A positive reappraisal
356683
A good charger for travel. Through experience, I can assure you that your IPhone will be ready to go in no time.
4150034
This book offered many good solutions to common problems and ehlped me refocus my attention in a more positive direction.
4154879
I found this to be an excellent book. It was fun to read because it was so positive! All of the adventures were so genuine and hearing the praise of our country made it even better. Many thanks!
2834310
When I ordered this book I felt sure it would be a good one and I eagerly awaited delivery. I have been accused, more than once, of having an overly rosy outlook on the world, and Sharot's research seemed likely to explain my largely unconscious Pollyannaism.

I was right! And not only was I right, but the author explicates why it would be very difficult for me to reach any other conclusion. Most human beings, most of the time, apparently embrace high expectations. There is a range of optimism, and some of us are overly optimistic (moi?) but, outside of clinical depression, we mostly expect tomorrow to be better, our health to improve or remain great, our marriages to last, our incomes to rise, our friends to love us, our vacations to be superb, our jobs to be satisfying ... well, you get the drift. Sharot posits, and makes a good case for the notion, that there are evolutionary advantages to optimism, and so it has been selected for over millenia.

Statistical studies show that optimists live longer, are healthier, are more successful, have better relationships, and are generally happier than those who embrace a darker view of the world. True, overoptimism exists and can lead to risky behavior and bad planning, but moderate optimists seem to be in the catbird seat they anticipate. And this despite the constant dashing of many of their fondest hopes. It turns out that we tend to remember positive feedback and forget the negative, and this happens at a very deep level in the brain, completely unconsciously.

A fascinating look at ourselves, I very much recommend this to anyone seeking a better understanding of human behavior. But, you knew that before you started reading this review. Right? On the other hand, this book won't be for everyone. Hence 4 stars.
118811
Shirley Cheng's vibrant prose refreshes the soul. Her positive message of hope and love has universal appeal. In "Embrace Ultra-Ability" she writes about her appreciation of life, shares her insights and captures beauty in every moment. To Shirley, life is an adventure filled with possibility.

Reading "Embrace Ultra-Ability" is a positive experience that will lead you to a better life. Shirley Cheng's unique view of the world and encouraging words help you to see life from a different perspective. Some of the topics she addresses include: Time Wasters, Reality Checks, Lifelong Learning, Enlightenment, Spiritual Success, Unconditional Love, Faith, Gratitude, Hope and Goals.

As Shirley introduces her ideas she also talks about her own struggles and accomplishments. By embracing a life of purpose she shows the way to a much more positive lifestyle.

As a fan of Shirley's books I can also recommend her poetry and stories:

<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Waking-Spirit-Prose-Poems-the-Spirit-Sings/dp/061513680X/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Waking Spirit: Prose & Poems the Spirit Sings</a>
<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Dance-with-Your-Heart-Tales-and-Poems-That-the-Heart-Tells/dp/1411618580/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Dance with Your Heart: Tales and Poems That the Heart Tells</a>

~The Rebecca Review
116586
A simple but beautiful book from an author who oozes positivity.  As an easy read, it is an easy source to refer back to when I need a boost in my affirming thought process.  I am a clinical therapist and this book is something that I can easily recommend as bibliotherapy for clients who are stuck and need a boost and a positive redirecting.  I enjoy the author's demeanor, his energy, his love for humanity, and his on-line presence for his readers.  His suggestion that "when our actions align with our passion and purpose, wonderful things begin to happen" rings true to me.  I look forward to seeing his positively affirming posts each day.  Thank you Paul!
2449649
A sincere person can locate some form of assistance using the process found in this book. It is well worth the price and the seller is spectacular.
2740403
Here are the objectively positive things I have to say about the book:
 - It introduces vocabulary that many children are not typically exposed to
 - Verse and tempo are good, as well as length.  It's long enough to be engaging, but not too long where my little girl loses interest
 - Artwork is good.

However... my main gripe, and it's a big one, are the values that this book espouses and behavior it encourages.  It is a bit cutesy, and that's fine, but to me, it reinforces materialism, superficiality, and narcissistic attitudes associated with prima donnas.  I don't necessarily think that there's anything wrong about the natural human attraction to possess material goods, but I think children and adults alike get enough exposure as it is daily...The only redeeming value with the story line might be when she's brought back to earth at the end, but I don't think hit home well enough -- I think young girls will be drawn to superficiality of things that are "fancy" rather than learning the values of being humble and greatful for what we have and what we can do for others less fortunate.
4294168
Since most of the "critical reviews" of this book have been met with highly judgmental (and, most of the time, rather immature) responses, let me preface what I'm about to post with this: I am NOT some illiterate high school kid or community college student who found the book difficult to understand, nor am I a person who is not well-read.  On the contrary, I'm quite a literary buff.  I've read Dickens; I've read Homer; I've read many literature classics (I'm a particular fan Shakespeare).  I've read these works not because I was forced to by a bitter old high school literature teacher, or because it was required for LIT 101 in college.  So if you're going to respond to my review, do me a favor and leave any judgment of my character out of it and stick to what I've written.  You don't know me well enough to pass judgment on who I am as a person.  With that being said, let's talk about Postman.

While Postman does an excellent job of discussing the "evolution" of language and how we've gone from the spoken word as the primary means of storytelling and knowledge to the written word and ultimately to the "television era," he tends to take an extremist approach to television.  His demonization of the television industry at many times takes such a one-sided view of the effect of media on society that it is hard to take him seriously in many instances.

Take, for example, his statement on page 159, where he states "Television serves us most usefully when presenting junk-entertainment; it serves us most ill when it co-opts serious modes of discourse... We would all be better off if television got worse, not better. "The A-Team" and "Cheers" are no threat to our public health.  "60 Minutes," "Eye-Witness News," and "Sesame Street" are."  Perhaps it was the era in which Postman wrote that prompted this particular statement.  That notwithstanding, to accuse programs such as "Sesame Street" as being a "threat" to public health is nothing short of ludicrous and extreme.

Moreover, on page 87, Postman rants, "All subject matter is presented as entertaining... No matter what is depicted or from what point of view, the overarching presumption is that it is there for our amusement or pleasure."  And while Sesame Street may have an "entertaining" format, to say that news coverage of legitimate events are there for our "amusement or pleasure," is completely ridiculous.  Personally, I never saw anything "amusing" or "pleasurable" about the 9/11 news coverage.  Matt Quayle, in his article "The Method of the Medium is in Motion" does a great job of taking Postman's general "theme" and more correctly applying it to modern society.  His article is definitely worth a read.

Lastly, it is my opinion that Postman could have gotten his entire point across in 80 pages, as opposed to the 163 pages it took him in this book.  I found many instances where he simply drones on and on, and uses excessive "wordiness" and repeats his point in two or three different ways.  Personally, it seemed to me like he simply liked hearing himself "speak."  Obviously, I never knew the man personally, but he seemed to be trying to claim some moral or intellectual superiority by his wordiness, as if to say, "Look at me!  I'm not a product of the media brainwashing plot.  I can use fancy words."  Perhaps that wasn't his intent, but it's definitely the vibe I got off of the book.

In summary, while I feel that Postman's book has points of merit, he went overboard on many of his remarks about media exposure.  Perhaps I feel this way because I live in a 21st century society, and I see more clearly how technology has evolved to become an invaluable tool for spreading and gaining knowledge.  And although I agree that media has the capacity to make mindless drones out of its denizens, I do not feel that the demonization of the media as Postman has depicted is entirely fair.  But like I said, this is all just my opinion.
18507
This is an excellent book because, among other things it provides a useful model pointing to the manner in which the human soul may achieve something approaching perfection. Not so much in the specific steps that an individual may follow but more in terms of the procedures that may be involved "between lives" so to speak. This tends to provide some form of connection that might be available in the formal review of one's life paths. Of course there are many many questions that are unresolved - many mysteries are exposed by the account given in the book but on the whole the result is quite satisfying. There are at present a number of books available that tend towards the genre of what may be called "attestations of individualistic accounts of past life experiences", that is, of books that attempt to call forth evidence to persuade one that reincarnation, in some form is an ongoing process for all. However, this book goes much beyond that in trying to generate some form of "unification theory" and within the limits of one person's experience. This is exercised through a consultancy practice referencing the thoughts of many others - even if undertaken through a particular framework. The result is most acceptable and extremely thought provoking without necessarily forcing one viewpoint but in fact opening many paths for personal exploration.

The consistency of the model presented, arising as it does from so many subjects, does rather raise a question concerning the extent to which like attracting like might be a factor in accounting for the "rounded" aspect of the material as it is presented.<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/The-Journey-To-Enlightenment/dp/B003VVCH2O/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">The Journey To Enlightenment</a>

None the less, this does not in any way detract from the overall insight that is presented. As mentioned previously, an excellent book and well worth the money!:)
1560523
I thought the book was well structured and deserves it's words of praise. Certainly enough to reflect upon in the future.
387202
I found this book to be an open and thought provoking evaluation of life, accomplishments and finally  illness associated with decline

This author's presentation reflected an open minded  and contemplative  discussion of the events occurring in each phase

As an R.N. I found it to be a book of substance.  The Audible version was delivered, by the readers, very well
714196
Colli's "Appassionata" is a far more optimistic view than the dark journey a la Feinberg or Richter or Arrau , especially notable for Colli's expansive, almost joyous reading of the slow mov. The Scriabin is painted in Impressionistic colors, recalling the 6th,7th,or 8th Sonatas, in contrast to the more demonic Horowitz reading which seems to take up where the 9th ended. "Pictures" receives an excellent treatment and vitality, many original thoughts of this pianist in voicings and "playing" silences, great "hymn" in the concluding "Gate". Wonderfully warm piano sound, natural unforced playing, a pianist to follow. "Pictures" and "Appassionata"  and the Scriabin can be sampled on YT, but the cd is the way to go. Recommended.
535347
Although the duties of leadership and its lonely responsibilities are well conveyed, this book is uplifting for anyone who appreciates the achievements of migrating water fowl.  The sense of the group dynamics of the flocks waiting and wondering whether to stay put or move ahead is clearly presented.  I very much liked the book from that viewpoint but can also see it as relating to human achievement.  After reading the Great Drake, it would be hard to watch a flock without wondering who of them is indeed the Great Drake.
2394744
I have had this book for a while as we have been in the midst of a physical move. As a result, I had had a bit of time to give this a good deep review and admit that I am pleased with it. I was a bit skeptical at first, but found his references to the history of Paul and his writings  to be compelling to me as my "hobby" is to follow archaeology. As such, I found a lot of what he wrote to be accurate and found myself walking with Paul as he traveled. The fact that he took each of Paul's letters and went into them, I found also interesting. I recommend this book for students, ministers and researchers. It should not be looked at as a comprehensive study, but as a companion, as I believe that this is how it presents itself.

For the positives, there are some negatives. I did find some typos in the book, but as I'm not perfect myself, I overlook these - there weren't that many. The one thing that I did find that stands out, is that there was some conjecture stated as "matter of factual" that I would like to have had further referenced and defined. There is a mention that Paul's father was a tanner and that is why he chose that as a profession while traveling later in life. I would like to know the reference for this if there is one, as I have not seen one to date to make such a claim.  Another not so much a negative as a personal don't like preference, is that he just copies a lot directly from study bibles. It is a preference, that if I wanted that I would go look it up, rather than have to wade through it in his writing - when his writing has some very concise and fresh outlooks in it.

It is a good book, and I recommend it. I definitely will be using it and referring to it in my own class and study development.
1584686
Because I read it , you gave me an opportunity to rate it why not rate it. Thanks for the opportunity to rate it.
1870303
When one sees the words "good, acceptable, poor" on books you tend to wonder what the raters opinion was in comparison to your own. I can absolutely say that what was marked as "good" is most certainly marked as "fantastic" in my book. The shipment was fast, the product is in wonderful to near mint condition, and I am more than pleased with this seller. Thank you!