5 comments about Failing Forward: Turning Mistakes into Stepping Stones for Success.

1. Condition of book was just as they said and it arrived within the time they said it would!!



2. The idea behind this book is very original and relevant. We all make mistakes and the exploration of how to learn from those and improve ourselves is a noble task. Maxwell begins well with insightful thoughts on what failure is and is not, how success is born out of failure and how to reframe our perception of our failures. Then the book quickly turns to largely extraneous stories and weak supporting points. The book drags on in this vein for some time. It is not until near the end that things pick back up again. The book ends on a strong note, with practical suggestions of how to "fail forward." This book is worth reading, though be prepared to do some skimming in the middle sections.



3. This was a great read and helps better understand the importance of taking every situation and turning it into a positive learning experience.



4. I got this book from my Uncle's recommendation.
   Loved it and couldn't put it down. He just inspires you more and more with great stories of people who kept failing and made great successes of themselves.
   Basically you have to fail to succeed.
   If you are a perfectionist this is the perfect book for you!!



5. John Maxwell does a great job again. John is letting you know you need to make mistakes in order to make progress...at least you better be.

5 comments about Secrets of Success: The Science and Spirit of Real Prosperity.

1. Easy reading and easy to follow her approach on changing your thoughts and emotions and thereby changing your life....the Law of Attraction. Very well done and also would recommend Living The Secret Everyday: My Secret Workbook because this book too has a different approach (workbook to reinforce) and you should read both.



2. When my brother recommended this book, I was skeptical about reading it as I've read many other books on the subject and felt I knew pretty much all there was to know on the subject. I visited Amazon and read the reviews and based on the reviews and my brothers insistence, I went ahead and purchased this book. Let me just say that this was the best purchase I've made in quite some time. This book is unlike any other book that I've read on the subject. Secrets of Success is life changing and discusses the law of attraction in a way that is easy to apply from the moment you start reading. I have recommended this book to everyone I love and care about and everyone has had the same kinds of aha moments that I experienced. This title is highly recommended.



3. love the book so far. it is very well written and there is a lot of useful information.



4. The author gives very specific, relevant ideas and information that is easily usable. Excellent!



5. I have read all her books and they are all 5 stars, but this is my favorite. This is so jam packed with good information I would love to listen to it over and over while walking or driving.

5 comments about Making Peace with the Things in Your Life: Why Your Papers, Books, Clothes, and Other Possessions Keep Overwhelming You and What to Do About It.

1. I really enjoyed reading this one. I actually have a better understanding of myself and my stuff after reading this book.



2. As others have written,I too have read many, many, MANY clutter, organizing, packrat books. I still have so many, they have contributed to the clutter. This was one of the good ones. My problem is not organizing my stuff-- I want to get rid of it. Most books give you detailed file organizing and specific instructions. I wanted to know WHY I couldn't let go of so many things. This may not be everyone's problem, but it was mine. Once I understood why, it actually helped to get rid of them - not organize them.



3. This is by far the most useful book on decluttering I've read. It gets right down into your heart and helps you sort out what you find there. It doesn't tell you what products to buy, but helps you understand what blips in your brain chemistry or psychology may be contributing to the clutter problem, and suggests specific strategies for dealing with the various reasons.



4. I did not read the book entirely. From my brief scanning the book seems to be very informative and instructional-- a good guide.



5. This book is the only book I've read that has had a permanent effect on decluttering for me. While it is a little tedious to get through, I discovered that upon finishing it, I was actually changing my habits. I had been in the midst of a house-wide declutter project, but it would certainly have crept back to the normal messy state of things if I hadn't changed my habits. It changed the little day to day ways I manage my things and changed my way of thinking. It was a little short on specific strategies, and was quite deficient on managing papers, reading materials and documents (was more focused on getting rid of/managing things), but I am still giving it 5 stars since it has had such a positive impact in my life.

5 comments about Journal to the Self: Twenty-Two Paths to Personal Growth - Open the Door to Self-Understanding by Writing, Reading, and Creating a Journal of Your Life.

1. some great techniques for journaling. I tried most of them and liked them. They did not have some profound impact on my life, but it gave journaling a little more dimension and made it intresting. If you do get this book remmeber that it has ALOT of fluff( useless info); flip through the pages, get the gist of the techniques and go for it. It took me about an hour to read this way. It very boring if u read every page



2. Journaling to the self is an amazing book. I'd recommend it to ANYONE who is a journaler or would like to start journaling. There were so many techniques I could barely contain my pen. If you want to spice up your writing, or want to dig deeper into yourself, or find a creative outlet for your life, read this book! It's amazing. My only complaint would be there there are so many techniques that I wanted to try that I will have to re-read this book, happily, over and over again to get to them all!



3. I received the copies of the book I ordered in good time - coming to Australia. They were in good condition so I am extremely happy.



4. As an on-again off-again journaler I have collected several books on the subject. A national magazine published my article on "Journaling Relationships". Now there falls into my hands Kathleen Adams' Journal to the Self that distills the best of the rest and introduces exciting new ways to use the personal journal. As they say on Broadway, "A Tour de Force". Bravo!



5. This book deserves more than 5 stars. It is hte only book that helps me to keep on writing. My problem was not to start a journal but to continue. Since I have read this book I have finished two and I began the third!!!!. Whenever I feel bored I scan the book quickly to refresh my ideas and write again.

5 comments about No Time to Say Goodbye: Surviving The Suicide Of A Loved One.

1. My counselor recommended this book as the best read for suicide surviviors. I'll take her word for it. Although it is not a hard read, it was a long read because I could only take so much at a time.



2. Easy reading - I like that with each person interviewed that it gave details like what they do and their age - made you feel a little closer to that person and what they are. Didn't like some of the "detail" if you catch my drift, it's hard enough getting the "detail" of my fathers death out of my head, let alone someone else's. Author even emailed me when I emailed her about support groups in my area. Made me feel cared about.



3. I read this book in two days, through many tears. I lost my beloved father to suicide just 5 months ago and have been struggling with the "what ifs" and "whys" and the massive guilt, grief, anger, bewilderment that all survivors carry around. This book is clearly written, no holds barred (descriptions of suicides are a bit jarring) and honest. I have been attending Survivors of Suicide support group and this book had been recommended to me by several other survivors. I would recommend it to all survivors as required reading.
   
   I took a highlighter and marked many passages for my husband to read. He ssid that it helped him to understand more about what I have been feeling and why.



4. This book is wonderfully written and will be a staple on my bookshelf for years to come. This book is perfectly paired with proven facts and touching stories of many other survivors and their own particular stories. It "normalizes" the choas of the situation, and provides ever-needed understanding of the survivors' special circumstances. The writer does a wonderful job weaving her own story with the decoding of technical terms revolving around suicide, and other the individual survivors' stories. I wore out a highlighter with all the information related to my own story, and it will provide me with short-term as well as long-term guidance as needed in the future.



5. This book was the very first book I read since my partner committing suicide. I found it to be so helpful in my process of grieving. What I am going through is normal for a suicide. I am not going crazy. It is written with love and compassion, I urge anyone who has lost someone to this awful illness to read it, it will help.

5 comments about Turning the Mind Into an Ally.

1. This is a beautiful book that presents the fundamentals of Buddhism and meditation for the beginner without the weight of ritual and history. It simply delves to the core meaning of the practice and communicates the many benefits to the reader in a refreshingly simple and thought-provoking way. Highly recommended.



2. Sayong Mipham has produced an easy to digest book involving the basic principles of meditation. At the risk of being overly simplistic, "Turning the Mind into an Ally" involves removing the clutter that crowds the mind. To employ Mipham's own metaphor, our minds often run wild like a horse which needs to be corraled and trained. Even through simple techniques that only involve breathing, one can focus the mind. Yet Mipand's instruction does not stop here as he takes the reader through further levels. I am hesistant to summarize the book further as Mipham states his case much better than I ever could for him.
   
   Although I am a Christian, I have long been interested in Buddhism and the principles of meditation. As Thomas Merton explored in his lifetime, Buddhism has more parallels with Christianity than one might think. In reality, this book is written for a wide audience and can appeal to divergent people including those with only the most basic knowledge of Buddhism.



3. This book was a pleasure to read. The message was awesome and the metaphorical teachings are a work of art! This author transcends Buddhism. He is not trying to sell Buddhism as a religion. He teaches the readers how to calm the mind chatter to reach a level of abiding peace and to become leaders, helping others to reach a stage of enlightenment. The goal of all of this is happiness and it deals with changing ones focus from self-centeredness and seeking bliss from external things to serving others and learning what is real and what truly brings lasting joy.
   
   The author uses a clever horse analogy throughout the book and brings it all together with an extraordinary and delightfully skilled culmination. I had to stop and take a deep breath and contemplate on how much thought went into weaving this teaching and metaphor summarizing the lesson with a beautiful mind picture in less than two paragraphs.
   
   I have read and reviewed many great books on Mindfulness meditation. This book takes that meditation to another level of Shamatha and Contemplative meditations for "Turning the Mind Into an Ally," discovering truth, appreciating life and becoming an example for others to emulate.
   
   It is by far worth much more than a 5-star review! Buy it now. You will be glad you did!



4. Some people go to a chiropractor for a spinal adjustment; I turn to this book time and again when I'm in need of a mental and emotional adjustment. And even aside from the meditation itself, when I'm stressing too much over things I can't control, or spending too much time thinking about what or who is frustrating me, the teachings in this book have given me the tools to put things in perspective, not as I might wish them to be but as they are and that is a GREAT thing! It would not be overstated to say this book has changed my life in the three years since I first read it.
   
   Multi-tasking with work, kids, home, etc., I began to notice my memory failing me more and more often. Though I probably don't meditate long enough or often enough, I am so uplifted afterward. When I meditate in the morning, my whole day is better for it. There is something about fucusing on the breath that makes it easier to focus on anything better. Whenever I find my thoughts wandering, I narrow things down to the breath and the thing I'm actually doing and everything else falls away. I've learned something about the discipline that's necessary to pay attention to the here and now and thus, my memory is improved because I'm now paying attention in the moment and everything has a better quality to it. It's really that simple.
   
   Like other reviewers, I go through my phases of reading this book before bed. It's soothing and calming and I feel more optimistic. the philosophy is so well laid out here and accessable and useful to anyone, even if you don't practice the meditation - but I hope you will... I am so grateful to have stumbled upon this one!



5. This is a great book, I've gone back to it many times. It is not the definitive text on Buddhism, and does not try to be. It is an easy to read, thought provoking and wonderful piece. Strongly recommended for those who are beginning their meditation practice, and who want to learn more about Buddhism through meditation.

5 comments about Beyond Anxiety and Phobia: A Step-by-Step Guide to Lifetime Recovery.

1. This book was very helpful. My psychologist recommended it to help with my counsleing treatment. The author breaks things down for you and makes you realize many things that you can do to live a better, healthier life. It has truly changed my life for the better! I would recommend this to anyone who has anxiety, phobias, even stress.



2. This sems like it could be a great help for someone suffering with anxiety, however it can also be very overwhelming. It is definately not a quick fix. This is more like a study guide, kinda like taking a class. If you need immediate help, I suggest seeing a professional as apposed to buying this book. If you have plenty of time on your hands and your anxiety os already under control, then this book can be helpful.



3. I never look to books to give me the ultimate answer. If I learn something from it and can apply it in some way to my life, and if it's writen well enough to keep me interested, it's worth it. This book was very good that way, at least for someone who likes philosopical/psychological stuff.
   
   I've been diagnosed with a general anxiety disorder, and had a bout of depression last year. A very good therapist recommended this to me. In fact, she said that I HAD TO buy it. I did, and learned a lot about various types and triggers for anxiety. The more I learn about it, the easier for me to deal with it. It became a familiar, known side of me, and when I can separate the rest of me from it and look at it, and study it, it becomes less and less relevant. Which is what we all want, right?
   
   And, it helped me understand other types of psychological issues. I don't suffer from all of those, thankfully, but it is sure interesting to learn how those work. Anyway, it's a good read. Enjoy!



4. Goes along with the workbook by the same author. It is easy to read and understand.



5. This book was a dream come true for me. I can't take medication for my anxiety and depression. This book helped me find alternatives that set me on the right path. Now I feel a sense of relief and like there is a light at the end of the tunnel. There is also a section on finding your life purpose. It's wonderful and really helped me set a plan into action so I can fill that empty space causing me so much anxiety. I would recommend this book to anyone who suffers with mild or moderate anxiety who needs reassurance and help.

5 comments about Three Magic Words.

1. I am almost finished reading this book and it is amazing! I am familiar with "The Secret" and other positive thinking books. But this book just takes everything to another level! The Meditations are on a CD by Kelly Howell. I actually purchased the CD before I knew anything about this book! I think it is best to have both! Yes, I can say I have noticed a difference in my life.
   Manifestation seems to be happening at a faster rate, sometimes that is a little freaky! Wow! The power of our own thoughts! Believe in your own creative genius!



2. I have been reading this book for over fifty years, I am reading it again this week! It is the Bible of my basic philosophy of life. Read it, study it, absorb it, meditate on its wisdom; IT Will Change Your Life, If You Are open and Willing!



3. U S Anderson book is one of the best I have read. I have read many of the modern mystics and in this field he is one of the pioneers. Although written in the 50's, the authors message is timeless. This is the classic spiritual self help book. Worth every cent and the meditations at the end of each chapter really help improve your thoughts.
   Highly recommended!!!



4. This book was written long before all the recent " Law of Attraction " books came out. The author was a visionary, remarkably far ahead of his time. He says it all in clear concise chapters that anyone can understand. I will read this book again and again.



5. Inspiring, motivating and exciting. This book is for everyone who wants to improve their life.

5 comments about First Year Sobriety: When All That Changes Is Everything.

1. My first year of recovery has been a real roller coaster of emotions. This book has helped me make sense of them. It made me feel not so alone. I'd highly recommend it, to anyone in their first year of sobriety.



2. I purchased this for a relayive who is just out of detox. She found this extremely interesting and helpful to guiding her through the trials and challenges she is currently facing. She feels it is a must read for everyone experiencing sobriety and family members too to understand the first year and first time sobriety.
   So I give it 5 stars and a review of excellence!



3. This is a very good beginning for someone who is in treatment and ready to get out. It presents an encouraging, practical viewpoint without overwhelming amounts of rhetoric.



4. I gave this book to my patient - he liked it, while usually it's difficult to engage him in reading



5. This book took a lot of entries from the AA's Big Book and the "Living sober" book. I was disappointed because I thought I would be reading new material. If you don't have any AA literature this is a great book for you.

5 comments about Ten Stupid Things Men Do to Mess Up Their Lives.

1. I have never really been into self-help books. After listening to Dr. Laura on the radio, this book was mentioned for guys just like me. There were a few places where I wasn't sure if she was being sarcastic or not, but that happens to me anyway. I was amazed to see how well she could see how guys really think, and to guide us in a perfect direction was brilliant! I only wish that I could have read this book 15 years ago. Maybe my life would have taken a different direction. I hope that more and more young people can read, understand, and apply the teachings that this book has to offer.



2. Dr. Laura. They love her or they hater her. Put her name aside! Think about the "basic dos and do nots" for creating a healthy relationship and looking for that special someone. This book lays it out very nicely. (I also recommend "Ten Stupid Things Women Do to Mess Up Their Lives".) I think this book might make a nice jumping off point for discussion with your teens as well.



3. I gave this book to my son, he is a senior in high school and 17. Alot of real life examples of what not to do as a man. Reinforces what we have been teaching him. I think a must read for boys his age.



4. I bought this book with the hope that it would help me see how my recently failed relationship came to be. Turned out to be the best thing to help me through what rates as my toughest life challenge - divorce. I made it a point to read every night before bed to help me concentrate on improving for the future, not the failure of the recent past and it worked great and is still helping. The best part is that it is not preachy in any way and she gets the point across by using the real life situations of her callers / letters. My ex should definately read this or the other one for women, that's for sure!



5. Whether you love her or hate her, you have to admit that Dr. Laura is provocative.
   
   I read this book 15 years or so ago as a young man in my 20's. Although I have forgotten most of it there is one question that she poses that I never forgot and will teach my son someday.
   
   The question is...., "Ask yourself when choosing a partner, is this the person I want teaching my children values." Hmmm....
   
   Well it saved me from marrying a fiance who cheated on me while we were engaged, and wasn't going to tell me until after the marriage.
   
   For that if nothing else this book is well worth it.
   
   Cheers!