A must read for anyone wanting to truly learn about other perspectives!
931223
We live in a very polarized and politically correct world. If I'm right, then you're wrong. We can't break through to solve real issues until we build the skills necessary to have meaningful conversations. Mary-Frances Winters' book gives practical insights and the tools we need to do so. A must read for anyone wanting to truly learn about other perspectives!
2040454
This book is for the seeker, the scholar, and those who are simply curious to expand their minds and view something differently than perhaps they ever have before. As a lifelong Protestant, my experience and view of the apocrypha up until this point in my life has been pretty narrow and frankly, somewhat negative, like the "little Bible that couldn't." I figured if it wasn't canon it was heresy. The treatment of the apocrypha here is thoughtful and thought-provoking, and used as a lens to more fully understand and love God through non-canon literature rather than viewing it through the black or white, Bible or non-Bible, right or wrong approach. If you love to learn and expand your mind, especially in a humorous, non-traditional way (with some pop culture golden nuggets thrown in for good measure), then I cannot recommend this book strongly enough. 5++++++ stars!!!!
2906124
Thand141
Posted April 22, 2013
 This book is a must read for anyone who may be wondering which

This book is a must read for anyone who may be wondering which God is the right one. I found it packed full of information that would help anyone make an informed descision in thier search for the one True God! if you witness to people of other faiths this book will give you great insights into the other belief systems so you can be an effective witness. it is also great to give as a gift to anyone who may be searching, as the book brings the vast amount of information to an understandable level. i highly recomend this book!
2555759
THIS BOOK WILL SEND YOU ON A JOUNEY TO HAVING A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF YOUR BELIEF SYSTEM AND HELP YOU TO UNDERSTAND WHERE OTHERS ARE COMING FROM.  REV. KRAFT MAKES IT ALMOST TOO EASY TO UNDERSTAND OUR OWN ULTIMATE CONVICTIONS PLUS GUIDE US THROUGH THE WISDOM OF ALL FAITHS.  HE GOES SO FAR AS TO ACTUALLY SHOW YOU ON A MAP WHERE YOU MIGHT FIND YOUR GOD AND THE GODS OF OTHERS WHILE AT THE SAME TIME RESPECTING THE IMPORTANCE OF EVERY ONE'S BELIEF.  DURING THIS PERIOD OF HISTORY WHERE MOST SEEM SO LOCKED INTO A ONE POSITION OR ANOTHER ON VIRTUALLY EVERY SUBJECT AND INSISTING THAT EVERYONE ELSE IS WRONG, THIS BOOK IS A BREATH OF FRESH AIR BY TEACHING US HOW TO START COMMUNICATING AGAIN NO MATTER THE POSITION OF SOMEONE ELSE AND THIS IS PARTICULARLY TRUE OF DIFFERING FAITHS.  PLUS, FOR ME, THIS NEW UNDERSTANDING HAS CREATED A NEW DIRECTION AND SOME NEW AND INTRIGUING QUESTIONS TO FIND NEW ANSWERS TO.
4402579
now I know what it is... society!

Not three weeks before I read this book I was commenting to someone that "growing up" for me has been a long journey of learning how to put on this extrovert mask for everyone.  To pretend to be outgoing and sociable.  It's been said that one cannot know ones own culture.  I had taken it for granted that extroversion was "normal" and that I wasn't.

This book does a fantastic job explaining our collective adoration for extroverts and what the author calls the Extrovert Ideal.  She also enumerates the upsides to being introverted or "highly sensitive", a related trait.

This book has helped me understand not only myself, but other people I know as well.  A great read!
3720511
This book...I could not put it down!
Coming from the spiritual field myself- I understand how important it is to see the true light of many of the people who call themselves 'enlightened'. There has been so much abuse in these types of scenarios- where one person decides to take your power away in exchange for the promise of miraculous things. Sifting through the intense experiences the author has had is fascinating and seeing how hard it is to discern when your having mystical experiences yourself!

I would HIGHLY recommend it to anyone on the spiritual path or anyone who wants a deep dive into a world that not many have witnessed. This novel has everything: humour, wonderfully written, intriguing storyline and valuable life lessons!

EVERYONE who picks it up will enjoy it- I promise you that!
200429
I read this twice in a row before writing this review and it was even better the second time around. This book is truly a breath of fresh air! I think everyone, no matter their spiritual or religious beliefs, should read this. It is enlightening, informative, inspiring, and educational. Ted O'Brien is unapologetically honest in his thoughts, beliefs, and anecdotes. His personal experiences combined with his deep thoughts and feelings regarding Christian teachings and Eastern philosophy meld so eloquently together to present a coherent and comprehensive look at healing from both the East and the West. I love how the author uses Biblical scripture to verify Eastern thoughts and practices. He brings his own personal life experiences into the light to magnify and explain to the reader how much East and West are woven together in the world of healing, and leaves no doubt as to how "true" and "real" that concept and practice of it really is! There are questions I've had for years in my own personal learning and discoveries that the author has addressed. My own religious background is traditional Protestantism and have been a life long student of religions and philosophy. What Ted O'Brien writes about in this book makes sense, and makes me hungry to learn more! It is truly refreshing to read something that embraces Eastern philosophy while maintaining firm beliefs in Christianity. I strongly feel that everything is connected somehow and Ted O'Brien brings that to light in this fantastic book.
558207
This book is an awesome read for a diverse group and not just one group of people. The author makes the book interactive which helps the reader out into practice the theory of the material. I thoroughly enjoyed and cause me to internally analyze how my life adds values to the community around me. I highly recommend you add this book to your next reading list!
2005198
Beyond Perception beautifully weaves the story of one man's search to find truth, with the practical tools for readers to actively learn from his experiences. The author offers support to many aspects of our human story including relationships, religion, culture, and science through observations and reflections which not only shed new light on our common perceptions but encourages us to investigate further. He delves into the issues of spirituality, the ego, awareness and letting go with such grace and personal recognition that the reader can't help but be inspired to do their own soul searching. I highly recommend this book to anyone curious about the state of our world and their own mind.
1352755
This is an excellent read for anyone who wants to see things from a new perspective....beautiful book, highly recommended..! I loved it
421614
What a wonderful book!  Dealing with middlehood can be challenging and wonderful. This beautifully-written book discusses all aspects of those challenges and rewards.  The authors' insight has helped steer me in a clearer direction of my path up the mountain, touching on areas of my life where I have been stuck or where I just thought I was the only one going through what I was experiencing.  Reading it is like being able to talk with good girlfriends about what you need to know during this vast time of our lives.  I cannot accurately describe what I learned through reading this book, about myself, about my relationships, about grieving, about enjoying my age and all I can be now.  The stories and quotes from other women really helped put my experiences into perspective for me, and helped me understand what the other women in my life are experiencing, too.  I did not know how much I needed this book until I read it.  What did I get from reading this book?  Empathy and knowledge. It's just what I need.
4114883
I purchased this book for a class I took for my Masters degree and enjoyed this book immensely.  This book addresses the obesity epidemic from so many angles, addressing the economic impact of obesity, raising the question of individual "responsibility" as well as the role of market forces in the obesity epidemic, and community involvement and support could change the outcome.  The author brings up diverse issues surrounding obesity, discussing both adult and child obesity, shocking statistics and associated chronic diseases.  Having been obese myself and already feel like I have a well-rounded view of how to address it for others, this book provided me with even more perspectives to consider, that I could literally almost write my own book highlighting how my perspectives have evolved just from the reading and digesting the material.  Fantastic read!
822741
While inhabiting a real reverence for God-by-any-name, this book opened my eyes to the connection between war/slavery/abuse and the misrepresentation of every religious founder's intent. I wish every person on Earth could read this book!  Because most of us are so caught up in the social norms that we cannot perceive what assumptions the norms are based on and how life could be deliciously different from what it is now.
1678458
If your a person who thinks outside the box of the constraints of society or you look for ways to maneuver outside of the constructs that you are placed in, this is a must read!!! At first you may not understand fully what Friere is speaking about but as you continue reading it will definitely click and open your eyes to a lot of things
978738
Finally! A great book about personality types that is not just rehashing of tired old material but includes a brand new perspective. If you are a fan of personality types, like I am, and have spent Years pouring over personality type descriptions, you will know how necessary it is to have the right perspective, the right point of view when thinking about personality types. After that, all the details seem to come together much more quickly. Dan Johnston has done a fantastic job developing such a perspective and furthermore he has brought tons of original research, writing what is probably one of the longest book about personality types available. I would like to congratulate the writer, and encourage the readers to pick up this amazing and eye opening book. Stop feeling out of place in your own life, and discover how to become a more fulfilled, happier person! Highly recommended.
4708091
Finding faith on the other side of everything is a fabulous book. I find reading about other peoples experiences helps me to look at every situation in a better way. This is a must read book for someone seeking to live life without the approval of others. I received this ebook as a free download, I definitely recommend this ebook for others
253033
I found this book to be very well-written and incredibly insightful. I enjoyed that Jenny Block truly made me understand the logic and psychology of why monogamy may not work for some people. She places quotes strategically in various passages to further explain her points. I would completely recommend this book to anyone curious about polyamory, or open relationships.  Also to those who are already in Open Relationships, such as myself, who are just looking for more information about it. Brilliant piece of work!