoke intellectual interest as well as self-examination..."
   
   Emmons clearly identifies difficulties in examining gratitude from a scientific perspective. First, it defies easy classification. Gratitude is an attitude, but also a mood, an emotion, a personality trait, a motive, a moral virtue, a resource for coping and a way of life. Acknowledging the complexity of the concept, he identifies two fundamental components of gratitude: acknowledging goodness in one's life, and recognizing that the source of this goodness is at least partially outside the self. Emmons also acknowledges that, "The tools of science seem to come up short when we try to understand people living lives of gratefulness in extraordinarily difficult situations." Subsequently, his book is a narrative, a narrative that interweaves classical and popular writings with brief descriptions of research from the social sciences. Excerpts from "gratitude journals," written by research subjects, illustrate key concepts.
   
   Emmons is true to his stated purpose. Thanks! is not a review of the literature on research from the social sciences. It is a book of insights, some from research, some from personal experiences, and some from ancient or popular writers. I found myself nodding in recognition or using his insights to re-frame situations in my own life. My own journey of gratitude motivated me to read this book. I enjoyed it. Reading Thanks! generated a list of books by other authors that I will pursue.

5 comments about How to Succeed in the Game of Life: 34 Interviews with the World's Greatest Coaches.

1. Having read only excerpts, I was shocked to read that Tony Dungy was hired as head coach by the Indianapolis Colts in 2002 by owner Robert Irsay. Irsay had been dead for five years (longer than that mentally). Hopefully the rest of the book does not contain such shoddy information.



2. After buying a copy of this book for both myself and my father I was thoroughly impressed. The book was both an easy read yet very informative. I gave a copy of the book to my father, who is not one to read a book, and he was so taken back by how interesting he felt the content was. He picked up the book in the morning and had it finished by mid afternoon. He must have called me 15 times to tell me how inspiring he felt it was and how he was amazed at "all the tricks it taught an old dog"...He thought he had heard all there was to hear about inspirational quotes. We were both pleasantly surprised with how well written the book was. Both my dad and I would highly recommend this book with two thumbs up.



3. Game of Life is an insightful book on the thoughts of many of the world's best known coaches. It provides a biography on each of the 34 coaches (which I recommend reading first to gain a better appreciation of the field and achievements of each coach) and asks them a number of questions that can relate to both on the field and life in general. I have gathered a number of relavant quotes that I will use both personally and professionally. A highly recommended read for sporting buffs and managers.



4. A thoroughly enjoyable and motivating read. This is a remarkable collection of exclusive interviews with the best American sports coaches of the last 40 years. The author has packed a voluminous amount of wisdom, inspiration and facts into what amounts to a road map to a good life. "How to Succeed in the Game of Life" is a brilliant compilation of advice that offers inspiration at every turn.



5. This book went through various questions about succeeding in life and listed all the responses from each coach. It was interesting but somewhat repetitive in that many said basically the same thing. I enjoyed reading this book because it had a lot of good advice from a lot of successful coaches. The advice I remember most is to work harder than anyone else, never quit, always be honest, do your best, failure is opportunity for a comeback, and be passionate about what you do. All of them agreed that making a lot of money does not mean you are successful, but money can be a by-product of being successful. The last chapter included short summaries about each coach. My favorite chapter was the one of their favorite quotes.
   
   I recommend this book to anyone interested in philosophy, or who is looking for some advice or inspiration about success.
   
   Karen Arelttaz Zemek, author of "My Funny Dad, Harry"

5 comments about The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook.

1. I read the book. I saw a car accident. I can't go into further details because it is illegal to perform medical procedures without a degree in medicine. The boy didn't survive (he was brain dead immediately (happens when your head takes a cars bumper)) but his body did and was used to keep two other kids alive.



2. My worst case scenario, as a former SAR (Search And Rescue) team member, is recovering some poor jerk who had this book in his pack. Hmmm, now why didn't he survive? This book is entertaining, but I'd no more read it for survival information that I'd read the Enquirer for news. Has the author ever tried to punch anything underwater? Not very effective on sharks or anything else for that matter.It is downright dangerous for the person who feels this skimpy book gives him/her the knowledge to survive their way out of a paper bag let alone a real survival situation. The fact that it sells well is an abject lesson in the miracles of marketing and the desire of people to feel secure in their "knowledge" without actually doing anything. Being prepared takes effort! Laugh about, joke about it but don't depend on it, as it says on the back " CAUTION: This book will explode if scanned."



3. I purchased this for my 10 year old son to listen to in the car. He really liked it although he didn't understand some of the car and motercycle stunts. Now he thinks he knows what to do if he encounters an alligator or shark. Adults may not find it as fasinating.



4. `The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook' tackles some unavoidable questions everyone has asked themselves in some form. Joshua Piven and David Borgenicht have tackled these questions and came up with some clever answers - and logic behind it. They attempt to answer some of man worst fears head-on - while convincing this reader they know what they are writing about
   
   For instance, how to escape from Quicksand? How to wrestle an alligator - and live to tell about it? How to land airplane? How to take a punch?
   
   With simple prose and illustrations, Piven and Borgenicht have put some people's worst fears to task. In 5 chapters, their collection of survival skills will surely give you the knowledge you need to escape from sometimes bizarre situations.
   
   The book's writers make convincing suggestions and realistic reasons. This book performs no comedy, no jokes, or any hypothetical situations. It's true to its form.
   
   I recommend this book to anyone looking for quick survival tips and anyone who has pondered life's dire situations and wishes to walk away in one piece from them.
   
   The `Worst Case Scenario Survival Book' is invaluable!



5. Bought it for my teenage nephew and he loved it. You can learn practical tips to scenarios that would never happen. Of course we hear that these type of things do happen but c'mon. What are the odds. That is the predicament that the book puts readers in. They are reading facts on how to get of predicaments that may happen but will very likely never will. I would put it in the humor category.

5 comments about The Inner Voice of Love: A Journey Through Anguish to Freedom.

1. This is probably one of the best, if not the best book I've read in a long time. Henri Nouwen's journey through anguish and depression--straight from the heart and every single chapter illuminating!! His words helped me to change the way I look at others, myself and God. I highly recommend this profound book!



2. I read one or two as meditations in the morning. They are so insightful you can feel the anguish.



3. As a product of a profoundly legalistic upbringing (20 years at a very condemnational fundamentalist Christian university in SC), with tremendous wounds that remained hidden and denied for 45 years, I was given this book by my godly and wise counselors during the most significant crisis of my life. To the legalists who read this review, I just want to offer that there is no other way to freedom in Christ than Truth. It is the Truth that will set you free. And if you find this book offensive, I can assure you, you are not free. Please set aside your preconceived notions about the "acceptable" ways God chooses to heal His children and RUN to get this life-changing, prayer-bathed, wisdom-filled and HEALING book. Although I ADORE The Bible and have experienced firsthand its power to heal, strengthen and bless throughout my lifetime, God personally used THIS book to speak to me at a time when nothing else could speak to my specific pain. (Yes, He does use unexpected people, events and means to get through to His hurting kids ... just read the book of Judges if you don't believe me.)
   
   The five-star rating that I give this book would go on into infinity if it were an option. For all you sufferers out there, if you choose one "secular" book to get you through the valleys and dungeons of life, let it be this one!



4. This is a collector's item and a must read for everyone who gives (and want to give) themselves the permission to open, and feel, and bleed "all over the place" (if you have to) - to really live. It invites you to God's place inside you.
   
   I love it.



5. This book helped me stay close to God during a very painful time in my life. May it do the same for you. God bless.

5 comments about Life Launch: A Passionate Guide to the Rest of Your Life.

1. I read this book for one of my MBA classes, thinking this would just be another book full of hosh-posh ideas and theories. However, once I picked up the book, I could not put it down. EVERYONE OUGHT TO READ THIS BOOK! It is both powerful and life-changing. Enjoy!



2. I received the book about the time I expected to and it was in very good condition. I would purchase here again.



3. This small and reader friendly book is a masterpiece for me. Of all the books that I have read this is one of a handful that has been life changing. The simple cycle it describes is basic but understanding it in the context of my own life history made it interesting. Learning the skills to navigate through the ongoing cycle of life and its multiple dimensions has been profound. Reading LifeLaunch will be interesting but following the exercises with sincere commitment can be transformative.



4. This is an excellent book for anyone who is about to begin their life of adulthood. It will open up your most inner thoughts and prepare you for different situations you may encounter in your life.



5. This was a great company to buy my books from. I give thumbs up to this company.

5 comments about Homecoming: Reclaiming and Championing Your Inner Child.

1. This book cange my life in a lot of fields. I have read of self help books, but this book really helped me to understand so much i my life, and why other behave the way the do. I give this bokk five stars, read and bekome a new person :-)



2. Homecoming: Reclaiming and Championing Your Inner Child
   
   I cannot think of another published work that deals effectively with healing the wounded inner child, like this book. Methodical and delibrate, Bradshaw explores territory unknown to our present conscious, but quite familiar to our subconscious. The earliest of memories, whether peripheral, non-descript "gut" feelings or vivid, clear, sensory-engaged recollections, can be stirred up with the meditations and mental exercises outlined by Bradshaw.
   
   Those that are considering purchasing this book, and are reading the reviews to help your decision process, probably already discussed this with a trained spiritual counselor to truly do the work necessary, to undo years of damage in early childhood that somehow manifested itself into inappropriate social behaviors (misplaced anger or rage, attention-seeking, sexualized friendships, marital infidelity, covert sex, pornography), defense mechanisms (disassociation, projection, passing blame or guilt) and addictions (chemical, sexual dependencies). Emotional wounds sustained at such an innocent age really cannot be healed properly until an emotionally healthy parent, particularly a fully-functioning, fit mother, can teach proper coping skills that later fully develop and become integrated into adulthood. Some of us have not been as fortunate to have a parent, much less two, that offered appropriate emotional guidance. Those that need innerchild work done, are those that were raised by damaged parents and damage is passed onto their children as abuse, whether sexual, emotional, physical, and/or spiritual. Proper intervention is required to recalibrate the wiring in emotionally unstable adults and get them up to their appropriate EQ.
   
   In doing the innerchild work, I caution those that try to accomplish this in solitude. The person in meditation may not know how to cope with the unearthed emotions (typically strong feelings of shame, guilt, and fear of unknown origin) unless a properly trained spiritual counselor provides enough guidance and tools to cope with the unpleasant, repressed feelings. It is also important to conduct the tasks in the order Bradshaw has outlined - Start at the infancy stage, do the meditation, and work on the emotions that surface, if at all. The best indication of how much damage was done to an individual is if the first task meditating at the infancy stage evokes a surge of unknown feelings. Then the work needed to get healthy requires the entire process suggested by Bradshaw. Skipping a chapter/exercise is not an option if the goal is to get emotionally fully integrated and healthy.
   
   In closing, this book is really a new beginning to properly train and socialize a wounded adult back into society, the workplace, family life. Essentially, the process is likened to that of an infant learning to crawl, stand, walk, and explore the world around them, with the loving and caring guidance that lacked in childhood. Bradshaw also includes a section on forgiving and releasing resentment and bitterness of the perpetrator(s) of the emotional damage. I've witnessed miracles of healing because of the innerchild methodology, in lock-step with spiritual rebirth. Many times, the latter is overlooked when in fact the two complement each other in the healing and deliverance of an addicted, depressed adult. The spiritual aspect is alluded to, but not expounded upon, by Bradshaw. However, this omission does not affect the overall success of the process. I still give the book Five Stars and would recommend this to anyone in need of deep healing.



3. This isn't a bad book - not at all! It's very helpful at helping one realize how events in childhood affect, no - form the person we are today. It has some very good exercises for getting in touch with one's inner child . .. I liked it, and found it useful. Worth the money and the time reading it -



4. Recommended by a trusted friend, the book has some valuable content; however, the author quoted a prayer he learned as a Catholic priest, only to follow it with his opinion that Mary was not a virgin. At that point, I closed the book and returned it to the library. To think I actually considered purchasing copies for my adult children...



5. Creating Love: The Next Great Stage of Growth
   
   My Spirit and soul awakened to Bradshaw's "Creating Love". How could I escape the truth when it was staring me in the face. He tells us how to demystify love and begin a new life in all of our relationships. He writes with such great respect, dignity and loving kindness.
   
   I will gratefully bless him for the next 40 years!!! Thank you, John Bradshaw; for the FREEDOM to find me, awaken me, take care of me, love me and show me how to create love with other's.

5 comments about Glimpses of Heaven: True Stories of Hope and Peace at the End of Life's Journey.

1. "Glimpses of Heaven" is a tender and inviting book that will be deeply encouraging to people of all ages and all walks of life. Broken up into 44 short stories--it gives readers an inside look into the final days of those who are dying.
   
   The stories are varied--everything from the dying experience of toddlers, to the last days of middle aged people, to the lingering deaths of the very old. One story tells about forty-seven year old Mark, a man dying of pancreatic cancer. Harris tells that in his very last moments "suddenly his eyes opened wide, and, sitting up in bed under his own strength with arms raised in the air and a big smile, he said, `There it is. I can see it. It's beautiful.' And lying back down he took his last breath and died." Another story tells us of Lenora, a fifty-four year old woman who is dying of a brain tumor and her encounter with an angel a few days before her death.
   
   The genuine faith of the author shines through "Glimpses of Heaven" from cover to cover and I was inspired, instructed, and even convicted by her childlike faith and unwavering love toward her fellow man. It's not just a book about what happens right before someone dies--it's also almost an instruction manual for those caring for the terminally ill. "Glimpses of Heaven" is touching, amusing, hopeful, and above all else comforting.



2. Glimpses of Heaven gave me insight into my own immortality and while reading I could not put the book down, I took this book everywhere I traveled. The stories are awe inspiring and waiting to be read by all.
   I recommend this book to people that have a curiosity for the ending of life and the beginning of death. This is a journey we all must face and Glimpses of Heaven made me feel comfortable. When my time comes I pray I have someone like Trudy Harris, RN to guide me to that place.



3. This is one of those rare books that you will savor for a lifetime. Each story brings you to the realization that God knows who you are, cares about where you are and wants to bring you safely Home.
   
   You MUST read this book if....
   
   ...You have a loved one who is dying.
   ...You, yourself, have a terminal illness.
   ...You have wondered what is happening in those final days when a loved one seems to bounce around between present reality and seemingly nonsensical statements or memories.
   ...You have wondered if God REALLY knows your name, your needs and your longings.
   ...You have doubted the existence of God.
   ...You want a book filled with first-person accounts of God's Mercy and love.
   
   Only 188 pages long, each story can stand on its own merits. You can read one at a time and ponder its meaning or you can read it through in a day. No matter how you read it.......just read it.



4. If you've ever had any contact with Hospice or Hospice nurses this is a wonderful book to read. They are a wonderful organization and the book clearly outlines their mission.



5. What a wonderful gift this compassionate and wize hospice nurse has given all of us in this moving account of the grace, hope and peace for all that is found being with,and listening to, the dying as they move through the luminous shimmering mystical space between this life and the next.
   Reading these stories will offer encouragement and support to anyone who has a loved one, friend of neighbor soon to die. And the message in all these stories is that being with the dying requires only presence, compasssion and listening with an open heart and that the experience will bring glimpses of heaven to your daily life forever after.

5 comments about The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (Unabridged Audio Program).

1. Covey's 7 excellent habits is given an accessible treatment in this comprehensive CD package - ideal for those who have less time to read and appreciate the spoken word.



2. For anyone who is into the pursuit of personal development, then this will be right up your alley. The only words of warning that come with it are ; "do not come looking here for a quick fix or a bandaid solution". Mr Covey speaks of concentrated effort based on important priciples which are covered in the audio and are by no means something for an overnight solution.
   If you have ever wanted to hear a lesson then there is gold in them there cd's



3. Good product, new as advertised,13 discs,and program is well organized and easy to listen to.



4. Never received the book on tape, sent questions to the seller twice. no feed back...with most items now you can at least track if they have been delivered, even without a return receipt. ALL I received after the second emial to sender was a form letter (AMAZON?) saying basically tough luck.... Not a happy buyer out $30+ bucks...



5. Many think this is a book for managers and the businessman. Wrong!
   
   If you truly want to spend the rest of your life as a happy, fulfilled person, buy this book. You know you are giving it its dues when you revisit the sections on the first three habits time and time again.
   
   As a forty plus something yearold, the first set of habits took me several months to digest.
   
   Covey is the finest philosopher of our time, and this is truly a tour de force.
   
   
   Dave

5 comments about The Artist's Way Workbook.

1. I bought this as a supplement to the book because I was leading a class on it. It turns out the workbook is only a big version of places for people to do their exercises each week that are already part of the book. Unless you really want to have a generic journal where you write out the exercises, I recommend sticking with the book and then finding your own journal or place to do the exercises, as usually not all of them appeal to every one each week. But if you're wanting everything to match, then go ahead and buy it. Not necessary or helpful for my group, but I guess it could be for you or yours.



2. You do not need any other book as a companion to this workbook. It stands alone as a great resource. I have read a bunch of self help books on finding your true life's path. After about the third or fourth book they all seem to say the same thing. Get in touch with your good and bad emotions and use those emotions to help steer a course. What I liked about this workbook is it minimizes the theory and talk and gets right to the point of you doing practical exercises to discover what you really want in life. I only completed about 2/3rd of the workbook. I have spoken to other people who have used this workbook with great results. I have purchased a 2nd copy to walk through the exercises again. If you feel lost and at a dead end in your life's pursuit I think this workbook would be a great place to start.



3. This workbook is exactly the same as the book, adding space for writing. There is nothing new in it at all. Save your money and buy a journal.



4. Writing a review for this book poses a bit of a dilemma. How do I write a review of this book that gives it the praise that it deserves without having it sound like typical internet marketing hype? Oh well, I guess it's a risk that I'll have to take.
   
   In this book, Julia gives the reader a complete system that includes daily and weekly readings and tasks that are designed to awaken, or re-awaken, the creative artistic voice that may have been hidden or ignored for years or decades because of the necessity to meet the challenges and difficulties of daily life. Well, guess what? Her system works! It not only works, it works extremely well! And, not only does it work extremely well, it's an inspiring, fun, and thoroughly rewarding process that can feel like a daily meeting with a favorite mentor or trusted friend who is a source of continual inspiration. Well, this is what it has come to feel like for me anyway.
   
   Based on my own experience, I would say that any frustrated artist, musician, or other creative type who engages the process of this book completely will not only NOT be disappointed, they'll awaken to something vital that may have been lost for a long time.
   There, that wasn't so bad after all.



5. Haven't had the chance to use it yet but it arrived promptly and in perfect condition. Looking forward to using it on my creative journey.

5 comments about Instant Self-Hypnosis: How to Hypnotize Yourself with Your Eyes Open.

1. I've been a "student" of self hypnosis for 10 years now so I was intrigued when I found this book title.
   
   Having read the book and tried out the techniques, I would have to say self hypnosis "eyes wide open" is great.
   
   The section that deals with creating your own sessions/suggestions is excellent.
   
   I now get into my "state" in less than 30 seconds and start doing powerful work.
   
   I still like to use these techniques, and combine reading other books/scripts while in my "state" with my eyes wide open - works great!
   
   This book is is a "must read" if you want to branch out and improve your self hypnosis skills.
   
   If your just starting out, I'd say give this book a try because self hypnosis with your eyes wide open is probably the best technique - so why not learn the best method first?



2. I am floored! I finally found a self help book that actually does "help". My only nit pick is that he could have axed the first three chapters and gone straight to the meat which was the self hypnosis. This is my first try and I have to say it works better then any meditation CD I have bought. And believe me, I own them all. So, bypass all of the others... this is the real deal. WOW!!!



3. i really learned alot from reading this book. this book has helped me feel better almost immediately after reading the scripts. i recommend this book for the person eager for immediate results and for the person who may be curious about pursuing self-hypnosis. Worth every penny.



4. I've used the script for Total Self Confidence from this book for the past week or two, on average about every other day, and see a complete difference in how I carry myself and how I interact with others. The idea is simple; letting your conscious mind relax and allow ideas to be entered into your subconscious. This is an amazing way to learn positive traits and flush out old, negative ways of thinking. It's not "messing with your mind", any more than working out at the gym "messes with your body". I must say, that if you do this, you have to be open-minded and believe it will work. Set all skepticism aside.
   
   I can't wait to try some of the other scripts! This is the best $10 I've ever spent.



5. I have found this book very interesting. I have recorded the scripts so that I can listen to them as I am lying in bed which is nice when I don't feel like reading it, but I do think it has been helpful reading it out loud as the method suggests. I feel like I get more out of it when I read it but I figure listening when I am too tired to read is better than nothing. I find that it has helped me have a better mind set and I am able to handle difficult instances better because I remember the suggestions in those times. The mind is very powerful and I have found this an easy way to tap into that power. I am still experimenting with the techniques in this book but I recommend this book because the author makes it so easy to do and I have felt that it has helped me. It is worth a try!