Book Description
This joyously inspirational Spiritual book presents a set of beliefs about the meaning and purpose of life from a Cosmic Perspective that combines Twelve Step Recovery Principles with Ancient Metaphysical Truths. It explains why a New Age has dawned in human consciousness on planet Earth and explores the interrelationship between subjects that range from the Bible, Buddha, and Jesus to quantum physics, molecular biology, and AIDS. The belief system the book is based upon is exemplified by this quote from The Dance of Wounded Souls: "We are not sinful, shameful human creatures who have to somehow earn Spirituality. We are Spiritual Beings having a human experience. We are here to experience and learn, to Touch and to feel." The author, a therapist who specializes in codependence/inner child healing, not only explains the big picture of how we are all ONE, part of one Cosmic energy interaction that is unfolding perfectly, he also offers insights into how the individual being can lovingly change their relationship with self and life in order to transform their human experience into a much more enjoyable adventure. This is a life-changing, life-affirming book.
Customer Reviews:
JuJuly.......2007-08-07
Ifound this book very easy to read. The information helped me to make sense of some areas of my life. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about themself and how they are relating to people.
Misleading title and information.......2007-03-19
The Title and info about this book was totally misleading......as this is a book about a radical philosiphy that is of no psychological or cultural or spiritual value, and makes no real reference to "wounded souls" at all unless it lumps all of humanity into that category.
The World needs to listen to these CDs or read the book!!!!.......2006-11-02
I have listened to this incredible audio book. I know that my journey in recovery, will not be the same again. The information presented in Robert Burney's book, is what EVERY soul needs to hear - it is the Truth. It certainly awakens me to MY Truth. I highly recommend this to anyone, who is seeking to grow and heal; who is in trouble of any sort, or who is just seeking to explore their spiritual origins. If I had the money, I would buy this 3-CD set for everyone I love...
Best,
Rebecca E.
[...]
Work for World Peace - Read this book and heal yourself.......2006-04-26
Robert Burney is a pioneer. His message breaks through to the core of the human condition over, and over, and over again. I found Robert's message at a time in my life when I needed it the most. It put some very big pieces of my personal puzzle(ment) together for me in a single resource. His message gave me practical hope and began to establish a new and deeper perspective in my daily life. He is not a "guru." He is an emotionally honest man who is conveying his truth without pretense. I believe he's been given the gift of assembling some very important Truths into one practical spiritual message that addresses the human condition. Anyone, regardless of their particular belief system, who considers his message will walk away better equipped to Live their life. I highly recommend this book. I bought the tapes too.
Healing for your Wounded Soul.......2006-04-13
I've read the book and am now ordering the cassette version. I've read other books on codependence but this one has a softer, more wholistic approach that I found quite satisfying.
I'll also note that another reviewer stated that if you are a Christian to skip this book. I am a Christian and I found the author to be quite spiritual and inclusive of all faiths/beliefs.
I like that he discusses many relationships, not just romantic ones, and doesn't focus as highly on alcoholism as some other resources do.
If you've ever found yourself habitually giving more than you receive, or being drawn to needy people so you can take care of them, this little book will be a powerful tool as you rechannel your energy into healthier pursuits.
Book Description
In the tradition of Annie Dillard and Natalie Goldberg, this resource for writers and non-writers alike shows the act of writing to be a dynamic means of knowing, healing, and creating the body, mind, and spirit.
Customer Reviews:
A must read, with reservations..........2007-07-28
I purchased this book because the Handless Maiden myth resonates for me, my having first been introduced to it through a dream and then through Clarissa Pinkola Estes book 'Women Who Run With Wolves'. I felt I had more to learn from this myth, and Johnson's book put the Handless Maiden myth in a matrix that helped me to understand it more personally, as a metaphor for the feminine in contemporary society. Placing it in a context I could understand so well brought this myth to life, and was the greatest value of this book for me.
The only off-putting thing, which changed it from 5 to 4 stars, is a small thing but which strikes to the heart of the issue. The author apologised in the beginning for perhaps not being able to do justice to the feminine wounding myth as much as the male myth. It was honest and ethical of him to state such concerns, which makes me respect his integrity, but he is alas, correct. As wonderful as his assessment of the Handless Maiden is, he still put a great deal of emphasis on the male value and aspects of it, which he did very little in reverse for the male Fisher King myth. The section in The Handless Maiden where he abandons such careful integrating of the masculine is the section which resonated most for me. I'm not sure why he did this, but if one goes through both chapters and counts instances of other-gender applicability you'll see what I mean. In one paragraph I almost felt like this myth was being ripped from my "hands" and given to the male, a dynamic of the actual myth.
Nevertheless, the author put the myth into a powerful and broad matrix of understanding for contemporary women, something which 'Women Who Run With Wolves', as much as I love it, didn't allow me to see as clearly. What I would suggest is first reading Johnson's book, and saving Clarissa Pinkola Estes interpretation for last, when you can appreciate it more, in all its profound and subtle complexity.
Wonderful.......2003-04-20
I love all Robert Johnson's work. I find him easy to read and understand.
Healing the wounded feeling function.......2000-09-24
"This book is about our wounded feeling function, probably the most common and painful wound which occurs in our Western world. It is very dangerous when a wound is so common in culture that hardly anyone knows there is a problem." Johnson opens his book with these provocative sentences. The first thing he does is convince the reader that the problem exists, and is of considerable scope. For example, our modern English language is not really adequate for a full description of the problem, having the vague and much abused word "feeling" and only one word, equally vague, for "love". Johnson, a Jungian analyst, explores the problem using myths -- the Fisher King and the Handless Maiden, to demonstrate the wounded feeling function in, respectively, masculinity and femininity. Through the myths, Johnson not only diagnoses the problem, but makes practical suggestions for healing. This wonderful little book, scarcely 100 pages long, can be read in an afternoon, although its insights could change the directions of a life.
Customer Reviews:
Hope for the heart for Christian and non-Christian readers.........2002-04-02
Many Christians suffer wonderment as to why there seems to be an expectation that everything should be well with them... and yet parts of their lives are not demonstrating the victorious living they want and hope for. Those who are not Christians look upon the church and wonder why people don't practice what they preach. If these kinds of questions concern you or if you find your friends asking them, then you will find explanation, answers and hope in these pages.
John and Paula share from their experience in prayerfully counseling others... from the successes in those who have been healed by by understanding and applying what they have learned, not merely from some theory. They also reference the Bible in support of the suggestions of hope they provide for people who are hurting or would desire more victory in their way of living. This is a most excellent book.. buy it and read it! Over and over again!
Healing the Wounded Spirit.......2000-02-21
I found this book extremely helpful in healing areas of my life where I have had long-term challenges. Though I am a mentally healthy adult, I had problem areas I wanted to conquer.
Many chapters in the book provided real revealation to me. The book helped me to understand and to GET PAST some behaviors. Excellent Book!
Book Description
For those who grieve, he offers comfort. For those who struggle, he offers rest. For those overcome by pain, he offers hope and healing. To those who carry emotional burdens too large for them to bear, Christ offers his strength.
In The Source of My Strength, Dr. Charles Stanley talks honestly about his own journey through emotional pain and points readers toward the wellspring of strength. He shares his own experiences with grief and shows readers how to overcome the pain, understand the burdens, confront memories, and discover the courage and strength to live freely in God's love for them. Written from the heart, The Source of My Strength is one of Dr. Stanley's most personal and triumphant books.
Customer Reviews:
THE SOURCE OF MY STRENGTH!!!.......2006-01-23
This book was amazing. Charles Stanley points out who the source of our strenth is when we are in financial trouble, spiritual trouble, physical trouble, or whatever. He gives us point by point instructions on getting through the pain we are facing. When we are in a tough situation, hurting deeply or whatever, this book will teach us to rely on the power of Jesus Christ to heal our feeble and broken hearts!!! Get this book, and it will have an impact on your life today!!!!!!!!!
The Source of My Strength Relying on the Life-changing Power of Jesus Christ to Heal our Wounded Hearts.......2005-09-07
This book was recommended to me by an individual I trust. Alot of the book was not relevant to me and my situation, but I'm glad I read the entire book. It was a relatively easy read and quite inspirational!
a healing touch, truly.......2004-09-08
this book was awesome. Charles Stanley is really compassionate in this book. He goes through different types of emotional pain and really delves into the Scriptures to bring healing to those who are in pain. It's so highly recommended! Get it!
The Source of My Strength.......2002-07-31
In tragedy we need to know what the source of our strength is.
When I lost someone I loved I needed to remember that Christ is the Source of my strength. Thank you Charles Stanley for your guidance and for sharing your knowledge of the word.
I have also found it helpful to use another Christian book to help me continue to heal. It is Write From Your Heart, A Healing Grief Journal.
The answers and the comfort are in the word and in Him.
ENJOYABLE AND EASY TO FOLLOW.......2001-06-30
Charles Stanley's "The Source of My Strength" is simply wonderful. It was easy to follow and understand, and his examples were great. I especially liked the way he conveyed his feelings for Christ by creating imagery in the minds of the readers/listeners (I got the audio book, unabridged).
Mr. Stanley offers biblical principles that will help you discover your liberty in Christ so you can live fully and freely every day.
Get this! You won't be sorry!
Amazon.com
"This is not fiction. This is real." So reads the cover of The Wounded Spirit, the first nonfiction title from bestselling novelist Frank Peretti. In a departure from his usual spiritual thrillers, he's penned his personal journey through pain, disfigurement, and abuse, offering hope for those struggling with emotional wounds.
Peretti vividly chronicles how he became the object of negative attention in a gym class, after a horrific medical condition that he grappled with as a child caused his growth to slow. Winding throughout his personal story is a thoughtful look at how culture shapes our perception of the worth of individuals--and how events from Columbine to the movies reflect this.
Although Peretti has experienced healing, the depth of his wounds are still apparent, poignantly saturating each page. Yet he writes, "A wounded spirit need not be permanent. Throw off those chains of bitterness and resentment that have been constraining you for so long, and get on with your life." He also admits the damage he himself has inflicted, and apologizes, noting "it amazes me how a victim, who knows how it feels, can still be insensitive to the feelings of others."
Despite our wounds, Peretti reminds us, "We all have our difficult seasons--they do have a way of finding their place in the overall scheme of our lives, welcome or not." Adults and older children wrestling with painful emotional wounds will find solace and healing here, through the eyes of one who understands suffering. --Cindy Crosby
Book Description
It happens every day. People are deeply wounded by the words and actions of those around them. And it affects them for the rest of their lives. We've all been there - we've all been wounded and we've all wounded others. But it's time to become "wounded healers," loving and protecting the people around us. The Wounded Spirit has become more than a book. The message has connected with thousands and has become a national movement. To assist youth and community leaders in communicating this powerful message, the W Publishing Group (TM) has developed a 4-session group curriculum program designed especially for youth ages 10-18. Also available is the 64-page call to action, entitled No More Victims, designed as a giveaway to students for them to join in the fight against bullying. No More Victims is sold in pack of 25 only.
Customer Reviews:
Very Touching .......2006-08-04
In this book, Frank Peretti tells his story in his own words. This book is a "must read" for every junior high and high school student, teacher, counselor, and youth leader. I highly recommend it.
A must read........2006-01-20
There is an old proverbial quote that says to whom much is given much is expected. We usually hear this in terms of the church and financial giving. Peretti opens our eyes to a new look at this quote...he lays out that even teenagers who have popularity and repsect have an obligation to stand up for those who aren't so fortunate...and the great impact this simple act can have in the lives of others.
If you have a teenager or just want a new insight for "the other side" for yourself, then this book is a MUST read. I have made sure that my pre-teen children read this book prior to their teen years...if for no other reason that to help understand what happens in the minds and lives of those people we might consider plain, odd or even marginal (both adult and teens).
Peretti mentions that he chose to share his very private story that he kept deep inside him and guarded for so long after the Columbine tradgedy. I beleive if more kids and adults would read this book, then the impact would be great in a very positive way for all of us.
I cannot recommend this small and easy-to-read book enough. You'll be glad you took the short time to read it.
Should be required reading for all teachers & school administrators !.......2005-07-02
I realize that some of the views and solutions in this book could not utilized in today's "anti-religion" atmosphere at schools. But this book could help them SEE the ramifications of this problem from the horse's mouth. If you've never been the recipient of this discrimination of cruel treatment and words, you just don't have a clue! If you've been the one giving it, you don't understand how it can hurt you so deep inside and for so long..........
We all need to be made more aware of this bullying problem, so we can do what we can to stop it, because it just keeps on feeding itself generation after generation. There should be "student clubs" in schools addressing this problem.
I know an intelligent and sweet young girl who has been cruelly treated by classmates because of her over-weight condition. It has caused her such distress and hurt that she could not finish school and dropped out, hurting her entire future because she didn't get a high school diploma. Now she has an even more difficult time facing her future, ie. getting jobs, going to college, etc. I'm amazed that there are not more "Columbine" tragedies than there are. Sometimes this hurt and bitterness will eventually come out!
a message that needs to be heard by more people!.......2005-04-10
After hearing about this book for several years, I finally decided to get a copy. It's message needs to be heard by more people! When children and teenagers are picked on, teased, ridiculed, laughed at, made fun of, and tormented... the emotional wounds can go very deep. Some people just don't get it...they think that "picked on" kids just need to toughen up, and be less sensitive. Easy to think if you were a nice average kid that was rarely or never picked on... But imagine being "not average" in some way (having a disfiguring birth defect, having a speech impediment, having buck teeth, being painfully shy, fat, skinny, freckled...). Kids can be cruel. And the wounds can last a lifetime.
Frank Peretti shares his own personal story of being born with a rare and disfiguring health condition that led to years of torment from his peers at school. His response was to retreat into a world of fantasy - he was obsessed with monsters and monster movies. (1950's and 60's era). Thankfully he had a loving family, and a Christian faith that helped sustain him too. (For Frank Peretti fans, this book is a great mini-biography of his life!)
But the pain and inner rage felt by someone who has been mercilessly picked on can release itself in unhealthy ways. As he points out in the book, the teenagers responsible for Columbine were teens that had been picked on and mistreated at their school. They were time bombs waiting to go off, and they "went off" on that fateful day.
The book gives practical, constructive advice on what to do if you are currently a child or teenager being picked on... And it is also a rallying call for adults to step-in and stop bullying when they see it taking place. (It's amazing how so many adults can just stand by and do nothing when they see a child being tormented by his peers!) The strong should protect the weak. Our entire perspective about the value and worth of individuals needs to change. We are all precious in God's sight!
There is an emphasis on the importance of forgiveness. If we don't forgive those who have hurt us, we will only become bitter. The "wounded spirit" in us will never heal unless we forgive. And we also must seek the forgiveness of those we have hurt. If we are honest, we too have caused emotional pain to others...
More people should know about this book in general - as it is an issue that affects us all. But consider giving a copy to school teachers, sunday school teachers, and others that work with kids/teenagers - Bullying is not normal. Picked on kids can be emotionally wounded for life. Those who work with kids need to learn how and why to take a stand for the "different" kids in their class.
A message for all! Nobody's too old or young for this!.......2005-02-09
Well, how do you start? Peretti had been pondering this for how many years!? If you've personally heard the message or watched the video, you know he struggled with it. When you normally listen to or watch a Frank Peretti message, he is ALWAYS sobering, yet off the wall, going nuts, making some crazy noises now and then, yet always making a profound point. This time, minus some of those noises, he once again makes a profound point, in his most important message.
Well, he talks about The Wounded Spirit. He talks about bullying. Where's this come from? He takes you inside his childhood. It started with a tumor. It escalated in school from just a simple scar to insensitive teasing and bullying. Kids pushing him around, saying, "That's the kid to pick on!" Frank was into monsters as a kid. He loved them! He said that he was into monsters because maybe he felt like one.
Peretti mentions that he couldn't throw or catch a football in school, yet he tackles this subject like Lawrence Taylor ended Joe Theisman's career. Frank Peretti met this head on, probably with a little fear, but with dignity and no disgrace! I, myself, read this, as well as listened to this message with all the intensity and tenacity I could muster, and learned something about myself. That's the truth. I got messed with some in high school, but I did fight back, serving only a couple, but enough knuckle sandwiches to those who really pushed me. I'm a PK (preacher's kid) and some people like to mess with the PK. Today I can say that I make my attempts to stand up for the underdog. I still have my imperfections, and so does everyone else.
Hey, this message is from everyone. All ages, people. Nobody is immune, and people getting pushed around happens to some a lot more than others. Peretti attacks this subject with fierce determination. He challenges us to stand up for those who can't stand up for themselves. I challenge anyone to take in this message, if you have the guts! We need more stuff like this. This doesn't get any better, and it isn't even fiction!!
Book Description
Being A Wounded Healer presents a "spiritual model of care" to complement the typical "medical model of care." The medical model looks at eliminating wounds. The spiritual model looks at finding meaning in the midst of wounds. The spiritual model presented in this book is based upon the spiritual traditions of all of the major religions. The model is presented to assist physicians, nurses, social workers, clergy, and counselors find meaning in the midst of their own wounds so that they can help patients/clients find meaning in the midst of their wounds.
Customer Reviews:
Wounds makes us real........2005-09-16
As a nurse that works with the terminally ill I constantly hear from the patients that they feel useless, a burden on their family, left out, diseased or not worthy. In our society we tend to focus on those that are "perfect" or "exceed". No one is perfect. Our wounds make us special. It teaches us humility, compassion, charity and love. Doug's book is about "real" people and how we are all alike in special ways. I appreciate the book showing us how we can take our wounds and become better people.
A Thanatologist's Perspective.......2005-09-15
"This is an extremely practical book aimed at helping people USE their woundedness. As a Thanatologist, I've encountered all manner of woundedness, suffering, and misery. So often we hear the messages RUN from pain and suffering. HIDE FROM IT. TAKE A PILL. GET OVER IT. But wounds are a part of life: we cannot escape them. So Doug shows how we can USE them to become better people, how we can USE them to become better healers, how we can USE them for the benefit of ourselves and others. This is a VERY PRACTICAL BOOK!"
Disappointing.......2005-06-12
Doug Smith is fabulous in person as a presenter and I was truly looking forward to reading his book. Perhaps my expectations were high, having heard him speak, but the inspiration and knowledge I was hoping to glean from his book were severely lacking. It is not well written and tends to overstate the same concept. There are better books if you are looking for any inspiration or personal growth.
Average customer rating:
- Fantastic and Vital Tool
- "Inside A Woman's Heart As She Walks With The Lord"
- Awesome!
- Taking Authority that is Rightfully Yours!!
|
Women, Get in the Army of God
Dawn Wilson
Manufacturer: Tate Publishing & Enterprises
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Women's Issues
| Christian Living
| Christianity
| Religion & Spirituality
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 1933290412 |
Product Description
Women, Get in the Army of God! Dawn Wilson is calling all women to serve God as the good soldiers they are called to be! Are you sitting around, waiting to enlist? Today is the day! Attention!
Customer Reviews:
Fantastic and Vital Tool.......2007-09-06
This book is like a war cry, calling women into place for God to use them in His divine purpose. Pastor Dawn Wilson is a woman who has pastored a church for years and continues to counsel women in performing God's work. This book is filled with wise counsel for women and Scripture exhorting us to heed the call of God.
While this book definetly upraises women as pastors, this is by far not its only purpose. Pastor Wilson's intent is to call all women into any position God has for us, whether it is pastor or not. Many people in the Christian faith, especially women, are holding back their true gifts and shying away from their calling because they fear they are either unable to do what they are called to do or because they fear repression from others. Wilson's encouraging and empowering words to women suffering from all sorts of spiritual blocks is one of the things that makes this book so awesome: no matter what your current position, you can fulfill the tasks God sets to you and Wilson tells us exactly how we can do this, with various Scripture along the way.
The book is formatted much like a military guidebook, in that it offers different kinds of spiritual training and the stages children of God go through. Wilson speaks of people missing in action, people who have not yet begun to fight, and people who have begun, but are currently not for various reasons. She uses Scripture throughout the book to help relate to the reader how different kinds of women in various different stages of life were used in the Bible by God and continue to be so. Mothers, singles, and wives are all called to God's army, and Wilson uses wonderful Biblical examples of how women, even in the midst of raising families, serve a unique purpose.
One of the most powerful points of the book is how it counsels women in doubt or facing oppression. It explains that, if a woman is called to pastor or fill another high position in church, some may well dispute this and try to keep her from doing so. Wilson gives fresh advice to women facing such complications, explaining that God equips all whom He calls into battle and women should take this to heart when facing fear and doubt. She even advises that women not focus on defending or debating their calling to people who disagree; she consults Scripture directly in this matter and reminds us that Christ spread His message by perseverance and acts, not debate. The best way for His children to spread His message is in the same method: by focusing our acts on God and letting His truth be shown through the fruits of the spirit.
A more difficult situation might be if a woman's own church or spouse disagrees with her calling. In this case, Wilson reminds us that our church elders are to be respected and we are not to cause disruption in the church by raising a debate. Rather, she encourages us to serve however we can in the church at the present time, and wait for the time in which God will enable us to fulfill our task. Likewise, Wilson advises women not to separate or war with a husband who disagrees. She explains that a husband's position is still upheld in God's law and we should not divorce or refute a husband who disagrees with our calling. If we are wives, being called to pastor doesn't change this and it doesn't release us from our responsibilities to our families. God called us knowing what tasks He already set us to and He will enable us to fulfill those tasks without jeopardizing the people closest to us.
One of the truly remarkable things about this book is that, while it is undoubtedly aimed at women, there are vital Christian principles that anyone can take from it: facing oppression, fulfilling our roles, and looking to serve God in any way that we can are important tasks for all Christians to remember. Dawn Wilson has written an amazingly thorough and Biblical book; she leaves no stone unturned and exhorts all women of all positions to put our faith in God's abilities and to trust that He will equip and cover us. It's impossible to read this book and not feel energized and alive; I recommend this to everyone!
"Inside A Woman's Heart As She Walks With The Lord".......2006-09-19
"Rarely does one have the privilege of witnessing such impeccable character as can be seen in the life and message of Dawn Wilson. Dawn inspires by living out of a heart motivated by love. Her book, "Women, Get in the Army of God," is so much more than spiritual warfare. Dawn unravels the foundational meaning of Christian character, and leads us to the stepping stones of personal victory in our walk with God.
Though years of experience line the pages of this manual, Dawn reinforces each revealed truth with an in-depth analysis drawn from the original Greek and Hebrew translations of the Bible. Discover the truth of God's Word concerning women in the ministry. Settle once and for all every doubt of God's call to women. Learn how men and women's hearts alike are rekindled in resolve and purpose. I was strengthened from the sheer simplicity of truth recited from scripture.
Notice how time after time, God uses "the power of one," to overcome insurmountable odds through trust in Him, transforming even the course of history. You will walk away with a sense that NOTHING is impossible with God. You will experience peace in the confident expectation that love truly does conquer all! We never walk alone in the battle, for we have been empowered to do ALL things through Christ which strengthens us.
Whether your core values dictate the concepts of God having an army of believers or the paradigm of God creating us for the sole purpose of being His family, you will be touched, moved, and inspired by the concepts laid forth in this book."
Awesome!.......2006-09-10
"Women, Get in the Army of God" is one of the BEST books that I have ever read, especially with regard to the position and role of women in ministry within the Body of Christ! EVERY man and woman should have this book in their personal library!
Taking Authority that is Rightfully Yours!!.......2006-08-15
This book is an essential part of your library. Dawn leads us through scripture, showing us God's plan for us as Women in the body of Christ. Do not fear any longer, for God has a plan for you! Learn how the enemy falters when the mighty army of God arises!
Read this book until you fully grasp the awesome task God has laid before you.
Amazon.com
The correspondent for The New York Times in Jerusalem from 1979 to 1984, David K. Shipler brings a very American moral commitment to the problem of Arab-Jewish relations. The occupation of the West Bank was by then a static fact of life; many young Israelis and Palestinians had grown up knowing no other reality. The Israeli invasion of Lebanon and the massacres of Palestinians by Lebanese militiamen at the Sabra and Shatila refugee camps, which were under Israeli control, had shaken the consciences of many American Jews. Many of the voices in this book are American, from idealistic young secular Jews working for Arab-Jewish cooperation to the more fanatical followers of Meir Kahane. This work, which won the 1987 Pulitzer Prize for nonfiction, gives Shipler's narrative the power of a terrible family argument.
Book Description
The Jew, according to the Arab stereotype, is a brutal, violent coward; the Arab, to the prejudiced Jew, is a primitive creature of animal vengeance and cruel desires. In this monumental work, revised and more relevant than ever, David Shipler delves into the origins of the prejudices that have been intensified by war, terrorism, nationalism, and the failure of the peace process.
"The best and most comprehensive work there is in the English language on this subject." (Walter Laqueur, The New York Times)
"A rich, penetrating, and moving portrayal of Arab-Jewish hostility, told in human terms." (Newsday)
Customer Reviews:
Deep and insightful; needs to be updated........2007-07-24
Vivid and personal descriptions of the prejudices, hatreds and mythologies that have become the modern middle-east conflict are richly interwoven with sociological survey data throughout this intriguing book. The author digs deeply into the recent history of this conflict, although he does not look so far back as to give what could be called an ancient historical perspective. Still, the writing is intense and telling, and his illumination of the psychology behind the conflict helps an outsider to understand some of the intricacies of the problems.
As an American, a secular Jew, and a liberal humanist, it was intriguing for me to have this conflict explained in such a balanced and painstaking manner. Interwoven anecdotes from the words and lives of real people opened up the heart of this conflict in a way that is difficult for most outsiders to perceive.
Even so, I was somewhat disappointed that the edition I read had not been updated to deal with much of the conflict in the past few intervening years, which include events such as the construction of the Israeli security wall, 9/11 and the Iraq war. The problem when dealing with modern events is, of course, that as events unfold the history is constantly being written and re-interpreted. Still, I think it behooves a student of current events to have such analysis dealt with in a text such as this.
Overall, I would recommend this as a must-read for any student of the modern middle-east, Israel, Palestine, or any of the other myriad related topics. The book overall is well-constructed, cohesive, and informative.
Enemies immortalized.......2006-12-10
This book is a description of life on the ground in Israel and Palestine for both Jews and Palestinians. Written by an American with years of experience in this part of the world, the book shows how individuals on both sides view the other, their leaders, and the greater world. Ironic and idiotic situations are portrayed of neighbors and co-workers adjusting to social norms and peer pressure, while trying to maintain relationships with individuals of the other race. The book shows how Israel and Jewish Israelis try to maintain an image of civilization and normalness while living in a state of occasional civil war. The book also shows how Palestinians are caught in a trap between trying to maintain their own society, yet being economically dependent on Jewish Israelis for business. Most importantly, the book describes how leaders on both sides play to the fears, hopes, and memories of their constituencies.
What the book does lack is a historical underpinning. Very little of the text is devoted to the history of how the Jewish state was founded, of how the intifada came about, or the birth of the PLO, or even the more recent Camp David accords. Instead, this book is more of a work of sociology instead of history, and hence left this reviewer dissatisfied. All in all, a good book, and deserving of the Pultizer Prize which it won. But since its original publication in the mid 1980's, there are many better works on the subject out there.
Good but not great........2005-11-10
I think the Author put a good attempt at painting a vague picture of these two groups and why the problems exist today. However, well written, it does leave out many of the surrounding facts outside the region that influenced both sides of this debate and the entire history of the region. If one is interested in a more indepth reading from a "leftist" point of view one might read "Secret War Against the Jews" - John Loftus or another very well written and factually presented writing would be "From Time Immemorial" - Joan Peters. If one wishes to read from the "Conservative" point of view I'd suggest "Battleground" - S. Katz, "A Will To Survive" - John Phillips or "6 Days of War" - Michael Oren. For an over all view and broader reading "A History of Israel" - H. Sacher.
When one reads these books it places a better image in the readers mind of what really went on to create such a morass within region. If one wishes to read something from a purely political point of view I would suggest either "The High Cost of Piece" - Y. Bodansky as well "The Oslo Years" - E. Horowitz.
This was a good attempt but I do feel it is very greyish with an underlying agenda that omits many important facts that puts this tragic situation into clear perspective.
An interesting book.......2004-12-14
This book has plenty of fascinating anecdotes about the Jews and Arabs in Israel. And it is illuminating. We see negative stereotypes that each have for the other. More than that, I think this book shows some of the reasons why there isn't peace.
While some of the stereotypes are shown to be overstated, the reader will come away with a very negative picture of the people who live in the area. Some people appeared prepared to live, and some to let live, and a few weren't prepared to do either, but very few of the people Shipler showed us seemed ready to do both.
Shipler's description of Arab complaints about Israel were interesting. Sure, many Arabs said they had a devotion to their land. And that's why they needed it back from the Jews. But instead of reacting sympathetically, I asked myself if they were for real. If I were to act the same way, what would I do? Demand, as a descendant of Tatars who were evicted from what is now Yalta, that the Muslim Tatars get Yalta back? Or demand, as a Pagan, that the Dome of the Rock be removed so that we could restore the Temple of Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva?
I rarely see Arabs demand land "back" that is now lived on by other Arabs. Nor would it make sense to anyone to "return" Warsaw to the Jews. Worse, it seemed to me that many Arabs were saying that they would do Anything to get their land back ... except pay for it. And that they would insist on being true Israeli citizens, except they wouldn't fight for Israel! Since I'd never want to live in a country I couldn't support, I found it hard to sympathize with the attitudes of many Israeli Arabs.
Shipler explained to us a common Arab complaint that the Jews are punishing the Arabs for Jewish misfortunes in Europe. But this complaint grossly underestimates Arab blame for what happened to many Jews. And it also tacitly and incorrectly assumes that it should be a crime for Jews to live near Arabs.
Almost all the Jews Shipler described had given plenty of thought to whether overall Jewish behavior made sense. They came up with different answers. But they left me with the impression that if they ever had a chance to make good policy decisions, most of them would do it. That's not the impression I got about the Arabs he depicted.
I think Shipler failed to show us the big picture in this conflict. And to me, the main point is that the Jews have rather little land. In the long run, if everyone chooses peace, the Jews probably will wind up with at least as much land as they now have. The Jews have options. They can fight. They can make allies. They can flee. They can even convert. Yes, they can get badly hurt. But my point is that they have shown great resiliance and have surprisingly little to lose. Their land has few resources. In my opinion, contrary to popular belief, they might well survive the loss of several wars.
Meanwhile, the Arab side is unlikely to lose a big war. But their Empire would be gone if they ever lost one. They have an enormous amount of land and huge resources, and seem to act as though they can't lose it. Instead, there is a huge focus on fighting a war for an arbitrary cause which, if they win it, will give them virtually nothing.
Finally, this whole struggle is being fought primarily between those who believe Jews ought to have human rights in Israel and those who do not. That's not very symmetrical. I have to ask myself if Shipler was helping anyone by allowing folks to get the impression that these two points of view are equally valid. Perhaps it would have been better if he had taken a stand, and simply said that both sides are hurting. And that the Arabs have a choice to make: do they want it to be better for everyone or worse for everyone? That would have allowed me to give his book a couple more stars.
Disappointing for some reason.......2004-08-01
I can't quite put a finger on why I was let down by this book; Shipler is an excellent writer and most of the stories in the book are simply great. He seems to excel in finding the perfect anecdote for each situation, so that even though many of the people interviewed hold similar views, each seems to add a new angle to the argument rather than being repetitive. On the other hand, this book seems to have no point. As a collection of stories and personal testimony, it has no equal. But in the end, the narrative just kind of trails off into oblivion; Shipler offers neither solutions nor suggestions, not even direction. Given, he admits at the start of the book that such direction is difficult, if not impossible to offer. But you'd think that especially after revising the book following the collapse of the Oslo Accords, he'd have something to say, some greater point to offer. But, unfortunately, nothing is there, and it seems to harm an otherwise wonderfully written collection.
Books:
- Colors of the Mountain
- Combining Neuro-Developmental Treatment and Sensory Integration Principles: An Approach to Pediatric Therapy
- Critical Conditions: An Alan Gregory Thriller (Alan Gregory)
- Crossing to Avalon: A Woman's Midlife Quest for the Sacred Feminine
- Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance
- Edmund Wilson: A Life in Literature
- Eleanor of Aquitaine: A Life (Ballantine Reader's Circle)
- Emily Dickinson's Herbarium: A Facsimile Edition
- Eminent Victorians (Oxford World's Classics)
- Engineering Design: A Materials and Processing Approach
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