I can only name a handfull of books that have changed my life. This would be one of them. How to Worship Jesus Christ will get you excited about worshipping Jesus and you will find yourself having a hard time waiting to spend eternity with Him. It is a book that should be read at least once a year. It is a short easy read, yet profound. Jesus is the focal point of all Scripture. Why not learn more on how to better worship Him.

Brother Carroll outlines the biblical pattern of worship. It is so simple and the results are so profound. The book is simple to read and will hold your attention all the way through. It will bring you back to the priority of the christian life as Jesus intended it to be. If you are spiritually dry, if you feel you have lost your power in the daily life, I encourage you to read this book. It will renew the fountain of living water by seeking Jesus through the scriptural principles set forth.

IF you desire a more meaningful Spirit filled life, this book is a must. Joseph Carroll teaches the fundamentals of worship from a pure heart. He also pinpoints trouble spots that maybe hindering your worship. This is one of the best Christian books that I have read on worship.

In this book, Cardinal Ratzinger has raised and answered some of the most essential issues any Catholic, or for that matter any Christian, can face. He treads where only a deep faith founded in clear understanding can lead him, and through him, us. The essential nature of this book is seen right from the beginning. On page 17 he introduces the critial necessity of worshiping God as God desires, not as man desires. It is why God led Israel through the desert, why He prescribed precisely how He was to be worshiped, and why this is true for us today. God has an absolute right to be worshiped as He chooses. Our response is to obey. This creates the relationship between man and God. When we decide to worship God as we want, when we make worship, we clutch empty space and create a self-affirmation, a form of entertainment instead of a faithful worship of God. How God demands we worship Him, and why, is the central thread of this book, and is a critical point for every Christian to understand. If we do otherwise, we unbalance our relationship with God by injecting too much self, putting entertainment and "feeling good" ahead of the will of God, and in doing so we create disorder in all else we do. Every Christian needs this book.

I am old enough to have witnessed what was called "Liturgical Renewal" post Vat II style as a non-liturgist amongst the many others in the pews. We scratched our heads and wondered at the nonchalance with which changes were instituted: "That's old hat and it has to go." Since that time, I was ordained a Deacon(1975), and somewhat to my own surprise, I was forced to truly become a student of Vat II because of the challenges with which I was continually being confronted.

What as an amateur I had always suspected, Cardinal Ratzinger in THE SPIRIT OF THE LITURGY has, as a professional, proven to me to be true. Full Liturgical renewal has yet to happen. And it cannot be so until all are aware of what it is that we are about when we celebrate the Liturgy.

THE SPIRIT OF THE LITURGY gives us(clergy and laity alike) the foundation and raison d'etre for our most solemn moment of prayer, the Eucharistic Sacrifice. He solidly and with obvious expertise grounds our appreciation for the Mass in Scripture, the Apostolic Tradition and the Fathers of the Church. One example: The Eucharistic Celebration's close ties to the Jewish Synagogue Service helps tremendously to understand its division into Liturgy of the Word and Liturgy of the Eucharist and at the same time explains the age old practice of priest and people facing in the same direction(ad orientem). One could walk through this little book citing example after example, page after page, of how ones appreciation of the Mass could not fail to be deepen with the turning of yet another page. It has hugely enhanced my own appreciation for the richness of the Liturgy.

It is a must read for all clergy; a sine qua non for Liturgists especially. At the same time, I cannot too highly recommend it to the Laity to help them understand that some of the silliness they see in the Liturgy is just that, silliness, and in some cases much worse. This book comes as a big dose of sanity and reasonableness.

The Spirit of the Liturgy is interestingly presented in a quite readable format. It is not a "Sunday afternoon" novel but for anyone with a modicum of ability and tenacity, it is very manageable.

Most of all, it is obviously written by a man of deep faith and a sense of piety; one for whom worshipping in spirit and truth is a reality. May it be so for me(and you) as well!

Inspired by Romano Guardini's classic of the same name, the importance of this book cannot be overstated -- not just because the author is one of the church's foremost theologians and Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, but mainly because its rich content provides profound insight into the interplay between the transcendant and the immanent in the liturgy. This man's brilliant mind, his deep grasp of humanity, history and scripture, and his humility and respect for all sides in the liturgical reform movement shine through in John Saward's crisp translation from the German original. Divided into four parts (The Essence of the Liturgy, Time and Space in the Liturgy, Art and Liturgy, Liturgical Form), the cardinal's reflections will benefit liturgists and worshippers alike. This book should be read by every catholic adult, but especially by bishops, priests, and deacons (and those in formation). After 30 years of drift into banality, the church still awaits the implementation of Vatican II's vision of the liturgy. This book provides impetus in that direction.

Tony offers realistic remedies in which individuals can directly participate. We must understand that the government is interfering with every aspect of our lives! Soon we will have absolutely no freedoms, making us prisoners in our own country! Tony provides real solutions! A must addition to anyones library!

Tony Lamia is brilliant in his ability to actually understand America's constitution, what it was intended to do, and what has happened to it and therefore our freedoms. Acknowledging that American's enjoy the best system in history, Tony goes on to show how our liberties are being destroyed. The stories in the book are examples of these. Then remedies! The comprehensive nature of this book is amazing.

I bought this book because I had read co-author Sharon Linnea's fascinating book on Princess Kaiulani, the girl who would have become Queen of Hawaii. I loved Chicken Soup from the Soul of Hawaii so much that I have given it to all my friends. People who have lived in Hawaii thanked me because the book has caught the authentic aloha spirit. Friends who read it before going to Hawaii for a vacation discovered it to be a better introduction to the Hawaiian culture and way of life than the guide books they had read. One friend who has never been to Hawaii and never expects to go lost sleep because she stayed up all night reading the book because the stories are so unique, warm and inspiring.

Chicken Soup from the Soul of Hawaii is a wonderful book. I have lived in Hawaii for 20 years, and I still learned so much about Hawaii. Reading this book is like taking a tour of the Hawaiian islands. This book has stories by celebrities like Kelly Preston and Bo Derek, but I enjoyed the stories about the local legends and regular people more. One story that sticks out is about the legendary swimmer and surfer Duke Kahanamoku who designed and popularized the first aloha shirts in the 1930's. I was also inspired by the story of Hao Dang who found freedom in Hawaii after spending 3 months on the ocean and living in a Thai refugee camp. Today this young woman supervises 150 employees as a director of housekeeping for 2 of the biggest hotels on the Big Island. I was enjoyed the contributions of local entertainer Nalani Olds who submitted an interesting story about the history of the Royal Hawaiian Band. Olds also submitted a story about a former prison inmate who turned his life around to become a counselor. I loved the inspirational story of Kanalu Young who was paralyzed in a swimming accident as a teenager. He went on to earn a doctorate in history. He is now a professor of Hawaiian studies at the University of Hawaii I enjoyed reading about the story of Angela Perez Baraquio who became the first Asian to win Miss America in the pageant's 80 year history. This book is also very educational. I only knew 3 Hawaiian words before reading this book. I learned many more Hawaiian words like Lokahi which means unity and H'ookipa which means to interact or share. Chicken Soup from the Soul of Hawaii is entertaining, informative and inspirational. I enjoyed it very much.

I just purchased this book today and have already read two stories. What a warm and wonderful book!! I loved it! There are so many touching, small kid time, heartwarming stories, you can't help but feel the warmth of aloha from Hawaii. Sit back, grab a beach towel and read on....

After reading Thich Nhat Hahn's book "Peace is Every Step" (outstanding), I bought this tape. You'll see several reviewers on this page saying that they have nearly worn out their copy from listening to it again and again. I've done the same. The tape is a series of talks given by Thich Nhat Hahn in one of his visits to the United States. Beginning simply, with exercises in mindful breathing, he speaks about a wide range of topics and teachings that will undoubtedly touch many areas of your own life. This is a tape worth owning, hearing, studying, and living.

Many other works by Thay (teacher) Nhat Hahn deserve consideration. The tapes "Being Peace" and "The Present Moment" are both excellent follow-ups to The Art of Mindful Living. (Skip the audio version of "The Miracle of Mindfulness", which is narrated by someone who doesn't seem to understand Nhat Hahn, but the book is very good). Thich Nhat Hahn is one of the most inspiring speakers I have ever encountered. This tape is an essential introduction to a wonderful perspective on living.

Excellent production. Superb content. Inspirational observations and elegant, simple, beautiful metaphors. Worth listening to again and again and again.

I have listened to this cassette several times and each time I found more insightful ideas and wisdom in them. I believe that most would benefit from listening to Tich Nhat Hahn speak. His compassion is evident in how and what he says, and his explanations of Buddhist ideas are easy to understand and grounded in everyday practical situations. I would highly recommend this set to others, and would be surprised if they do not enable a conscientious listener to noticably improve his or her quality of life.

"Canonized in 1999, Champagnat was an early member and priest of the Society of Mary and founder of its Little Brothers (the Institute of the Marist Brothers). Author Sammon is the Vicar General of the Marist Brothers and he presents in an easy-to-read manner the difficult times and life of St. Marcellin Champagnat. Born during the Revolution in France, he lived only fifty-one years. In the seminary, he was part of a group "made up of seminarians who were a familiar sight in the taverns of the town." Sammon writes for the modern temperment that needs to know the warts along with the shining myth. The heresy of Jansenism, a moral theology for the elect, influenced Marcellin's study for awhile. He began teaching and "by February 1822 the Institute was made up of ten brothers." There is the miracle in the snow, a serious illness from which he recovers, persistent financial problems for the schools, and an environment of increasing bitter anti-religious sentiment during the revolution in France. Simplicity and humility were Champagnat's outstanding virtues. This is the tale of a man growing past his problems to sainthood. Sammon writes with that same simplicity and humility, and with a fine erudition that moves comfortably from prayer to revolution, from submissiveness to the cry for social justice. Illuminating."

Sean Sammon's short biography of St. Marcellin Champagnat is definitely worth reading for anyone who is interested in the life of the Catholic Church and the people they call "Saints".

Sammon is able to describe, in a very uncomplicated way, the historical, sociological and theological background of this man who was born the same year as the French Revolution. Marcellin Champagnat started his life with little education, and through hard work, eventually studied and became a priest and founder of an international Congregation of Roman Catholic teaching Brothers, the Marist Brothers of the Schools.

The book details the life of this very down to earth man. Champagnat was a priest who sometimes defied the stereotypes of priesthood of his day, even to the point of actually building the houses his Brothers would live in. He had an undying love for young people and strove to do all that he could for them, and to lead them to know and love God. The book describes the difficulties St. Marcellin had along the way, and how he overcame them all with determination, prayer, and hard work.

Sammon's treatment of him goes beyond what many biographies present. He not only describes his life and mission, but delves into the psychological motivations that moved him. What emerges is a clear and informative life of a saint who is a very real person, not just a plaster image of what a saint should be! I highly recommend this book.

I went to the library to screen for authors and bought this book along with some others. I work in the Chemical Process Industries
and found it gave me tips on how to apply the standard in my situation. It seemed like the reasonably lengthed prose had depth. Reading the whole thing tipped us off to weakeness that sure-n-nuff the audit pointed out. It the books I've handed to my employees.

Quality managers, people considering implementing a Quality Management System and those who simply want to learn what ISO is and what it means, will find this book invaluable. It contains the newly adopted ISO 9001:2000 standard text and clear explanations of the requirements of each clause in practical terms. The authors provide examples of the application of the clauses for manufacturing, hardware, software and service organizations. They also clarify where additional requirements have been added or requirements deleted.

The audit checklists that follow the explanation of each clause will be useful to everyone: to those implementing a new system and to those with a system certified to the 1994 standard who may want to get a quick read of what they will need to do to transition to the 2000 standard.

Deep within the mind of the creative artist often lies the tendency to become destructive. Nowhere is this more apparent than in this brilliantly written work. Thompson's "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" describes the effects of alcohal and drugs in calculated journo-prose. Initially assigned to cover a motorcyle race in the desert, the emphasis soon shifts from responsibility to reckless partying. The book meanders between odes to opium, mescaline and other mind-altering substances to ethical issues and social commentary. The book is a true story, which recounts the adventures of Thompson, alias Duke, and his obese lawyer, alias Gonzo in Las Vegas in the early 70s. Generally regarded as a collection of infamous drug exploits, the book also captured critical acclaim for it's abrupt and edgy style, and has remained a favorite in journalistic circles. The drug concotions enable Thompson to comment carelessly on everything from social issues to personal exploration, providing an objective critique of modern American life. The language is edgy and vulgar, lacking refinement and dignity. As well he knows, Thompson himself resembles these remarks and at least in this instance, life does imitate art. Overall, it is an odyssey into the mind of a true gonzo-journalist, chock full of emotion and definately worth a few hours of your time. The brains cells are up to you.

Other books of interest: "Post Office," by Charles Bukowski, and "THe Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test," by Tom Wolfe.

We must remember that people did actually emerge from the idealism of the 1960's. This book is about them; it is written with all of the necessary disillusionment, sarcasm, and bombasticness. Hunter Thompson writes about (his?) experiences as a journalist covering a motorcycle race ('An ominous assignment. With overtones of extreme danger') with his famous Samoan lawyer, Gonzo pulling the strings ('do you know who I am?').

It's worth a re-read if all that came through was the tripping and the halucinations. It is important to think of the characters as dedicated and well-educated activists who saw a political assasination, a terrible war, and Nixon (recall, the man who lost the election to their assasinated hero). Circuses, gambling, dusty tracks, and moronic Americans are part of a search for the American Dream - that's what's left when the decade of superficial cynicism and drugs overtook the decade of idealism and drugs.

The drugs remain and, more often than not, expose the frighful characters who purport to distribute the dream of quick wealth, individualism, and fame. They were already as west as it comes; going east is always a bad idea.

Thompson possesses a magical way with words, and his writing style is a pure pleasure to read. Incredibly funny and surprisingly poetic and insightful; Hunter waxes on elegantly, with a perspective and intelligence that is astonishing. The first half of the book, and in particular the opening scene, is excellent, witty, and about the funniest thing in print. The latter half, while still intoxicating and good, is a bit chaotic, as the quest for the Dream winds down and the aftermath of the search is examined. The movie with Johnny Depp is also great; it is best to read the book and then immediatly watch the movie because so much is said in Hunter's unique way of talking, that without reading the book first, much of what he says is missed; also, everything takes on a greater significance, yeilding a better understanding of the rapid series of events. Thompson, with this book alone, proves his genius for all of time.