Inspiration Books

Perfect book and perfect shipper.
Received the book from US to Singapore in less than 2 weeks.
Really satisfied with the book's condition.
Love it! (:

I'm a huge Incubus fan and think the band, and all of it's subsequent members, can do no wrong. I heard about this book through the band's website and instantly wanted it, afterall, this is the frontman to the band that has most influenced me in my musical travels. However I didn't buy it when I wanted to, the price was ridiculously high and I wasn't sure if it was completely worth it. I was wrong. I found it much cheaper at a concert of their's I attended and from the first page on I was awestruck. I always knew Brandon was not only an extraordinarily gifted musician but also extremely gifted when it came to drawing, and White Fluffy Clouds only proves it. His drawing are so intricate and amazing that it's hard to believe a human hand did, in fact, create them. But the drawing aren't the only thing this book has to offer. Included are more than a few poems and simple observations from Brandon. The short story entitled Fear is particularly hilarious as he tells of his many fears as a child. Not everything Brandon writes is funny though, Hail, Right Brain! is a poem that really gets you thinking. His take on love and life is yet another facet he can cover with ease, as any fan of Incubus is sure to know already. There's even parts where he talks about the world today, particularly on page 74 with the essay entitled Music. If you can find this book, certainly jump at the chance to get it, I've read it countless times and still enjoy every page. I will offer some advice though, don't waste your time trying to track it down through Amazon or some other website, get it at one of their shows, it's a mere 30 dollars compared to the 60 that Amazon is asking.

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

I was excited about getting this book simply based on the author and its title. I too am tired of the way we use religion to judge and divide people. The write up on the book indicated that I would receive a thoughtful, substanative study of ways to use simple prayer in every day life. I did not enjoy this book because I felt as if each page was another way to tell me how to say a Hail Mary. While I appreciate Mr. Edward's views on religion- that it should unify and not divide us, I did not like this book. The CD is useful- but I was looking for something more in the book.

Practical Praying by John Edward is easy to read and follow. Edward creates an understanding of how everyday prayer can enhance our spiritual and physical life.

John's editor was wrong - the world does need a book on how to pray. He reminds us of things on some level we already knew, but needed validation of (like an ongoing dialog with Christ is OK). But I like the formality he introduces making it a deliberate time and place to pray. Using mediatative techniques and a rosary - even if you aren't Catholic and even if you aren't Christian, there is more than one way to use the rosary as a prayer tool. Love it! Thank you, John!

I was anxious to receive this book. I wanted to see what John thought about the Rosary. I wanted to see how his thoughts differed from mine.

I was not disappointed.

It is a beautiful book and CD.

I would reccommend it to anyone who wants to see / hear another version of the rosary and how to pray.

IF YOU NEED HELP GETTING TO HEAVEN, HERE IT IS. GREAT BOOK FOR EVERYDAY PRAYERS.
FIREDOGPractical Praying

Words can't describe how beautifully and eloquently the message of the book 'A Course in Miracles' is conveyed through the heart-warming and spellbinding voice of Richard Thomas.

I have heard these tapes, and especially the 1st one of the set, countless of times...

I originally got this from the local library and enjoyed it so much I wanted to own it. It is taken from 'The Course' and is very relaxing and peaceful. I listen to these tapes when I'm stressed or anxious. It calms me and helps put my life in perspective Immediately! I particularly like to drift off to sleep listening if I'm having a hard time getting proper rest. I'm glad I have these 3 tapes.

I ordered a 4 CD set. I received 4 cd's, however the 3rd and 4th cd were identical to the 1st and 2nd cd! I have duplicate cd's and I do not know how to correct their mistake!

I like this book because it contains a CD with meditation drum rythms that allow you to connect with your power animal and because it covers every aspect of having a power animal in your life: helps you find it and then communicate with it. What I don't like about this book is the fact that it is way too short and brief. For example, Farmer writes that it's not good to talk about your power animal with other people because it's disrespecful and you can risk diminishing the power you receive from it. Well, I understand the concept, but I just don't get it exactly. I'll do as he suggests, but I'm going to do some research on my own to get to understand this more.
Regardless, I am glad to have this book in my library. I am new to power animals that's why I feel the need to know more than what is written in this book. Here is the list of power animals:
bear
beaver
buffalo
butterfly
cougar
coyote
deer
dolphin
dove
dragonfly
eagle
elephant
fox
frog
giraffe
hawk
horse
hummingbird
kangaroo
lion
lizard
lynx (bobcat)
opossum
otter
owl
panther
rabbit
raccoon
raven
seal
snake
squirrel
swan
turtle
whale
wolf

This small book may not cover all possible power animals, but it is very well done. I'd recommend it.

This is an easy-to-use guide to finding your own power animal and identifying other animal guides to help you on your journey. It offers a wide range of animals, not just those familiar to Native American Culture. I'd recommend it for those who are beginning their search.

A good starter book but not for the truly enlightened.

Nature provides animals to serve as spiritual guides, messengers, friends and sources of high-quality protein. Many individuals seem to have special affinities with particular animals, insects, birds, and fish. {Reflect on this: Ever notice that vegans tend to have carnivore totems?? wolves, night-hawks, etc. whereas carnivores have insects and grubs? }

This book is OK for those fortunate to have a common animal as their power critter but its really only for those who are unblessed with superior entities and avatar-ancient ones.

It doesn't even mention the Sha-Nee-Qua-Forbushkna more commonly known as the Ground Hornet . . . the most power guide of the 3rd Spirtual Facet!!

And fails to note that Nature is MISTER NATURE!!

That's right NATURE IS MASCULINE!! -- not some transgendered gelding female impersonating wiener less wanker biter!!

MASCULINE with enormous gonads and we aren't talking rabbit pellets.

The feminine and asexual Nature you likely been taught is a myth/deception of Shaiteen-Rogla aka the goddette Peptobismol. Ignore her!!

I am now learning to honor and utilize Ground Hornet energy in my life.

You can too.



ciao // gurkha

I would have given it 5 stars if it has covered more animals in the wild.

But I like how Steven Farmer presented the info. It is so much easier to find the info you need since he made them into 4 sections as follow:
1. Your Power Animal's Message for You,
2. the qualities/ potentials in you if your power animal is, eg. an owl,
3. When to ask for your power animal's help,
4. How to access its power.

My book came with a shamanic journeying CD which I have only tried a few times. I prefer to meditate instead of journeying and the music actually distracted me or limited the length of time I have in interacting with my power animal. But that's just me.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who wish to get to know their power animal better or access its power.

With Metta.

I loved this book. I read it in 2 sittings and was literally transformed in the process. This book will give you a direct experience and not just a head full of information to haul around. I can't recommend this book high enough. I look forward to reading her next installment "Embracing the Now".

Radical Happiness is a supremely intelligent guide to awakening from the delusion of the mind and its time. Gina points with clarity and wisdom, while offering practical exercises and helpful resources, so that we may realize the extraordinary delight of the Heart.
- Katie Davis, Awake Joy: The Essence of Enlightenment

Oh how I love Gina Lake's books. I have given away many copies. Because they are so special, I can't NOT share them with others. This book is for you if you ever suspected that what you believe about your life may not be true, and you wish to experience the Joy that is already yours... Now! Gina will turn you inward, to the wisdom that is available to you, and you experience it for yourself. More than just a teaching, Gina's books are, for this reader, a catalyst for Awakening.

Gina writes beautifully, and all of it is as familiar to the soul as your own hand. And the wonderful exercises will lead you to the experience of what she writes, not just the mental understanding of it.

Soon after reading "Radical Happiness", my first Gina Lake book, the father of my child shot himself and left his body... due in large part to the clarity and connection I have to what "I" truly am as a result of basking in Gina Lake's books, each moment surrounding his "death" was perfect and I was completely present and not suffering in a story about what was happening, and completely available to others... I felt LOVE, not sadness, and Joy, not resistance. This expansiveness has continued as I give my self the gift of her words on a regular basis; so I can continue to remember myself. Now Mind is my partner, not my Master.

I would love that you give this book to you. If you love what Eckhart Tolle, Byron Katie or Advaita point to, or you are just tired of "suffering", you will love this work. Run, don't walk, to the Checkout Button!

Let us suppose that you have been a spiritual seeker for many, many years and then you are suddenly being pulled into Awakening. You begin to understand what the Bhagavad Gita and other sacred texts are talking about when they speak of the Self. This understanding is not at the level of the intellect, but at the core of your being. a direct and tangible experience. Let us suppose further that as this process begins to unfold, you begin seeking practical advice and knowledge for this spiritual re-birth that is happening through you because you have no grounding in how to embody and stabilize this realization and you need to learn how to deal with the intense energy that is amping up your nervous system and making your life a little different than usual.

This book is like the scene in the movie where the hero, after an exhausting, arduous journey is searching for the sacred, secret text that is the master key to his/her further unfoldment. Finally, late at night in an ancient library, the hero stumbles upon this book and everything he/she is going through suddenly makes sense, like the proverbial piece that completes the puzzle and after which everything becomes clear and nothing is ever the same again. All of the searching is completed and there is just the continued deepening in the Self.

This is an incredible book. I have been reading spiritual literature for 30+ years and this came for me at the exact right time. It is essential reading and practice for anyone in the midst of Self-realization. The book provides expert guidance and practices. It explains the process of Awakening and provides the means to help you ground and stabilize your connection with the Self.

The author clearly writes from the perspective of an enlightened being; indeed she is a master teacher and guide. I was prompted to do a counseling session with her after reading another of her books and found it, along with this book, to be among the most beneficial things I have ever done.

This book is indispensable.

Gina Lake awakened into radical happiness after a deep exploration of psychology, metaphysics and astrology. Having walked that path to its end, Gina's heart-full story of what it is to be peacefully aware, loving and content in the midst of any life circumstance can serve as a bridge to countless others who share her background. Insightfully and eloquently written, Radical Happiness offers practical pointers and exercises that allow every reader to discover who they really are by their own experience. Like all great epics, there is a wonderful twist involved in your exploration. Dive in, Be Happy.

Sundance Burke, author, Free Spirit: A Guide to Enlightened Being

Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (7/07)

"Miracle Prayer" is a book that is part of Dr. Shumsky's Divine Revelation teachings. It provides you with the means and knowledge of how to obtain divine guidance to assist you with developing greater spiritually and with realizing God. Within the pages are valuable exercises, affirmations, and prayers to assist you. If you feel like you have been praying forever and that your prayers are not being answered, this book can help you. You will learn the method of "Scientific Prayer," which will teach you the steps to praying effectively.

I had to give "Miracle Prayer" five stars because it is by far one of the best books on prayers that I have ever encountered. I could not find anything lacking. It is very well-organized, well-thought-out, thought-provoking, and offers affirmations and prayer samples to help you along your way. I am so excited about putting this prayer method into action. I truly feel hope!

"Miracle Prayer" was written for a person like me. I have some beautiful dreams and aspirations, but seem to have hit a roadblock in reaching them. By implementing the nine steps to obtaining my goals, I have also become aware of the ways in which I was blocking myself from obtaining them. This book is written with a great deal of love and faith for the reader. These feelings shine through the pages. I feel truly blessed for having the opportunity to read "Miracle Prayer."

If you are feeling like everything is hopeless, "Miracle Prayer" will not only give you hope, but also the steps that you need to take to achieving your dreams. As Dr. Shumsky, who sees the beauty in everything, says in her dedication, "Never, never, never, give up."

I found this method of prayer in another book, and it touched me so deeply... not only are you making your petition... but sincerely acknowledging your connection with the Creator, in a manner of grace and gratitude. I stumbled upon this book and when I saw the title I was hoping it went deeper into the method of prayer I had found in the smaller book and it did!!! She writes beautifully with a sincere heart, her connection with and her love for Divine shows through...I feel this is missing from so many books out there today... where is the love connection between us and the Divine? When you find that and you know you are truly connected... you can't ask for much more. I rarely rate books!!! But this author is both thumbs up for me!!! I will probaly have Miracle Prayer and Divine Revelation on my shelves for a lifetime.

It's amazing how confused we get about prayer!

Dr. Shumsky brings alternatives to begging, pleading and bargaining with God. The SIMPLICITY and LOGIC of her ideas make sense and offer readers prayers that heal and empower.

I highly recommend this book for people in all spiritual paths!

If you have ever doubted that God hears you this is the book for you. Try it you'll like it. It will help prevent you from asking amiss and keep your thoughts centered on asking and recieving. It will answer questions you may have on why your prayers are not working and what you can do to change this. If you have blocks or interference in your channel to God this will address those issues. Prayer helps build Faith and the more you pray the more your faith grows.
Tim
God Bless

Dr. Susan has written her best book yet! "Miracle Prayer" is concise and easy to understand for even the spiritual novice, yet contains the highest truths and leads the reader to the loftiest of human goals.

Dr. Susan has employed her exemplary research, her own experience, her compassionate love for people and her beautiful balance to synthesize the religious thoughts of the past and present to create a user-friendly system of prayer that, if used, has the potential to heal bodies and liberate lives, and if enough of us are changed, to heal our earth.

It is my prayer that this book "Miracle Prayer" become a textbook for church prayer groups, chaplain classes and students of God the world over. I am recommending it to my own Unity Church chaplain program today. Thank God for Dr. Susan, and thank you, Dr. Susan, for "Miracle Prayer."

This was a fun read about a person that lives in a tiny house and outsources his life. He outsources everything, including the toilet. He lists several good suggestions as to how to liquidate assets and heirlooms. He sold his car on earth day and only uses a bike for transportation. After reading, I thought he is very lucky to be living in a bike friendly town and within biking distance of his office. I wish he had gone into more depth about how he lives in his tiny house. Life experiences including construction on the house, living, towing it to different cities, etc., would be nice. Maybe those will be in the sequel.

At 144 pages it's a quick read (the amazon page count is wrong). My main gripe is the font should have been larger and easier to read. It's a tiny book, with tiny font. It seems they were trying to match the page count to the size of his house.

His website, including his Gregory cam, have become my favorites.

I found that this book has a some golden nuggets in the rough, but also that a good share of the advice is "more of the same". I did like that after each chapter there was questions to get you thinking and a place to write down some actionable items. It was a clear, quick read. For a natural declutterer like myself it wasn't a fantastic book, but overall I think most people would enjoy it.

I really enjoyed this little 144 page book. There is a lot of lessons in here for people who happen to live in a little larger space. The fact of life is that we live in a world driven by consumption and the author is asking us to look a little closer at what we consume, how we consume, and what we really need in life. Not only have I enjoyed the book, I have given out a couple of copies to friends

At 144 pages, this is a slim but idea-packed volume. Gregory Johnson's writing is inspirational, while the action items and resources will allow readers to implement their own version of "living small." You don't need to live in a 150-square foot home like Johnson--that's not going to be a realistic goal for many people. But you can learn about de-cluttering your house and living a less stressful life in harmony with the Earth.

I had high hopes for this book as a reflection on living in one of the Tumbleweed Tiny Houses. However, after a brief introduction summarizing some changes his life made after moving into the 150 sq ft dwelling, the rest of the book is mainly a series of guided reflections and questions on how you can pare down your life. I was hoping for more real life anectdotes rather than a self-help book. Anyway, my main criticism is that his 150 sq ft home is not really a home, since he admits he doesn't cook in it (barely ever used the sink, relies on eating out or instant foods) and there's no bathroom! That is called camping, not living. He does have some interesting ideas about using your neighborhood as your living space, but having to walk to your gym to use the bathroom every morning seems a bit unworkable for most. There is a chapter at the end where he discusses his lifestyle as not being amenable to having a spouse (no room for you, honey!) and a page where he briefly wonders how to live such a life with children (he doesn't have any that he mentions). So this book is perfect for an unmarried, unattached city dweller but probably of little use to anyone else.

FYI, all the other models of Tumbleweed Tiny houses do have toilets. Why he chose to live without one I don't know--other than maybe he couldn't get a permit or didn't want to deal with the hassle of emptying a tank.

There is still room out there for a personal memoir of actually living, not camping, in such a small space. I understand the author is trying to redefine what is necessary for living but this reader didn't find his vision completely realistic.

How do you put out a book like this with no pictures of the finished projects? Ridiculous! I wish I could give it ZERO stars!

The New Birdhouse Book: Inspiration And Instruction For Building 50 Birdhouses by Leslie Garisto is far more than just another woodworking "how-to guide" for a weekend project. Rather it is a full blown celebration showcasing a vast variety of crafted avian housing, ranging from common box houses to pillared feeders, as well as expansive and complex creations designed especially to attract specific birds. Color photography, detailed diagrams, step-by-step instructions, and more, make The New Birdhouse Book a must-have for woodworkers of all skill and experience levels who seek to apply their talents to the betterment of our feathered friends.

This book was quite useful. However, I also purchased "Build Your Own Birdhouses and Feeders: From Simple, Natural Designs to Spectacular, Customized Houses and Feeders" at the same time. I was very disappointed to find that the plans were almost all EXACTLY THE SAME.

I WAS VERY DISSAPPOINTED WITH THIS BOOK. IN THE SECTION WHERE THEY HAVE THE INSTUCTIONS FOR BIRD HOUSES TO BUILD THEY DON'T HAVE A PICTURE OF IT. EVEN THE DRAWING IS NOT OF THE FINISHED BIRD HOUSE BUT A DRAWING WITH ALL THE PIECES UNATTACHED. I GUESS YOU HAVE TO BUILD THE THING TO SEE WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE. BIG HELP!

Good designs, easy to follow plans. This book piqued my interest in dovecotes, and now I'm off in another direction.