Inspiration Books

Lateral thinking is right-brain processing. de Bono didnt invent anything new.

I'm a de Bono fan going back to 1968 and his book NEW THINK. But since 1972, or so, all de Bono does is repackage NEW THINK and sell it to new converts and acolytes.

Interesting read. For a more detailed perspective on the creative process, I suggest The Act of Creation by Arthur Koestler.

A Rhodes scholar, medical doctor, university professor, worldwide consultant and inventor of "lateral thinking," the actually precursor of what we have come to label as "out-of-the-box-thinking," renaissance man Edward de Bono, tells us in this book, how creative thinking is done and how it is to be put to good use in solving the most intractable problems facing mankind.

As in most of his other books, he uses his medical training to first explain the mechanics of brain functioning -- showing how perception is the natural and simple behavior of self-organizing neural networks in the brain and how the way these networks organize affect the way we think (or fail to think), plan, organize and solve (or fail to solve) both large and small problems.

What is different about this book, is that here he takes on as a challenge the problem of how to help erase a kind of mental laziness from the problem-solving context that results in an almost complete reliance on absolutes, that is in a complete reliance on black and white thinking; on binary logic, as in what can only be called the "dichotomy trap."

Although he does not single out the U.S. as the Western World's most egregious practitioner of this kind of "last resort thought process," it is safe to say that anyone who observes U.S. politics and approaches to social and political problem-solving, even for a minute, cannot come away without feeling that we Americans are the world champions of "black and white thinking." Almost every aspect of our lives are sliced and diced into finely grated black and white categories: our race problem, our politics, our religion, and economics just to name the most obvious of them -- all suffer from binary thinking in absolutes of only black and whites - seldom in grays. As a nation, we seem satisfied with our utter lack of reliance on anything near creative thinking to solve the problems that face us as a nation.

de Bono shows us the route to a new paradigm of thinking: as he sees that with global problems crowding in on us, failing to change and failing to begin to adopt new more creative ways of thinking and solving these deep and intractable problems, increasingly is ceasing to be a discretionary option. Sooner, rather than later we will have no option but to give up our almost total reliance on absolutes, and begin to deal in "grays." That is what this book attempts to do: teach us that the brain is more comfortable thinking in "grays," and that many of the solutions to the problems facing us as a nation and as a world, lie in this realm of creative thought. In is a somewhat vain but very sober attempt to shake us out of our comfort zone. The same thing that de Bono has been doing in the corporate boardrooms for the better part of a half century.

Five stars.

This book opened a lot of doors in my mind that I've been trying to get through for a long time.

This book is a great mix of topics that helped me gain a different understanding (several mental models are proposed in the book that offer a mental paradigm shift) of the relationship of emotion to thought to psychology, philosophy, belief, truth, etc. and helped me gain a historical and cultural understanding of the belief structures I have working in my life.

In this book, De Bono proposes that critical thinking is powerful, but less than perfect, if it is the only thinking we use. He proposes that Critical/Rational thinking as developed by Socrates/Plato has provided the means for our technological success today, but has also blocked our progress as humans because it is only one kind of thinking (black or white, right or wrong). There are other ways of thinking and when they are used in conjunction with rational thought we have a better chance at improving our human interaction and the world we live in.

I have a true, good friend who recommended this book. I had asked him for his opinion on why I feel the need to "evangelize" other people. "Why do I feel this need to convince other people that my beliefs are correct and that theirs are somehow flawed if they don't match mine exactly?" I've observed how this practice has had poor effects in my own life and also how similar practices have not had good effects in the world e.g. War, Politics, Religion, etc. On a technical level we've made all kinds of progress, yet on a social level we are still acting like cavemen!

So, anyway, this year I've been studying motivation, behavior, psychology, belief, various religions, etc. attempting to understand myself and how/why I interact with other people in the way I do even though I know my confrontational approach is less than Ideal. This book gave me some breakthrough thinking on this subject and I'm still sorting through the debris of my former beliefs on human motivation as a result. This is why I feel like I will give this book 5 stars in a few months after I've had a chance to study it more. Right now, I'm wondering if I've been logically tricked...

One thing is for sure, I didn't "get" De Bono's 6 Hats until reading this book. I bought "SIX THINKING HATS" at the same time I bought "I'M RIGHT, YOU'RE WRONG" and it seems like these two books together offer practical approaches to revolutionize our thinking patterns and improve our human interactions.

Do these ideas result in practical change and improvement for myself and world I live in? I will need to report on this later. As a intellectually stimulating book I give it 5 stars. For pragmatism, I give it 3 because I haven't tested it yet. So, for today, I give it 4 stars overall.



Note: This was not an easy book to read. It seemed like de Bono took forever to get to his points. In fact, at one point, I skipped a few chapters and then found I had to go back and make them up. His teaching seems so simple in hindsight! But de Bono is building a logical argument throughout the book and while it seems like he is taking too long to get to his points, the points are WORTH IT! This is NOT a book on practical tools. He has written other books about practical tools (of which he reminds you quite often). This book provides a foundation on which to develop practical solutions.

I agree with Daniel Crew of Nashville. This book has a few gem in it but it takes too much effort to dig them out. Dont get me wrong, I think highly of De Bono's thinking tools but this book failed to deliver against the expectations he never stop building up through out the entire book. AND he came across as a really insecure person because he constantly need to give himself credit for ideas he has already established as 'his' - which is irritating.

He did a pretty good job of explaining why the current system of thinking is archaic but he failed to explain in a simple and clear manner the solution that he is proposing - that is because he only made references to them - you wont find them in the book, you need to go out and buy more of his books to learn about those methodologies.

So, this book ended up sounding like a really long brochure on why you need to use his thinking tools and methodology. Save yourself the time and money. Just go out and buy Six Thinking Hats and the other books. He does a pretty good job in explaininig why the tools work and why you need them there again.

This is an excellent book packed with wonderful stories and poems. This book is a wonderful book to give you inspiration and lead you on your road to recovery.

Author Stacey Chillemi
Stacey Chillemi was the managing editor for the magazine UZURI. She is the author of Epilepsy You're Not Alone; Live, Learn, and Be Happy with Epilepsy; Epilepsy and Pregnancy: What Every Women Should Know; the children's book My Mommy Has Epilepsy and My Daddy Has Epilepsy; and four collections of poetry, Keep the Faith: To Live and Be Heard from the Heaven's Above, Eternal Love, Faith Courage, Wisdom, Strength and Hope: Inspirational Poetry Straight from the Heart and Life's Missing Instruction Manual: Beyond Words. She also published How to Become Wealthy Selling Informational Products on the Internet, How to Become Wealthy selling Real Estate, How to Become Wealthy Selling Ebooks, The Complete Herbal Guide: A Natural Approach to Healing the Body and she has recently been featured in Woman's World Magazine and the New Jersey Star Ledger and the Asbury Park Press. Her website is http://www.authorsden.com/staceydchillemi and http://www.lulu.com/staceychillemi

I am very satisfied with purchasing this book. It is great for morning or evening. I sometimes force myself to sit down 5-10 minutes with my coffee and quiet myself. I am always very glad I did so. This book is filled with wisdom on each page. Uplifting and helpful. And I thought I heard all the corny motivational stuff. But this makes me think and helps me to break old cycles. If you are thinking about buying this book, you won't be sorry.

This book inspired the writing of my newly released book. It consists of great quote, inspiring inspiration passages by people of all walks of recovery, and a place for journaling. Great gift for anyone recovering from anything.

Such variety in this book; there are a year's worth of quotes, stories, and thoughts on emotional, spiritual, and substance recovery. The book is formatted with a daily statement or story, a related quote, and then a place to journal thoughts/goals. I like the interactive journaling feature and have given this book as an encouragement gift to others.

Another quick read for parents is The Birth to Five Book: Confident Childrearing Right from the Start

This is a very interesting but useful book.
I highly recommend this book if you want to enhance and control your life

Some of these of ideas have renewed or altered my thinking. I love both resources in one book format. Money well spent. Would purchase again as a gift.

I reccommend these two books to anyone who wants to "grow" instead of "wither." These are by far two of the most influential books ever written and will continue to change millions of lives in the years to come. I suggest you check this duo out!
w w w . theexecutiveleadershipcoach . c o m

Victoria Rowell has created a jewel of a book that will be relevant to all. She is first and foremost an artist. Her art has taken many forms, including dancer and actress, and she can certainly add gifted author to her list of talents and accomplishments. Ms. Rowell has created a personal and family history in "The Women Who Raised Me". It is at times awe-inspiring, brutal, and beautiful. She tells a complex, heart-rending story that flows off the page as though a mosaic is being created. Every aspect of the hardcover book, from its format to its unique cover art with a fold-out photo gallery, reflect the care and thought that went into this true-life saga. This is a story that will inspire and never be forgotten by its readers. Humanity, grace, realism, grit. It is all here..

This memoir is a testament to one woman's love and adoration for all of the woman who took part in raising her. I had the privilege of meeting Victoria Rowell at her book signing. She was deeply passionate, and determined to give back to all of the woman, living or deceased, who loved her and guided her in her walk through life. Life as a biracial child of black and white was difficult for victoria but it was not long before she found the love and acceptance of several woman who, during her formative and teenage years, feverishly encouraged, prepared, and nurtured her. Victoria soon found her niche for dancing and then later acting which eventually propelled her into stardom. This book is written with love, intelligence, and diction. She is clear and poetic in her writing. This book is a wonderful, easy flowing memoir, not drama packed, but just enough sauce to keep you interested. Loaded with photos and also includes information about foster care.

In a splendid and glorious memorializing of a company of women who contributed to her growth, opportunities and eventual success, Victoria Rowell has created a grand gesture of epic proportions.

Her story, told with grace and honesty, reveals the multi-layered character she became as a result of the fostering and mentoring she received...as she describes it, like the piecing together of a quilt.

In successive foster homes in the state of Maine, from infancy, Victoria Rowell sets an example of triumph over adversity. Despite the early deprivation of a "biological mother", she grew in a positive direction through experiences that many would find challenging, at the very least. And yet, with the help of her foster mothers and mentors, social workers and others along the way, she faced every challenge, excelling as a ballet dancer and later as an actress, a mother, and then as a creator of her own network of support for foster youth by founding the Rowell Foster Children's Positive Plan and serving as a spokesperson for the Annie E. Casey Foundation/Casey Family Services.

While in LA recently, attending Book Expo America, I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Rowell while signing copies of her book. I felt very honored to be in her presence for a brief time and want to congratulate her on her many accomplishments, including this wonderful book.

Victoria Rowell, film and television actress, chronicles her life as a foster child in her memoir, The Women Who Raised Me: A Memoir. Rowell was the product of a blue-vein, old money Caucasian mother, whose family were Mayflower descendants, and an unknown black man. Her mother, Dorothy Collins, suffered from mental illness exhibiting schizophrenia. There were six children, three boys and three girls, all from different fathers. When Rowell was three months-old she was taken in as a foster child by Bertha Taylor, who wanted to adopt her but was not allowed to because of the state of Maine's statutes regarding interracial adoption. Little Vicki was only two years-old when she was taken away from her and placed in the home of a black woman, Agatha Wooten Armistead. Her two older sisters, also, both biracial, were taken in by Agatha.

Under Agatha's care, Rowell thrived in a loving, extended family in rural Maine. Bertha came from a family of formidable women with austere backgrounds. Agatha encouraged Rowell's love of dance and purchased a how-to book so that when she had her first audition at eight years-old, though she was self-taught, her natural talent netted a scholarship to a prestigious dance program. At age 17, she received a scholarship to ABT, American Ballet Theater, thus starting an illustrious career that would lead her into modeling, commercials and eventually television, most notably an actress on The Young and the Restless and Diagnosis: Murder.

Along the way, Rowell had an on again, off again relationship with her mother, Dorothy, who finally died in 1983. She also had other temporary and foster mothers of various backgrounds before she became an emancipated minor. Each of these women left something precious with her that she treasures to this day. Rowell married in her mid-twenties and had a daughter and later had a son with Wynton Marsalis. Marsalis's mother also became a role model and mentor as well as Latonya Jackson, wife of Samuel L. Jackson, as did other women who came into her life. But it was a turning point in 2002, that caused Rowell to retreat and reassess her life. That is when she also began to research her background which was the beginning of her life story.

Part family history, memoir and inspirational guide, Rowell gave a credible account of the racial and social history of Maine, the story of her childhood navigating the foster care system, of the women who were so vital in her growing years, learning to love and accept herself and the monumental act of forgiveness--of herself and others. I met Rowell last fall when she was promoting her book in Oakland and she struck me as a warm, down-to-earth woman who is fiercely dedicated to her cause, foster care rights and her love of the arts. Though the middle of the book moved a little slow, I recommend to those who enjoy memoirs and stories of perseverance.

Dera R. Williams
APOOO BookClub

Fantastic! Amazon should permit a 10 star rating for The Women Who Raised Me. This is a moving and beautifully written testament of perseverance and determination against all odds. I thank Ms. Rowell for writing and sharing such an inspiring story of her life. Also, what's really important is that the Women Who Raised Me brings issues surrounding foster care to light. If you are looking for a fullfilling story please read the Women Who Raised Me and you will not be disappointed. This `hard-to-put-down' page-turner is well worth your time and investment. I highly recommend The Women Who Raised Me as required reading for high school and college students enrolled in social studies, art, and literary courses. Ms. Rowell I wish you continued success in all your endeavors to improve the state of foster care through your outstanding creative talents.

Carla McManus
Sisters and Brothers of Hotlanta Bookclub
http://www.sistersbrothers.com

This was one of the first astrology books I bought. I didn't understand it then as I do now. But, that first time I picked it up in the bookstore I couldn't put it down. It was so compelling an so interesting that I had to buy it. I still have it. I highly recommend Jeff Green to anyone wanting to understand Pluto in astrology.

One of the best books I have ever read............I've been studying astrology for 2+ years. I wasn't ready for this book then...but now combined with my previous knowledge the book was spectacular.........I can't wait to start Volume II.....

Either you take your astrology on faith and subscribe to inventive, creative models and procedures, or you accept the long and venerable tradition of this wondrous ancient craft and listen up to our predecessors. This book is a perfect example of where modern astrology goes right off the rails. If I'm going for a "made-up" version of astrology, I'll do it for myself rather than take another's "rantings" and "visionary" knowledge at face value.Green's book adds nothing to the real core of astrological understanding. Instead he shines an hallucinatory light on a "planet" which has no light, and which deserves to be placed way down in the hierarchy of any delineation or practice of astrology. Do yourself a favour and read a book by a traditional author on essential principles of astrology.For me this book was a complete waste of time - another modern "cookbook" of deluded two-dimensional astrology. If your taste in music runs to the Wiggles, then this book is for you.

Jeff Green, true to his writing style, conveys information in a very esoteric, soul- driven manner. If you are more spiritually inclined, this is a great book for exploring the meaning of Pluto and its indications for past and future lives, facilitating your own evolution, and a foundational text in the exploration of evolutionary astrology. His writing style does get very ethereal in moments, so some passages require the reader to stop and contemplate so that the full impact can be felt. not really an easy read, but so deep and profound that the effort is worthwhile, especially for those with a lot of Pluto action in their charts or experiencing a Pluto transit.

Jeff Green's work on Pluto really opened up the study and the understanding of this intense planet. His description of the conflict presented by pluto by sign and aspect is worth the price of the book alone. It is a well thought out, and very descriptive dynamic. My two issues with Jeff Green's book are that he is one of the astrologers that offers the description by house as being the same as by sign. (Pluto in Virgo or Sixth house)... that type of thing. I think it is lazy and I think it is lacking the depth that a broader understanding of the houses can bring to a chart. The second thing that I find myself pulling back against is his narrowly defined insistence on karmic astrology. I think it is a little arrogant to assume, let alone define. Having said all of that.... this is a book I'm glad to have because he really offers a well delivered explanation of the crisis of evolution that Pluto in your chart can bring about.

Magic Eye: A New Way of Looking at the World

Its amazing to look at these images.

Have you ever wondered if we could hear the Father from moment to moment, what would He be saying? From having read this book, I feel like I'm hearing the Father and feeling His heart. He doesn't always say what's on His mind because we wouldn't be able to comprehend it. But feeling His heart brings closeness and immense comfort. It's like sitting on His lap. Here, the Father is gently coaxing us into the ways of the Spirit. If we were led by our minds or emotions, we would be totally misled. He is leading us (who have little spiritual sight) by the hand, and gently coaxing us as we go, giving us sufficient wisdom for the day. After having enjoyed "Come Away My Beloved", "On the High Road to Surrender", and "Make Haste My Beloved", I find the flow of wisdom and comfort still continues to flow.

This is a Christian, which I always keep in my bookcase. I keep extra copies so that I can give them to persons in need of an encouraging word.

We need to know this stuff. My son was 1/5 on this invasion. It took me four years to be able to read what he went through. He said it was nothing compared to the next two tours but I enjoyed the book, and was glad to know the guys had such a great chaplain. I've bought more copies and am loaning them to friends and family. It's hard to read about Iraq or any war, but Americans should respect and appreciate every freedom we have. VOTE!

I was given this book to read as my son shipped out for Fallujah, Iraq. As many mothers who had seen their sons off to war, I was prayerfully asking for God's protection over my son and those around him.
This book answered some of those questions, and gave me a reassuring hope, that God is watching over those we love, and His angels are as busy as ever protecting our loved ones.
Although the story is heartwrenching, it is an unbiased account of how God's presence in such a desolate place carried these Marines to victory.
I highly recommend to anyone who has a loved one in the military to read this and pass it along to others in the family.

I had first heard about this book from a friend about three years ago. He had recommended it highly and I put it on my 'to read' list. After reading it, I wished that I had gotten to it sooner.

'A Table In The Presence' is an inspirational account about the horrors and heroism of the war. It is written from the perspective of a Navy chaplain serving with a Marine Corps battalion. Although it is an historical book, it has a spiritual focus.

Lt. Carey Cash recounts many episodes of apparently divine intervention. Several of these stories defy any other explanation.

This is a very touching and compelling book. It will be of particular interest to Christians and military veterans and their families. I highly recommend it.

I am reading the book, A Table in the Presence, and just discovered I knew the author's parents in Northern Virginia 30 years ago. The book is wonderfully written and tells a story that needs to be told of God's presence with the troops in Iraq. We need more TRUE accounts such as this one so the citizens of our country are aware of the peace God gives even in the middle of a war. I knew the author's mother as a wonderful Christian woman.
Elaine in South CArolina

This is one of the best books I have read!

Thank God for men like these!

The core of the readings is the theme that gratitude is a simple yet powerful means of aligning ourselves with our spiritual source. It is a gift we give to ourselves as well as to others. Yet this is a gift we can take for granted, much like asking the question, "How are you?" and replying, "Fine, thank you." Each author who contributed a chapter in this book briefly shares an insight on gratitude. Each chapter is like a beautiful, shifting view of the bits of glass in the same kaleidoscope. I enjoyed savoring one chapter each day. There is some repetition, especially the message to be grateful for the challenges and difficult times that we face. This makes us stronger and more compassionate human beings. Sometimes with humor, sometimes with a sense of relief that a lesson is finally learned, authors reiterate this theme. It is a message well worth repeating!

In the concise introduction to each chapter, Hay also provides other works by the author of that chapter. This is very helpful, when the writings spark many new insights in me, and I want to pursue their works.

I did read this book translated in Italian....The great faith on living, on being, on discovering all the new chances life is able to display when we open our heart (plainair OPENED) to mistery, to accidents, casualities, simply on the basic of GREATFULNESS, mirrors the messages of great religions, of psychoanalisis, of ZEN....it makes so easy to say YES, THANK YOU both to positive and,even better, to NEGATIVE happenings of our life which helped us to grow, to become more strong spiritually and mentally...Thanks to this marvellous BODY which (as you know) we start appreciating mainly under misfortune moments...thanks to suxcesses, which gave us JOY and PRIDE, and HAPPYNESS.... but thanks to UNSUXCESSFULL occasions who let OurSelf understand other values and get deep contact with that unknown part of Us....also thanks, if we OVERCOME, and this is the WAY to OVERCOME, thanks to illness,which made Us (ME! ) LOVE, understand and SEARCH health and its meanings....also thanks to RAGE (so much in my personal life) and violence which left seeds of love,science of love, customs and practises ov love.....Last a few words about Laura Archera Huxley and P.Ferrucci (Italian as me)on their work on RECREATING OUR IDEAL(VIRTUAL)BIRTH and INVENTING (? ) our youth history and parents, and forgotten DREAMS, which our bad memory misunderstands and mistakes on the music of that lullaby which believed to be a bed dream of a butterfly which forgot whether she (PSYCHE') was a dream ov a sleeping man or or or or......Burroughs along with the Hasshanassid remembers that NOTHING IS TRUE and EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE........................................

The authors in this book remind us of the importance of gratitude on a daily basis. A grateful heart is truly an open heart, appreciating life with it's wonders and it's challenges. The chapters are short and easy to read. And if you're feeling down for some reason, read a few chapters and your mood is guaranteed to improve!