Book Books

Excellent work by a mentor I hold in high esteem. The breathtaking photos and solid narrative bring the Holy Land to life in an amazing way, leaving the reader with a vivid impression of the land flowing with milk and honey.

Blessings come in various forms from a prayer answered to a subtle awareness. The book Reflections of God's Holy Land would be in the latter category. A glossy, pictorial essay suitable to display on the finest coffee table, I thought I would read it in a couple weeks, review it, and donate it to my church. Yet 5 months later, I still hold it in my hands, unwilling to pass it on.
You see, I didn't take the subtitle, A Personal Journey Through Israel, seriously. I assumed it was just another pretty travel book with lots of beautiful photos of Israel and directions how to get there. Was I wrong.
I started reading Reflections the same way I read any other book; a couple hrs set aside to entertain myself as a reward for other tasks accomplished. Yet after the first dozen pages, I realized this is not a book to be rushed in one sitting if you want to travel the journey with the authors.
The concept is simple. Quote a biblical reference. Match it with a photo. Show a two-page spread of historical and architectural details including what it looks like today. And finally, read the Eva's thoughts as she walks the path, touches the stones, and feels the same sun at the same place where it touched Jesus 2,000 years before. Her journey is spiritual. Her words are thought-provoking.
I realized then, the best way to view this book is to take each small journey and then rest and reflect. Jesus actually walked this earth, over there, in the Holy Land. And the Bible tells us what and where things happened. But to actually see these places, many of them unchanged over time, is to look at the Bible with `new eyes'. To experience a spiritual awakening to the truths and hardships of this holiest of lands. This is the blessing I received for this book.
My Rating: Excellent
Value for the money: Excellent

This is a truly wonderful book and those who commented on it were right, it does take you to Israel and Eveamarie's comments and reflections in each section do make the whole thing reality. I probably will never see what she saw in person but her writings paint lovely pictures and allow me to be in the land and experience that God created for the Israelites and the many events and places depicted in the Bible.

This book did not grab my attention at first. In fact, it sat on my coffee table for a couple of weeks before I took a serious look at it. My children took to it and started telling me about pictures. They could see real pictures of the stable in Bethlehem and Rachel's well.

When I finally did sit down to read, I felt as one of the authors said, "like I fell into the Bible." All of the readings are laid out in a format with a Scripture passage, "Did you Know?", and "Reflections". The "Did you Know" section is full of facts regarding the scripture passage. "Reflections" notes the author's feelings as she encountered the location in real life - very devotional in feeling. All covered in beautiful photographs of the actual region.

It is wonderful to see the spring where Gideon's men lapped water and were chosen, or not, for battle. Even to see what sheep grazing on a hillside really look like and what Jesus' eyes must have taken in as he gazed around. I highly recommend that you "fall into the Bible" with this book.

The book is just what I expected it would be. This purchase will help prepare me for my upcoming visit to Israel.

A picture book for ages 4-7, and perfect for adults of any age, the story of family visiting brims with positive energy, and is vividly descriptive of the sights and sounds the visitors brought. "The Relatives Came" provides material for discussion of family roles and expectations. I sent the book to my sister after our family had come through some intense time together.

I'm giving this book to lots of grandmothers!! All 7 arrived quickly and it was a great transaction.

This is one of my favorite books and also of my daughters. The illustrations are beautiful, and the heart warming story of family visits, appreciation and love just makes you feel good. I like this book so much that I will add more Cynthia Rylant books to our home library.

We're from a large family and the images and descriptions of the family reunion really touched home. I've given it to two different sets of nieces and nephews, and hope they'll have the same great stories to tell about our family that Cynthia Rylant relates.

I bought this book to use for a discussion about how authors can paint pictures with their words. My first graders loved this book and we were able to talk about our favorite parts in the book and all the children can relate because they have either gone to visit relatives or relatives have come to visit them. They loved the pictures and the story!

With pretense that would make P.T. Barnum blush, L. Ron Hubbard presents 22 famous names as sources of inspiration of this book. Its first few pages reveal only one debt of inspiration, to the late English Magician, self-proclaimed "Beast 666," Aleister Crowley.

In this text Hubbard denounces belief in God as a symptom of insanity, and presents Crowley's intriguing Cosmology as his own.

Imitating - but poorly - Crowley's "O.T.O.", he would, in a few years, initiate his own secret "O.T. levels," and use '8-8008' to entice the unsuspecting into believing his empty promises of creating a race of World-ruling 'Supermen'.

This is an advanced Scientology text; I don't recommend it for someone knew to the subject.

This book contains scales and data for use with other Scientology materials. While it is vital to advanced Scientology study, for the new Scientologist, I recommend "Scientology: The Fundamentals of Thought" or "Scientology: A New Slant on Life" first.

For anyone familiar with the subject of Scientology, this book is a must read!

This is not for someone that doesn't understand Scientology and propably wouldn't understand the theory behind this book either. But if you are looking for the answers to life and how you fit into things as such - not just assumptions and guess work - then this is the book for you.

It takes the dream like state of guessing and thinking that all those guys at the "top" or "authorities on the subject" should only know, to here it is - you have responsibility for what is put here and now and in how we live. You can either believe it's so or carry on in your dream states.

Really it is an eye opener for those who can clear up all the concepts and demonstrate for themselves how they apply to self!

What are the qualities and attributes and capabilities of the Human Spirit? What exactly is the Physical Universe? You were immensely powerful once, so what happened? How can you rise to greater heights of awareness and ability and once again become the YOU that you actually are? This book by L. Ron Hubbard embraces the essence of Scientology. You need this information.

Scientology 8-8008 was originally written by Hubbard in London in October 1952 as the textbook for an upcoming series of lectures which he delivered to students in Philadelphia in December of that year.

The title of this book, "Scientology 8-8008" is actually a formulaic/symbolic statement of the Goal of Scientology. Translated it means: "The attainment of Infinity by reducing the apparent infinity of the Physical Universe to "0" and then taking the apparent "0" value of one's own universe and increasing it to Infinity". (An "8" laid on its side is the symbol for infinity).

Scientology 8-8008 is the best book you will ever read on Spirituality and your Native Abilities. It really does contain the Truth that will set you Free.

I have read this book a number of times since the 1960s. It contains more distilled truth about life and the spiritual nature and capabilities of people than you will find anywhere. You read it carefully, cosidering each line, and WOA! it dawns on you that what Mr. Hubbard says is TRUE with a capital T. But you have to have the courage to really look at what he says and the smarts to really grock exactly what he did say. Everyone you meet treats you like a hunk of meat. Like people all in cars with no consideration there even is a driver. This book adresses the driver! YOU, not the meat. You will be well rewarded with knowledge of your true potential and how to achieve it if you read this book.

New Slant on Life will show you things that you can use today to better enjoy your life. I was especially impressed with the section "How to Live With Children" that helped me greatly in my relationship with my child. If you only ever read one Scientology book, I'd recommend this one.

When of the first books I read when first starting to study Scientology. I still refer to it and use it 18 years later. Some basic ideas that can change your life!

ENjoy!

There was a chapter that changed my life and my idea on effort. The Chapter "Anatomy of Failure" explained that a person's downfall comes from things not happening the way they want. This was true for me. My life was a long chain of failures and I was miserable from failing. So, the change came with the advice to intend for life to keep on happening the way life keeps on happening--and a healthier way of living to try to change things for the better BUT not to be broken hearted when failure occurs. Hello! I thought I always had to be gung-ho and do or die and I was just killing myself because not everything goes my way. So I was stupid. I guess this is a confession, not a review. However, each chapter is a different subject and an excellent insight into the scope of the Scientology religion. Don't be scar'd! Books don't bite.

For anyone interested in finding out what Scientology is all about, I recommend this book first. It isn't "about" Scientology - rather, it is a little piece of the kinds of things we learn in Scientology.

Composed of essays, it gives a look into how the mind works, what the relationship is between the mind, spirit, and body, a brief look at what our capabilities are as spiritual beings, and some applicable rules about life and livingness. You can study the material, apply it to your own life, and see how it works FOR YOU.

This is a great first book for anyone interested in the subject.

Out of all of L. Ron Hubbard's works, this is the most straight forward and interesting. This book makes it easy to understand Scientology and apply it to your life.

What a visual feast this is! The summer porches, the relaxed living rooms, the arched windows featuring an ocean view or framing the forest. I wanted to move right into one of these second homes now.
Although it makes an effort at helping you with decision making (what's your style, crowds vs solitude, how near/how far?), it's strength is showing samples of individual homes. These vignettes tell how it's used, challenges they faced and show off the home's spaces and views in large colorful photos.
Great browsing if you just want to dream or inspiring ideas to copy in your own second home (or even the first one). Most of the decorating styles featured lean more to relaxed contemporary or touches of country and shabby chic.

I read every book about Interior Design, second homes, country homes and cottages. I have read and reread this beautiful book. It is absolutly wonderful! Enjoy!

Getting this book for Christmas was a blessing. Just opening it is like taking a vacation. Sumptuous photos are a delight. Practical information is included as well.

This book is a decent resource for a person furnishing their first or second home, but it's not a good manual for creating your second home. The photograph angles capture walls, windows, and furnishings, but fail to show the quality of the living space. There are very few exterior photographs and many of them appear to be from the 3/4 angle. There are no floor plans or building details. If you're looking for interior decorating ideas, this is a decent reference. If you're looking for creative planning ideas for building your first or second home, you'll want a more comprehensive reference.

The homes and interiors all look ordinary, in simple, few decorations. I didn't get any interesting new ideas from most of these photos. I mainly saw different building styles and wood colors. At least 50% of them look just like first homes, I just couldn't tell any difference.

My only connection to an Annapolis grad was dealing with young Ensigns while serving as an enlisted man. 1974-1978. I can say that it was a pleasure dealing with these young men because they knew the difference between being a leader and being a "manager." Something those pinheads in Washington and Detroit should be considering right now. I read this book many years ago while in college after I was discharged and could see for myself the ignorance that passes for intellect at our universities. I was able to ignore that ignorance and scorn thanks to this book and my own knowledge that if I was involved in a crisis, my character would not be found wanting, something an academic will never know.

I read this book when it was first published and was completely taken by it. I entered the US Naval Academy in 1968 (Class of 72)--my plebe year was 1968-1969 (I flunked out a year later, joined the Army, went to Vietnam, returned, finished college then joined the Marine Corps, retiring as a Colonel after 31 years total service). The events and characters in this book were so close to those I'd experienced (to include the setting--I was in 32nd Company, my company officer, Maj Stensland, MUST have been the model for Capt Lenahan) it completely blew me away. Most poignant for me is the part about training for jump school...I participated in that; reading the book was like reading a chapter of my own life. If you want to know what this little bit of history was all about; if you want to "taste" a snapshot of the times...being part of an institute demonized by anti-war sentiment knowing that upon graduation you were going to Vietnam (in my case, never coming to grips with what calculus had to do with fighting NVA) this is the book for you.

My son has accepted an appointment to the USNA, so, as a parent, I wanted to get a look inside what he might expect. I've read this and several other books on the plebe year, so it sounds like the experiences are relatively "normal" for a plebe. Some things in this book still puzzle me, like how a plebe got to the dark ages and was still giving excuses, and how in only a short part of a week he finally gets it. The ending was a bit disappointing as it seemed to say the values of society will triumph over the time tested values of the academy, and the 40 years since the time memorialized in this book puts the lie to that conclusion. However, if you want to get a good read with a weak plot on what a plebe is going through, this may be a good choice for you. Otherwise, try the Return of Philo T. McGiffin instead for a somewhat more humorous view of many of the same sort of things. If you are a parent who wants your child to apply, you may not want to read this until you have had a chance to read something like "Brief Points" that help you understand what is being accomplished, rather than start with something that shows the sheer hell the plebes go through. Another thing that was really our of place was the prelude with Dean spotting his first year nemesis. The book appears to be trying (weakly) to make the point that the responsibility passes on from one generation of plebe to the next, but it doesn't work well. So, four stars instead of five.

I bought this book based on the reviews posted on this website. I too, served for 10 years in the Navy. For some reason, I got very bored with the centralized theme: discipline at the USNA. I'll even admit that I started (and stopped) reading this book several times but I was determined to finish it (like Dean running the wall). The transformation of turning teenagers into military leaders is the purpose of the Academies but why does Webb beat you death with this point. I know there are other plots to the book but everything comes back to the discipline element. Webb's military career is well documented and he does a tremendous job bringing the reader into this environment. His character development in Sense of Honor is very strong. The plots are easy to follow. He satisfactorily brings each to conclusion at the end. I am giving it 3 stars because 1) I finished the book and 2) due to the over emphasizing of discipline. It would be kinda interesting if Webb had to choosen to follow up these characters. He did with Fogarty but what eventually happens to Dean might have made a great sequal. This is a good novel but not a real turner.

It's been 15 years since I read this book the first time as a Midshipman. While quite a bit has changed in my life since then, I am amazed at how quickly A Sense of Honor took me back to my youthful days at USNA. As I read Webb's story this time, I was amazed at how differently it affected me and how greatful I am for my own experiences and relationships I took from the Academy. They call Annapolis "the great conundrum" because while you are there, all you want to do is get away, but once you graduate, all you want to do is get back, and Webb's story helps to demonstrate why. While the particulars of the story will be more familiar to former Midshipmen, there are terrific lessons to be learned for everyone and I would recommend it without a doubt.

This book is absolutely SUPERB.

- clear, concise explanations.

- in depth. thorough.

- many, full color, glossy images to demonstrate points

- to the point. no filler.

- enjoyable to read. layed out interestingly.

- gives you a GREAT starting point for making your doc.

This is not for advanced doc makers. This is for newbies who know nothing about making a doc. Read this and you'll be ready to go. You will not be an expert but you will know enough to get things started and an excellent foundation from which to build your doc making skills upon.

Can't go wrong with this.

Anthony Artiss writes the DV book for the "rest of us" who are new to the field and are struggling to connect terminology with application. He speaks in plain english and makes sense of arcane technical terms.

I read Barry Braverman's Video Shooter immediately before Shut Up and Shoot. Now I wish that I had done the reverse as Artiss explains terms at a level for the beginner. I probably would have gotten more out of Braverman's book had it come second as his tome is more technical.

Shut up and shoot is not a Dummies book. It assumes the person has a basic understanding of the glossary of general terms but at the same time is careful to put new material in the proper context. It is a great step by step process to give one a basic understanding of the equipment and process needed to shoot a basic low budget documentary.

The bonus DVD has some great quick guides and cheat sheets that are definitely an added value.

Best value for the money. If you are a beginner this is the first book you should buy.

There is no better book out there on how to plan, organize, and execute a documentary.

I liked this book so much that I made sure to get it back from my boyfriend after we broke up. Just the "Basic List of Post-Production Elements" is worth the price of the book. Artis demystifies tech talk and shares hard-won tips so you can avoid mistakes.

Anthony Artis has put together a truly valuable handbook for making films and videos on whatever your budget. I picked this up after 20 or so years in production management work. I've also taught workshops in production and producing so I've read a lot of "how to" and theory books. This one is a keeper. It holds your attention, delivers solid advice and practical experience that is highly motivational. It also provides links to many important resources and a bonus DVD with all kinds of useful information. The best thing about this book is Artis's ability to cut to the heart of the matter and not bog the reader down with too much information. Learning filmmaking is highly experiential and that's the ultimate message here: don't get caught up in too much book learning -- shut up & shoot!

I like this author's writing better than Kathleen Norris. Unfortunately, her book never really gets to the point. She talks with each sister, but sums it all up in a paragraph or two. She never really describes their life in the cloister. Although perhaps the point is that she's never allowed in close enough to find out what their daily life is like. Throughout the entire book, one reads as if to discover some compelling mystery or truth, but it's just never quite there.

This author is a bit less self-absorbed than Norris; still, this book leaves a lot unwritten. It's almost as if she keeps writing her way around some huge cavern that she wants to reveal but doesn't quite know how.

Best to get it from the library if you're interested in reading it.

What a wonderful story Ohlsen has written. I heard of this book in an audio tape of a talk given by Paula D'Arcy, called Spirituality for the Second Half of Life. Ohlsen stubbornly pursues the Poor Clares in Wisconsin, a Franciscan order of nuns whose ranks were becoming depleted. The congregation of the downtown church was also diminishing quickly. Ohlsen writes about the church and the poor Clares journalistically and restoration of individuals to both the nuns' ranks and the church's fold begin. Parallel to this exploration of the lives of these interesting women, is Ohlsen's articulation of her own spiritual search...fascinating and comforting all at the same time. A must read.

I can see how this book might apeal to some, but I found it far from a "spiritual classic." While touching in many ways, the author kept throughout a sort of superior tone that began to grate, as if she was amused at everything she saw and heard. I think she was trying to be witty, but it often came off, at least to me, as a little snotty. But the book has its moments.

Kristin Ohlson stumbled onto the Poor Clares at just the right moment. It was Christmas morning and she was feeling bereft. A former Catholic who no longer believed in God, she impulsively decided to attend Mass at a church where she could hear the Poor Clares singing. Thus begins this intriguing saga of a search for faith and a newspaper story.

I would call this Divine Providence. Others might call it serendipity. Ohlson needed inspiration, and the Poor Clares needed the attention her journalistic interest would generate. True to the mentality of those who place their trust in God alone, the Poor Clares did not seek her help. It took her months to get the Clares to respond to her requests for an interview, and as she waited, she became involved in the ailing parish community attached to the convent.

Ohlson is an engaging narrator -- open, warm, and honest. She brings her full journalistic skills to this story. Despite my sadness at seeing the diminishment of vocations to contemplative living, I found her presentation of the life of a once flourishing community totally engrossing. Though I cannot claim, as another reviewer has that this is the current "Seven Story Mountain," I will say that I am very glad that I bought and read the book.

You might also call this book 'self-absorbed journalist works out truce with the Second Person of the Trinity.'

I bought 'Stalking the Divine' after reading the glowing reviews on Amazon and elsewhere. What closed the sale was one reviewer's description of it as a latter-day 'Seven Storey Mountain.'

Yet for every expression of admiration for the Poor Clares, Ms. Ohlson is compelled to share, say, the icky feeling she gets when she utters the word 'Jesus.'

On page five, Ohlson describes stumbling into a Catholic church in Cleveland after a lengthy absence and being horrified to hear a priest wag his finger about the evils of abortion. This reviewer has been a Catholic for thirty seven years, yet not once have I heard a priest address this subject outside the petitions at Mass. A lapsed Catholic wanders into an anonymous church and hears a pro-life homily? Call me skeptical.

When I was a stand-offish boy greeting my visting aunts at Christmastime, they'd tell me to 'quit arm-hugging' and to give them something real, heartfelt. Ohlson's book is a 272-page Catholic arm-hug.

Hi Everyone:
FANS of Jacquelyn M. Helton and the movie based on her life SUNSHINE should know that the movie is now available on DVD. If you've ever seen this movie you will never forget it ... even decades and decades after seeing the movie one remembers it again and again ... it is one of those rare movies that has intangible qualities that makes it unforgettable.

FANS of SUNSHINE(1973)movie and SUNSHINE CHRISTMAS should know that both films are now available on DVD. I received my DVD with both movies on it and it has been such a joy to see these movies again especially SUNSHINE.

[...].

I hope fans of this movie will now be able to finally see it again and share it with family and friends.

Pat

This is a wonderful book. I read it years ago after seeing movie on TV. I just recently got the book again, and I'm looking forward to reading it again. The movie was great! There was a 2nd movie and a Christmas movie of Sunshine. They were all really good. I keep looking for the movie to be on DVD or even VHS, but have had not luck. I really wish it would be out so I can buy it. I have not seen the movies since the 70's.

my english teacher gve me a stack of books and this one caught my eye. I just finished reading it and i cried i LOVE this book... I recommened this book to EVERYONE... this is by far the best book ever.

I read this book when I was about 12 or 13 (about 20 years ago). I thought about it for years afterwards. One evening recently the book and it's haunting last line popped into my head. How I ever remembered the name of this book is beyond me. In any case, every female should read this book, particularly younger kids. Do girls today even read books like this anymore? Hope so...

I read this when I was a teenager and it made me cry for hours, in the best way possible. Her love for her daughter is indescribable -and even though she chooses to not undergo treatment, you know she's doing it for the right reasons. She wants to be able to live her life without being held back by treatments that make her sick and make her angry - she wants her daughter to love her and remember her before she loses her.

The poetry in the novel is beautiful. I have never found a book that can make me get so sentimental every time I read it. Please find this book and read it - and then pass it along to friends!!!!

Excellent Book for the supernatural power of a Transformed Mind. This is truly a book of miracles. Just as advertised.

It is a great book. It teaches Christians us how we as Christians can use the Holy Spirit within us to effect our relationship with God and how God wants to be closer to us and to communicate with us and how to bring his Kingdom here down on the earth.

Spiritual Meat!! That's what I call this book! The bible tells us we can do the things that Jesus did and MORE!! This book shows you how to transform your relationship with God so that a life of miracles, signs and wonders can be a reality for you! This book along with 'When Heaven Invades Earth', has revolutionised the way I view my life as a woman of God, and the roll he has intended for each and everyone of us!! AWESOME book!! AMEN!

You need to read it for yourself to believe you can change the way you think permanently.

Bill Johnson has a moderate literary mind but his subject matter is so essential and so overlooked in our world of Christian philosophizing and psychobabble. Anyone asking the question: I'm saved; what next? should buy this book. The answers are not easy, but Johnson does a great job of exploring God's nature. If you're an atheist or a skeptic looking for something serious in Christianity, this is your best bet. Johnson's biblical teaching is so crucial and it addresses the universal yearnings which literary figures such as Chekhov or O'Connor so eloquently pose. Jesus actually is the long-neglected answer to these unsatisfied yearnings.