Inspirational and logical
936661
Great faith-based story, easily understood by young and old alike. Great background story as the basis for the book.  Recommend this book for all the faithful and those searching to reconnect with their faith.
1730470
It is said by many wise men and women that "success is in the doing, so do it now!"  Well, this book of "Stewisms" is another success that this new author, Scott L. Steward, can be proud of.

I love the simplicity of the book, and I found the tone and the messages to be inspiring and thought provoking.  Some of the greatest gifts come in small packages, and this book is one of those great gifts to share with those in your life who you care about and love, especially your young people.  Each of the "33 Stewisms" (the author gave us a bonus of two more of his inspirational nuggets) seem to be just what I needed to be reminded of at the moment that I read it.

Recently, I had an opportunity to meet the author during a book club reading and I was impressed by the overwhelming positive responses and feedback he received from the diverse book club members who were teachers (elementary, high school, and college level), social workers, business owners, professionals, parents, grandparents, and students.

If you're looking for a daily inspirational reading, then I strongly recommend "31 Ways to Improve Your Life: A Book of Stewisms."  If you're looking for a book to inspire your students and the young people in your life, then I strongly recommend "31 Ways to Improve Your Life: A Book of Stewisms."  If you're looking for a book to inspire yourself, then I strongly recommend "31 Was to Improve Your Life: A Book of Stewisms."

If you are striving to accomplish a dream, this author reminds us to remember Stewisms #29: "It's nothing until it's something."
3012210
This book goes into the principles of living a good and balanced life. It is well organized and the chapters can be read as stand alone and provide value.  It is full of inspiration and very well written.
4459701
Mr. Scully's "DOMINION" was recommended to me by a vegetarian acquaintance. It was with some hesitation I purchased the book, but I was quickly impressed by Mr. Scully's down-to-earth logic, his factual arguments, and the non-emotional perspective upon which his positions are based.
By the end of chapter 1, I'd been moved to a place of 'moral discomfort' by Mr. Scully's clear and cogent logic.  He does not write from a traditional "Animal Rights" perspective, but takes the position that humans have (by whatever cause) been placed in a position of power in this world. As the "apex creature", we have a moral responsibility to make decisions based on more than simple expediancy. He stresses the responsibility of humankind, not the 'rights' of the animals.
I found his position and his arguments compelling, a reaction I suspect most open minded readers will share.
2260791
This book has been a source for many of the most influential thinkers of our age, and its easy to see why. Its filled with a philosophy rooted in common sense, that also manages to broaden our perception to a cosmic level. In fact, the author takes us from the smallest specks of our genetics and neurons and synapses to the expansive universe surrounding us, and our likeness to God.

I recommend this book to any who seek wisdom and a foundational perspective upon which to build and grow a life full of hope, love, and personal energy.
4295352
Professor Mike is on to something with this book. When you follow your positive emotions, especially Flow, you are following the guidence of the Divine Intelligence that is unfolding the universe. This is a very thought provoking and inspiring book. As a life coach, I see the practical application of Mihaly's work every day. This may be the way to a happier, more harmonious and sustainable future for our planet. Thanks Mike for showing us how to follow our Flow to build a better self and a better world.
61411
I would recommend this book to anyone who is yearning for a some direction in their life. The Right Questions is ideal for anyone looking to further their knowledge of their own self. This book is perfect for individuals with goals, dreams, and desires, but who are unsure of how to make their visions reality.

The Right Questions is brimming with Ford's personal anecdotes. She has developed an incredible self-awareness that she relates through her own experiences. The fact that Ford has the experience of looking critically at her own life and making changes in her present and future make her an ideal teacher.

Ford peppers The Right Questions with not only her own experiences, but also the stories of her friends, clients, and teachers. While the topics covered in this book are often abstract, Ford makes every issue completely relatable through these clear and accessible examples.  She lists and demonstrates clear ways to apply her teachings to everyday life.

My overall impression of the book is incredibly positive. Ford clearly is bursting with experience and knowledge and, for the most part, does an excellent job of clearly conveying her message. Unfortunately, there are some concepts that are almost completely lost in unnecessarily complex metaphors. Also, the book as a whole tends to drift and meander, and her message loses some of its potency along the way. Ford occasionally adopts a moralizing and sermonizing tone that alienates the reader from the overall concept and message of the book. Overall, this book is an excellent tool to inspire and guide those who are ready to look critically at their lives and their choices.
3213284
I enjoyed reading this book, which inspired me. It was a motivational, success-oriented book, in addition to being a technical oriented book.  There is so much practical advice in those chapters. I am amazed at the author's insight and wisdom. I did not expect to see these kinds of chapters in the book, thinking that it was strictly a technical book, but the author is certainly right that these are techniques that will help a person become a better software architect. I like the emphasis on building a network of people outside your immediate group. I like the emphasis on continuous education by reading (or listening to books): If anyone ever sees my library at home (perhaps from pictures on my Web site), you will realize that I am passionate about reading and learning new things. Having a "teaching gift," I enjoy teaching others the things that I learn, as also recommended in the book. The book really drives home the principles (mentioned in Part 3). I highly recommend anyone who wants to excel in their software career to read this book.
612692
If you are looking to be inspire then this is the book to read. Not only does the author gives you a clear path to improve many areas of your life but he also gives you examples that makes sense and that you can relate too. I enjoy reading this book at anytime of the day, it lift my spirit and gave an insight on how to improve my life professionally and personally.
3594631
This book is loaded with inspiration and common sense.  "The Rules of Life: A Personal Code for Living a Better, Happier, More Successful Life", by Richard Templar, is divided into the following parts; (1) Rules For You, (2) Partnership Rules, (3) Family And Friends Rules, (4) Social Rules, (5) World Rules.

The author lists 100 rules that can help you live a happier and more successful life.  The chapters are short and the book is a fast read.  The challenging part is to process this information and put the rules to work in your life.

The very first rule is a tough one for me. Rule #1: "Keep It Under Your Hat."  I am terrible at keeping secrets.  The author advises the reader to keep the changes that you are making in your life as a result of reading this book to yourself; "Don't preach, propagate, try to convert, shout from the rooftops or even mention this ... just get on with it, do it quietly, and go about your daily life happily and smugly without having to tell anyone anything".  So, I have already broken the first rule by writing this book review.

This is the kind of book that should be used as a handbook for growth.  The author does not promote religious doctrine but he emphasizes that it is vital to have a belief system and to keep the faith.  The rules for marriage are excellent and a gentle reminder to "treat your partner better than your best friend."  The rules for family life will remind you that "there are no bad children" and "your children need to rebel to leave home."

The dedication of the book features the following phrase; "No Fear ~ No Surprise ~ No Hesitation ~ No Doubt."  This book will give you a kickstart for the new year.  You don't have to worry about writing your new year's resolutions ~ Just resovle to be a "rules player" in the new year.

I grabbed this book when it was offered as a free download on my Kindle 3.  I listened to most of this book as we travelled to our Thanksgiving destination.  I love the fact that every book is also an audio book on the Kindle.
3766512
This book provides a logical, clear way for people to identify their  problems and find positive solutions. It provides ways to identify when and  where a problem exists, and then todetermine whether the solution is to  modify our current plan of action or to junk it and start fresh. This book  is not for just one reading, but rather, it will be helpful again and  again.
4640063
This book is a series of bright stories that describe a mans journey as he awakens to his connection to eternity, to his (read our) true nature; one of underlying joy and lightness of being. As his awareness and resulting freedom from the status quo grows, so does his commitment to helping others achieve the same, though it comes at great personal cost.

His dedication to helping others achieve liberation from the scripting that civilization provides, that we ultimately integrate into our identities, and that separates us from our natural shine and happiness is inspiring and beautiful.

The story is told without undue flourish and with much humor. It reads fast and provides straight forward insight into what divides us from that natural joy, and how we can achieve balance, wisdom, creativity, humor and deep love - how we can truly live.

It was a delight to read and provides a useful guide to anyone who questions whether there is more to life than what we see and think on the surface of our daily lives.  This guide can help us reach beyond our human dramas to understand our essence, our creative spark and being.

I loved it.
3719685
Disclosure: I know the author; I have no financial interest in her book.

This book teems with exercises that zoom in on the questions I need to answer for myself: What my life purpose? Each exercise has an inspirational quote that is thought provoking and inspirational in its own right.

Putting the time into thinking about the questions and writing them down in provides a powerful record of where you are at your stage in life in finding your life purpose. When done, you have a virtual photo album of your thought and feelings about the direction of your life.

My wife and I are very interested in just this pursuit during our retirement years, a stage of life after growing up, raising a family, and having a career, a stage of life for consolidation, reflection, cleaning up loose ends, and of making spiritual or mental progress.

I'm a retired architect so planning is big with me. Some journey through life from this to that and I can get that; I think we might get more value from life using a more conscious approach. Spending some time to find my life purpose, to really nail it, seems worthwhile to me. How about you?

My wife says you can take spiritual wealth wealth with you, unlike material wealth. I know, it's my wife, but it is a profound thought nevertheless.

Today, many seniors face a second lifetime in retirement. Many seniors fail to think through what they want to do with this precious time. Many just unconsciously subscribe to common ideas of what to do in retirement, a folklore that comes from a time when retirement meant a few years, at best, for many. Today, if you reach 60 the chances are high that you will reach 70, and if you reach 70, then 80, and so on. No guarantees, but retirement time is getting longer and longer.

How many vacations can you take? How many games of golf can you play? How many bingo games? Card games? How much rocking chair time on the porch watching life go by? There's more to life that spending time pleasantly.

We recommend investing in some serious reflection on what your life purpose is, and to pursue it fully during this second half of life. You have received a gift--you might even call it a golden opportunity--why waste it?

You can try to figure this out on your own and I expect you'll spend a short time at it. You'll probably quit with your first answer, however superficial it might be, or when you head starts to hurt.

Suzanne's book is a way for you to take a serious question seriously.  The beauty is that this answer will be your answer, not some canned one from someone who didn't think it through, not from one who accepted conventional wisdom, but from the very depths of you.

We recommend the physical book for people who will write down their answers and the Kindle version for those who prefer to answer in their heads. Either is good, but writing acts as a kind of cement that binds your insights into yourself more fully in your life and leaves a valuable record of who you are and where you have been. The book is my choice. Whichever you choose, you will surely benefit if you follow the exercises from beginning to end.

We say there is no better time to start than now. Get your own copy, and maybe one for your significant other, and begin what may be your most important project of your life. Begin it today.
3778657
I enjoyed reading this inspiring book! Although it is conversationally written, complex issues like spirituality and love are routinely referenced throughout. I could easily identify with the author's range of emotion as I flipped the pages; joy,  sorrow, peace.  The author's clever word choices and interesting perspective on life make for an interesting read.

No doubt you'll also be encouraged as you read Conversations from a Quest for Divine. I look forward to the next volume.
4902365
This is a rare and genuine book covering a great deal of territory in the area of having a fulfilled life - from the inside out.

From limitless beliefs for a limitless life, to obstacles, the truth about genuine success and making more money, letting go of fears, doing whatever it takes (always with integrity) being a person of your word . . . the list is extended, and as desirable as the day is long.

About money, Dean Graziosi writes: "I've been able to be as successful as I have not because I started out with a lot of money. Instead, I started with a lot of ideas and a willingness to take action."

Regarding relationships, he states in this wonderful book: "I urge you to take a look at the relationships in your life and make sure you are representing your thoughts and emotions honestly to a person you may love, a business partner, or maybe a friend or family member."

(Wouldn't it be nice if everyone did this?)

There's an inspiring chapter called "Discovering the Reasons Behind Your Goals" where it states about your goals: ". . . is critical for success is the reason why you want your goal. Show me a man or a woman with great accomplishments, and I'll show you someone with a big "Why" - a big reason to achieve his or her goals."

There is a ton of material in this book that I could quote from, and that will inspire you, genuinely, on all levels of your life. This is NOT a try-to-sell-them-a-bag-of goods-book. This IS a genuine book, truly written from the heart, and I definitely felt the sincerity, saw the integrity, and Meaning Dean conveys to make a significant contribution in your life.

"Core Attribute # 10" states: "Totally fulfilled people actively take control of their lives and the changes are a natural part of living. They don't simply passively respond to change."

The book is easy reading, inspiring, and will add meaning and purpose to what you are doing in your life, and why, while the wisdom is carefully and eloquently interwoven throughout the book from beginning to end. I sincerely recommend this book.

Barbara Rose, Ph. D. author of If God Hears Me, I Want an Answer!, Know Yourself, and Stop Being the String Along
4404563
A creative approach to the value of rational thought, using the Bible as a backdrop.  Lucid and inspiring.  I congratulate the author for his efforts, and for his success.  A wonderful purchase for anyone who wishes to explore how the rational mind can lead us beyond unsubstantiated and mystical belief systems.  I recommend the book without reservation.
3351477
This book is one that is full of inspirational wisdom and various stories that illustrate the ideas presented by the author. Michael Leach shares his own experiences with handling adversity and building resiliency and authenticity as he has pursued his dreams and passions. The book is divided up into different sections focusing on different parts of the recipe for living an audacious life. There are summaries and specific practices provided at the close of each chapter. The book offers lots of tips that any good personal coach would provide, blending this with the author's own experiences. Leach reminds us that adversity and challenges are necessary for us to grow and create interesting stories in our lives. How we react and interpret what we encounter is the key. Leach is one who encourages people to let go of their fears of what other people think, fears of failure, etc., while also finding a balance in our lives so that we don't burn out and we are able to consider not only our personal well-being but also the well-being of the community and the planet. As an environmental activist, Leach often refers to his experiences in that pursuit. He also shares openly about his personal health challenges. He provides nice models in his own life of things he coaches others to incorporate in their lives. There are really many insightful items in this book that will be beneficial for readers. The only area of improvement I could see would be for the writer to be a bit more focused, as he sometimes starts to go too far into a tangent. This book also tends to relate more to a younger adult audience than to older adults. Overall, this is a book I would definitely suggest for people looking for guidance and inspiration in following their passions, facing challenges, and finding fulfillment.