The Bill Alexander story was by far the best book ever written. The late Bill Alexander was a fine man. His kind manner and self confidence was simply magic! Bill explained how he created the magic he displayed on the show The magic of oil painting. He was apprenticed to a carridge maker. His artistic skills were noticed after being captured in world war two. He painted portraits of the allied officers wives. Soon the war ended and Bill was on his way to america and finally to Powell River British columbia. this book is great for artists of any caliber. And even those who do not paint,you can feel the magic that he once brought to the world. He has made more first time painters feel like professionals. The late Bob ross,who studied under Bill,Was another fine man. This review was dedicated to their memories!

Alex Cockburn and Ken Silverstein hold a clinic on how to interpret Washington DC, boldly naming names, citing specific incidents, invoking histories those less familiar with the subject leave out. Terrific job on how the New Boss is Same as the Old Boss -- and will be until we stop getting fooled again.

Written on a daily basis, this book give us a day to day contemplation to what's happening around us. This book is best read for fathers and young adult. Its everyday different topic are very interesting. It give us another perspective to what we always do before.

As today's men have found a need to change spiritual self-definition and personal self-valuation we have sought just such a work as Bill Alexander's. This book is a daily mirror as useful as that into which we gaze to shave. Opened and read at any page anytime, a rewarding "aha!" of new perception, or a redirected thought toward personal spiritual self-reappraisal results. The author's own self/spiritual search and soul-renewal enlighten each perception with a practical albeit admittedly eastern bent; but the joy of discovery is universal and spiritual, not merely religious. And he informs us of the world's religious markers for each month as it starts. This is a highly recommended daily positive thought-starter and meditation guide for any man attempting to live in the modern world, today's society. I celebrate his honesty and inward perception. This is a great gift for a man's birthday. I give it to my friends and family with pride! - A rare gem.

I have found that reflecting on my behavior can be helpful. This book enabled me to take some of those brief moments of quiet time and turn them into enjoyable and thoughtful times. I gave it to a friend who is also a father, and now I am buying a replacement copy.

The semantics woven throughout Alexander's book will not be helpful for an individual who is lost and suffering, or newly sober and looking for insight. Instead, this is a book of arguments aimed at the community of people who have been in AA for a long time or are well established in the "recovery" community. Not seeing value of anonymity, Alexander sets up straw men and then shoots them down, misrepresenting (or perhaps not understanding) other traditions and steps of twelve-step recovery. Many who turn to this book looking for a way out will be mystified while finding no solace. For those, Alexander's piece may do more harm than good.

"The real definition of my alcoholism is that when I drink my life goes down the toilet. How about you?" This is the definition offered by Alexander, an explanation that scratches the surface. Equally disappointing is Alexander's lack of depth in the understanding of monotheism. Divinity is rejected as "capricious." Picking his way around steps, Alexander displays little or no insight into the program he would rewrite.

If you are interested in brief discussion of Alexander's version of twelve-step programs contrasted with Alexander's version of Buddhism this is the book for you. If you want to go to an unbiased source about modern Buddhism, read the beautiful writings of Thich Nhat Hahn instead. If you are desperate and looking for a way out of a deadly trap, skip Alexander's book for a couple of years and look elsewhere. This one's more about Alexander than you might find helpful.

...I was completely disappointed. Not only does William Alexander lack in providing any real substance for 'recovery' but there's an undertone that seems to say, 'hey, it's never your fault... Just get over it and forget about all the damage you've caused people because of your lack of control (drugs and alcohol). It's about not taking any responsibility and 'forgetting' what was done in the past. But one can't have any kind of future if they don't take responsibilities for their past. This book was confusing as he's slamming AA then complimenting them, going back and forth. This author is weak and doesn't even provide an email or way to contact him directly, he says, 'contact me thru my publisher...'.
So much for the help, Al. Worst self help book I ever read and wish I could return it. I've never said this about any book in the past. You can't really take anything away from this. It was a book written to make money primarily and that's sad for folks, like the friend I bought this book for who needs something much more tangible and with substance. Complete waste of time. Sorry.

A very special book, indeed. I found this book to be one of the best I've ever read on recovery. The author is an eloquent and honest writer, who creates a powerful and poetic guide for simple everyday recovery & living.

This book was okay but tended to jump from part to part quickly with no flow. It was confusing in parts and they made no attempt not to affect history. They unrealistacly were able to easily change everyone into lovers of cats. The book though did contain some historic figures and facts. I would recommend this book for people grades 4-6.Lloyd Alexander though has written many good books this isn't one of the good ones though.