In addition to learning about how to show others the basic respect of being a good listener and not a self-centered listener, anyone who reads this book will immediately be able to recognize bad managers, bad listeners, self involved attention mongers, as well as genuinely generous people.

Read this book at your library and then add it to your home collection. I know that I am going to add it to mine.

Solomon's explanation of Carbon Nitrogen ratios is excellent. I now understand better why my compost does what it does at different speeds different times of the year. He is realistic about the benefits of compost and does not uncritically accept the Rodale "Organic" party line. However, I think he goes too far in rejecting it. Solomon has clearly seen many people overcompost and damage their soil's ecology. Yes, too much of anything can be bad and one can increase humus content irrationally, but I think he is too negative. Most of the gardens I see have been neglected and one really can "build the soil" to improve fertility, moisture retention, etc. I would prefer the message to be "It takes time. Don't try build your soil too fast. Do soil tests regularly." not "only try replace the humus you take out". He ends one section with "I conclude that organic matter is somewhat dangerous stuff whose use should be limited...". On this I disagree strongly. In my experience it is a rare case when someone overcomposts. However, I must strongly agree with Solomon on the advantages of using soil testing and using a good organic fertilizer mixture in addition to applying compost on your garden. He gives his famous recipe for complete organic fertilizer (I originally saw it in "Growing Vegetables West of the Cascades") and I can vouch for its efficacy.

Solomon raves about poor nutrient value of vegetables caused by over composting. I only partially buy his nutrition arguments. Yes, poor soil can grow veggies with poor nutrition. But the argument does not follow not to build your soil. If veggies grow well and taste great, I trust that measure of nutrition. On the nutrition arguments he is doing what he accuses other of, making an assertion and providing no evidence to back it up.

If you are interesting on composting the book is well worth reading. In fact, it is probably more fun because of the flaws I have just complained about.

Dr Jacques COULARDEAU, University of Perpignan at Mende.

My mama told me...you better shop around. THESE VOICES ARE KILLING ME!!!

In Part II, Van Praagh presents some very interesting case histories from his experiences as a medium able to communicate with souls on the "other side."

For those who have not read Van Praagh's first book, "Talking to Heaven" or are unfamiliar with the abilities of a medium, I would recommend reading Part II before Part I.

As someone who has read more than 400 metaphysical/spiritual books, I would place this on my "top 10" list. It's definitely a treasure.

Read James Van Praagh's "Healing Grief." This book will teach you not to harm yourself or the soul of your loved one in its transition. Over and over again this book will prove that the soul lives on and one day you will meet your loved one again. "Healing Grief" will remind you that you are not alone, it will help you let your pain and anger go, move on with your life and get in touch with your wisdom -- it is there, in your heart, buried under the pain, its voice can be heard, if you only try... END

The first half of the book is an introduction to the language and the second half applications loosely connected to the Internet.

The language is worth knowing, but I'd have liked a book with exercises.

As stands, this book gives a great overview of the process and challenges that went into creating the excellent cable miniseries 'Frank Herbert's Dune', and I highly recommend giving it a read!