Bob Kull is an authentic seeker.
937510
Bob's story of a year alone on a small island in Southern Chile where the Furious Forties seldom cease to blow is full of the mundane and the miraculous. In that environment, without the balancing perspective of any other human voice, the characters of his intensely personal drama are pain and courage, anger and compassion, self doubt and gratitude, delight and joy.

Gratefully I identify with Bob's flaws and fears, his concern with the minutia of life, as well as his blissful moments and glimpses of enlightenment. He's refreshingly honest.

Bob's concern about the rift of humankind from the sacred in nature, environment and self make him a mirror of our troubled times, an intelligent prophet, and an inspiration for the work we all need do to get back to the garden. His is love of nature is evident in his inspired photography available on his website [...]%202002/index.html
2122402
This is a great little book that is part Robert Pirsig, part Robert Fripp, part Gurdijeff, part Plato. I mean this in all the highest forms of flattery. Phillips presents philosophy as something lived and to be lived. It is a bit like taking the Socratic pursuit of Thinking, throwing it in Heideggerian fashion into being and then asking for questions in most unacademic places. Christopher Phillips has "rescued" Thinking from its academic brackets in the process.
It is also Chris's story. Interwoven with his wonder at the remarkable observations of children, senior citizens, prisoners, men and women he meets in cafes is the story of his life as well. So, at times I thought of Robert Pirsig, at times King Crimson diarist Robert Fripp. Elements of Gurdijeff's MEETINGS WITH REMARKABLE MEN are given uncanny twists: sometimes it is a Mexican kid from the mission district in San Francisco, sometimes a white collar criminal who realizes too late how and whereby he messed up his life. Some of the people are looking for Truth, be it emotional or spiritual truth. Sometimes unexpected answers are uncovered. At all times, Phillips recognizes that this is as close to the real deal as Philosophy can get.
This will not satisfy the academic who believes that sophisticated answers are found only in the in-bred world of the ivory tower. There is no Wittgenstein upheaval of Western Thought, no Quine like analyses of the logical positivistic framework. Nope, just folks thinkin seriously about their lives. Somehow because it is not a task for profit and career, it is all the more genuine. Fripp once noted that the professional (musician) when confronted with an abyss will play what he knows, while the amateur will exceed what he knows because he doesn't know to stop. That's what is at work here. Phillips will draw historical analyses as points are made, but the references are really beside the point. He has done something remarkable, or perhaps the thinkers he has encountered have done something remarkable: they have reclaimed the Socratic dictum of an examined life for themselves, and as such, they have stood up, pointed the way out of the cave to the true light.
This is a book to cherish, and to be enjoyed by all ages. I've just finished it and have given it to my 11 year old niece in St Louis. I suspect we'll have much to talk about. Thank you, Chris.
757909
"In the interest of full disclosure, I have been a friend of Jim Morrisons for about 20 years.  I met him when he was starting Comfort Heating and Air and I was working for a residential contractor.  We became good friends from that time forward. Our lives took different paths as I became a mental health counselor and he contracted cancer.  He has been an inspiration to me and it is a privilege to count him among my good friends.  I knew Jim in the Type Triple A days and always respected him for his work ethic and dedication to his customers.  He was and is a very kind man and a man of deep faith.  I also agree with him that he is unique, uniquely created by God to have the kind of laser like faith that can be pointed at a problem and overcome it.  Even though his tenacious style of living got him into trouble sometimes, it also served to hone his faith and taught him to dream big. Nothing is impossible with God. Jims book is not only the story of his battle with cancer, but it is a testimony to the kind of mustard seed faith that grew into a strong and dynamic belief system that is even now overcoming a very scary and debilitating disease.  What Jim describes here is how faith is supposed to work.  Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  Jim hoped and believed with an unyielding, focused determination until the substance of what he hoped for became evidence that the cancer had gone into remission.  That is the faith of the bible; that is the faith that is talked about in the Book of Daniel.  It is a faith that has to come from the depths of the heart; a faith that is lived, not just thought about.  I can hardly wait to see where Jims faith takes him next.

Jims book is captivating, blunt, honest and straightforward.  He pulls no punches and tells no lies.  There is no fluff here, but when someone is battling for their life, fluff is not what is needed.  Honesty and bottom line information is what a person is looking for.  As I read his book, I kept thinking to myself how many times he repeated certain phrases and themes but then realized that there was a good reason for that.  When people are going through hard times, they often need a paradigm shift.  To change a belief system, the information often needs to be repeated over and over, until that aha moment when it sinks in.  Jim has done that in his book.  The truth you need to hear is repeated throughout the book, offered in different ways and in different contexts.  You see a journey of faith, a change of life and the building of a grateful heart throughout.  I recommend this book to anyone who is facing a life threatening disease or an overwhelming circumstance in their life.  We all have our giants in life and this book gives a compelling example of what overcoming faith looks like.  If you need an example, this is your text."
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I have read many books and heard many speaker discussing coming out and as they address the conflict with one's sexuality and faith. Venn-Brown presents a work that rings an authentic tone as he unearths the pain of living a closeted life. He does so without self-indulgence or bitterness. His words brim with hope, humor and integrity. As he unfolds the complexity of being a Christian who also happens to be gay, he reveals the many horrors we can inflict upon ourselves and others in our attempts to submerge parts of our personalities. He also models the courageous process of starting a new while remaining faithful to the people and beliefs at our core.
I highly recommend this book.
-Peterson Toscano
author of Doin' Time in the Homo No Mo Halfway House--How I Survived the Ex-Gay Movement
1771839
Bob Goff definitey lives his life outside the box.  He relates his adventures in an easy to understand and often humous way, explaining what he learned in the process.  He surrounds himself with and shares the liives of people who are bold, currious, dreamers, unconventional, risk takers, inquisitive, creative, motivated and available.  Although it has a spiritual message it is not about religion.  It is a book about putting our Love into action.  My first copy was given to me as a gift.  It is one of the better books I have read.  I bought 6 copies to give away to friends.  One of them bought 20 copies to give away.  I will place another order this week for more.
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If you are a seeker, then this book is real luck!
Dan Brule is an enlightment master, our contemporary, who lives near with us, Here and Now. He reveals secrets that in the past were available only to the initiated and he shares his unique experience. A real unique chance not only read the book and begin to practice, but also to get to his seminars if you feel that you are ready and it is yours Master.
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Greg Brick's book sparkles in it's authenticity of the experiences of a true, die hard explorer.  It is obvious that he has dedicated a large part of his life to his project, and has reveled in the enjoyment of so doing.
I recommened his book for any one living in Minnesota and elsewhere who enjoy venturing into the unknown, and exploring the depths of the underworld that so fascinates and grabs the imagination of those of us who prefer to keep our heads above ground, leaving that which lies beneath to those of heartier stuff.
Thanks, Greg Brick for your efforts!
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If you told most Catholics in America that there was a 76 year-old businessman in Dallas who was ordained a priest without formal seminary training, they'd probably tell you he wasn't a real Catholic priest. I knew Arthur Hughes and I was there at his ordination in 1968. He was the real thing. "Arthur's Faith" is the assisted autobiography of a smart and personable salesman who converted to Catholicism and then helped others come to the same truth.  Arthur's inspiring story is one of the American dream with a Roman twist. It's a fun read that will have you asking, "Why haven't I ever heard of this guy?"
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John Abrams has written a book that chronicles his journey from 60s hippie fascinated with old buildings and craft to leading edge thinker about the role of small businesses in building and sustaining healthy and vibrant communities. His insights on the often mindlessly accepted growth imperative are alone worth the price of the book.  Abrams' persistence, hard-earned wisdom, sense of humor, and courage to see his values realized in the world come through in his friendly and authentic voice.  His commitment is total, and as such is inspiring to any and all who seek the hidden potential of business to nurture workers and collaborators, the communities in which they are embedded, and the planet we live on.
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The book reflects the author's life and his ability to be authentic and show his vulnerabilities is what captivates.  Many spiritual and Christian writers are not willing to show their humanity while bringing God's word to life.  Damien is the real deal and shows that there is one relationship that is the foundation of all others.

I know that anyone searching for purpose and a way to remove their sense of loneliness will find answers.

Very easy and fun read!
927755
I really enjoyed to read in William Gladstone's book "Miracle Soul Healer". It is written in a very authentic and natural way. I love the honesty of William Gladstone how he is writing his skepticism and also his personal experiences with the Soul Healing System of Dr. and Master Zhi Gang Sha and how that can be true. I'm also moved from the heart touching stories and experiences of the Divine Channels. And I'm very grateful to William Gladstone, because he is giving his knowledge about spirituality that he has collected over the years and I learned a lot. I encourage every skeptics and also the believers to read this wonderful book. It can open a new world in you.
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Steven Curtis Chapman has been one of the most popular artist in the Christian music world for decades.  His life has been shaped by tragedy, heartache, and blessings.  In Between Heaven and the Real World, Chapman shares these events with readers in an exclusive look at his childhood through his upbringing to meeting his wife and the family they have built together.  His story is one that some of his fans may be aware of, but many aspects of his life that he shares in the book will be new to even his most devoted fans making this book worth reading.

I have been a fan of Christian music for about fifteen years and Steven Curtis Chapman is a name I have heard frequently over the years.  Most of his story is new to me and it is a very important story for fans to read.  His openness to share even the hardest parts of his life is refreshing.  He didn't try to sugar coat even the toughest parts of his life, and there were some very difficult tragedies he has experienced.  Reading about the death of his daughter, especially the way it happened, brought me to tears.  I had a hard time getting through that part, but Im glad I did.  The way the family overcame that tragedy showed their faith and the way worked through things was nice to see, even more so when it is said that 95% of families that experience a death of a child don't stay together.  The whole family dealt with the tragedy in different ways, but were still able to find comfort in each other.  One of the nicest things was how real and refreshing the story was.  I didn't want to pick this up and not feel it was authentic, (especially since it was written with someone).  Fans of Steven Curtis Chapman have nothing to worry about, he shines through on every page from learning about the behind the scenes aspects of some of his greatest songs to the struggles his marriage has faced.  It was a joy to read this and it makes me look forward to hearing songs by him on the radio even more.  I recommend this book to fans of Chapmans music and also those that might be struggling in their faith that could gain something from the stories in this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.  The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
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In "Miracle Boy Grows Up," author Ben Mattlin gives readers an honest insight into his life. Born with spinal muscular atrophy, Mattlin reveals how the world around him views and responds to disability. Mattlin is not perfect, and he doesn't claim to be. What he is though is truthful. In a world where people attempt to only put forward their best attributes, Mattlin let's everything out the bag - this is indeed refreshing.  Mattlin is simply a son, husband and father trying his best to carve a path for himself in this sometimes confusing and harsh life. Contrary to what many people might want to believe, being in a wheel chair doesn't diminish or limit one's ambitions and it shouldn't.

More than anything this book is a guide on how to navigate through a world filled with inconsistencies and biases - one that puts people in boxes based on some outward appearance. Whether he knows it or not, and I suspect he does, Mattlin literally attacks life with his intelligence and wit, amazing work ethic, and not to mention his great sense of humor and makes life work for him - a remarkable achievement considering that most individuals wait around for a big break without putting any real work in. All in all, Mattlin has produced a fine memoir that he can be proud of - It's a book everyone must read!!
4503139
I loved this book.  Gene Krackehl's compassion shines through.  It is his caring approach, intention, and open heart that heals his clients, more than the correct mechanics of his hand positions.

I would recommend You Are The Healer to anyone who is interested in opening themselves to the possibility of making connections with other people that are both magical and very real.
4264804
I enjoyed this book immensely and found Bill Blatty to be a warm and affable soul, with a tremendous sense of humor.  Having read some of the one-star reviews, it appears that some felt hoodwinked by the attempt of the author to gain credibility by sharing his life stories with the reader.  This is not a book about near death or out of body experiences, and I can understand why some might be disappointed that the contents fall outside of that particular genre.  What the author does accomplish, successfully in my opinion, is to establish credibility with the reader that he is in fact telling the truth.  Proof of life beyond this one comes in the form of the author's many anecdotal stories that suggest that Providence has taken an active role in his life, since childhood.  Everything leads up to the personal accounts of what happens after the tragic loss of Mr. Blatty's son, Peter.  Personally, I'm grateful that someone like Bill Blatty is able to entertain us with these wonderful stories about his life, while at the same time painting a beautiful and believable picture that will give many solace and hope when pondering the loss of their loved ones.
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What I love about Bob's work is that from book to book, even when he addresses the same issues, he always does so from a slightly different perspective.  Having read two dozen of his books in the last six years, I found this to be an enlightening "final take" from a modern day genius - reading it deepened my understanding of everything else he has written.  As such, I think it's really most enjoyable for those who have some experience with the old guy - i.e. those of us who can appreciate that he's taken to writing haikus about Monteray Bay in his final years.
4353055
This is a great book which made me understand Cornel West even more. This guy has been through a lot and has overcome a lot on his academic and life journey. He even overcome cancer. I really loved reading this book. His work ethic is immense and he seems like a down to earth brother that has spread his message across the world. Truly Inspiring Book.