An inspiration--I couldn't put it down
922503
After my pastor mentioned this book in one of his sermons, I ordered it through amazon.com. I was not disappointed. Although it was written over a century ago, this book is still relevant today. I could not put it down! If you need inspiration in your spiritual walk, I suggest you purchase this book.
Carol Round-author of "Journaling with Jesus: How to Draw Closer to God," and the companion workbook, "The 40-Day Challenge."
170115
I know Dr. Pye, and so I was anxious to read her story. The journey from the projects in Chicago to the halls of a small Midwestern university was not an easy one. Anyone faced with the uphill battle Dr. Pye had to fight might well have given up. A Ph. D., under the best of circumstances, is not an easy task. Perhaps that is why less than 2% of the population earn one.

As I read this book I was continually telling myself, "That section could be a good book in its own right". This is a short book, only 66 pages, but they hold you spellbound. How was this young girl going to make it out of the projects with her pride and dignity (not to mention her life)in tact? How was this young scholar, brought up in a sub-standard public education system, knowing only black faces, going to make it in a major university where she, and others like her, find themselves in a sea of white? When the pressures of the post graduate work drove her to tears and therapy, how could she find a way to overcome?

This is a story of a remarkable woman; a woman who started life in hell and through Jesus found strength that she never knew she had. Not only has her life changed immeasurably as a result of her journey, her children are benefiting from her example. She is a role model for them as well as all the young men and women who she comes in contact with through her many community activities.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who appreciates an inspirational Alger Hiss story. I hope she takes up my challenge and writes additional books further detailing her journey.

Michael
1487945
ZERO REGRETS: BE GREATER THAN YESTERDAY succeeds not merely as a compelling memoir, but as an inspiring motivational guide to mental and physical strength, personal and professional reward, through the pursuit of zero regrets.

I loved reading it, particularly the love, respect, admiration, and gratitude Apolo has for his amazing dad, Yuki Ohno.  Mr. Ohno himself is an inspiration, and we can all do well to learn from his wisdom, his constant and unconditional love, and unwavering support as Apolo's "hero, best friend, coach, mentor, Dad."

Short track speed skating serves as the dramatic medium for Apolo's profound and powerful message;  fraught with unforeseen challenges at every turn, seemingly insurmountable obstacles--and in Apolo's case, amazing recoveries and brilliant victories--short track is the perfect metaphor for life, and Apolo the perfect example of living with zero regrets.

In the prologue, Apolo states:  "I did not want to write a book out of some sense of self-indulgence, or perfectionism, or self-adoration.  No.  Instead, I simply wanted to make plain what I have learned along my path in the hope that my journey would encourage others to strive for what is needed, to reach for the unreachable, to recognize that everyone makes mistakes but the point is to bounce back stronger."

Thank you, Apolo and Mr. Ohno, for sharing so much of yourselves and what you have learned, and encouraging us and inspiring us to be greater than yesterday in this moving, beautifully written book.
81821
I don't feel I can find the appropriate words to delivery how much I have been effected by this story. I found myself laughing out loud in moments, while crying heavily in others. The author's strength, creative soul and most profoundly --her humanity transcends life itself. This story moves me. The kindness the author encountered amongst so many strangers along her journey moves me. I found myself crying on the subway on my way to work this morning rereading beautiful passage about her son and a special bunny named Thumper.

Most eloquently stated by the author," There are things more powerful than our best intentions; that life is painted in broader strokes than we can imagine and all we can do is our best." I felt so connected to her and her view of life, and the strength to weather life's obstacles with an overwhelming endurance, to fully embrace life with an open heart and tender kindness..

After reading her book, I felt more available to the present moment and wanted to live, to take, to enjoy, to really experience life in all its fullest. The author and her actions really impacted me. She's is an incredble woman. I highly recommend this book as a very powerful, moving journey into her love for her son, her soul, and her humanity effecting thousands.

-Kirsten Lewis, New York, New York
1882600
I read this book in two sittings in two days. Her journey is written captivatingly and courageously, facing with great frankness the questions that she struggled with. It's refreshing in that it doesn't have the feel of a "religious" book. I think her own experiences can help other younger adults/intellectuals with the questions of their own journey, and provide them with resources that'll help with their searches -- all in the format of an interesting novel-like story.  I was surprised by the ending, but pleased. I could identify with some of what she wrote because of similar experiences in my own journey, although the inspiration in my life was more like her husband's. An excellent book for people searching for answers to the hard questions for which there are no easy answers--one I'll recommend to others in my job as pastoral minister at church.
1090263
I read this book in a matter of hours - could not put it down....I had been anxiously anticipating it for some time. Karen is an inspiration on so many levels and is one of the strongest people I know - yes I know her personally. She has a beauty both internal and external that shines on everyone with whom she comes in contact. Her story shows that nothing is insurmountable and she continues to inspire as she moves forward with telling her story and competing in triathlons. One cannot come away from reading this book without having it positively touch you.
4222753
I LOVED this book: engaging from the very first page, the compelling journey of these visionary twin entrepreneurs kept me turning the pages..  What an amazing account they share with us..  and written with a wonderful blend of courage, insight, and sparkling wit..  This book moved me -- made me laugh, and choke up -- and left me deeply inspired.  Way more than a book about business -- this is a vastly enjoyable "must read" for anyone who needs their hope rekindled in a world so often overrun by the senseless pursuit of money. A rare and wonderful find!!
475615
Recently, I had the pleasure of reading a truly inspirational book.

Author Nick Vujicic, someone I've never heard of, touched me with his words. Unstoppable, "The Incredible Power of Faith in Action" is a nonfiction journey through this motivational speaker's life. It's his second book to date and follows, "Life without Limbs."

The writer explains the difference between having faith and living in faith, two totally different things. I was left a little ashamed of myself. You see, I want to know my life's purpose, I've been praying and waiting for a sign, thinking that was enough. Now I realize that it's not.

Some parts are laugh out loud funny. Nick can pull it off because he is so comfortable with himself. Other chapters are very disturbing. Do you know that in some parts of the world disabled children are murdered? Some are buried alive!

I didn't know about the common horrific acts performed on women in some countries! I loved the fact that he spoke to Muslims and adjusted his speech accordingly. It proves that you can reach anyone. Nick realizes that the ideas of society as a whole change one person at a time.

Several stories are about the people (young and old) that he has come in contact with. He shares their experiences to make a point. No one wants to feel different. And we all want to feel valued and loved.

A Lack of happiness and self-confidence leads to anxiety, depression and other complications so he has outlined signs to watch for and other great resource information.

I'm thankful I found this book. If you want to see and hear more go to YouTube for videos. Be sure to visit his website.  I received a free copy of this book from Waterbrook Press for an honest review.
4531654
"Bethany's Calendar" is the memoir of one family's journey through the brain cancer of 23 year old daughter, Bethany. I was engrossed from the first page and found it hard to put down - reading it in it's entirety in one evening.

The reader is there with the author, Elaine Marie Cooper, to experience all the emotions encountered during the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of cancer and death of her daughter - be they bewilderment, anger, fear, joy or grief, etc.. "Bethany's Calendar" is a book for everyone as no one escapes cancer - whether it be his/herself or through a family member or friend.

Each chapter begins with an appropriate quote from Bethany's diary and ends with a related bible verse and tip from the author. A list of tips is also included at the end of the memoir for anyone experiencing the devastating effects of cancer in a family member, friend or as a caregiver.

You will love getting acquainted with Bethany - a beautiful, inspiring young woman full of joy, inspiration and a uniqueness all her own. You'll be inspired by her family's faith and trust in God to lead them through this journey with Bethany. "Bethany's Calendar" is a "not to be missed" memoir - riveting, yet full of encouragement and inspiration!!
4787977
Gene Gormans book is a page-turner, even for those of us who do not particularly enjoy reading. Full of acknowledgment of and remorse for early poor choices, he seems to bear no lingering resentment for having had to become a business man at the age of seven, and early neglect. Instead, he pens encouragement and descriptions of his unrelenting drive throughout each page. He fully credits each mentor who appeared in his path - from Viet Nam, to alcohol recovery, to failed business ventures - for the lessons taught and obvious learned, and shares the most profound with the reader. What an amazing and inspirational read, describing a miraculous life, indeed.
1877740
I loved this book. In fact it inspired me to write my own - While Sipping Green Tea - One Woman's Reflections on Awakening. Anna's story felt so close to home as I too was looking for more meaning outside of corporate life and knew there was another way. A great read!
3790037
A thoroughly inspiring read! Dan Brodsky-Chenfeld shares the remarkable the story of his life pursuing one of the most universal of dreams, that of human flight. He actualized the reality of that dream through the sport of skydiving and developed a passion for the sport that led him to become one of the greatest skydiving champions in history. Along the way, he overcame obstacles that would have seemed insurmountable to most, including the extremes of human tragedies, and while doing so, developed a process for setting and achieving goals and for maximizing human performance potential. Above All Else reveals this process to its readers through two means: the first part of the book tells the inspiring and entertaining life-story of Brodsky-Chenfeld's life, including his early boyhood dreams of flying, his youthful search for his life's purpose and passion, and the moment he found it with his first skydive which set off a subsequent whirlwind journey through the next twenty years that included stunning achievements and heart-breaking tragedies on the road to winning multiple World Championships in skydiving. In the second part of the book Brodsky-Chenfeld expounds on the details of the team-building and performance maximizing process that he has developed and refined throughout the years. While Brodsky-Chenfeld's method is clearly related to high-speed performance athletic activities, he notes that the process is no different for virtually any other field, and as an intensive care physician, I can attest to this truth. I have applied the methods he describes in one manner or another throughout my medical career, but I have never encountered such a precise summary of the direct means to taking a dream and turning it into a goal and then a reality, and for maximizing human performance under pressure. I saw a direct relation of his description of the moment prior to exiting the aircraft in a World Meet competition skydive and my work in the resuscitation of critically-ill patients in the hospital, when a team must rely on the training they have and work together "against the clock." This book will inspire anyone to follow their dreams and become a champion in their own chosen arena. I am recommending it to all of my friends and colleagues as a must-read story of human triumph and tragedy and what it really means to be a champion in life.
4418913
When I sat down to read this book I expected to enjoy the writing of one of my favorite Christian bloggers, what I didn't expect is what I experienced - a miracle - a renewing of faith and a fresh perspective on life.  Ann Voskamp takes the reader by the hand and leads them on a journey filled with slap-your-forehead-aha moments.  My eyes were opened to what I couldn't see even though it had been in front of me the whole time.  I jumped from my bed this morning anxious to start the day with this new perspective. I encourage you to read this book and I pray that you experience the same miracle that I did.
734159
I couldn't put this book down.  Angela has important lessons of life choices, forgiveness in order to move forward, give up being right....just wonderful ways in teaching us how to live an extraordinary life.  It was fun taking Angela's journey, in how her transformation came to be, with her.  I cried, laughed, related to her experiences and thought a lot about life in general.  I have to quote a part of her "welcome note" that captured me:
  " If you desire something different in life, now is the time to create an opportunity to make it happen.  In today's world, most of us are faced with adversities every day, such as fear, a sense of not having enough, and stress.  These factors CAN influence us to view the world as unsupportive, lacking and even hostile.  This kind of outlook can only be a breeding ground for more fear and scarcity in the world, since like attracts like.  At this moment, though, there seems to be a shift happening on our planet, as well as within each of us.  This shift is our call to action to "show up" and take responsibility for all aspects of our behavior--to live with integrity, compassion, and respect for all.  I beleive we are all being held accountable for our thoughts, words and actions, and our lives are a reflection of such.  The good news is, we are given plenty of opportunities to change our behavior- to open our hearts and live the life we were meant to live."

If only everybody in the world "got it" too.  Can you imagine what kind of world we would live in?
This is a Must read for everybody wanting to live an extraordinary life.
Thank you Angela!
4324359
I am a big reader. I love reading books of all kinds. I especially love books that inspire me and make me question my own life/plans/dreams. This book did all of that and more! I greatly enjoyed reading a book that was not only a tale of a spiritual journey, but also a travelogue. Chett has led a fascinating life so far, and you get the sense that there is still many more amazing experiences in store for him. It is so brave of him to share all of the innermost details of his heart and life, and doing so in a way that inspires the reader to examine their own heart and life. I loved it! It has made me think, feel and dream. What else can you want in a book?  I can't wait for the sequel ;)
3927606
Nadia's book exceeded my expectations with her insightful words of philosophy and colorfully poetic descriptions.

Her autobiographical account, packaged with thought-provoking questions and comments aimed towards her readers, struck several deep chords in my life-pondering mind. There is plenty of food for thought which would particularly hit home for readers who find themselves at a crossroads in their lives.  Nadia's experiences, hardships, successes are truly inspiring pieces of her world that many readers could relate to and possibly find light in their own circumstances.

In a way, it was a good thing that there were no pictures included because I could focus more on the intellectual aspect of the story than the visual. At the same time, it would have been a great idea to include a few early photos along with some recent ones of herself, since she does mention that she hopes people will be interested in who she is now and not so much on the little girl she used to be.

As far as gymnastics tips, Nadia gives them in the form of using one's pyschology for greater benefit. She also includes a list for success in life towards the end of the book.  Naturally, even I was curious enough to expect, and miss, a bit of flexibility or skill-specific boosting advice from her perspective.

This story is indeed a fantastic motivational tool for others. Those who say otherwise have simply not taken the time or effort to read into what Nadia's story offers or pinpoint the wonderful wisdom she provides.
3799360
What a wonderful book, not just to me but to give as a gift as well!  I'll be ordering a bunch.  As I read my copy I couldn't wait to turn to the next page.  It's very inspiring and gratifying to hear from women of all walks off life, famous and not.  It made me think that I have a few quotes to share, too.  Thank you Pauline Weger for collecting these quotes and adding mini-biographies from each woman.  Knowing a bit of their background made me appreciate what they said even more.  Apart from the beautiful words, the layout of the book is a treasure as well -- soft colors and simple graphics.  It felt good in my hands, so I didn't want to put it down.  Way to go, Pauline and collaborators!