Book Description
The latest mystery in Andrea Camilleri's internationally bestselling Inspector Montalbano series
Winning fans in Europe and America for their dark sophistication and dry humor, Andrea Camilleri's crime novels are classics of the genre. Set once again in Sicily, The Patience of the Spider pits Inspector Montalbano against his greatest foe yet: the weight of his own years. Still recovering from the gunshot wound he suffered in Rounding the Mark, he must overcome self-imposed seclusion and waxing self-doubt to penetrate a web of hatred and secrets in pursuit of the strangest culprit he's ever hunted. A mystery unlike any other, this emotionally taut story brings the Montalbano saga to a captivating crossroads.
Customer Reviews:
Tiny Puzzles Bother Montalbano as He Recuperates.......2007-08-23
Inspector Montalbano was wounded in Rounding the Mark, and The Patience of the Spider begins with Montalbano being on leave to recuperate. Livia has even returned to his side to take care of his, banishing the ministrations of his housekeeper and marvelous cook, Adelina Cirrincio. Montalbano is concerned that the doctors will find out that he has a heart condition, but that doesn't happen. Except for occasional love-making (which Livia isn't anxious for), Montalbano is leading a circumscribed life . . . even eating healthy, low-calorie foods. Bah!
Naturally, it is a relief when Montalbano is called temporarily back to duty as a kidnapping overwhelms the local force. But the case is not to be his; a colleague comes from a place where kidnappings are common events.
The kidnapped woman, Susanna Mistretta, is a pretty young university student . . . and her family doesn't have any money. Everyone fears the worst, that this is a sexual crime rather than extortion. And initially, there's no news from the kidnappers.
That set of circumstances seems strange to Montalbano. As he investigates, more little things bother him. Why is her motorbike facing in the wrong direction? Where is her helmet? As time passes, the little things seem to suggest of shadow of something else. What could it be?
But it's annoying to work on the case, because Livia alternately berates him for not doing enough . . . and for not telling her about every little development.
Will the young woman be saved? Will she get back in time to say good-bye to her dying mother? Your heart will be wrung as you consider those elements.
The story lacks the usual Montalbano zest for several reasons. He isn't able to indulge his gourmet and gourmand tendencies so the food side of the story is thin. The kidnapping's complications also reveal themselves in a very transparent fashion. I think you'll figure out the puzzle pretty early in the book. Montalbano also has fewer humorous interludes with the other members of the police. The energy, humor, and suspense are just at a low ebb. It's a pleasant mystery, but it's one that won't kick yourself if you don't read it.
The indirect development of the character of the kidnapped woman is quite well done. That was obviously the writing challenge that appealed to Mr. Camilleri as he wrote this book.
The Eighth Inspector Montalbano Mystery by Andrea Camilleri - La pazienza del ragno - The Patience of the Spider.......2007-08-21
What Montalbano should have been doing was resting, keeping the love nest warm with Livia tucked up against him, his official reason for withdrawing from society had something to do with the gun shot wound he received from his pervious job, but there was no doubt about it, this morning he could hear the telephone ringing. There were two options; the first, if he ignored the ringing he could carry on with his natural blissful way of life with Livia! Or secondly if he picked up, work, it only meant trouble, Montalbano reached for the phone.
One hour later he was standing at the scene of the crime, a kidnapping they said. A very pretty girl Susanna Mistretta, who lived with her father and mother in a country villa three miles outside of Vigata town. Susanna had gone to study at friends during the day but had not returned home as usual that evening. Her father of course was worried, time became late and he went searching for his daughter, but it was Susanna's boyfriend Francesco Lipari who finally spotted her abandoned moped about two hundred yards from her parents house. Montalbano was quite certain something had happened to the girl, as he made a closer inspection of the scene, it was the front wheel of the moped that clinched it, why was it facing towards Vigata? Backwards! It looked like it cared it was going the wrong way! As far as Montalbano was concerned this was his case, he'd just seen foul play.
This would be the Eighth book in the series and Camilleri has made a few slight changes with this one, which is charming and crafty. His given to us direct clues of which suspect could have done this crime and his done so quite blatantly, his thrown predictable right at us, but what Camilleri does not give away and therefore keeps us guessing till the last is the Psychology behind the crime, his showing how Montalbano forms his ideas quietly and goes about gathering evidence to support his facts and only then will he let us have the final verdict.
Some may also be disappointed that this time around Camilleri has left out some of that mouthwatering great-flavored foods but instead has spent more time on another intriguing passionate ingredients, Livia and Montalbano's relationship. Livia's presence and character begins to form nicely throughout this storyline remaining Montalbano's rock. Always happy to adjust her life to take care of her man, they argue but in a healthy way of dealing with one another, she takes the no nonsense approach in his darker moods but does understand what his trying to achieve in his world. Their relationship has the up's and down's of a long distance love, Nec tecum nec sine te - Neither with or without you.
Inspector Montalbano character is just fantastic to read, for his questionable brainstorms and unorthodox subversive opinions. Montalbano, a man approaching the end of his career, the rebel, the thinker, not afraid to explore all areas even into obsession. Sorting through a web of lies to find logic, searching for truth.
Andrea Camilleri has written a wonderful Montalbano mystery series. Having read all in the translation series, I love the characterization and language the usage of dialogue that has been kept real with sharp wit and ironic comedy moments, the sly comments on Italian life and culture keep things for me interesting and amusing.
A special mention to poet Stephen Sartarelli, I'm thoroughly enjoying his clear translation of each book and for the informative notes given at the back on wording. Thank you.
A Wonderful Read.
Andrea Bowhill
The Patience of the Spider.......2007-07-19
As always, Andrea Camilelri is a wonderful writer! This series is top notch and i have read every book in it. I can't wait for the next one.
Good.....but not as good.......2007-07-05
I always enjoy the Inspector Montalbano mysteries and will read them and enjoy them regardless of the reviews they get. I have to admit that I did not think this was one of Camillier's better efforts. The plot was not as interesting as most and there was not enough about the food!
Back on Track.......2007-06-27
Camilleri's newest book returns to what I had enjoyed in his first three books--more focus on character and less focus on what might make a good TV show.
Book Description
The Dalai Lama teaches with clear and forceful language. These teachings form an essential spiritual discourse.--Publishers Weekly
Customer Reviews:
Meditate don't medicate.......2007-05-07
The information is soothing. What is odd however is all the people searching for "something" they will never find. It really does just boil down to being a good person.
To much terminology.......2005-10-02
To my opinion the second part of the book it goes too deep into Buddhist terminology and into theories beyond the apprehension of a western reader.
The theory of emptiness and complicated issues of high level Buddhist philosophy shouldn't have been a part of a book with the title "healing anger"!
Excellent.......2004-03-05
Snow Lion Publications is a landmark when it comes to Buddhist literature, up there with Wisdom Books and Shambhala Publications. The Dalai Lama faces the issues of our times in this book; for we live in times of so much violence and anger in various situations, not just "global." We encounter them in our family life, in our work life, et cetera. Everywhere we go, this matter seems to pop right up! As you might expect, the practice out of this the Dalai Lama prescribes is the cultivation of compassion; cultivating patience. Patience, His Holiness points out, permits us to mindfully and calmly accept hardship, thus enabling us to see things as they are unclouded.
In here you find an old text from the 11th century which is quite important to Tibet known as the "Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life" by Shantideva. The Dalai Lama uses this text as his entire groundwork for explaining the practice and place of patience in our lives, if of course, we are aspiring and actualizing our life as a bodhisattva. Also a good book on this subject is "Anger: Wisdom For Cooling the Flames." Sure the books are dissimilar in style and format, while simultaneously they drive towards the same end point; realizing our life as a bodhisattva. Get this book right away, it's a must have!
Logical and needed in today's world.......2003-07-16
This book is essential reading for those like myself who have difficulty restraining their anger. Reading this book has allowed me to understand the causes that lead to anger and ultimately, to suffering. At it's deepest level, Healing Anger is about how to get oneself on the road to the cessation from suffering by changing one's outlook on the world and on oneself.
Essential.......2003-04-26
This book is a recording of one of the Dalai Lama's seminars in the US. Looks hard to read at first, but the concepts are fascinating. The Q&A sections reveal alot of the more dogmatic views of Tibetan Buddhism. The premise is simple, anger is an unecessary cause of suffering. Alot of good advice, especially for Westerners attempting to convert to Buddhism or considering the path of the Bodhisatva. When you think about these things it can really make a difference. Stick with it. It's worth reading!
Book Description
A how-to on the ancient art of physiognomy, updated and practical. Rosetree's system of Face Reading Secrets ® is designed to open your heart, even as it provides knowledge with uncanny accuracy.
Customer Reviews:
Very informative.......2007-07-03
I ordered three face reading books to try to get as much information as I could. This book by far was the best. She adds a bunch of humor. This book is very well written and easy to read. I recommend this to all who are curious about what the face means. I am very pleased.
Useful and Insightful.......2005-12-10
After reading The Power of Face Reading, I am shocked by the response from "Almost Useless". In her book Rosetree asserts that we all have various challenges as well as styles with which we excell at, and I think Rosetree does an excellent job of expressing our different styles for work, spending money, communication, etc. with great compassion and depth. This is not a "too positive spin on every negative interpretation"; it's more a realistic way of looking at our strenghts and weaknesses.
I also firmly disagree with "Almost Useless"'s assertion that some of the interpretations are "just inaccurate." I have done many readings after reading the book, for friends and people that I've just met, and everyone remarks how surprisingly accurate they are! Rosetree also points out that the traits of our face reveal our propensity for a certain style of being. We are all human and can choose to behave in other ways as we choose. Knowing what are preferences are can help us use them with more strength, and to also gain understanding for the strengths and propensities of others. Brilliant for relationships!
In terms of "putting it all together" for doing face readings, I found this to be no problem. Like I said, I started doing readings for friends and new people I met right away. Rosetree also explicity states to set an intention to be of service, and begin with the features that strike you the most, and then notice what you notice next and go from there. This is what I've adhered to and what has made my readings so successful.
Lastly, I would be cautious with the review titled "Gems for Tabliod and Intellectuals." I might chuckle at these having not read the book. Rosetree's book provides much more depth than these quotes reveal. The book shows us that there are many ways to be in the world, and the beauty is that we can choose. I find it powerfully useful to know my style preferences at my very core.
The best of the best!.......2005-12-03
I know this book. I know this author. Rose Rosetree is a woman of the highest integrity and she is a great force. She's been on this path for many years, researching ancient studies and particularly refining the hidden traits found in faces. Each one of her books is a gift. But the wisdom contained in this one, The Power of Face Reading, showers the reader with clues and tips on discovering the very essence of, say, co-workers, first dates, celebrities, politicians -- any person with whom you might come face to face. For those with a sense of wonder and a hunger to know more, this is an easy read.
Amazing insights.......2005-12-02
I found this book, like all the ones I've read by Rose Rosetree, to be witty, insightful, and very useful. When reading this book, keep in mind that reading faces isn't just a formula, which is a point that Ms. Rosetree makes. The whole face needs to be considered, since it is a reflection of the soul as a whole. I use face reading often, and it's amazing how accurate it is. In addition to the companion book WRINKLES ARE GOD'S MAKEUP, I strongly suggest reading AURA READING THROUGH ALL YOUR SENSES. Combining aura reading with face reading is a very powerful tool and provides a far more complete picture.
Almost useless.......2005-05-02
The author tries so hard not to offend anybody, that she puts too positive spin on every possibly negative interpretation and overemphasizes what would already be considered as a positive one. Also, I found the most interpretations just inaccurate. Examples from nose chapter:
short nose - workaholic
long nose - talent for planning and strategy
straight nose - you work systematically
arched nose - creativity
...
Ok, of course you are supposed to interpret everything and put it all together, eliminating contradictions on the way, but the book falls short on instructions how to do that. There should be a chapter titled "putting it together" where the author should explain the process of face reading: what to look first? how to determine basic information about a person and go from there? Instead the book focuses on details without giving you the big picture.
Book Description
Presents a variety of Buddhist methods for subduing and preventing anger, not by changing what is happening, but by framing it differently.
Customer Reviews:
Read It Over and Over.......2005-07-20
I have not only highlighted the daylights out of this book, I'm starting on my fourth time reading it. It has helped me deeply realize that anger in me is like acid in a styrofoam cup - it destroys the container. Thubten Chodron has a gift for translating the Buddhist teachings and philosophies into plain language that anyone can understand and apply.
This is the kind of book that I keep 2 or 3 copies on hand to give to friends, relatives and co-workers. It's a wonderful way to help people in conflict without being preachy.
I hope I get to meet Thubten Chodron one day so I can thank her for blessing us with this book.
Childproofing your exposed buttons.......2004-12-30
American Buddhist nun Chodron has in this work produced a detailed and concise handbook which could be used practically by Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike. Of greed, hate and delusion representing the three roots of suffering, anger is the most easily seen with prominence in the sphere of relationships to other people. It is at this level that the book applies in our interactions with kin, associates and adversaries and how to change tensions into harmony. The presentation in part echoes "How to win friends and influence people" by D. Carnegie, though its tone is more esoteric and not one to help improve ones' charisma.
The narrative hits home its points e.g. in defending itself against the charge that anger could actually be beneficial by devices including a disarming logic and everyday examples both hypothetical and real. In the former, the personal third person pronoun (like in many modern books) switches easily though unpredictably between genders. It also draws on traditional texts and advice from meditation masters as well as Chodron's quietly forthright style.
About 18 chapters summarise all the facets of anger manifestation including how it applies to oneself. A strength of the book is how it fashions modern ways of thinking and concepts to make aspects of the teaching relevant e.g. "When Our Buttons Are Pushed" or "Conflict Styles". The book thus combines modern psychological approaches to understanding and dealing with stress with ancient wisdom. Topics include defining anger, patience, recognising anger, criticism and blame, dealing with enemies, envy, love and compassion and developing wisdom. The book contains two summarising appendices to clarify the lessons it teaches with a glossary and reading list.
This book will be particularly useful in penal institutes to help offenders and the probation service in "anger management courses" and wherever such lessons could apply from schools to Customer Service. Readers who think they do not need such a guide may in fact discover reservoirs of resentment within themselves after reading it. As an interesting digest it could be equally translated to help deal with alternative problems such as manifestations of greed. This is very much a book that points the way without detailed analysis of mind and liberation with some challenging wisdom. It points to the interconnectedness of all beings and the futility of anger, not least under conditions of "cyclic existence".
Excellent Observations, Useful Techniques.......2004-12-08
This is a wonderful book. I've been working on my anger for some time and reading this book gives me confidence and methods to complete this important project. She provides numerous techniques, advice, and comments to approach this problem in a helpful, gentle, and multifaceted way. Firstly, we must recognize the existence of the anger and allow it to settle:
p. 22: "Psychologists speak of a refractory period that accompanies an emotion. During this time, we are closed to any advice or reasonable interpretation that contradicts our view...When the emotion subsides and we are able to look at the event more clearly, we readily see...that anger's interpretation was inaccurate...when we are angry we are, in fact, viewing it through a filter of our self-centeredness."
The author makes the important connection between our anger and our self-centeredness-our attachment to our ego. Furthermore, she observes that we view others as similar to ourselves:
p. 71: "When our mind is well accustomed to find faults with others, we incorrectly assume they will do the same with us. Here we have two useless habits to counteract: the first is judging others, and the second is assuming others are judging us."
On page 83, she points out that even if we are "right" it doesn't make us happy, but that acceptance of the reality of life helps us to make the most of our lives-not surrendering to it:
p. 88: "Acceptance simply means fully accepting that what is happening now is indeed happening, even if we do not like what it is. We stop fighting the reality of the present moment and let go of our anger. Nevertheless, we still aspire and work towards improving the situation in the future. In fact, acceptance of the present enables us to think more clearly about effective means for influencing what occurs in the future." And, "If we face an unpleasant situation and can change it, why get angry? ...On the other hand, if we cannot alter the situation, why get angry?"
She explores different kinds or scenarios of anger situations with numerous examples and makes some less than obvious observations:
p. 89: "Interestingly, in most conflict situations, both parties feel that the other is more powerful...Because we are interdependent, everyone in a situation affects the others. However, we are seldom aware that the person we consider powerful is also dependent on others and may at times feel helpless as well."
She also provides some less than obvious solutions or antidotes to our anger:
p. 96: "We can take any pain we experience and give it to the selfish attitude."
Ven. Chodron also states what I have been waiting to hear for a long time from the many Vajrayana texts I have read that"
p. 126: "In wishing all beings to be happy and free from suffering, we must include ourselves. Doing so is appropriately loving ourselves and having compassion for ourselves. No sentient being is more or less deserving than any other in this respect." And,
p. 128: Someone once said, `If we treated others the way we treat ourselves, we wouldn't have any friends.'
She also addresses how to help other people immersed in their anger:
p. 147: [if you ask someone undergoing anger] "What could someone say that would help you at this moment?" [it helps them "to consider new alternatives]. "What could someone have said to you back then that would have helped you?" [it helps them "to look at the situation more creatively"].
And finally, the strange truth about our anger (per Jung's view that what we project outside of us is often opposite to what is outside), touching off our true compassion & Bodhichitta:
p. 149: "How many of us get angry when we are really trying to say `please love me'? And how many of us miss others' pleas for kindness because we react to their outer hostility?"
precious.......2003-10-21
This book is precious.It has and is still helping me deal with anger in all it's forms even though I thoughtI wasn't an angry person.Bonus is that it is written in a very uncomplicated language. I'm very grateful to this book.I'm buying 3 more copies for my friends.Enjoy!
Anger No More.......2002-01-09
This was an AWESOME book. Thubten Chodron knows what it's like to be in the shoes of an American living in the millennium. And more! She gives wise, yet practical, perspectives in how our perception is what stands in our way 100% of the time. Of the many choices we have in reacting to any given situation, anger is but only one, and Thubten clearly illustrates how it only serves to pave a destructive path for ourselves and others. I initially bought this book in the hopes of finding a few answers for personal situations, and I found myself feeling transformed within the first 30-40 pages! For those who are naturally introspective, some of this book will serve as an effective reminder for what you already know. Most of it, however, will offer a refreshing new view to take with you as you approach your day. One does not need to be religious to benefit from this book, and you don't need to spend a chunk of your day in a meditational state to make use of it. A definite must for those who want to evolve in a difficult world.
Average customer rating:
- Wonderful Book!
- Five Stars
- Blast from the past with a pilgrim girl
- Pretty Good Look at Pilgrim Life
- A View of the Unexplored Fronteir
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A Journey to the New World: The Diary of Remember Patience Whipple, Mayflower, 1620 (Dear America Series)
Kathryn Lasky
Manufacturer: Scholastic Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding
 General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
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Colonial | Fiction | United States | History & Historical Fiction | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Action & Adventure | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Dear America | Historical | Series | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
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Lasky, Kathryn | ( L ) | Authors & Illustrators, A-Z | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books | Classics | Comic | Contemporary | Literary
General | Colonial Period | United States | Americas | History | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 059050214X |
Customer Reviews:
Wonderful Book!.......2007-09-23
I've read almost all of the Dear America series! These are excellent books to read to nursing home patients!
These books take you into the past; into the lives of the people of the time period.
Patience Whipple showed profound courage and strength by overcoming heartbreaking odds to survive.
Highly recommend this book!
Five Stars.......2007-08-08
A wonderful beginning to the Dear America Series. Remember Patience Whipple better known as Mem is a twelve year old girl on the Mayflower with her parents and little sister Blessing. Set up in a diary form Mem writes about the voyage, her new friend Hummy and her experiences on the Mayflower and the first couple months at Plymouth Rock. She meets one of the Native Americans Squanto, experiences losing her new friend Hummy, her mother's illness and death, and her father's remarriage. Kathryn Lasky made Mem such a delightful and wonderful girl and paints a vivid picture of life on the Mayflower and at Plymouth Rock.
Blast from the past with a pilgrim girl.......2006-08-05
Remember Patience Whipple is a pilgrim child on the Mayflower. When Remember comes ashore, things get tough. Lots of people are dying, including a member of her family, and it's harder still when her best friend has to go back to Holland. I first saw the movie version of this book, and I just had to read it. After a slow beginning, it gets better and better. This is not quite as good as the other "Dear America" books that I have enjoyed--but like the other books, this one made me feel as though I was back in the past with the characters.
Pretty Good Look at Pilgrim Life.......2006-06-01
This is a pretty good book about a pilgrim girl coming to America in the early 17th century. I give it four stars because even though the writing is descriptive and well-paced, the main character is too headstrong and stereotypical for me. Also, I didn't feel any really strong emotions while reading this book. However, I do recommend it as a beginner for the series because it is set before any of the other books in the series.
A View of the Unexplored Fronteir.......2006-01-20
The book A Journey to the New World is the fictional yet accurate account of the pilgrims' settlement in America, the new world, to be free from the king's religious oppression. The story is told in diary form, through young Remember Patience Whipple, making it easier for younger readers to comprehend but benefit in full. The book is the beginning of a new nation, an unexplored future of pain and suffering, joy and happiness. The book is finly illustrated; another great accomplishment by Kathryn Lasky.
Book Description
Verse translations of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Patience, and Pearl by Marie Borroff. "These translations by Marie Borroff not only are one of the great achievements of rthe translator's craft but are works of art in their own right."—Lee Patterson, Frederick W. Hilles Professor of English and Chairman of Medieval Studies, Yale University.
Customer Reviews:
Borroff is the Best!.......2006-03-05
These are absolutely the best translations of the Gawain- (aka Pearl-) poet around. It's diabolically tricky to translate the Middle English of this obscure, anonymous poet, due to the fact that he combines the accentual, alliterative prosody of the native tradition with the rhythmic and rhyming verse of continental models. Of all the translators who have attempted it, Borroff by far provides an experience closest to reading this brilliant verse in the original.
These translations were originally published in short paperback versions of each poem. These are often still available from used booksellers. If you are only interested in one poem (probably Sir Gawain), look for one of these used paperback versions, and save your money. Patience and Purity (or "Cleanness") are wonderful poems, but they are not really of much interest to the general reader, and are mostly studied by scholars or by grad students.
Excellent translation.......2002-11-02
This is a great translation of one of the finest poems ever written in the English (well, middle English) language. The poem, in its original form, is very difficult to read, and Borroff's translation makes it not only easy but also very enjoyable to read.
This poem originally was very alliterative, and Borroff has preserved much of that. Sir Gawain is one of the greatest of the Arthurian legends, and this translation preserves much of the poems integrity. This is definitely a must have for any student of early English poetry or Arthurian legend.
The other works, Pearl and Patience, are believed to share the same author as Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. These, too, are excellent poems. This would be a great addition to any collection.
Best modern translation.......2002-10-21
This book contains a reprint of Borroff's now standard translation, in addition to translations of two other middle English poems from the Gawain ms. Borroff has not only rendered Gawain into very readable modern English, but has also retained the alliterative lines of the original. Aside from the merits of this edition as a translation, Sir Gawain is one of the finest poems written in the English language. There are several sharp departures from typical romances of this type, and in Gawain's test we are made to see the contradictory nature of the courtly ideal. Amazing in style, it is both a clever critique of chivalric values and an entertaining adventure.
Due to the difficulty of the remote dialect of the original, this lively and witty romance is difficult to read in middle English, even for those who have studied Chaucer. It is, however, not impossible. For those who are interested in the poem, I would recommend reading it in translation, then trying the Anderson-Cawley (Everyman) edition, which normalizes the runic letters preserved in the Tolkien-Gordon-Davis (Oxford UP) scholarly edition.
Book Description
It has become the norm of our fast-paced world to expect everything to happen instantaneously, and for us to become instantly aggravated when it doesn’t. The result is that we can feel frantic and rushed, stressed and unhappy nearly all the time. In The Power of Patience, M. J. Ryan teaches us how to slow the rush and reclaim the forgotten virtue of patience on a daily basis. She shows how doing so allows us to make better decisions and to feel better about ourselves every day.
As the creator of the bestselling books, Random Acts of Kindness and Attitudes of Gratitude, M.J. Ryan discovered that the classic virtues have enduring power to bring light and love into our lives. With The Power of Patience, she shares what she has learned about the gifts that this old-fashioned quality can bestow, the attitudes that foster a patient outlook, and the practical tools that help us to respond patiently in any given moment.
The Power of Patience calls on us to reclaim our time, our priorities, and our ability to respond to life with a firmly grounded sense of who we are. It is the best gift, we soon learn, that we can give ourselves.
Customer Reviews:
Loved this book.......2007-05-08
This book is perfect for someone who's learning to assert patience in their daily lives. First off, the chapters are short and to the point, which is perfect for the readers of this particular book. Secondly, each chapter deals with a different aspect of life and how patience plays a role. So, if you're dealing with a specific situation, it's most likely covered in this book. Lastly, the author doesn't preach to you. Instead, she speaks of her own struggles with losing her patience and how, even now, she slips up from time to time. I'm very glad I read it.
Patience is good.......2006-02-25
I took my time reading this book. I found it very insightful and motivating. I do believe it has taught me to be more patient.
Definitely good for leisure. Really helpful? Hard to tell.......2005-09-05
The following passage on page 1 precisely describes my mind:-
Dear God,
I pray for patience. And I want it Right Now!
- Oren Arnold
From the above, you can tell it's hard to satisfy an impatient reader like me. However, I must say that in the previous two days when I was reading the book here and there, during various means of transport, I did have better patience or tolerance towards queues, jostlers, neightbourhood annoyances etc etc., though I dont know whether the tranquilizing effect is for long or for short.
No matter what, I love reading it for the author's shrewd writing and clever use of excellent passages from others. I am sure you wont lose your patience for or whilst reading it. Certainly good food for thought. Below please find some of my favorite quotes for your reference.
The key to everything is patience. You get the chicken by hatching the egg, not by smashing it. - Arnold Glasgow Pg vii
Walt Disney, for instance, was turned down 302 times before he got financing for Disneyland. Pg 11
Genius is nothing but a greater aptitude for patience. - George Louis Leclerc de Buffon Pg 20
Your biography becomes your biology. - Caroline Myss Pg 32
I think and think for months and years, ninety-nine times, the conclusion is false. The hundredth time I am right. - Albert Einstein Pg 79
You cant control anything about someone else, but you have complete control of how you relate to him or her, and that, of course, will drastically impact his or her willingness to receive your viewpoint. - Tim Gallwey, The Inner Game of Work Pg 99
Judging others will avail you nothing and injure you spiritually. Only if you inspire others to judge themselves will anything worthwhile have been accomplished. - Peace Pilgrim Pg 111
If there's a defining characteristics of a man as opposed to a boy, may be it's patience.
- Lance Armstrong Pg 115
Every moment a beginning. Every moment an end. - Mark Salzman Pg 121
The Power of Patience.......2003-05-22
This is a great book to learn how to deal with everyday life and being more patient with yourself and others around you!! It has already helped me a great deal and opened my eyes to new options in life! Thanks M.J. Ryan for writing this great book!
The Power of Patience: How to Slow the Rush and Enjoy More H.......2003-05-15
Mary Jane Ryan's POWER OF PATIENCE puts it all into perspective. Through inspiring quotes, stories, and practical suggestions, she creates an insightful, personal and very useful journey for readers. I've had the book a week and have already read it twice (the combination of a house fire, huge loss and a very bad insurance company are making me a student of patience and perspective...thank goodness for this book!). POWER OF PATIENCE would also make a terrific gift.
Product Description
Unlike so many other publications that approach human sexuality, feminism, and political correctness from an academic vantage point, The Rantings of a Single Male gets personal. Drawing upon encounters with both foreign and domestic women, American writer Thomas Ellis offers up this collection of highly original stories, satire, and social commentary. Running the gamut from hilarious to tragic, these rants employ dark humor to illuminate the many absurdities of our gender culture. A central theme is our willingness to nurture lower standards of female responsibility and sanity. Ellis is unapologetic and unrestrained in his handling of women's history, women's spirituality, gender norming, implants, affirmative action, rape hysteria, pornography, homophobia, and bad dates. Deep, dark, and disturbing, The Rantings of a Single Male is destined to become a gender wars classic.
Customer Reviews:
This book is a gift to all men.......2007-07-08
This book is absolutely fantastic! It really has improved my life, for the following reason: For years, I have been frustrated with women's attitudes towards men which I thought were selfish, although it was difficult for me to put into words exactly what these attitudes are. What Thomas Ellis has done in this book is to perfectly articulate what these frustrations that I have felt for years are, so I feel relieved! I do not feel so awkward toward understanding women any more, but now feel greatly impowered. The book is a reminder for men to redfine themselves not in terms of how a women defines a man's success in life (eg, is he a "loser" or not?). Additionally, that this book is a confirmation of evolutionary psychology (expressed in an earlier review) is silly and not the point --the problem here is that men cannot stand the double standard of the demands of feminism, while allowing for women to continue to have all of the traditional perks (men paying for dinner, the big ring, etc). because, as Thomas says, "they are so cute." We, as men, can change the course of evolution of mankind by not accepting any of the double standard that many women want.
Thank you, Thomas Ellis, for this wonderful gift of a book, and PLEASE write another.
Finally, a counter-balanced viewpoint to feminazi rants :-).......2007-07-04
Whew! This book was a breath of fresh air and blew my cowgirl hat right off. Ladies, there's some stuff in here that'll make you squirm, but I had to admit, Mr. Ellis is telling the truth from the heart: women pull just as many tricks as men do and we've got to own up to them.
The so-called Sexual Revolution and Women's Lib did a lot of harm to women, and to men, and Mr. Ellis points out many of the points of unfairness from the man's point of view.
Would this book be for everyone? Well, is Andrea Dworkin's book "Intercourse" for everyone? (And no, Mr. Ellis is not a woman-hating, misogynistic pig ;-).) I think it's for women, and men who are sick and tired of all the games that get played these days and just want a breath of fresh air, and a new viewpoint.
I gave it 5 stars for truthfulness, writing straight from the heart, and from seeing a lot of good men in my life being ruined by a load of horsepucky dumped on them *by women* that paralleled the examples in this book.
Buy it and read it and pass it along. It's a great read, Mr. Ellis is a good writer and his points are so darn on target that, even if I disagreed with his premise, I found myself agreeing with his conclusions.
Someone speaking the truth at last, and still managing a grin.......2007-06-27
Thomas Ellis' book would be recommendable on the grounds of his writing talents alone, whatever subject the guy was tackling. I could hardly believe it was his first book. But when you combine that style with the issues he deals with here, which revolve around the hypocrisy of political correctness and devastating effects of a feminism gone dumb, then you have a modern classic. Don't be misled by those who try to equate political correctness as being equivalent to moral or ethical correctness. They are as far apart as you can get. What was politically correct in Germany in 1940 stopped being politically correct in May 1945. Political correctness is just a reflection of whichever cultural, sexual, economic, etc prejudices happen to be in fashion at the time, as every man so sorely knows, and the sooner we rid outselves of this bogus, hypocritical concept the better will it be for the human race. Obviously, many of those who find thmselves on the right side of the PC barrier think it's wonderful, just like many pre-1945 Germans liked the political correctness there. But fortunately, history shows us that what's morally and ethically unjust will never stand the test of time. The fact that the whole shaky edifice of post-60's gender feminism is starting to shake and crumble, built as it is on hypocritical, one-sided ideas of equality, is further proof of this phenomenon. Thomas Ellis' brave book makes a massive contribution towards achieving true equality, and all those who believe in fairness and the freedom of thought should be grateful to him for making such a sacrifice for the truth. (After all, the publication of this book may have guaranteed that the rest of his life will be spent single.)
Thomas hits the nail on the head every time, and his analyses are always fair and objective, as agreed by an open-minded woman friend of mine who loved the book too. It's certainly not intended for woman-haters, as some claim below. Instead, it infuriates, and thus reveals, the man-haters. Read this as soon as you can, and for the strongest recommendation of all, just look at the reviews of those voting 1 star for this book, and see what kind of person this once noble, but long-since misguided movement has, and still is producing. This book will show you just what has made them turn out that way, and what can be done to stop future generations from being similarly affected. However, it will also make you grateful for the women you do meet who have managed to come through feminist conditioning with an intact sense of objective equality, and one should always keep them in mind when tempted to criticise every member of their gender.
A Must Read For Men!.......2007-05-14
An excellent book by Mr. Ellis!
I encourage all men to read this book and then pass it on to other men.
Spread the Word!
female bashing........2007-05-07
i bought this book because, as a feminist, i wanted to see the other side; to see what men had to say about the issue. & unfortunately, while trying to expand my knowledge, i only found a very angry individual whose only goal, it seemed, was to bash feminism and females in general. while he has some good ideas and thoughts, they are hidden beneath his lashing out and extreme generalizations of the female sex. i could only read about 10 pages at a time before becoming angry & putting the book down. as it stands, i have not yet finished it & dont intend to. i would not recommend this book for females trying to get into brains of men, but instead to men who need a good female bashing session. the author has no intention of seeing the other side, so for those of you who are trying to, dont read it.
Book Description
6 x 9 Parenting
Even though your child is nothing like a dog, knowing a few things about dog training will give you a whole new view of parenthood.
A dog-trainer and stepfather offers parents a fresh and insightful approach to loving, compassionate and effective parenting techniques. Starting out with why so many of the things parents try with their kids don't work, he offers strategies straight from the kennel that make perfect sense in the family room: --Discipline leads to more freedom --If you make him mind, he'll still love you --It's easy to loosen up, but hard to tighten up --Don't confuse restraining with training
Customer Reviews:
Great for dog owners and parents.......2005-04-18
This is a very accessible book--easy reading, concise (under 200 pages) and full of illustritive anecdotes. I found it a great resoruce for raising our GSD and there were some equally applicible insights on parenting my 7 year old, since the same principels work in both arenas--clarity, consistency, leadership, etc.
Definitely a worthwhile read.
Marginally Recommended for Dog Owners or Parents.......2003-02-24
The author of this book, for all his sincerity, is an old school dog-trainer. In recent years we've learned that we can get better results with dogs, not by choking them with prong collars, but by training the things we want them to do in positive ways. The same goes for raising our children.
There are some nuggets in the book. He talks a lot about making sure you're speaking in an understandable language to your children and your pets. For example, in one section, he talks about a mother saying to her child, "Be careful!" When he asks what she means, she says, "Stay on the sidewalk." He then asks, "So, when I'm driving and you say, Be Careful, I should stay on the sidewalk?" It's true we aren't often clear in our expectations of our children or our dogs and expect them to know what we mean even if we don't explain ourselves. He's right! That isn't fair!
If you want children who don't rebel, you have to be ready to encourage all that is good about them. This book seems to be about focusing on catching the bad and punishing it out of them. He encourages the use of choke collars on dogs, and similar techniques on children... just without the physical device.
But most of all, this book is about dog training by a dog trainer with a few seemingly random ties to parenting. Harold Hansen married a woman with children and we don't know how old they are when he became their step father. We don't know what his experiences are as a father. We know he has been a dog trainer for a long time.
There are some things to learn in here... but other books come more highly recommended.
Well worth your time.......2002-08-14
I had the good fortune to take my pit bull Anubis to one of Mr Hansen's classes and have been a fan ever since. It is a lot of fun to watch the silly mistakes people make with kids (& dogs), and realize that you would likely be doing the same thing without his advice. Some of the advice is so obvious you'll wonder why you never considered it this way before. Nothing short of a revelation!
the DOG trainers guide to PARENTING.......2000-07-30
Finding "the DOG trainers guide to PARENTING" while looking for a book to train my new puppy is the answer to my prayers. Other methods I've tried have been ineffective and left me feeling impotent as a parent. Mr. Hansen's approach involves none of the useless "psycho-babble" that is so prevelant in parenting books today. He makes the reader aware of the many different mistakes parents make but have no idea they are making. He very concretely lays out a road map for successful parenting through the use of his own life experiences and illustrates his points with examples from is interactions with dog owners that have come to him for help. As well as being helpful and informative, the book is very light-hearted, entertaining and easy to read.
It doesn't matter how you feel about dogs, if you need help with becoming a better parent, this is the book to read. Positive changes were made in my home before I was even half-way through the book!
Refreshing and Effective.......2000-05-01
This little book packs a lot of emotional intelligence into a readable message. The focus is on building up kid's confidence and common sense by being consistent in your parenting. Using dog training as a parallel makes the points easier to understand and shows how we can avoid making common mistakes. It's helped me understand much more about being a positive presence in the lives of those I love.
Book Description
In the Wild West town of Springton, certain Texas belles are finding rattlesnakes easier to lasso than the hearts of the men they desire. Rachel Branigan is Springton's outcast...Caleb Stone the new minister. They both have enemies from the past who threaten to destroy them - and squelch their budding love. When handsome lawman Lee Cutler falls ill, the plain-faced and demure Patience Primrose volunteers to nurse him back to health. Will her self esteem suffer another crushing blow when the new schoolteacher catches Lee's eye? After months of feuding, a confessed secret brings sawmill owner Bobby Joe Aaron and schoolmarm Susannah Butler together in a marriage of convenience. But their little family and growing love teeter on destruction when other secrets are revealed. On his first day as sheriff, Billy Ray Aaron catches a thief who turns out to be a woman in disguise. The biggest challenge of Billy Ray's entire career may be rehabilitating Victoria "Tory" Nelson from her life of crime - before she can steal his heart. Follow the romantic exploits and spiritual journeys of Springton's finest - as well as a couple of her less-than-upstanding citizens - and watch God's love unfold in each life.
Customer Reviews:
Best Historical Romance I've Ever Read.......2007-01-09
When I first read this book, I had never heard of this author, so I didn't know what to expect. I love to read historical Christian romances and have probably read hundreds of them, but I can honestly say that this one is my all-time favorite. I have reread it about 10 times and it still has me laughing out loud each time I read it. The characters are unique and hilarious as they interact with each other, revealing their own human faults and imperfections, but at the same time using them to change their lives for the better.
Historical Christian Romance.......2006-05-31
If you have never read a book in this series, than you are in for a real treat. There are four historical christian romances in this one book. Each one is just shy of 100 pages. In addition, all four stories are connected in location and character. So the charters you meet in the first story come back in all of the others.
Now for a recap of each story:
1. A girl is judged by the entire town and charged guilty of commiting a sin of which she is innocent. A new astor comes to town and falls in love with her. But she is afraid her past will prevent them having a future. Do they have to move to a new town? Will she ever be cleared of her crime?
2. The sheriff is looking for a bride, little does he know one lady has already named him asa her future husband, but as luck would have it, she is the lsat woman on the earth he would ever want to marry. But all of sudden he can't seem to get her out of his mind. Does the sheriff marry this girl? Does she give up on him and marry someone else?
3. Susannah has a secret, well afew, to be perfectly honest. Her dad sent her to a twon to complete a muission, she never intended to complete. Now her time is almost up and the man that she loves just asked her to marry him in a marriage of convience. Does Susannah mary him eventhough he doesn't return her love? Does her dad ruin her happiness by taking her away from her love?
4. An outlaw has been caught by the town sheriff. She should go to jail but the judge sentences her a three month period of reform where she will learn to be a Christian, and a lady. However, during this time she falls in love, guess with who. . . the sherrif who arrested her. Will they fight thwie love forever? Or will this end happily ever after?
TEXAS BELLES IS A DELIGHTFUL SURPRISE! FOUR BOOKS IN ONE!.......2003-05-01
All four novels in this anthology are connected, and each one has its own merit! Rachel Branigan cannot convince the town that she was attacked and she and her child are labeled because of it. This doesn't deter Rev. Caleb Stone who believes her and loves her and her baby girl. Lawman Lee Cutler keeps wondering why Patience Primrose keeps batting her eyelashes at him - until he discovers she's been reading Emma Hadley's book on how to catch a man! Circumstances, however, bring out the true Patience and everyone is surprised at this happy ending! Susannah Butler is the schoolteacher and the way is not easy for her and Bobby Joe Aaron as family secrets come to the surface and their love has to grow almost in spite of circumstances. Billy Ray Aaron, Bobby Joe's brother, catches a pickpocket who turns out to be a 19-year-old blonde attraction to him! He almost forfeits his job as Sheriff to save her, and all characters come into play in this final story of the four. Altogether, these complete novels are well written and the men and women are very real and three-dimensional - you see them as they really are and they react in wonderfully human ways. I recommend this book highly and I know you won't be sorry to enjoy this inspirational romance anthology. It's even difficult for me to enjoy regular library books now that I've discovered Barbour anthologies like this! I hope you enjoy TEXAS BELLES as much as I have!
Books:
- The Pocket Parent
- The Searching Hearts
- The Seducer (Get Connected Romances)
- The Simplest Path to Personal and Planetary Awakening, Step One: FREE YOUR MIND: 10 Keys for Unlocking Your Personal Potential, Achieving Spiritual Awakening, ... of Humanity's Ultimate Cosmic Destiny
- The Still of Night (A Rush of Wings Series #2)
- The Wrong Stuff: The Extraordinary Saga of Randy "Duke" Cunningham, the Most Corrupt Congressman Ever Caught
- These Three Remain: A Novel of Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman
- Tomorrow's Promise
- Travesuras de la nina mala / Mischiefs of the Bad Girl
- True Believer: Inside the Investigation and Capture of Ana Montes, Cuba's Master Spy
Books Index
Books Home
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Rounding the Mark
Suffer the Little Children: A Commissario Guido Brunetti Mystery
Quietly in Their Sleep
Excursion to Tindari: An Inspector Montalbano Mystery
The Smell of the Night (An Inspector Montalbano Mystery)
