2 comments about Buddha: His Life and Teaching.

1. This book is a good introduction to Buddha the man. There are times that it drags a bit, but in general it was a fast read and provided the fundamentals of Buddha's life and a beginning understanding of his teachings. I liked the discussion of the Four Noble truths and the Eightfold path which made the teachings straightforward. All to often we get mired in the ennumerable teachings that exist in a religious/ philosophy/ psychology such as Buddhism or Yoga and forget that the purpose of these teachings was to make our lives simple, balanced, honest and it is not all that hard to do. Reading a book like this brings us back to our essence.



2. In man's "fathom-long body," the Buddha observed, lies the rising of the world and the ceasing of the world. I read this 133-page biography of Siddhartha Gautama today, absorbed, and in a single sitting. (It has been many years since I read Hesse's classic, "Siddhartha," which I also recommend.) Here, Nelson examines the extraordinary life and inner struggle of Siddhartha, from his birth in 563 BCE, to finding enlightenment at age 35, to his final words just before death at age 80, "work out your own salvation through diligence" (p. 120), while also offering an overview of Buddha's teachings. Along the way, Nelson includes many revealing anecdotes about Siddhartha, such as his pre-"Enlightened One" encounter with an injured lamb, whereupon Siddhartha observes that it is "far, far better for a man to comfort even one small animal, than to sit and watch the sorrows of the world, passively among the praying priests" (p.72). I enjoyed reading this book.
   
   G. Merritt

5 comments about Sandals in the Dust.

1. Sandals in the Dust by M. E. Rosson
   
   Sandals in the Dust is unique among many books I have read. M. E. Rosson has gleaned facts from such historians as Josephus or Jerome, and used ancient writings and legends to put together details of the life and characters of each of a group of men chosen by Christ to take his gospel of love for mankind over the four corners of the then known world. This makes for a remarkable and very rare book.
   
   Did you know, for example, that James Ben Alpheus looked so much like Jesus that Judas would have to give him a "kiss" to distinguish the two in the Garden of Gethsemene?
   
   This is the type of research that makes this one of the most fascinating collections of "biographies" I have ever read.
   
   Of course, we may wonder at some of it. Is every detail true? Is it an accurate portrayal of these apostles, inspired by God, or is there some fiction in it? We won't really know; nevertheless, this is a valid piece of research that seeks to show who the apostles were, what they were really like and how Christ motivated, inspired, guided and molded ordinary men who, through the action of the Holy Spirit would become the carriers of his message of salvation to a world that needed it as badly then as it does now.
   
   Don't miss reading this one.
   
   Joyce Ann Edmondson
   The Listening Tree
   In the Arms of the Shepherd
   Falling Petals



2. Mark Rosson's writing style is wonderful and the stories were just marvelous to read. Oh, how I enjoyed reading about each and every one of the apostles. My heart was stirred so to think I got a little more insight into each of these great men who followed our Lord and Saviour.
   
   I feel everything Mark told, he tried to explain that it was legend, theory or written accounts and that made it so easy to read. After all he had twenty years of research that went into this book.
   
   I would encourage anyone to read this very special book to help in their spiritual growth.
   
   I'm looking forward to reading more books by this wonderful writer and theologian.



3. I WOULD HAVE HAD TO BUY AND READ OVER 30 DIFFERENT BOOKS TO FIND THE SOURCE MATERIAL FOR THE 12 APOSTLES THAT IS IN THIS BOOK. A GREAT READ AND EVERY CHRISTIAN SHOULD HAVE ONE. THIS BOOK DOES NOT TRY TO ADD TO THE BIBLE, BUT GIVES US HISTORICAL INFORMATION THAT MAKES OUR BIBLES COME ALIVE!



4. I AM NOT A RELIGIOUS PERSON AND HAVE NEVER REALLY BEEN TO CHURCH MUCH, BUT I LOVE HISTORY AND THIS BOOK IS THE BEST HISTORICAL LOOK SOCIALLY AND CATEGORICALLY I HAVE EVER READ. MAKES ME WANT TO READ MY BIBLE. I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO ANYONE WHO WANTS TO KNOW HOW 12 MEN CHANGED THIS WORLD FOREVER!



5. NEVER BEFORE IN ONE BOOK HAVE I SO EASILY HAD THE LIVES AND RELATIONSHIPS OF THE 12 APOSTLES EXPLAINED TO ME. THE BOOK IS COMPACT AND FITS INTO MY BIBLE CASE FOR EASY REFERENCE. THE NEW TESTAMENT GOSPELS COME ALIVE WHEN YOU ACTUALLY KNOW WHO THE PLAYERS ARE. THIS IS A MUST READ FOR EVERY CHRISTIAN AND FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS TO UNDERSTAND THEIR BIBLE BETTER.

1 comments about St. Teresa of Avila.

1. We had a tattered, much-read copy of this is our Ashram library with the book held together with a rubber band. So when we found that our favorite biography of St. Teresa had been published anew, we were delighted. This edition is a larger paperback and has, in addition, photos of the convent where she lived and even the room where she dwelt and wrote her books! If you've never read a saint's life, you'll be absorbed into this one quickly. The author, Marcelle Auclair, lived in a convent founded by St. Teresa as she collected stories and wrote of the saint's life. Having read a dozen biographies on this saint, this one still stands high above all others. Don't miss it!

1 comments about Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Reality And Resistance.

1. The author sets out to show that the changes in Bonhoeffer's Pacifism was not a turn around in his ethical or theological thinking, but an expansion of both ethical and theological interpretation that was at the heart of Bonhoeffer's earlier work. His search through the writings of Bonhoeffer plus interviews and writings of contemporary leaders and friends shows us in some detail how changing contemporary Social Patterns and Leadership had much to do with his re-thinking and actions and how those actions fitted in with his ethics and theology as written works. While some difference of opinion on these "adjustments" or "Changes" can be held, the author has written a very thorough analysis of Bonhoeffer through both his written works, both early and late. He also does a good job of showing how his actions follow his ethics and theology. This is a good academic study that is readable.

1 comments about Bernard of Clairvaux: Essential Writings (The Crossroad Spiritual Legacy Series).

1. Father Tamburello does it again! His other book, Ordinary Mysticism, was like peeling an onion. I cried turning the pages as he laid bare a complex topic.

   This time around, he reveals in pages a layman can turn the secrets of one of the world's enduring mystics.

   We can't easily check with Bernard, of course, but it wouldn't surprise me if Father Tamburello explained things about Bernard that even Bernard didn't know!

1 comments about Grateful To Have Been There: My 42 Years With Bill And Lois, And The Evolution Of Alcoholics Anonymous/Second Edition-Expanded and Revised.

1. When I began my research into A.A. history, I traveled to A.A. World Headquarters in New York. There I met archivist Frank Mauser and his predecessor Nell Wing. Nell was Bill Wilson's secretary, Lois Wilson's long-time companion and assistant, and A.A.'s first archivist. I was greeted in New York by Frank and Nell, and several times thereafter I dined with Nell and also spent time with her in her apartment. It was quite plain to me that this lady had been a substantial part of the later development of A.A. In fact, when I visited her apartment, she was in the process of writing this important book. And she reviewed a mountain of historical materials she was studying for reference. Nell was a Buddhist. She was a non-alcoholic. And she was a gracious hostess to me and just about anyone who was interested in our early history.The First Nationwide Alcoholics Anonymous History Conference, 2d ed. She helped me with my visits to Stepping Stones for documents.Turning Point: A History of Early A.A.'s Spiritual Roots and Successes She helped me in obtaining Anne Smith's Journal. Anne Smith's Journal, 1933-1939: A.A.'s Principles of SuccessAnd she was a pillar in the community of industrious history researchers and writers. Making Known the Biblical History and Roots of Alcoholics Anonymous: A Sixteen-Year Research, Writing, Publishing, and Fact Dissemination Project, Third EditionIt's a good book by an eye witness. Despite her intimate friendship with Bill and Lois, and her access to many A.A. archival materials, Nell was humble enough to recognize the need to continue searching out our history.The Akron Genesis of Alcoholics Anonymous. I doubt if she failed to help all of us in the earlier A.A. history-writing community of the 1990's.

1 comments about John and Betty Stam (Women and Men of Faith Series).

1. This is the story of two people that God had His hand upon and the way He directed their lives. The young lady was raised in a missionary family in China and due to illness found herself back in the states. She recovered and continued her education with the goal of returning to China with China Inland Mission. She met her future husband at Moody Bible Institute but though they had fell in love they would not marry. She knew God had called her back to China but he was unsure of the call that God had for him. Both were well educated and very gifted and worked hard to prepare for the place of service God was leading them to. As it turned out God did allow them to end up in the same mission field and they did marry and ministered together. They had a child and all looked to be going well. The chinese communists had other ideas. Both John and Betty were beheaded for their faith. The child was spared. A great number of souls came to know the Lord because of the faith of the and obedience of this young couple. I found myself lost in the story as the author did a wonderful job of detail. An awesome book must read!

5 comments about The Secret Lives of Alexandra David-Neel: A Biography of the Explorer of Tibet and Its Forbidden Practices.

1. Alexandra David-Neel is reputed to be the first Western woman to reach the forbidden city of Lhasa, Tibet. She did so in 1924, a small woman in her mid-50s, disguised as a beggar and accompanied only by her adopted Tibetan son. This was the highlight of a life that lasted until 1969 when she died at age 100.
   
   As the authors point out, however, practically nothing can be said with surety about Mme. David-Neel. One biographer has even claimed that she fabricated the whole story of visiting Lhasa. Probably not -- although she fabricated a lot and was hardly of unimpeachable character. As a matter of fact, although the authors are very respectful of her, she seems a thoroughly selfish, self-centered and repellent person.
   
   David-Neel was a serious student of Buddhism and wrote many books on the subject. One of the juiciest parts of the book concerns the question of whether she participated in group Tantric sex rituals. The authors conclude she probably did.
   David-Neel's religion had nothing to do with morality, and it seems unlikely that she ever found inner peace from her Buddhist rituals as she suffered from an endless variety of mental and physical ills. Still, living to be 100 is quite an accomplishment...
   
   Alexandra David-Neel was an opera singer, a hardy and determined traveler, a student of religion, a writer, and a public figure of some note. Some of her papers are still unreleased so the final word about her character and achievements is still to be said. In the meantime this is an entertaining and well-researched biography.
   
   Smallchief



2. The best chapters of 'The Secret Lives of Alexandra David-Neel:'
   owe much to Alexandra's own account of her journey to Lhasa. Her own books are wonderful to read, all of them , but in particular her 'My Journey to Lhasa' Beacon Press republished it as a paperback in 1993, ISBN 0-8070-5903-X
   I can guarantee you will have a most enjoyable read.



3. It is my great pleasure to let Amazon readers know about the exploits of Alexandra David-Neel, the explorer of Tibet, which the Fosters chronicle so vividly in the biography, THE SECRET LIVES OF ALEXANDRA DAVID-NEEL. This bio reads more like a novel or adventure tale due to the wonderfully-detailed scenes with such authentic touches I felt as if I were truly there, and often worried about David-Neel's ability to survive. Obviously the Fosters have done their research incredibly well and write graceful,lucid prose; I was captivated from the first sentence and actually resented having to put down the book to take care of chores. This is is one of the best biographies I have ever read. The story cries out to be told visually on the big screen.



4. Little known crossdressing Victorian Frenchwoman undertakes a dangerous journey of discovery in forbidden country disguised as a monk and lives to tell her tale to the world. Thoroughly well researched,and well crafted The Secret Lives of Alexandra David-Neel is the biography of a remarkable woman. A woman born to the mannered and circumscribed Victorian era who chose to strike out on her own initiative to explore the spiritual secrets and she was among the first Europeans to report about it from inside to the rest of the world.
   I found it a fascinating read about a remarkable woman of whom I knew nothing, a woman who accomplished amazing things in her life. I recommend this biography by Barbara and Michael Foster to anyone interested in tales of high adventure in exploration, in the golden age of exploration and of unknown exotic lands. If the story of resolutely fearless woman pursuing her dream of exploring Forbidden Tibet whets your appetite I recommned you read this well crafted biography. I can recommend it without reservation. ZaneMason



5. Little known crossdressing Victorian Frenchwoman undertakes a dangerous journey of discovery in forbidden country disguised as a monk and lives to tell her tale to the world. Thoroughly well researched,and well crafted The Secret Lives of Alexandra David-Neel is the biography of a remarkable woman. A woman born to the mannered and circumscribed Victorian era who chose to strike out on her own initiative to explore the spiritual secrets and she was among the first Europeans to report about it from inside to the rest of the world.
   I found it a fascinating read about a remarkable woman of whom I knew nothing, a woman who accomplished amazing things in her life. I recommend this biography by Barbara and Michael Foster to anyone interested in tales of high adventure in exploration, in the golden age of exploration and of unknown exotic lands. If the story of resolutely fearless woman pursuing her dream of exploring Forbidden Tibet whets your appetite I recommned you read this well crafted biography. I can recommend it without reservation. ZaneMason

5 comments about Big George: The Autobiography of an Angel.

1. This small book tells a sweet, sad tale, but that is it. The length leaves little room for indepth character development or story line. If you are looking for a quick read, without much depth, this may be OK. The book was highly recommended to me by a friend, but I was disappointed.



2. I was given this book by my hospice counselor at some point after my daughter died, almost three years ago. She wasn't a premie in the nursery- she died the same day that she was born. We knew that she was going to die while I was still pregnant. Although the situation was different from that in the story- it still touched me so deeply that I read it twice within 2 days(and bawled both times). It helped me to see beyond my own view point- where I was with my pain and anger because of losing her. I was able to look at the bigger picture- not that I will ever be "glad" that she died, but it helped me to focus on the fact that she had a purpose- she profoundly affected me, my husband, our other daughter and all of those who were around her. I know that in her brief time here on earth she made a difference, and I think it was after reading this book that my attitude and view shifted to see that more. It helped me to remember that her legacy should be one of love and making a difference in others lives while we're here, not being angry for my losses and things that aren't fair(not that I don't even still have my moments). I love this story and will keep my copy to read from time to time whenever I need it- forever! I suggest it for those who have lost and are looking for a different perspective.



3. In the book they say the baby is "Forty-four grams, pound and a half". Well, just so you all know, 44 grams is not even 2 ounces! Approximately 595 grams equal a pound and a half. What a silly mistake...



4. I was given this book by a friend I met in support group. The hospital had given it to her when her 1-yr-old died. I found the book to be very comforting, and it brought tears to my eyes. It is a very religious book, and although I am not a regular attender of church, it made me certain that my son, who died as a preemie after only 27 days, was also an angel. I plan to buy several copies to give to other mothers I meet in support groups. It is a very short book and can be read in less than a couple hours, but has a powerful message to those who are grieving.



5. Praise be, praise be. This book shows you God's face, his hands, his especially prominent left thumb. Praise be, hallelujah. Oh yes. A beautiful work that will make even the ayatollah into Christian. Praise be.

5 comments about God Owns My Business: They Said It Couldn't be Done, But Formally and Legally....

1. A church library was giving away books that were not being checked out, and I picked up an original hard copy of this book from 1969. I had it a few years before reading it, and sure wish I had done it sooner! I am so pleased to see that it is still available! It is a priceless treasure, and you don't need to be interested in starting your own business to love this book, either.
   
   Stanley Tam understands EXACTLY the relationship we are to have with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and his story is incredibly well told. This book is an enjoyable read, and is excellent for anyone, but it is especially wonderful for explaining what true Christianity to someone who has not experienced it or has been burned by a bad Church experience. I was so encouraged. Please read this book, and give a copy to a friend (you'll never part with yours)!



2. I first became aware of Dr. Stanley Tam when we received one of the flyer from his (God's)company. On the front of the flyer was a testimony about an attorney who for some years had been searching for God. Dr. Tam was able to tell him how he could find God.
   I was so impressed that he would have a testimony on the front page of his advertisment that I sat down and wrote him a letter telling him how much I appreciated this. We live in a day and age when so many Christians are so afraid to let anyone know of their belief in God; so afraid they will offend someone; so afraid it will diversly affect their business. Here was a man who wanted everyone to know of his faith!! How refreshing.
   
   At the time I wrote him, I was also collecting stories for a book I was putting together. This book would have stories about what God is doing in peoples lives today. I asked his permission to use the story I had seen in my book.
   
   He was gracious enough to respond. He sent me a copy of his book and gave me permission to use any part of it that I chose to.
   
   Yes, he sent me an autographed book free of charge. I do not consider this being a lunatic. I consider this being a very generous man who as a part of his ministry gives away his books.
   The book has so many stories about how God hears and answers prayers. If anyone is dissatisfied with their life and is not sure what to do about it, I would strongly recommend they read Dr. Tam's book.
   
   And, yes, I follow in his footsteps, too. I, too, have given many of my books away and will continue to do so!
   Jeanetta Pollard author of "Mrs. Claus Shares Stories From the Heart."



3. This book was given as a gift to me when I visited a small business for a market analysis project. It was the first time someone had presented the idea that a person can have a successful career not at the expense of pleasing God. While few would be called to Tam's same ministry, many people can be changed by the message in this book.



4. I feel sorry for the first reviewer. I will admit that I have not read the book, (I had to give stars to write this) but I have met Mr. Tam and heard him speak. I was inspired by him and I wish I had his courage. He is not a lunatic. He has proven that a person can be a Christian and be successful in business. His speech was riveting and I would expect the same from the book.



5. Stanley Tam used to (and maybe still does) give copies of this book away through his company (we used to order a lot of stuff from his, or should I say God's, company, U.S. Plastic Co.). The book is a lot of fun - basically the ramblings of a lunatic. When he would give these away for free it was always a lot fo fun to have free copies sent to friends. Check to see if you can still get a free copy before buying one.