5 comments about Unstoppable: 45 Powerful Stories of Perseverance and Triumph from People Just Like You.

1. There are many touching stories of achievement over adversity and a number of helps and ideas for others who also wish to succeed. She shows that anyone who is willing to work hard and persevere can also succeed even people who come from poverty. Everyone should read this book.



2. Sure fire access to stories of brilliant minds of today and yesterday. There is no stopping anyone of us to become unstoppable but "ourselves". Fact that many of us are guilty of. I had an opportunity to meet Cynthia last spring in LA and she is truly walking her talk. What an inspiring lady she is. This book will give you step-by-step guide to go for the gusto!
   
   Jhet Torcelino van Ruyven
   Author, The Tale Of Juliet - You Have The Power to Change Your Life



3. This is a great book for various reasons and worth buying for each one.
   
   If you are an individual who doesn't feel completely motivated in certain or any aspects of your life, this book will show you, through real life people just like you, that you can change yourself and accomplish things you perhaps previously thought impossible. If you are the type of person who is already a self-motivator, each of the stories will only provide more support from which to draw. These really are amazing and inspirational stories; they are fascinating from both a "self-help" perspective as well as just plain enjoyable to read.
   
   Even though the book is 300+ pages long it is a fast read; each story takes just a few minutes to read. I found myself reading much more at one sitting than I typically would, primarily because I was so interested to hear what the next story was about!
   
   The only somewhat annoying part of the book (to me, many of you will likely agree with the author) came somewhere in the middle. The author states that part of being unstoppable is to "Acknowledge that God is with you and nothing can defeat you" and to "Believe that you receive power from your Creator....and your faith will deepen." I've always been somewhat annoyed, while respectful of what they are trying to accomplish, by the people who knock on my door trying to get me to go to their church. Everyone is completely entitled to their own beliefs, and I personally come from the "church" of Darwin. The section about faith and God was slightly irritating to me, like the people who knock on my door. Other than that small detail, a fantastic book.



4. This book is very inspiring and motivating. I was able to relate to the stories of the women entrepreneurs such as the one about Maria Elena Ibanez. She showed courage, persistance and wit as she conquered a male dominated industry.



5. Book arrived timely and in excellant condition. I would definitely purchase from this person any time.
   
   Janice

5 comments about Making Your Thoughts Work For You 4-CD Live Lecture.

1. Huge fan of Dr. Dyer. I was disappointed in this cd with Byron Katie, however. Scattered delivery and I hate to say it but it was pretty boring. I'll continue to buy Dr. Dyer's work.



2. I got taken in by Byron Katie's "work", used to think it was great. It seemed to "work" in the beginning. Over time I started finding holes in it. Bigger and bigger holes. Then I did some internet research and learned that people have been reporting big problems with Byron Katie and her method. I've come to agree that she's full of it.
   
   Under NO circumstances do I recommend taking a seminar with this woman. I urge you to do a search for "Byron Katie" and "cult" and evaluate the info that's been coming out about her.
   
   As an alternative source of self-help, I recommend "Authentic Happiness" by Martin Seligman. I've found it incredibly helpful and completely without harmful side-effects, unlike what I ended up experiencing with Byron Katie and her bogus "work".



3. Byron Katie can only be described as an incredible person. The lecture can only be described as amazing!



4. Dr Dyer's segment was great, but Byron Katie is hard to follow if you don't already know her work. This would be better if it included a copy of the handout that she refers to in her talk.



5. The combination of both these very insightful and encourging people can not help but inspire you to bring more peace and harmony into your life. The techniques suggested and actual live interviews include many facets of today's struggles that may be causing some harmful negative thoughts in our lives and this audio helped me uncover those thoughts and question them. The Work that Byron Katie provides with her 4 questions and turn arounds helps you to discover a peace within yourself by just using this simple method of asking yourself "is it true?". I can not express enough the difference this audio has made in my life.

5 comments about The Power of Infinite Love & Gratitude: An Evolutionary Journey to Awakening Your Spirit.

1. i trudged through the whole thing, waiting for the explanation of the Lifeline technique. as i got closer and closer to the end, i realized that it was not coming. the author gives anecdote after anecdote of how the Lifeline technique heals people, but he never explains how to do the technique. read Louise Hay instead.



2. Imagine, Believe and Be: The Blueprint for Creating Your Life
   The Power of Infinite Love and Gratitude is amazing........... I've been a Bodywork Therapist for 25 over years and I can honestly tell you that "The LifeLine Technique" is the most complete and profound healing technology I have ever witnessed. There is no limit to the healing power of Infinite Love and Gratitude. Any aspect of the mind, body or spirit can be healed and harmonized by utilizing this incredible technology. I highly recommend this book if your searching for health and balance in your life.



3. Weaving together the latest scientific discoveries in the field of energy medicine with ancient healing traditions and arts, Dr. Darren Weissman has created an exquisite reflection of his own passion for bringing peace and healing to the world -- one person at a time.
   
   This clearly written work is simple enough for any interested novice to understand and utilize, and in this simplicity, experienced healers will discover the powerful depth of it's potential.
   
   You will discover the individual elements which Dr. Weissman has masterfully and elegantly combined to create his unique healing modality, The LifeLine Technique. This technique utilizes the energy of Infinite Love and Gratitude to facilitate immediate energy shifts in your body and in your life, creating the opportunity for deep healing, expanded awareness, and greater life choices which allow one to see the unlimited possibility truly available to us all.
   
   As mentioned in earlier reviews, this book does not present the step-by-step process for executing this amazing technique. It does however present all of the underlying principles the technique utilizes, describing why they are used and what their connection is to uncovering the emotional blocks which prevent us from living our most passionate, joy filled life.
   
   Whether you are interested in connecting to yourself in a deeper way, or are already companioning others on their journey of awakening, discovering the LifeLine Technique and the simple and magnificent power of Infinite Love and Gratitude will enhance your life, and the life of this sacred planet and every being living here.
   
   Holly Perry
   Love Heals You
   St. Johns, Michigan



4. This is one of the best books I've read with regard to integrating the body, mind, heart and soul. Although I've been a student and pracititioner of body-mind-spirit wellness for over 30 years, this was my first exposure to Dr. Weissman's teachings or to the Lifeline Technique. I approached the book not expecting much that was new or out of the ordinary, but was very pleasantly surprised and engaged after reading just the first chapter.
   
   At last, here is someone else who understands in a very profound way the necessary importance of recognizing, releasing and integrating the emotional storehouse of the subconscious mind in order to manifest a happier, more fulfilled life. The fact that most of this can be done on an energetic level without regressive-type therapy is both cutting edge and exciting.
   
   I began using the sign language of love and repeating the idea of infinite love and gratitude immediately and noticed subtle, yet profound changes in my perspective within 48 hours. This was without actually knowing how to do the Lifeline Technique he discusses in his book. The thing I've learned about energy healing over the years is that it IS very subtle, and many times we tend to attribute our healing changes to other, more easily definable sources than the shift in the field of energy that surrounds us at every moment.
   
   I believe this book is the healing wave of the future. It's all about gratitude and appreciation for all of our experiences, and being willing to feel what we feel. That is the next step in the evolution of global consciousness, a step many are beginning to take right now.
   
   Moonstone Star White is the author of High Way from Hell: Using Emotion to Fan the Fire of Enlightment.



5. If you haven't read anything about mental healing this book might seem interesting... if you have already read about it..this books adds little to your knowledge on the subject.
   The whole book is about how good the Lifeline technique is but it never teaches you how to use it. It's all about advertising the technique..read "You the healer" by Jose Silva instead (or look for a certified lifeline technique practitioner).

5 comments about The Making of a Leader.

1. For 10 years I've used The Making of A Leader in my work developing leaders. First, the book has been instrumental in my own personal and leadership development. Second, I use the content in workshops and classes all over the world. The principles hold up well in a variety of cultural contexts. And never before have these principles and practices been more relevant than today!
   
   In The Making of Leader, Dr. J. Robert Clinton documents his research of hundreds of leaders. Clinton discovered a generalized time-line consisting of six phases that represent the general flow of a leader's life. Development phases represent major segments of a leader's development. The six phases are:
   
   1. Sovereign Foundations
   2. Inner-life Growth
   3. Ministry Maturing
   4. Life Maturing
   5. Convergence
   6. Afterglow
   
   Identifying phases gives a leader capacity to track progress in their development, and clarify insights and lessons. Armed with these patterns a leader has the ability to actually identify and develop leadership, character, vision, values, and relational skills. This is what separates Dr. Clinton's book from the rest of the leadership genre; he actually provides the tools to develop a leader, not just talk about what one is or does.
   
   Each chapter covers roughly one development phase. Inside each phase we learn that there are Process Items that are specific types of challenges leaders typically will face during each phase. By identifying Process Items, leaders are armed with the means to see beyond their immediate circumstances to what the underlaying developmental lesson might be. I've been using these Process Items for years in my own life and in coaching other leaders to grow. They are tremendously helpful!
   
   Just so you don't think this is just a how-to book, let me say that this book often invokes a deep spiritual response from leaders. It's as if leaders gain perspective on their circumstance and see patterns of development-or lack of development-with new eyes.
   
   This book is written, of course, from a Christian perspective and for Christian leaders. But the appeal of the book goes far beyond just this segment of the population. Dr. Clinton offers a useful grid for recognizing the lessons and patterns of leadership development.
   
   If you desire to be equipped with the tools to develop leaders, then this book is for you!



2. This book contains no surprises. The title tells at the outset that this is a book about the process of making a leader. The writer then goes on to set forth all of the various steps and stages that take place in bringing about this end. As such, the book could be divided into two major sections. First there is the process of making a leader that in which we are given a guided tour through the early, the middle and the final stages of that process. Only in the last two chapters do we focus upon the practical applications of this tour as we view a leadership philosophy and a set of three challenges to pursue as we move along that process.
   
   It seems to me that anyone who is already in a leadership position will be able to use this book primarily as a memento of where he has been, but I found myself wondering whether my reaction would have been any different ten or fifteen years earlier in my own journey. It is a bit like giving lessons for falling in love for the first time; before having gone through the experience you have nothing to relate the lessons to and after you have gone through the experience you have no real need for the lessons.
   
   The central task of leadership is influencing God's people towards God's purposes (203), but this must begin with the leader himself seeing what those purposes are in his own life. A continuing theme in this book is that one ministers out of what one is and that ministry flows out of being. This means that my first great business on earth is the sanctification of my own soul and that a lifestyle of obedience to the Lord will only be taught as it is first caught. The application of this theme is that I as a leader need to focus upon my own spiritual life rather than focusing upon processes or techniques of leadership.
   
   "In a crisis, we are what we really are. How we react in a crisis is often more important than solving our crisis" (Page 173).



3. This is a very helpful and insightful book. I would highly recommend it.



4. I had to read this book for a seminary class and found that the book has very little to do with Biblical leadership. In this book, leadership is not about humble service, but being the guy up front. I really believe that this book will discourage those that want to serve the church because it will convince them that they have to be CEO material to lead the church.
   
   This book is all about the author's system and contains very little scripture. There is plenty of scripture on leadership which this book completely overlooks.



5. I read tons of books on leadership. Most say do this, or that - they really are more people management books. Not this book. It had a huge impact on my life - so much so that I require young pastors I mentor to read it and do the exercises. If you want to see your life as a whole - and then organize around who you are - this is the most significant book on leadership you can read. It's an incredible gift. It requires reflection and honest evaluation though - no easy 1,2,3, steps- no cookie cutter here.

5 comments about The Art of Exceptional Living.

1. I have read and listened to a number of programs of a similar variety over the years however this particular CD stands out for its enduring value. I originally picked this up about 9 years ago and the lessons have stayed with me.
   
   Yes, the material is common sense, yes, there is nothing new here however, there is something unique in the delivery that over time somehow triggers behavior and thought in such a way as to enable a person to make decisions by employing some perspective towards their personal philosophy and the congruence of their thought and action, at least in my personal experience. In other words one should be more personally conscientious of ones behavior and exercise discretion with a view to cause and effect. While this is not an epiphany, the discipline itself is difficult to instill.
   
   One of the most significant habits that I picked up from the lesssons, is posing a relapsing question concerning my career, "Don't ask what you're getting here, ask what you are becoming." This simple admonition, has enabled me to break the spell of being stuck in a career rut and advancing towards professional fulfillment. The other habit that I picked up is the use of a journal, which it turns out is a typical accessory to be found with all seriously successful people. And while carrying a notebook or writing in it will not by itself make you succesful, the way in which Rohn demonstrates its use will encourage a similar use, and I can attest to the value from that. Primarily, it will enable one to uncover their personal philosophy through active introspection, and change as necessary/desired.
   
   Much of what is passed off as personal development is really emotional fast food. I attended a conference some months ago (client invitation) with a long list of motivational speakers, and I took many notes. The central theme in the end turned out to be that success was really a function of your self-esteem.
   
   As I looked around at the stadium filled with fired-up sales people, "entrepreneurs" and other motivational spectators/tourists and caught their reactions, it dawned on me that these were the neediest people I had ever seen. Not only did they expect to be entertained, they wanted someone else to motivate them and then, be told by the most obliging motivator that they were great because they came to get motivated! What is my point? If you are looking for motivation outside of yourself, there is an automatic admission that you by yourself don't have it to begin with, and if this is the case, you have already lost. The reviewers here providing low ratings for this product on the basis of the speakers voice and repetition remind me of the audience of the aforementioned event, insufficiently entertained, they fault the speaker without consideration for the content. Grow up.
   
   Back to the CD.
   
   There are common sense lessons here that are not part of an academic curriculum or on-the-job training. The information contained in the CD comprise wisdom that only accomplished people will fully understand by way of thier own experience. Jim Rohn being one such individual (not a motivational speaker by trade) imparts his lessons learned for an audience that is genuinely interested to put forth the hard work while suspending their skepticism. It is only by these two conditions 1) Sincere Diligence and 2) Faith in oneself, that one can transcend the limitations of their ignorance and advance in life. Discipline comes down to practice, and there are many practices contained in these lectures, the rest is up to you.



2. I loved the CD The Art of Exceptional Living, it's a really good teaching tool. If you like Jim Rohn, then you will benefit from listening to this CD.



3. No matter who you want to talk about in the self improvement/motivation game, Jack Canfield, Zig Zigler, Andy Andrews, Brian Tracy, Anthony Robbins, Dale Carnegie, Stephen Covey, you name it, the message is pretty much the same. That is, some derivative of the timeless lessons of Napoleon Hill. The only real difference to speak of is in the delivery. The better the speaker delivers his message, the more they connect with the listener, the more you will glean from the message.
   
   Jim Rohn is one of the best at delivering his message. I would rate him at the very top along with Andy Andrews, but I suppose everyone has certain things they relate well to. THE ART OF EXCEPTIONAL LIVING is one of my favorite CD's. I didn't realize until I starting writing this review that what I have is the 2-CD abridged version. There is also a 6-CD version.
   
   Reading is my thing. I try to read a couple of book per week, but you can't always do that. This is a fantastic CD set to listen to on your way to the office. It seems like every time I listen to this on my way in, I get more done that day.



4. Heard THE ART OF EXECPTIONAL LIVING, written and
   read by Jim Rohn.
   
   He is one of the nation's top motivational speakers . . . and
   though I've heard other books by him, I never get tired of
   his pragmatic approach . . . such as when he says, the
   key to life is not doing exceptional things at all . . . just do
   ordinary things exceptionally well.
   
   Rohn bases much of what he advises on his own
   personal experiences . . . this made it possible to relate
   to what he had to say, in that he has had his share
   of failures--most of which taught him along the way.
   
   Though some of the material may seem basic, I found
   myself nodding in agreement when I heard such valuable tidbits
   of information as the following:
   
   * Learn to work harder on your self than on your job.
   
   * If you wish to be successful, study success. If you wish to be
   happy, study success. If you wish to be wealthy, study wealth.
   
   * You may not be able to do all you find out, but make sure
   you find out all you can do.
   
   * It's not what happens that determines your future, it's what you
   do about it.
   
   * Everybody has to be good at either of two things: Planting in
   the spring or begging in the fall.
   
   And, lastly, I smiled at many of Rohn's definitions--such as this one:
   
   * Failure: A few errors in judgement, repeated every day.



5. Essentially this is a compilation of highlights from a life Jim Rohn presentation. I REALLY liked it, not because there was anything novel... but because he provides solid examples with entertaining stories to back them up. I don't listen to the radio anymore, but use products like these to pump positive information into my mind, body and soul. It is light yet has an amazing impact on your attitude! Plus, it is not overly lengthy and you don't feel obligated to write anything down. Repeated passive (and ACTIVE!) listening goes a long way to absorbing these priceless lessons!

5 comments about Intervention: How to Help Someone Who Doesn't Want Help.

1. Outstanding. A huge help. A must read for anyone with an alcoholic in the family.



2. Thsi was helpful to read to understand brain disease and Chemical dependency and then great for understanding the best way to stage an intervention for a loved one who won't help themselves.



3. Read this book really quickly prior to a family intervention. Easy read, gives the reader a basic understanding of chemical dependency and how to intervene.



4. I was looking for a book that would help with a family intervention for health issues. I found this book some what helpful; it did outline the mechanics of the process in the second half of the book. The first half was primarily about the psychology of a substance abuser.



5. A must read for anyone who has someone in their life that has the disease of addiction. There is not a lot that can be done to stop someone on their destructive path but a well run and meaningful intervention can be very powerful. It can help them on the path to see reality and take the first step to recovery.

5 comments about The Success System That Never Fails.

1. I seen W. Clement Stone referenced in other motivational books by Zig Ziglar, Earl Nightingale etc, but had never read any of his writings. I have found The Success System That Never Fails to be inspirational and very enjoyable reading. Mr. Stone wrote in a very conversational manner and consistently urges readers to put the ideas gleaned from his writings into action and do it now. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in trying to get the most out of life.



2. When I was about 14 years old my dad a self made successful real estate broker in Inkster Michigan insisted I read this book. This book has been etched in my mind ever since. 43 years later, I've found an original copy of this book to give to my dad as a gift. That's how important this book is. If you do a you tube video search you can hear Stone in his own words give you the first 8 segments of the book. After hearing him, I know you'll want to buy this book. I like this book because 1) he gives you practical, useful stories of how he developed a success system which never failed for him in business. He gives concrete ideas on what to say and do to develop a success system. The most important thing you will take from this book is a perspective and behaviorally specific tips on how to become successful. What this book shows you is the key to your own wealth: you will learn that you need to track all of your activities, behaviors and goals and do a critical analysis, and apply that which works in every step of your processes. What you will discover combined with the principles he's sharing, is your own success system which never fails. Sometimes we forget when involved in our daily activities is the necessity to look at what works and discard what doesn't. We need to fine tune our approach to tasks and develop systems which can be duplicated over and over again. If you're one of those type of people who yearn to understand how "self help" works and how it can be applied in "your" life then this book is for you. There is no fluff; at the time Stone wrote this book I think people were less enamored with manipulation and more focused on helping people.



3. It's a good book, but I mainly wanted the audio-book that came with it. It is a very poor recording, with the narrator seeming as if he thinks he is on a stage and feels the need to project. I felt as if I was being yelled at and was unable to listen to the recording for more than a few minutes.



4. I highly recommend the AUDIO MP3 version of Success System That Never Fails The Success System That Never Fails



5. The Success System That Never Fails is the golden key to a glittering future and I wanted it in my collection.

5 comments about The Law of Success: Using the Power of Spirit to Create Health, Prosperity, and Happiness.

1. Paramhansa Yogananda shares the spiritual truth of success in the every day world.
   
   The Laws of Success apply to whatever aspect of our lives we want to focus on,Wealth,Health,Happiness..the principles are the same.
   
   A must read.



2. LOCAL COLOR IN IT. Over 50 years ago the Hindu swami held talks and exhortations in sunny California, where vegetarianism is largely easier than near the North Pole among Eskimos and whales, to be sure. This is to say all his points or guidelines do not suit anybody - far from it. They are not perfectly universal, that is.

   OTHER TIMES, OTHER CUSTOMS. Further, he adjusted to the minds of those who came to see and hear him; not a few of them were middle-class American ladies from back then. Times have changed, that's what I seek to tell ye.

   FAILED YOGANANDA PROJECTS. A rather revealing sidelight to me was the online information that some project Yogananda went heavily into and headed, failed, even though he spoke very friendly that his will was "indomitable" in other places. Included among his marred projects were a children's school or something similar where his headquarters is now, and a publishing scheme he invited to in his magazine.

   COMPARE LIFE AND TEACHINGS. And this is to say: a little comparison between what the guru said and what the guru failed in, may be beneficial too, not to all, but it should be to many.

   LOCAL APPLICATIONS LOST. Inspirational talks that don't take into account differing conditions and hard times, and hence do not fit in LOCALLY, may not be of any help to those of harsh conditions.

   ADDITIONAL MENTION. Besides, a brief booklet-book of this size does not include many of the hundreds and thousands of success principles you may find in "Better Management" books nowadays.




3. I got this little book as a gift from a former student. I treasure this book.It resonates with the wisdom of a Master Soul. I have given a copy to each of my daughters because I think Yogananda sums up what we should seek in this life.
   If you are searching for your life purpose start with this little book. Read it regularly. Let its wisdom sink deep into your consciousness. You will become a better person if you thoughfully read it.



4. "The Law of Success" was written by a man who has realized God. Thus this book is filled with infinite wisdom and Truth. If one is to follow the author's advice with reverence and devotion, one will progress far in life. If one is to apply business practices by following the instructions in this book, his/her business will be a success. In short, this book is the stratosphere of all the self-help books in the market.



5. A common man doesn't have the faintest idea of his potential. Mainly because we don't know who we are. That infinite knowledge, potential and wisdom lies right within us. Is what Sir. Yogananda is trying to tell us. He is showing us the way to unleash this power. Einstein did, Gandhi did, Martin Luther King did, Newton did and so did many others. The Apple used to fall from the tree even before Newton said it. Where did they pull it all out of? From within their deep inner self. So can you. There is much more to achieving success than the zillions of management books lying in every trash. So here it is just a pointer from a realized master. A fantastic book. Doesnt have to be a 5000 page book. Enjoy....

5 comments about Rational Recovery: The New Cure for Substance Addiction.

1. If RR is so great, then why does he invest so much into putting down AA? As my old karate teacher Johny Rochette used to say, "don't badmouth other styles," (other martial arts), and "you do not need to brag about how good you smell, you let the perfume carry the message." In our state, the ACLU has banned/barred the courts from ordering to AA meetings. Mr. Trimpey's message is mute, and he should stick with what he is good at, RET/CBT, and leave other recovery programs alone. And maybe he should try a dose of his own medicine? Their is a thinking error called "victim stance," and he had a treatment center closed down by the state, a few decades ago, due to poor management, and he is still sore about it? He seems to still have his own "BEAST" voice in his head?



2. This book is worth it's weight in gold! A welcome alternative to the AA/disease mentality. The author believes that abstinence is possible without groups and 12 steps. He also lets you "off the hook" from spending a lifetime recovering...once you are able to maintain sobriety, you have recovered. This method lets you move on with your life! For my family it has worked wonders! TRY IT



3. I'll make it simple:
   I was sick for a long time.
   I bought the book, and read it.
   I'm not sick anymore, and my life is since better.
   
   I might add: This book is for people who AA just doesn't work for (in other words, MOST rational people.)



4. If you are one of the almost 5 percent of alcoholics who can be saved by AA, you do not need to read Jack Trimpey's Rational Recovery. It is not for you. Rational Recovery (RR) or "generic recovery" is a way of quitting drinking or drugging that has been around as long as alcohol, and drugs--you just make the rational decision to quit for good and star behaving like it. It works for 65 percent of all people who give it a try. Over half of all who learn RR recover. Of course, making this rational decision is never simple, especially if we then have to act rationally, and that is what the book is about. First you have to recognize the part of yourself that loves to use. If you have trouble hearing this addictive voice, Jack tells us to say out loud "I quit, forever." If we have a drinking problem, we will immediately start an argument with the part that wants to continue to drink or drug. Jack shows us how to win this argument, again and again. The bottom line is that the part of our brain that wants to drink or drug has no access to our fingers or mouth, unless is hijacks the rest of our brain, reason, and self-control.
   
   Being a licensed counselor, I know a little how Jack must feel suggesting an alternative approach to AA. AA people do not like RR people. As I write this review. I prepare to be burnt at stake, suggesting Jack is in his right mind questioning why none of the 12 steps mention anything about quitting, dismissing the belief one is powerless, or urging those who wish to recover to never admit they are "alcoholics" or "addicts." He challenges us to forget about "one day at a time" or "never say never" and embrace "I will never drink or drug again." Jack Trimpey goes on to show that Rational Recovery is a cure for chemical dependency by changing what we think and do. No meetings, no bottoming out, no moral inventories, no higher power, just quitting straight up. He shows us how to shatter illusions and thinking errors and act rationally sober. I have people raging at me for suggesting RR and patients complain about the copy I leave out in my waiting room. But it is not a matter of AA versus RR, but a matter of getting sober. This rational approach can sober up many of those who cannot benefit from AA. With over 80 million Americans drinking or drugging today, rationally it is a matter of AA or RR, please. Now. Rational Recovery saves lives. Read it and recommend it.



5. A good book for people committed to the premise. Definitely requires commitment and the right mind set.

5 comments about Inside Mrs. B.'s Classroom : Courage, Hope, and Learning on Chicago's South Side.

1. Baldacci was a journalist for the Chicago Sun-Times and served on their editorial board. Among other things, she wrote about the shortcomings of the Chicago Public School system. Then she decided to put her money where her mouth was (quite literally, she took a two-thirds pay cut), signed on for an alternative teacher certification program, and began teaching in an inner-city grade school.
   
   I admit I was skeptical at first. After all, here was someone who'd been telling the schools what to do from her journalist's ivory tower, probably thought she knew it all, and could cut and run back to her well-paying career if teaching went sour. Well, she didn't. She's still teaching.
   
   All those folks who think teachers should be paid according to how test scores improve, who blame the teachers because kids can't read or are uncontrollable, need to read this book. It's been said before, but it needs to be heard.
   
   You try it. Take a class of 36 kids, some of whom are homeless, or live in a home with crack addicts, who don't get enough to eat (except at school). Don't have supplies except what you buy yourself. Have the room be too hot in summer and too cold in winter. Do this in a school where the administration doesn't care about whether kids learn as long as they're quiet. Be downgraded for initiative. Teach to the test. Spend your free time and weekends grading and making lesson plans. Never get what you need until it's too late. Don't forget to learn all the different gang signals, and be sure to duck when there's shooting outside the classroom window. Get paid $24,000. Then talk about it.
   
   It amazes me anyone is still teaching. But then there are folks like Baldacci, and the teacher named Donna who asked her why she took a two-thirds pay cut.
   
   "Because a voice called and I answered," I told her. It was the first time I'd admitted that out loud to anyone outside my family and a few close friends. Although I did not know her well, I felt she would understand. She jerked her head and looked at me in surprise. Then a smile spread across her face.
   
   "My sister," she greeted me, as if meeting me for the first time. "



2. With most things I order from Amazon I get them fast enough. The order was slightly slow then average and when I receieved the book there was junk inside of it that made the pages stick together. Overall had I known the condition of the book I recieved I would have spent the extra few dollars to get it new and faster delivery time.



3. I was looking for books which could help me decide if becoming a teacher was the right path. After reading the challenges that Mrs. B' went through I decided that it will be the right path to take.
   
   More than courage, hope and learning it's to have the guts to make a difference with a teaching career. It's to have the confidence that you can make a difference in a community, a child, a parent but also in you.
   
   Great and easy book to read!!!!



4. A delightful yet compelling book about the Chicago school reform efforts. Mrs. Baldacci has a such pleasant way getting her point across.
   
   Try to pick up this book....good read!



5. This book was not on my list to purchase, but for some reason I bought it anyways (bookstores are my downfall, you can never have too many books!). Anyways, if you're a teacher, if you know a teacher, if you've ever thought of becoming a teacher, you need to read this book. I know this has been said about 12 million times in the past, but teachers do not receive the respect they deserve. Through her matter of fact writing style, Leslie Baldacci gets the point across. She doesn't sugar coat it, she just gives the facts. Unless you are a teacher or your children attend inner city schools, you truly don't understand or are even aware of what goes on inside these schools. I have been in classrooms where the lighting only worked in half of the classroom, where toilets didn't work at all, where parents came to spank their children with a belt in the doorway of their classroom, and no one did a thing about it. I have heard teachers tell children that they can't read, that their writing is garbage, that they didn't want to look at their face. But through all of the horrendous things I have seen and heard, I am so very, very thankful to teachers like Leslie Baldacci, who truly do make a difference in the lives of these children.