D-A Books

This is an excellent book for getting conscious about why, when & how one is eating. The exercises are helpful and revealing.

From the inviting cover to the meaningful ending, Eating the Moment is an engaging and very useful book. Somov's style is informative, respectful, and often playful- very enjoyable to read. His suggestions for awareness-building and habit-modifying exercises are diverse enough to provide useful tools for readers of all mindfulness skill-levels. This book is quite valuable, and you can learn a great deal from it, even before experimenting with the exercises. I enthusiastically recommend this book for anyone seeking to develop a more balanced, self-nurturing experience of eating.

As a long-term (30 + years) on-again, off-again dieter, I have read more than a few self-help books on the subject of eating. "Eating The Moment" not only provides practical exercises, it is also fun to read! The feeling that you are having a conversation with the author makes it easy to take the suggested mindfulness exercises and apply them to your own situation, whether it be addictive behavior with food or simply that, like me, you really, REALLY like food! Thank you, Dr. Somov, for new insights into so many aspects of our relationships with the foods we eat. Now I am thinking more about the 'Why?' of my eating.

In his well-thought out and well-articulated book, "Eating the Moment: 141 mindful practices to overcome overeating one meal at a time," Pavel G. Somov elucidates on the phenomenology of eating from an inside out perspective. His invitation to practice mindful eating is written in a succinct and irresistibly persuasive style. The practices he suggests to overcome overeating are practical and experiential. More importantly, they are empowering: they are designed to turn on self-awareness rather than raise self-consciousness. The pedagogical value of his mindful eating practices appeal to all consumers of food. Somov's expertise in this realm stems from a healthy blend of his own practice as a clinical psychologist in helping clients deal with addictions and his acumen of contemporary culture's challenges vis-à-vis eating and food.
- Aloysius Joseph PhD

This book is for individuals who understand there are no "miracle diets." Rather, it is a sophisticated read, in straightforward language, that proposes that the solutions many individuals use to deal with overeating can become problems of their own. Dr. Somov points out that diets typically are short-term efforts to lose weight, when what is needed is a long-term change in how one lives. Thus, as a part of an effort to increase one's mindfulness, Dr. Somov presents a set of 141 practices to increase our awareness around food and eating. These including noticing what triggers our eating, what foods we crave, even what thoughts and feelings are associated with different types of eating.

For those of us who have done some reading about Russia history, this book fills in a lot of the background. Life as it was lived and experienced from a family's point of view, outside of St. Petersburg and Moscow. Learned many fascinating bits of information, for example that beets, potatoes and cabbage were introduced for human cosumption in Russia only in the late 19th century.

The first half of this book is both leisurely and entertaining, giving us a rich and at the same time penetrating look at the life of a wealthy family, its estate, and the villagers who were their neighbors. The second half, concentrating as it does on post-Bolshavik experiences, both in the rural village area and elsewhere, including a gulag on the White Sea, cannot be more riveting. It's hard to remember that all this really happened; it is no fiction, or creative dramatization. At the same time, there is the sweep and intellectual vision that one does associate with the great Russian novelists of the early part of this century and before. I have sent this extraordinary book to friends of mine, and I am its ardent publicity agent!

A well researched history of a Western Russian village that provides great insight into Russian character, especially the impact of history on forming Russian character today. Written by a New York Times writer who spent ten years in Russia and is a descendent of the nobility that formerly lived in this village.

Serge Schmemann has written a terrific book about his ancestors on his Mother's side, the aristocratic Osorgin family. He traces the estate in Sergiyevskoye (now Koltsovo) that Mikhail Osorgin acquired in a card game in 1843 to the present day. It is a facinating tale interspersed with a history of the country from monarchy to communism to today. Schmemann, the son of an noted Russian Orthodox priest, is emminently qualified to write such a book. He spent many years in the Soviet Union as a reporter for the New York Times prior to winning a Pulitzer for his reportage on the fall of the Berlin Wall. The book is well researched and balanced with little tears shed over how his family lost everything to the successors of Lenin. This is his first book and it is written as what one would would expect from a newspaperman. The balalaikas do not strum and the book does lack the flavor that a book writer would bring. Never-the-less, it holds ones interest for all 333 pages. Unfortunately, Schmemann is currently an editor at the Times, so one misses his excellent columns. We look forward to his next book.

Amazing.

The author comes from a family of Russian emigres who fled to the West as a result of the Russian Revolution. Before the Revolution, they were part of the minor nobility that supplied the Tsars with military officers in time of war and high- and mid-level government officials in time of peace. The book is mainly about how this family lived through the tumultuous period before, during and after the Revolution. The descriptions of Russian life during this period are vivid and engaging. The family portraits of people struggling to serve and save their country (and ultimately suffering the cruelest repudiation by it) are poignant. And the pages sparkle with objective analysis and insight. In spite of his family background, he does not grind axes or pine away for what was lost. And yet, although much was lost, his love for Russia and its people is clear. He sees clearly that the old order that was swept away in 1917 had its shortcomings, shortcomings that he warns may yet undermine contemporary Russia's latest experiments with constitutional democracy.

This is a very inspirational book. We all can learn a lot from this book!

I really only have a comment. The book is great but I am disappointed it does not have an index where if you need a certain topic you can read that particular day. This is the first devotional or daily reader that I have that does not include the index. I have Starting Your Day Right and it is the same way.

Many times I found myself looking forward to the end of the day so I could read the devotional. It can also be read in the morning as well. I highly recommend it for those seeking a deeper relationship with Lord and for those who just want to end the day on a peaceful note.

WONDERFUL & AMAZING! I give them away as gifts to others!

What a positive way to end the day! Whether you have had a stressful day or just want to strengthen your faith, Joyce Meyer has the right words and scriptures to calm, enlighten and inspire you in this book.

People with epilepsy come up to me all the time at walks, in clinic, at events, and tell me that "Dr. Devinsky's book changed my life." So I read it, and it changed mine, too. I am now working for an epilepsy research study that Dr. Devinsky is leading called the Epilepsy Phenome/Genome Project, and my daughter is a participant. Together, we're working with Dr. Devinsky to try to make better diagnoses and improve treatment for people with seizures.

I'm sure some of our findings will be included in future editions of the book. Anyway, to sum up, an excellent book by an amazing physician, this book is written for people with no medical background. You definitely won't feel overwhelmed with scientific jargon; Dr. Devinsky breaks it down into ideas and terminology that is easy to understand. This book will also make you more effective if you must discuss your or a loved ones' epilepsy care with your physician.

This is a very informative book. I would recommend to both freinds and family members of Epilepsy patients.

I found this book very beneficial and loaded with many important facts and information for lay people to comprehend.

Great for patients/families with a new diagnosis of epilepsy or someone that has had epilepsy for many years.
Excellent handbook to have available.

This book offers a great overview of epilepsy. I found it up to date and informative. I would highly recommend it for anyone who is newly diagnosed or who has a family member diagnosed with epilepsy.

Buy this - try it out. Ever wanted to make sure that your children know exactly why you feel the way you do about something or someone? This book will show you how to put all of your values on paper - you need this.

Dr. Barry Baines provides a thoughtful explanation of ethical wills, describing for readers the historical context of the practice and outlining how people today can leave a lasting legacy for their loved ones by putting their values on paper. The guidance he provides in this handbook makes it possible for anyone to write an ethical will, whether they've just learned of the practice or grown up reading ethical legacies of their ancestors. This is an excellent guide.

I purchased Barry K. Baines, Ethical Wills: Putting Your Values on Paper, at the suggestion of a friend who had read it and been inspired to write an ethical will for her children. It seemed like a good idea to me. We cannot help but relay our values and beliefs to our children--they pick them up by osmosis. I think, though, that we seldom sit down and think through what we would LIKE to convey to our children, including ways in which we have not lived up to our values or would like them to do better than we.

At the same time that I bought Ethical Wills: Putting Your Values on Paper, I also bought Rachael Freed's Women's Lives, Women's Legacies: Passing Your Beliefs & Blessings to Future Generations. I prefered this book. It may be that I prefered the second book because, as a woman, it spoke more to my concerns, but I think not. Dr. Baines focuses on his work with the terminally ill, and the healing power of putting our thoughts on paper. Many of the examples he gives read like old Polonius's hipocritical, "Neither a barrower nor a lender be...," platitudes that most in this culture would accept. Ms. Freed takes us on a journey of discovery--discovery of ourselves. Whether done in a group, as Ms. Freed suggests, or independently, as I would most likely tackle such personal writing, her topics are likely to bring us to a deeper understanding of ourselves and enable us to create a more personal document for our loved ones.

Ethical Wills is a must read for each and everyone of us! Not only is it fascinating to learn about the history behind such wills, but the workbook he provides the readers with is such an valuable tool.
We all need to be concerned about writing an ethical will while we are still able to communicate our wishes. My late mother had Alzheimer's and it was so very devastating and frightening to see her no longer able to communicate her wishes. Thankfully, we had spoken about what she wanted her last wishes to be long before Alzheimer's destroyed her mind.
I do not know if I, too, will one day suffer her same fate so I am taking all of the necessary steps NOW while I am still able to communicate to make my final wishes known. This book has been an invaluable help to me as well as another wonderful new publication by Renata Marie Vestevich. "Grant Me My Final Wish: A personal journal to simplify life's inevitable journey." This book is a wonderful companion to Dr. Baine's book. While his book is a workbook of sorts, Ms. Vestevich's book is a beautifully bound journal that you can write in whenever you have time. These two books work beautifully together. Ms. Vestevich's book leads you gently through the process of making your final wishes known to your loved ones. She guides you through the process of making that ethical will in a very compassionate manner. There is even a place within the journal for you to place beloved pictures and write down special memories.
None of us likes to dwell upon our eventual death. However, having seen my mother destroyed by Alzheimer's and her being no longer able to communicate even the simplest of wishes, I strongly urge all of you to take steps now to make your last wishes known!
These two superbly written books...each very special in their very own way..will help you do just that.

Ethical Wills: Putting Your Values on Paper provides a terrific introduction to ethical wills, with historical background, specific guidelines for writing an ethical will, and a variety of samples. With its reader-friendly tone and clear suggestions, Ethical Wills makes a useful handbook for anyone interested in creating such a document. I especially appreciated the sample wills to show a range of approaches.
This book was a great help to me when I started writing ethical wills. As a member of the Association of Personal Historians, I help others record their own ethical wills and family stories. I keep this book in my professional library and recommend it often.
My only beef? It's too short! I wanted more samples and more history. Guess I'll have to wait for Dr. Baines' next book.

Thrilling to read, and medically/scientifically fascinating. I highly recommend the book. I'm looking forward to the next novel by Dr. Samlaska.

In a world full of instant information, techno-scientific growth, and present global economics, author Curt Samlaska finds a subject from which great books are made. His intent is unwavering. The climatic ending restores faith in us all. If your weary of the copy-cat, pseudo-intellectual, non-imaginative reads, then take a glance at Eucarion. This is the stuff Hollywood makes into a movie. Eucarion is destine for the big screen, just what the doctor ordered!

I thouroughly enjoyed Samlaska's Eucarion. Being a physician in the military stationed in the South Pacific, the book took on a special meaning for me. Samlaska skillfully interweaves currently used technology and knowledge with future "could be" technology to add a sense of realism to the plot. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants an engaging thrill.

Mr. Samlaska provided me with a riveting reading experience. I started this book on Friday and finished it on Sunday morning. Eucarion is a page-turner in the style of one of my favorite authors, Michael Crichton. Curt P. Samlaska shows off his vast knowledge in the areas of science, medicine, and psychology. Do yourself a favor and purchase this book.

A great medical and political thriller with a military top note. Think of Tom Clancy mixed with Robin Cook or Michael Crichton. Clearly Samlaska put a lot of research into politics, infectious disease, and military medicine before writing this novel--and it shows. Not technical but has just enough technical detail to seem authentic. A Great Read!

Many pictures, table, and related figure were sufficient to understand in physiological mechanism in condition to exercising. Especially, the last chapter was very impressed in my insufficient knowledge of molecular and cellular for exercise physiology.

Exercise Physiology: Energy, Nutrition, and Human Performance (Exercise Physiology ( MC Ardle))

When I first considered this book, I thought it was a little pricey. Now that I have it on my shelf, I think it would be cheap at twice the price. Every time I have a question on my personal fitness program, I find the answer in McArdle. Even when I don't have a question, simply reading the book teaches me things that I need to know and hadn't thought about. An excellent value.

I have been a fitness trainer for 20 years. I have read many books. This one is one of the best thus far. I highly recommend it !

This is the only reference book I have and need on Exercise Physiology. Most useful to me are chapters on performance enhacement, high altitude acclimatisation and physical training for seniors. The first few introductory chapters and the first few pages of each chapter remind me of my basic life sciences. The authors then focus on the application of cell biology to training. The thing I like most about this book, is that there is no "guru talk". Every piece of advice is based on currect research.

The book is divided into 7 sections. 1. Nutrition, 2. Energy production, 3. Energy Delivery & Utilisation, 3. Enhancement of Energy Capacity, 4. Environmental Stress, 5. Body Composition & Weight Control, 7. Successful Aging, Disease Prevention.

It's a very thick book, but the paper quality is high and the colourful illustrations make it a joy to read. However, this is not simple book for the average man on the street. There is nothing sensational here - just pure science. Readers without a background in the life sciences may not be able to follow.

I am a Personal Training manager with a Physical Education undergraduate degree and Health Preservation and Rehabilitation graduate degree.
I consider that the science of exercise physiology should constitute the basic knowledge for anybody who wants to understands the way the human body functionates and acutely and chronicaly adapts to the exercise stimuli.
No matter you are(or preparing to become) a PE teacher, sport medicine specialist, personal trainer, physical therapist,athletic coach,etc, you should understand the science of exercise physiology.
Dr. McArdle's " Exercise physiology" is definetely one of the most complete books ever writen on the subject. With miriads of grafics and pictures, and tons of scientific research descriptions and results, the book is quite pleasing to read and very convincing.
With more than 1000 pages, definetelly worths its price and even more. Contains as much information as you could find in 3-4 good scientific books and much more than the complete colection of "Muscle and Fitness" starting from 1970.
You can find detailed informations together with all the book ilustrations and even 4 complete chapters at: www.connection.LWW.com/go/mcardle

This book, by far, is the best book I have ever read on the Person and ministry of the Holy Spirit and I have about thirty books on Him in my library.The book is uplifting and inspirational and draws you closer to our Lord Jesus Christ for giving us His most wonderful gift. The book is choc-a-block full of practical helps in receiving and walking in the Holy Spirit. A born-again believer should not be without this book. First class!!!

I highly recommend reading this book if you have questions about the Holy Spirit. Pastor Heidler takes an objective look at Baptism of the Holy Spirit. His almost humorous recall of his innocence in understanding this experience makes this book so easy to receive. Don't miss the introduction! It lays the whole foundation for why he wrote the book in the first place. I buy this book by the boxful and use it to add to my own testimony of being filled with the spirit. It's easy to read and understand. It's one of the best I've ever read about the Holy Spirit. Once you start reading it, plan on staying up late!!

I've read multiple books on the Holy Spirit, and this is by far the best book i've read yet. Simple to read, very "plan and simple" cuts to the chase, and is filled with many revelations. If you are a "believer" who doesn't believe in the Holy Spirits Ministry today (spiritual gifts, baptism, etc) then this book might not be for you just yet! Try reading Jack Deeres book 'Surprised by the Power of the Spirit' and then read this one, both books are written by Dallas Grads, so they are pretty solid. If you tired of "playing Christian" and want to know God, and have a relationship with Him, this book is a GREAT start to understanding how to do that.

Of all the books my wife and I have read on the Holy Spirit, this book was by far the easiest to understand and at the same time the most enlightening. Since the author was formally trained against many facets of the Holy Spirit's availability in our own everyday lives, the author is well positioned to clearly speak from both sides of the experience. Ultimately, the Holy Spirit Himself had to undo much of what the author learned from man's theological institution and then teach the author about Himself in a more direct and personal way.

What a great book! What a great teacher! This book is like a "Holy Spirit 101" primer, and it's ideally suited for new believers and those who are coming out of cessationism into the freedom of the Spirit. Because of Pastor Heidler's education at Dallas Theological Seminary, he is able to explain the Greek & Hebrew meanings behind the English words and exegete with the best of them. This was an easy & fast read, and it was "meat," not "milk." I highly recommend it!

There are several strengths to Dr. D'Ambrosio's book and his teaching method. The first is his use and application of natural reasoning. He uses examples that everyone can relate to and agree with, without specifically relying on Revelation. This is an important tool of Pre-Evangelization and he uses it better than anybody I know. His explanation of Confession (both written & oral) using this method is the best I've ever read or heard. Second, his abundant use of Sacred Scripture will aid Evangelicals and Bible-loving non-Catholics gain a fuller understanding on why Catholics do what we do, which is explicitly or implicitly taught in the Bible. Thirdly, Dr. D'Ambrosio is a Historical Theologian who helps us see history in a way that builds and supports our faith. Fourthly, his extensive ecumenical and interfaith dialog experience dealing with non-Catholics allows him to answer questions before someone can ask them. He understands the obstacles that they are confronting and tries to tear them down so that they can see the Fullness of Truth, which subsists in the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. Fifth, even though an academic writes this book, it is written in a popular style, which no one will have problems understanding. His extensive teaching experience allows him to take some very complicated subjects and explain them in a manner, which everyone can understand. That is a sign of a truly great teacher. Lastly, this book is very reasonably priced and it would be a scandal not to purchase it.

The greatest achievement in Exploring the Catholic Church is a clear presentation of the truths of the faith completely interwoven in the warp and woof of ordinary life. The centrality of doctrinal belief and sacramental life penetrate meals and car rides, story telling and family disagreements, and yes, even diaper changes. Nothing of life stands apart from the Gospel, rather everything is integrated in the mastery of the Lord Jesus. The glory of the faith is that everyone is called to stand shoulder to shoulder with its heroes, to grow in an intimate prayer life, and ultimately to sit at one Eucharistic Table, in this world and the next. Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio offers practical ways of living the faith while challenging those of us waiting for more time and different circumstances to be about the business of growing in holiness. Ruth Hayes-Barba, MSW, MTS, Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon

There are not many books that are right on the mark in exploring the Catholic Church--this one hits a bull's eye! I highly recommend this golden nugget written by an expert. I enjoyed the conversational tone of this must-read masterpiece. Thanks to Dr. Marcellino G. D'Ambrosio for putting in writing what every Catholic should know and for providing a detailed explanation with an unmatched sense of humor. This clever instructional tool should be required reading for all Catholics-or those who'd like to join us! Don't just take my word for it--get this gem for your personal collection today.

Here are some of my favorite parts of Marcellino's book:

· Dr. D'Ambrosio talked about his priest friend who has many degrees/awards but only has his baptismal certificate on his wall. This priest's example, and the importance he places on the Sacrament of Baptism, has inspired me to also have my baptismal certificate (and my children's, too) framed and proudly displayed in our home.
· It was funny to read the part where Marcellino said he was a `blithering idiot' with the birth of his twins (in the context of prayer time). I remember working on about 70% mental capacity during those times. The doctor's down-to-earth real-life examples referenced throughout the book, such as this one, should be a hit with all readers.
· The `Getting More Out of the Mass' section is really super spectacular. After reading this part, I feel that the Mass really covers almost all bases in our faith and felt great joy and excitement in going to my usual weekday Mass the next morning. As I walked to Communion that day (and since then), I was reminded of what Dr. D'Ambrosio stated about his personal goal of being a better person when leaving the church than upon arrival.
· I always knew that the father of the prodigal son starting rejoicing when his son was still a long way off, but I really like what Marcellino said in the `Forgiveness' part of his book where the father didn't care (or even listen) to any excuses or explanation from the boy why he sinned. The father only cared that his son turned in the right direction. Dr. D'Ambrosio was so correct when he pointed out that changing behavior is the key, not simply the feeling of sorrow for one's sins. Nice touch where he adds about his family seeking forgiveness from one another at various times-something we should all do.
· One comical section was where he mentions, in humility, that he absurdly substitutes his name in the place of the famous `love' scripture: "Marcellino is always patient and kind." This is a good example for all of us as we recognize our shortcomings in our struggle to become saints.
· Speaking of saints, I like the way Dr. D'Ambrosio speaks of Mary and the Saints as our prayer partners as we ask them to intercede on our behalf in our adoration and worship of our Lord.

Finally, all I can say is that with a book like this, I fully expect the servers of this online bookseller to fail with all the orders being placed for this one-of-a-kind Catholic favorite!! Hope you enjoy Dr. Marcellino G. D'Ambrosio's work-of-art as much as I did.

For the past year I have been examining Catholic books that would be appropriate to pass on to Christian friends to introduce basic Church teachings. This is just the book I was hoping to find. It opens up the world of Catholic thinking, with the important emphasis on our spiritual relationship with Jesus. As a convert to Catholicism, I don't believe it will alienate non-Catholic Christians. It is not a conversion story, but it includes a great deal of personal, anecdotal example which adds warmth. It does use "church language" and so will probably not work for non-Christians. If you like the book, you can also get audio and video cassettes at christlife.org.

Dr. D'Ambrosio's book is a pleasurable walk through various conversions: to the Lordship of Jesus Christ; to a love of His Catholic Church; from sin to more intimate prayer; to union with Christ through sacrament and meditation. The genius of this book is D'Ambrosio's open sharing of his own conversions. . . from rock-and-roll bands, through seminary, to crying babies and little rascals in church. His are the questions of millions, and his answers are plainly based on authentic Catholic teaching. This is a most useful book.

I put this up there with the Vietnam novels of Tim O'Brien. I was blown away by it. Too bad more people have not heard of it. Please read this book!

This is one of the best books written by a combat soldier in Vietnam. You travel with Ehrhart from his home in Perkasie, PA to boot camp and then to some of the most harrowing fighting of the Vietnam War. But this isn't just another great war story. There's a personal voyage of discovery--as there is in many war stories. But this one is into a deep and broad wondering, not just about the nature of war and the feelings roused by killing and seeing death, but into a broader horror about the truth of this war. Ehrhart slowly peels back the layers of his awakening, not so much to any truth, but to a series of questions about his own gullibility (perfectly understandable) and a nation's gullibility. The truth as it is revealed seems too simple to Ehrhart; the twisting of honorable intentions too obvious. But if he get's it, many of those he faces upon his return do not. What to do? Write about the simple yet profound truths he found in Vietnam, and keep writing about them since the follow-up books are very moving and affecting portraits of a man being honest about himself, and in the process divulging powerful insights about our nation. The personal in this case makes big points about who are all are as Americans. Can't recommend his writing highly enough.

In this story, Ehrhart beautifully tells of the I Corp Marine's experience in '67-68. The cost, both physically and spiritually,to the soldier has to my mind never seemed so true. Can the innocence and ignorance, if indeed they are different things, last in the face of the reality of war's warped and mishapen environment? What happens to the soldier when faced with his own ignorance and the evils of war, for which he is in many ways responsible? The tension between the two different Ehrharts in the book lies in the attempt to justify his actions in Viet Nam to himself, and if nothing else, to find some comfort even from outside himself. He is both proud and disgusted (I wish I had a stronger word here) by his "accomplishments" in Viet Nam. Where do we find ourselves when the conflict is over? The answer is perhaps nowhere, perhaps in the shower. (You must read the book to understand my last statement):)

Was required reading in a class I took about the Vietnam War. Reading this memoir rapidly went from a school assignment chore to pleasure. I read the next two books in the series the following summer. Ehrhart exposes his inner self on the page to the point where it can actually be somewhat difficult to read. He gave a lecture to our class at the end of the semester, and it was quite moving. Do check it out.

The Vietnam war, what was it like for a combat marine? Read this book and its sequel to find out. Mr. Ehrhart is a gifted storyteller. His story is unique. It's amazing how little it is referred to in bibliographies.