On-the-tape

This book is targeted towards African-American women, but I don't believe that African-American are the only women who experience "life in the valley." This book offers healing, inspiration and guidance to all who read it

Faith In The valley by Iyanla Vanzant is truly a book to help us on our journey toward peace. Ms. Vanzant imparts words of wisdom and encouragement. She is reminding us of some of the day to day things we take for granted. We sometimes forget to be thankful for what we have; good health, a job and a place to live. You will not regret reading this book. As Ms. vanzant writes, "What a blessing! I am so thankful" that I read this book. Go get yourself a copy of "Faith in The valley".

I can not express how insightful and helpful this book is! It really makes you look deep into the reason(s) why you thought you needed a book of affirmations in the first place. This book is perfect for those "why me" and "I really can't take any more" moments when you feel like life, and everything in it, needs to give you a break. If you're a woman experiencing a lot of change in your life and it seems like you just can't handle another crisis (or is it a crisis afterall?), this is the book for you. I carry it in my purse!

This is the book that will cahnge your life. After 25 years in the business world, I thought that I had read and seen them all...until now. This is the first book that empowered me to take Action. It's logical, no nonsense approach will propel you to your goal. This is not jsut for the entreprenuor or the CEO, it is for anyone who wants to be wildly successful and still be happy. After reading it, I changed my city, state, position and lifestyle, yet still work for the same corporation

I've been really impressed with this book. I'm almost done reading it and will definitely go back and read it a few more times, and refer to it often. Having just met with a business consultant who would charge $24K a year for similar-sounding coaching, I'm really impressed by how much sound, logical, but also simple and memorable/doable advice the author offers in this book. She makes tons of great, practical, straight-forward points, and it isn't just rah-rah stuff that you'll forget about shortly after you read it. Very good stuff. The author seems like someone who's walked her talk, too, which is always helpful. Great, and very business-oriented, as opposed to just personal growth/personal coaching-oriented, like Cheryl Richardson's stuff. (This book might be a great combination with one of Cheryl's books, too, for the complete package: self-help on a business and a personal level. Very congruent.)

If you feel that you work to hard and earn to little, this book is for you. Jennifer White shows you how to be more effective in whatever you do. When you become more effective--you will start earning more money-because your more effective, more valuable. Jennifer is one of the top coaches in the nation and it's not for no reason. Her methods are sound. Proven. They Work. Highly recommended.

Zev Saftlas, Author of Motivation That Works: How to Get Motivated and Stay Motivated

I LOVE THIS BOOK!!! I JUST FINISHED READING IT FOR THE SECOND TIME. ITS AMAZING HOW JACKIE COLLINS CAN CREATE A WORLD, A WORLD THAT YOU JUST DONT WANT TO LEAVE. THE CHARACTERS IN THIS BOOK ARE SO REAL THAT YOU FEEL LIKE YOUVE KNOWN THEM FOREVER. THIS BOOK IS LIKE A DRUG, YOU WONT BE ABLE TO PUT IT DOWN, I GUARANTEE THAT! I CRIED FOR THE SECOND TIME AND IM A LITTLE DEPRESSED SO IVE GOT TO FIND A NEW JACKIE COLLINS TO READ!!!

This was the best book Jackie Collins ever wrote, and I've read every one of them. I loved Nick and Lauren's star-crossed love story, and the mystery surrounding Cyndra was top-notch. Ooh, it was such a good book. Ooh, it made me go to the store and buy "Power." Reading Jackie Collins is like eating chocolate eclairs. Gooey and fun. Ooh. Ooh,yummy Jackie Collins is the best glitz novel writer there is.

I read this book several years ago and I still remember how good it was. So juicy.

Jackie Collins is an expert at writing stories about people in the fast lane, rich beyond belief & people who start from nothing and make themselved into starts. This book is about all of that, with some love & lust thrown in.

If you're looking for a good book to pass the time with, one that has an outrageous story, you've found it!

I loved reading Richard Paul Evans' new book, The Christmas Box Miracle. He reveals in an honest and straight-forward manner, incidences in his life where destiny and hope were the main life forces. In reading his stories, I was able to remember specific incidences in my own life where I know that the element of hope was paramount to my later successes. I was also able to realize that in my life, like Richard Paul Evans' life, true healing has a spiritual component. This book is fast reading, but the feeling and message leaves a slow, bright feeling that lasts for days. I recommend that anyone who is looking for a way to believe in miracles read, The Christmas Box Miracle.

Last night i read The Christmas Box Miracle and i must say that i was deeply moved by it's contents. The stories shared by Mr. Evans are real and can be easily related to the struggles that we all encounter. After the tragedy we have faced as a nation this book comes at just the right time to give us all hope. Reading this book left me with such a good feeling and a desire to use whatever capacity i have to improve the quality of my life as well as the lives of others. Mr. Evans has a gift and i am thankful that he has made the effort to share it with everyone- He is truely a miracle to many!

Even if you haven't read "The Christmas Box," and don't know what it's about you should read "The Christmas Box Miracle!" It's the most inspiring, and moving book I've ever read. I hope you take the opportunity you've been given, and read this awesome book. It will change your life for the better.

North and South is the first novel in a trilogy dealing with the American Civil War, and it is truly a remarkable work; well worth reading. I myself have read the novel many times over the past twenty years. The novel focuses on two families--the Hazards of Pennsylvania, and the Mains of South Carolina--during the period from approximately 1840 through the beginning of the Civil War. These two families, bound by close ties of friendship (the sons of each are best friends at West Point and serve in the Army together during the Mexican War) and marriage, find these ties tested by the powerful forces of political and social strife that rocked the country during this period, ultimately leading to civil war.

This is a great story. Author John Jakes does a tremendous job of transporting the reader into the period immediately before the Civil War. The country was torn by political strife that could not be resolved by the ordinary institutions of civil government, and Jakes does a masterful job of explaining this within the format of a novel, and showing how this atmosphere affected ordinary people, and their friendships and relationships. The Hazards and the Mains are unforgettable. Jakes shows how decent people (as well as people not so decent) interacted with the institution of slavery on both sides of the Mason-Dixon line.

One of the best parts of the novel deals with the period during the 1840s when the two main protagonists are classmates together at West Point. This is a well-researched tale that is very insightful as regards life and strife at the military academy during a pivotal period of American history. It helps the reader understand the important role that West Point played in the nation's history during the Mexican War and, of course, the Civil War. And perhaps today.

This novel rates the overused label of "classic" and in my opinion represents one of the very best novels of the Civil War. It is, incidentally, the best novel of Jakes" "North and South" trilogy.

I just finished North and South and can't wait to move on to Love and War. When I first picked up the book, I didnt realize the book was almost entirely taking place in the years that led up to the outbreak of war. I absolutely loved the prologue, the story of Orry and George at West Point, life in the south at Mont Royal, and Charles and Billy becoming so similar to their brothers. This book was great in that not only did you learn about what the times were like but you also get a fantastic fictional story out of it. The characters and storylines are so strong you can almost feel what it was like to live in both the north and the south and you can commiserate with the characters. I liked the way Jakes writes: it flows and is an easy read. This was the first book I read by Jakes and I look forward to finishing the North and South series and also beginning the Kent Family series. I recommend this one highly.

Don't believe me? Read these books. North and South is set during the Civil War, which as I'd said in the review of
Glory In The Name, was a war of transition. However, it's more than that. It's the story of two families. The Hazards and the Mains. George Hazard and Orry Main meet at West
Point and they couldn't be any more different. Orry Main,
originally De Main, is descended from a wealthy Heugenot,
(French Protestant), family. George Hazard, on the other hand, is descended from a fugitive. Orry and George interact with Ulysses S. Grant, and other historical figures like Robert E. Lee, and John Brown. This isn't about the naval
war of the Civil War. If you want to read about that, Glory In The Name's your best bet. Orry's in love with a woman who's married to a sadistic bastard. North and South is basically about the land war of the Civil War.

'Riders' is a fantastic read no matter if you've read it one or one hundred times. With every turn of a page you'll fall deeper into this wickedly funny world of showjumping horses and heroes, whether you're a horse enthusiast or not. Vengeful loathing, intense competition, unbridaled passion, and a marvelous opportunity to laugh out loud...Jilly Cooper has corraled some of the best ingredients to create a fabulous must read book!

My Mom bought me this book on a trip to England back in the mid-1980's when it was published. All she knew was that it was "horsey", and I was a horse-crazy teen. I have thanked her ever since for bringing Jilly Cooper into my life! Perhaps because it was the first, "Riders" is still my favorite, although I love her subsequent tales as well -- even the non-"horsey" ones. The characters are so well-developed, that there are so many people to love and hate -- and hate to love! Rupert should not be a sympathetic character, yet who doesn't root for him in the final Olympic test of his heart and strength? Jake is moody, broody, and takes Tory for granted -- yet OF COURSE you want things to wind up well for him. And even though Fen takes a detour into bratty self-obsession, you have to hope that she and Dino will get it together in the end. I go back and re-read this book every year or two, and EVERY TIME I hate to put it down, and I'm depressed when I reach the end. I hope Jilly Cooper continues writing about the antics of these fabulous characters. I'd hate to think "Score" was her last tale about this group! There are so many stories left to tell. Read this book!

I actually found Jilly Cooper by reading books by Fiona Walker(who is brilliant by the way). Jilly's books are a little hard to come by, but boy am I glad I searched...soooo worth it. Riders was a great read...don't let the length of the book intimidate you...you'll fly through it...You are with the characters through so much and for such a span of years..that by the end...you really feel as if you know them. I definitely recommend this book..also, go out and get Fiona Walker's books as well!! French Relations and Well Groomed( In that order) are my favorites of the bunch.

This is the first book in M.C. Beaton's series of cozies featuring Agatha Raisin. Agatha is a laugh-out-loud mix of vulnerability and tough-as-nails self-made business woman, who sells her London public relations business and fulfills a life-long dream by buying a cottage in the Cotswolds village of Carsely and taking early retirement. Eager to make an impact on her fellow villagers, she enters the village quiche competition, after wining and dining the judge. Agatha's detective adventures begin when she loses the competition and the judge dies the next day of cowbane poisoning from eating her quiche. Of course, it wasn't really Agatha's quiche. She can't cook at all, and bought the quiche from a famous London quiche maker, and entered it in the competition as her own. Naturally, our Agatha's cheating is exposed almost immediately, and she is no longer a suspect. She is, however, bored to tears by retirement, and sets out to find the murderer. Readers are introduced to series regulars detective Bill Wong, former employee Roy Silver, the vicar's wife Mrs. Bloxby. We are also introduced to handsome retired colonel James Lacey, who moves next door to Agatha towards the end of this story. James's early impressions of Agatha walking by mumbling to herself and her reaction to this good-looking new neighbor are terrifically funny. This fifty-something heroine is a hoot! The mystery is well-written, with a solid, traditional resolution. If you love Agatha Christie, you'll love Beaton's Agatha Raisin! I suggest you collect the entire series all at once and read them in order....because you won't be able to wait to get to the next book!

This is the first of the Agatha Raisin series. I had never read any in this series before. I have read one of her Hamish Macbeth mysteries. I truly enjoyed this book. I will be reading many more Agatha Raisin books. She is a grumpy character in the beginning of the book but as time goes on, she mellows (not lots). I like the characters she interacts with. I usually don't enjoy British cozies as I tend to prefer books set in America. But I read this for an e-mail mystery discussion I am in and really enjoyed it.

Agatha Raisin retires from her PR firm she has sold. She moves to the Cotswolds -- the dream of her life. Quickly she finds herself bored and tries to get the village to notice her. There is a death and then when she starts asking questions, she ends up getting into a lot of trouble. I also enjoyed Detective Bill Wong and her friend and ex-employee Roy. They liven up the story. James Lacey that comes into the story near the end appears to liven things up as well.

I believe there are 9-10 others in this series. Can't wait to read another!

Agatha Raisin, an aggressive businesswoman retires from running a public relations firm and moves to Carsely, a lovely village in the Cotswolds. Agatha is in her fifties, and has always thought that living in a beautiful thatched cottage would be a dream come true.

Because she has difficulty in meeting people in the village, she decides to enter a local cooking contest where she might win the contest and make some friends. The fact that she can't cook doesn't bother her at all. She decides to go to London to buy a spinach quiche from a pastry shop and pass it off as a homemade entry. When someone (the judge) dies after eating some of Agatha's quiche, she becomes a suspect in a murder investigation. A deadly poisonous plant called cowbane was found to be in her spinach quiche.

Agatha suffers great humiliation after the villagers learn of her quiche deception and show their disgust for her. Several of them call her a cheat to her face. She really wants to leave Carsely, but then decides that if she were to solve the murder mystery and find the killer, perhaps the people will accept her. And so begins the first of the Agatha Raisin stories. This book introduces some of the characters that will appear in the later books. Agatha's romantic interest, James Lacey, the local vicar's wife, Mrs. Blosxby (who becomes a dear friend) and Bill Wong a police detective who admires Agatha, but wishes that she would not get involved in murder cases.

This is a very entertaining and witty story and the often pugnacious Agatha is unlike any other heroine.

This was my first introduction to the world of Georgette Heyer and what an introduction it was. I still laugh to this day at Sophy's delightful unconventionality and at the way her poor bewildered cousins learn to deal with her. A wonderful, wonderful book with great period detail and a light-hearted touch that makes it refreshing and non-sentimental at the same time. Read it. I'll not spoil the enchantment for you but beware...Sophy (and in consequence Heyer herself) is very addictive. You might just find yourself craving more.

This book was voted one of the 400 best novels ever to come out of the 20th century; chosen out of Heyer's entire oeuvre to represent the best of her work. They made the best choice. Heyer invented a genre, that of the Regency Romance, which became cheapened by countless imitators and emulators as well as many very good authors who got lost among the dross and the sweeping statements which consigned the Regency Romance to an undeservedly low-rated place. The Grand Sophy shows Heyer at her very best - it is a outrageously funny book that still has me laughing out loud (I had to stop reading it on the train because other passengers began to complain), it presents a cast of strongly drawn and complex characters, premier among whom is the titular Sophy - Sophia Stanton-Lacy, the irrepressible, indefagitable young woman with a personality the size of all England. From her extravagant arrival at her aunt and uncle's house accompanied by a monkey, a parrot, an Italian greyhound, and a very fine horse - to say nothing of her strong managing nature and charisma, she takes her rather hare-brained cousins in hand, sorting out their entanglements, scandals and romantic peccadilloes in a helter-skelter way. A book for those who always know the best for everyone else, unless you don't want to encourage them. It is a fast-moving, extravagantly amusing, richly detailed and satisfyingly convoluted novel in which Heyer skilfully draws myriad loose ends together with an incredible lightness and sureness of hand - her great talent. Many imitators tend to do so with too heavy and ponderous a style. Buy, borrow or beg this novel - but don't read it in public unless you're good at suppressing laughter. And even better - unlike several of Heyer's best novels, where the language can be somewhat offputting, this book is among one of the most immediately accessible for the novice to Heyer.

This book is part Jane Austen, part Mary Poppins and part Pippi Longstocking. Strange combination but volatile in its brilliance. I picked this book up after hearing the author's name bandied about for a while as one of the most awesome regency writers of all time. I wasn't disappointed.

If you're looking for a 'hot' romance then you might want to pass this one by but if you read romance for the 'romance' of it all then you are sure to enjoy this one.

As I read this book I noticed most that Ms. Heyer had a lot of balls in the air at any given point. I thought a couple of times that she was going to forget one, that she had forgotten one, but she hadn't. In the end there were no dangling threads left, well, dangling.

The ending felt slightly rushed to me but I was still left with a pleasant feeling and a soft spot in my heart for the hero and heroine. I actually think that to have done more with it would have been to take away from the characters and their personalities so, honestly, I don't know that I would have her change it if I could. Mostly, it was different and it was special.

This was my first Georgette Heyer but I can assure you it won't be my last.

I loved this book when I first read it. The healing stories, the practical advice, the positive outlook all resonated with me. I used some of Dr. Siegel's ideas in my book The Art of Getting Well: Maximizing Health When You Have a Chronic Illness.

But I kept encountering people who felt Love, Medicine and Miracles had hurt them or their loved ones who were struggling with cancer. Dr. Siegel states that "happy people don't get sick," and makes other statements that imply that illness is mostly our fault. He has tremendous compassion for the sufferers, but says that they could get better if they got their attitude adjusted.

This healing from within may often be possible. But the physical and emotional conditions of people's lives can make such changes very difficult. And some diseases are so strong that all the change in the world may help, but will not cure.

So I was very careful in writing Art of Getting Well to make clear that health conditions are not our fault. But it is still our responsibility to do the best we can with them. And we can often do very well indeed, and Dr. Siegel's book can help us.

David Spero RN www.art-of-getting-well.com

This book is an upbeat, positive approach and plan in dealing with any life altering diagosis. A perfect gift of hope and love for the patient, the patient's family, friends or yourself.

If medical treatment is already underway there may be a recognizable need to give a gentle reminder to a physician or healthcare giver that TenderLovingCare in the treatment of a patient is needed and expected. . (Perhaps, there is only a wish by you to thank the doctor for TLC already given), Love,Medicine and Miracles is a perfect gift; a perfect venue. Dr. Seigel's book makes the point and serves as a definitive reminder of the significance of LOVE, MEDICNE and MIRACLES in rendering treatment to a patient.

The book was recommended to me when my husband was diagnosed with a catistrophic cancer;cholangio carcinoma, by a cancer patient who twice had cancers go into remission. Since, that time it has been a favorite gift for those who need positive encouragement; those awaiting, or who have received a frightening dignosis. How difficult it is to know what to say to help. I find that the gift of this book, LOVE, MEDICINE and MIRACLES provides the positive message of love and caring that I want for my family and friends. Dr. Siegel says it so much better than a just a bouquet of flowers would.

During the many weeks of hospital time and treatment that my husband unerwent I realized THIS BOOK SHOULD BE REQUIRED READING FOR EVERY DOCTOR, NURSE and CAREGIVER. It is down to earth and forthright in the information,suggestions and examples given; truly a bright light in what is often a dark tunnel.

Dr. Bernie is a godsend. It's been a few years since I read this, right after "Peace, Love and Healing" and felt more at peace with my diabetes than ever. His wisdom is spot on, but not always easy to follow, as many people with chronic or terminal illnesses are accustomed to living with a negative outlook.

This book will help you believe what most doctors won't tell you...that your illness needn't be the be all and end all, and you can feel confident and at peace.
Bless you, Bernie!

"Wouldn't Take Nothing for My Journey Now" is a delightful collection of short prose writings by Maya Angelou. Most of the mini-essays in this book are only 2 or 3 pages long, making this a good selection for those whose hectic schedules force them to do their reading in "found moments" during the day. In the book Maya reflects on various topics: spirituality, style, travel, sensuality, and being a woman. Many of the selections contain autobiographical reminiscences.

As someone who has read Angelou's book-length autobiographical narratives and poetry collections, I was fascinated to see her writing in a different mode. In "Wouldn't Take Nothing" she reflects on some of the people of her life: her son, her grandmother, her voice teacher, and others. Her musings on spirituality have an inclusive, multi-faith flavor.

Some of Angelou's observations may seem a bit obvious. For example, in the opening mini-essay she declares, "Being a woman is hard work." But what may obvious to some may be a revelation to others, and Angelou doesn't shy away from reaching out to that second group. And throughout the book her writing is graced with moments of wit and passion.

In the essay entitled "Power of the Word," Angelou writes, "I'm a spring leaf trembling in anticipation." I have no doubt that this appealing collection will leave readers trembling with anticipation for Maya Angelou's next book.

WOULDN'T TAKE NOTHING FOR MY JOURNEY NOW is conversational in tone and format. It is the first book I ever read in one day because, well, I couldn't put it down. I like Maya Angelou's perspective and refusal to compromise. I enjoyed learning about her multi-leveled life (this was the first book by Angelou that I have ever read, so it was my introduction to her life).

The passage I found most interesting in this book is where Maya says that she always takes a day off at least once a year to forget who she is. She said that she lets everyone know which day it is, and not to call her on that day. She takes a trip by bus or train, and if she runs into those she knows, she will avoid interacting with them. Maya recommends that everyone do something like this once a year, take a day just for themselves.

This is the best book that I have ever read. Every book she has wrote was great but this one is different. It is more unique and interesting. This book is about a black girl who was called a woman instead of something else. I really enjoyed learning about her multi-leveled life as I read this book. Maya Angelou is a wise woman that has a great talent and a beautiful heart. I recommend this book to any woman...