As a recent divorcee, struggling to get over a painful divorce, I was given such a lift of hope after reading Mumblings. I thought that no one else could be going through such hurt feelings and that I would never love or be loved again. The author has the gift of understanding those feelings and is able to communicate to the reader that times will get better and that you are able to get through the pain and move on. I enjoyed the book also because there are a variety of poems, some quite humorous, but all that we can relate to in life.

This book changed my whole way of thinking and has helped heal me in many ways. I would recommend it to anyone who has ever felt pain or sadness.It is truly inspirational and opened my eyes to a new world of freedom and happiness.

This book literally got me through the three weeks between my diagnosis and surgery. Dr. Joseph is a caring, intelligent woman whose personal experience and ability to articulate it are extraordinary. She covers standard and alternative therapies in a non-threatening and easy to understand way. The story of her spritual journey was remarkable.

This books is more than about breast cancer. It deals with working with doctors, emotional wellbeing and nutrition. It is how every woman should treat herself all the time, not just when faced with a life threateing disease. Very informative and easy to understand

TR's 1913-1914 expedition down the River of Doubt (subsequently renamed Rio Teodoro in his honor, and later Rio Roosevelt) is an astonishing piece of history - one often refered to in passing by other TR biographers, but not often fully explored, as it here. Author Ornig tells an exciting tale well, from the multitudious details of planning and executing a massive exploring expedition in the early 20th century, to vivid portraits of the characters involved. This book would be a wonderful companion for any adventure traveller (or even armchair adventurers).

Best of all, Ornig is no run-of-the-mill TR hagiographer (and there are plenty of them out there), nor is he interested in taking unfair potshots at the great man (plenty of those folks out there, too). Ornig simply relates events as they occured, and doesn't care a whit whether they cast TR in a favorable or unfavorable light: TR was a poor shot (due to his poor eyesight) and became grumpy and embarassed when he missed easy targets. TR was delighted with the impact on his waistline when the expedition was forced to subsist on reduced rations -- and argued against the restoration of full rations even though others were suffering. Do these facts detract from the TR legend, or add to it? I have never been a fan of Marble Men, and found that I loved TR even more after glimpsing some of his human flaws in MY LAST CHANCE TO BE A BOY. No student of TR should be without this volume.

Ornig provides the first detailed account of one of the most exciting adventure stories of the 20th century -- Theodore Roosevelt's exploration of the River of Doubt in Brazil's Amazon. The story is more incredible when you think that Roosevelt was a 55-year old former President at the time of the expedition. As we approach the 100th anniversary of Roosevelt's presidency, and as we consider our relationship with the earth, it is worth taking another look at this great outdoorsman. Ornig weaves together the political and diplomatic origins of the expedition and how Roosevelt, his son Kermit, and the rest of the expedition got much more than they bargained for. There's murder, there's drowning (and a question of whether Kermit Roosevelt was accountable), there's frustration, and there's a former President on the brink of death. After you read it, you'll want to read Roosevelt's account, "Through the Brazilian Wilderness." You'll enjoy that one too

This is a wonderful way to capture the things about your child that make him/her truly unique. The book gives you the chance to have some special one on one time with your child, and to learn things about your child you might not otherwise. Highly recommended!

I really enjoyed the questions in this book, more so than in other journal i have tried to do. i think this one will serve its purpose and be a great tool in building a relationship with my child. the idea of a box to keep memorables in is wonderful.

Fr. Champlin provides a very well-written guide to the celebration of the Mass (also called the Eucharist, or Lord's Supper, by others).

Fr. Champlin's presentation reads well straight through, but a detailed table of contents makes it easy to find answers to specific questions, as well. A very basic theology and/or history of many of the actions and symbols of the priest are offered, and no lay person should have any trouble understanding the explanations given. Also helpful is an exploration of which elements of the Mass are changeable and which are not, and the changes from the pre- to post-Vatican II Mass.

Although written by a Roman Catholic priest, and addressing the RC Mass, this is a wonderful reference for any Christian in a liturgical church (Old Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran) -- or for anyone else interested in the meaning of the celebration of the Mass.

As a Protestant pastor, I am not very familar with the Mass. Father Champlin clearly explains all aspects of the Eucharist celebration He likens the Mass to two mountains. The prayer that begins the celebration begins the first ascent. The worshipers speak to God. The Scripture that is read is the descent as God speaks to His church. The second mountain is climbed as the priest prays over the bread and wine and is descended as God makes these to be the body of Christ. Particularly helpful was Father Champlim's explination of the changes from the pre-Vatican II to the post-Vatican II Mass. He shows the reader why the changes were made and how they have effected the worship experience for today's Catholic. This book is well suited for those wanting a greater understanding of the Mass. Father Champlin's book will help anyone - Catholic or Protestant - to a deeper appreciation of the Eucharist.

From his first encounter with Joyce's writings in Paris in 1927, Campbell remained deeply involved with the works of Joyce. He gave many lectures on Joyce, frequently read from his works, and published a number of articles on Joyce's works. This book provides a survey of Campbell's Joycean studies by conflating his articles and representative lectures, from his obituary notice on the death of Joyce in 1941 to lectures delivered within a few years of Campbell's death. Also included, in the "Dialogues" section, is a selection of Campbell's responses to questions from members of the audience at some of his lectures. Questions from listeners seemed to fire Campbell, and some of these exchanges provide a deeper insight into the material presented in the formal lectures. This book contains both elementary material and advanced analysis of the work of Joyce; it is, therefore, both an introduction to Joyce's major works and a major contribution to Joyce criticism. The whole provides a representative portrait of Joseph Campbell as a critic of Joyce. 304 pp. (From the back cover).

For me this book helps parralell the inner workings of you or me, reminding me of the pathes we take, no matter the presence or withdrawl of glamour, are adventures..... IT IS A VALUABLE screenwriters source.

This book is a fantastic survey of Native American cultural practices. The stories included are intriguing, enlightening, and entertaining. If you have an interest in Native American studies, you should own this book.

Excerpt reprinted from Rambles.

If you don't even know what a sweat-lodge is you might not get what you are looking for reading this book. However, for those who would like to learn more about Native American spiritual practices, it's a rich supply of knowledge. The book sets forth the history of the Sweat-lodge in many cultures, and also tells some great ancient tales of the lodge--great for telling in the lodge, or around the fire.

Joseph Brodsky leaves his final legacy with these poems in tribute to Jesus Christ and the Grand Miracle of Incarnation of
God into Man. Several striking features make this a must-have volume for poetry lovers and those interested in the literature
of contemporary Nobel Laureates:

1)The original Russian/Cyrillic Alphabet version of each poem is included with the translation on the facing page

2)Most of the translations are by the author,retaining the spirit as well as the letter of the original poem

3)The remaining translations are outstandingly faithful to the original, by consummate craftsmen in their own right: Richard
Wilbur,Anthony Hecht,Seamus Heaney,Derek Walcott,Glyn Maxwell

4)All poems are focussed on one central event: the supernatural
miraculous birth of Jesus Christ,the Son of God as a cause for worldwide celebration. Brodsky takes great care not to digress
into personal analysis,self-introspection, or theological interpretation, but lets the impressions of the Incarnation on the world around him be the theme of his poems

5)A special bonus at the end of the book is a candid interview with Brodsky shortly before his death in 1997 which probes his religious faith (non-evangelical,uncertain 'quasi-Calvinist'), the difference between Russian Christianity and Russian Orthodoxy,
Christmas vs. Easter in terms of commemoration, reflections on various of his Nativity poems and insights into the mind of the world-renowned Nobelist(e.g. significance of the world's calendar being B.C.-Before Christ and A.D. -Anno Domini, even after 2 millennia).

Special highlights are the translations by Wilbur and Hecht.
Makes a great gift all year-round.

A remarkable collection of poems by Joseph Brodsky -- about "Time, eternity, and Love -- which span the life's work of a great poet."

Perhaps it was the time of year in which I read Brodsky's collection of poems (December 2001), with the years great tragedies, and the feeling of helplessness that many people may now share. Whatever may have drawn me to this book, it is a book that I will forever remember.

The poems are translated with great care so as not to lose the beauty of the original work of art. Brodsky has given the reader a genuine gift of the eternal truths of Christmas. His poem entitled "January 1, 1965" is sure to be a favorite for generations to come.

If you enjoy poetry of metaphysical reflection and individual consciousness, you will enjoy reading "Nativity Poems." Definitely a book for the poetry lover on your gift list.

There is a lot of generic language assistance but little when it comes to specific religious terms. Joseph and Stellwagen have hit a home run with this one. A handy practical "must use" guide for the new missionary or Pastor wanting to make an impact in Japan.

This book will save the newcomer years in language school! Outstanding job gentlemen!

Even though this book was written a number of years ago I was thrilled to find phrases, ceremonies and Japanese proverbs that were very current and useful. Boy, this is a must read for Christian missionaries or preachers who want to use the correct terminology in their dealings with the Japanese public. Thank you, Mr. Joseph!

The "New Jerome Biblical Handbook" remains one of the most important books to come out of religious publishing in some time. It is an absolute essential for the busy clergyman who does not have the time for the in-depth reading and studying required for the far more academic "New Jerome Biblical Commentary". It will also make a worthy addition to the personal shelf of any informed layperson who wishes to become more biblically literate. It should also be found in every parish library.

What the "Handbook" does, is condense and distill the dense and academic material in the "Commentary" and present it in an easily recoverable fashion. The reader will gain insights into every book of the Bible, as well as into the basics of modern critical methodology, without requiring the technical training of the academic or seminarian.

From a theological standpoint, the "Handbook" could best be described as "moderate", rejecting both the anti-intellectualism of the fundamentalist far right as well as the deconstructionist tendencies of the far left. The editors did their work well in presenting a balanced picture of the best of modern biblical scholarship in an easy to read and comprehend format.

Certainly worth 5 stars.

I heartily recommend this book to all those who wanted a quick reference about the Bible! Maybe viewed as a supplementary to the NJBC, I find this book a handy one to bring along during my theology classes, and a useful tool for easy reading. The best handbook made for the best bible commentary!It has charts and visuals not usually found in the NJBC, which I think helps summarize and condense the immense scholarly works found in the NJBC.A great Companion to NJBC!