5 comments about The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective Teens.

1. I was first drawn to this curious little book by its extremely unsettling title. Are the teenagers now expected to be "highly effective"? Effective in what? I mean, they are kids, why even use such a strange language to describe them?
   
   After I opened this miniature book, I realized that its main goal was to convince teenagers that they are never too young to start transforming themselves into efficient little robots whose goal is to be "successful" at all costs. Having fun, hanging out with friends, playing, flirting, enjoying your existence - all these activities should be expelled from a teenager's life since they cannot be construed as either "effective" or "productive."
   
   Here is a sample of wisdom that this book offers to poor teenagers: All successful people have the habit of doing the things failures don't like to do. They don't like doing them either. But this dislike is subordinated to the strength of their purpose.
   
   Obviously, the purpose of this "successful" individual does not include being happy or enjoying life. The quote makes a lot more sense if we substitute the word "neurotic" for successful. It's also curious how a person who refuses to do things s/he doesn't enjoy is necessarily seen as a "failure." In this masochistic worldview, the only permissible lifestyle is the one that includes constant self-repression and suffering.
   
   Other pieces of advice the book offers include making weekly lists of the goals you need to achieve and looking at yourself in a mirror in order to find in yourself qualities that need to be eradicated. I can't express how much I pity the poor teenagers who buy into this silliness and engage in these weird activities.



2. This book was given to me because I was told I would enjoy it. It was a wonderful gift, indeed! I was a bit skeptical when I first saw it. I began reading it and I was immediately hooked. I laughed at every page and couldn't wait to finish the book. On top of being hilarious it was indeed very helpful. By applying the advice the book gave my life became easier and better. I may sound like a commercial right now, but everything I say is nothing but the truth. I highly recommend this book to all teenagers and adults!



3. The product already came a part when I opened it. So, the condition was misleading. Pretty fast shipping however.



4. I wanted to like this book and I actually feel bad about rating it so low considering there is a LOT of great information in it but the truth was that I was disappointed with this book and will think seriously about whether or not I will ever give it to my children to read. It simply had too many negatives dragging it down in my opinion.
   
   I also read Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations and recommend that book over this one if you want to encourage your youth to set goals and work hard towards achieving them. (It does have a Christian message but if you are not opposed to that then it can be very encouraging and motivational.)
   
   I think the problem with this book is Sean Covey did not have a clear enough target audience in mind. At times he seems to be speaking to highschool students and at other times to college age students. Sometimes he seems to be speaking to kids who are struggling with things like broken homes and drug use and other times to an average middle-class teen who just needs a prod in the right direction.
   
   Things I did not like in this book are...
   
   1. THE STATED AND UN-STATED FOCUS ON THE OUTER APPEARANCE:
   
   p134 "..I had a hot date that Saturday afternoon."
   p101 "At the end of the year, weighing 180 pounds and bench-pressing 255 pounds, I was awarded 'Best Body' by the senior girls of the high school, the award that I loved most of all."
   p169 "Jessica is much better looking than Katherine".
   p118 "In high school I had a crush on a beautiful girl named Sherry...."
   
   
   
   2. THE BAD ATTITUDES SOMETIMES DISPLAYED TOWARDS PARENTS:
   
   p23 "Finally I struck out on my own and had a falling out with my folks, but it made them see me for who I was."
   p170 "This is the when-I-was-your-age speech you often get from your elders"
   p220 "My family is composed of a bunch of technical incompetents. I blame the bad gene on my dad. Several times I've seen him in technically challenging situations like when....he attempts to change a light bulb."
   
   
   
   3. I DON'T AGREE WITH THE ADVICE ON:
   
   A) Dating lots of people...
   p20 "Have as many boyfriends and girlfriends as you like just don't get obsessed with or centered on them..."
   
   B) or his marriage advice that could influence youth to not forge a committed and close relationship with their future spouse...
   p20 "When I began dating my wife, one of the things that attracted me most was that she didn't center her life on me."
   
   C) nor his advice encouraging youth to simply listen and never offer possible solutions to friends in need...
   p165 "A handful of loyal friends really stuck it out with me and tried to help, but I tuned out their preachy lectures about my weight..."
   p166 "They didn't treat me like a person with a problem. There were no lectures..."
   p166 "Contrast that with what might have happened had her roommates turned preachy on her."
   p167 "You can show you care by simply taking time to listen without judging and without giving advice".
   
   
   
   4) THERE WERE LOTS OF WRONG-SIDE-OF-THE-TRACKS STORIES:
   
   Stories of sexual abuse p58, p59; Drug use p77, P214; Parent smoking marijuana with her 12 year old daughter p61; Abusive relationships p158; Bulemia p158; Anorexia 165; Alcoholic and abusive parents p227; References to sexual activity p78 p229; Suicide p232; pornography p240
   
   p238 An experience shared by a teen..."I used to argue with my ex-boyfriend about watching BET and MTV, because the majority of the videos consisted of not-even-half-naked girls wiggling and jiggling like a bowl of Jell-O...it hurt me to see my ex-boyfriend in a daze with his eyes moving up and down..."
   
   
   
   In all fairness, when looking at the broad picture, Sean Covey is encouraging teens to be responsible, value education and work on their family relationships. Most of the unsavoury stories are being used to illustrate not-what-to-do.
   
   However I couldn't help but feel that in some instances, the stories and attitudes could plant thoughts into our teens minds or reinforce ideas such as 'Boys only like the beautiful girl' or 'Parents are difficult to get along with'.
   
   The reason I prefer Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations is because it encourages youth to do better without adding all these issues in.
   
   On the other hand, if your teen is struggling with drug use etc - and you can even get him/her to read this book - then this book may actually be beneficial in helping them see the light.
   
   I think that in general, if a teen is motivated enough to read a self-help book like this then they may as well read Sean Covey's father's books such as The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People and leave all the teenage baggage well and truly behind.



5. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens' is an extraordinary book. The author Sean Covey, talks about the teens and their perspectives of life. He brings to us a bigger view of teens lives and gives us answers, advice, reasons, causes, possibilities, hope, and good perspective guidance. I've taken in a lot of advice and guidance while reading the book, and followed through with it. I now feel a little better about who I am, and how I will be in the future.
   
   I chose to read this book because I wanted to better myself, and get advice from someone other then the adults when I don't really look up to, and who lack the experiences of being a role model. One of the reviews that influenced me if from the US Olympic figure skater gold medalist which stated, "An intensive training program for youth to grow and become winners in the competition of life." The author talks in a style as if he is talking to me (the teenage reader).
   
   Sean Covey also speaks with an understanding demeanor with accuracy. In example he states, "Proactive people focus their efforts on their circle of influence. They work on things they can do something about: health, children, and problems at work. Reactive people focus their efforts in the circle of concern--things over which they have little or no control: the national debt, terrorism, and the weather. Gaining an awareness of the areas in which we expend our energies is a giant step in becoming proactive."
   
   Covey uses the influential methods of bias, association, and over generalizing: "Besides having paradigms about ourselves and others, we also have paradigms about the world in general." The author is over generalizing about people having paradigms about the world (a way of looking at something with his/her own perspectives.) But in actuality not everyone cares to have a paradigm of the world itself, unless it was asked for.
   
   To sum everything up, I have really enjoyed reading this book; it has truly made an impact on my life, and has to other people who I've recommended this book to. I recommend this book to teenagers the age of 12 to 18, and hopefully it will make an impact on the readers of these ages.
   
   Jane Phan, TJHS student

5 comments about The Catholic Youth Bible® Revised.

1. I bought this book for my fourth child becasue she needed her own bible. It has quickly become the family favorite because of several reasons. One, it is a great size for kids and parents to hold and read. Two, the added stories inside each chapter of the Bible helps give context and understand of the passages. Three, all four of our kids are graviting to this bible, this is what you want in a youth bible---Kids reading it! No regrets.



2. I am a Born Again Christian, but I love reading the Catholic Bible, because I love the books of Wisdom and Sirach which are not in the regular Bible. This Bible is nice because it lays open flat on the table while reading it. My other one does not. I am glad I bought it. I am not a youth, but it would be great if I were with all the extra commentary and helps. It came quickly from the seller, and in great condition, though it was used. I am very happy! Thanks!



3. FIRST, EVEN THOUGH I'M 59, I CONSIDER MYSELF A STUDENT. FROM WHAT I COULD SEE (I'LL SAY MORE LATER), IT IS AN EXCELLENT WAY TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BIBLE. IT'S A GOOD PRICE AND SEEMS EASY TO USE. SECOND, IT HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS. FOR ONE THING, I HAVE VISUAL PROBLEMS AND REALLY NEEDED AN AUDIO VERSION. THE LISTING DOESN'T SAY WHAT VERSION IT IS. THE PRINT IS NOT DARK ENOUGH AGAINST THE BACKROUND TO BE EASILY READ. THE MOST IMPORTANT OMMISSION FROM THE DESCRIPTION WAS THAT IT'S INCOMPATIBLE WITH VISTA AND WITH ANY ADOBE READER OTHER THAN #7 (EVEN A HIGHER VERSION). DESPITE MY EFFORTS TO FIX THE PROBLEM, I ENDED UP GIVING IT TO SOMEONE ELSE.



4. I originally bought this book for my 9 year old son. I have to admit that I am enjoying it as well. It is very easy to learn from. We enjoy reading it together and discussing, the passages.



5. A Bible is a Bible....It is in excellent condition, arrived in good time. I did experience issues in as much as I recived several emails intended for other people and one or two telling me I had to fetch the package from a local post office - which I ignored and it arrived anyway (since I live in Australia and the book was in the USA). I was, however, very unsure for a while whether or not I would actually recieve it. anyhow, it' here and all is well.

5 comments about Lexical Aids for Students of New Testament Greek.

1. This is really great - not a wonder that it has been a classic for so many years and is still so highly recommended.



2. The vocabulary list ordered by frequency of occurrences in the New Testament, which is the first section of this book, while revolutionary at the time, has already been co-opted by Mounce (and others I'm sure), but the other sections on suffix functionality and the list of vocabulary by root/stem is indispensible for understanding rather than just memorizing Greek vocabulary as one moves into encountering the entire NT/ Koine Greek language. It was worth the money and very succinct.



3. I want to preface this by pointing out that I don't think such books are ideal for learning vocabulary. I think we process new vocabulary better when we _read_ it in context, or better yet, have a visual picture to associate that context with.
   
   Having said that, people have criticized Metzger's work for being outdated, superseded, not having all the features other books have, etc. Perhaps the reason this little book is still so popular is because people misunderstand its virtues. It is not the amount of lexical data and mnemonic tips that made it worthwhile, only to be bettered by books with more data & tips. Metzger was a giant in the field, and while none could deny that Bauer, Spicq, and Moulton/Geden are better for understanding word meanings than Metzger's glosses, Metzger's slim volume is always ready at hand for quick, easy study.



4. Metzger's Lexical Aids has been in my library for many years. I use it as a quick reference on New Testament Greek if I don't want to pull out more exhausitve aids. I espccially like the way he has created several indices including an index of Greek roots and a sort by number of occurrences.
   
   This aid was particularly useful when I first started to learn the Greek but I find myself, even today, going back to it for a quick lookup. I recommend this book for students of New Testament Greek.
   
   I have used other resources as well, many of which were recommended by the late Dr. Gene Scott and continue to be used by his wife, Pastor Melissa Scott. But none seem to be as well worn as my "Lexical Aids".



5. I bought this book after reading Dr. P.C. Comminos review. This is a gem of a little book. Here's how it's set up: list words by their frequency (from 500 occurances all the way down to 10), words classified according to their root, ino-european family of languages (helps you see the big picture), prepositions in composition with verbs, principal parts of important verbs, feminine nouns of the second declension, and an index of greek words. Yes I got that from the table of contents.
   
   Total length of this book is 100 pages. It is inexpensive and comprehensive for it's size. A superior product given that it is only 100 pages. You can get this book for under ten dollars. There are few purchases that qualify as "No brainers" in my humble opinion. This is one of those "NO BRAINERS." As a side note if your learning greek you should check out Dr. PC Commino's profile. I have found it very informative, and have never been steered wrong by him.

5 comments about I Would Die for You: One Student's Story of Passion, Service and Faith.

1. A must-read for any teenager and adult. This book put our reason for being on this earth into perspective. It's not about us but about God and spreading the gospel so more people will be added to His kingdom. B.J. was an inspiring young man and I only wish that I had accomplished half as much as he did in his 15 years in this world.



2. Brent and Deanna Higgins have compiled a wonderful biography of their son's life. "I Would Die For You" will make you laugh and cry, but most of all it will challenge you - no matter your age. At 15 years of age, BJ had a relationship with Jesus Christ that many three times his age long for. This book would be a wonderful gift for a teenager struggling to find his/her way, but it would also be a wonderful gift for adults. A youth group or small group study is another wonderful use for this book.
   
   Over and over in the book Brent and Deanna used the phrase "BJ got it". After reading exerpts from his journals and blogs, I'll have to agree. His life was not his own; it was totally surrendered to God. His life stands as a challenge to each of us. Will we stand for Christ - even if it costs us our lives?
   
   Though BJ's life on earth was short, his life had tremendous purpose. He served in Peru and would often be found leading the most unapproachable to Christ - even policemen! He saw every person and as a soul in need of a Savior. His journals share "How God Worked In My Life Today" and, personally, I took this as a prompt for the teenagers in my household. BJ LOOKED for ways God was working around him. He shared his struggles in walking as a Christian and how he overcame them. He shared the beautiful transition on his 15th birthday from boyhood to manhood as his parents gave him a sword... he unsheathed that sword and prepared to "raise a revolution".
   
   Read the book; be challenged to memorize the Scriptures leading each chapter - those from BJ's "memorization list"; be challenged to share the Truth of the Gospel where ever you are.
   
   Will YOU accept the challenge?



3. My husband wanted me to get this book because he knows BJs sisters and he had met BJ and went to the funeral. So when it came, I decided to read it first. And it's a great book. It's hard to believe that such a young man had so much faith. I definately recommend reading this book. It really inspires you to get closer to God. When you see the relationship BJ has with the Lord, you can't help but want the same thing for yourself.



4. Have you ever wondered what it looks like for a life to be completely surrendered to God? In this book, called I Would Die For You, you can find out just that. A true story, this book is about B.J. Higgins who `loved God with everything he had and worked passionately to bring God's love to the whole world'. He was truly someone who was on fire for his Savior and who spent his short life bringing many to the saving knowledge of His grace. I say his short life because B.J. when home to be with the Lord after a six-week battle contracted on the mission field in Peru. He was only fifteen years old.
   This amazing book was written by his parents, Brent and Deanna Higgins, to tell of B.J.'s life and to inspire countless readers. It includes many journal, blog, email, and even letter excerpts that he wrote, as well as accounts from his friends and relatives. When I read what B.J. wrote it never ceased to amaze me. His passion and love for his Father shone through everything that I read and was truly inspiring.
   The book starts off by giving an overview of B.J.'s early life, and the beginning of his life-long relationship with God. It then shifts its focus to the two mission's trips to Peru that he went on. As can be witnessed by his journals and the stories of fellow missionaries, God worked through him in amazing ways. After coming back from his second mission's trip he contracted a mysterious infection which lands him in isolation in the Intensive Care Unit, with thousands of people unifying in prayer for him worldwide. Through his death many came to salvation and even more dedicated their lives to continue his mission, as was stated in one of his favorite songs:
   "Rescue the perishing
   Care for the dying
   Snatch them from in pity
   From sin and the grave
   Weep o'er the erring one
   Lift up the fallen one
   Tell them of Jesus
   The mighty to save"
   As you can see, I don't have enough praise for this book. It was absolutely incredible and so inspiring. As a fifteen-year-old myself it really inspired me about what sort of legacy I was leaving. Also, I absolutely loved the song, written by, lead singer of Mercy Me, Bart Millard, called "I Would Die For You". Imagine my surprise when I found out that that song had been inspired by B.J.'s life! Now I love it all the more! So If you're ready to be inspired... and challenged I highly recommend (highly, highly recommend) reading this life-changing book, because as the song `I Would Die For You' states, "You never know why your alive, `til you know what you would die for/I would die for you".



5. It isn't often that you find a 15-year-old with the passion for God that was evident in BJ Higgins. He was an ordinary kid who experienced an extraordinary relationship with God. That relationship manifested itself in a zeal to tell the world about Jesus, the Savior. God blessed BJ with very godly parents (the authors of the book) who raised him to understand what it really means to be a Christian. BJ had an urgency about him, as though he knew his time was short and he needed to do things ahead of a "normal" schedule. He became a missionary at the age of 14 and began to have a significant impact. When he contracted a serious disease on the mission field, his subsequent battle for his life led to an online blog [...]. The blog and the book created a stage where BJ's amazing relationship with his Creator could be told. Reading BJ's personal thoughts was much like reading the journals of Jim Elliot (a missionary who died at the hands of the Auca Indians in 1956). Reading BJ's story was a truly moving experience.

5 comments about The Teachings of Don Juan: A Yaqui Way of Knowledge.

1. Without knowing why and after nearly 30 years of first reading this book I suddenly discovered an urge to visit with Don Juan again. Carlos takes us on an entertaining journey to become a man of knowledge. As Don Juan advises you have no need to visit with Mescalito, Humito or other allies if you have the experience, or can imagine the experience. Carlos' clear narration makes it so that one has no need to visit the allies personally. I suspect if your imagination remains challenged or your adventurous side gets the best of you..... yet you won't have a guide for the journey! Here again you experience Don Juan through Carlos' descriptive narration.
   
   Don Juan teaches that to become a true man of knowledge one must overcome:
   1. Fear, then
   2. Clarity, that then gives them
   3. Power, and finally
   4. age
   
   If you wonder about Mescalito or Humito and other allies, the narrative of Carlos' journey should suffice without having to find your own man of knowledge and guide.
   
   As you read Carlos' narratives you may find yourself wondering about the veracity of what you read. As you discover the more you dive into his books he explains a reality distinct from our own. The arguments used to disprove his narratives seem unconvincing. If he were merely to have made these up then I can only stand back and marvel at his unique imagination. Yet it all seems very plausible for those that have undertaken deep spiritual meditative journeys or from talking with others who has experimented with mescaline and 'shrooms.
   
   Discussing this book with Gen X and Y folks leaves them staring at you slack-jawed as insects fly in their mouth to nibble on lunch remnants. Carlos' narrative, so widely read by Baby Boomers a long time ago and far away, has no resonation among the younger folks. So far, it seems that this partially explains their conviction that by just showing up they are ideally qualified to lead and decide. There is little questioning or wondering about the meaning of, or their perception of, reality.
   
   I bet you can't read just one of these books.
   
   Happy Travels!
   
   
   [...]



2. There are more than enough reviews here of this book and all the Castaneda books, so I'll try to make this short. I've read all of Castaneda's books, and although this is the first, the one that 'started it all', I would advise skipping it. That's because by Carlos' own admission, when he wrote this one he was still under the impression that the hallucinogenic peyote/mescaline given to him was the focal point for the 'sorcerer' training he was receiving. By the third book, Journey to Ixtlan: The Lessons of Don Juan, he knew better, was also a better writer, and was better able to lay out spiritual teachings that would be of value to almost any reader.
   
   For what it's worth, I think the three best books to read overall, the three with the most value for almost any reader are Journey to Ixtlan: The Lessons of Don Juan, Tales of Power, and The Power of Silence: Further Lessons of don Juan. These really cover the true teachings the best, interspersed with Carlos' signature dramatic stories. I think the themes of these books have the most spiritual value, and steer clear of some of the darker, occult themes and battles, as well as drug-use, that characterize some of the other books.
   
   As for the debate about what's 'real' and what's 'fiction' in these books, my own view is, 'what does it matter?' Try one and see if it resonates. Our perception of reality, including our ideas about 'truth' and 'fiction', are the central theme these books explore. Allow yourself to be taken in, and then make of it what you will.



3. If tomorrow historians discover that the Galilee did not exist, and from that you take that Jesus' message is worthless, do not read Castaneda.
   
   If you are looking for spiritual power, do not read Castaneda.
   
   But if as Pilate you have once asked: "What is Truth?" and you -unlike Pilate- are ready to put your life on the search, you will discover a world of beauty in Castaneda's books.
   And you will be grateful.
   
   Sorry for my poor English
   I was born in Spain. The land of the conquerors
   (or should I say tyrants?)



4. In our times when darwinism and so-called science is pushed down the throats of toddlers who never have a chance to acquaint themselves with different ways of looking at the world than the PC version, this book, along with many others, should be compulsory reading - or rather, is compulsory reading, morally, for any thinking individual who wants to make up his own world-view instead of adapting to one served to him so as to make him a servant for the system.
   
   i won't argue whether or not Castaneda was a conman or not, that is entirely beside the point of whether or not the philosophy and worldview of don Juan are true and realizable.
   
   This book is of course only an introduction to don Juan's path, and the teachings of almost pure shamanism have little to do with the direxion it is shown to take later on. However, this serves as a plaform upon which one must step before venturing further, introducing a way of life more in connexion and in tune with nature and natural surroundings.
   
   What sets this, and Castaneda in general, apart from the plethora of New Age is the obvious lack of pandering to the audience, by way of talking about "love" and "we are all one." Neither are there any religious aspects to the Yaqui Way of Knowledge. This is not for middle-aged women craving for something exciting in want of a love affair. This does not offer a social pastime to replace cocktail parties with. This book, just like Castaneda in general, offers nothing easy to occupy oneself with, but forces a ruthless and relentless re-evaluation of the self and one's relationship with his/her axions and surroundings alike, if one at all wants to follow the spirit of the teachings.
   
   To put it succinctly, many many years ago this book changed the way i looked at the world - or rather, offered me for the first time a way to look at it that made any intuitive sense to me, as the "concrete reality status quo" never ever satisfied me.



5. "The Teachings of Don Juan A Yaqui Way of Knowledge" by Carlos Castaneda was a real pioneering anthropological study of shamanism, and a door-opener into the prevailing 1960's and early 1970's sub- drug culture.
   
   Carlos Castaneda gave us a new look into the possibilities of various realities and perceptions not really understood, and only discussed at late evening dinner parties, or in the dorm rooms of various colleges or, perhaps a sociology classroom here and there.
   
   For some reason, the fact that Castaneda was using drugs for research and personal understanding made the book easily more acceptable to a variety of his readers.
   
   I first read the book about 40 years ago. At the time I thought it was superb. However, upon re-reading it (at age 62), it simply didn't have the same powerful grasp it once held.
   
   The initial meeting between Castaneda and the alleged "Don Juan" is interesting reading as is the recruitment process into the shadow-world of the shaman. Naturally, there are psychotropic drugs involved, but it seemed to me that page after page, after page was nothing more of recounting his "trip" experience from the three major sources of Yaqui wisdom; Peyote, Jimson Weed, and Mushroom.
   
   The use of such drugs obviously enhances the ideas of what we today would call; "Shape shifting," Astral Projection, and various other rather well known terms in today's
   "witchy" terminology.
   
   Although, Mr. Castaneda followed this publication with numerous other related stories, I think he probably spent too much time and focus on the drugs for surely...there was much more knowledge passed on other than the collection, preparation, and usage of various hallucinogens.
   
   None the less, the book remains a major pioneering feat, and is interesting especially, if you are reading it for the first time. It is a contemporary real life story of "The Sourcer's Apprentice" with Carlos Castaneda playing the role of Walt Disney's "Mickey Mouse."
   
   Regardless of my somewhat prejudicial summary, there are some very good points of wisdom handed down by Don Juan that should be remembered by any generation who has an interest in anthropology, sociology, and or, just plain...entertaining reading.

5 comments about Journey to Ixtlan: The Lessons of Don Juan.

1. How to write a review about a book that does not speak to you? Difficult. While I liked "The Teachings of Don Juan: A Yaqui Way of Knowledge" (at least the first part) somehow "Journey to Ixtlan" did not speak to me at all. It came across as boring, meaningless walking and dialogues in desert without wisdom revealing to me.
   
   I certainly preferred the whole Dan Millman's "Peaceful Warrior" series with spiritual wisdom weaved into interesting adventures.



2. An old book, still relevant; metaphors applicable to all walks of and stages of life.



3. I have read all the Castaneda books, and I think this is the best one to start with. In his first one, The Teachings of Don Juan: A Yaqui Way of Knowledge, Carlos is focused on the peyote/mescaline. By his own admission, he didn't really understood the drugs were just a tool - and an unnecessary one for most people - for opening his awareness. In this book, he instead focuses on what Don Juan actually taught him, and presents it in a very structured, accessible fashion. The somewhat rigid presentation of the 'lessons' keeps it from being a favorite of mine - I prefer the 'story' or even parable structure of Tales of Power, and The Power of Silence: Further Lessons of don Juan, but this is still a great place to start overall.
   
   As for the controversies surrounding Castaneda and the existence or not of Don Juan, who cares? These are powerful books, either way. Read them as truth, read them as fiction, it doesn't matter.



4. I'm an atheist and a big fan of Buddhism. Since I'm certain (in the negative) about rebirth, karma, and all things supernatural, I've wrestled with how some key Buddhist teachings might apply to my atheist worldview. This book gave me a vivid, irreverent, and inspiring vision that has influenced my thought and practice.
   
   No-self, non-ego, non-attachment, dropping the story, awareness, death as an advisor, and living in the present are a few themes that Buddhism shares with Don Juan in Ixtlan. Not that Ixtlan is a Buddhist teaching, or that Buddhism is summed up by Ixtlan, or vice versa - that's absolutely not the case. But thinking about the teachings and character of Don Juan (irreverent, hilarious, appreciative, and incredibly down to earth and real) has made my Buddhist practice more real.



5. I read and re-read this book many times in my early 20's. I took mushrooms and wandered around the woods of Canada alone. I had magnificent revelations - but my life was a disaster. I followed the instructions and crafted my life around personal responsibility. My life was still a disaster. The quality of the writing here is fantastic. Even though this is likely a philosophical treatise and not a true account, the writing is so compelling that an impressionable young mind (like mine was) is likely to swallow it all hook, line and sinker. Readwe beware! I finally turned my life around in my 30s and became successful. I still love Casteneda as a writer. He should be studied as a master of his craft.

5 comments about Under the Overpass: A Journey of Faith on the Streets of America.

1. Mike and Sam, average college students, decide to spend five months living on the streets. Under the Overpass takes you on their gloriously rough journey of spiritual, emotional, and physical exhaustion and enlightenment.
   
   Brutally honest, Under the Overpass invites you to rethink what it means to live out your faith, to look at the church from a whole new perspective, and to look at street people from a whole new perspective. Hard to put down and hard to ignore, Under the Overpass will stir you for the better. Read this book for a family reading time then seriously consider the question, "who is my neighbor and how can I love him?"



2. I am the kind of person that does not read much at all. I do not have much time for it for one and I usually am bored with most books I have tried to read. This book kept my attention enough for me to want to know what was coming next. Also it is a very easy read. All this above is true and I haven't even mentioned the subject content of this book. I first learned about this book and author from James Dobson's Focus on the Family radio show. The bravory and courage of this young man and his journey of self discovery for his very own Christ centered faith is nothing short of inspiring.
   
   [...]



3. This book really raised a lot of questions for me to consider about the homeless living on the streets of America. How do I see these people, do I notice them at all? How do I treat them if I do notice them? Am I kind or snobbish or down right rude?
   
   A whole other thought...... What if I lost my job ( happens all the time anymore)? What if I lost my home because I lost my job? Wow! Think about it the next time you are walking down the street and see someone that makes you want to cross to the other side of the street. It might be someone you once knew or later on IT MIGHT BE YOU!!!!!
   
   This young Christian man and a friend spend several months living among and as one of the homeless in various cities in America. His experiences are eye opening, thought provoking, scary and some downright depressing. He will make some recommendations on how to respond to the homeless that you meet on the street every day.



4. This is really a book to open the eyes of the average person. Some choose this life style, but others have not other way to live. It gives a Christian a sense of a wide open mission field. We need to help them in anyway possible. Christ will fill the 'hole' in their hearts with a sense of worth.



5. I read this book so fast. It gives a great perspective of the homeless and really opened my eyes to the way that I and others treat those on the side of the road.

5 comments about Don't Check Your Brains at the Door: A Book of Christian Evidences (Know What You Believe and Why).

1. Love Amazon's used book service. I use it every year for our kids summer reading program.
   Great way to get our kids required books for school at a discount. Thanks for sending it our way!
   It was in great condition too!



2. The authors furnished one of the first popular apologetic books aimed at Christian youth. The catchy title tips the reader off to the style and content of this attention-grabbing work. I purchased it for my teens and I also read it. I enjoyed the quick pace and smooth approach that DCYBD employed.
   
   The authors cover:
   - how to ask questions
   - critical thinking
   - defending the truth of the Bible
   - apologetics for the person and work of Christ.
   
   I recommend you purchase it for your teen and pick up one for yourself. It is thoughtful, stimulating, and it won't bore your High School or College age children.
   
   By Mike A Robinson author of: "What is Truth? How Kids Can Prove God Exists" and other Christian books including:
   Letter to an Atheist Nation: Presupositional Apologetics Responds To: Letter to a Christian



3. This book showed me how to think differently when people put me on the spot, because of my faith. Very good book!



4. This is a good basic apologetics primer for its intended audience - teenagers.
   
   It has some very good information about the historical evidences of Jesus and his resurrection. It is also good at exposing several of the myths about Christianity.
   
   This text is certainly very basic in comparison to McDowell's 'Evidence That Demands A Verdict', C.S. Lewis' 'Mere Christianity', or Lee Strobel's books, 'The Case For Christ' and 'The Case For Faith'. I would recommend all of these books for adults or teens looking for more indepth treatment of evidences for the Christian faith. As a starting point for high school or younger kids, this is a pretty good one.



5. I had a good time reading this book, and I think the authors came up with some very convincing arguments. I disagree with them on some things -- for instance, although I'm a born-again Christian I have no problem with evolution. But I don't expect to agree with everything in a book, and there's no reason to throw the baby out with the bathwater. (What a horrible image that is!)

2 comments about Christian Vocations.

1. This a text which is used at school. The is a nessary part of Catholic education



2. The book is just awsome. It answered many of my questions! I highly recomend it to all!

5 comments about Dateable: Are You? Are They?.

1. This book was pretty good. I thought it lacked biblical references. A good book for younger teenagers who need to learn to set boundaries within dating.



2. The book is pretty straight forward about relationships in general. I appreciated the approach and wish someone would have clued me in to this concept early on. He is rather harsh so don't dive in without preparing yourself to be offended. Many of my youth did not agree at first because they did not want to believe these things to be true. It took me about two classes to convince them that I knew them to be true because of my own experience. The doodles on each page are pretty awesome as well. Definitely a book I would recommend to youth and their parents alike. Look for his other contributions as well, they all are a great addition to any church or youth minister's library!



3. I wish every young girl could read this book. My daughther has actually thanked me for it~! Many of the older girls said they had wished for a book like this when they started dating. Kids need to read books that guide them. This one does.
   
   MOM'S......order this book for your teenage daughters!!!



4. i was sick and read this book for two days straight and finished it. i am a fast reader though. anywho its a fun read, deffinatly not stiff. the writer makes you think as well as smile. i would recommend this book to anyone that is in or wants to be in a relationship.



5. This is a great book for teens who are starting to date in middle and high school. It has clear advice concerning guy/girl interaction, understanding the opposite sex, dressing appropriately (and modestly), and appropriate physical boundaries in a relationship...all things that teens need to know. That aside, this is a book that is focused, as I said, towards middle and high school aged teens who aren't ready for serious relationships leading toward marriage. The authors advocate dating for fun and as a learning experience for later relationships, and stress from the very beginning that the reader should not expect their current relationships to last. If you're looking for a book that endorses dating only as a way to meet a marriage partner, I suggest the books I Kissed Dating Goodbye and Boy Meets Girl: Say Hello to Courtship by Joshua Harris. He challenges the popular notions about dating and advocates more of a courtship model for relationships that is based on respect between the individuals involved as brother and sister in Christ.