2 comments about Lists to Live By: The Second Collection.

1. I rec'd this book yesterday as a birthday present from my friend! I love this book!! It puts me in a good mood and it has great tips to live buy!! I will be buying one for several people as christmas presents!



2. When I bought this book, I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed reading this book because it's full of lists which made semse to me and gave me a perspective on what is important to me. The lists are valuable with meaning. The book was also easy to read and understand. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading lists.

5 comments about In the Presence of Angels: A Return to Faith Through a Hawaiian Doorway.

1. I feel that Joyce Carter captures the essence of Hawaii, including the spirituality that I felt when I visited there. This book is a gentle journey through her awakening to the spiritual world around her. She introduces the reader to several fascinating guides to this world.
   
   All in all, a fine read and introduction to the spiritual life found in that tropical "paradise."



2. "In the Presence of Angels" is the story of Joyce Hau'oli Carter's journey of a faith rekindled. She relates how she opened her heart to participate in an amazing connection with people of the world, personal enlightenment, and the guidance of angels.
   
   Carter bathed herself in the music and language of Hawaii as she discovered the deeper meaning of Aloha, a spiritual awakening, wisdom, healing and peace. At a church sponsored luau during a visit to Maui she met and was attracted to Lei'ohu Ryder, a charismatic, musician, spiritual leader and teacher. Lei'ohu became Joyce's spiritual guide. Joyce shares from her heart as she tells of self examination and the resulting transition and transformation as she moved into a new beginning of her faith.
   
   Joyce has a gift for choosing word pictures that beautifully portray the glorious sunsets, the first glimmer of dawn, the mysterious dark peaks of the twin volcanoes of Maui. Her descriptions of the sacred and holy symbols of the Hawaiian ancient culture and tradition engage the reader as Joyce explains how she observers the proper protocol while she absorbs the essence of the Island's rich culture.
   
   I found myself engaged in Carter's writing, eagerly reading of each new level of understanding, as she took another step of faith through her chosen Hawaiian doorway. Superb writing, eloquent descriptions, that touch your heartstrings.
   
   This book is written for those who have searched and found their spiritual identity, for those who are searching after losing their way and are trying to find your way back to faith, and for those who do not know yet for what they search. Joyce's story offers a ray of hope to everyone.



3. You listened to your heart and the spirits to write about the steps of your journey. Connecting to the spirit world is difficult subject matter to approach because many people do not understand or accept it can be done. Knowing this and writing anyway is a sincere and genuine response.



4. In this easy-to-read narrative, you'll follow the author on an amazing journey of self discovery as she makes a connection with the wisdom of those who have gone before us. The detailed description reads like a travelog and makes the reader really want to visit Hawaii, too. As you are reading, the helpful glossary and pronunciation guide is a valuable resource.



5. Reading the book "In the Presence of Angels" by Joyce Hauoli Carter made me feel like I was there with her on the island. She described her emotional experiences and the physical beauty of Hawaii so well that I wish I had known where the heiau was when my husband and I visited Maui last spring. I would recommend this book to everyone who is looking for a book that will help them get in touch with their core. I am looking forward to Hauoli's next publication.

No comments about The Spiritual Home.

No comments about The Universal Principles and the Metamorphic Technique: The Keys to Healing and Enlightenment.

5 comments about The Sound of Paper.

1. This book came at a great time for me, hitting me where I live and reminding me why I so appreciate (and am grateful to) Julia Cameron. The short essays in this book make for easy inspirational reading whenever you need it -- you can pick it up and start almost anywhere, which is handy. But don't let the short length of the essays diminish the great things this book as a whole is capable of conveying to writers who are suffering creative blocks. There's also a great deal of wisdom here for professional writers who are feeling uprooted and/or unappreciated after months of bleeding on their pages. A must for writers who've been on the path a while and are thirsty for companionship and understanding.



2. Cameron is one of the most intimate informal writing mentors for people at any stage of artistic recovery and reclaiming. The Sound of Paper brings the journey to a level of essence - if your essence is to write then Cameron shares her experiences of the highs and lows. An addition to any tool kit in the creativity box of artistic living. Another great find is The Artist's Way Kit... jammed with ideas of how to date yourself, conceive, and give birth to your stories.



3. I'm more of a moderate fan than other reviewers here. As one reviewer points out, much of it is already in "The Artist's Way," though I liked how she described the basic tools (morning pages, artist's date, walks) much more concisely.
   
   The focus of the book is vague but taken together, many of the exercises are a hodge-podge of lifetime goal-setting, overcoming procrastination, self-analysis, and finding creative outlets.
   
   Some exercises, though, appear aimless - more like "busy work" - and their purpose remained unexplained throughout the book. For example, why am I making "a collage of the present moment?" Moment meaning this day? This hour? This 'place' in my life? What will I do with it? What will I do with it tomorrow or should I make another one then? Another example: listing 25 things that represent success and sophistication to you. Why? Am I to analyze this list, realize it, or revise it?
   
   This book is fine if you're seeking journaling material or ways to add a little fun in your life in general. But in that sense, it's just one of many (such as Charlotte Davis Kasl's "Finding Joy," or most anything by Sark) and doesn't really stand out.
   
   As for procrastination or goal-setting, I'd recommend a more focused book than this - perhaps one by Barbara Sher, Marsha Sinetar, Eric Maisel, Jeff Davidson, or even one of the books by Ron Rubin and Stuart Avery Gold.



4. First off, this is nothing new. If you've read any of Cameron's other books, you're not going to find much new here. How many more books does the author need to sell convincing us to "do morning pages?"
   
   As you read along thinking you might come across something worth your time, something helpful and encouraging for your writing process, the reader encounters laughable prose. For example, on page 223 : "As a young writer I wrote a novel that no one wanted to read. It sat, UNMOLESTED, on a living room table..." That line alone required more than just a doubletake. It was absolutely ridiculous and, and real, GOOD writers would have edited that out in spite of their inner screaming 12 year old editor of 1975 who felt it was "cool and original, man."
   
   Also included are comparisons appropriate for middle schoolers; phrases reminiscent of "pretty as a picture." On page 68 : "The season is as beautiful as a young girl turning into a woman." Rather than keep my attention on the subject at hand, I burst into laughter, recalling the terrible comparisons I once used as a young writer. But Cameron was not attempting humor here.
   
   Aside from the laughable prose, the name-dropping is obnoxious. As a reader of a book on creativity, I resent being sold-to. Because it's not just name-dropping, it is also unnecessary, irrelevent detail about the books her friends have written.
   
   I found this book at the library. If you're really curious and want to give it a try, I suggest you do the same.



5. Found this book at Goodwill. I believe everybody is really an artist in some particular way. I will say that she is right to notice her world, write her morning pages and take walks. This is the very essence of sparking creativity. But, I was worn to the nubs by her constant GREAT CREATOR and GOD viewpoints. Way overboard. Also, this book read like a textbook from AA. That gets rather OLD, too. There were some good points in this book, and she's not a bad writer - but OVERBOARD on the above mentioned points in my estimation.....

No comments about Becoming a Practical Mystic: Creating Purpose for Our Spiritual Future.

No comments about Freedom From All Belief: Series: Living Life Without Conflict, Talk 4 (Living Life Without Conflict-Talk 4) (Living Life Without Conflict-Talk 4).

1 comments about A Healing Legend: Wisdom from the Four Directions.

1. This book is a wonderful story of a kid named Kidd who is sick and tired of being bullied on the school yard. He is overwhelmed with bad feelings all the time towards the "What Ifs" in life and it causes him much concern and pain.
   
   One day while walking to his childhood fort he finds truth and meaning in the form of an ancient arrowhead that has mystical powers. Thes were summoned many years ago by an ancient anncestor who took the powers from the 4 directions and the arrowhead passes the knowledge of healing one from within on to Kidd.
   
   Kidd in return heals himself and befriends the schoolyard bully trying to turn him around and help him see the errors of his way. It works!! The bully and Kidd become great friends and in the end, everyone is happy and the "What Ifs" are a thing of the past.
   
   I absolutely loved this story and can completely relate to it through my own childhood. It is a feel good story that has lessons for young and old alike. It would be beneficial for students at a school level to read and study the message behind the healing powers within and I think anyone who reads it will agree that we have all suffered from the "What Ifs" but not only the wise and strong can overcome them, we all can.

5 comments about Reality Works: Let It Happen.

1. The title of this review is the first chapter of a reading adventure. An adventure that can inspire you to live with greater clarity and aliveness. I buy a lot of books. I read a bit here and a bit there in each book. I see another book that looks great...the cycle repeats itself. I'm looking for something. I want to read them all. I'm too busy. I picked up this book, began to read and didn't stop until I reached the end. I couldn't believe I read the whole book in one sitting, even though it has 52 delicious bite-size portions. I continue to use it as an oracle. It's filled with metaphors that reveal new meaning with each new attention. Reality Works doesn't give a prescription. It somehow serves as a catalyst to call forth the experience that I'm looking for in all books. Buy it and read it!



2. The title of this review is the first chapter of a reading adventure...an adventure that can inspire you to live with greater clarity and aliveness. I buy a lot of books. I read a bit here and a bit there in each book. I see another book that looks great...the cycle repeats itself. I'm looking for something. I want to read them all. I'm too busy. I picked up this book, began to read and didn't stop until I reached the end. I couldn't believe I read the whole book in one sitting, even though it has 52 delicious bite-size portions. I continue to use it as an oracle. It's filled with metaphors that reveal new meaning with each new attention. Reality Works doesn't give a prescription. It somehow serves as a catalyst to call forth the experience that I'm looking for in all books. I don't have time to write reviews and you probably don't have time to read them, so stop here. Buy Reality Works and read it. You'll love it.



3. This is a book for people who want clear, gem-like insights into the art of personal transformation. I enjoyed the concise writing style and the direct appeal to the reader's innate sense of wholeness.

   The author speaks to the psychological as well as the spiritual aspects of wholeness and the need to approach life with attention to the mulit-leveled nature of every individual. It is one of those books that you can open anywhere and find something that brings wisdom to your present situation.




4. I have to confess to being a bit of a self-help (books, tapes, systems, seminars, etc.) junkie. Over the years, this trait has (hopefully) given me some perspective on the genre and some ability to separate the same tired old cliches from the fresh and original. Reality Works falls soundly in the latter category. At a compact 119 pages, every page is packed with sharp insights expressed in a clear and concise manner. I would especially recommend this book to anyone in the middle of, or on the verge of a significant life transformation (e.g. changing careers, starting/ending a relationship, relocating...). Chandra Alexander is a strong advocate of listening to your inner voice and having the courage to follow it, especially at times when you may be tempted to remain in a comfortable rut rather than venture into uncharted regions. Of course, in an important sense every day is a kind of transformation, so the advice given here is always relevant. The title of one chapter is a good example of the book's wisdom -- "The space between the old way not working and the new way not yet found is where consciousness expands --stay in the gap!" (yes, all this is really the chapter title). In other words, don't be afraid of being in a place where you aren't certain of everything. Reality Works is filled with such gems. I've read it once and am already looking forward to going through it again.



5. I highly recommend this book for men and women wanting to get a better understanding of the "little voice" inside. I gave several copies as Christmas Presents this past year, and my friends loved it. Clear, concise and to the point.

5 comments about Beacon of Hope: A Guide to Internal Truth.

1. It tells the story of a alcoholic who becomes a psychologist and her spiritual journey. It is interesting to hear the story from both that of an alcoholic and a Addictionolgist. Her voice is very clear. The role of spirituality and recovery is the emphasis of the book. If your in recovery this book would be helpful. Like an extended story from "Came to Believe" .



2. A very practical, immediately usable guide to developing a life system that encourages personal growth and successful transitons.



3. Dr. Lawton does an excellent job in describing her journey from the addiction of alcohol to a balanced living of every day. She uses her experiences to formulate a directory of 'truths' anyone searching for self improvement can apply to their own situations. For the recovering alcoholic, it provides not only a direction; but, also explains the difficulties encountered along the way - always providing hope.



4. A very interesting and educational book. A "must" for everyone's library. This is an exceptional book by an exceptional author.



5. Beacon Of Hope: A Guide To Internal Truth by Marcia J. Lawton (Founder of the Alcohol and Drug Education/Rehabilitation Program, Virginia Commonwealth University, and herself in recovery for thirty years) was written specifically to show men and women of all ages and backgrounds just how they can successfully deal with the inevitable stresses and problems of life, uncover and surmount personal barriers to emotional growth and well-being, and enhance their life journey with meaning and with joy. A welcome and inspiring addition to anyone's personal improvement and/or self-help reading list, Beacon Of Hope is informed and informative reading.