I first read this book in high school. I got hooked on Gordon Korman books after reading Don't Care High. Son of Interflux was also great, but without a doubt, Sean and Raymond were the absolutely best characters I think I've ever read. Everything that goes on in this story just keeps you constantly rolling on the floor with laughter. I'm 22 years old and I re-ordered this book through Amazon last year and they finally sent me a copy after 4 or 5 months of waiting. It was well worth the wait. Somebody please write Korman and tell him we need a sequel to this timeless classic.

My friend introduced me to this book many years ago. We read it out loud to each other and I have read it out loud to several people since (family, roommates....) Korman is great for zany characters but Jardine is his best. I actually found a Raymond Jardine in the phone book here in St. John's, Newfoundland, and had the strongest urge to give him a call, but I restrained myself! Korman at his very best. Love the poems. I have my own paperback copy but would love to get a hardback. Bring this one back!

This was a incredibly funny book. I've read 5 times and it just gets funnier. Jardine is my favorite chacter because he reminds me of my self. Gordon Korman Rules. He is the funniest author in the world.

Peace and all that!

A major contribution, this book is a treasure of up-to-date archaeological documentation plus analysis and interpretation of the architecture and engineering of the legendary Inca site. As scholar and frequent academic study-tour leader to Machu Picchu, I can attest to the accuracy of the authors' observations presented in a lucid text and complemented by a wealth of excellent black-and-white photographs, detailed site plans and architectural drawings. In an unusual collaborative effort, American engineer Kenneth R. Wright and Peruvian archaeologist Alfredo Valencia Zegarra join their expertise to describe with painstaking care the multiple challenges that were faced by the Inca builders including geography, site selection, engineering infrastructure, city planning, water system, drainage, agriculture, stonework, and construction methods. In addition, Gordon McEwan contributes an essential chapter on the cultural backgrounf of the Inca civilization; and Ruth M. Wright's "Walking Tour" chapter provides a concise, clear guide for exploring the main site as well as other attractions nearby. Destined to become a classic and model study for other Inca sites, this is an invaluable resource for experts in the field and general public alike.

Machu Picchu, A Civil Engineering Marvel is an extraordinary accomplishment. It is not merely a travel book or ruins guide. It is the result of at least five years of study, exploration and detailed mapping by a competent civil engineer and actually is a tremendous contribution to serious archaeology on the history and accomplishments of the Peruvian Inca empire.

Mr. Wright, a water engineering specialist, worked with close cooperation with a government archaeological expert from Peru headquarters. His particular specialized interest was the drinking and waste disposal system for the people who inhabitated the site, which is called a "palace" but is actually much more than that. He also detailed the construction of the agricultural terraces. It is a scholastic textbook of the first rank.

Abandoned for centuries and overgrown by dense subtropical forest, this awesome city in the sky has been the subject of speculation and conjecture since Hiram Bingham first disclosed it in 1911. Now, for the first time, the wonders of Machu Picchus' construction and water supply are revealed in a new book by Kenneth R. Wright and Alfredo Valencia Zegarra. Anyone who has read Bingham's Lost City of the Incas, or who has visited this ancient city of the Incas or who yearns to journey there, should read this new and searching volume that delves into and solves many of the mysteries of Machu Picchu. Why was it built, how the site was selected, and what were the critical criterial criteria that were met to make the ridge top site suitable for an alternate home for the Inca Pachacuti? Machu Picchu served as a residence, a fortress and a holy place. The developement of a water supply, the construction of terraces for agriculture and the remarkable and enduring granite structures were well concealed by its unique location. Near vertical cliffs, the roaring Urubamba river all contributed to the concealment of Machu Picchu from the Spanish invaders How an ancient people, without the written word, without instruments and steel tools so capably built and prospered there for more than a century is now revealed in this landmark book that will increase both the awe and respect of the reader for the Inca people.

This engrossing book traces the life of 11th century Englishman, Robert Cole. Cole begins as a normal child, is quickly orphaned, and is then apprenticed to a barber-surgeon. As he travels throughout England with his master, the reader is introduced to all aspects of English peasant life. Family life, morality, religion, sexuality, medicine, xenophobia and history are all presented in an interesting, subtle, and easily read writing style. When Cole grows up and decides to be a physician, he comes in contact with Jewish doctors who explain to him that the best universities are in Moslem-ruled Persia, where no Christian may go. Determined to learn, Cole overcomes this obstacle by pretending to be a Jew. As he travels and studies in Persia, the same questions of lifestyle are addressed, only this time within the Jewish and Moslem communities. This is a great read for anyone who likes adventurous stories about growing up, or who is interested in sociology, religion, medicine, or history.

Every body I talked to about this book said that it was wonderful, so I bought it and started to read it. In few pages I couls see the great, great work done by Gordon. Even if the historical facts are not very accurate, it doesen't matter, for it's such a wonderful story that you just keep reading it until your ayes are tired. The book is about a young english boy named Rob J., that sees himself in poverty and lost in big London when his parents die. Adopted by a barber-surgeon, he learns how to heal people, but his skills are not developed enough to him. So, he becomes a jew and goes to far Persia so he can study the art of medicine. I haven't read other books from Gordon, but now I'm gonna start looking for them

Just after the last turn of the millenium, a young boy is orphaned in London. Raised by a travelling barber-surgeon, Rob J. decides to be a great physician. Problem: the best medical school is located in Persia. Problem: they don't much like Catholics in Persia. Solution: Rob J. masquerades as a Jew in order to attend the school. Through the seven or eight years he spends in Persia, Rob J. falls in love, gets married, has kids, gets some really great friends, meets up with the Shah, nearly gets killed, and discovers appendicitis. This book isn't gory despite its medical scenes, and is actually a really interested read if you like reading about long-time-agos or medical lore. Though most things I've read that have taken place that long ago are really difficult to read, this one wasn't.

I first came across this book in the 6th grade, when my teacher read it to our class.. It kept our attention, it moved along swiftly and was the funniest book ever. I remembered it years later and when i had the chance to come across it in used book stores I bought it, to this day (I'm almost 27 right now!) I still find it one of the best books i've ever gotten to read. I just finished reading it again for the zillionth time and i don't mind admitting i loved it even more. I realize people think it's silly for an adult to read such a book but i have to tell you that the story of Rudy Miller and Mike Webster (and who could forget Harold Greene?) at camp tickles my funny bone even now.

If you get the chance, don't let this one pass you by.

I don't know ANYONE who's ever heard of this book, and such a pity for them! Somehow a copy of this book found its way to me in the mid-80's. I then proceeded to read and reread the thing into tatters. No matter how many times I read it, I'd always go into fits of loud, knee-slapping guffaws! Rudy "Miller! " Chip, Harold Greene and Old Elias are some of the funniest characters ever to inhabit such a novel.Now, about 13 yrs. later, I would give anything to read this again. Seldom have I ever had so much fun reading a book! And that is saying A LOT! Classic!

I first picked up "I want to go home!" when I was around 10. I loved it the first time just as I've loved it all the other 29 odd times I've read it. I wish I could say I was exaggerating but I'm not. Once I even picked up the book again and read it twice in the same afternoon! Rudy Miller is someone who could never really exist. Like Melanie Wilkes in Gone With the Wind. The power that these characters generate is so strong that you get to like them a lot. Or you wish they actually existed. The story of 'I want to go home' is about a boy who's good at everything without trying. In his inscription Gordon Korman says "There's fun, and then there's fun. This is dedicated to those who know the difference." The fun of the chase, the game. Rudy has to find trouble to make things fun because everything else comes so easily to him. The situations that he creates are what seperate this book from any other comic childrens book ever written. I don't care if you're 100 or 15, like myself, if you like humour you'll like this book!

Gordon C. Rhea has done it again. Mr. Rhea wrote a compelling battle narrative on the desperate fighting in the Wilderness that appeared on the book shelves in 1994. After I read that history, I wondered to myself, how in the heck would he follow up on his excellent treatment on the Battle of the Wilderness. With his latest volume on the Battle of Spotsylvania, he has certainly done that. Rhea, with this latest book has established himself as one of the finest historians writing about the war today. He has brought all of the elements together...Bravery, tragedy, incompetence, and yes, humor in a narrative that truly describes the horrors Americans went through during those awful days in early May, 1864. Mr. Rhea's description of the events on May 12, 1864 are harrowing, unbelievable, and heartbreaking. The struggle for the Bloody Angle becomes all too real for the reader. The unbelievable, heroic combat for those earthworks on the hallowed ground of the Spotsylvania Battlefield makes me proud of both sides as they fought during that rainy day. Each side gave their all....and they showed what Americans are all about. Special thanks for the maps of George Skoch. Mr. Skoch's work really helps the reader understand the campaign. A must for all students of the Civil War....Rhea has written a classic!

With the year only four-and-a-half months young, it would still be a safe bet to put your money on Gordon C. Rhea's "The Battles for Spotsylvania Court House and the Road to Yellow Tavern-May 7-12, 1864" for "Best Civil War Book of 1997". Rhea, who gave us his "Battle of the Wilderness" in 1994, has only improved upon that award-winning volume with his latest effort. "The Battles for Spotsylvania" covers the vicious and nearly-disastrous engagement between Grant and Lee during the middle weeks of May, 1864. Here, near this sleepy little village southwest of Fredericksburg, Grant's bluecoats met Lee's butternuts in a mortal maelstrom of some of the most bloody fighting the Old Dominion had yet seen. Long neglected by Civil War writers, this pivotal and oft-confusing series of continuous combats was brought to the modern Civil War buff's attention by William Matter's fine "If It Takes All Summer" in 1988. Rhea, however, takes the torch from here and weaves a masterful narrative, both highly-detailed and smooth flowing at once, to give us, perhaps, the best coverage of this engagement we shall ever have. How so, one might ask? First, Rhea adds to the records and histories, a plethora of unpublished accounts from diaries, letters, memoirs, newspapers, and the like to give this book the comprehensive personal side of battle. Yet, the strategic and tactical concerns of the fighting do not suffer at all. To be sure, the author, once again, has found that special touch in blending the larger and smaller "pictures" into one without detracting from either. Nearly every imaginable aspect of the battle is covered in deft fashion, always maintaining the easy-reading flow in the text. Especially inviting to buffs and important to historians is Rhea's coverage of the concurrent cavalry operations between Phil Sheridan and JEB Stuart, including a riveting account of "Little Phil's" Richmond Raid and Stuart's subsequent death at Yellow Tavern. From the initial fighting at Laurel Hill, through Upton's heroic charge and the battering assaults against the "Bloody Angle", the reader will find and feel that they are seemingly in the midst of the battle itself. I just got my copy and read it in two days--you will find this one very hard to put down! Theodore C. Mahr Dayton, Ohio ------------------------------------------------ Former Seasonal Historian Fredericksburg-Spotsylvania Natl. Military Park Author: "The Battle of Cedar Creek: Showdown in the Shenandoah, October 1-30, 1864"[1992]

Gordon Rhea makes an important leap forwards in "grand scale" Civil War writing with his work on "The Battles for Spotsylvania Courthouse May 7-12,1864". Unlike his previous release covering the Battle for the Wilderness, Rhea has obviously incorporated all critiques and takes a bold step forward with this masterpiece of Civil War writing. The battle descriptions, everyday soldier stories and maneuver/tactic summaries along with the extensive array of maps (all in the correct context!) converge with this amazingly described battle story.

Rhea begins this book with the disengagement of the Federal forces following the tactical draw at the Wilderness. Detailed troop movements on both sides of the lines encompass most of the first quarter of the book and Rhea does an excellent job at describing who went where and explaining why it is important to understand that the movements of Confederate Richard Anderson towards Spotsylvania Courthouse (a small crossroads hamlet southwest of Chancellorsville) in a timely manner (his march from the Wilderness to Spotsylvania occurs hours ahead of schedule and barely beats the Federals to this important strategic holdpoint) made the difference in the ensuing battles.

The initial engagements at Laurel Hill/Spindle's Farm on May 8th set the stage for the Siege/trench warfare that follows and Rhea adroitly explains troop layouts and maneuvers in this important prelude to the subsequent major battles. As in the Wilderness struggle, this battle period also covers two main areas...the infantry confrontations at Spotsylvania and the cavalry maneuvers/battles between Phil Sheridan's complete corps of Union cavalry and Jeb Stuart's partial Confederate corps as they head to a climactic engagement at Yellow Tavern north of Richmond (culminating in the un-timely death of Stuart...a major blow to the Southern cause).

Rhea goes on to point out how vulnerable the Confederate "Muleshoe" entrenchments at Spotsylvania are and how Union Colonel Emory Upton is partially successful with his May 10th charge at the west side of the salient. U.S. Grant sees this and uses this same tactic to attack the northwest "angle" on May 12th. The resulting "Bloody Angle" encounter is the highlight of the book. Charge after senseless charge is depicted along with chilling descriptions of the resulting carnage...this clearly was the Civil War at it's most gruesome (apologies to those who say that Antietam, Fredericksburg or Chickamauga were the bloodiest). Rhea descibes..."In places, the combatants pressed so close that their flagstaffs crossed. 'The fighting was horrible,' a Mississippian recalled. 'The breastworks were slippery with blood and rain, dead bodies lying underneath half trampled out of sight.' The 16th Mississippi's flag stood at the salient's apex, like a challenge to the Federals. Wave after wave of Union assaults battered the point. Between charges, the Confederates cleared corpses from the trenches and loaded and stacked their rifles in preparation for the next onslaught. 'The powder smoke settled on us while the rain trickled down our faces from the rims of our caps like buttermilk on the inside of a tumbler,' penned a Mississippian who had stood not ten feet from the flagstaff. 'We could hardly tell one another apart. No Mardi Gras Carnival ever devised such a diabolical looking set of devils as we were. It was no imitation affair of red paint and burnt cork, but genuine human gore and gun powder smoke that came from guns belching death at close range' ".

Rhea then closes the book with an excellent Epilogue...expert analysis of both side's tactics and rationale are given and he absoluetly does not hesitate to indict both Leaders (Grant far more than Lee this time) for failures in thinking and command. In the final analysis, this is a watershed in Civil War battle history. Rhea now shows that he deserves mention with the best Civil War historians of the day (notwithstanding my critique of his first work) and I eagerly look forward to reading the rest of his Overland Campign histories. I highly recommend this book!

Have you ever had a good idea snuffed out, simply because the powers that be in your corporation (or whatever organization) were too involved in politics/committees/old ways of doing things? Then read on.

This is by far one of the most liberating books I've ever read. It says that anyone can be creative and get their ideas across, but it's not about being "arty", it's about finding ways to get new ideas into corporations, minus the yucky experience of getting stuck in corporate red tape (the famous Giant Hairball, as Gordon calls it). But it's not a string of boring lectures like a lot of the other corporate advice books out there. It's a collection of fun, short anecdotes. Real stories about Gordon Mackenzie and his HallMark days as he learned how to become a creative guru for his organization. That's right: he was learning. He tells the stories from this kind of perspective, and it is quite hilarious. Not to mention approachable. A must read. Maybe you, too, can be a creative guru...

Gordon MacKenzie's "Orbiting The Giant Hairball" is a wonderful book for anyone looking to bring more creativity into his or her life or job. First of all, aesthetically this is one of the most beautiful books I own. Gordon tapped his own creative genius and turned out something that in addition to being filled with quality content is a work of art. Secondly, Gordon lived the role of "corporate fool," at Hallmark where he was able to use his wonderful creative spirit to stimulate creativity. He walked the talk and in this book shares that experience.

As someone who speaks extensively on creativity and is the author of "Aha!-10 Ways To Free Your Creative Spirit and Find Your Great Ideas," I have read many books on the subject of creativity. Gordon's is unique and special. It is a joy to read, and guaranteed to provide any reader with a fresh perspective on their creative challenges. It is sad that Gordon passed away not to long ago. He was a gift to everyone he crossed paths with, and we are fortunate that he left this legacy so that he will continue to cross paths with many more in the future.

Click buy...you will not be disappointed.

This is far and away THE most delightful book I've bought in a long time. It's stimulating visually as well as intellectually, fun to read, and the chapters are short enough to be assimilated by even the most harried business person. But it's not fluff: the points he makes about education, the way businesses are run, and the continual tension between creativity and corporate inertia, are crucial ones (every manager in every large firm should read Chapter 18, "The Pyramid and the Plum Tree"!). And MacKenzie's recommendations are not, as some critics have argued, applicable only in an "entertainment" industry like greeting cards: in today's fast-paced business world, a company's most important asset is its ability to be flexible and continually come up with new ideas; the "giant hairball" of entrenched structures and organizational habits won't cut it any longer. While I agree that the people who most need to hearken to this book's message are educators, I think it's equally important for business people: even if you've been trained (first by your schools and then by your employers) to stifle your natural creativity and become a good little corporate clone, it's not too late for you to recapture what you started out with. I wish I could rate this 10 stars!

Jess Oppenheimer, who was a producer of I Love Lucy and wrote many classic episodes, has produced a very enjoyable and engaging behind the scenes look at one of the greatest television shows ever. He provides a lot of insider tidbits on the production of the show and working with the cast. This book would be enjoyed by any fan of the series or of television's golden age. Very entertaining.

I Love Lucy - Behind the Scenes is a fabulous look back at the career and antics of one of t.v. and radios funniest ladies. With all of the demoralizing venues on the "boob-tube" today, it is refreshng to recall a time-gone-by when good clean fun could still be funny. Jess and Gregg Oppenheimer have compiled a wonderful memory book of everyone's favorite comidianne. The reader - Larry Dobkin who as I understand it, was a guest actor on several I Love Lucy episodes, delivers this story with the warmth and humor it so deserves. I give this audiobook 5 stars!

"Laughs, Luck...and Lucy" is written by Jess Oppenheimer andhis son, Gregg Oppenheimer. Jess Oppenheimer worked formany of the legends of old time radio, including Fanny Brice, Fred Astaire, and Edgar Bergan and Charlie McCarthy. This book tells of Mr. Oppenheimer's career in writing radio scripts, and specifically deals with his writing for Lucille Ball. He wrote first for her when she performed in "My Favorite Husband," and then he tells about his creation of "I Love Lucy," the television series starring Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. Mr. Oppenheimer not only created the idea for the series, he was also the head writer and producer of the program. Because of his unique inside perspective, Mr. Oppenheimer is able to provide information about Lucy and Desi that no one else could. There are a few things that make this book absolutely unique... Several appendices are included in the book which are very interesting. The first appendix shows an actual script (complete with hand-written changes) that was used during the production of "My Favorite Husband." But, what makes this book fascinating is the fact that a 65-minute audio CD is included, composed of twelve different tracks. The first track is a recording of the presentation of the script for "My Favorite Husband" included in Appendix A of the book. Another real plus for this book is the number of photographs that are included. The photos provide another dimension to this richly-composed book. This book is not only informative, it is very entertaining! Anyone who has ever seen an episode of "I Love Lucy" will want to own this book. It now occupies a prominent place in our family library. "Laughs, Luck...and Lucy" will be read and re-read many times in our home.

Jeff Gordon and his rainbow warriors 1997 Championship year are brought to light from Daytona all the way to Atlanta in this must have, coffeetable book. The pictures are beautiful and all Jeff Gordon fans know the story. This was a phenomenal year for the 25 year old driver and his team. Jeff talks about all of his victories and his inspirations. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

I am a huge Jeff Gordon fan and I will be the first to tell you that this is a wonderful book! I have been a fan for a little over 4 years and this book goes into detail about everything that you would ever want to know! Very well written...if you are a Jeff Gordon fan this is the book for you!

This book gives a great summuary of Jeff Gordon's 1997 championship season. It gives an inside veiw of how he felt when certain events were taking place. I learned many facts about Gordon. It also contains many colorful pictures that depict Jeff's life on the road. If your a Gordon fan, don't miss this book!!!

The editorial review says this book has "Stunning illustrations, precisely matched to actual massage photos." I found this reassuring, since you probably wouldn't want to get mixed up and use the wrong massage technique on the wrong part of the body. For example, my partner has one called "the jackhammer," and I can tell you, you wouldn't want to apply that one to the same place she applies one of my other favorites, "the velvet buzz-saw." On the other hand, perhaps in the area of massage it's "different strokes for different folks," just as in many other areas of life. Well, whatever your taste is in massage, I found this book to be full of many useful techniques. Now if someone could just publish a good book on how to massage my bruised ego.

A massage is more intimate than sex. Let me correct that. A good massage is more intimate than sex. Your partner is touching not just every part of your body, but handling your mind, calming, gentling, soothing, pleasuring, stimulating. The fragrance of the oil, the soft light, the low music in the background, all intended to work on your brain while your body is being kneaded and manipulated.

Gordon Inkeles does much the same for the reader. His words and the beautiful nude photography set the stage and work on the senses of the mind. Read a chapter and you'll want to gently remove your partner's clothing and try out the technique explained in words and pictures. If your partner is not within reach, the book heightens the anticipation until he or she is home again and in for a pleasant surprise.

Gordon makes the point that massage has changed since the days when masseurs saw the body as a target for correction, easing sprains, directed towards a specific medical or sporting end. He demonstrates that massage is for fun and shared pleasure, an end in itself.

The book has thirteen sections, covering aids to massage, the various strokes, parts of the body, erotic massage etc. All strokes are shown in detail. Be warned, if nudity is likely to bother you, that this book is not coy or reserved. The models are completely nude and there are no carefully draped towels. The photography is tasteful in both colour and black and white. It enhances the atmosphere, and moves a step away from the clinical approach taken by other books.

Above all, the point is made that massage is an intimate, shared experience, a meeting of minds as well as bodies.

As I say, this is my very favorite massage book, as much for its attitude as anything else. Recommended for enjoyment! Shared enjoyment.

This wonderful book provides the reader with a step-by-step guide to the sensual world. It's well researced and exquisitely illustrated. This book works as well for the massage professional, as it does for the novice(my husband). It's Gordon Inkeles' masterpiece.

The book contains easy to follow instructions that cover total body massages with lovely nude photography throughout;like an art book! The massages are all romantic, sexy and very sensual. The book not only explains and shows how to massage the back, head, arms, legs, and body, it also explains how to target certain muscles, tendons, nerves and circulation, as they're being massaged. The book also covers massages for stress control, erotic touching and much more. The anatomical illustrations are breathtaking. Inkeles knows massage better than anyone else. I own all his books; this one is the best. I highly recommend it.

An American doctor once asked Viktor Frankl to explain the difference between conventional psychoanalysis and logotherapy. Before answering, Frankl asked the doctor for his definition of psychoanalysis. The man said, "During psychoanalysis, the patient must lie down on a couch and tell you things which sometimes are very disagreeable to tell." Frankl immediately replied by saying: "Now, in logotherapy the patient may remain sitting erect but he must hear things which sometimes are very disagreeable to hear." By this he meant that in logotherapy the patient is actually confronted with and reoriented toward the MEANING of his life. The role of the therapist, then, is to help the patient discover a purposefulness in his life. Frankl's theory is that man's search for meaning is the primary motivation in his life and not a "secondary rationalization" of instinctual drives. Whereas Freudian psychoanalysis focuses on the "will to pleasure" and Adlerian psychology focuses on the "will to power" it can be said that Frankl's logotherapy focuses on the "will to meaning." Does man give in to to conditions or stand up to them? According to Frankl, the strength of a person's sense of meaning, responsibility, and purpose is the greatest determining factor in how that question will be answered. He believed that "man is ultimately self-determining" and as such, "does not simply exist but always decides what his existence will be, what he will become in the next moment."

The first (and largest) section of this book is the searing autobiographical account of the author's experience as a longtime prisoner in a concentration camp. These camps claimed the lives of his father, mother, brother, and wife. Frankl's survival and the subsequent miracle of this book are a testimony to man's capacity to rise above his outward fate. As Gordon W. Allport states in the preface, "A psychiatrist who personally has faced such extremity is a psychiatrist worth listening to."

I agree, and highly reccommend this book. As the sub-title says, it is an "introduction" to logotherapy, and anyone who wants to go deeper into the principles and practical application of Frankl's existential psychiatry should go to his excellent "The Doctor And The Soul".

Frankl was fond of quoting Nietzsche's dictum..."He who has a WHY to live can bear with almost any HOW."

Mr. Viktor Frankl left the physical world in 1997, but for me he remains a HERO. He came to be a Doctor of Medicine, and Doctor of Philosophy. He founded his own psychological system "Logotherpahy" which strives to give people a sense of their own vitality, something to live for, and, in a word, "meaning." He loved life and the humans within it.

MAN'S SEARCH FOR MEANING deals in part with Frankl's own dealings with Nazi Concentration Camps, for he was a suffering Jew. He was there for 3 years, and never saw his wife again, presuming here to have been already killed. The second portion of the book is a cursory look at "Logotherapy." A more detailed account is found in THE DOCTOR AND THE SOUL, THE UNHEARD CRY FOR MEANING, THE WILL TO MEANING, anf THE ULTIMATE MEANING.

The man Frankl had, throughout, a sense of purpose, positivity, and courage, whereas many of the others were embittered or frightful. He gave them hope and, again, "meaning." He thought of his wife, his work, and his fellow man, in all the deepst of ways. He helped the sick, and spoke vehemently of having a "Will to meaning" or, will to live, rather than sit there in despair.

Frankl asserts that man, whether "consciously" aware of this or not, strives for meaning. This implies something apart from himself (transcendent), as a cause, a religious impulse, a person. The "ultimate" or "super" meaning is something beyond living for family, friends, school, and so on.

He ask of us to consider the possible hidden meanings within every happening in our lives, rather than a single meaning in life. He will take a given a person and help him to find himself by teh discovery of a meaning in (a) love, (b) suffering, (c) death. He ask us not to dwell on the past, but to dwell on the future. He defiantly says that man is not, as Freud so emphasizes, bound up in pleasures. Man is not, as Alder asserts, looking for power. Psychology is then not materialistic or reductionistic. Man has Free Will, and spiritual drives. For Frankl, and myself, man wants MEANING.

For example, Frankl notes that Darwinism discusses a "struggle for survival." But, consider middleclass persons living in North America. Where is their struggle? They have "survived." Now what? Struggle for what? Another example is a simple person who attends university, is doing well, has friends, a working relationship, supportive parents, and so on and so forth. He told Frankl he still felt "empty" and without meaning.

And lastly, my own 10 months in a factory could not have been handled so well without Frankl. I was there to save money for school. This was my purpose. Rather than concentrate on the poor working conditions, the long hours, the angry bosses, and so on, I reminded myself that I am here for school. And so, I worked exceptionally hard, unitimidated. I regarded it all as a welcome challenge. They say "work 10 hours," I say "give me 12 hours." In short, I handled every hardship with eager diligence on account of Logotherapy's positive insistence on meaning and purpose.

Every person who has opened a book should read this and work therefrom. We owe it to ourselves.

Of the many thousands of books I have read this is the most important. Frankl survived Auschwitz and derived meaning from the experience. Can we do any less in the face of our own small problems?

The book, to a large degree, is based on a quote from Friedrich Nietzsche, "He who has a why to live can bear with almost any how." It's true, and Frankl's life proves it.

Frankl doesn't provide a road map for finding the meaning in every experience. He does something better. He asks us to ask ourselves what our experiences mean. We already know, if only we will stop to think. My favorite example is that of a man who greaves the loss of his wife. Frankl asks him why he greaves. The man answers that he greaves because he loved his wife. Frankl asks him, "Isn't that a good thing?" A light goes on in the man's mind, he nods, and gets up and leaves. Frankl's book can make a light go on in all of our minds. All we have to do is spend a couple of hours reading this wonderful book.