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Tiffany Aching is back to learn the serious business of witching in this sequel to The Wee Free Men. Tiffany sets out to do her apprenticeship with Miss Level. While Tiffany carries out the mostly mundane tasks of caring for the sick, she experiments with her own magical talents which have begun to surface. Thank goodness for the return of the Mac Nac Feegles, as well, who are back to protect the "big wee hag" as she contends with the mysterious and dangerous Hiver.

Full of Pratchett's wry British humor, this is a book for young and old alike. Like the Wee Free Men, although it takes place on Pratchett's Discworld, the Tiffany stories have a feel and flavor all their own.

- C.A.Wulff, author of Born Without a Tail

Terry Pratchett captures so much in his prose. This book, and this series, are great for kids, and especially girls who are coming of age. Tiffany Aching is an easy character to relate to, and even though we may not face situations quite like hers, we can see parallels. And the Nac Mac Feegle are wonderful comic relief. Like any Pratchett book, a definite 10 of 10.

First things first - do not let the "young adult" tag on this product dissuade you from diving in.

Now, as to the book itself, we find ourselves, as usual with Mr. Pratchett, on Discworld, the magical flat world sitting on the back of four elephants, all of whom are borne on the back of a great turtle, who soars through space. Yet we aren't dealing with such majestic themes and images here. We concentrate our tale upon a slight little girl, one Tiffany Aching. She is coming into young womanhood, which is trying enough, but certainly more trying when one is a novice witch, even one as powerful as Tiffany. Maybe even more so because of it.

Tiffany, you see, is trying to learn the ropes of witchdom, which means she apprentices herself to various witches to learn the ins and outs of the life. This she does, even though it means she has to leave her homeland (there are no more witches where she lives on the Chalk). So, leave she does and she starts to learn.

But somewhere along the way she attracts the attention of a being as old as the universe and as powerful. And this being wants. What it wants, it comes to realize, is little Tiffany Aching.

But Tiffany, in addition to being a powerful, if somewhat untried and novice, witch also has additional protectors. The Nac Mac Feegle! The Wee Free Men! The person who first said that big things come in small packages was almost certainly describing the Feegles. The Pictsies (as they are wont to be called) protect Tiffany from, well, everything. They think she belongs to them and they're not really keen on thieves, unless it's them doing the thieving. And drinking. Oh, and don't forget the fighting. If they can do that in service to their witch (their "hag" as they call them) then all the better!

Pratchett has woven another magical, haunting, hysterical, tragic tale of the little things of being - life, death, power, duty, and maybe justice.

Or maybe we are dealing with majestic themes, after all. With liberally sprinkled episodes of thievery, fighting, cussing, and boozing, which the Feegles will tell you makes up almost the entirety of being. One can only love a creation like the Feegles, although I would advise a distant and general kind of love. Up close affection from a Feegle generally involves a headbutt.

A brilliant series and one I'm looking forward to completing, if, as reported, the next book after Wintersmith is the finale.

Bravo Mr. Pratchett!

The Editorial review from Washington Post, above, lacks perspective. JKR's minor characters have psychological depth while Pratchett's are two-dimensional? Maybe, maybe not. Regardless, what a bizarre comparison. They're two different writers. It should be noted that Pratchett started the Discworld series in 1983 (Color of Magic) when JKR was only 18 years old. He established his style long before JKR published Philosopher's Stone in 1997. All of his books are like this, for the most part. He simply used his existing Discworld template when he wanted to comment on the Harry Potter world, and thus created Tiffany Aching. If witches in Hat spend a great deal more time riding broomsticks and casting spells than they did in Wee Free Men it's because Pratchett is purposefully referring to Harry Potter's magical education. Correct, Miss Level's cottage is no Hogwarts. That's the point. With Tiffany Aching Pratchett gets to play with, gently satire and generally enjoy both Harry Potter's brand of magic and the commercialized airy-fairy Wiccan brand of magic, and mix some real old British magical lore in, too. Note that I am a Potter Fanatic.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Hat Full of Sky and the other Tiffany Aching stories. I can't recommend them enough. Humorous, likable, thought provoking and excellent.

Terry Pratchett is my favorite author.

Most of the authors on my Top 10 list got there on the basis of a few good books; Robin McKinnley's "The Blue Sword" and "The Hero and the Crown"; Tolkein's "The Hobbit"; Elizabeth Moon's Paksenarion Trilogy; David Webber's "Mutineer's Moon" Trilogy...

With Pratchett, it's easier to list those of his books that I don't like. There's only one ("Eric!"), and even it has its moments.

I suppose that now I have to explain why I like him so much. The reason is simple. He is wise. He is ALSO funny, which allows him to present his wisdom in a way that is readily accessible.

As a case in point, I am a soldier. I know the nature of my peers. Pratchett's books about CDR Vimes, which I collectively refer to as The Watch Trilogy (although there's now more than three volumes) is a masterpiece of insight into the nature of wearing a uniform. There is nothing at all heroic about CPL Nobbs or SGT Colon, and I've known many individuals very like both of them. Yet, when the time comes, and society needs someone to stand in the gap, they're there. Flaws and all. And beside them are people like CPT Carrot, who is virtue personified. CDR Vimes may not be virtuous, and he'd be horribly offended at being called noble, but he is good. And he does what he does because he loves his people. (I recall the comic scene where he states that the city is a woman, and he loved her even when she kicked him in his teeth.) The armed forces have the same mix of personalities that intermingle with complex interaction. We're not heros. We're people. Pratchett is one of the few authors who understands that enough to write it believably.

But as much as I enjoy Pratchett's Watch Trilogy, I love his Witch Trilogy (also more than three books at this point). Esme Weatherwax is, perhaps, the most complex character that I've yet to see written into any book. She is a woman who is rigidly moral, because she understands that she is very close to being evil. It's by sheer willpower, and never being willing to act immorally, that she remains good. She is grim and dark and terrible... and good. She defined herself at one point as a woman who stands on The Boundary.

Throughout history, there have been people who stand between humanity and those things that threaten it. Soldiers, Firemen, Policemen, Teachers, Authors, the Ankh-Morpork City Watch, the Wizards of Unseen University... Many of them ARE grim and dark and terrible, but they're often the most effective; their society is protected from whatever evil those Boundary-Watchers have set out to fight.

And how does this relate to the charming young Tiffany Aching, and Pratchett's books about her, the second of which is "A Hat Full of Sky"? Tiffany Aching is used to contrast Esme Weatherwax. She is not grim, nor dark, nor terrible... Yet.

Tiffany Aching is a Boundary-Watcher. But she is a young and inexperienced one. Given time, she will either grow into another Esme Weatherwax, or she will forsake The Boundary to become a wicked witch. The trilogy of Tiffany Aching is, at its heart, a guide book to the path towards maturity as a Boundary-Watcher. It warns against beginning to cackle. It explains the importance of being accountable to comrades. It lays out the mindset that a Boundary-Watcher must hold. And, it even does so in a believable way. Tiffany Aching DOES have failures of virtue (like the incident in the wand store, or with the old man's money), just like a real person. And the moral that Pratchett draws from those situations is that while certain actions may fall short of virtue, you can still show your worth in the way in which you respond.

I pay to Pratchett the greatest homage that I can with these words:
He understands.

And to make him all the more impressive, the book is written in order to teach without being intimidating. Few non-Boundary-Watchers will pick up Dave Grossman's book "On Combat". Yet many will approach Pratchett's Tiffany Aching books, which discusses the same mindset and role in society, because of the expectation and joy of a good story. The story of a plucky young girl pitted against evil forces is certainly entertaining enough in its own right to amuse those who have no desire to explore the mindset of a Boundary-Watcher.

And so, I think I shall end with this observation. There is a Zen quotation that states, "If you understand, things are just as they are. If you do not understand, things are just as they are." I understand the fact that whether or not I understand is insignificant to the Great Scheme of Things. Yet what the quotation does not explain is why I still feel a great need to understand, in spite of the insignificance of understanding. For several months, I asked myself the question, "Why do I try to understand then?" I finally came up with an answer: "You laugh at more of the jokes." Humor and understanding go hand-in-hand. Pratchett understands this.

Excellent purchase, this used book was like brand new.
very pleased
Thx

This book is great for a daily devotional. It is uplifting & positive. If you are going through a tough time in your life, this is a great book to read each day.

I found this book to be a wonderful book to help me turn my life around after a difficult situation in my life. It help me have hope that there was more to life. Highly recommend this book.

Joel Osteen at first simply bored me as a I read through his first few devotions. Devoid of any fresh thought, they were trite and very similar to each other. After a few more readings (I give every book a chance.), I thoroughly hated this book. Osteen is self-satisfied and dull. His book not only added nothing to my life, I feel like it detracted from it. Do not waste your time on this one.

I'm writing this review having read the first three devotions in this book. I want my money back! Nowhere does Osteen give credit to God. He tells you that you can depend entirely on yourself, to just imagine and wish for what you want and it will be yours. All your dreams will come true.

Please don't waste your money on this book. This man is trying to please everyone and telling them what they want to hear. He's not writing from the Holy Spirit's voice or he'd remember every so often to give credit to the Lord. He doesn't do that in this book. I guess Osteen got where he is today by just wishing for it from a magic genie or something because from this book, I can't tell whether he's Christian, Buddist, Hindu, Muslim, Jewish or whatever. What a disappointment!

I agree with another reviewer that this book teaches you to be greedy and selfish, the exact opposite teachings of Christ.

This is a great book to introduce the reader to the different types of cash flow sources. The book doesn't go too much into the "nuts and bolts" of actually doing the business though. I guess it serves it purpose as an introductory text.

This book is actually written well. If you are thinking about getting into this business (note business) than I would highly suggest reading this book FIRST before you do! It does a good job explaining how the note business works and what different notes you can buy. There are about 60+ different kind of cash flow notes out there you can buy or broker to other buyers. The book talks about several kinds of different notes and gives you the details to help you familarize yourself with how the business works. I thought it was very informative and glad I bought it to learn about the note business.

Now, on the other hand...DO NOT BUY INTO THEIR REDICULOUSLY EXPENSIVE SEMINAR COURSE THEY WILL TRY TO PRESSURE YOU INTO IF YOU GO TO ONE OF THEIR "FREE" TV INFOMERCIAL SEMINARS THEY HOLD AROUND THE COUNTRY!!! You can get furthur education on the business WAY cheaper from "reputable & honest" teachers in this business and save yourself a lot of money! As in the note business...do your due-diligence with online searches and reading reviews before you jump in.

I've been a Note Broker/Cash Flow Specialist for 4 years now and I refer all of my trainees to this book. It's very detailed in defining the main debt instruments that dominate the industry and pointing you in the right direction of who to network with in order to generate business.

The one thing I disagree with is that the author claims you'll succeed part-time. Like any other profession, this one requires a lot of time and effort. And anyone who has experience brokering anything knows that good brokers make dozens, if not hundreds, of calls per day. If you like speaking over the phone and have the time, then this business will easily add a good $20-$40K to your annual income, possibly more.

Do a Google search on Laurence Pino before you buy his book(s).
Put your money to better use.

The only thing that bothered me about this book was that most of the information is repetitive. Again and again the same things are repeated. I would say, about 40% of the book could have been saved by eliminating the repetition. Book is well illustrated with examples and references. Have some sound ideas and advice. It did not have the thrill of a best seller. Has not the grip required to earn a 5 star rating.

This was purchased for a small gift. It was recommended by my oldest daughter for her younger sister. They both have enjoyed the encouragement and inspiration that is delivered in short messages. It is nice help people who deal with the public everyday and don't always see the best side of humanity. They feel that Joels little stories help get them back to the right perspective.

This Journal is the perfect companion learning tool to Joel Osteen's Your Best Life Now. If you've read the book, use the Journal and take your spiritual journey to the next level of achievement.

The Journal and book would make a wonderful gift for a friend!

The product came just as decribed and was a fast delivery. I would buy from them again.

I'm Jewish so I'm selling this or giving it to someone Christian.

I am near the end of this book and I couldn't have read it at a better time in my life. The journaling is great and it helped me a great deal. There are several inspirational quotes and Olsteen encourages readers to live to their best potential by giving to others and helping others realize their dreams. It also helps you deal with the trials of life and it helped change my perspective on things.
Buy this book! You won't regret it.

This artful and unbiased treatment of the Queen of Scots, along with Antonia Frasier's earlier work, is a must for any historial, professional or amateur, who wishes to resolve, refine or at least consider the still debated questions concerning Mary, her ability to rule, her relationships with the scottish nobility, and of course, the dynamic of her relationship with Bothwell and her guilt or innocence of the killing of Lord Darnley. As a retired prosecutor of murder cases and somewhat of an expert on conspiracy, Guy's book provided me with the evidence I would need to review a case against her. There is enough well-researched detail to satisfy the close scrutiny required in reading a work on this already broadly treated enigma.

Guy's life of Mary Queen of Scots is written in a "Just the facts, ma'am" spirit that, while not slaking my thirst for a more judgmental approach, did allow me to form my own.



The predominant tone is one of a knight gallant leaping to Mary's defense, such as in the lengths to which he goes to prove that the documents incriminating Mary in her 2nd husband Darnley's murder were forged, but to his credit he doesn't skirt over the unsavory details of her life, and in fact adds to them. But I must say, it is time for historians to discard the objective approach of the 20th century and let their belief in the supernatural once again reign, as we are once again entering supernatural times ( they all have been, really, but the devil's greatest trick -- you know the rest ).



The six-foot, redheaded Mary -- too bad Nicole Kidman didn't play this part -- was thought by almost everyone in her time to be a "witch." I'm tired of this kind of accusation being glossed over as a mere superstition of the past, that feminist theory has rendered forever outmoded. Is it perhaps the heathen present and not the religious past which is ignorant? Why did this charge follow her so doggedly?



It is clear to me, as a Christian who believes in such things, and has some experience with witches myself, that the relationship between Mary and Bothwell was indeed one that can only be described as a Satanic seduction, something that the Scottish nobles and even the populace immediately apprehended when they posted the famous drawing of the mermaid and the hare ( with, as Guy points out, phallic swords surrounding it ) all around Edinburgh. Bothwell was the Colin Farrell of his day, except murderous and unstoppably ambitious for political power, and there is no doubt that the relationship between him and Mary was based entirely on his sexual hold over her. He barely tried to conceal that he didn't even love her.



It is fascinating to think that one of Catholicism's last, best hopes before the Protestant takeover was defeated by a mesmerizing appendage, but those who can read between the lines will clearly see the evidence of its truth. And what is a witch if not a woman who lets lust drag her and her countrymen into the abyss? Bothwell, who should be remembered as one of the great hommes fatales of history, had absolute power over Mary and within months destroyed her life and her hopes. His involvement in the assassination of Darnley is much less disturbing than an anecdote Guy relates where he literally kills with a single blow one of Mary's loyal retainers -- the old man had dared to wish her good luck on a journey.



And yet even this didn't stop her from marrying him. Didn't even faze her. She persisted in her "love" for Bothwell even in the face of the unanimous disapproval of her court and of the people, until she was like a cornered rat, alone with her morbid obsession. The once-noble and cultured queen was reduced within months to a frumpy mess, her looks gone, being heckled by peasants and shouting crude obscenities at them from the roof of her castle ( Guy shows how Bothwell's vulgarity infected her ). The story ends with Bothwell and Mary being forcibly separated and pledging their eternal fidelity to each other -- which he instantly broke with a Danish woman, whose dowry he stole! This finally ended his rake's progress.



What this book made me realize is that the rivalry between Elizabeth and Mary has been entirely trumped-up. They were not rivals; Mary was nothing more than a cautionary tale for Elizabeth, who was much more evil than Mary but also much more shrewd. ( Elizabeth's real rival was the ghost of Isabella of Spain, as she, with the help of her cryptic spies, undid the effects of Isabella's glorious reign. ) The real story here, which hopefully future historians will take up, is the stunningly rapid descent of Mary into blind sexual insanity, and how it forced the last bastion of the Catholic faith in the British isles to deliver herself meekly into the hands of her enemy. Catholics treat Mary almost as a saint due to her supposed piousness in captivity; she should be considered the greatest of traitors. Would history have been entirely different if she never met Bothwell, or is a witch is a witch is a witch?

I am writing my thesis (roughly 80 pages)on Mary Stuart and I have to say that, aside from primary sources, this book was by far the most valuable contribution to my research. Guy's treatment of Mary's life is balanced, detailed, and well contextualized. It's also beautifully written, so that reading it doesn't feel like research at all. I would recommend this book to anyone researching Mary Stuart, but more impressively, to anyone with a simply recreational interest. I wish I could thank John Guy personally. Superb.

It is harder to imagine a woman history has been kinder to than Mary Queen of Scotts. She is always the tragic women, betrayed by those she loved, and executed by her cruel, vicious, and nefariosu Cousin Queen Elizabeth. Guy does little to change this classic tale, despite the fact that history doesn't match up with it. Mary Queen of Scotts knowingly married her second husband's murderer and assented to the murder of Elizabeth who kept Mary alive, albiet in a very comfortable captivity, at great risk to her own [Elizabeth's] life. I don't think Mary, Queen of Scotts is a totally unsympathetic figure; she loved bad men and was betrayed by them. She was betrayed by her half-brother the earl of Moray, and she died with great courage. That said, she is not a flawless saint, no matter how much Guy wishes to make her one. (Also he makes the errenous assumption that if the the casket letters are fake, which he convincingly shows to be forgeries, Mary is automatically vindicated from the murder of her husband. Something on which the evidence is quite inconclusive.) For a more balanced look at Both Queens, I would reccomend both Jane Dunn and Alison Plowden's duel biography. And please do not say history has not been kind to this woman.

I thoroughly enjoyed John Guy's biography of Mary Queen of Scots. The only flaws are that Guy insists that Mary's prayers before death were for a public show of her Catholicism. I don't think so - people about to die don't act that way. Also, he says that when Mary was kidnapped and raped by Bothwell, she must have enjoyed it because she did not cry for help. Sorry, but studies of rape victims have shown that even today women are afraid to go to the police. In those days, a woman was heavily stigmatized when violated against her will. But other than those flaws, this biography is a work of profound scholarship, depicting the details of Mary's daily life as I have never before read anywhere else. Guy also shows that Mary was a clever and even a savvy politician, as clever as Elizabeth her rival, although she fell through treachery and one lost battle. Very sad but very enlightening. Recommended.

What did I think about this book? I think this book was great. I learned so much from Pastor Olsteen. I learned that life doesn't have to be so heavy because we have God who walks alongside with us, constantly leading and guiding us. AND, the best part, we are never alone. I learned how to pray with this book (how to talk with God) and how to declare blessings over my family. I often felt my prayers were going out unanswered into some holding tank, but this book showed me where they were actually going and why. It wasn't that God wasn't answering my prayers, He was holding them until the right time. I learned so many things with this book, too many to mention. I found this book to be an easy read, yet so rich in information and examples. The thing that helped me the MOST was the little sample prayers such as: "God, I thank you for your favor, your favor is causing..." Some people are not eloquent when addressing God. Joel tells us to remember God in the good times and the bad. However, another best part is he tells us where WE fit in, and that we are not alone, ever. After reading this book. My brother met him at the Houston Livestock and Rodeo, Joel was walking around with his two children and my brother went up to him and they both prayed together. My brother said, that Joel has a very approachable personality and is a very humble person with a great heart who only wants to help people find God. And to that Joel, I thank you for helping me find God. I do not attend Lakewood Church neither am I Christian but I still found God. Now when I look back, I think the message was for me. I finally understand and my journey continues. Thank you.

I have been using this in a group setting. It has been wonderful. It really helps you to think about the things that have gone on in your life as well as currently happening and to help you to take control of your future. God has plans for everyone, but if we don't take the right paths we will never reach the intended destination.

This book is an experiential guide based on Osteen's best seller. Osteen provides insight by taking his readers through various experiential exercises to reinforce qualities and attitudes of positive thinking. I enjoyed the book and the common wisdom Osteen offers. The more I read by Mr. Osteen, the more I appreciate his interpretations of scripture. Osteen (in my humble view) is guided by his own unique understanding of relationship, and is further guided by respect for that which is greater than us. From this flows respect that we can grow into a better relationship with those who experience and understand G-d differently. Each of us are 'called' by G-d in different and surprising ways. Osteen is not your timid status quo preacher seeking to assuage the fears of those who march lock step with some narrow and closed theological perspective.

The only downside to the book is his use of NKJV to quote scripture. As a biblical scholar, this is the worst interpretation available to a contemporary audience.

I wanted to read this book but after 20 pages gave up, as I noticed it's message is about some quick fixes to get you happy, in a typical American way. To make it look Christian the author mentions the word God so we can be relaxed about it.

If somebody wants to be re begin to live a live with full potential that the right book is The 7 habits of the highes efficient people by Stephen Covey.

For those of you who have been wondering about the obvious gaps in the new book, The Secret (example: all bad things you brought on yourself or wished for in some way), look no further. Osteen does a fantastic job of explaining that, sometimes, bad things happen for a reason. You don't imagine them, envision them or bring them about simply because you have been dwelling on them not happening, which is what "The Secret" suggests. Instead, they are all a part of God's big plan. Bad things take you to better places, provided you can roll with the punches and keep the faith.

So for those of you who have not been impressed with The Secret and have been wondering how religion and God/Jesus fit into it all, this book has the answer. What a relief!

This is an extremely well written book. Lots of Tips. Great insight into how buyers try to get you to reduce prices. I have purchased 5 copies of this book and given them to all of the people with direct influence on pricing, negotiation and financial decisions in the company. Once you understand and begin applying the principles, the margins just go up. The book will change your whole outlook such that you don't feel guilty turning down business that is only price based. This is probably the most significant business improvement book I have read in the last 5 years,

I can think of 5 business books everyone should read, this is number 1

Urges companies to sell based on margin n ot price. Makes sales people understand why it is important to stay strong on price and how to do it.

Doesn't answer the question of how you compete when all your competition is price cutting!

There are two types of people who want to absorb this book: salespeople and business owners or executives.

If as a salesperson, you've found yourself getting "beat up" by prospects and customers, this book teaches you in simple and easy to understand language how to not only put an end to getting beat up but how to also make the sale.

If as a salesperson, you find yourself spending inordinate amounts of time with customers who are difficult to work with, this book reveals how to work with only the best customers - and make more money while you do it.

If as a salesperson your commissions are slim because your selling price is too low and you haven't been able to sell at a higher price, this book will expose exactly how to raise your selling price and your commissions.

If you are a business owner or executive, you will want to read this book for two critical reasons.

One, you will learn how to put an end to your salespeople's whining and complaining about losing the sale to low-price competitors. You'll FINALLY KNOW HOW TO CALL THEIR BLUFF! No longer will your salespeople be able to "snow" you with their inability to sell. Now, you will be able to "call the shots" they way they really are so that your salespeople produce results instead of excuses.

Two, you will learn exactly how to keep your business out of bankruptcy and move your business away from break-even mode to high margin, high profitability mode.

On my end, I wish someone would have pointed me to this book when I first got started in sales so that I could have saved myself years of hardship. On your end, you'll be glad I recommended that you get this book for yourself so that you too are able to save years of hardship.

I rate the book a 5 on content and timeliness but a 1 on presentation.

All you need to do is look at most advertisements today to realize that price competition has become the major way to conduct business. I have recognized and for years advised clients that "If you compete on price you are competing to go broke." Price pressure is even more intense considering that finding the lowest price for most products is just a few clicks away. Merchants have all conditioned consumers to be price conscious buyers. And our mind set as consumers carries over to our businesses.

The authors do a very good job of showing that most pricing problems are in the mind of the salesman or CEO and not in the mind of the buyer. They further show that it is simply impossible to cut prices and make up the difference in increased volume. One of the better concepts they present is if you lower your prices to increase your volume, all you do is work harder and go broke in the process. If the CEO can grasp that concept - and unfortunately all you need to do is to look at the history of companies that have gone bankrupt, especially in the airline industry - then the book is well worth reading.

As far as presentation, I have a lot of problems.

The authors could not really decide who their reader was. At times they were writing to the CEO and at times they were giving tips to the salesman in the field. It would have been much better if they had written two separate books - one for the CEO who determines policy and one for the salesman in the field.

They have a bad habit of repeating the same lessons throughout the book. It is okay and sometimes necessary to refer back to an idea or concept. But anyone reading this type book does not need the entire example repeated. Too much of that obscures the lesson to be learned.

The use of bold "bullet points" at the beginning of paragraphs was overdone. One place, opened at random, I found four bold paragraph headings on each page. To me these were a distraction.

It was annoying for them to keep repeating "one of your authors" experienced ... What is wrong with saying Lawrence or William?

They overdid some clichés - "the south bound end of a north bound donkey" was one. Once is enough. And they ended lots of examples of conversations with "blah ... blah ... blah"

The authors make some valid and important points. If you are going to conduct business in today's price conscious environment, you must learn to sell your product on something other than price. So the book is well worth reading. In my opinion, the presentation could be improved greatly.

GREAT BOOK TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SHAKIRA. SHE IS AN AMAZING ARTIST AND UNIQUE (BEFORE SHE DIED THAT HAIR BLONDE). sHE IS NOT JUST A FAD, SHAKIRA IS AND INTELLIGENT SONGWRITER AND THIS BOOK WILL GIVEYOU AND INSIGHT.

I loved this book. Loved reading about the integrity and hard work and perfectionism this artists brings to her music. Shakira's the real deal. We can all learn from this kind of dignity and sense of self. What a hero -- especially in this age of inflated egos and marketing hype.

As a big Shakira fan I bought this book the minute I saw it. This book is fairly good. If you are a new Shakira fan, I reacommend it. It tells the story of how this Latin Pop/Rock Icon became the huge star she's today. It tells the struggles and problems she had to overcome for reaching her goals and dreams. If you have known Shakira for a while you'll have already herad almost they say here...

Hey, this book is pretty good. I find it interesting to read about where she comes from, her blended family and etc. It is a good book to build your Spanish vocab. Espero que lo leas!

This introduced me to Richard Carlson's work. I chose the CD (over the book) for no particular reason. The title itself grabbed me, as it captured a viewpoint that reflected my own vision of the world. The CD seems rather lightweight at first, but upon reflection and additional listening, I detected the subtle profundity buried beneath the seemingly folksy advice. I believe he draws upon Eastern philosophies (Buddhism/Taoism) to shape his advice. Like the concept of "wu wei wu" from Taoism, Carlson carefully illustrates how doing nothing about confrontational situations can often result in very positive results. The crux of his argument is that the more secure you are with yourself, the more resilient and battle-hardened you will become in dealing with obnoxious individuals ... perhaps... even learning to feel a sense of compassion for those who resort to bad behavior to express their inner frustration, unresolved personal conflicts, or general maladjustment to the world. I recommend this to anyone who is at his/her wits end in dealing with a difficult person. You'll come away with some fresh ideas -- not always easy to play out -- but very, very practical and wise.

Richard Carlson was an amazingly talented author and human being. His understanding and sensible suggestions are practical ways of helping anyone. I enjoy all his writings and have found that his books are great gifts for the people you love and care for.

John O'Connor,late Cardinal Archbishop of New York, was a large figure on the political and religious landscape for almost 17 years. One time Hawkish military chaplain{his pro military stances influenced many of the documents that came out of the bishops conferences],he became bishop of scranton, Pa.,then very quickly{I mean real quickly} Archbishop of the largest archdiocese in North America. He sparred with polticians early{Publicly berating democats Mario cuomo and Geraldine ferraro for their pro-choice stands}though not republicans{though he did criticise R Guliani 's policies as viscious against the poor}, so often putting his foot in his mouth that all three of the major dailies began putting reporters at the Sunday 10 am mass. This collection, has nomne of that. O'connor was a vociferous supporter of the state of Israel, and is warmly remembered as such. He was also an avowed opponenet of homsexuality, and some of his worst moments came in trying to defend his position. He was also a man of great generosity, refusing to close any schools{no matter how poor they were]. begging, literally, begging some of the moneybags catholics{Simon, Grace, et,al. } for donations.He opened doors of catholic hospitals to aids patients{while condeming thier lifestyle. }In short, a man of immense contradictions, who died a slow, painful public death, and did so with great dignity, and without some of the macabre operatic flourishes of so public a demise. The best of these remembrances come from ordianry folks,not the politicians nor clergy{what on earth do youthink a priest of another bishop would say about him? Now if they gave archbishop rembert weakland of Milwaukee a free hand to discuss OConnors lack of support for him with this problems with rome, that would have been interesting]. In all, a well done,though curiosly unsatisfying collection, too much warm fuzziness, not enough exploration.For those who admired him,a very good book. see also Nat Hentoff's ear;lier Biography{also very flattering] for more sources. A loyal soldier of the church.

I am admittedly a very devoted friend of the late Cardinal. I miss him greatly as a former regular Mass-goer at St. Patrick's Cathedral in the late 90's. I miss him still more as my old guardian angel who did more than one favor for a skinny little kid from Brooklyn, without recompense. Nor did he seek it, except for my soul, and the hope that I would always love Jesus. So if you ever admired this man, his honesty, his frankness, his gift for trying his best in every circumstance, even if you did not agree with everything he said, you will indeed like this book. He was, as his friends reminisce, a mensch. You will hear his words, recognise his wit, recall his stature. I miss him too much, this man who fought tooth and nail, for whatever he thought was truly important for the well being of body and soul of his flock. But then, anyone in New York, or anyone in his line of sight was his flock. Oh, I miss him, and I am glad to hear from him again. Requiescat in pace.