by Joe from Providence.
This is a devotional book; it is meant to fit in your carryall or bag at all times: so that when you decide to go to Adoration, it is with you. I have had three copies of this little book (I left two in the pews at churches and chapels after adoration). If you want to learn how to enrich your Holy Hours or visits with Jesus, present in the Eucharist, this book will offer you a multitude of short-enough passages to contemplate the Eucharistic Presence. If you have been a participant in Adoration for a long time, this book will enrich the experience for you. Without a doubt, you will return to this book again and again, oftentimes TO CENTER YOURSELF when you enter Christ's Presence. The book is a marvel in miniature.

After reading Fr. Groeschel's insightful book, Arise From Darkness: What To Do When Life Doesn't Make Sense, and pushing it on everyone I know, I did not think that Groeschel would be able to top that. But he did. Whether you are a skeptic of the Real Presence of Christ, or believe beyond all doubt; whether you think this an invention of man or of God; whether you are a spiritual and intellectual weakling or a superman, this book is for you. The voice of Groeschel's inner city life and Bronx-style attitude shine through. That, coupled with his humble wisdom and faith, places him among the very best Christian writers. Enjoy.

This little book of readings and prayers has been very useful for me during Eucharistic Adoration.

This book does not just contain prayers to say during the time with Our Lord, but inspiritations and insights from Fr. Grouschel and many saints that will cause readers to think and contemplate the Real Presence during their visits to the Lord in the Eucharist. Small enough to bring with you every time.

Seeking God is an elegant, insightful, and extremely valuable treatment of the spirituality inherent in St. Benedict's Rule. The further into the book I read, the better I realized it was. Again and again I was impressed with the wisdom and psychological astuteness of the Rule as deWaal explained it. Benedict's way of moderation, humility, and balance, as interpreted by deWaal, seems one of the wisest and healthiest examples of Christian thinking that I have encountered. It is an excellent antidote to the regrettable tendency of some to want to separate body from soul and the material world from the spiritual world; Benedictine spirituality instead balances and integrates them!

"Seeking God" helped bring "The Rule of St. Benedict" into focus for me, enabling me to see clearly the wisdom of Benedict's vision for our day. For two other books that explore Benedictine wisdom for parents, look for "The Family Cloister: Benedictine Wisdom for the Home" and "The Christian Family Toolbox: 52 Benedictine Activities for the Home", both by David Robinson (New York: Crossroad,2000 and 2001). Benedict still speaks relevantly and prophetically in our day!

The author was recommended to me both by my spiritual director and by a monastic. I see why. It is written simply and directly. It does not drip religiousity nor is it so esoteric that one becomes stalled in frustration. Instead, de Waal relates the Rule of St. Benedict to life in the world today. She does not compromise the Rule nor interpose her own "doctrine"- she draws from a great knowledge of writers of the Benedictine tradition from the past to the present, couples that with her experience as a wife and mother, presenting a straight forward discussion of the Rule, how it is of help to the Christian of today, and how it may be applied in the life of the individual who is seeking a rule for his or her own life. Her tradition is Anglican but one does not sense an intrusiveness- rather a calm, rational, feet on the floor contemplative guide which opens the door to further spiritual growth.

I live in the neighborhood that Teresa and Bianca live in and have met girls like Bianca. As a young mother myself, this work really hit home. It's hard to understand the emotions and anxieties of a "child having a child," but Ms. Benedict truly knew how to do it and I praise her for that. Ms. Benedict captured the uncertainty, immaturity, and boldness of a "teen" so realistically. The best thing of all is that she let this child achieve maturity on her own after witnessing the destructive & selfish path she had created for herself and her family. She realized she had to think of her baby daughter -a very adult thing to do. So she made the best decision for her daughter. This book is a real tugger of heart-strings. I highly recommend.

This book was very good. S9ince there are many of our children are getting pregnant at a young age.

I absolutely loved Bad Angel. It was so gripping, and it really takes the reader inside Bianca's life. I really cared about what happened to her and her family.

Benedict's Dharma is a rare find--a book on spirituality that is lovingly burnished by practice. Benedict's Rule was above all a work for practical application; what few understand is how well the Rule translates into Eastern practice.

Rarely have I enjoyed a book as thoroughly as this one; I regretted reaching its final page, for the journey it provided was such a delight. Yet the greater truth is that this book is meant to be a passageway, pointing the way to greater spiritual understanding and greater self-knowledge. The truths it uncovers are applicable to anyone who is serious about leading an authentic spiritual life.

This book is an exceptional treasure, offering significant and practical insights on every page.

Benedict's Dharma is a rare find--a book on spirituality that is lovingly burnished by practice. Benedict's Rule was above all a work for practical application; what few understand is how well the Rule translates into Eastern practice. Rarely have I enjoyed a book as thoroughly as this one; I regretted reaching its final page, for the journey it provided was such a delight. Yet the greater truth is that this book is meant to be a passageway, pointing the way to greater spiritual understanding and greater self-knowledge. The truths it uncovers are applicable to anyone who is serious about leading an authentic spiritual life. This book is an exceptional treasure, offering significant and practical insights on every page.

"There is fire in the Rule of Saint Benedict" (p. 121) David Steindl-Rast, OSB, writes in the Afterward to this collection of Buddhist reflections on that Rule. Written in the sixth century, Saint Benedict's Rule is a set of guidelines governing Christian monastic life. This 137-page book is the result of a two-week "Encounter" between Buddhists and Christians, in which Norman Fischer, Joseph Goldstein, Judith Simmer-Brown, and Yifa were participants. Their "fresh take" (p. xiv) on Saint Benedict's Rule is followed by a new, 80-page translation of that Rule by Patrick Henry, OSB.

The Rule was written to practice "Christ's way." Christ said, "Whoever perseveres to the very end will be saved" (p. 97). For Buddhists, Benedict's Rule is about "walking the path to spiritual awakening" (p. 105). That is, both the Rule and Buddhist dharma offer "general guidelines for an inner journey" (p. 1). Judith Simmer-Brown notes that the Rule offers us insight into living a contemplative life amidst the demands of everyday life, or "anyplace you find yourself" (p. 3). From a Buddhist perspective, Benedict's Rule is about learning to live life "so it gets into your bones, under your skin" (p. 34), and about living with "a love of true life and a longing for days of real fulfillment" (p. 36), for this was "Christ's way."

It is evident from this book that "the monastery wall is always permeable" (p. 81). Benedictine monasticism is designed to lead one to spiritual riches on the path of humility (p. 95). It is possible, we're told, to practice a contemplative life outside the monastery walls. "The world is vast and wide," Norman Fischer writes. "Why put on your robe and go to the meditation hall when the bell rings?" (p. 89). Daily practice is "the common ground" for monastics of East and West (p. 124), and in his excellent Afterward, David Steindl-Rast, OSB, concludes that "lay practitioners are running away with the monastic ball" (p. 126). "Step out into the dark night," he writes, "raise your eyes to the starry sky, and you will experience what contemplation was before it had a name" (p. 126).

We find Buddhists and Christians travelling the same "ladders and bridges" in this harmonious book. Buddhist or Christian, this book will appeal to to that monk or nun cloistered in each of us, who is interested in "a life spent seeking the truth."

G. Merritt

This is an incredible book. The photos are exquisite and I can't wait to try out all of the recipes, even if I don't necessarily celebrate ALL of the holidays! I was especially impressed with the history behind the holidays -- information I wasn't aware of and all the craft and decorating tips. I love the idea of having different time periods for each holiday. It will really be fun to try out all these different themes on friends and family!

I've liked Jeanne Benedict's recipes since the Sophisticated Cookie. This book continues her unique style of combining recipes with party-hosting tips. I love the holiday traditions she's incorporated into this book. I've also watched her on CBS' Morning Show, doing a meal for four people for under $20. She's hip, funny and really knows her stuff. Highly recommend this book!

What a beautiful book! My mom gave this to me as a gift as it reminded her of her childhood. All the holidays are set in different time periods with the most gorgeuos photos I've ever seen. And there are easy recipes, craft instructions, and great table setting ideas with photos. The Thanksgiving picture is in the 1940's with women that look like my mom at her Thanksgiving table. We actually cried as we remembered my Grandfather. The book tells how traditions started and how the holiday came to be and has funny facts too. Valentine's Day is Victorian, St. Patrick's Day is Renaissance and Christmas is Art Deco and is dripping with jewels. There is a Chocolate Peppermint cake that I'm going to make for Christmas dinner and this beaded garland craft for a napkin ring that I'll make for the table along with the Calla Lily and Dangling Crystal Chandelier. This was one of the best gifts I've ever receieved and I can't wait to share it with my little girl.

Often when one prays it is easy to get distracted, despite good intentions. The author does a good job of helping the reader to understand the real meaning of different kinds and levels of prayer, and thereby really listen to God. He also rightly warns of possible pitfalls in trying to pray (for example, reading our own meaning into the words of a prayer). I highly recommend this book.

Often times we have the tendency to forget that prayer is a dialogue instead of a monologue. Many times we come to prayer asking God to get rid of this problem or to help with this other situation, etc. However, what about God? What does He want from us? Where does He want us to go or do? We will never find the answers to these questions if we do not do what the title of the book says.

To put it simply, prayer is like the conversation that one has with a dear friend on the phone. You talk, they listen; they talk, you listen. The same should be our relationship with out God. This book is geared toward orienting our spiritual life not toward venting, asking or pleading. But, toward listening, patience and acting. Groeschel presents a very simple and human approach to prayer that, in the end, is fruitful.

This book is a must for anyone young and old in their faith. It is never too late to return to the basics of spirituality, especially if we listen at prayer.

In one superficial sense, the reader could be put off by "Listening at prayer". It is only 88 pages of large print and could be read easily in one sitting. That would be missing the point. After all how many pages do the "Beatitudes" take? Yes, the book can be read quickly but that would be a gross disservice to the author and the reader. Benedict Groeschel has a way of making the mystical and ethereal very practical and utilitarian, and the book is not only worthy of slow digestion but also a special place on many a bookshelf where it can be read, and then read again.

First Groeschel makes suggestions on how to actively listen to God, our conscience and our life. Then he goes on with helpful suggestions to integrate "the message" first in our prayer life and then our life as a whole.

For those of us still a little hard of listening he then explores listening to God in the Word and in Liturgies with useful recommendations on how to get more out of our private reading and religious services. For those struggling to get more out of scripture or worship services Groeschel's many suggestions should be helpful to almost all.

In the last several pages Groeschel explores contemplative prayer and living in the Presence of God so prayer is less conversational then relational. While Groeschel draws from the Catholic Tradition his suggestions and universal approach should help anyone with an interior life, or those looking for one, find resonance. "Listening to God" is a small modern classic that transcends sectarian lines.

I wonder whom the book is targeted for? Is it a primmer or an advanced work? It is difficult to say, it is easy and breezy to read, and yet full of simple desert wisdom put so deceptively simple that one could underestimate the book.

Anton Chaitkin was persecuted for releasing the most in depth research on the traitors to America throughout it's existance. Anton Chaitkin also uncovered the document from the library of congress proving that Bush Sr's father, Presscott Bushes bank "Union Bank" was shut down by Roosevelt in 1942, under the trading with the pact for funding the Nazi party and Thyssin Steel money. Fritz Thyssin wrote the book "I funded Hitler" and was responsible for more than 50% of the war drive steel and iron. Democratic Presidental Candidate Lyndon LaRouche has exposed these impierail traitors to the ideas of the American Revolution the the civil rights movement. It is time we Americans got off our high and holy degenerate [behinds] and acted in the spirits of Ben Franklin, George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Aberham Lincoln, McKinley, and FDR.

This book has to be one of the most important books that any media scientist could possibly read. It is pure art in the sense of art as an updater of consciousness.Wonderful book.

You can study American History in High School or College, but you will never get the in depth research involved in this book. I have never seen such a great list of referances andbibliography. Why haven't more historians been able to just tell it like it is instead of just sucking up to New World Order Crazies? How many people have ever heard of the "American System of Economics" as opposed to the British East India "Free Trade Buy cheap,Sell dear slavocracy. If you really want to know your history, Read this book and study its' referances.

Young, beautifull and high strung Lady Jane, appears to be forced to the most depraving and desperate measures at every turn in her life to avoid the unthinkable.

To prevent her marriage to the fat father of her dead husband to be she lets one of the stable hands take her virginity in the bushes. The result, she gets raped not only by the intended future father-in-law but also her stepfather and then sent off to a convent.

At the convent she soon discovers that all is not as it seems and the mother superior, Ursula, is a sexual deviant and in no time Lady Jane is naked on the altar and being raped by the fellow sisters and a suitably sized candle. I a desperate hope to escape the convent and this torture, she confesses to a visiting Father Peter. The result of course is that she gets raped not only by Father Peter but also his two priest companions and of course again Ursula.

When the king takes over the church in the UK (time of Anne Boylin)the king gives Sir Edmund the convent and all the sisters as a present. Sir Edmund recognizes Lady Jane from his younger days when he spied her pleasuring herself in the woods and Jane sees another opportunity to make a bad chioce to save herself. She agrees to be his mistress and whore in return for the convent and the properties.

Wages of Sin, is an interesting erotic period piece and if you have that secret rape fantasy this bokk will be like manna from heaven since practicaly every male in the book does rape the good girl. Like the people that suffer this fantasy Lady Jane also has a problem in controlling her body since she may scream and kick at her attacker, once the matter is before her, if you know what I mean, she has a hard time really controlling herself .....

The authors' knowledge and writing skills are so refined that this is a very good and enjoyable book although I really wonder about the author and her thing for disgusting rapist stepfathers and grawn men as a whole. In her other book 'Sinful Seduction' most of the men there were pretty disgusting trolls as well ....

Ms. Benedict's polished talent offers an attention-grabbing tale of intrigue and lust in a remarkably accurate historical setting. It is next to impossible to put this book down.

After I read Sinful Seduction, I was hooked on Kate Benedict. Wages of Sin is another amazingly polished piece of erotic fiction. You can't put it down until you've reached the end, and then it will haunt you. Ms. Benedict's characters are so rich and vivid and her writing is so strong, I can see why her books are so popular.

BORN IN 1960 BENEDICT WAS 22 WHEN HE (CONTINUED) HIS PERSONAL EXPLORATIONS, BY WALKING FROM THE ORINOCO RIVER IN VENEZUELA, TO THE MOUTH OF THE AMAZON IN MACAPA, BRAZIL. BECAUSE OF HIS AGE AND LACK OF EXPERIENCE AND THAT EVERYONE HE TALKED TO BEFORE HE SET OUT TOLD HIM HE COULDN'T, SHOULDN'T OR WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO DO IT...AND THAT IT'S JUST DARN HARD TO FIND "ANYBODY" THAT KNOWS ANYTHING, ESPECIALLY ABOUT HOW TO WALK AND SURVIVE THE TYPE OF TREK HE ENVISIONED, HE SIMPLY WENT. AND HE LEARNED AS HE TRAVELLED BY ASKING QUESTIONS OF THE PEOPLE WHO WERE THERE AND HAD SURVIVED. HE MEETS ECCENTRICS, DRUNKS, MISFITS, LIVES WITH THE INDIANS, PASSES ON A LITTLE LOCAL HISTORY, HAS AN INTERESTING DIALOGUE ON THE "GRAN SABANA" WHERE SOME VERY STRANGE THINGS HAVE OCCURRED OVER THE YEARS, (UFO'S) AND THEN BEGINS TO GET SOME INSIGHTS AND (SOUL GROWTH?" THAT ONLY SEEM TO RESULT FROM LIFE THREATENING SITUATIONS, FEAR AND UNDERSTANDING AS HE GOES DEEPER INTO THE JUNGLE AIDED BY FIRST TWO GUIDES, THEN ON HIS OWN. GREAT BOOK BECAUSE IT'S COMTEMPORARY.

I couldn't believe that everything that happened in the book really happened to Mr. Allen. I am fortunate to own a copy of this great book and never get tired of reading it. I feel he is an inspiring figure to all future adventurers out there.

Fabulously FUNNY. Tugs at your heart and keeps you on your seat. The man is crazy but entirely lovable. Throughout the book you root for him to survive that incredible journey.

This, Benedict's debut published when he was only 23, remains his best work to date. He seems to have lost most of his audacity, which is really the charm of this book, in his subsequent work. Still, this book's best stories have a lot of fun with language, and Benedict is undoubtedly a very talented writer. None of his work, though, approaches that of Breece Pancake, the West Virginia writer who was in many ways Pinckney Benedict's inspiration (do all West Virginians have such outrageous names?), but who committed suicide at age 26. Pancake was a genius who basically could not handle the world; Benedict is very gifted, but is not a genius. I still reccomend this book--I just don't want to see Benedict's reputation, just because he is still alive, completely overshadow Pancake's.

These tales of poor West Virginia mountain folk create a fictional world unlike that in any other book I have ever read--a world haunted by dark spirits, enchanting the reader even as he is appalled by the brutality of the characters and their lives. Reading "Town Smokes," you close the covers gasping for air, yet wanting desperately to return. Judging from this, his first book, Pinckney Benedict appeared to be well on his way toward becoming one of the great figures of American literature, the equal of Faulkner or Melville. Unfortunately, "The Wrecking Yard," his follow-up book, was very fine, but lacked the originality and power of "Town Smokes." I fear Benedict's M.F.A. advisors may have gotten to him!

This is, without a doubt, first-rate fiction. Benedict does a wonderful job keeping himself distanced in every story; too many writers, it seems, adopt mannered styles of "mush" sentiments: "poor me, look at my beautiful prose, feel what I feel, oh", etc. What Benedict does, then, is put most writers to shame with the psychic distance between him and his characters. Too bad Benedict is not read by the general pubic, who insist on reading morons like Nora Roberts and Danielle Steele.