Open

This book lifts up, acknowledges, rejoices in, and teaches us about our wonderful differences. We learn through this book that we all receive gifts of lessons and experiences handed down through our cultural ties. It shows us how strong, powerful and united we can be. Share this book with loved ones and those who need to hear the message.

I read this incredible anthology in a day, and was moved beyond words -- especially for some of the book's masterful poetry. Two days later (on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day), I saw his daughter, Yolanda, appear on CBS' The Early Show. She was quite eloquent and gracious, and read her favorite poem from the book: "A Walk In The Clouds" by Steven Manchester. It was my favorite, too! If you haven't heard it, you definitely need to go out and buy the book!

Of all of the compilations and anthologies on the market, this one rates as one of the best. As I read each story, I felt as though I had grasped the threads of humanity and woven them together, into a tight fabric of tolerance, peace, love, and commonality. It's hard to change the world, but I think this book will leave a lasting impression.

I have been searching for this book for many years. I read it back in the 70s or 80s and it really captured my imagination and my interest. A genuine psychological suspense thriller, this book started me on a roller-coaster ride of similar novels. Thank you Amazon.com for making these books available!

I first read David Osborn's marvellous book back in the 70's and it is now the oldest paperback in my collection. Every few years I dig it out and read it again - it's become an old friend. Why? Because it is the best take on a revenge story I've ever read. Osborn sets the scene by introducing the main protaganists as students, who commit an act of barbarism but, due to their well-to-do family backgrounds get let off with a slap on the wrist. The book then moves forward in time to when the grown up students are all successful family men who meet up once a year to go on a hunting trip together. And it's no surprise to find that the prey they hunt normally has two legs rather than four. We learn that each of these characters are psychopathic to varying degrees and we learn that they are excellent hunters and totally at home in the woods. They are supreme predators who fear nothing. That is, until they discover that this year, someone is hunting them! Osborn constantly takes the reader by surprise i.e. just when you think you have the story pegged, he throws you a curve ball, right up to the final and haunting twist. I don't know if this book is now out of print but if you can get a copy, grab it with both hands. It really is a classic of its genre.

Is this the book about a serial killer who hunts people like prey???

This is an amazing book of poetry, the words just dance off the page. this is a good place to start if you're interested in the poetry of Rumi.
The translations are well done and don't sacrifice the emotional content of the poetry to fit the words. Give yourself or someone else a wonderful experience and read this book. You'll be very happy that you did.

The open secret, available to all but few listen. That is the feeling you get when you let these wonderful writings flow over and through you.

Some short, some longer, each writing is a treasure. The more you read (or listen if you've been fortunate to get the audio condensed version from this work) the deeper each verse becomes. I've owned the printed copy for years and every read brings new wonders and old friends.

The cream of Rumi is brought to this work and Coleman Barks does wonderful interpretations. The work as a whole weaves a tapestry that, in the end, leaves you feeling part weaver and part thread. The possibility of the "Beloved" as "Lover" becomes manifest. The drunk, intoxicated by the bliss of the presence of God, overflows with sacred wine and wants to dance. The sharing of a deep spiritual presence at dawn with those nearest you becomes a yearning that you want each and every day.

This book is a cornerstone in the rediscovery of Rumi and Islam for that matter. It provides a glimpse, from the lovers' point of view, into a world traditionally dominated by the warrior spirit.

After reading you yearn for the association of others who have similar thoughts. You realize that "the pot drips what's in it" and you yearn to associate with gentle people who enjoy this book as much as you.

Certainly "Open Secret" is a must read and a must own. It is every bit worth the price and a classic in the genre.

Unlike many of his translations of Rumi, Open Secrets credits the Persian scholar, John Moyne, as a co-author. The notes credit A. J. Arberry and R. A. Nicholson as well. Coleman Barks forms the translations in English poetry. This collection is of quatrains and odes.

In this collection fewer of the poems use specifically Sufi imagery than in some collections; e.g. "Late, by myself, in the boat of myself" could as easily be Buddhist or Hindu; this makes the poetry more obviously universal than some collections. There are, of course, the more specifically Sufi tavern/wine images, e.g. "They say that Paradise will be prefect / with losts of clear white wine and all the beautiful women".

These translations are meant for, and work best for, the individual reading for the spiritual content of Rumi rather than the scholar interested in Persian poetry.

This book expresses, in simple words, rich lessons that create a happier and more responsible life. The author, with warm and sincere openness, does a remarkable job of implicitly encouraging the reader to examine his own personal relationships with self, family, friends, community...world - to create a more positive outcome. It teaches that when we change others will change. After reading the book, the reader is left with a feeling of importance and well-being - that he, too, has the power to make a difference not only in his life, but in the lives of others. It will entice the reader to unlock what he already has inside - love, peace, joy, kindness... Mrs. Giles' personable expressions and desire to touch others in a positive way draws the reader vicariously into a one-on-one dialog.

She gives you many things to think about - the impact of your behavior on others, loving and respecting others as equal to yourself, being open and honest with self and others, being sensitive and aware of others' needs, seeking positive solutions to relationships, and considering your own legacy.

The reader does not have to read the entire book at once to receive the full impact of the lessons. Each lesson is stand-a-lone, yet inter-connected to make for a more positive and fulfilled life.

This wonderful book touches the inner soul.You identify with each passage as you dissolve into reading. You appreciate the author's passages so much more if you settle in a quiet place and let your thoughts run away. Truly an easy and delighfful reader.Everyone should have this book as a reference tool.I use the passages with my students on a day to day basis.Many life lessons to be learned.

I am a 45 year old woman who has been on a quest for positive self-motivation fot he last twenty years. I have read numerous books and clippings, but was always left wondering. This book upon reading it brought a satification to my intellectual nature. Everyday I experience tough decisions, emotional battles and spiritual quests and this book along with the Bible has helped me stay focus on spirit and man, on right and wrong, and on good and bad. I thank the writer for making my way easier through the sharing of such powerful insights and compassion.

If you've come from the Oracle mainstream like me, you're probably not even aware of the breadth of open source apps and tools that can be used with the database. You may have had an inkling from the porting of Oracle to Linux, and Oracle's adoption of Apache and modules such as mod_perl, but that's only the surface.

When I first spied "Oracle and Open Source" by Andy Duncan and Sean Hull, I was so intrigued that I had to buy it. I couldn't believe that there was enough out there to write a book on. How wrong I was.

The two authors have done an excellent job of collecting information on:

* Programming environments, tools, languages (Python, Perl, Tcl, Tk)
* Database maintenance tools - including Orac, Oddis (Tk);
* Web-based monitoring tools for Oracle (such as Karma, Oracletool) and the network too (Big Brother)
* Plus Open Source Java apps (even the Java isn't open source itself), Gnome/GTK+ and more.

The book's aim is to introduce you to the rich range of technologies rather than being the definitive reference. It provides enough to get the tools installed and to set you on your way. And once you're up and running, the authors list the web pages and books that will take you to the next level. I never knew so much was available, but with the groundswell of support from the Open Source community as evidenced on the Internet and in this excellent book, I'm learning fast.

I find the content exciting and very educational. I am a developer in the corporate enviroenment and mainly use mainstreem software. But this book opens a new world of knowledge and experties. The URL's are up to date and you can learn and explore what ever you like in the book extensively. It is useful stuff and can bring new skills to your CV.

Found this book very useful and a real eye opener for those who like myself believed that all your Oracle goodies coming from Oracle Corp. A set of Open Source tools and applications described in this book is amazing. In particular, DB Prism/Cocoon is something that I jumped in right away. Whether you are DBA, developer or just a plain user of Oracle databases, you will find something that will benefit you/your business. Money well spent.

Books on prayer abound within Christian circles. Christian bookstores are filled with such books, with many such books acting more like 12 step programs for revitalizing prayer so we can get what we want, than in providing a Biblically based theology and perspective on prayer that can actually anchor our outlook in prayer in the Bible. Pratt predominately succeeds in doing this.

As Pratt indicates at the start, this book does not provide any grand revelations on prayer that haven't been known throughout the history of the church. It's not a magic pill offering magical formulas, and it doesn't resolve every conceivable issue surrounding prayer. But it is still quite thorough in the issues it addresses, and more importantly, its inquisitiveness is substantive and very practical.

A reader who decides to read this book is probably someone who feels that their prayer life is missing something, maybe a lot. Many Christians are in this boat, me included. As a result, I think many readers will be pleasantly surprised by the insights that are offered about our approach to prayer and how both our prayers and the attitudes and expectations behind them are so often out of accord with the prayers recorded in the Bible.

Not surprisingly, the bulk of Pratt's examination on prayer is from an Old Testament perspective, since he's an Old Testament guy. Readers may very well experience something akin to an awakening or a reappreciation for the Psalms after reading this book, I know I did. Pratt is thorough in his examination and tends to do a very good job in backing up his assertions in Scripture. He tends to be very careful in not making grand statements that have no Scriptural support, and this alone is refreshing within the publishing world where prayer is concerned.

I found Pratt's approach to be pretty systematic in logically working from one issue to the next. The review/discussion questions at the end of each chapter make this book excellent for small group studies in addition to individual reading and reflection. Pratt does an outstanding job of categorizing the many issues of prayer within three essential aspects of prayer - God, ourselves, and communication. Similar to a wedding, where all that's essential is the bride, groom, and officiant (and maybe a witness or two) while everything else is gravy when you really think about it, a focus on these three essential aspects of prayer helps the discussion greatly and makes all of the chapters relevant within a larger framework of obvious relevancy.

This book will benefit the reader greatly, because he/she will gain a greater understanding of the God they are praying to, in addition to a much more discerning and even critical attitude towards themselves and the motives and expectations they bring to prayer. In addition, the section on the prayerful communication itself may really bring a renewed spark of enthusiasm and vitality to prayer that will replace the mundane and even meaningless monotony so many of us get caught up in when we pray. Highly recommended.

I can't say enough about this book. One of the best books I have ever read on prayer. Richard Pratt looks at the Three elements required for prayer, God, Ourselves, and Communication. The book is broken up into 12-13 chapters so it is great for using for a Sunday School class or for Church Home Group bible study. The fact that each chapter is individual from each other, which helps in that if someone misses a week, they are not "lost". The author looks at praying through our joy, our sorrow, and not just focusing on one aspect of God himself (i.e The Righteous Judge, Merciful Father, The Great Healer) but to focus on all his attributes. I try to read this book once every other year as a refresher. A must buy!!

Since this is the first book that I've read on the subject of prayer, I don't have much to compare it to. I have heard that the pickings are rather limited. Not true with this book. It is great!

We have used it as the source book in a small group study with wonderful results. The chapters are chocked full of great suggestions, with lots and lots of Scripture references. The study questions are mostly good with maybe a few exceptions.

This book has helped me considerably with my prayer life. I recommend it to anyone who wants to improve their's.

Sampson for me is the consummate golf writer; clever, knows his game and does it all creatively. Witness the way he puts together this chronicle of The Open. Starts with the Morris' and their famed dominance of early golf, then the interest of England and the rest.

Interwoven here are the rest of glorious Open history-Palmer, Player, Nicklaus, Watson, and Hogan. Then the tie with Carnoustie and the wee little iceman.

Boy this author can captivate you while getting it all down. This flows and ebbs till it ends up at the Burn and that 18th. Never Compromise --- great putting with new found friend--- never compromise style -- must go for it!

This is like author's other books (try them out, especially Hogan and Eternal Summer and Masters, they're favorites) this was just excellent reading to the end.

Golf is more than a game. When we can not play the game, we watch it. When we can not watch the game, we read about it. And who is best at capturing the feeling of the game of golf on print than Curt Sampson? He is the story-teller of golf.

a great job of not only capturing the 1999 open, but also giving the reader the feel for the history and passion of the open.

Amazing book that breaks down the core beliefs of Tibetan Buddhism. Chodron makes wonderful analogies regarding how you can deal with anger, have compassion, and be happy. Her writing style is very easy to read. The book stays with you long after reading it... it is like a breath of fresh air. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Chodron Thubten's book was recommended to me as a good book to gain a basic understanding of Buddhism. It is that but it is also a book that has helped me keep my life on an even keel. I read it quickly and then I read it again. I now keep it with me and on the many occasions when I have to wait for one of my children, I read a few paragraphs, a few pages or a few chapters. I've bought two more copies for friends and I expect I'll continue to do that. Not all will understand or appreciate the book but for those who do, it will be a blessing.

The author, Thubten Chodren, takes a very complex subject, Tibetan Buddhism, and reduces it to a simply great introduction to Tibetan Buddhism. Simply put, she cuts out all the fat and leaves the reader with a "clear" and "insightful" book on basically all the basics of Tibetan Buddhism. I don't know how she does this. But she does it! I read it three times simply because I didn't really understand Tibetan Buddhism! And this was after many years of practice. The book is extremely "user friendly". She gives us charts that make our understanding complete. You will love this book. Read it and understand more about Tibetan Buddhism than the vast majority of students. All in 216 pages! It doesn't really matter if you have studied the Buddhist scriptures. Without this book, I feel that one has not really begun the journey. Buy! Buy! Buy! God Bless You and Happy Sailing!

Excellent book, especially considering it's based on the Good Book. I particularly liked the way the author picked up on unexplained Biblical miracles, like Ellis walking through walls as Jesus did after His resurrection, or Ellis and Theo moving around the world, like Stephen was whisked out of the eunuch's presence to anotherlocation. Also, I enjoyed the way Mr. Taylor portrayed the Anitchrist as a most popullar minister and the True Church as the underground church, allways in existlance since the early days of IXOTE. And then there is the tracking of current events, as they coincide with Scripture. I praise God for the author's ability to create an exciting and timely 21st century story from the timeless Word of God. Bring on the sequel!

I enjoyed "The Open Plot" very much. I have always been intrigued by Matthew 27:52,53 myself and wondered what happened next. The fictional premise described in "The Open Plot" made me think. I enjoyed the very real characterizations and "getting to know" Lucas Newman as a person. Beyond that, there was a real challenge to unity among the various expressions of the Church. I look forward expectantly to future novels by Caz Taylor.

Fascinating subject! The text from scripture on which this book is based has always intrigued me - Matthew 27:52. The story line captivates ones imagination and challenges their spirit. The fictional description of how church COULD be is nothing short of visionary and inspiring.

The United States Lifesaving Association has done it again. This book is the premier reference on open water lifesaving. Whether, an upstart department or an established older agency, this book provides specific information about lifeguarding methods that every lifeguard must know. If a lifeguard reads this book and practices what is in it, they will be able to provide excellent service to the public. Buy the United States Lifesaving Association, Open Water Lifesaving today. Make sure your next training class uses this Manual.

Eric Bauer

Lifeguard Captain, Newport Beach, CA.

The United States Manual of Open Water Lifesaving is a required text for training all of our seasonal ocean lifeguards. As an Operations Lieutenant for the City of Newport Beach the book has been an invaluable reference with general information, concepts and specific procedural techniques. There are photographs that depict various aspects of modern lifesaving and example report forms. A lifeguard agency or public safety agency that engages in open water rescue is remiss in not having this book for their students and as a reference. Renowned lifeguard experts from around the United States contributed to this excellent book. The book could also have significant impact internationally if a beach had to start a lifguard agency where one does not exist today. If one wants to become a lifeguard, this is a must have text. I am glad that this book exists and am hoping for a new edition that will be even better. Buy it today, you can't go wrong.

Open Water Lifeguards now have a manual written by veteran lifeguards who have put a lifetime of experience into easily read text. Used in combination with local training plans and protocols the USLA manual provides the supplementary material necessary for the complete training and retraining of open water lifeguards..Chapters on professionalism, the aquatic environment, meteorological considerations, preventative lifeguarding and surveillance, emergency planning and management, lifeguard health and safety and many other related topics provide a depth of training keyed to the open water environment unavailable from any other resource. Appendices providing useful beach management forms, an extensive glossary, surf boat rowing techniques and a thorough index complete usefulness of this valuable reference.

Open water lifeguarding in the 21st century requires thorough preparatory training in techniques and procedures as well as mental and physical conditioning. This manual provides an excellent tool for establishing a training plan that will develop competent lifeguards in accordance with contemporary standards of care emergency management guidelines.

David M. Shotwell, Sr., Beachfront Supervisor, Ocean Grove NJ