Issue

Rob Parsons provides incredible insight into the busy life of fathers. His thought provoking suggestions as well as his pointers for separating work from home life have made a tremendous impact on my relationship with my kids. They're only small once, so take the time to listen, learn and be a part of their daily lives. Don't let the lyrics to Chapin's "Cats in the Cradle" ring true in your life!

Mr. Parsons provides an extremely refreshing reminder of what it takes to be a Father. The book is geared to help Father's overcome "busy-ness", how to avoid the future regret often associated with preoccupation and provides wonderful direction in meeting the needs of children.

My wife and I learned so much from this short book, that we now give this book as a gift to our friends, and especially new parents. It really made us focus on what is most important in our lives ..... our children. No one ever said on their death bed, "I wish I would have spent one more day at the offce." It is a short book ... read it. Your kids will thank you.

While going through the book in1986, I often wondered if a more comprehensive, lucid and well-researched book could ever be written on the subject. My conviction still remains strong after all these years. This book is quite different from the usual introductory books on sociology meant for college fresher, which come packaged with pictures, photographs, case studies, box items and rather oversized glossaries of terms. Here, the whole gamut of sociology is presented by placing relevant theories side by side, which are often in stark contrast with each other. For example, the liberal perspective which hopes that `the expansion of education will also reduce inequality in society,' is followed by a jarring Marxian argument that the educational system is a `gigantic myth-making machine which serves to legitimate inequality.' These contradictions and shifts in the theories provide adequate clarity to the reader, rendering unnecessary any further intervention by the author.

All the seminal contributions of pioneers like Durkheim, Weber, Redcliffe-Brown, Parsons, Merton and Marx, and modern perspectives of sociologists like Michael F.D.Young, Edmund Leach and R.D.Laing are explained in a succinct manner. Apart from the various sociological perspectives, vital areas like social stratification, power and politics, poverty, education, organisation, family, religion and women and society are discussed threadbare. The final two chapters namely, methodology ans sociological theories are, to my mind, the final words on the subjects. I strongly recommend this book to anybody who wants to make any headway into the subject of sociology.

To close on a personal note - I found the chapter on religion the most absorbing in this book. As the functionalists' perspective of Durkheim, Malinowski and Parsons is decimated by the sharp but convincing Marxian standpoint, the chapter reads like a thriller, that is dominated by courtroom arguments.

This must be the Bible to sociology students around the world - i don't know an A level student who's lived without it. Buy it!

Everyone who wants to get a little bit deeper knowledge about sociology will find this book very helpful. It's main virtue is perfect balance between simplicity of language used and complexity of sociology itself. It is obvious that it is writen for someone who is only starting to dig into social science - but don't underestimate it for this!

With the skill of an exquisite artisan, Brenda Waggoner intricately weaves classic children's
stories with contemporary life-applications, stitching them together with compelling biblical
truth. The resulting book, Storybook Mentors, is a rich tapestry of variegated wisdom and
wonder, delighting the spirit, deepening the mind. Waggoner wisely understands that no matter
her age, deep inside every woman there still beats the heart of a precious child-innocent,
inquiring, intuitive. She also realizes that as adults stooped under the burdens of life, women
can lose the wonder, lose the joy. Take a nostalgic walk with Waggoner through the pages of
childhood's best-loved legends like Heidi and The Secret Garden and be transported to a
gentler, nobler time. Gather the blossoms of childhood and let their color and fragrance
sweeten your life today.
-Lynn D. Morrissey...

In Storybook Mentors: Grown-Up Wisdom From Children's Classics, licensed professional counselor Brenda Waggoner applies the theme of mentoring wisdom to fifteen classic children's stories. The stories are grouped into three categories: Children As Mentors (Anne of Green Gables - Imagination; A Little Princess - Hope; Heidi - Grace; Pippi Longstocking - Free Spirit; Pollyanna - Optimism); Friends As Mentors (Charlotte's Web - Sacrificial Love; The Little Engine That Could - Confidence; Black Beauty - Humility; The Secret Garden - Coming Alive); and Elders As Mentors (The Velveteen Rabbit - Becoming Real; Mary Poppins - Mystique); Little Women - Nurturing; The Giving Tree - The Joy of Giving; The Lion The Witch And The Wardrobe - Redemption; Make Way For Ducklings - Homemaking). Each begins with a brief summary of the story (called "Crux of the Classic"); with each chapter making application of the mentor's truth to women's spiritual lives, and concludes with a section that connects the classic tale with Biblical truth ("Words of Old"). Unique, engaging, informative, and inspiring, Storybook Mentors is widely recommended reading for parents, teachers, counselors, youth workers, tutors, and anyone else with the responsibility for nurturing a young mind.

Through the eyes of a child, we understand with the heart and know without question that we are lavishly loved and completely accepted, even though we are deeply fallen. As adults, our life experiences may threaten to steal this sense of childlike security and joy, convincing us we're not really lovable or acceptable after all. Our hearts sometimes grow cold and cynical as we experience disappointments, loss, grief. We begin to "act strong" instead of asking for help when we need it; to laugh when we feel like crying, to pretend we're "just fine" when we're falling apart. Storybook Mentors is written for all who want to recapture the joy of childhood as they honestly face the realities of their grown-up lives. Although the magic formulas we once believed in don't always add up to an ideal life, and pretending doesn't work in the adult world, we don't have to give up our sense of wonder, creativity and imagination. In fact, these qualities help us enter into our faith more deeply and with greater freedom. Come along on an adventure back to the basics of childlike faith. Through the storylines of some classic heroines like Mary Poppins, Anne of Green Gables and Pippi Longstocking, let's revisit some familiar scenes and see what wisdom we may rediscover for living our grown-up lives courageously, authentically, with childlike joy.

As the previous reviewer pointed out, Robert H. King really delivers in this book! He is a now retired professor of both religion and philosophy, who had always been fascinated by these two prolific and influential men of the 20th century. Most of you probably know who these two men are, but for those of you who do not I'll give a brief outline. Thomas Merton was a Christian Cistercian monk who belonged to the Abbey of Gethsemani down in Kentucky; Thich Nhat Hanh is to this day a prolific teacher of Vietnamese Zen who was a prominent peace activist during the Vietnam War era.

Merton and Nhat Hanh both had a relationship that is a shining model for everyone of us today for what it means to "come together." With a lot of love in the author's voice, we are allowed to see the deep and unique aspects of both of their spiritual practices. Merton with his contemplative prayer, and Nhat Hanh with his ongoing writings and talks on mindfulness. Both of these guys felt their spiritual relationship and practices had a real relevance to the chaos of the world of that time. And moreover, this book applies in many respects even more fervently than any other era in history. The author coins this outlook of Merton and Nhat Hanh's as being "engaged spiritually"; in other words, they intended to utilize contemplation while employing action. These two men were actually the pioneers in interreligious talks, paving the way for more discourse in the years that have since followed.

Merton once said in praise of Thich Nhat Hanh, "Thich Nhat Hanh is more my brother than many who are nearer to me in race and nationality, because he and I see things exactly the same way." This, to me of course, spells out all too clearly what he was referring to as seeing things, "exactly the same." It refers to their roadmap for peace between the two religions. Their views on socially engaged religious practices that were not simply contemplative and thoughtful, but filled with action and doing. If you are familiar, or even not familiar, with either of these two men, you'll love this book. It is so worth the read. Enjoy it.

Robert King has written a quite thoroughly researched and knowledgeable book exploring the background, biographies, and historical significance of these two giants of 20th century spiritual and political thought. If you are a student of either of these two great teachers, you will find that King has placed their written output in the context of their lives' work in a way that is completely useful and illuminating. You will be able to go back to the writings of TNH and Merton with a great deal more understanding and insight. It is also apparent that, in addition to a great deal of research and understanding, King is approaching the lives of these two men with a considerable amount of love and appreciation for what he has been able to learn from them. He passes this appreciation on to the reader. If you have not yet read the works of TNH and Merton, I would think this book would be a splendid introduction to them; if you are familiar with them, this will deepen your relationship with the teachings of these two great spiritual teachers. Highly recommended for those who are interested in the meditative/ contemplative practice of either tradition.

Thomas Merton said, "Nhat Hanh Is My Brother," coming to this conclusion after meeting him but once.
Robert H. King traces the paths of these two men toward their historic meeting, yet respects their differences and the differences between Christianity and Buddhism. According to King, the contemplative practice which each of them followed in his own tradition led both of them into an active role in worldly affairs and to a deep respect for each other and for one another's tradition. King sees here the start of a fruitful inter-religious dialogue and the beginning of relationship between very different traditions.
I really enjoyed hearing how these two men, from such very different backgrounds, arrived at a similar place of "engaging" the world and its problems.
Anyone interested in learning about contemplation, either Christian or Buddhist, will find much to think about in this book.

We have been using this book for our family devotions for the whole family. This is not just for young men but for old men too. This book really speaks to the heart. I love the way Ryle appeals to every person with love felt compassion. I feel he is sitting right there in the living room appealing to us to live for the Lord. I had never read a book by Ryle and have been very impressed at his appeals and how he draws one to the Lord and godly living for Him.

I have recently read this book and must say it has really changed my outlook at life. Sin is a powerful thing, and Mr. Ryle does an outstanding job at presenting these issues. I now want to "live for my soul" as Ryle states in this book. I like how Ryle doesn't hold back in his teachings, he brings the issues right in your face and really makes you think about how you are living your life. Young men, if you want to be a great warrior for the Lord, then read this book and take what it says to heart.

Ryle's work is timeless. You will chuckle at some of the exhortations to stay away from books and newspapers that will lead to sin. If only Ryle could see us now, with cable tv and the internet.

Ryle's advice is biblical and practical. It is wise. It will help any young man who takes it seriously to live a more obedient, full life.

I am so thankful that our Lord is Gracious enough to speak to us TODAY, that's what TLIG is all about! It is a life altering miracle. Once again He is loving enough to try to explain it all over again for those of us who didn't get it or who did and didn't "walk the walk". I pray God blesses YOU to read every volume and reap the spiritual benefits, it truly is a blessing.

Since my daughter, Jenny, gave me Vassula's notebooks 1-31, "True life in God", my priorities and quality of life have changed. After six months of daily reading, for about an hour in the early morning, I have found peace and appreciation of the real issues that touch our dealings with each other and with God. My business life has always been so frantic that I gave sparingly to prayer and God time. It's different now though. The powerful love and peace message of this book has put the really important things into proper perspective and now business has a backseat, my prayer life dominates my appointment book and I get just as much done, but what a difference! This book has truly inspired and elevated my desires to find out as much about Jesus as I can. It is a book of true love and hope for those who feel powerless in a world that doesn't care or make much sense. I have come to know Jesus on a level that still awes and inspires me. This book has transformed my curiosity about "THE LORD" into a follower of JESUS, MY LORD! If the terms, peace, love and fulfillment have any meaning for you, the reader, then Vassula's writings, and especially "True life in God", is a MUST read. But, be warned, its messages are contagious and life-changing. The danger is that you'll find yourself wanting to read this book and, then, unashamedly, spread the love of Jesus too, and give her book to someone else to enjoy! God's blessings.

Reading the messageses from the lord made a positive aspect on mt life. It gave me a closer relation to Jeasus, and the holy trinity. I'm hopfuly praying taht her writing is excepted by the Church.

As a first in this kind of academic attempt, this book is very successfull. The articles especially took my attention are ones from Elisabeth Ozdalga, Ahmet T. Kuru, and Zeki Saritoprak. Elisabeth Ozdalga's research subject is an interesting one which should be expanded in the future. Ahmet T. Kuru's article is compact and very well organized. I liked the conclusion part clever. 4 points explained in detail needs further detailing -which might be a subject for a whole new book-

Thank you to all the authors who contributed to such an excellent guidebook about the Gulen movement. This education-centered modernization is no doubt being watched by many people all around the world with an increasing curiosity. I would hope to see more books on this issue in the future.

Being the first academic book on Gulen, I think this book serves a very important purpose. The articles cover variety of his and his movement's aspects, neverthless there seems to be a lot of room for new studies to cover all of them. The most interesting articles are the ones written by Ahmet Kuru, Thomas Michel and Zeki Saritoprak. I congrulate all the authors and the editors of the book for their nice work. It is also very nice to have the book with this affordable price.

good hospital information
use it as a reference for what you can ask for and not be afraid to ask for

I'm preparing to have surgery in a month or so and have read MANY books on being the hospital, what to expect, etc. This book manages to combine all the "patient's rights/protect yourself" information with some very concrete questions to ask of the hospital administration when evaluating a facility. The appendix also has wonderful forms you can use for keeping track of who gives you what when, since after reading this book, you will inevitably be checking your bill with a magnifying glass (and finding numerous mistakes, as 98.5% of all hospital bills contain them, according to the author). Since this book is endorsed by the People's Medical Society, a non-profit consumer organization that I think has ties to the Rodale Foundation, it's nice to know that the revisions of this volume have input from previous readers sharing their experiences (and how the book helped them in their own hospital experience). I feel that I will be a better patient and advocate for myself as a result of reading it - and I definitely plan to bring it to the hospital!

This book makes all the difference. Hospital staff don't tell you anything about the system. They don't have the time and they don't want you to know, anyway. The information in here made sure my father had the best care possible. Like the first reviewer said, having it in your hand and on the table in the patient's room changes the care for the better. This book is invaluable. I wore mine out while in the hospital and could quote from it.

The book is a debate between two well-informed philosophers who debate the implications of big bang cosmology on the issue of God's existence. I recently re-read the book and was amazed at what I missed the first time around. The technical nature of the book will make it difficult to understand for those who are unfamiliar with both philosophical argument and big bang cosmology. I recommend one read Robert Jastrow's _God and the Astronomers_ and Hugh Ross' _ Creator and the Cosmos_ before embarking on this heavy dose of technical philosophy. I consider Craig's Kalam cosmological argument for God's existence to hold more weight than Smith's interesting but weak cosmological argument for God's non-existence.

According to Big Bang cosmology, the universe began to exist about fifteen billion years ago with an explosion called `the Big Bang'. But was this explosion created by God, or did it occur without cause? In Part I, Christian philosopher William Lane Craig defends the theistic interpretation of Big Bang cosmology. In Part II, atheist philosopher Quentin Smith defends the atheistic interpretation. Part III contains Craig's and Smith's interpretations of Stephen Hawking's cosmology, and its implications for the existence of God.

An excellent scholarly resource for anyone interested in the debate over Big Bang cosmology. Readers unfamiliar with Big Bang Theory may wish to consult other works before reading this one.

This is not the easiest book in the world to read. Then again, its subject matter is recondite enough to warrant its difficult essays. It is recommended that anyone who wishes to take on this monster first be acquainted with philosophy as well as contemporary 20th century cosmology. Stephen Weinberg's "The First Three Minutes" and Timothy Ferris' "The Whole Shebang" would be good places to start before attempting to read this book. It would also be helpful for one to have read at least one book on quantum mechanics ("Taking The Quantum Leap" by Fred Alan Wolf would be a wise choice) as a pre-requisite. Even having read these books beforehand, this is STILL not an easy book.

What this book deals with is the First Cause argument which St. Thomas Aquanis borrowed from Aristotle & then modified for Christianity. The question it confronts is "Why is there something rather than nothing?" The Creationist's answer is that the answer lies with God, the cause of all things. The atheists counter that this does nothing but push the question back, as then one must ask "where did God come from?" (if, indeed, the universe "came" from anywhere at all). If one cannot answer this, then why not just skip a step and say that nobody knows where the universe came from? (as opposed of taking the seemingly superfluous step of inferring a God or gods). William Craig Lane defends the theistic side of the argument while Quentin Smith takes the helm for the atheists. Both are quite erudite & it makes for a very good match.

In the 20th century, scientists used to adore the "steady state" theory, which was invented by Sir Fred Hoyle, the famous Cambridge astronomer. Why? you ask. Well, in the 1920s Edwin Hubble confirmed what Einstein's theory of Relativity had already predicted: the universe was either expanding or contracting (expanding, as it turns out). Due to the redshift, if one were to "run the film backwards" the universe must have been at a single point sometime in the remote past. However, if this were true, it would suggest that the universe had a beginning. However, if this were true, one could say that that was the moment of "creation" that Aristotle & St. Thomas Aquanis were talking about. This became known as the Big Bang theory.

Enter Hoyle. Hoyle speculated that there must constantly be matter "created" (for lack of a better term?) that "fills in the gaps" between galaxies as they rushed away from each other. This became known as the "steady state theory." The theory was very ad-hoc, but it did preserve an infintely old universe and was adopted by over 90% of the scientists on the planet.

The story took a decided turn in the mid 1960s when Arno Penzias & Ralph Wilson discovered the cosmic microwave background (CMB), which was radiation left over from the first instants of the incredibly hot Big Bang. Almost overnight, Big Bang passed the steady state theory in the HOV lane. Today, steady state is a dead theory.

To many scientists' horror, they once again had to grapple with the First Cause argument as applied to a finite universe. Sir Arthur Eddington once said "I find the idea of a beginnig to the universe repugnant. I should like to find a genuine loophole." Oscillating universe theory became the favorite "loophole" of atheists. However, it suffers from significant faults (as William Craig Lane describes in this book).

This is a wonderful book as the polemics of the First Cause argument are presented on the battlefield of cosmology rather than straight-philosophy these days. That is as it should be. The book is filled with paradoxes of infinity as well as the possiblity of the entire universe being a quantum fluctuation (virtual particle) gone awry. Although the book dabbles with the Anthropic Principle a wee bit, it is primarily focused on the question of causation. Did God create the universe? Or is it, as they say, turtles all the way down? Or did the universe LITERALLY appear out of nowhere (and nothingness)? Read this book & you will be much more informed to decide for yourself.

Easy reading. Covers typical and atypical behavior of infants, toddlers, preschool and school age. Touched on ways children with these behaviors can disrupt home and school activities.The key is early intervention. Written more for parents of children who have significant SID issues.

This is a great book. I wish this was the first book I had read after my son was diagnosed with PDD-NOS. This book will help you get your kid and your family through the day. I already read "The Out of Sync Child" but found this book really put sensory integration into layman's terms that a parent could understand. It also reads fast but has a huge amount of targeted information in it. If you need fast help with a hard to manage kid who is getting OT or PT or is on the spectrum, this book is for you.
Bless Liz and Pauline for taking the time to write this.

Great, easy to read for parents and others that have SID children in their life. Highly recommended that parents have teachers, friends, relatives read this to help them understand that our children are in need of gentle support for their needs. Really helped me understand the relative dysfunction that my child has. Gave me hope that with a little education and help from OT we can work on making my childs life much better. It won't be easy, the authors are very honest. No-nonsense, reality based from two mothers of SID children.
Another great recommendation is The Out of Sync Child.