"Many of our 700 minors have been marginalized by their families and their communities. Many feel forgotten by God. Chicken Soup for the Prisoner's Soul lets them know that they are not forgotten. It symbolizes care and compassion and it has been transformative for many of our youth. It's actually the most sought after book at juvenile hall. It would be great if we could get on the wish-list for another 200 copies of your wonderful book. Thank you so much for every thing you do."
Javier Stauring
Chaplain
Central Juvenile Hall
Los Angeles

"Chicken Soup for the Prisoner's Soul" has been a favorite of participants in the Kairos HORIZON, faith-based residential program at Tomoka Correctional Institution near Daytona Beach, Florida. "It makes you think," one of the inmates in this maximum security prison responded, "and we need that." A local ministry provided copies for each of the 128 men in the faith dorm at Christmas last year.
As the program coordinator, I've noticed that the stories never fail to touch our volunteers, too, whether they are written by an inmate, an inmate's family, a volunteer, warden or correctional officer. By the end of the book, the whole experience of incarceration can be seen from a new and fuller perspective, one that offers hope.

"Chicken soup for the Prioner's Soul" was the answer to my prayers. After reading your book, I joined Toastmasters to develop my skills as a speaker. Your book opened my eyes and heart to my desire to be a professional speaker. It has also opened a lot of doors for me. It is so amazing that being in jail, I was led to your book, which has led to so many wonderful and helpful people. If everyone could accept people as unconditionally as you and the people in your book have accepted me, our world would be a much better place.

This book is very touching, yet funny. It has many anecdotes describing problems dealing with horses that are solved through understanding-not force. This book doesn't have techniques for training-it simply is a book about attitude and understanding.

For example, when your horse isn't going forwards when you give the cue, perhaps you're missing something. A shift in weight forwards means a lot to the horse, a sensitive animal. When you get angry, it assumes that going forwards isn't what you want it to do. This book gives clues on how to recognize a "try," as well as many other horse-perceptions.

It describes things from a horse's view. It clears up a lot of misunderstandings between humans and horses. It describes that instead of being a cruel and dominant alpha leader, maybe we can build a strong and lasting partnership. It explains that horses try to please us, but they don't react as dogs do.

I couldn't put it down. I read it all in the first day. The day after, when my horse refused to listen, I used a tip from the book and my horse came so willingly that I was stunned-I nearly fell backwards as I was about to jerk her head up when she suddenly lifted it with no fight!

You should definitely get this book; it will change the way you look at horses.

Rashid's easy-reading style is both entertaining and informative. His book is full of personal stories (actual true horse stories) which makes it "fun" as well as informative reading. He contrasts numerous training "styles" (good and bad)rather than step-by-step techniques, but carefully lays out the difference between "aggressive dominance" and "passive leadership". His book "Considering the Horse" goes well with this one, and I purchased both. Rashid's writing style keeps the pages turning...I find myself absorbed in his books. They only recently arrived and I have read nearly through both!
Like his other book, "Considering the Horse", this book, "Horses Never Lie" is worth reading. I would recommend this book for all who wish to become better horse handlers, and also for those who just love horses and want a wonderful and informative book to read on a rainy day. It is thought provoking. Even if you only have an "over-the-fence" relationship with horses, your equine-relationships will still greatly benefit from the information in this book. Rashid's love of horses is evident...and his discriptive writing style is most enjoyable.
Rashid's training techniques are not exacting in their implemetation-one must absorb the general flow of information and concepts, then put the stories to memory and use the techniques described in any given situation, essentially with a general bent toward the kind of relationship you (hopefully) desire with a horse. This book doesn't explain the exact methods one might need to know to turn out a high-schooled horse. It isn't a training manual, but more of a mind-emotion altering challenge, and I believe horses are the more blessed for his training ideas...he definitely loves horses and wants the best for them. You can't go wrong with this book for learning to be a more honest, capable and likable person around the barn!
After reading this book, I understand that some trainers have taken the "Alpha" role a bit too far...Rashid restores the Alpha method to what it should be--horse and handler having a healthy and mutually respectful relationship.
While I have not personally seen the Alpha idea taken to such extremes, Rashid apparently has seen far too many instances where "trainers" think they are in a wolf-pack! He implores us as horse-handlers to maintain a correct balance with our equine partners. He clearly opposes unnecessarily harsh training methods...with good reason. It is evident that Rashid has a passion for horses.
I also previously purchased "Horses Don't Lie", by Chris Irwin with Bob Weber. The three books together make a great set. Irwin's is much more a technical "hands-on" type of book, and applying his techniques and understanding along with Rashid's tempering of self makes for a whole new approach toward understanding and dealing well with our horses. Valued books, all!

This is one of the best horse 'training' books I've ever read. I found that Mark presented his theories in a unique format, where each story teaches you something about horses. I was able to read through the book in a matter of hours and was not only entertained, but felt like I could apply many if not all of his practices to the horses I deal with everyday; it isn't your typical how-to at all. I especially like the way Mark explains how horses view us and how, many times, it is miscommunication between humans and equines that becomes the culprit in many 'problem' horse cases. Bravo to Mark Rashid for taking a new approach to writing about horse training and keeping it humble, down to earth, and honest (just like our horses!)

I have long been a fan of natural horsemanship, and have read John Lyons, Pat Parelli, Monty Roberts. I learned a lot from each, but always felt that something was missing. Enter Mark Rashid. Rather than profess that we should be alphas (harsh, dominating leaders), he argues for a passive leadership where respect is gained from consistency and kindness, and so true partnership becomes possible. This book is wonderful to read for pleasure (I devoured it in 2 days), and also has very practical insights into common problems. My relationship with my horses is already the better for it. So much for the other books on my shelf--I won't be referring back to them again!

Truly, Mark Rashid must be here on earth to be the voice of the horse. Never have I read a more eloquent, spellbinding pair of books as 'Considering the Horse' and 'A Good Horse is Never a Bad Color.' If you read them as training manuals, you will find them informative and thought-provoking. If you read them for entertainment, you'll find humor, drama, compassion, and common sense.

Rashid doesn't offer a quick fix for horse training problems. Rather, he advocates considering the lesson from the horse's point of view, then using communication, patience, gentleness, and compassion to form a lasting partnership with the horse.

I urge you to read these books, apply Rashid's principles to your training programs, and spread the word to as many other horsepeople as you can. We owe it to our horses.

This book is another excellent source of training insight, and every bit as good as Mark's other book - "Considering the Horse". The writing style is so unique, and there is so much information and knowledge packed in these pages that it will become an important reference, as well as a very entertaining read for any serious horseman.

I am glad to find in "Ingathering" a collection of 'The People Stories'. As a young man I read them and felt that they were a charge to go into the world and teach, accepting people for what they were and for what they COULD be. My only regret in reading the book is to know that there will be no more stories to warm my heart and inspire my connection to the community in which I find myself. If Zenna Henderson has no remaining blood family, she has a larger family in those whom she inspired and encouraged. "The People" are an example of what can be the best in all of us.

That is what I wrote to Zenna several years ago, and I was saddened to receive a letter from her sister, saying that Zenna had been "called back to the Presence" a few years earlier. She had the ability to weave magic into her stories, and to make the reader feel and know what was happening. From Perdita and Low, to Lucine, to Valancy and the rest, Zenna made her characters come alive, and gave the feeling that these were not imaginary people, but real ones. These were not made-up events, but she was describing life somewhere in this world that was as it *should* be. Another reviewer said that there would be less suicide if more teens would read these stories, and I agree wholeheartedly. I know they changed my outlook on life. A special thanks to the compilers of "Ingathering" for their work!And please, AMAZON, keep this one in stock forever!

I am thrilled that the People stories are back in print. I read them years ago. I own all four of the books, including the hardcover edition of Pilgrimage. I love to share these wonderful stories with others. Now they can buy their own copies. For anyone who hasn't read the stories yet I have one caution. This hardcover edition has an introductory story preceding the first titled story "Ararat." "Ararat" is the true first story of the People and originally was published in a science fiction magazine first. I read it in the magazine and almost 40 years later I can still remember the shocking thrill that went through me as I read a certain line that told me that something strange and wonderful was about to unfold. Of course I won't reveal the line and spoil it for others, but all Zenna Henderson readers will know to what I refer. New readers READ ARARAT FIRST!!

A long time science fiction reader

The Christmas present I never got, so I bought my own copy. This book meticulously covers a topic not widely known by a lot of people, even fans of the Fab Four. It's about time someone wrote a book on the instruments and equipment the Beatles used to craft their wonderful songs. The book is a must in the library of Beatlemaniacs, those interested in rock music, musical instruments, and the recording arts. However, I wish the author could have hired better, more thorough proofreaders, as this edition had a few incorrect spellings (e.g., look for "Geroge" Harrison). Despite all that, it's a great read!

You might think a book about the Beatles guitars would be a somewhat dry read. Yet Andy Bubiak turns the whole story into one of the most fascinating reads on the Beatles I have ever encountered. Behind the scenes stories, interviews with people who were instrumental (pardon the pun) in working with the Beatles to get their guitars and amps... Suddenly, you remember that these guys were musicians who LOVED music (something that seems to have gotten lost in so many other Beatles books). This is a MUST HAVE book for any Beatle fan - lots of stories and photos you simply won't see anywhere else. If you loved Mark Lewisohn's books, you will love this. Get it now, give it as a gift, but whatever you do, don't pass this one by...

I have been waiting for this book for a long time.Having played guitar for thirty years and my own preference in musical equipment being somewhat different than the Fab Four, I nevertheless found the book fascinating. The author has done meticulous research and is the perfect companion to Mark Lewisohn's Recording Sessions. This is a must for "gearheads" and Beatle fans in general. It is not too technical keeping the electronically challenged interested but detailed enough for any "tubehead " to enjoy. A true tour de force. Thank you Mr Babiuk........Only one drawback though, I'm now obsessed more than ever to get that Vox AC30 Top Boost guitar amplifier I have always wanted. Thanks again----JTM

This is the first "real" magic book I ever got. I am a professional magician, and I am still using tricks out of this book. It is great! There is everything in it! Everything from "pick a card," to how to float a lady. This is a great book for beginners, amatures, and professionals!

As an amateur magician I can say this is the best magic book I have ever come across. There are many beginner through advanced type tricks. So what ever your level of experience you will learn something.

A word of warning, make sure you read all of the associated material before attempting a trick. I did not do so and Noodles, our pet cocker spaniel, is still missing. Unfortunately so is the magic book. The family eagerly awaits the replacement text I've ordered. Per my attorney, I am not at liberty to discuss the "sawing a body in half" trick but please be careful.

Enjoy!

For the person just starting out, or even someone who is seasoned in the skills of magic, this book is a must have. It's easy to understand without being 'overly simplified'. In other words, the tricks included are actually good. No silly, unusable stuff, just good magic ranging from self working to advanced. Get this book if you enjoy magic.

A publishing event of the most signifigance for 1997. The long establisher bible for medical doctors and almost everyone in the field of medicine, is for the first time written specifically for the non-medical reader. Over 1500 pages covering diseases, causes, treatments, drugs etc. this is the finest 1 volume medical authority every home should have. A layman's medical book has been long overdue. Who but the editors of Merck Pharaceuticals could take on this daunting task. At AMAZON's discounted price of less then $21.00 the bargain in hard cover publishing. WE RATE IT A BEST BUY !!!!!!!!

Let me start with my own qualifications for reviewing this invaluable book: 25 years' editing and indexing of professional medical texts and reference books; 20 years of creating "translations from the medicalese" for the rest of us; 3 years as consulting reviewer for an online health publication.
In this work, I use both the "senior" Merck Manual, which is written for professionals (though many nonprofessionals have been referred to it by librarians and such), and this recently developed "home" version, which I can't praise highly enough. It is literally the first text I have encountered that provides essential medical information in terms the average educated person can understand, WITHOUT writing down to people. It covers all the basic diseases and conditions and many unusual ones, including prevention where prevention is possible. Clear, understandable charts cover such topics as common blood and laboratory tests. The index is superb, so finding things is easy, whether you are coming at the topic by way of some medical jawbreaker your doctor has mentioned (myocardial infarction) or by way of what most people call it (heart attack). Any household would benefit from having this reference on its bookshelves. Even as a professional, I look in this edition first and tackle "Papa Merck" or a specialized textbook only if I need more than the basic information.

This reference book is easy to use and understand. When I first leaned of this home edition version of the Merck manual I was hesitant. Over the years many books have been published that are medical in nature, some published by doctors, but the content is watered down or so vague that a layperson doesn't derive much information from it. Some books are actually condescending in attitude, some patronizing. So many books briefly skim symptoms and then caution to call a physician for more information.

Recently my son was diagnosed on the phone by our pediatrician with chicken pox and it was made clear that they did not want to see him for a physical exam. I was given a tiny bit of information by the office staff but was still curious for more information. I spent over an hour surfing the Internet looking for information but found watered down information, repeated many times over on multiple websites, including some written by physicians intended for laypeople to use. I looked at my parenting books written by doctors (one titled "The Portable Pediatrician", no less) and was still lacking any substantial information. When I consulted the Merck Manual home edition, (which I had forgotten I bought recently and had not yet used), I was surprised at the level of information given. There are many details that I had not found elsewhere, such as number of days from exposure to outbreak, how long it takes the pox to change from first appearance to crusted over, about how long the infection lasts, and treatment suggestions. Reasons why some children have a mild outbreak vs. a severe outbreak were even provided, something I had not found anywhere else.

The information here is not dumbed down in that it is not so vague that it is not useful. There is a lot of information here but it is written in a style for the layperson to understand. I appreciated the writing style, which presents information to the non-physician without putting on airs.

Anyone who, like me, prefers to gather information and learn about things rather than making a call or office visit to their doctor to get just one opinion will appreciate owning this book. At about 1500 pages it covers many illnesses and ailments. If you are interested in this book I suggest you buy it so that you have it at your fingertips 24 hours a day, for whatever may arise. I am not suggesting this take the place of a doctor, but I know from working with physicians that there are certain calls that are non-emergent in nature that are not appreciated when the office is closed!

If you are looking for a book about children's ailments that encompasses not only western medicine but lists an array of other treatment methods, I suggest Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child: A Practical A-To-Z Reference to Natural and Conventional Treatments for Infants and Children by Janet Zand. I found this to be an excellent companion to the Merck manual, home edition. The Merck manual gives more information about the disease or ailment itself through a Western medicine viewpoint while the Zand's books' specialty is sharing treatment options grouped by category (herbal, homeopathic, western, etc.).

I read this book in 2 days flat!! I love it. Brought back some memories of times in my life... made me cry mostly. Who doesn't love a good cry? I'm on track to improving my personal development and have since changed my reading material to awe-inspiring stuff. I encourage all women ages 21-100+ to read this book.

Contrary to this books title, this is a must read for either sex. These strories would inspire anyone with a soft heart and a need for inspiration. As I became more involved in these wonderful life stories, I felt that no matter what obstacle, I could overcome it. Chicken Soup For The Woman's Soul is easily the best collection of works I have ever read

I read this book in 2 days flat!! I love it. Brought back some memories of times in my life... made me cry mostly. Who doesn't love a good cry? I'm on track to improving my personal development and have since changed my reading material to awe-inspiring stuff. I encourage all women ages 21-100+ to read this book.

This book made medical microbiology a lot easier. It is concise and written to teach. It is helpful because it explains conditions in every day language. My study group and I used this book and the following which is also available on amazon.com:
Microbiology Study Guide: Key Review Questions and Answers by Patrick Leonardi (ISBN: 0971999635)
The second book helped me prepare for the type of questions on my medical microbiology exams. I also used both these books as helpful references for the microbiology portion of the USLME 1. It just goes to show, everyone in my study group not only got high grades in our medical microbiology class, but also we all passed the USLME Step 1 the first time.

This is a good source to help make microbiology easier. The words are easy to understand, to the point, and clear. It is refreshing since it is not boring to read. Actually, it keeps your attention and makes studying more fun.
In addition, I also used Microbiology Study Guide: Key Review Questions and Answers by Patrick Leonardi. This study guide helped prepare me for the type of questions that were asked on my microbiology exams in med school. I even used it to study for my USLME Boards. I passed the boards the first time. This says something about both these books.

These ratings speak for themselves. Good information that's not too too detailed (like your Micro coursework). Great drawings and mnemonics will help you out. Very strong HIV section. If you can read this cover to cover twice, more power to you... if not, you'll be fine anyway. Highly recommended for Step I prep and for the classroom. Buy this book, First Aid, BRS Pathology, and QBank.. you should be set.

Most people are familiar with the story of Zorro, bland Caballero by day, masked rogue by night. This book, a reprint of the 1919 serial, is the genesis of many movies, several TV shows, and numerous other Zorro stories by McCulley. While not a great book, it provides a few hours of diversion.

The story revolves around a trio of suitors for Lolita: Diego Vega, spiritless heir to the largest fortune in California, Captain Ramon, commandant of the presideo, who is not above blackmail and deceit to achieve his aims, and Zorro, the masked rogue who defends the mistreated and downtrodden. The plot is predicatably familiar and McCulley demonstrates only an adequate writing style. That "The Curse of Capistrano" (only later retitled "The Mark of Zorro") achieved success is due to McCulley's blending of a spirited heroine, a dashing, daring hero, the timeless story of good versus evil, and some dashes of humor. The book also contains a fourteen page forward discussing the book from a historical perspective. I found this informative and a worthwhile addition.

While not as good as similar books, for example "The Scarlet Pimpernal", it is still an enjoyable way to spend a rainy afternoon. Shhh, shhh, shhh.

I wonder if Johnston McCulley had any idea what he was starting when he first wrote THE CURSE OF CAPISTRANO, as the story was titled when it was first published as a serial in a pulp magazine. Had it not been for Douglas Fairbanks, it would probably have ended with that one novel. I'm glad it turned out differently, as the Zorro legend has become such an ingrained part of our culture and sparked so many more stories, as well as movies and TV series! Don Diego Vega is a lifeless, spineless wimp--or so he would have the world believe. He won't engage in duels, won't romance pretty young ladies, won't engage in any of the activities expected of young gentlemen of that era. He only courts Lolita Pulido because his father has ordered him to get himself a wife, and even then, he does it in such a lifeless manner that Lolita can't stand him. All the while, however, he leads a double life that nobody knows about. At night, he dons a mask and costume, and calls himself Zorro (fox). As Zorro, he is everything Don Diego is not. He duels with soldiers and laughs as he does so. He romances Lolita in a passionate, yet gentlemanly manner, and defends her honor with a wicked captain. He persuades a group of young caballeros to stand up to tyranny, which in the end saves his life and Lolita's. THE MARK OF ZORRO is an exciting, adventure-filled, romantic novel. I recommend it to everyone.

Many people have seen "The Mask of Zorro" starring Antonio Banderas. Even more are familiar with Guy Williams' 1957-59 portrayal of the legendary hero, or even Duncan Regehr's series in the early 1990s. But very few have, unfortunately, ever read the book that started it all, "The Mark of Zorro", originally entitled "The Curse of Capistrano" in its initial 1919 release. This is such a shame. Few Zorro stories of today -- excepting some fan fiction -- can rival the genius in Johnston McCulley's work(s). His Zorro is the ultimate adventurer.

Zorro's best-kept secret is the fact that there wasn't *one* Zorro story written by Johnston McCulley -- there were sixty! A wonderful new company is currently in production of republishing every one of these classic stories. I've read some of them; they're every bit as good as "Mark". Truly "must-reads". Miss them at your own expense.