change Books

Speaking as someone from an alcoholic family, this book helps you "detach, with love" as they say in AA. You realize you can live life for yourself and that you deserve to. The courage to change is needed because the old patterns are familiar and comfortable, but they no longer work. The book brings together wisdom from diverse sources, is divided into 365 short sections corresponding to days of the year, and encourages you truthfully, yet warmly, every step of the way. Read this, it's time to stop beating up on yourself!!

This little book is chocked full of inspiration

I've been in recovery for five years, and I use this book to start my day. It's full of helpful recovery reminders that make it a very special source of inspiration for me. My relationship with Jesus Christ, the Bible, and this little book make my recovery possible. I'd recommend it to anyone who struggles with issues of codependency.

When life is pulling you in a certain direction, yield a little to the current. You might be amazed at what you find. The key is, it doesn't pay to fight the universe. Absorb the chaos theory as put forth by this book and it can change your life or, at the very least, your way of thinking.

Chaos theory is fascinating, greatly fascinating, and this is a fascinating book about it. It's just beautiful.

It is precious stone plenty of wisdom that invites you to see the world and the life from an holistic perspective.
I have enjoyed each paragraph bringing each message or concept to my own daily experience.
I strongly recommend it.

I purchased this book for a class and told all of my friends about it. It is a perfect explanation of the theory. Real world examples - easy to understand. READ IT!

I absolutely enjoyed this book and found it completely relevant to my life. I have been quoting it since I read it!

Frances Hesselbein is currently editor-in-chief of Leader to Leader quarterly. Previously, she served as CEO of the Girls Scouts of the USA and then as chairman and founding president of the Leader to Leader Institute, formerly the Peter F. Drucker Foundation for Nonprofit Management. Her published works include this book as well as The Leader of the Future, co-edited with Marshall Goldsmith and Richard Beckhard; The Leader of the Future 2, co-edited with Goldsmith; and Be*Know*Do (an adaptation of the U.S. Army's leadership manual) to which she and General Eric K. Shinseki (USA Ret.) co-wrote the Introduction.

In his Foreword to this book, Jim Collins observes that Frances Hesselbein "grasped a central paradox of change: the organizations that best adapt to a changing world first and foremost know what should [begin italics] not [end italics] change. They have a foxed anchor of guiding principles around which they can more easily change everything else. They know the difference between what is truly sacred and what is not, between what should not change and what should always be open for change, between `what we stand for' and `how we do things'...Equally important, she exercised the discipline to say no to opportunities that did not fit the central mission." This brief excerpt from an uncommonly insightful analysis of Hesselbein's numerous and substantial contributions to knowledge leadership help to prepare the reader for the 19 essays that follow in which Hesselbein shares what she has learned about leadership that understands the importance of knowing that leaderships is much less about what one does, and much more about who one is.

The essays originally appeared over a period of three years, 1999-2002. After re-reading them, Hasselbein observes, "I found that I believe even more passionately in the whys [of leadership]: the values, the principles, the beliefs that define who we are, what we believe, what we do, and how we work with others, our fellow travelers on a shared journey to leadership in an uncertain world." In this volume, of all the challenges that CEOs face, she identifies those that have little to do with managing the enterprise's tangible assets (important though as they obviously are) and everything to do with monitoring the quality of leadership, the work force, and relationships.

More specifically, the "`how to be' leader knows that people are the organization's greatest asset and in word, behavior, and in relationships she or he demonstrates this powerful philosophy...builds dispersed and diverse leadership - distributing leadership to the outmost edges of the circle to unleash the power of shared responsibility...holds forth the vision of the organization's future in compelling ways that ignite the spark needed to build the inclusive enterprise...and [meanwhile] knows that listening to the customer and learning what he or she values - `digging in the field' - will be a critical component, even more so in the future than today."

My take on all this is that Hesselbein fully understands and appreciates the value of "know-how." Her key point (if I understand it) is that effective leadership can be provided only by what Bill George characterizes as "authentic" people: those who consistently demonstrate the values, the principles, the beliefs that define who they are, what they believe, what they do, and how they work with others. As George describes them, they demonstrate "the highest integrity, [are] committed to building enduring organizations...have a deep sense of purpose and are true to their core values...have the courage to build their companies to meet the needs of all stakeholders, and recognize the importance of their service to society."

Both Hesselbein and George are convinced, and I wholeheartedly agree, that the greatest leaders are those who develop and then sustain authentic leadership at all levels and in all areas of the given enterprise. Moreover, they are determined to be "good citizens." As Hesselbein explains, they believe "that the community is as much their business as is the business of their enterprise. They dedicate the same commitment to this job, the same forecasting, planning, marketing, and mobilization of energy and initiative, that they dedicate to building the enterprise within the walls."

Make no mistake about it: These are formidable challenges that Hesselbein poses to those who aspire to be leaders. "All the how to's in the world won't work until the `how to be's' are defined, embraced by the leaders, and embodied in every action, every communication, every leadership moment." Indeed, she continues, there must be "leaders of character at every level, leading the organization and the community of the future." Some may view that challenge as "unrealistic." It isn't. Others may view it as "idealistic." It is...and that is the most important lesson all of us can learn, not only from what she has written but from what she has been and continues to be.

Frances is a special and extraordinary role model who shares her insights and encourages others to reach for their maximum leadership potential. The creativity within her advice is engaging and inspirational. This is a great book for young leaders and those who are developing goals and a vision for their career and personal success.

Hesselbein on Leadership should be on all leaders "must read list". Frances has taken the multidementional, quantum complexity of leadership and given timely gifted guidence in language and concepts that are understood by the intellect in addtion to being rocognized by the soul.

Her thoughtful and thought provoking words are a call for the action of "being" not just "doing". Every sentence rings with truth and power. This is a book you will return to again and again.

This book was first mentioned to me at a Leadership presentation at one of the not-for profit organizations I serve, and then again a short while later at a UCI Graduate School of Management presentation by a local executive. This is a delightful small book filled with some good advice, pithy sayings and leadership insights. Hesselbein lives up to her reputation in this compendium of essays on Leadership. I rather like books of essays because often each chapter, or essay, stands on its own and can be read or re-read as the need arises.

Hesselbein writes in a clear and conversational manner that makes it easy to understand her point. But one should not be lulled into complacency while enjoying her most readable style for the insights to be shared are important and many. She points out with great understatement that "Leadership is a matter of how to be rather than how to do it." She offers as whole new way of organizing our enterprises as she explains "Managing in a World That Is Round." This book will find its best use for those managers looking for a metaphor or simple explanation to share with others in the organization such complex topics as organizational change, behavior, and interaction with the environment. It will be on my reference shelf for a long time to come.

Frances Hesslebein is one of the world's greatest leaders. In fact, Peter Drucker (no "easy grader") said that she was the most effective executive that he had ever met.
_Hesselbein on Leadership_ is a compilation of her wonderful essays (largely from the journal "Leader to Leader").
In a world where many leaders have gone for the "quick buck", it is gratifying to hear from someone who is interested in "doing what is right".
Her writing, like her leadership, is direct, honest and to the point. Unlike some leaders who specialize in slogans, she is someone who only writes about what she believes in and is willing to live.
Her work has the unique quality of being both timeless and refreshing.

Our women's Bible Study has really enjoyed this book. It tells us things we really don't want to hear but need to hear. Jill sprinkles it with her personal stories which help in the understanding of the subject. Really good and is challenging us to be more like Christ.

A group of women at our church (140 of them) are currently going through the book as a monthly study. The women read a chapter a MONTH and then we have a speaker and discussion time. The book is AWESOME and everyone has enjoyed the material. It's both "easy to read" and yet very challenging. I would highly recommend it for a personal read as well as one to be used as a group study.

Jill Briscoe is fantastic. This book is grounded in the Bible and gets to the heart of key areas that are vital to your Christian walk. Not an anemic gloss-over, nor a "health and wealth" God-as-geanie recipe book. Jill challenges the reader to make real grown-up Christian decisions about truly living your life for Christ, but does it in a wonderfully humble and loving style. With plenty of scripture and real-life examples, it is one of those books that are easy and enjoyable to read, but not a quick read because it is constantly prayer and thought provoking.

This book will give you hope. It also will uncover the devastation on our planet, BUT with solutions that many are taking to change things for the better. You will learn many interesting and uplifting facts and enjoy being better informed in a way that gives a ray of hope.

David Suzuki has been a favorite environmenalist in Canada for years due in part to his marvelous TV program " The Nature of Things." Truly a person who is working with all his heart to improve the Planet he loves so dearly. It is a great book to give as a gift as well to those who would like some positive spin on environmental issues, while being informed on individulas that are making a difference for us all.

While it is refreshing to see Dr. Suzuki focus on the positive, the conspiratorial tone of the book and his pervasive suspicion of commerce put me off.

While consumptive and wasteful practices continue to plague the global world, there is new hope that has emerged among many people adapting to a more environmentally friendly attitude. In Good News for a Change, the two authors show how new practices focus on the idea of sustainability. Local values have returned ecosystems to their natural states and has allowed for long-term productivity. Together, we are finding ways in which to live that does not have to compromise quality of life.
The improvements to our everyday life have affected such things as habitat destruction, global warming, toxic waste and resource depletion. Until recently, many people were unaware of their effects and often were not discussed. However, a recent surge in the environmentalist movement has placed these issues into the minds of people across the world. No longer do we have to discuss how our natural world is changing. Instead, we have the knowledge to implicate plans that change the world in which we live.
Many of these environment problems stem from new dishonest corporate values that have displaced traditional home values. Not only do corporate values pollute water and the air we breathe, but they also create social inequalities that are hard to notice. Desires for money and the flaunting of luxurious items have been regarded as the road to happiness. Private interests have dominated policy-making and have changed the way we conduct business in the industrial world.
Multinational corporations' separation of human activities and nature has led to different attitudes and values from the workplace than those at home. If viewed together, people would realize that sustainable living should not incorporate money into the value system. Instead, wealth would be valued as a helping tool; something that can bring uplift to a community or an area in need. Human happiness could be preserved without hurting our natural resources which we rely on.
However, the western value system continues to threaten our natural resources as material wealth and consumptive practices seem to be the road to security. This will have serious impacts on future generations. Each day, we continue to lose species that once roamed on Earth. Humans have yet to understand the complex natural system in which they live. Efficiency must be increased and waste must be kept in check. By doing so, future generations will have access to unpolluted water, good soil for food production and also clean air to breathe.
Suzuki and Dressel approached developing business values in a variety of ways throughout the book. Particular issues discussed include restoration of biodiversity, saving water supplies and new growing methods for food production. They also touched on specific examples on how to manage forests, fisheries, and wildlife. In closing, the development of new technologies and the green revolution were discussed in full. This new revolution gives new options which enhance quality of life.
Being concerned over the environment, I approached this book thinking it would summarize the issues at hand and not give reasonable solutions. However, this book showed many examples of how change is occurring throughout the world at different levels that restored my faith that nature still can be protected. I agree with the authors that change must start at the local levels. When businesses start to go public, they fail to meet local concerns or lose the foundation on which the business was built upon.
The authors point out how money should be invested or shared into community needs and interests. They often drew upon examples of businesses with profits. It is easy to share when you have big profits. However, they rarely discuss what is to be done for people without such businesses. Everyday people that want to make a change are often unable to do so because of the lack of financial backing. Certain new technologies cost more and are not accessible by all. What is to be done when newer technologies benefit the natural world but are not accessible by all?
Sustainable living and development is the point of the book. Although this idea seems rather obvious to many environmentalists, it has yet to leave an impact where we need it the most. Corporations still focus on policies that give them the biggest yields or biggest profits. If a policy hurts the quarterly earnings, it is seen as a negative. They fail to meet standards that most people feel is essential to the environment. Without changing corporation's values, our environmental problems will continue to plunge into the future.
Good News for a Change is an encouraging book that establishes hope that change is occurring amongst a troubled, unhealthy planet. It is important to reestablish local values and rid global private interests. Natural capitalism can be used to restore ecosystems and discover new technologies. People have already started to lead us in the green revolution. It is time to preserve equality and limit the impacts on the environment. It is a daunting task, but it must be done to preserve human happiness for both our generation and future generations to com

Dr. David Suzuki and co-author Holly Dressel have put together a series of examples of good environmental stewardship going on all over the world for a refreshing break from the usual enviro bad news we are constantly being pelted with.

From individuals with small projects on up to larger multi-national efforts, there are a host of positive accomplishments covered and this is not just "Good News"- it's excellent, uplifting and inspiring great news- the kind of good news that everyone concerned with the health of the world needs for inspiration on continued action for the environment.

The authors conclude with the idea that teaching children from early age about the workings of nature by immersing them in it, will enhance and spread a new sense of awe, respect and good environmental stewardship of the Earth. Many examples of current enviro-education are cited. This attitude parallels the thoughts of Dr. David W. Orr in his books "Ecological Literacy", "Earth in Mind", et al. Teach your children well!

There are several resources for environmental action cited at the end of this fine book.

David Suzuki is the Chair of the David Suzuki Foundation (google it). This website is full of resources for environmental education, action and involvement.

I'm beginning studies in Environmental Science and this is the first book I've read along the lines of sustainability. I have to say it was an amazing read. Positive and optimistic but without losing site of how wrong things are right now and of how bad they can potentially get. Very realistic.

There seems to be a focus on sustainable agriculture and foresting, which was enlightning because I had never read much on those particular subjects. There are other interesting topics that are explored in this book.

A must-buy, no doubt about it. Thank you David, for an insightful read... and for fueling my optimism about our future.

Read during a course. Wonderful to discuss and chew over. The class was tough, but I thoroughly enjoyed the material.

Professor Ira Shor, like his mentor Paulo Freire, denounces the current-traditional model of banking education--the practice of teaching where the instructor "deposits" information "into" the students. In the current-traditional model, the input is always selected by the authority, or teacher, and the student is a passive recipient of knowledge which has been preselected as both meaningful and useful for the student's future development. Professor Shor argues that this current-traditional model of teaching methodology not only places the "content" of the course beyond any control of the student, but it also prescibes the method of delivery for our students. I recommend the book to teachers and parents: we need empowered children and citizens.

I cannot believe I paid for this crummy book. I thought it was going to give solid info regarding angels etc Perhaps explain some confusing parts of the Bible. The author continually puts scholars down and pats himself on the back. Way off the wall theories. Do not waste your money.

Using science, technology and a little bit of logic, historical myths and religious parables are called into question. This book will make readers rethink everything they've ever known. Everything from angels, demons and the paranormal will be addressed. Nothing is safe, and everything will be cast in a new light.

First-time author Craig Hines challenges readers to look beyond what they have been taught and accept a new reality. His interest in using scientific methods to investigate history sheds interesting light on everything we thought we knew.

Hines's apparent fascination with questioning history through science will appeal to readers who yearn for the truth. Readers will become entranced in the "new" history that Hines is telling. - 3 Stars - Reviewed by Leigh O'Donovan, Authors on the Rise Book Reviews.

Craig Hines book `Gateway of the Gods' is and insightful and in-depth exploration on three of my favorite topics (Watchers, Fallen Angels and the Nephilim) and the role these beings play in the ultimate destiny of mankind. The 62 pages that comprise Part 2 of this 432 page volume make this book worth the purchase price. His suggestion and subsequent discussion that the terms `Son's of God' and `Nephilim' might refer to not different gradations of angelic beings but actually the same creatures undergoing a title change after their "fall" is masterful and something I had never considered. Mr. Hines makes it so obvious I'm stunned that I could have overlooked that possibility all these years.

I also thoroughly enjoyed the brief 20 pages of Part 1 outlining exactly how the author became involved in the research of such esoteric matters. Dreams have always held a great fascination and significance for me and reading how it was through the vehicle of dreams and the necessary follow up confirmation in the waking state started it all made it personal and exciting for me.

Part 4 is where it gets a little difficult to follow but that comes from my own lack of expertise in matters of hyperspace, gravity, string and M theory and quantum physics in general. Dispite my inadequate level of knowledge in these areas I must say Hines did an admirable and cohesive job at bringing the material together and presenting a comprehensive and understandable analysis that should satisfy both the adept and the novice in these scientific disciplines.

If there is anything to find fault with Hines' book it would be trying to cover too much material from such a broad area of subject matter; Theology, mythology, archeology, alchemy, Kabbalah, quantum physics, conspiracy theories, environmental issues and more. However I would prefer to commend the attempt rather than fault him for it.

`Gateway of the Gods' is definitely a challenging read and not for someone looking to wile away a couple of hours before falling asleep. It's extremely dense, at times ponderous, someplaces overly immersed in detail and a little too abrupt and evasive at the end, but overall satisfying and thought provoking.

Like I said, not for everyone, but if you're one of those individuals who love exploring alternative ways of looking at our past and postulating where we might be heading this is definitely something you have to read!

This book touches upon a broad spectrum of topics including climate change, the Nephilim, alchemy, quantum physics, and the parallels of these topics in mythology. Craig Hines creatively weaves these matters into an intriguing mélange, but ultimately Hines' writing is mediocre; his credibility and expertise is lacking. This book reads largely like a regurgitation of hypotheses from several (and some questionable) sources that are then connected by Hines under the guise of needing to build an inter-dimensional gateway so that we can evolve more highly and become like gods ourselves. While I did find the section about fallen angels and their gigantic offspring to be especially frightening and believable (evidence is given from the Bible, ancient myths, and archaeology) and Hines has convinced me to research further the subject of alchemy, these parts of the book are not enough to redeem it.
If you are looking for a book with solid research and great writing, look somewhere else.

I feel that these types of books are nothing but dangerous for the believing Christian. This author has no credentials in theology but publishes his own interpretation on scripture. Craig Hines states that his experience in Multimedia and the Paranormal are his credentials to write a book on this subject which deals heavily in theologic interpretation. You have got to be kidding me! NO THANKS! The title of this book is in itself a dead giveaway. "Gateway of the Gods" there is only one true God not gods, and his return is very near.