Economic-Life Books

Smith and Berg have wrouth - written is too modest - a briljant insighful and wise guide tour behind the coulises of our lifes. It is the best guide book I know to the place you live in: the group. You can use it in almost every situation. They show how we are caught in our webs, our own frames of mind, our relational swamp. Such is life and it is getting sucher and sucher all the time.
I recommend this book to every one dealing with groups AND individuals, because there is no better way to start to understand what life ' is'.

This insightful book has accompanied me through grad school, two corporate reorganizations and numerous consulting projects. The authors have written an excellent text on the contradictory forces/movements endemic to group life. Their use of paradoxical thought as a lens for thinking about and successfully navigating the territory of group life is both practical and innovative. If you're looking for the usual book about conflict resolution, please look elsewhere. Smith and Berg advocate reclaiming rather than repressing or eliminating the fears and anxieties that define many aspects of group life. Their explanation of concepts such as group paralysis, oscillation, group-as-whole, splitting and individual ambivalence are clear and highly cogent when integrated into a paradoxical framework.

Paradoxes of Group Life is a masterful explication of the concepts its title announces. This readable volume will serve the newcomer to Group Dynamics as well as the more experienced cognoscenti. People are often fundamentally ambivalent about ourselves and our participation in groups. Smith & Berg explain these (often unconscious) dynamics with great clarity and force. Treat yourself to this compelling analysis. I highly recommend their important work!

Alexandra Powe Allred brings an inspiring and informative book based on 25 examples of women who have achieved astounding success in business, along with what drove them to their heights. You will learn how to "identify your chosen field" how to break down boundaries, "doing your homework" how to "market yourself and your business" and much more. One of my favorite examples for strategy is about Jenny Craig, and the "recommended steps for success" provided: "Set your goal;" "Understand your market;" "Research several aspects of the business and your product"; "Identify your resources"; "Learn what you need to know"; "Develop your marketing skills"; "Hone your people skills"; "Believe in yourself and your goal."

Most importantly, this book will inspire you to hopefully look within and discover what you are absolutely PASSIONATE about doing and being in your life. It is your heart-felt passion that fuels your energy to do what it takes to live your dreams, while you joyfully create the success you deserve along the way.

Highly recommended for the inspiring stories of HOW women started from scratch and created the life and success they deserve, as well as for the in-depth resource guide at the back of the book, bringing you complete contact information for excellent organizations and publications, that can aid you in creating the success you deserve.

Barbara Rose, Ph.D. author of Stop Being the String Along: A Relationship Guide to Being THE ONE and If God Was Like Man
Editor, inspire! magazine

Too often women in our culture are discouraged and prevented from becoming independent businesspeople. The Western capitalist business paradigm desprately needs the passionate and nurturing influence of our creative women. Passion Rules focuses on the struggles and experiences of 25 successful women entrepreneurs. Their inspiring stories serve as powerful mentoring tools for any person with a creative independent spirit. We are looking towards a new definition of successful business and women in our society stand poised at the forefront.

I just received my copy of Passion Rules! and I had to immediately sit down and read it. Of course the next thing I had to do was recommend it to everyone :) This book covers many of the basics in starting up a business and also points out some of the pitfalls that might befall someone who is going into business for themselves. This book is easy to read, clearly written, and very entertaining. I think it is a must-have for any woman thinking about going into business.

Books are GREAT, but the picks are even better. I have been receiving this Authors picks for about 3-4 weeks now and they are simply amazing 21-11 overall ATS.

Had to purchase this Authors picks! This Author has turned me into an online entrapreneur, so I had to see how his sports picks are, and just like his books have been great thus far.

Great picks so far! I purchased the GA book befoe this free service book was available. Picks are pretty good and the Author definately has sports betting & hadicapping knowledge.

I used to think that the spiritual exercises were only for "really, really" religious people with a lot of time on their hands. I got this book several years ago when my three children were all in high school. My husband and I began using it together. We spent time alone with it in prayer and came together to share our experience and prayer. It not only became a source of great spiritual growth but brought us even closer as a couple. Both our spirits and our marriage have been enriched and we often go back to this book.

I came across this book quite by accident in the local bookstore. It was put on sale along with all the other books on arts, cooking, travelling etc. Being the only religious book it caught my eye.

As it turned out this was the beginning of spiritual renewal for me. It is not a book for reading, but an invitation to enter the mystery of drawing closer to Jesus as the title so appropriately suggested. Unlike some other day-to-day guide for the Ignatius exercises, in addition to the gospel and the original Ignatius text, Fr. Skehan introduces the use of Christian eastern meditation and makes use of other authors' writings relevant to the process, such as Teilhard de Chardin's Divine Milieu. The first 16 pages of introduction form the skeletal frame work of his approach and is extremely useful for anyone interested in prayer.

I did not have help till half way through the first round. It was possible to manage alone though not easy, and I could not tell how well I did. I was only able to spend about 30-45 minutes a day in two separate sittings. Had very moving instances from time to time. I can see the advantage of having a spiritual director but nowadays they are few and far between, and probably overworked just like other walks of life.

It is better to start the exercise sometime a few weeks before Advent so that the movement is more or less in tune with our liturgical year. I am very grateful for having 'lived' under the guidance of this book and am trying to organize my parish to participate as a community.

Vicky Chen MD

"Place Me With Your Son " is a book I have used to make my own retreat. It easy to use. I have led almost a thousand directed retreats and used this book hundreds of times with retreatants. It has enhanced my work as a retreat director because it gives me more time to listen to the one making the retreat. Its simplicity of format is wonderful. There is little that needs to be explained.

This is not a book to be read. It is a faithful application of the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius which is one of the Great Books of the World. A person could make the mistake of just reading it and wondering why it is supposed to be so special. The reason is simple. It is meant to be prayed. In the best possible use of it, one goes through a real experience of Christ with a Spiritual Director.

In the normal experience of its use, it takes about thirty weeks to go through this experience without rushing or forcing one's experience of it. While it is possible to do it alone, it is better done with one who has the experience of leading others in a retreat. In a non-retreat use, one can pray it along with the liturgical cycle and reap great benefits from it. It is an experience worth repeating every year with the return to favorite meditations. Most Jesuits in this country have used this book or some form of it each year for all their life as a Jesuit. Spirituality is an attempt to put on the mind and the heart of Christ, and these meditations give one a real insight into how Christ loves one. I consider it the best tool I have ever had for my work as a Spiritual Director.

Rev.Joseph McCloskey, S.J. 19Eye St., N.W. Wash.,D.C. 20001 mcclosk@gonzaga.org

I have this book, and have had it a good 10 years. and i still reread it and recommend it to others. it contains dead-on information a bout how nhumans tick taht i have not found anywhere else.

PS-- i am a lawyer!

Most books on persuasion teach you ways to find you "advesaries" weaknesses and exploit them. This book actually gives you the tools to persuade people through true understanding. It also allows the people involved to come to a decision together, so that no one feels like they were manipulated into the solution.

It is truly ethical!!

This book is the best book I've ever read and studied on communication. This is why...I can "do it" all by myself. I don't have to have the other person's agreement to follow a certain format or dynamic. This book, single-handedly increased my skill in communication over 10 fold. The information has assisted me in facilitating groups, navigating difficult situations and discussions, resolving upsets and conflicts, and has greatly boosted my self confidence in relationships.

Anyone with a sincere desire to master communication skills must have a copy and study it often. This is a true jewel among the brightly colored stones.

Tools, tools, tools....that is what this book is: how to dig(write a vision statement), how to plant (commit to a plan), how to water (self discipline), how to harvest (service). Allen's book is a lush forest of enrichment...challenging us to our highest and best self. It is all here. Now to get busy in this land of opportunity and make it happen!

As a human being trying to survive on this planet despite myself, I have found Allen Johnson's book, The Power Within to be invaluable. Johnson combines a powerful recipe for increasing the joy in life with heartwarming examples of how the "power within" has shaped his own life and the lives of people around him. The Power Within is a must read for anyone who has ever wondered what it takes to be truely happy. Five bright and glorious stars!!!

Allen Johnson is a masterful storyteller! His book, The Power Within, provides moving and uplifing stories that illustrate the five disciplines that define a victorious life. For those who are serious about creating a meaningful and rich journey, you will reach for The Power Within again and again. Everyone's life has elements of personal effectiveness. Our challenge is to live a life of love, peace and joy. Everyone who reads this book will find ways to grow in personal effectiveness.

This is a fascinating book! Once I started, I could not stop until I got to the last page! This book was first published just a year after Einstein had published his ground-breaking papers that lead to the field of quantum mechanics. The value of quantum mechanics can be readily observed by its relevance in a multitude of fields today. Likewise, the importance of this work in modern society can be clearly measured by its effects on contemporary America. Of course, the author did not have the advantage of understanding the world through the lens of 20th century advances in the sciences. Nevertheless, one can see how relevant this book is to our time by seeing the references the author makes to justify his Theory of Vibration. The initial reaction of the superficial reader may be one of skepticism. That's quite understandable, given the depth of this tome. In my experience, books of great significance require multiple readings to derive the maximum benefit. If you see a line you don't understand, ponder upon it. How does the author's 1908 English translate into modern day scientific thought? Insight is achieved with effort to understand great works. Take for example, the Hermians, having carefully saved the historical documents of Nesmith and his crew, followed in his footsteps to acquire the ability to defend themselves against Sarris. Only when you understand the author's Theory of Vibration can you acquire the powers that this book was meant to give you. And when you do, you will find yourself a different person. In short, figure out if you have not yet learned this material by searching inside the book on this site (or in a bookstore). If it looks like there is something to learn, then the small amount of money this book costs will more than compensate you in terms of wisdom and insight.

This interesting work from 1908 takes quite a practical approach to the idea of mind power. Whereas most of the early New Thought metaphysicians tend to write in the mystical tradition, Atkinson seems to concentrate on explaining mental phenomena from an angle where science meets the occult.

He starts out with the law of vibration by first demolishing the tenets of materialism and then by comparing mental power to scientific theories of vibration with analogy to sight and sound. He claims that there exists a scientific explanation behind the beliefs of mental science, beliefs that belong in the field of physical science more than in metaphysics. Atkinson quotes some of the scientists of his own time in support of what was then known about vibrationary rates.

He explains the different types of thought waves and the atmospheres that seem to inhabit places. The two main factors in the manifestation of mental influence are concentration and mental imaging, both of which the author explores in detail. He also discusses the two general forms of the use of mental influence that he calls "fascination" and "hypnotism." Influencing at a distance, like distance healing, is also covered.

A particularly interesting chapter is the one on mass influencing, where certain ideas and beliefs can spread far and wide amongst large sections of a population. Atkinson also points out how advertising and sales techniques draw upon this ancient knowledge of thought power. He then shows how vitally important it is for the individual to be resistant or at least aware of the various currents of ideas prevalent at any given time.

He discusses white and black magic and concludes the book with a chapter on psychic protection. He urges the reader to look up to the higher self for aid and strength in order to avoid being affected by the waves of feeling or emotion sweeping over the public mind, which have a tendency to stampede people into adopting certain ideas. By affirming the flame of the spirit of the great I Am within, the individual can protect her or himself and remain firmly rooted in a healthy state of independence.

Atkinson `s insight is timeless. Considering that this book was published in 1908 with the tragic 20th century still to come, many of his ideas were ahead of their time and strangely prescient. The science of quantum physics has only added to the legitimacy of his wise words insofar as it confirms that everything is energy.

As mentioned before, Atkinson takes a very practical approach to explaining the mechanics of thought power and in this way appears to lean to the occult side of esoteric science more than the mystical. I do not mean this in a negative way, as his observations and conclusions are similar to those of the other early teachers of New Thought. He is certainly an advocate of what William James called The Religion of Healthy Mindedness.

Atkinson's contribution in this book is particularly valuable in explaining how fashions, trends and certain good or evil thought patterns can spread around the world, how susceptible the individual is, and what one can do to stay immune. I highly recommend this thought provoking book.

An awesome book. Simply blew me away. And most amazing of all - this stuff actually works!

Pursuit of Passionate Purpose is an excellent book for those starting out in a career or those who are very experienced. The book contains a practical method to support people in effecting the changes they are seeking. The stories of various people interviewed by the author are really interesting and inspiring.

I quit my job as a technician at Particle Measuring Systems in Boulder with reservations. I enjoyed the work and the people but felt I was not communicating well with certain engineers. Lizard (code name for one of the engineers)loaned me a wonderful book, though. It's called Pursuit of Passionate Purpose by Theresa Szczurek. That last name reminds me of the author of Flow -- Csikszentmihalyi. The Pursuit of Passionate Purpose deals with a topic Thomas Jefferson discussed: the battle between the heart and head in making decisions. I encourage everyone to read this book.
John Cutler Anderson
nickname "Lucky"
Boulder, Colorado

I had been sitting on the fence finishing my book. After reading Pursuit Of Passionate Purpose, I realized no one was going to finish the book but me and I didn't have forever to live my dreams. Each day that went by that I didn't do what I loved was a lost day. The book provided the push to discipline myself, focus my day, and live what I love. After reading the book, I finished the pieces I need to sell my book. But I loved the process of living my dream each day that I wrote. Thank you Theresa.

As both a business executive and an MBA professor, I found Dr. Shelton's book to be extremely helpful. The blend of science, psychology, religion and organizational development created a solid research-based theoretical foundation, and the action-oriented exercises at the end of each chapter were helpful for practical application. I highly recommend this book to leaders, managers, academics and those desiring to better integrate their personal values with their organizational life.

This highly readable and usable book introduces us to the world of quantum mechanics as underlying principles of our personal and business lives. Quantum Leaps actually presents hard science simplified with plenty of examples to show that the theories work. Quantum Leaps goes way beyond cheerleading readers toward bold acts. Because each of the seven skills is actually based in the new science of quantum mechanics that shows the way the universe really works, each of us can use the described skills of quantum thinking, acting, feeling, being, seeing, trusting and knowing with the confidence of using scientific instruments. Charlotte Shelton has done us all a favor by translating the mystery of the new science into the simplicity of skills to use every day. By doing so she has given us a vital new stepping stone toward the 21st century and an evolutionary step toward quantum living. Her fresh and elegant approach paints an encouraging future for all of us.

I sincerely wish that everyone would read "Quantum Leaps". If so there would be a "Quantum Leap" in individual and universal consciousness. She explains new scientific technology in a clear and easily understandable way. Her examples and explanations are excellent and clearly point out the necessity for a change in consciousness from the old Newtonian mechanistic to the world of today's Quantum Physics. This book is simplistic enough to be read by someone unfamiliar with current technology and it is also able to captivate the mind and imagination most erudite. Warning - pleased be advised that you may find yourself buying copies for your friends and stopping strangers on the street telling them to read this book.

"Race For Success" is the fuel necessary to participate in this marathon called "Life." An unsually powerful and unique combination of sound principles, historical perspective, motivation, knowledge and resources, the book is a true call to action. It is a tool for personal growth, economic empowerment, community revitalization, and much, much, more.

This book was an awesome read. Fraser was focused and expected nothing but the best from himself and others. He recognized the role that race plays in our society; however, he refused to allow it to limit his personal or business life. He offered insight on how to succeed as a minority in corporate America by encouraging and promoting racial pride, self-help, and self-development. This book will encourage anyone, however it should be required reading for all minorities. In spite of all of life's challenges, including the color of my skin, the author inspired me to push, dig, fight, and expect to win this game called life.

This book is tremendous. It actually exceeded my expectations. This is one of those rare times when a book lived up to it's hype. I have already read certain parts over again. It serves as a constant source of inspiration. It g ives you an opportunity to focus on the areas of interest to YOU. My favorite sections is the contact information in the back of the book, and the seven morals and principles of success.