Product Description
A parade of unforgettable characters emerge from the steam in this hilarious, supernatural bathhouse. There is Tandy, fresh from teaching art appreciation at the Police Academy; Meredith, whose last memory is buying a micro-miniskirt; Biberman, a karate silver-belt who masquerades as a paraplegic; and the mysterious Puerto Rican janitor given to omniscient musings and manipulating the fate of all mankind. Starring Jason Alexander, Edward Asner, Mary Gross, Gerrit Graham, Arthur Hanket, Paul Mercier, and Sierra Ruben.

A L.A. Theatre Works full-cast performance featuring: Jason Alexander, Edward Asner, Gerrit Graham, Mary Gross, Kevin Gudahl, Arthur Hanket, Paul Mercier, Ruben Sierra ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The next best thing to a front row seat!
Starring the incredible talents of Jason Alexander and Edward Asner, this 93 minute, one-cassette, audio theatre production of Bruce Friedman's Steambath also features the narrative talents of Mary Gross, Ruben Sierra, Arthur Hanket, Gerrit Graham, and Paul Mercier. Directed by Robert Robinson, Steambath is the metaphysical story of unique and unforgettable characters in the steam room of a bathhouse and their engaging discussions of their lives, dreams, and desires. Steambath is as entertaining as it is thought provoking, and with its excellent technical production values, a welcome addition to any personal or community library audiobook collection. ... Read more

Product Description
These spellbinding dramatizations of Dostoyevsky's passionate novels, The Brothers Karamazov and The Idiot, are brilliantly presented by all-star casts. In The Idiot, Edward Asner, Harry Hamlin, Shirley Knight and others capture the seductive darkness of 19th-century Russian high society. Prince Myshkin returns to the jaded social whirl of 1860s St. Petersburg after 15 years of treatment for epilepsy in a Swiss Institute. The brothers Karamazov spring from the pages of this novel, led by their roue of a father, who entertains himself by drinking, womanizing and pitting his three sons against each other in this rousing performance featuring Sharon Gless, Harry Hamlin, and Star Trek's John de Lancie. 3 cassettes. ... Read more

Product Description
Take an unforgettable ride with the classic sketches that helped make this Americas foremost comedy troupe. The Second City lampoons every aspect of modern American life, with brilliant improvised sketches on subjects ranging from salad bars to affairs of state.

A L.A. Theatre Works full-cast performance featuring: Fran Adams, Scott Adsit, Scott Allman, Edward Asner, Samantha Bennett, Jennifer Bill, Steve Carell, Stephen Colbert, Paul Dinello, Arye Gross, Jenn Jolovitz, Tim Kazurinsky, Laura Krafft, Joe Liss, Marsha Mason, Michael McCarthy, Jerry Minor, Tim O'Malley, David Razowsky, Mitch Rouse, John Rubano, Ruth Rudnick, Amy Sedaris, Brian Stack, Jill Talley, Miriam Tolan, Nia Vardalos, Ron West, Peter Zahradnick and Jim Zulevic. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Classic comedy from the granddaddy of all comedy troupes!
This collections gathers classic sketches from 1959-present, and they're mostly fabulous.This material has been created by some of our country's sharpest comedic minds (John Belushi, Bill Murray, Martin Short, MikeMyers, etc.) and are performed here by current troupe members.The satirestill cuts.There's a reason these scenes have been kept around for solong - they're hilarious!Everything from women in the military toparent-child mind games come in for ribbing during the course of (4)cassettes.Look for Ed Asner, Marsha Mason, "Saturday NightLive"'s Tim Kazurinsky, "The Daily Show"'s Stephen Colbert,"Strangers With Candy"'s Amy Sedaris and Paul Dinello, "TheSecret Lives Of Men"'s Mitch Rouse, "Mr. Show"'s JillTalley, and "Whose Line Is It Anyway"'s Ron West. ... Read more

Product Description
"Conversations with God" took its readers on an inspirational journey, teaching them how to conduct a dialogue with God and reach a better understanding of themselves, others and the world we all inhabit. In Neale Donald Walsch's latest book, they will travel further on this journey towards a greater relationship, and ultimately friendship, with God.Amazon.com Review
Neale Donald Walsch grew up fearing God, especially after hismother, a neighborhood mystic, was caught reading cards for afriend. His mother was "trafficking with the devil," according toWalsch's deeply religious aunt, and as a result, "God will send herstraight to hell."

That was the start of a relationship born of"fearship," as Walsch calls it. In Friendship with God, Walshspeaks to the struggles he's had learning to see God as a true friendrather than a punishing judge. Like his immensely popularConversations with God series, Friendship with God iswritten mostly in dialogue format, modeling how anyone can conversewith God. What makes the book especially accessible is Walsh's humblevoice that gently addresses most people's confusion and doubts. Forexample, Walsh talks about feeling squeamish that God knows theshameful secrets of his life. In response, God points out that Walshhas shared his dark secrets with friends and lovers. So why not sharethese truths with God, who has never judged or punished him, and neverwill? These types of tender and reassuring conversations give readersthe courage to begin their own private dialogues with thedivine. --Gail Hudson ... Read more

Customer Reviews (111)

Wonderful! Please read my review.Thank you God
God gives us a true insight to friendship that we all can have if we open our minds. Good to read before reading "Tomorrows God"; now that is a book I wish I could place in the hands of everyone on the planet.Imagine the chatter if everyone finished it at once and shared their feelings about it with each other.The world would could finally be what we all wish for. Love, truth, freedom, joy and peace!

Amazing....simply amazing
Hello friends-

I am a college studnet. All my life I have been a Christian. For several years I have wandered without knowing who I am. The last years couple of years in my life have been very tough for me.


you see....I have Aspergers Syndrome.

I just finished typing a paper on (AS) for my senior project in college (I'll be graduating next month). I really don't know what to say......

As I was typing the paper, I fiddled around with the idea that maybe I could add pieces of info that Neale had in his book......



I just want to come out and say it.......
THIS BOOK IS BRILLIANT. ITS REVOLUTIONARY. ITS CONTROVERSIAL. Think of any adjective you could use to describe this book (actually, I'm talking about ALL the CWG books).WOW.......my heart is just filled with so much joy right now you can't even imagine.

Living with (AS) is very difficult. Throughout my life I have always gone to counselors, read self-help books, and tried to do everything that I could to "try and be normal". I can honestly say that I found the answer to everything I was looking for. Every person who is like myself should consider reading all the CWG books Mr. Walsch has written. I can honestly say that my confidence level right now is at a level it has never been in all my life.

Many will call what I am doing blasphemy. They will say I'm a fool. They will say that I'm crazy. They will say,"...people like you especially need to read the Bible and follow God's word". You know what,.....I can't go that way anymore. I read Rick Warren's Purpose Driven Life last year. I tried reading it critically, and I tried studying it because it supposedly touched the lives of millions.

For me,....it did not do any such thing. After I finished reading book 1, an eerie feeling came onto me. It was almost as if God was saying, "You've finally found me."

I don't know about you, but I am EXCITED BEYOND PURPORTIONS. This is what life is all about!!! Geez,....even "I" understand the message.....WE ARE ALL ONE. Personally, a year ago I tried reading the Bible, but found myself just frustrated trying to understand what the book meant. Amazingly, the bible makes SO much sense to me now.

Isn't life Amazing?! Doesn't it feel good to be LIBERATED?! Doesn't it feel good to know that you ARE a somebody. Doesn't it feel great to know that God is ALWAYS right by your side?! Friends, doesn't it feel great to know that every single instant of our everchanging lives always has a reason to it!? I used to hate people who were "liberal", but now it is clear that some of the greatest human beings in the world are those who are "free-spirits".

Neale Donald Walsch is an amazing man! What happened to him is something that can happen to anyone who is willing to have an open mind. Some of the greatest minds in the world all thought differently. And I would encourage anyone, and everyone to embark on this wonderful, life changing journey. It doesn't matter who you are. The question is this: Are you willing to open a new door? I was, and I can honestly say it has completely done a 360 in my life.

Are you willing to challenge your faith? If you say yes, it will likely be very difficult at first, but in the long run, it will be the greatest thing you will have ever done.

I enjoy reading books, but after reading these books, every book out there seems trivial at best. To the person right now who is struggling with their life(if you happen to be reading this comment), maybe reading this is a sign from God. Maybe it's a sign that could point to greater things!!

GOD IS GREAT!!!!

Awesome!
This is one of the best books I have read. It combines humor and practical insights into communicating with that part of ourselveswe call God. It is a fast read and packed with thougt provoking information. BUY IT!!!

Inspiring
Friendship with God: An Uncommon Dialogue by Neale Donald Walsch . Here is a man who did not start off with God on the right foot. His mother was a mystic who was dammed by her family members. Walsch grew up with a great fear of God. Walsch had to start to learn that God was a friend and not a punishing judge.

*** FANTASTIC ***
Must read for all truth seekers ... who are open minded. This book will take you to the next level of spiritual evolution. Recommend you read book #1 in the Conversations with God series before this one.

NOT suitable for the radicals, hard core, single minded, fundamentalist religious types. ... Read more

Product Description
From a cemetery in a mythical small town in Illinois, the dead rise and speak about their lives. Each free-verse monologue stands as an epitaph for the person speaking, yet the play is ultimately about life, not death. Featuring 50 performers with specially commissioned original music, this is the only audio version of this landmark classic available. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (41)

Classic
A book ahead of its time,
Spoon River Anthology
captures over 220 epitaphs
written as poems..
Stories told about their lives..
Poetry about the people
of the Prairie,frontier America,
failure, the breakdown
of the American dream,
Spoon Rover Anthology
captures America around the turn of
the 20th Century & before the first World War,
this is a book of poetry
as much as also American history,
Edgar Lee Masters did his
thing with
SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGY..

Spoon River Anthology
THE SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGY

If anyone has ever visited a cemetery overlooking a small town, there is a mystical milieu which permeates the place.When a gentle wind blows and the leaves flutter, one can almost sense a faint hint of the collected wisdom entombed there.This collected, faded voice is just barely audible to the listening ear.

For the denizens of the town cemetery, the sunrises and sunsets; the four seasons and life below just roll into days, months and years.Changes take shape and before you know, another generation has passed into the stream of time.


Each marked or unmarked grave has a story to tell.Their story is unique regardless of the length of the life which each person had before being laid to rest in the cemetery.

Edgar Lee Masters takes these faded voices and tell their gripping tales of joy and woe.The different layers of society from the rich to the poor; the righteous to the unrighteous; the joyful to the sad are all here expressing their final sentiments before they begin their sleep without dreams on the hill by the river.Their fading voices forever lost in the silence of the wingless void.

The Spoon River is a metaphor for the river of life.Life is like an old riverboat that drifts along the ebbs of the winding river.For on this riverboat you have an assortment of characters-good and bad, but mostly mediocre lives toiling to survive a mundane existence.

Masters takes these faded voices by he river and bring them to the ears of the living.Some of these voices are quiet like a whisper while others are like jubilee trumpets.

Each voice is important because each voice represents a man or woman who shared a place in this cosmos called Spoon River. Like the distant light of stars which greet us each cloudless night, these voices stir the winds about us until we are enveloped by them like a river fog which drifts about us.These disembodied thoughts are the last vapors ofthe lives touched by the elements of nature and the cruel hand of neighbor and family.

For there can be no greater tragedy for a life, then for it to be forgotten by those individuals touched by it.Masters demands that these faded entities should have their obelisk of immortality.Their words will be still read and pondered long after the human frames of dust are mingled with the soils of time.

Spoon River is not a myth.It is a reality which faces every human soul.For one day each of us regardless of our standing in our own society will be entombed in the cemetery on the edge of town.

What will we have to say from our final resting place?Perhaps, words like these:

Chase Henry: In life I was the town drunkard
Judge Somers: I lie here unmarked, forgotten
Minerva Jones: I thirsted for love! I hungered so for life.
Dorcas Gustine: But silence poisons the soul
Margaret Fuller Slack: Sex is the curse of life!
Robert Davidson: Remember the acorn. It does not devour other acorns.
Editor Whedon: And abortions are hidden.
Elizabeth Childers: Death is better than Life!

Before you read the book, visit your local cemetery and walk among the graves and read those slabs of stone with bits of information about the ones beneath.Then read the book.

The story of America by Americans of all kinds
A classic of American literature, it tells the story of the America I grew up in, the one that still exists and thrives.

Spoon River Anthology(signet classics)
This is incredile writing, Masters ability to give his characters a voice that reachs ones heart and mind simply amazing. Ernest Hyde, is an excellent example of this as well as Amanda Barker,Yee Bow and many others. These are the names of some the voices that Masters sets free. There dry innocent voices are oddly humorous and this is what i find the most refreshing.This is free verse at its finest.

Spoon River flows through humanity
Masters' Spoon River Anthology is as poignant today as when it was written. Part glimpse of history, part poetic essay on the eternal frailties of the human animal, the epitaphs are riveting from first to last. Read it. Then get a spoken word recording. Then read it again. You'll find these characters live on. ... Read more

Product Description
California lawyer Greg Monarch was in no mood for visitors. But it's not every day a federal judge comes knocking at his door, especially with a curious request: to review the final appeal of a murderer on Death Row who personally asked for Greg's assistance. Tired of defending killers, Greg has every intention of turning it down--until he discovers the prisoner is a former lover he hasn't seen in two decades: the fiery, impetuous Sarah Trant.

Her fate sealed in a verdict rendered five years before, Sarah Trant was found guilty of slashing an old man's throat in central California's sheltered El Nido Valley. All subsequent appeals have been denied. Now, six months from execution, she turns to the one man she hopes can save her. Greg failed once before trying to rescue Sarah from her private demons. This time, however, the demons may not be just in her head.

After arriving in the deceptively peaceful valley of El Nido, Greg begins to investigate the events surrounding the original trial, and discovers a seriously compromised case rife with flagrant prosecutorial misconduct, doctored reports, concealed evidence, and witness tampering.

But perhaps more alarming is the rich, dark history of the valley itself; a history that seems to have coiled itself around each and every inhabitant, locking them in a conspiracy of silence. For Greg suspects that the earthy, plain-talking citizens of El Nido conceal something deep and damning--and all of them appear to have an unsettling stake in seeing Sarah executed.

As gripping as a walk down Death Row, bolstered by an unforgettable cast of characters and an atmosphere so vivid that it radiates menace, Barry Siegel's Actual Innocence is an electrifying, psychologically charged novel of suspense. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Tense courtroom drama
The title of L.A. Times reporter Siegel's second legal thriller refers to an actual legal term intending not only to find fault with the state's case but to prove "actual" innocence. A novel idea.

His series protagonist, successful California defense attorney Greg Monarch might be wiser to refer his emotionally troubled old flame Sarah Trant's death row appeal to someone more neutral, but even a little poking around stirs up a murk of conspiracy and corruption in the small Eden-like community of El Nido.

When he finally gets past the stonewalling of the sheriff and DA, he discovers that the wealthy rancher who seems so sympathetic to Sarah was the prosecution's star witness, recipient of the dying man's last accusatory words. Better yet, a look at the autopsy photos shows a severed carotid artery - the man could not have spoken.

Withheld evidence, doctored reports, witness tampering - a miscarriage of justice could hardly be more easy to prove. But whatever the powers-that-be in El Nido are trying to hide, it binds enemies together in a conspiracy of silence. Monarch finds his case falling apart on the witness stand.

Tense courtroom drama, an underlying sense of menace and a mystery that grows more labyrinthine with every development makes this a well-written page-turner.

Appealing read
Greg Monarch is a Chumash County, CA, lawyer who has grown more than a little jaded at freeing the guilty even as he accepts an award as the county's top defense attorney. Against his wishes, he is drawn into a final death-row appeal by a Federal judge who is intrigued by the hand-written habeas corpus motion the convict has filed. When it turns out that the prisoner is an old romantic flame, Sarah Trent, Monarch is drawn further in, ultimately fighting for Sarah's post-conviction relief on the grounds of actual innocence.

In the course of the story, we enter the hidden little valley community of El Nido, fiercely protected by its citizens, chief of whom is Diana Sanborn, granddaughter of the community's founder. From the start, Monarch runs into obstacles that lead him deeper into Sarah's case, and obvious prosecutorial misconduct, but also into the dim history of El Nido, and some secret that seems to have become entangled in the murder for which Sarah waits to die.

Legal machinations, hidden histories, shadowy conspiracies, an approaching execution - author Siegel weaves all this together with multifaceted characters that one comes to care for. An excellent read.

Actual Innocence or Actual Guilt
This being the second book of Barry Siegel that I have read in my time as a reader I had an idea of what to expect.Even thought The Perfect Witness was not my favorite book of all-time I figured what the heck, I'll give `ol Mr. Siegel another shot to win over my high credential likings.Siegel did a decent job with Actual Innocence but did not top the charts with this one in my eyes.
As in The Perfect Witness, author Barry Siegel uses a lawyer as a main character.Once again this main character is Greg Monarch.Monarch plays a top notch lawyer in la Graciosa, California.After being named the county's top lawyer Monarch is asked to take a case which seems to already have a verdict, guilty.The case is for murder, the alleged murderer that Monarch is to defend is Sarah Trant.Prior to finding out who he would be defending, Monarch refused to take the case.The reason being that Trant had previously been found guilty five times.Eventually Monarch decides to meet and defend.He travels to the El Nido Valley, where Trant is being held, on his journey there he is involved in wreck and ends up at Diana Sanborn's residents.While spending time at the Sanborn residents he learns that there has been some key evidence left out of the trials.After the District Attorney and Trant's former attorney do not help Monarch goes on his own.He found that Brewster Tomaz, who was the man Trant was believed to have killed, was slashed from one side of his throat to the other and would not have been able to speak.Trant and Tomaz did not get along due to Tomaz's brainstorm of putting a health spa in El Nido However, a witness claims that Tomaz's last words were "Sarah Trant did this."Monarch pushes on to find the "real" truth as the El Nido locals work to cover themselves.As Monarch gets to the bottom of the case Siegel shows the scandals of a murder framing in a small community.But will the jury see this or will they help to cover the El Nido community,buy and read to find out if Monarch did enough digging to get to the bottom of what Trant says is the truth in order to prove her "Actual Innocence."
Lawyers Wanted!If you're a lawyer then this book definitely could be for you.If you're not a lawyer then you had better like murder trials.My experience was that of a Figure-Skating judge trying to determine a score for a contestant who pulled off many tough stunts at times but put you to sleep throughout the rest of the routine, it had its ups and its downs.The character development I thought was a definite plus, I felt that Greg Monarch especially was well-developed throughout the story.After finding out that he was La Graciosa's top lawyer Siegel then showed why as Monarch searched and searched until he found answers.Diana Sanborn's character also developed as she began as a real nice lady trying to help Monarch out and turned out much different.Another positive of this book was the believability.This was probably the thing that kept me most interested being that these things more than likely go on in today's world.As for the negatives, I would say the biggest downer for me was how the middle of the book drug on.Even though it was a key point in the book to explain Monarch searching for answers, I often caught myself dazing off wishing I was Brewster Tomaz so I would not have to sit through these core chapters.
As I stated above if you are a lawyer then this could be your book.If you like crime or even maybe mystery or suspense books you may also be in for a possible treat. If not then read at your own risk!If you do not qualify in the traits above and perhaps are just looking for a book to read on a rainy afternoon I would recommend spending a few more dollars and getting a book of better choice, but hey that's just my opinion.I just hope that no one is caught in "actual innocence" of reading a bad book.

Actual Innocence or Actual Guilt
This being the second book of Barry Siegel that I have read in my time as a reader I had an idea of what to expect.Even thought The Perfect Witness was not my favorite book of all-time I figured what the heck, I'll give `ol Mr. Siegel another shot to win over my high credential likings.Siegel did a decent job with Actual Innocence but did not top the charts with this one in my eyes.
As in The Perfect Witness, author Barry Siegel uses a lawyer as a main character.Once again this main character is Greg Monarch.Monarch plays a top notch lawyer in la Graciosa, California.After being named the county's top lawyer Monarch is asked to take a case which seems to already have a verdict, guilty.The case is for murder, the alleged murderer that Monarch is to defend is Sarah Trant.Prior to finding out who he would be defending, Monarch refused to take the case.The reason being that Trant had previously been found guilty five times.Eventually Monarch decides to meet and defend.He travels to the El Nido Valley, where Trant is being held, on his journey there he is involved in wreck and ends up at Diana Sanborn's residents.While spending time at the Sanborn residents he learns that there has been some key evidence left out of the trials.After the District Attorney and Trant's former attorney do not help Monarch goes on his own.He found that Brewster Tomaz, who was the man Trant was believed to have killed, was slashed from one side of his throat to the other and would not have been able to speak.Trant and Tomaz did not get along due to Tomaz's brainstorm of putting a health spa in El Nido However, a witness claims that Tomaz's last words were "Sarah Trant did this."Monarch pushes on to find the "real" truth as the El Nido locals work to cover themselves.As Monarch gets to the bottom of the case Siegel shows the scandals of a murder framing in a small community.But will the jury see this or will they help to cover the El Nido community,buy and read to find out if Monarch did enough digging to get to the bottom of what Trant says is the truth in order to prove her "Actual Innocence."
Lawyers Wanted!If you're a lawyer then this book definitely could be for you.If you're not a lawyer then you had better like murder trials.My experience was that of a Figure-Skating judge trying to determine a score for a contestant who pulled off many tough stunts at times but put you to sleep throughout the rest of the routine, it had its ups and its downs.The character development I thought was a definite plus, I felt that Greg Monarch especially was well-developed throughout the story.After finding out that he was La Graciosa's top lawyer Siegel then showed why as Monarch searched and searched until he found answers.Diana Sanborn's character also developed as she began as a real nice lady trying to help Monarch out and turned out much different.Another positive of this book was the believability.This was probably the thing that kept me most interested being that these things more than likely go on in today's world.As for the negatives, I would say the biggest downer for me was how the middle of the book drug on.Even though it was a key point in the book to explain Monarch searching for answers, I often caught myself dazing off wishing I was Brewster Tomaz so I would not have to sit through these core chapters.
As I stated above if you are a lawyer then this could be your book.If you like crime or even maybe mystery or suspense books you may also be in for a possible treat. If not then read at your own risk!If you do not qualify in the traits above and perhaps are just looking for a book to read on a rainy afternoon I would recommend spending a few more dollars and getting a book of better choice, but hey that's just my opinion.I just hope that no one is caught in "actual innocence" of reading a bad book.

Audio Book Review
This book was quite ordinary. The audio done by Ed Asner was awful. His voice is so hoarse sounding that he is often barely understandable. His female voices were OK except for one or two that were too low in volume. Several of the male voices were so loud that I was constantly adjusting the volume.

I might possibly read another Siegal book, but I will never buy another audiobook with Asner as the narrator. ... Read more

Product Description

Lucky You
Grange, Florida, is famous for its miracles--the weeping fiberglass Madonna, the Road-Stain Jesus, the stigmata man. And now it has JoLayne Lucks, unlikely winner of the state lottery.

Unfortunately, JoLayne's winning ticket isn't the only one. The other belongs to Bodean Gazzer and his raunchy sidekick, Chub, who believe they're entitled to the whole $28 million jackpot. And they need it quickly, to start their own underground militia before NATO troops invade America.

But JoLayne Lucks has her own plans for the Lotto money--an Eden-like forest in Grange must be saved from strip-malling. When Bode and Chub brutally assault her and steal her ticket, JoLayne vows to track them down, take it back--and get revenge.

The only one who can help is Tom Krome, a big-city investigative journalist now bitterly consigned to writing frothy features for a midsized central Florida newspaper. With a persuasive nudge from JoLayne, Krome is about to become part of a story that's bigger and more bizarre than anything he's ever covered.

Chasing two heavily armed psychopaths down the coast of Florida is reckless enough, but Tom's got other problems--the murderous attention of a jealous judge; an actress wife who turns fugitive to avoid divorce court; an editor who speaks in tongues; and Tom's own growing fondness for the future millionairess with whom he's risking his neck.

The pursuit takes them from the surreal streets of Grange to a buzzard-infested island deep in Florida Bay, where they finally catch up with the fledgling militia--Chub, Bode Gazzer, a newly recruited convenience-store clerk and their baffled hostage, a Hooters waitress.

The climax explodes with the hilarious mayhem that is Carl Hiaasen's hallmark. Lucky You is his funniest, most deliriously gripping novel yet.

Sick Puppy
When Palmer Stoat notices a pickup truck tailgaiting him down the highway, he fears his Range Rover is about to be carjacked. But Twilly Spree, the man driving the truck, has vengeance, not carjacking, on his mind. Idealistic, independently wealthy, and pathologically short-tempered, Spree has dedicated his life to saving nature. And after watching Stoat dump a trail of litter along Florida's turnpike, Spree is determined to teach him a lesson by filling his precious Rover with hungry dung beetles. This would have been the end had Spree not discoverred that Stoat is one of Florida's most notorious political fixers, whose latest project is the greedy "malling" of a pristine Gulf Coast island. Now the real Hiaasen-style fun begins! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Hilarious
Hiassen is very funny and these two stories were not a disappointment!We took the double cd on a road trip and LOL a lot. Ed Asner is an excellent performer/reader. Warning: language and content are not appropriate for families with kids...ok, so that's my opinion...yours might be different. ... Read more

Product Description
Six years ago, Neale Donald Walsch began a conversation - forging his own unique relationship with God - and the result was "Conversations with God" book 1, which has sold over 2 million copies worldwide. In that inspirational series, Neale Donald Walsch showed that it is up to us to begin our own conversation. The next stage, as he explained in "Friendship with God", is to take this relationship one step further. Now, with the final book in this incredible series, we learn how to take the ultimate step towards communion with god.Amazon.com Review
Bestselling author Neale Donald Walsch (Conversations with God) moves beyond showing readers how to develop a friendship with God and instead offers a model for communion. Rather than using the dialog format, where Walsch shares personal conversations he has with God, he chose to write through the narrative voice of God--as if God were speaking directly to the reader. "I tell you this: You need nothing to survive," says God. "Your survival is guaranteed. I gave you everlasting life, and I never took it away from you." This format can feel a bit jarring, as if this was an attempt at channeling rather than Walsch's usual humble style of dialogue. Using a structure of top-10 illusions, Walsch has God speaking to illusions such as need, judgment, and superiority. At times God sounds scolding: "For I tell you this: Your idea of superiority could be the last mistake you ever make." Yet, the bottom-line message is that of unconditional love and the exhilarating promise of communion--a gift that is lavishly offered throughout the final chapters. --Gail Hudson ... Read more

Customer Reviews (76)

Very simplified philosophy
I've studied theology in college and in the real world.I was raised Catholic and believe that all religions are mainly culture based brainwashes.This book is spiritual and non-religious, somehow it "made sense" and brought me comfort.

Good Synopsis
I have read almost all of the books in the Conversation With God series, all of which carry profound messages that may or may not be directly from God.All, however, make very good sense.This book is a good synopsis of many of those messages and puts them in a different way from the other books.I would consider this one of the best of the series.If you have or have not read any of this series of books, this one should be your next one.

COMMUNION W/ GOD


I would recommend this book for anyone seeking answers to their questions of who they are and why.

great insides for the searching souls.
this book will help the open minder individuals answer those questions that we just don't have the courage to ask anyone, when one is searching for the truth and for me the truth is know thy self in order to trustyou and others, this book has been a great help.!

A Revelation of Biblical Proportions
I found this tattered, tiny white tome in a used book store about 3 years ago I would guess.It took about three paragraphs and I found myself firmly, permanently, joyously entrenched in spiritual inquiry and advancement.I've read this book 4 or 5 times now (and have read all of Neale Donald Walsch's books as well) and it never gets old or dated in any way.The beauty (well actually, there are many beauties) of these books are that you don't have to give up being a Christian, Jew, Muslim, or any other religion if you're comfortable in that mode - yet these books have the power to instill greater depth and clarity to one's own particular viewpoint; if you let it!!Even though I personally don't follow any secular or popular dogma, I find these writings very compelling, uplifting, comforting, educational and most importantly - spiritual.Humankind could easily be healed by the CwG series of books, but only if they are read with an open mind and heart.5 stars easy....... ... Read more

Product Description
This epic of the booming 1920s uniquely captures the relentless culture of American business.A classic novel about conformity in small-town America--celebrated for its comic tone, satire, and vivid dialogue. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (63)

My favorite book
This is one of those books i can read over and over again. It's in depth character descriptions and satirical analysis are charming, enlightening, and genius. He manages to be both affectionate and wildly cruel toward his characters. This book made me laugh and laugh and laugh and cry.

Tai's QuickViews: Five Stars))
Babbitt was delightful, profound. Mighty is the pull of conformity. I love the climax when he returns to the "Matrix" of Zenith. He welcomes his safety net knowing and having failed to amount to anything in the new "greener grass". Babbitt, the man with the mid life crisis, promises he'll do what he wants to do- after he retires. For now, he'll dole out sage advise to his son; vicariously hoping his words are put to a use outside his own reach.

When the rich are poor
Sinclair Lewis, the son of a Minnesota doctor, is known primarily for his novels that examined American ways of life during the 1920s.While commercially successful, his books also reformed American letters at a time when sociology and economics were transforming across the nation.Lewis, America's first winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1930, enflamed his reading public with such novels as 'Main Street,' 'Babbitt,' 'Arrowsmith,' and 'Elmer Gantry' during an era of breakneck prosperity and social recklessness.

America can be a very ironic place and Sinclair Lewis's triumphs of the 1920s are a shining example.Lewis's novels sold hundreds of thousands of copies, yet he was continuously smeared by the literary establishment and those outside of it.Lewis was judged by many critics as out of touch with the prevailing American spirit.He felt this disfavor in 1921, when the Columbia University Board of Trustees overturned 'Main Street' in favor of Edith Wharton's 'The Age of Innocence' for the Pulitzer Prize.In a provocative move five years later, Lewis refused his Pulitzer for 'Arrowsmith,' noting that American authors were forced to be 'safe, polite, obedient, and sterile.' After the wide publication of 'Elmer Gantry' in 1927, he received death threats and condemnation from religious leaders.

The atmosphere presented in 'Babbitt' is anything but safe or polite; rather, it is smug, suffocating, and duplicitous.When 'Babbitt' first appeared in 1922, the United States was undergoing vast and seemingly effortless growth after the First World War.The sky was apparently the limit for American expansion, but Lewis, a social critic who seemed to inherit his father's medical precision, was able to cut through several layers of hubris and realize that all of it was a sham.'Babbitt' startled its first readers accordingly, receiving simultaneous praise and criticism while becoming a major success in both America and Europe.

'Babbitt' is a novel of 34 chapters with varying subdivisions, all centered upon George F. Babbitt, a real estate agent based in the Midwestern city of Zenith, which compares to Cincinnati, Minneapolis, and Omaha.Though Lewis does not specify the exact location of Zenith, it serves as a prototypical American city that is undergoing major economic developments.This prosperity, however, is not freely shared in Lewis's world; a brief member of the Socialist Party, he sensed a gross inequality between the upper and lower classes.And to make matters worse, the rich were (and still are) as equally miserable as the poor.

As Lewis biographer Mark Schorer adeptly points out, the ruling classes of 'Babbitt' are radically different from those in the American literary tradition of James, Dreiser, and Tarkington, who laid the country's economic power entirely in the hands of tycoons like Andrew Carnegie and John Jacob Astor.By the 1920s, American commerce was dominated by 'middlemen' who do not propel forward an industry, create a product, or offer anything of tangible value.These men, who include real estate dealers, attorneys, stock brokers, and bankers, have only cleverness and a gift for conversation as their selling points.

The middlemen may be turning vast profits at the lower classes' expense, but don't readily assume that they're so happy.In Lewis's America, those of higher social strata only exist for profit's sake.While driving a shiny car and living with a neat family in the suburbs, these nouveaux-riches live emotionally and intellectually crippled lives that are overshadowed by American conformism.Several institutions play a role in this castration of personality - Lewis delves into government, family structure, civic organizations such as the Rotarians and Elks, religion, and America's one-shoe-fits-all system of education.

'Babbitt' is not so much a novel as a series of vignettes.It is a trail of episodes placing Babbitt and his acquaintances in everyday dilemmas that reflect America at large.Any semblance of plot is not noticeable until chapter 21, after dear friend and inspiration Paul Riesling shoots his wife and finds himself in prison.A novel without clear plotlines would fail miserably if written by an author of lesser talent than Sinclair Lewis.But Lewis accomplishes a major feat by injecting enough significance into the chapters for each one to stand on its own.The story is presented through a witty, third-person narrative and is often pathetically funny, unlike earlier social novels.

Lewis was interested in socialism but actually lived as a bourgeois through the success of his writing.In 'Babbitt,' Lewis hints - rather skeptically - at workers' movements as a possible solution to the American malaise.He sympathizes with the working classes to an extent, but his middle-class upbringing still causes him to portray those of lower social strata as ignorant and uncouth.This inner conflict feels similar to that of W. H. Auden, who dabbled with Marxism during the 1930s but was too much of a middle-classman to remain for long.Lewis, in fact, doesn't seem to possess much hope for America's future at all.The novel concludes with a possibility of Babbitt's college son Ted overcoming the constraints of older generations, but this is a large question mark.In fact, America may be so bogged down in its conformity and anti-intellectualism that to reform American thought means to destroy its very existence.

The dilemmas seen by Lewis in the 1920s continue today and seem far worse after eight decades.With such factors as the globalization of commerce, the advancement of women and minorities in the workplace, the further polarization of urban and rural dwellers, and the complete amorality of those in power, the situation is a hundred times more complicated and not an inch closer to being solved.Now the question needs to be asked if it's worth trying to solve America's problems at all or if we should just ride out the steep decline.

For those who can stomach these issues (even after my depressing review), 'Babbitt' is a unique experience in American novels.'Babbitt' has been republished several times, including as a small paperback by Signet Classic (451-CE2366), which hit shelves in 1991.The widely-circulated Signet edition is 334 pages long, including a brief afterword by Mark Schorer; a one-page bibliography follows the main text.Signet designed a bright cover for the edition and the novel itself is presented in clear type.The type, however, is rather small and crammed onto the pages. Signet editions have been popular amongst students, but older readers may want to find a larger-sized version.No matter its size, 'Babbitt' is a ground-breaking novel that fits the higher ranks of American literature.

The Naked Capitalist
Having recently read Lewis' Main Street, I was interested in more from the author.Babbitt tells the story of George F. Babbitt, a successful realtor in the booming Midwest city of Zenith in the early 1920s.He leads a perfectly mundane life as a business partner with his father-in-law and has all the outward indications of a happy and successful businessman.But inside, he has a vague uneasiness and discontent.Vacations to Maine (he and his friend Paul go a week earlier than their families), winning public acclaim for his speaking prowess at a convention and around town, and his efforts at hometown boosterism all leave him dissatisfied and somewhat empty.His wife and family seem to aggravate him most of all.

I was unable to finish this story, and finally gave up after reading about 2/3rds of it.Unlike Main Street, Babbitt has no really sympathetic characters.In fact, while the supporting characters are slightly more well-developed than those in Main Street, they still come off as unimportant cardboard figures.Babbitt believes he is honest and intelligent, although the book makes a point of satirizing his (and everyone else's) lack of both, and I felt no interest in him.Instead we are treated to an unending stream of his complaining and lengthy speeches extolling whatever virtues he feels expert in and I kept waiting for something to finally make me want to read this book.Alas, no such luck and I'm giving up for greener pastures.

While I can appreciate that the book is a satirical look at how pathetic and vapid the lives of many Americans were (and probably still are), there was just no cleverness to the story.His comparisons are blunt and obvious and lack any creativity, such as the dinner with an old friend who's now very wealthy followed immediately by his attending one at the home of another old friend who's never been successful in business, or his complaints of the children contrasted immediately with their complaints of him.I even tried consulting Cliff's Notes to see what I was missing, but found there wasn't much *to* miss.I listened to the audio book and the narrator (Wolfram Kandinsky) sounded too much like voices from certain old cartoons that I couldn't quite identify, and became very annoying.Recommended only for those with uncommon stamina in the face of unwavering tedium.

Stands the Test of Time
I first read "Babbitt" in my mid-thirties, after trying to slog through one of John Updike's "Rabbit" novels and giving up out of sheer boredom. I knew that "Rabbit" was vaguely patterned on "Babbitt," so I thought I'd give the original a try.

I loved it from the word go! Satirical, fun, biting, enjoyable, caustic, hilarious--everyone enjoys it for their own reasons. That a novel published in the 1920s can still fascinate readers of all stripes just shows how exceptional "Babbitt" is. The story flows smoothly and opens up gradually, punctuated by familiar details of everyday life that had me laughing out loud several times.

"Babbitt" is still fresh today because its subject is timeless. Middle-aged people go through mid-life crises--that's part of being human. And elementally that is what I liked about Babbitt himself and the novel: their humanity. Although Sinclair pokes fun at Babbitt, it is affectionate fun. Now on the far side of my mid-life crisis, I understand the fond humor of "Babbitt" much better than I did when I first read it. I will probably re-read it at regular intervals all my life, because every time I do, I see something I missed before.

"Babbitt" is a gem of a book, well worth the money, a real treat to read. The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is that I find the denoument to be somewhat forced. But that doesn't detract from the enjoyability of the book, and it gives you something to chew on until the next time you read it. I recommend this book very highly. ... Read more

Product Description

The human race has reached a Time of Choosing. Our options are being placed before us by the tide of events -- and by those who are creating them. We can either move forward, building together at last a new world of peace and harmony based on new beliefs about God and Life, or move backward, separately and continuously reconstructing the old world of conflict and discord.

The New Revelations provides us with the tools to move forward, to pull ourselves out of despair, lifting the whole human race to a new expression of its grandest vision. Neale Donald Walsch urges us to open our hearts and our minds to what may be one of the most important spiritual statements of oour time. A conversation with God that begun as a simple plea from one human being to the God of his understanding, The New Revelations is a life-altering audiobok, given to us when we need it most. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (68)

This was written AFTER Books I-III so why does he still act like a Fool?
I really LOVE Books I-III (Communion With God was "ok" but the 3rd Illusion was the first). This book "New Revelations" written AFTER those books made me lose faith in the Neale Donald Walsch.
He starts off "talking" to God and saying we have life principles written in God's word and God's command, then God says the Bible and others have it wrong and Neale is "Oh really? Why is that God? Can you shred some light on this for me?"
I mean SERIOUSLY.....Neale is beyond believing that the 10 Commandments are God's laws and mut be followed and that the Bible is absolute authority and accurate! so why does Neale "play" a Moron in this Book? Some may say "well he's playing Devil's advocate" or playing the role of what some believe.
Well #1 Are you serious?? Neale is Talking to God and is acting like a complete Moron?? Get real! If you're talking to God to give New Revelations to bring to humanity, anyone is going to be serious and not fooling around and acting like he is still a child in his past spiritual beliefs, I mean come on!
and #2 This is the "New Revelations" were past baby hood, anyone who picks up this book already read his previous books, and if they hadn't, they need to.

I heard MANY interviews Neale has given through the years and lectures and Neale is a very intelligent man, I'd say he's almost genius if not. Neale has spoken before about his seeking of the truth for years, he knows these world's religions and the flaws in them, he is a very very intelligent man.
Yet in this book as he speaks with God, Neale takes on a intelligence level of a complete baboon moron.
I'm really convinced this book is almost done as a joke. It offers nothing new and comes from an author who knows better.
Neale would have had a immortal legacy if he just published the THREE books as he said in the beginning that where is no more, but who knows, money, fame, whatever the reason, Neale continued to put out sub-par books and I really feel this one came from Neale and nothing at all from God....just my opinion and my review.

Not a better way, merely another way!
Having gone back to my roots as it were, with the Conversation with God catalogue of work, specifically in this instance "The New Revelations," I am reminded of the indelible mark these works have left on my mind, heart and soul."Revelations" is a work completely devoid of self serving interests and sated with Self serving interests; that is: if it hurts you, it hurts me.The crux upon which this marvelous book revolves around is the holy trinity of what should be typical contemporary thinking: functionality, adaptability and sustainability.Clearly, clearly, clearly what the human species has evolved as part and parcel of its collective spiritual and thus behavioral repertoire' DOES NOT WORK!As the book states, it is not a matter of right or wrong, but rather what works and what doesn't work.

There are five steps to peace and nine New Revelations delineated in this work (none of which I'm going to tell you about here - read the book!!!) that are of such elegant, radiant and liberating quality and yet pregnant with common sense that I must admit, I'm a bit chagrined at the fact that we haven't figured this out before.Many Masters from Buddha to Jesus to Sri Yogananda have tried to impart this very same wisdom to us, but we did not have ears to hear.The thoughts of: separation (from God and, well, everything) and an angry, intolerant, vengeful, capricious, tormenting God, the idea of insufficiency and the plethora of God's needs that we have to fulfill; have put us on the kamikaze course we have been on for millennia.Isn't it about time we changed the beliefs that lead to our thoughts that in turn, causes us to behave like psychopaths??5 stars.

Excellent!
The book clearly details many critical points regarding guidelines, suggestions, and warnings about the future of Earth.There are no "Commandment" or "Doom Scenario" types of tactics designed to scare us into submission.It is actually very positive, ultimately, inasmuch as what is revealed is that we, the human race, still have the choice to bring the planet into a wonderful, new era of cooperation and prosperity for all.It's not too late; in fact, the best is yet to come, if we chose it.

The New Revelations
I found this book to bring new insight into an ancient subject. It is well written and thought provoking. I highly recommend it.

truth at it's best
Neal hits the nail on the head again. Disspells religions teachings of a punishing God. If you created something in your own image why would you punish yourself for doing it. Unfortunately we put ourselves through our own hell by not trusting that which created us. Uncondional lovemeans just that,not do my way or else. Great material. I would recommend the reading of this book to all religious fanatics. ... Read more

Product Description
Palast’s old-style gum-shoe detective work to dig out the info on the War on Terror, greed-dripping schemes to seize little nations with lots of oil, the hidden program to steal the 2008 election, and the media biases that keep it unreported are the meat and bones of this BBC television reporter’s new book. Armed Madhouse is illustrated with dozens of documents marked "secret" and "confidential" that have walked out of file cabinets and fallen into Palast’s hands.

You won’t find Palast in The New York Times (except its bestseller list), but you will read his reports on the hottest Web sites worldwide, hear him regularly on Air America and the Pacifica radio networks, and see his stories reappearing as the basis for Eminem’s hit video "Mosh," Michael Moore’s Fahrenheit 9/11, and sampled by a dozen of today’s top platinum rock artists. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (98)

Terribly funny and terribly sad
I happen to be partial to Palast's writing style, which is totally irreverent. I think the style suits the politicians he talks about in Armed Madhouse. To say I am unable to respect them is an understatement. I have nothing but contempt for Bush, Cheney and the other Neocons he talks about in this book. They treat me (as an American citizen) as if they have nothing but contempt for me - so I guess the feeling is mutual.

The premise of Armed Madhouse is to explore world events Americans should know about - but don't because they aren't covered on the nightly news. Chapter I covers, in characteristic Palast tongue in cheek, crucial background information regarding bin Laudin, the Saudis, the Pakistani intelligence service, Libya and BP - that the Bush administration didn't want the public to know about, because it clearly points to their complicity in 911. Chapter II covers a very interesting disagreement between the Bush State Department and the Pentagon on how to win control over Iraqi oil and how the Pentagon ultimately won out.Chapter III covers the fragile state of the US economy, in the face of a growing Chinese economic powerhouse and the threat of Iran, Venezuela and other countries that don't like us to start trading oil in Euros instead of petro-dollars (which would cause the US dollar to collapse, as other countries only hold US dollars to buy oil). Chapter IV carries on from Palast's earlier exposes about Bush's theft of the 2000 election - showing that Kerry stacked up the votes and the electoral votes to win in 2004 - but that massive electoral fraud denied him the presidency. Chapter V covers Bush's domestic agenda, and what amounts to a massive attack on the working class.

The appendix is an interesting piece on Hubbert's law. In it Palast agrees that crude oil has peaked, but disagrees that this represents the major crisis oil companies make it out to be. He argues, quite convincingly, that they are exaggerating the problem to jack up the price of gasoline. He also presents evidence - related to the vast amount of oil that can be extracted from tar sands - to support this view.

By Dr Stuart Jeanne Bramhall, author of THE MOST REVOLUTIONARY ACT: MEMOIR OF AN AMERICAN REFUGEE

Palast Strikes Again!
Greg Palast is an investigative reporter, the kind that were prevalent in this country in the last century but MIA from reporting so far in this century.He spent 30 years searching out and exposing the con men of business and industry, and has no problem translating that skill to politicians.This is why "Armed Madhouse" is such a good book: we know the events, and Palast connects the dots regarding how we got to where we are from our starting point.We read about our Iraq war, the conflicting plans of why it was carried out, and which plan is being adhered.We read about the "dangers" of Hugo Chavez, the coming upheaval of labor and loss of the middle class, monetary flow in the world, the methodical disenfranchisement of certain people in this country, the occupational assassination of Dan Rather, and more.Some of his stories did not come true, for unforeseen circumstances after he had written this book.However, one cannot deny that Palast has the knowledge and ability to follow a story and unbury it for those who want to know its details.Palast doesn't play favorites in his books - a plus for those who want an honest answer of how institutions really work.Forget the rabble-rousing hucksters on certain radio and TV networks - if you want to know how the wheel is greased and who is greasing it (and in what direction), read "Armed Madhouse" and other fine work by Greg Palast.

The Truth Shall Set You Free and Make you Angry.
Greg, writes about what many of us knew from the beginning of 2000 and the rigged elections in Florida and the Supreme Court selecting George Bush as President and refusing to COUNT ALL THE RECORDED VOTES. How the neo-cons set out to destroy our economy under George Bush and Dick Cheney. By lying to the Congress to start a war in Iraq and take control of the worlds oil supply, even if that meant allowing 9-11 to happen.And the killing of over four-thousand American soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.
With the economic and financial crisis we are NOW seeing taking place with Wall Street,their Banking Institutions,the mortgage crisis,the closing of our major Industries, record number of forclosures,a record number of bankruptcies, and over 1.5 million people losing their jobs under the Bush/Cheney regime. While their CEO buddies receive millions in bonsus's and salaries.
We come to believe that Palast is a prophet of his time.

"I laughed, I cried"
I've never read a book by such a witty investigative reporter.It would be nice if we had an objective, courageous mainstream media in this country to give us the kind of reporting Palast does. Since we don't, get your news from sources like "Democracy Now" and go get this book.

The Cauldron of Light
I read Palast's previous book "Best Democracy Money Can Buy" and was blown away by the information it contained.Palast's writing is based on current events, and he blasts government officials ON BOTH SIDES (dems and repubs).It's just that there's more dirt on Repubs, cause there's more in office.Palast is what I call an "equal opportunity hater" (not the racist kind, but the dig up dirt and say it, kind.) and pulls no punches.

I have to be honest about one thing tho...On a couple of Palast's stories in this book, Palast asks the reader to "trust him" and his sources.I say this because those few stories contain little to no evidence to support his claim (short of "a lil birdie told me").I'm natually suspicious of someone who tells me what I want to hear, but won't tell me who said it.Additionally, this book does NOT have a bibliography, which is seriously disappointing.

On the flip side, the rest of the stories are easily traceable and the evidence easy to procure with a few clicks with google.I would strongly recommend reading the book a bit at a time, and not str8 thru.The reason being is that the stories are very upsetting, and you'll understand them better if u read them with a clear mind.This goes for both proponents of Palast and opponents.

Regardless as to if you think Palast is right or wrong (keep in mind, he used to be an investigator for the govt'), his arguments are possible.And that's what's really key in his writing, as you need to know what someone will do to trick you.

I truly believe that people on both sides of the political fence can take something positive out of Palasts books.Just try to forgive the rehetoric :DI often refer to Palast's books as theh cauldrons of light.

P.S. If you love this book, also check into "Blackwater" by Jeremy Scahill. ... Read more

Product Description
InspirationalLarge Print Edition* A New York Times BestsellerSuppose you could ask God the most puzzling questions about existence, and God would provide clear, understandable answers? It happened to Neale Donald Walsch. Conversations with God is Neale Donald Walschs account of his direct conversations with God, beginning in 1992 while Walsch was immersed in a period of deep depression. He composed a letter to God in which he vented his frustrations, and much to his surpriseeven shockGod answered him.Amazon.com Review
In keeping with the first two books in this trilogy,Conversations With God, Book 3 continues to clarify the muddywaters of our spiritual existence, but moves from individual andglobal issues to "universal truths," which apply to all levels ofexistence from the microscopic to the macrocosmic. It is difficult tocriticize God, but if he is as pleasant as he presents himself inWalsch's books, then he won't mind the paltry mention of a structuralproblem. A hefty portion of Conversations With God, Book 3backtracks to topics that were well covered in Book 1, and while acertain amount of recap is good to build on, Walsch's repeated returnto these earlier conversations gets a bit frustrating for the readerwho is familiar with the earlier books. Minor blemishes aside,Conversations With God, Book 3 explores some of the mostfantastic subjects that people are prone to ponder under starryevening skies: What happens when we die? What is time? Are we alone inthe universe? Walsch's dialogue with the creator puts these and otherimponderables into comprehendible terms. If these revelations aretrue, and it is ultimately up to us to know them as truths or not,then the universe is a very intriguing place, and we haven't comeclose to realizing our potential in understanding it. However, thegreat thing Conversations With God, Book 3 makes clear is thatwe can understand the universe if we so choose.--BrianPatterson ... Read more

Customer Reviews (274)

An Illogical "God"
The god of this book is full of contradictions. For example, "god" says "there is no such thing as wrong" and later says it is "wrong" for parents to raise their own children.

Embracing the Universe
Given the world in which we live and the stories we have told ourselves endlessly about this world, it is hardly surprising that some people have found it so challenging to embrace and implement the messages found in the Book 3 of the Conversations with God series.As you read this book you may find that life as we are living it is counter to all of our best intentions. Life truly ebbs and flows, thus the tide of events may sometimes seem to run counter to the way we deeply want to believe that Ultimate Reality is, so this book gives us clues as to how to change our world "for the better".
Today, the horror stories we have convinced ourselves about love do not ring true in our heart and what we have told ourselves about the God of our fathers feels deeply uncomfortable in our soul.
This book touches all the hot button issues of our day, including abortion, assisted suicide, auras, chakras, death, dis-ease, fear, heaven, hell, love, sex, souls and Who We Really Are and who we dream of becoming.
Reading this book will give you an opportunity to think again and possibly make some new decisions and create new realities as you learn more, in Conversations With God: An Uncommon Dialog, Vol. 3, about Donald Neale Walsch's dream of a New Spirituality.

Amazing!
I can't say enough about how much I loved all of the books (volumes) in this series!They really opened my eyes and made me feel as if God truly is our best friend...these are a must read!

Excellent service
Book arrived in exactly the condition it was promised and on time. Will certainly buy from this seller again

We all can communicate with God!
I simply loved this book.Neale Donald Walsh's natural conversations with God diminishes the distance between us and God.This book answered many questions and reinforced many truths that I had and helped me transition into a co-creator with God.

We all can communicate with God and spirit and I commend Neale for really going out into the public and speaking his truth and risking what people would think about him.He has helped all of us by opening a door for everyone to have their own direct communication with God.

Neale's books made it much easier for me to be able to say I am a channel of God.In truth we all are.

Thanks Neale.

Blessings,
Leah
[...]

I also recommend: Age of the Soul: A New Way of Living from Your Soul ... Read more

Product Description
Random acts of kindness are those little sweet or grand lovely things we do for no reason except that, momentarily, the best of our humanity has sprung, exquisitely, into full bloom. 2 cassettes. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

It's Cool to be Kind
You know, it never hurts to be kind to your neighbor, friend, stranger, even a beggar on the street. Kindness paid is returned in kind. I believe that. Kindness is good and anybody who doesn't believe that has mush for brains. That said, this little book has a big heart. It's about as inspirational as they come, full of kindness quotations by such luminaries as Robert Browning, Thomas Hobbs, Eleanor Roosevelt, Jack London and many more. This wonderful little book sits on top of the paper of my in basket at work, handy, in case I think I'm about to blow my top. Sometimes you just have to reach outside of yourself to maintain your cool and don'tcha know, it's cool to be kind.

random acts of kindness
I have used the messages and medications in front of many groups as a way to close the meetings.

It is an awesome read.

Heart-warming reading
This was a mixed read; the stories ranged from "how did that get in here?" to "I feel a bit teary now!"
I love the idea of random acts of kindness, of people doing to others without thought of acknowledgement, benefit or any kind of return (except perhaps a warm inner glow).
Reading these stories renewed my faith in the tendency of many to be thoughtful, giving and just plain, decent.
The book also has quotes throughout it and gives some ideas for performing your own random act of kindness.

Positive
The seller was very responsive when I let him know one less book shipped than ordered.Immediately he credited my account.Very nicely packed, true to condition of books (excellent), and plesant to order from on Amazon.

I've always depended on the kindness of strangers
Indeed, we have all depended on the kindness of strangers.Wouldn't it be nice to pick up a book with easy, practical ways to help you pay all that kindness forward? Well, in Random Acts of Kindness, you've got enough strategies to last you a lifetime. Have you ever thought of popping in on a friend who is a single parent who simply never has enough time to do anything for him or herself and ask, "What do you need? I'm here to help; put me to work"?Well, I hadn't either until this book matter-of-factly illustrated what an incredible blessing such an act might be for a friend in need.This is just one of many simple, practical loving ways to perform random acts of kindness. You'll want to own this book and keep it close to you. ... Read more

Product Description
At the age of 48, film critic David Denby decided to return to Columbia University and re-take the courses he took as a student in 1961: Literature, Humanities and Contemporary Civilization. He celebrates his rediscovery of authors such as Homer, Plato, Hegel, Austen, Marx, Nietzsche, and Virginia Woolf. He recreates the atmosphere of the classroom--the strategies used by a remarkable group of teachers and the strengths and weaknesses of media-age students as they grapple with these difficult, sometimes frightening works. All year long he watches the students grow and his own life and memories break out of hiding. 4 cassettes.Amazon.com Review
David Denby, New York city movie critic and journalist, enteredColumbia University in 1991 to take the university's famous course in"Great Books." This is the course that, in preserving the notionof the western canon without apology to multiculturalists and feminists, hasbeen an unlikely focus of America's culture war in recent years. Where otheruniversities have caved in and revised or enlarged the canon, Columbia'scourse has remained intact. Denby's intention as a writer and protagonist inthe culture war was to record the experience and the personal impact of thecourse. He has produced a cry from the heart in favor of the classics ofwestern civilization, relaying with infectious enthusiasm how literaturetouched his soul. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (55)

Itself A Great Book
Note: This review is based on the unabridged audiobook narrated by Ed Asner.

"Great Books" is itself a great book.The surface plot involves Denby's returning to his alma mater, Columbia University, to revisit (some of) the great books of the Western canon as a middle-aged adult, 30 years after first reading them as a young undergraduate.

But this is no superficial treatment focused on frivolities related to going back to school.Instead, Denby goes deep, thus making the book intellectually elevated in a manner which befits the great books (mixed metaphor intended).He covers a sampling of these books and probes them with sensitivity, thereby giving us insights which are often penetrating and profound, and sometimes even rather original.He didn't say so, but I imagine that his professors were pleased.

An added plus, which is what makes the book uniquely special, is that we get to see the difference between Denby's response to these books as a mature adult versus his younger formative years.For those of us in our own middle years, Denby thus gives us a sense of what we might gain from returning to these books.

I agree with Denby's ultimate conclusion.The primary reason for reading these books isn't that we become trained to (ethnocentrically) value Western culture, but rather that, by wrestling earnestly (and sometimes painfully) with these books, we're stimulated to grow as individuals, but still each on our own path.

Last but not least, Ed Asner did a fabulous job of narrating the book, thereby rendering the audiobook perhaps even superior in some ways to the print version.And this is on top of Denby doing a fabulous job of writing the book itself.

Needless to say, I highly recommend this book to anyone open to the possibility of growing via encounter with the great books (and great books about the great books).

Wonderful book
This is a wonderfully insightful book about the classic books in our western heritage.The author is a
masterful prose stylist.

A Guided Tour of the Classics
Denby's THE GREAT BOOKS reads much like his movie reviews in THE NEW YORKER--intelligent, opinionated, and slightly forced, but almost always profitable. GREAT BOOKS recalls his mid-90s attempt to mediate the debate over the Western Literature canon and its place in the academy. He does this by re-enrolling at Columbia and taking the same core courses he had taken 30 years earlier. Although admittedly a liberal, he avoids the victumization syndrome that he believes the heirs of Nietzsche at the university have ironically created on the Left. The Right, however, also err in putting too much confidence in the canon's ability to raise up culture. Having placed himself in the middle, Denby can jab sometimes at the Left (the absurd attack upon Joseph Conrad) and the Right (feminist criticism did create a place at the table for Virginia Wolff). A hidden strength is his philosophical nuggets, such as the point that Kant's goal was to establish a moral philosophy that was absolute yet did not depend on the word of God.

Thrilling!
I read all the time and everything, but I confess to being excited and thrilled by only a few of the books I read.David Denby's "Great Books" is one of them.His love of great books is plain, and infectious, but beyond that his fondness for his fellow students at Columbia University, young, quirky, opinionated, bright and full of passion, is an inspiration.I'm sixty-four years old now.I'm a member and organizer of a Great Books group, and find myself going back to Denby's Great Books for inspiration.David Denby is able to move from what he reads to how he lives and back again; when we accomplish that now and then in our group's discussions we understand why we read.

Why The Great Books Are Important... and how they 'fit'
As am admitted couch potato middle-brow history buff, I threw this book into the shopping bag at the garage sale and never opened it. Until recently. I had been listening to the tapes from the Teaching Company on ancient Greek literature (go figure) as I drove around town. At the end of the tapes I sought out this David Denby book knowing little more about him than he was the movie reviewer for the New Yorker Magazine.

Wow. This books explains why the (selected) classics are classics and where they fit into the canon of western civilization. I really admired that he 're-took' the college classes 25 years later with the Columbia freshmen. The insight, relevance, and yes, struggles of the writer, the students, and even the professors as they come to terms with Homer, Virgil, and the Greek plays were eye openers for someone like me who knows these works are important, enjoys reading them, but never quite understood the depth of meaning assigned by the scholastics and professionals. Having taken the Western Civ classes in college in no way prepared me to actually wrestle with Dante's passion for punishment or Nietzsche sneering effort to convince us that the truth is an illusion.

Bottom Line: This is as much a reference book as a New York Times bestseller. (Don't miss his index). It answers the question Who Cares? with eloquence. It shows us the Great Books as being the most radical texts in existence. And it helps and explains the process every step of the way. 3 thumbs up ... Read more

Product Description
An account of Jim Garrison's attempt to solve the Kennedy assassination describes how Garrison was ridiculed by the press, denounced by the FBI, and harrassed by the CIA because of his allegations that the government was involved in Kennedy's death. Reprint. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (40)

What was expected of the Warren Commission is in this book.
Jim Garrison did what those commissioned to do actually refused to do. All the information available outside your secret government on the assassination is in this book. Americans you owe a lot to one of your greatest patriot, Jim Garrison.

I tremendously enjoyed the Star Spangled Contract as well.

great book for all the wrong reasons
I loved reading this book but for all the wrong reasons. Utterly compelling not for the notion that the JFK assassination was a government conspiracy but instead as a fascinating illustation into the rampant egotism and paranoid fantasies of the author, Jim Garrison. In particular; (1) the "mens-room" incident at LAX involving the author (2) the authors reaction to the courtroom testimony of Charles Speisel (3) the authors appearance on the Johnny Carson Show (4) the authors analysis of the "three arrested transient's" photographs at the scene of the JFK shooting. It came across as a self-justifying account of the persecution of a number of innocent and unfortunate individuals whose names will be forever besmirched by a very flawed and unscrupulous investigation. I used to believe that the JFK shooting involved a conspiracy until I read this book - now I believe that it was the work of a sole assasin - Lee Harvey Oswald. I recommend this book highly as a fantastic introduction into the mind of Jim Garrison and the delusional world he operated and wielded power within.

The influence of one individual...
I had read "JFK and the Unspeakable" about a month ago and was prompted to research JFK's assassination a little more.Jim Garrison's book kept coming up, so I decided to read it, too.

If anyone is interested in the subject matter, this book is a page-turner.Garrison documents his fight against the establishment in order to uncover the big cover-up of JFK's murder.Needless to say, the establishment turns on him.The media try to ruin him.He's offered a cozy federal judgeship if he will only abandon his fight.The hidden powers-that-be try to set him up several times, but his honest character shines through each time.

It's been said that every man has a battle to fight.Garrison certainly fought his and has left behind an amazing legacy.

I bought Oliver Stone's JFK DVD off of Ebay and watched it this morning.Now having read Garrison's book, the movie was much easier to follow compared to when I had watched it in the early 1990s.

The Truth about the CIA
After seeing almost all the documentaries about the murder on JFK, this very straightforward and honest account by D.A. Jim Garrison was absolutely enlightening, and very well written too.
He makes it very clear that this was the job of the CIA, and he gives also the (logical) reasons for it. Only the CIA, some figures at the highest level and the Security Guards, who had the job to protect the president(!), could have pulled this off en and could have covered it up, and he gives the evidence to support this. An interesting detail is that Oswald, who had nothing to do with the shooting, and was set up as a patsy by the CIA years in advance, was (according to Garrison) probably assigned by the CIA to "infiltrate" in the group who was planning the killing, to (so-called) "prevent" the murder. The latest interview by James Files, who claimes to have been the only hitman who shot JFK in the head from the front,(and who said that the CIA "cancelled" the killing the day before), is obviously a hoax. This book deserves far more attention and should be read in every high school and every university.

On the Trail of Assains
Well written reads like a novel instead of a tex book not just a bunch of dry facts like most other books on this subject ... Read more

Product Description
"A page-turner...Chichton's writing is cinematic, with powerful visual images and nonstop action. This book should come with hot buttered popcorn."
NEWSWEEK
A group of American scientists are rushed to a huge vessel that has been discovered resting on the ocean floor in the middle of the South Pacific. What they find defines their imaginations and mocks their attempts at logical explanation. It is a spaceship of phenomenal dimensions, apparently, undamaged by its fall from the sky. And, most startling, it appears to be at least three hundred years old....
"The suspense is real."
THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW


From the Paperback edition.Amazon.com Review
JurassicPark author Michael Crichton is possibly the best scienceteacher for the masses since H.G. Wells, andSphere, his thriller about a mysterious spherical spaceship atthe bottom of the Pacific Ocean, is classic Crichton. A group ofnot-very-complex characters (portrayed in the film by Sharon Stone,Dustin Hoffman, Samuel L. Jackson, and Queen Latifah) assemble tosolve a cleverly designed roller coaster of a mystery while attempting(with mixed success) to avoid sudden death and expounding (much moresuccessfully) on the latest, coolest scientific ideas, including theexistence of black holes. Somehow, Crichton manages to convey thecomplicated stuff in utterly simplistic prose, making him, as his oldpal Steven Spielberg puts it, "the high priest of highconcept." Yet there is more to Crichton than science andbig-ticket show biz. He is also, as any reader of his startling memoirTravels knows,a bit of a mystic--he is entirely open to notions spouted byspoon-bending psychics that most science writers would scorn. Sphereis not only a gratifying sci-fi suspense tale; it also reflectsCrichton's keen interest in the unexplained powers of the humanmind. When something passes through a black hole in Crichton'sfiction, a lesson is learned. The book also contains another profoundlesson: when you're staring down a giant squid with an eyeball thesize of a dinner plate, don't blink first. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (704)

sphere
For a penny book, it was in great shape and I'm enjoying the read. I always like Crichton's books and this is excellent. Thanks

Crichton & The Law of Attraction
The Sphere (1987) is Michael Crichton's metaphor for his own mind. The novel preceded Travels (1989); Crichton's autobiographical work that attempted to explain himself and his beliefs. The plot of Sphere, the characters, the style, the action, the setting, the monsters, the technology, the science are all mostly irrelevant. Nevertheless, that's what people focus on. And that is Crichton's conclusion--that people, humans, do not want, and cannot, function effectively if they (we) truly engage the world as who we are. We are "Source Energy" to use the "Law of Attraction" terminology. We have the power to create worlds and are solely responsible for what happens to us by virtue of our thoughts; but " ... we simply aren't prepared to control our thoughts," he says in The Lost World (1995). "We are directly responsible for any illness that happens to us," Crichton said in Travels. Here is where things get very interesting.

Crichton died in 2008 of cancer. He was 66. Cancer is said to be caused by: "Deep hurt. Longstanding resentment. Deep secret or grief eating away at the self. Carrying hatreds. `What's the use."' [Hay, Louise. (1982) Heal Your Body.] Before I go on, I want to be clear--I've read most of his work, like it, and have the greatest respect for him as a man and artist. He is the only person, only one, to have at the same time, the number one book, movie, and TV show.He's had books published posthumously. He was also married five times, and his latest child was born after he died. In other words ... he never stopped trying! I don't know what that speaks to--his character, the hopelessness of existence, or a failure to understand that which is true.

Three things appear to me: 1) Michael Crichton was a genius (He was also six-foot nine. He was a freak physically and mentally is one way to look at him.); 2) He had disdain and resentment for people in general; 3) Being that abnormal makes life difficult, even if it produces for you millions of dollars and world-wide fame. In Sphere, he tries to reconcile all things in the final segment titled, "THE POWER." He does this, essentially, by having conversations with himself under the guise of dialogue between characters, and finally with the Sphere itself - who ("I am not a who.") informs the protagonist, Psychologist Norman Johnson, that he, Johnson, already knows everything there is to know and that he already has the power to create anything he wants. What this is: Is a fictionalized version of the channeling of Abraham by Esther Hicks in all her books about the "Law of Attraction" (2004 - 2010); popularized by the book and DVD, The Secret (2006) by Australian Rhonda Byrne. Abraham is analogous to The Sphere. [The idea of a Law of Attraction, and that thoughts are manifested into reality, can be traced back to the New Thought Movement in late 19th Century America.]

Johnson, not surprisingly, decides that people cannot handle The Power, and that the secret should remain a secret. So he, and Crichton's other characters, use their power (imagination) to erase the knowledge that they gained--that they can manifest reality by thought--and so forget everything that happened; and invent a false narrative and present it as truth.

This novel delves into many of the issues I myself am struggling with regarding the Law of Attraction. Foremost is: That negativity is such a powerful force in one's mind it seems impossible to do what is directed by Abraham - that one choose the better feeling in any given moment. It seems so much easier to fall down the mineshaft than to imagine yourself ascending. To let go is to fall. To go with the flow is to follow the negativity. Look around. Being able to appreciate what looks like evil and ugliness is unnatural.

Crichton might be right. In the novel, he approaches this with a conversation between Norman and Beth, a female Zoologist. Norman is explaining to Beth about The Power, about how one's thoughts are manifested, conscious or unconscious, so if one will focus on the good, positive thoughts - then they are what will happen. (Choose the better feeling.) Beth responds by saying that is impossible: "How can you say to someone, `Don't think of a giant squid'? The minute you say that, they automatically think of the squid in the course of not to think of it." "It's possible to control your thoughts." Norman responds.

Clearly (Really Mark?) Crichton struggled with this concept his entire adult life. (As am I. Are you cracking up, Mark? Of course not. I'm perfectly sane. Just because ... doesn't mean that ... .)

The Law of Attraction states that: Wanted or unwanted - your dominant thoughts will be manifested. Crichton approaches this with a discussion about The Shadow--Jung's idea that the we are both what we desire and that which we don't desire. Our personality is both/and, not either or. We are both male and female, extraverted and introverted, thinking and feeling, courageous and cowardly ... though one facet is more dominant than the other within an individual, but to deny your shadow is to ask for trouble. (Ask and it is given. Hicks' first book.) Crichton articulates: To fear something, no matter that you might repress it, is to call it forth. The Law of Attraction concurs. Thus, Crichton has backed himself into a corner with no way out: (What's the use of living if his dominant thought is that people are stupid and nothing can change that.) His character, Norman Johnson, believes he has figured things out. Norman argues, to himself, that he acknowledges his unconscious, his shadow, and by so doing protects himself from manifesting his fears. Of course, that's a contradiction as Beth pointed out. By thinking about your dark side - the Universe will confirm it. Fear the giant squid and the creature appears. At one juncture, Norman and Beth attack one another.

Beth mutters: "You're a real son of a bitch, Norman, do you know that? You feel so terrible that you need to make everybody else just as low as you are."

She was talking about herself, he thought.

"You're so big on the unconscious, Norman. The unconscious this, the unconscious that. Jesus Christ, I'm sick of you. Your unconscious probably wants to kill us all, just because you want to kill yourself and you think everybody else should die with you."

He felt a shuddering chill. Beth, with her lack of self-esteem, her deep core self-hate ... saw herself as victim ... [and] failed to see how she had done it to herself, he thought. (p.321)

Good stuff ... if I'm right.

What are your dominant thoughts about yourself? Where do they come from? Crichton looks at this question through the mind of his protagonist Psychologist ... does childhood and biology decide, as Freud thought?Born introverted and neurotic -- then denigrated, humiliated, neglected ... Isolated, feeling alone, and that nobody cares about you - is it possible to have good thoughts about yourself? Or, has the damage been done and it irreversible? (Enter psychotherapy and/or drugs, and/or belief.)

Crichton posits in Sphere, the only way out is to deny, or repress, The Power, your power. In effect, disempowering yourself and keeping everyone ignorant.

Crichton's life and death are a testament to his genius and to ... I don't know - that he was right? He died for a cause?He says in The Lost World that humans are the only species that will die for a belief - which is a product of mind, which then becomes reality. Abraham says that a belief is just a thought you keep thinking. Keep thinking the thought and soon your belief manifests in the real world.

Crichton says via "Source" in Sphere: ... "imagining is what makes it happen. You imagine wonderful things and you imagine terrible things, and you take no responsibility for the choice."

Norman responds in his mind: "But you are somebody different from me, separate. You are not me."

"Yes I am. You imagined me."

"Tell me more."

"There is no more."

Thus, with our love/hate relationship with oil, we called forth the Gulf of Mexico oil disaster. With our love/hate relationship with drugs - we assure increasing violence regarding the use of drugs. With our love/hate relationship with war - we assure its inevitability. With our love/hate relationship with wealth - we assure the continuous boom/bust cycle and widening gap between rich and poor. With our love/hate relationship with foreigners we guarantee xenophobia.Because we have the power to create whatever it is we want; but are more comfortable not accepting responsibility and blaming others, we think we can have our cake and eat it, too. The Law of Attraction says you may have your cake, eat it, and then bake another one.

Another issue Crichton examines is what happens when two people have conflicting desires, or imaginings. What happens then? The Law of Attraction says take care of yourself, choose to feel better than you do at any moment; and choose to see only the best in others, and that then will manifest to the benefit of all. Everybody wins. Again, that is simply much easier said than done, or imagined. Fear and negativity creeps in, and tends to dominate. What if, what if, what if ... .

One final comment, I watched the movie, Sphere - a waste of two dollars. The beauty of the written word versus a moving picture is: With words, one can slow down time, enough so as to examine all that is happening now, what has happened in the past, and what is imagined in the future.

At least--Crichton was willing to look at the possibility that he might be culpable for his own cancer and powerless to prevent it.

What a book!
I had read some more recent books by Michael Crichton.This one is very different.It is way more science fiction.It kept me reading way into the night.Just the setting of the book will draw you in... a habitat so far under water that the light from the sun does not reach.The lights on the habitat can only show a small distance and beyond that light is unknown... If you are a fan of sci-fi at all, read this book.

A page-turner for sure, but that doesn't mean it's a great book
Sphere is definitely a page-turner. I blazed through this book in just a couple sittings, but that doesn't mean it's an amazing book, it just has some really good hooks.

Sphere is about a group of scientists from all walks of life (zoologist, psychologist, an astrophysicist and others) and their secret mission into the depths of the Pacific Ocean. An alien ship has been discovered and it's up to these guys to find the answers.

Don't get me wrong, I don't dislike this book, I just found many of the elements a too far-fetched and some of the logic in the book is a bit flawed. It's hard to explain why without giving away big spoilers. I just found some of the plot elements a little too convenient, or forced I suppose. Also, I wasn't attached to any of the characters.

However, Sphere definitely is a page-turner. Even though I found gaping logic flaws I was always curious as to what was going to happen next. This book has some shattering plot twists. However, once the main twist is revealed parts of the book become predictable.

It's like this -
Have you ever been home sick from work and you catch yourself watching some stupid daytime-drama? Even though the acting is lacking, the plot is contrived and much of it is completely predicable - for some reason you just keep watching it? Yeah, it's a bit like that.

That being said, Sphere was my first Crichton book and for some reason I can't wait to read another!

A Great Read and an Original Story
I read Sphere years ago and reread recently. It's a fun interesting book where you don't really know where it's headed. It does a great job on having the reader discover things along with the characters. It's hard for me to tell you what I liked about the alien-mysterious ship and creature without ruining the plot, but just let me say that I found it captivating even the second time around. Crichton's writing has never been Shakespeare, but it's not supposed to be either. His books really paved the way for the explosion of the science action genre. I'd recommend this to any sci-fi, action, or thriller fan, but this probably isn't the book for you if you're looking for deep characterization and literary skill. ... Read more

Product Description
Here is the Kabbalah in all its beauty, presented with poetic nuances, exotic imagery and bold innovation. The translator provides insightful accounts of the primary aspects of Jewish mysticism, including the radical transcendence of God, the ten divine attributes and the feminine aspect of God. 2 cassettes. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

worth to buy
Firstly, this book is worthy to those who know nothing about kabbalah and is eager wants to engage kabbalah. Secondly, this book will correct the one who reads the Bible literally without interpret its deep esoteric meaning beyond those words. Thirdly, this book is one of the best kabbalistic books i have in my collection. And lastly, humbly to tell, I am a Gentile from SE Asia and kabbalah has changed my life more spiritually.

A Good Compilation, with a Caveat
Daniel Matt takes some of the classic texts of the kabbalah and splits them up by category rather then by origin, date of composition, or text.So, we get chapters here like "Ein Sof: God as Infinite" and "Ayin: Mystical Nothingness."This is a fine idea, but unfortunately Matt does not cite his sources very well, and only does so at the back at the book (and by quoting the beginning of a sentence, not from any citation back in the text).Realizing this is a non-academic book for the beginner, this scheme should make sense.But it makes it difficult to dig deeper into the source material, if one is so inclined. This is a major handicap for those who want to move beyond this book to other works.

The Essential Kabbalah
As a member of the Christian clergy, it is important for me to be able to relate well to people of other faiths and traditions.This book is halpful in giving a glimpse of the Kabbalah as a spiritual document that some in Judaism would relate to and not as a source of occult spiritualism

Get It Get It Get It!
Although it is a bit on the academic side, The Essential Kabbalah is nevertheless a great place to start your exploration of Jewish Mysticism.This book has none of the esoteric overlay of books on "Christian" Cabala (there must be a reason why they have chosen to spell it so differently, because it really is a different animal all together!), and none of the cultish additions of the Bergs' school of Kabbalah (bottled water and red strings, anyone?).It is instead a concise anthology of excerpts from both the Zohar and the brightest lights of Jewish spirituality over the last 800-900 years.

Unfortunately, no book can present Kabbalah in its entirety, and some of the readings (even with the helpful endnotes) will stubbornly resist immediate comprehension.As supplements I would also recommend that you get your hands on one of Matt's translations of portions of the Zohar (either the Skylight Paths or the Paulist Press editions are very good), and that you find a reputable teacher.If you have a Jewish Renewal congregation in your community, that would be an excellent place to start.They are very welcoming to all people and are very mystically inclined.

Excellent for opening one's mind from a spiritual perspective
This book is excellent in opening the mind to positive human potentialities. Sure, it is a great introduction to Kabbalah and getting "close to God" from a Jewish perspective and as an aid to approaching the Torah. But, it is much more. Whether one has a traditional understanding of what God is, or not, it can be stipulated that there is some force or set of forces, or some order, be it mathematical, or whatever, which is worth pondering in order to add to one's current knowledge or understanding of the really big picture. Calling that God, works fine.

Anyway, what the book succeeds at is, by translations of many Kabbalah texts, it allows one to contemplate some pretty important concepts like nothingness and infinity. In simple terms, by reducing one's persona to its humblest state possible, simulating a "nothingness", it then makes possible expanding one's thoughts as close as possible to the infinite, a way of thinking of God, or whatever name one wants to use. You will learn what Ayin, Ein Sof and the ten Sefirot are, and how they can be tools to exploring the infinite, the unknowable.....'God'.

I first read this book several years ago, and can better understand why I liked it then, and why it is still valuable. ... Read more