Helpful info for the irretrievably lost
929665
I am one of those people that professional graphic designers meet in their nightmares.  Totally clueless when it comes to what constitutes good design, and enrolled in desktop publishing classes which are meant to equip me with some degree of technical ability, but fall short of addressing issues like creativity and design concept.

I am finding this book helpful so far (it was required reading for one of my classes) and it's given me some very useful insights on how to lay out a page. The finished examples are by no means sophisticated works of art, but my goal is really to be able to master the ability to execute decent-looking newsletters, direct mail pieces and so on... and perhaps be able to run a sideline business once I've developed more expertise (strictly small-potato variety, not Madison avenue).  But I'm not about to unleash my ineptitude on any unsuspecting bosses or clients yet! This book clearly states that it is written more for people like me, who in the course of their jobs need to get up to speed in this area fast! People in a similar situation would probably derive benefits from this book as well, but more advanced students or designers may  be disappointed.

Since I have no designs on pursuing a formal degree (terrible pun intended) I found a lot of use for this book. I also have a question for the graphic designers who bashed it..what do they recommend for a student who knows vritually nothing about graphic design (besides switching to some other field) as a good primer to help them produce layouts that don't scream "TACKY!"??
4047
Although the information in this book isn't written in great depth, I found it very helpful. There is information in each chapter that was helpful and taught me something that I needed to know. The information in this book will save me hours of digging and skimming through the internet because the information is gathered all in one place for my reference. The inclusion of the website addresses saves me from figuring out where in heck I need to go to either find information or put in my application. This will be used as a reference as I talk to my tax professional or as I am filling out tax applications. This is just one more tool that will be used to make me successful.
4155877
It is easy to forget what we already know, and it does happen to all of us at one time or another.  This book serves as a helpful reminder to get back to our center and regain our power.  For those of you that aren't familiar with this space, this book is critical in discovering how to find it.  If I had to choose my favorite chapter, I believe it would be Chapter 9 - The Power of Joy.  It is easy to get lost if you are faced with challenges, and I would like to think of Gabreael as a guide who is tossing bread crumbs down on the trail so we will have an easier time finding our way back home.  It would be a good idea for every bookshelf to make space for Psalms of My Soul.  The day will come that you will be glad you have it.
2834483
A quick read if you already know where you are going and extra info that you may not have known!
1034836
This was interesting reading, and I found a lot of useful information in it.

Being in a hurricane-prone area, I was reading it from the standpoint of having something ready to make evacuation less stressful and more comfortable, yet be better prepared should the evacuation plans have a meltdown at some point (as demonstrated by the horrific stories around the Hurricane Rita evacuation fiasco).  This book met that need, and it doesn't hurt to know that we are also better prepared for a Zombie Apocalypse at the same time.

The author makes some good recommendations, and offers some explanations about why you would want to do or not do something.  I'm certain that the hard-core survivalist and downfall-of-society folks will find much missing from this or a lot to criticize, for the Average Joe/Jane who wants to provide for the safety and comfort of his/her family it is a good start toward preparation.  I especially appreciated the attention given to the special needs of family pets and elderly relatives who may be travelling companions.
1698097
I really enjoyed this book also.  I read it along with Dissident Daughter by Sue Kid Monk.  If you have lost your way, lost your desire ,  are stuck where you are, this book will help you find your way again.  He explains how we get stuck, gives examples of different situations.  In the second part he helps you step by step  get excited about living and finding your purpose.  Not just for women  It can help anyone who is stuck.  Well worth the read..
4467195
I have tried for years to get through all my treasures and make sure they go to just the right people and places.  I am too slowly learning  what would mean so much to me doesn't  really matter to the majority.  I find this book informative and helpful in my letting go of many items and trash that is not imperative to my life and all those I love suffering around me.  My resistance and fears are there but less as I learn others -- charities,  other needs collectors ( ? ) can enjoy or not even be concerned.  Waahoo!  Tuff to do but well worth the efforts.  A forever job made easier. Thank God for fellow recovering disorganized folks willing to change.
159934
This book gives helpful information for such an emotionally draining situation.
1529572
Good tips and some stuff that it's not easy to find.
4848566
Thank you for writing this.  I hope it helps somebody that may be going through similar situations.
2295038
Reading through this book gives you a hopeful feeling when you are truly in a lost place. It is surprising how much better your outlook can be when you realize that things such as books like this can help. You look at your situation in a different light.
486118
I read this book hoping to glean information on what to do in case we have to leave our home in an emergency.  I was not disappointed.  Bug Out is well-organized and informative. It provides detailed information on what to pack in the bug out bag, methods of transportation, and concrete examples of good areas to go to in case you have to leave in a hurry.  It also provides information on possible hazards in each area, along with common edible plants and animals native to each region.  This is stuff we all need to know, but mostly don't think about.  While I hope nothing happens that is severe enough to drive us out of our home, I am glad to have this information just in case.
4354776
If you like to travel and are challenged physically, this book is well worth adding to your library.  Each of the 101 vacation chapters is full of information that is otherwise hard to find.  Any one such item is worth the price of the book.  That said, only about 3 pages are devoted to each vacation, so don't expect it to be complete.  It's a great start to begin further research or a great resource to add knowledge about a place (or a place nearby) that you're already planning to go to.  The book is organized by activity rather than geographically and the table of contents uses chapter titles that often don't tell you the geographic location of the vacation.  I found it helpful to write the locations in the table of contents for later reference.
1875312
This book provides fantastic helpful information.  Unfortunately, I did not have this book with me BEFORE I took a plane for the first time in my life from the U.S. to the Middle East in December of 2002.  On the return trip home just a few days ago (January 2003), I encountered flyers' nightmares: two cancellations, a delayed flight, major attitudes with airline agents, misinformation, countless security searches, and lost luggage.  I wish I had had this book by my side before, during, and after the trip. It would especially have been a god-send during the 4-day return home that should have only taken 24 hours!!  Highly recommend this book.
2416229
Really informative and encouraging, information you can not always get from many sources all packed in one place. It saves one time and some money hat may have been spent in seeking information from colleagues out there.
989229
A very good book!  Some of the places listed were ones I've already visited, and while it's always good to check up on the directions (land ownership changes, dirt roads get blocked off and new roads get built) these were fairly correct.  It could use a few more photos and landmarks (oh, for a book with the actual GPS coordinates listed for each site!) but from the perspective of someone who wants to drive around and see these precious, irreplaceable works, it's an excellent book.
3485971
We all experience at some what seem like an existential crisis from which we need to recover. How to do that and find another purpose in life and being able to put one foot in front of the other may seem impossible, but somehow people manage. This book is intended to help find that new beginning after everything seems lost. The author suffered significant loss when the church and the houses of his family and those of his church members were destroyed. Based on the experience and how he and his community went about finding a new purpose and a new beginning, the author provides the reader with guidance on how to manage a significant crisis or loss.

The 7 principles are:

  Find the strength to start
  Take the first step
  Appreciate others
  Expect and reject opposition
  Build on your successes
  Celebrate to sustain your joy
  Dedicate it to God

With the exception of the last step, the first 6 can be generally applied to people of all denominations and the book is written in clear and easy to follow steps. Using plain language, the author does intend to make the book useful for everyone and I believe he succeeds at that. I found the book almost like a guide to recovery from a personal crisis and I realized just by reading the book that no matter what obstacles you face, chances are someone else has been in a similar situation and recovered from it.
I recommend this book to just about anyone, if you have not experienced a total breakdown, chances are you or someone else in your community will and can benefit from this book.

Disclaimer: I received a free book in exchange for an honest review. The opinion expressed is solely my own and has not been influenced by any third party.