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Book reviews for "Hope,_Jane" sorted by average review score:

When There Is Hope
Published in Paperback by St Martins Mass Market Paper (1996)
Author: Jane Goodger
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A book worth bragging about!
Susan is happily married and pregnant. She is also near 6 feet tall and fair. Killed in a terrible car accident, she is placed in the body of a spoiled, hated woman of the 1800s. Now called Maggie, she finds herself as a petite, dark haired woman. She spends months trying to convince others that she's no longer mean and spiteful. Her husband, Carter, goes from doubting her story to trusting her totally in the end. It was my favorite book of all time and worth keeping forever. Read it. You won't be sorry.

A favorite
This is the third book I've read by Jane Goodger and definetly one of the best! I didn't think anything could top Dancing with Sin, but this book is wonderful. I find myself still thinking about the Maggie and Carter even after the story has ended.

A keeper!
I have only a handful of time travel romance novels that I will read over and over again, even though I know the story by heart. This is one of them. The plot is believable and although the heroine seems to get picked on physically quite a bit, she does bounce back and never stops trying to make sense of her new life. I'm sorry the author named her Maggie, the name seemed more like a servant's name of that era, especially since none of the other main characters used nicknames and her "real" name had been Susan, not Susie.


Introducing Buddha
Published in Paperback by Totem Books (1995)
Authors: Jane Hope, Borin Van Loon, and Richard Appignanesi
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excellent book
This is the best introduction to Buddhism I've seen. It's clear, concise and enjoyable. The graphics are entertaining, as well.

Excellent Introduction to Buddhism
If you want a concise yet accurate summary of the origin and development of Buddhism, this is the book to buy. The text is easy to understand, and the book covers a lot of ground on the subject without using a lot of jargon. The illustrations are vivid and often humorous. A lot of people have misconceptions of what Buddhism really is; this book will help you understand the true spirit of the teachings of Siddhartha. It's a lot different than what you may have thought!


Taught to Believe the Unbelievable: A New Vision of Hope for the Catholic Church and Society
Published in Paperback by Writers Club Press (2003)
Author: Jane Kelly
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Uplifting! Inspiring! and TRUE!
Do yourself a favor. Take some time out of your busy schedule and read this book. Let Sister Jane Kelly lift you to new heights of spiritual inspiration and guidance. Literally born into the Catholic Church she has spent her entire life walking in God's light. Sister Jane "walks-the-walk" and she "talks the talk" in this world, feeding the hungry, housing the homeless, bringing spiritual love and friendship to all who come within her reach.

It does not matter what your religion, as this is a story for anybody who has ever accepted, on faith, things that they understood later in their hearts, were simply not true.
This is a story of bringing light into darkness and truth where lies exist. But mostly, this is a TRUE story of how one woman listened to God and stood up for truth and righteousness in the face of man-made rules and dogma.

A Must-Read for Our World Today
I have learned so much from reading this book. Sister Jane Kelly not only confronts corruption in her church but shines into the darkness a brilliant light for positive change. The author is an extraordinary woman. At 72, having dedicated her entire adult life to the service of her church, Sister Jane has a message that nobody should miss, regardless of their religious affiliations. So much is in the media about the dark side of the church. While the sister faces the dark side with courage and hope, the greatest gift she offers us in this book is a way to go forward into a reformation that better reflects the spiritual needs of the world today. Bravo, Sister Jane Kelly.


Coming of Age in Academe: Rekindling Women's Hopes and Reforming the Academy
Published in Library Binding by Routledge (03 November, 1999)
Authors: Jane Roland Martin and Gloria Steinem
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Crossing Bridges
This is truly a wonderful book! It's the one so many of us have been seeking. Its appeal has a broad stroke: to in-the-home workers, off-to-the-office workers, to students, and to those in Academe. Don't misunderstand me: this is no feel-good book; it tells it like it is and somehow that's reassuring. It's reassuring because someone out there is representing us. Someone has the scholarship, the background, the style, and yes, the humanity to say it for us. It makes me proud to be an "equal gender."

". . . good philosophy was not supposed to shed light on everyday problems" says Prof. Martin. For those of us who can't live through the day without "good philosophy" reading her book provides the path to sanity. Educators are a lonely lot up there, out there, on the line of fire; just you and a whole class of whatever age, background, and ability. Take my hand, says this book. Let's go there together. I'm happy to continue the bridge-crossing begun, for me, with Prof. Martin in her seminal book,"The Schoolhome." I look forward, and across, to the other truly "essential" shore, when the next bridge beckons us to cross.


Welcoming Our Children to a New Millennium - A Daybook of Hopes and Wishes for the Future
Published in Paperback by Health Communications (1999)
Authors: Jane Middelton-Moz and Jane Middleton-Moz
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ITS ABOUT TIME!
I think this book is perfect, its past time we open our ears to our children. Simply Beautiful.


Insight Inspirations : Messages of Hope
Published in Paperback by Jane Tucker/Inner Change Consulting (22 March, 2000)
Author: Jane Tucker
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A Profound Understanding Made Simple
Jane Tucker has shared from her heart a philsophy of life that she lives. The depth of truth that she sees comes through in this book accompanied by a positive feeling that evokes hope and love. I recommend this book to all my clients as somthing to have by their bedside to remind them in dark times that there is always a way out.

Clearly written, easily understood
Only a short time ago, I was exposed to the understanding of the power of our own thoughts and the resourcefulness in each of us. This book speaks of that inner wisdom each of us yearns to use in our daily lives. I adore the simplicity of the practical expressions Jane uses throughout her book. She truly is a gifted individual.

Insight Inspirations
Insight Inspirations is a delightful little book to assist one in finding peace of mind in daily life, through simple and profound hints on how to use our gift of "thought". This book is written for people of any age who are ready for a refreshing perspective on life.


Lily Pond: Four Years With a Family of Beavers
Published in Paperback by HarperCollins (paper) (1990)
Authors: Hope Ryden and Jane Goddall
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Share The Fun
I really didn't have much interest in beavers, but when I was given this book, Lily Pond, I decided to go ahead and read it. I finished it in 2 days, it was phenominal. The way she talked about the beavers was like a sitcom, but at the same time you learned so much. I didn't have to force myself to concentrate, like I normally do with text books, for one second, but the abundance of information I got from this book never fails to amaze me. I have to give Hope Ryden 2 thumbs up for this book. It's one you can't put down no matter how hard you try. I was really sad when it was over.

One of My All-Time Favorite Books
This is a wonderful book by a wonderful naturalist. Follow a beaver family through seasons of plenty and hardship. Ryden weaves a delightful and moving tale while at the same time maintaining her integrity as a keen observer of animal behavior.

Heart rendering look into the world of the Beaver.
An insightful look into the saga of a Beaver family. The lives of this Beaver family comes alive through the eyes of author Hope Ryden. You'll begin to feel you're right there with her as she studies this Beaver family over the course of four years painstaking work. Ms. Ryden does an excellent job of conveying what this family of Beavers is up to and you learn an outstanding amount of information about the natural history of Beavers. You become both attached to Ms. Ryden and the family of beavers, feeling both her joy and pain as you see their lives progress before you. I even shed some tears..it was that good. Thanks Ms. Ryden, for an outstanding piece of nature writing


The Mothership Chronicles: A Wider World of Hope and Joy
Published in Paperback by 1stBooks Library (2001)
Author: Jane Egan
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A Very Good Read
This is a marvelous little book, easy to read and very difficult to put down. Jane takes us on a journey to the stars to meet a highly advanced and peaceful civilisation who communicate telepathically and are monitoring events here on earth.
The author explains how 1000 Pleadians who have incarnated into human bodies travel to the Mothership at night to attend lectures and learn what they need to know to carry out their earth missions.
If you have dreams about interesting travel to a beautiful city floating in space, if you awaken with memories of healing people or flying sporty little space craft, or if you are getting rushes of energy as you read this, then this book is most certainly for you.

A great read and ride
This is a wonderful book. Jane Egan, a retired Army Officer, describes her fascinating nightly travels to a huge Pleiadean spaceship not far from earth. She learns about astonishing healing techniques, about attempts to help the earth and the human race, about non verbal ways of communication, and about interplanetary humor. And she learns how to handle a small craft without hitting a satellite. This book is not about abductions, alien invaders or body snatchers. It's about compassionate beings who try to help.

Many humans are invited to "the Mothership" in their sleep, to receive a (free) course regarding their tasks on earth. Many visitors don't remember their trips in a conscious way. But Egan, as a speaker at the Star Knowledge Conferences, met many people who had memories of dreams about classrooms or briefings. And many Conference attendants saw familiar faces, though they had never met before. Only after listening to Egan's story, they began to remember.

Maybe I would not have known if this was fiction or non-fiction (after all, the mind can be very creative), if it wasn't for a friend who told me about similar experiences as Egan's. My friend had doubts herself, until she read this book and found too many similarities to ignore. After hearing her story, I had to buy the book right away.

Egan's email address is on the last page of the book. She welcomes questions or comments, as I found out, and might be able to give you some tips on how to discover where you actually spend the night...

What a fun and interesting book!
I loved this book! After reading many channeled books about ET's and their missions on earth, I wondered if I had become a bit jaded about them. However, Jane Egan fascinates the reader with her vivid accounts describing her astral visits to the Mothership and explains what the Pleiadean mission is about. It's a highly entertaining book, full of specific examples of how she becomes involved in helping planet Earth and all it's inhabitants while learning even more about mankind's history and evolution.

I was especially lucky to have met the author and heard first hand accounts of her nightly visits with her Pleiadean friends. So often we are bombarded with information about the "Greys" or Zeta Reticuli abducting people for experimentation. It often leaves us wondering if there are any "good" aliens and if there are, what can they do to help us. Jane describes in great detail what the Pleiadeans are doing to help humanity right now and how each of us can work with them to help further our transition into the 4th dimension. In the book, she does such a great job of describing the Pleiadeans she met that I feel as though I somehow know them also. I applaud her courage to share this information with all of us and to help us understand that many Star People from other worlds are dedicating their time and efforts to the spiritual evolution of Earth's inhabitants. Great job Jane and to all your Pleiadean friends I say Thank You!


Reason for Hope a Spiritual (Oeb) Journey
Published in Hardcover by Oxmoor House (1999)
Author: Jane/Berman Phillip Goodall
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A soul-searching book.
"So here we are, the human ape, half sinner, half saint, with two
opposing tendencies inherited from our ancient past pulling us now
toward violence, now toward compassion and love," 65-year-old
Jane Goodall writes in her soul-searching memoir (p. 143). When faced
with a world of environmental destruction, human suffering,
overpopulation, over consumption, pollution, deforestation, poverty,
famine, cruelty, hatred, greed, violence, and war (pp. 230-31), she
observes "it is these undeniable qualities of human love and
compassion and self-sacrifice that give me hope for the future"
{p. 148).

Goodall's journey through life has been an adventure.
"I have tried to write my story honestly," she says in her
book's introduction (p. xv). We meet Jane as a child dreaming
"about nature, animals, and the magic of far-off wild and remote
places" {p. 11}. Her parents divorced when she was twelve
{p. 17}, and it was on her trip to Africa at age 23 when her life was
forever changed upon meeting famed paleontologist/anthropologist, Louis
Leaky (p. 49). Jane then spent her twenties studying chimpanzees in
the solitude of Gombe before marrying National Geographic
photographer, Hugo van Lawick, in 1964 (pp. 83-84), and having a son
(affectionately nicknamed "Grub") in 1967. Reflecting upon
her divorce from van Lawick, Goodall writes, "I experienced, as
have many others, the bitterness of a close and joyful relationship
with a spouse slowly changing and souring, and the intense emotional
pain that this generates. And the sense of failure and guilt"
(p. 83). In approximately 1974, Jane married Derek Bryceson after the
two survived a plane crash, only to lose him to cancer roughly five
years later.

Although insightful, Goodall is not a great writer; but
her prose is simple and easy to follow. In addition to studying
chimpanzees in Gombe, she has been studying us "human apes,"
and her findings deserve our attention. The message, really, of her
book is "a very simple one: Each one of us matters, has a role to
play, and makes a difference. Each one of us must take responsibility
for our own lives, and above all, show respect and love for living
things around us, especially each other. Together we must reestablish
our connections with the natural world and with the Spiritual Power
that is around us" (p. 267).

G. Merritt

Wow--A book that will change your thoughts on life
I just returned home after seeing Jane Goodall speak at Chautauqua, NY. After her inspiring and life changing (for me) speech, I bought this book and found it to be just as wonderful and moving as her speech.

This book made me rethink they way I was leading my life and resolve to change for the better. She uses the story of her fascinating life with the chimps at Gombe to argue against the 'justmeism' prevalent in today's society.(Its just me--how can I make a difference) It made me understand that there is no reason why I can't use my purchasing power to influence companies to treat animals more humanely and to care for our environment.

I loved her thought of humans being in a time of 'moral evolution'. It really made me feel that we do have a higher purpose in life and should be trying to live our lives the most compassionate way we can.

I've already told my friends about her book and her message and they have been inspired as well. I hope everyone picks up a copy of this book and is moved the way I was. I, too, understand her reasons for worrying about our future and her reasons to hope.

Rich and Rewarding, Highly Recommended
In this rich and rewarding autobiographical journey - from infant to wizened woman in her sixth decade - Jane Goodall shares her life-defining experiences including her mentorship by Louis Leakey, the observations of chimpanzees that made her famous, and her significant relationships. The reader is right there with her through learning experiences and personal struggles and may be surprised to know about the difficulties and sacrifices even the lucky, gifted and famous have to make. Jane Goodall frequently calls on her grandmother's favorite scripture for comfort in inclement times, "as thy days, so shall thy strength be." Goodall's accounts and insightful realizations give courage and perspective for dealing with the hardship and obstacles in our own lives.

One of the things I value most about this book is that Goodall addresses ethical and spiritual dimensions of science and conservation. Most scientists do not publicly discuss these larger ethical dilemmas or they sometimes engage in them but lose perspective in balancing human needs with those of other living creatures. Jane Goodall is not only willing and able to discuss these complex dimensions, but the outcome is helpful and thought-provoking.

If I were a professor in any of the sciences (esp. biology, genetics, and environmental studies) or ethics, I would leap at the opportunity to make this required reading. In her broad and clear way, Jane Goodall touches on many of the key issues and interrelations that scientists (budding or established) need to be aware of but will not find in a science textbook. We, as students and concerned individuals, need to know about the Jane Goodalls, Rosalind Franklins, and Einsteins in addition to the Watsons and Cricks so we can visualize the full range of options for how we live and the kind of science we do.

Some people have been lucky enough to know all along that they can have both their science and their religion (in some religions, the harmony of science and religion are explicit, such as in the Baha'i Faith), their compassion and a keen desire for intellectual investigation, scientific research and problem solving. Goodall is one of these people, and it is wonderful to have a respected thinker like her showing that the two seemingly dichotomous realities can blend harmoniously and that it is not always inappropriate for a scientist to also be civically active. Of course, some level of detachment and impartiality must be maintained in scientific research, but this other element of human compassion and civic responsibility needs to be increasingly recognized, emphasized, and cultivated.

While Goodall's periodic discussions of spirituality and ethics may seem unusual subject matter for many traditional science environments, scientists and students will appreciate the opportunity this book offers to broach these subjects in a planned and meaningful way. There is something unthreatening and inclusive in the way Goodall finds value in religious traditions beyond her own, and this feature makes "Reason for Hope" an especially good candidate for required reading in academia. In contrast to books like "The Double Helix," Goodall's sensitivity and same-era research into another genetics-related area provide a needed counterpoint to the attitudes of competition and exclusion that characterized the discovery of DNA. Different models of scientific exploration, different kinds of scientist. Both will be encountered, and both are important to know about.

Readers of all ages can find a hero and a role model in Jane Goodall. Her books for young adults and children have inspired me even as a 23 year old, and I have since given copies of "My Life with the Chimpanzees" as gifts to children as young as 9. Jane Goodall is a remarkable human being with heart, compassion, strong communication skills, and unflagging commitment to chimp research, improving the lot of humans, animals, and all of the life on our planet. The vision and persistence she lends to those tasks are making a wide impact, not only on Westerners, but also on African children and communities at multiple socio-economic levels. People who are working to make a difference are among Goodall's "reasons for hope," the sincere, caring and visionary Yous and Mes of all countries and backgrounds.

Goodall's fresh perspectives illumine things I already knew about and reveal many things I did not know before. Her beautiful command of the English language, vivid descriptions and compelling viewpoints will appeal to the artist, nature-lover, and poet and her sincere spirit speaks poignantly to further engage and delight the rest of us. Female scientists and concerned citizens will be among the most appreciative audience.

I read "Reason for Hope" in one long sitting -- only interrupted by dinner on this Thanksgiving eve. It felt as though Jane Goodall had taken the time to have a powerful, absorbing, and stimulating conversation with me the reader. I say conversation because going with her on her life's journey caused me to reflect simultaneously on my own. She realized her most cherished childhood dreams. Can we all? For Jane Goodall's gift of time and energy, I feel honored and grateful. She has this effect, and because of this valuable "conversation," I feel more dedicated to my own path of service to humanity. I highly recommend this book to anyone.

By the way ... don't miss the breathtaking color photograph on the inside front cover!


Crossing the Threshold of Hope
Published in Hardcover by Knopf (1995)
Authors: John, Ii Paul, Jane Garrett, and Pope John Paul II
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criticism of other religions
I was most interested in what the Pope had to say about other religions, especially Buddhism (being a Buddhist, I suppose this is natural). Since I am not Catholic I will leave aside any evaluation of the rest of the material--Catholics, and many Christians, will no doubt be inspired and educated by what the Pope says, and that is all well and fine. But I think it is interesting that people (in this case Catholics/Christians) turn to a member of their own religion to get information and explanation of some other religion. Would you, after all, go to a biologist to get an explanation of physics, or to a chess player for an explanation of black jack? As irrational (and, indeed, absurd) as it seems, this is rather a popular past time among Christian writers, and now the Pope has joined the fray. Since I would contend that I know and understand Buddhism considerably better than the Pope (I have been a student of the subject for almost 20 years) I can only say this: a criticism or critique of something, a subject or whatever, is only meaningful if the person doing the critiquing has both knowledge and understanding of his/her subject. Yet the Pope's knowledge is obviously second hand. Has he, for example, ever gone on a vipassana retreat, or read--with proper guidance--any Buddhist scriptures? I would guess not. Consequently, his understanding is at best, misguided, and at worst quite distorted. If it were not, I should--as someone knowledgeable of the subject of Buddhism--be able to concur with his statements as both factual and meaningful descriptions of the Buddha's Teaching. But I cannot, and therefore must dismiss the Pope's writing on Buddhism as inane babble. In fact, so obviously prejudiced is the Pope on the subject, that (and here I am going to step out on a limb) he reveals himself as not only a deeply prejudiced individual lacking in sound judgement, but as also a rather shallow intellect. The Pope, far from being infallible as some of his followers like to claim, is quite human and quite fallible and--dare I say it--has more than just a bit of hatred for things he does not even understand. I would expect better from someone who is the spiritual leader of more than a billion people, but then, truth (fortunately) is not a democracy.

A simple, yet inspiring read
Crossing the Threshold is a very interesting treatise from the Holy See written in the form of an interview, where the Pope explains his views of various Christian beliefs - including his belief in God, his views of non-Christian and non-Catholic faiths, and Mariology. His views appear to negate the claims put forth by anti-Catholics and tend to look to the new millennium with hope instead of fear.

An important message in this book is reiterated strongly by JPII's pontificate: Be not afraid. Great advice from probably the greatest Pope we've had in a long time.

On the Eve of Easter 1998- Be Not Afraid- says the Pope!
This is the best little book on theology one could ever hope to read- Catholic or Protestant. Vittorio Messori (think of him as the Larry King of Italian television) poses the questions and the Pope responds in his own script! It was supposed to be a television interview. The theme is pure and simple and so right-BE NOT AFRAID. From Christmas mystery to Good Friday tragedy to Easter joy, be not afraid- God is there- with us. The first chapter is almost humorous. Vittorio says to the Pope, 'Some people are nervous about you calling yourself the 'Vicar of Christ''. Says the Pope,in so many words, 'Don't worry about it-be not afraid- look at the big picture- trust God- He will see you through'. The whole thing is done with humility and compassion.


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