I am a college professor (Ph.D.) and newly confirmed into the Episcopal Church. I read this book while the sermon was being preached at the Catedral. The book was simply more timely and enjoyable than the sermon I was supposed to be listening to. This book is informative, hilarious, poignant and beautifullys crafted. I read it aloud to my book club.

You'll never read a book quite like this! Its the story of a country boy from a Wyoming ranch who grows up to become an eloquent and elegant Episcopal rector __ but never loses his country charm and humor. His tales become classic Wyoming history as he writes about the myriad of colorful characters who weave themselves into the fabric of his life: a bordello "madam" who insists on holy communion on her deathbed, a sheepherder who claims himself as a "soul brother" to the ordained shepherd of the flock, and drunk flamboyant "Gen. Gilly" at a disastrous Memorial Day service in the cemetary. Gene Todd is a gifted story teller. His writing is never dull, with country humor on every page. You'll laugh 'til you cry at his shenanigans. Like snooping out the county morals as a member of the sheriff's "God squad" at a striptease joint. You'll weep with him as he beautifully crafts the poignant life-and-death tales of extraordinary people he meets along life's way, including his own saga of pain and failure. Sustained by faith and a triumphant spirit,Gene Todd prevails thru and the thick and thin of it all __ including a devastating family tragedy at the very end of the book. Indeed, his "reverency" comes shining through as, above all, he retains his relevancy to life. This is the kind of an intimate clergyman's story we seldom hear which puts a courageous human face on the ministry of the church in our modern American West. (Tweet Kimball, Cherokee Ranch and Castle Foundation, Colorado.)

This book should be required reading in every seminary so that future ministers can catch a glimpse of what to expect in the contemporary church of today, particularly in the American West, apart from what its purported to be in the ivory towers. Hopefulluy, prospective clergy can cultivate the grace and humor of a Gene Todd not only to survive __ but to gallantly thrive amid the constant drama and trauma of human life swirling around them. (Col. Jack Richards-Retired U.S. Air Force Chaplain.)

The drawings, collages, and monotypes from Eugene Timerman's new book "Until You Find Another Plane" are odd, clever, playful and uncannily beautiful, all the while being refreshingly devoid of the expected self-consciousness of "high-brow" art. They shift effortlessly from the realm of ephemeral visual poetry to almost material abstract surfaces. The aesthetic employed by Timerman resonates with that of Sigmar Polke, Cy Tombly and Marcel Dzama; the content shares traits with literary works of the early Russian Avant Garde, explorations of Dada movement, Bauhaus designs, and mysterious self-contained worlds of outsider art. Timerman's works surprise and entertain by performing a perversely comedic act of self-destruction - drawings that may initially be described as diagrammatic promptly overthrow all traditional notions of visual organization; others that seem to engage in storytelling soon break down into non-linear sequences of random visual elements. Seductive and entertaining, able to captivate a large diapason of viewers, the drawings open up a vast terrain of associations and cultural references.

Eugene Timerman's "Until You Find Another Plane" is a rediscovery of Euclidean geometry in a multi-dimensional mind. An encyclopedia of all nodes humane and a dictionary of pencil pitch, it reverberates with basic kindness of abstraction styled recognition. For maximum results, I recommend to read "Until You Find Another Plane" as warm-up for any travel that will take you beyond the border; or before going to a business interview - for coziness' sake.

Until You Find Another Plane is terse, hilarious art of the book. Sensual, playful, even German in its craft, the images seem to come from some cyrillic reliquary, hot with theme and play. The riff is constructivist, with thematic debt to Polke, Kippenberger, free with its force. Truly original work.

I'm what you might call a collector of languages. I like to study languages of various sorts, not necessarily to become fluent in them, but simply to learn about them and think about them. Latin is certainly one of the more interesting languages to study, if not because one finds it fascinating in itself (which I do), then because it has influenced modern languages so much.

Veni, Vidi, Vici is a great book to open to a random page and read for a few minutes. And it's rather amusing to throw around Latin phrases such as "Mars gravior sub pace lacet" ("a more serious war lies hidden in peace") to see how people react.

Whether or not you are interested in actually learning Latin, this is a very interesting and fun book to read. If nothing else, it can get your mind thinking about just how pervasive Latin roots are in the language we speak today. If you are a fellow helluo librorum ("devourer of books"), you will definitely like Veni, Vidi, Vici.

Barbarus hic ego sum, quia non intelligor ullis Barbarus hic ego sum, quia non intelligor ullis et rident stolidi verba Latina.

When I got this book, it was when I needed to say something in Latin to impress a few friends and teachers. This is a very good book, tells you almost every Latin saying you'll ever need as well as being ordered very nicely. The index is also very good and I think this book gives good detail without going too far. Great book and also a nice way to annoy some people when you don't like them.

Mr. Reed sure can write. I don't always agree with him; to turn around what he says about Steve Earle Reed's politics are suspect. And more importantly how can he believe that Randy Travis is better than Earle and Dwight Yoakam? Still even when I didn't agree I enjoyed it. The essays on country music and Ted Kennedy are worth the price of the book by themselves. Best of all it's wonderful to see someone defending my home region who isn't a confederate flag waving ....

I've long been a fan of John Shelton Reed's "Letter from the Lower Right" in Chronicles magazine, and gave very high marks to "1,001 Things Everyone Should Know About the South," which he wrote with his wife. But for some reason, I had never made an effort to track down and read any of the collections of his essays. I see now what a mistake that was. I wish I'd read this back when it was new.

It was some consolation to find that the articles and essays here assembled were definitely worth the wait. Reed is a very funny writer, but he's not a "humorist" or humor writer in the sense of, say, Dave Barry or even (to move outside the region) P.J. O'Rourke. You'll definitely get a laugh out of many of these pieces, but you'll also find them deeply informative. Reed is, after all, a serious researcher and thinker, and the two indisputable facts that define his writing -- that he loves the South, and he *knows* the South -- feed off one another.

Granted, many of the essays here are more than a little dated (some date back to the Carter Administration), and I'd love to know how things have changed in the thirteen, fifteen, or almost twenty-five years since some of them were written. But that's no doubt just one more reason to track down Reed's more recent collections.

Southerners, including expatriates, will nod knowingly at much of what Reed says, and will get a kick out of seeing themselves depicted so accurately in print. I hope they'll also take to heart his commitment to preserving many of the things -- from culture to accent -- that make the South truly distinctive. Folks from other parts of the country will find that Reed has not only made that sometimes-puzzling region a little easier to understand, but has made the trip a remarkably pleasant one.

This book cannot be recommended too highly to anyone with the slightest interest in the South. It is, in every sense, a delight to read and will easily withstand repeated readings.

This is the third of John Shelton Reed's books that I have read and its style sits somewhere between that of "1001 Things Everyone Should Know About the South" and "My Tears Spoiled My Aim". The book comprises a collection of dispatches culled from Reed's contributions to newspapers, journals and magazines between 1979-1990. Most of these are 1,000-1,500 words long. The book begins with observations on two of his favorite themes, Southern identity and the New South, before moving on to Southern culture, food, politics and religion. Reed is a favorably prejudiced but acute observer of Southern manners, quirks, oddities and behaviour.

The dispatches are written to entertain and don't disappoint. I found plenty at which to laugh out loud. However, this is not to say that Reed is not surreptitiously engaged in a secret mission to raise his readers' awareness of the character and virtues of things Southern. There's plenty enough here even to make a Yankee laugh - especially some of his more elliptical humor. I particularly liked his comment on Ted Kennedy: "For my part, I rather like the fellow. He's certainly the closest thing to a good old boy that Massachussetts will ever produce - which isn't to say that he ought to be president, merely that I think he'd make a pretty good drinking buddy as long as somebody else did the driving."

Reed is exceptionally good at capturing the spirit or the essence of something and making it seem familiar to you. I have never visited Bob Jones University but, in just over three pages, Reed made me feel I knew what kind of place it was. He does the same for a number of Southern characters and institutions.

Reed is a gifted cultural interpreter who appraches his topics with respect, affection and good humor. It's tempting to say that Reed is a popularizer but that belies his considerable writing talents. Whilst everything is written in an engaging style, Reed makes few concessions to his readership - he delights in his use of language and deploys an extensive vocabularly that would make some of my students reach for their dictionaries.

All in all this book is an unqualified delight. Go buy it now - you won't be disappointed.

I'M A RECENT DIABETIC. I HAVE LOOKED OVER COOKBOOK AFTER COOKBOOK. NONE ADAPTED TO MY TASTE OR LIFE STYLE. THIS ONE IS TOTALLY GREAT. I MADE THE WALDORF SALAD FOR THANKGIVING. MY FAMILY'S WAS CRAZY ABOUT IT. THE HUNGARIAN GOULASH WAS GREAT ALSO. I HAVE BOUGHT, BUT I HAVEN'T TRIED THE 1,001 DESSERTS BOOK YET. IF IT IS AS GOOD AS THE RECIPE BOOK, I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO TRYING THE DESSERTS ALSO. IF YOU ARE DIEBETIC, YOU HAVE TO TRY THESE BOOKS. I CAN'T RECOMMEND THEM ENOUGH.

I found this book to be incredibly helpful! Not only are there a variety of recipes, but this book also contains comprehensive nutritional information and general cooking tips for beginners.

I've been cooking for more than thirty years, and this book stands on my shelf with very few other cookbooks as one I will actually use.

I know we're not supposed to talk about the price of the book, but here goes: for my money, you won't find a better value. There really are a thousand and one recipes, but the other information truly puts this book over the top. Buy, try it. You won't regret it.

This is the most comprehensive cookbook for diabetics I've ever seen. Once you start using it, you won't be thinking of what you think you shouldn't eat, but will concentrate instead on all the wonderful and delicious recipes that will enable you to stay in control. The ones I made were really delicious, and very easy and to make, and since all the recipes have exchanges and nutritionals, including carbos, cooking diabetic meals is a no-brainer. With over a thousand recipes, you'll find hundreds you'll like; a fine addition to your kitchen bookshelf.

Brief description

Widely acknowledged as a masterpiece of prose, philosophy and translation, Aesthetic Vedanta beautifully illuminates the timeless Sanskrit poem Rasa-lila, the sacred love affair of Radha and Krishna. Since its release in 1998, Aesthetic Vedanta has continually been one of the best-selling and most respected books on classic Hindu spiritual eroticism . Interspersed with original poetry and renderings of medieval verse of several Hindu mystics, this book reveals the means to access the spiritual reality of Rasa-lila.

Aesthetic Vedanta speaks to us of a tradition that is practical and profoundly beautiful, replete with visualization, ritual, song, and dance, both affirming and spiritualizing the erotic principle that lies within our souls.

"I'm so glad to have Aesthetic Vedanta to spell out the theology of rasa-lila. We've waited a long time for someone this accomplished in Sanskrit -this schooled in yoga - to set forth its tender philosophy."

- Andrew Schelling. Naropa Institute, Author of For Love of the Dark One: Songs of Miraba

"Aesthetic Vedanta recounts India's most important treatise on romantic love. More practical and interesting than the Kama Sutra, it involves the classic adventure of the fabulous Krishna. Swami Tripurari's treatment is a masterpiece."

- Louis Meldman, Ph.D., Author of Mystical Sex: Love, Ecstasy, and the Mystical Experience

"This book truly deserves, and undoubtedly will receive, a place among serious and scholarly works of global spirituality."

- George Fowler, Author of Learning to Dance Inside: Getting to the Heart of Meditation

This book is guaranteed to deeply affect all who read it. It is a book about the greatest love story ever told. Over the centuries poets have written about it, story tellers have captivated untold numbers with it, painters have filled their canvasses with beautiful images of it, and now we all have access to it through this wonderful book written by Tripurari Swami who brings this story to life like no other can, having immersed himself in the life of love that the book is all about. The book is divided into three distint sections. The first section sets the stage and gives the reader the necessary philosophical background in order to fully appreciate the story. The second section is dedicated to the Rasa-lila itself, the dance of love depicted in the Bhagavata Purana. It is so wonderfully written that you will find yourself literally becoming part of the story as you read it. The final section of the book explains how the Rasa-lila story relates to a life of devotion and spiritual practice that culminates in the development of divine love within the sincere praticioner.

I have spent four years studying Vedanta from a number of tradtitions, including Buddhism (which although technically not Vedic contains within it Vedic principles such as reincarnation) Advaita Vedanta, and a few standard Gaudiya Vaishnava texts.This book is not only the most comprehensive presentation of the highest conclusions of Vedanta but is also offered with the sincere sensitivity necessarry to truly understand such a simultaneously simple and complex theology.

Do not expect more than ID from the book. It is excellent at ID but that is all you will get for sure. I bought it for ID and it serves the purpose very well. One must also question the range maps since as explained in the text of the book they are compromised.

It might interest the reader of this review (since your looking at the book) to know that while fresh water only represents about 1% of the available aquatic habitat on earth over half of the known species of fish live in it. I'll leave it up to you to find out why. Peterson Field Guides have a winning formula, find an expert, set them up with a good illustrator and see what comes out. This book finishes the trio that covers all of the fishes likely to be encountered by a North American fisherman, diver or naturalist. Like the Fishes of the Atlantic Coast and the Fishes of the Pacific Coast it is well organized, well written, all inclusive (of species) and as informative as space will allow. If you are curious about fishes in general or encounter fresh water fish with any kind of regularity you owe it to yourself to find out what they are. And, if you live in North America you should have this book.

This book has informed me on the many fishes I catch ranging from California to New York. Every year when I go down to Arkansas I alwyas bring it with me on my fishing journeys so that I no whati am catching. It has over 700 illistrations and over 300 maps. In all of my searching for book this has been the most helpful book I have used. I recamend buying it for yourself. It will help you alot.

This is a lay-persons guide to Jungian theory and shows you how to uncover hidden aspects of your personality, how to interpret dreams, develop creativity and improve relationships. It conveys the essence and spirit of jungian thought in a simple and effective way. Lots of interesting stuff on complexes, archetypes and integrating the personality. I found the discussion of the dynamics of relationships very helpful. I just think more focus on practical implementatiuon in the form of exercises would have been even more helpful, otherwise you'll have to read the book over & over again. Includes a good bibliography and index.

This book provides the clearest explanations I have seen yet of many of the stickiest concepts in Jungian psychology. The author's background in Jungian therapy and religious studies are blended together skillfully to produce a readable and instructive introduction to this fascinating subject.

The chapter on typology, a technique for understanding our inner selves and why we are not true to them, is one of the clearest I have ever read.

The concepts of persona, complexes, archetypes, shadow, Anima and Animus, etc., are presented clearly and directly. The author is always careful to ground the information in real-life language and experience, making it meaningful and applicable to the reader.

The book concludes with chapters on dream interpretation and active imagination, spurring readers to discover their own psychic process through the use of these powerful techniques.

While an introductory book, this work provides much to think about. The author's compassion and sense of humor are evident throughout. It is a worthy addition to the library of those interested in Jungian psychology and personal growth.

When this book was recommended as the pre-read for a Caroline Myss workshop, I was apprehensive. I thought it might be way beyond my comprehension. To my delight I found the book very readable, highly interesting, provocative in the ideas and sound in application. Have you ever read a book and wished it was a workshop? This is it! Encore, Pascal!

Mr. Lane's excellent use of detail to capture a world that we can only dream of is incredible! He leaves no gaps and answers all your questions. Think we're not alone in the universe? This book is for you!

When I finally got enough time to sit down and read Mr. Lane's book, I was enthralled from the beginning. I really appreciate books that take familiar plots and shape them into something knew and completely different. His imagination and creativity made this one of the best books I've read in a really long time. I highly recommend it to all!

If I had to describe "Redeeming Factors" in a word, it would be "FUN." James Lane has taken a fantasy/science fiction idea and turned it into one of the most interesting works I've ever read. As I followed the adventures of protagonist, Jack Ross on a trip in and out of fantasy land and to Hell and back, I found myself reveling in Mr. Lane's dry wit, dark humor, and literary genius.

It is difficult for me to describe the book without giving away too much of the plot, but I would like to stress that the combination love story and exciting adventure can only be described as a 'must read page-turner.' Mr Lane's most original similes are right up there with Stephen Kings's.

Unlike the other reviewers, I am not a minister although I read this book because I am thinking of candidating.

Briefly looking at the content of the book, Peterson uses the book of Jonah as a story-metaphor for what he sees as the ideal way of being a minister. It seems to me that he has two main points: 1) that a minister must first and foremost be grounded in a spirit-filled life through prayer and; 2) to achieve that, the minister must stay in one church throughout his or her whole ministry to really be rooted in the lives of people in the congregation.

He develops other points such as the idea that American culture wants the minister to be first and foremost a "program director" rather than a "spiritual director". He believes that the expectation of the church hierarchies as well as congregations is that ministers will whip up the action and make things happened as if they were PR executives rather than healers of souls. In contrast, Peterson advocates a ministry of waiting and watching for the God who walks before all of us so that the minister does not interfere with the work of the Holy Spirit.

This book is written almost as a series of images, metaphors, stories and parables rather than as a propositional treatise, which is hardly surprising given the author's literary background. While this allows the reader to make of some of the messages what he or she will, I found myself thinking "I KNOW the church hierarchy will try to push me to be a glorified PR executive if I'm successful in candidating for the ministry, but what steps can one take to avoid that happening in the first place?" I don't think this book answers that question and I think it's one of the main questions he poses. Perhaps we are to figure out the answer ourselves?...?

Eugene Peterson is a prolific writer - and this is a good book to read first. In this book, the author takes you into his confidence and writes movingly of his rich background and the influence of his godly parents. You learn about the man - and this will make his many other books very enjoyable and capable of providing inspiration and guidance.

Under the Unpredictable Plant did not provide a compass as much as it affirmed my own journey. The book can certainly provide guidance in our culture.

It is an excellent book for church leaders to read. Perhaps the greatest benefit will be to help church leaders from having unrealistic expectations about their pastors.

After reading this book, the reader can look forward to many more enjoyable hours of reading other books by this man. Along with that enjoyment will be the opportunity to deepen and enhance your own spiritual journey.

It is a pleasure to recommend this book - and to get to know a very special man - Eugene Peterson - as he opens his heart and his life to the readers.

Max Rondoni

I am pastor of a United Methodist two-point charge. Two churches. Many headaches. I've been here three and a half years. I am told numerous pastors "start-out" in smaller, typically rural or town churches as mine are. Then we get noticed and we get moved on up the ladder. Better appointment--better pay--more prestige--better location. How many pastors buy into "the ladder"? More than you think. But Peterson does not. This book planted my feet deeply within my call. I wanted to move into bigger, better, different pastorates. Peterson would tell me, "You wanted to go to Tarshish instead of Ninevah." His book forced me to recognize that the grass is not greener in a different parish. Comparing me to Jonah, Peterson left me no excuse of any theological integrity to leave my two-point charge. So here I stay. But Mr. Peterson, if you read this..."Under the Unpredictable Plant" is a horrible title. Few of the dozens of people to whom I have recommended your book can remember that crazy thought.