This book is a powerful reflection upon the circumstances & events surrounding Christ's birth. Within each of the (6) author's section, there are a multitude of heart provoking directions for the Holy Spirit to take you. It has touched me deeply, and also touched the life of a friend I gave a copy to for Christmas. I highly recommend this for personal reading and gift-giving.

The collection of sermons in this book provided a springboard of ideas for themes to preach this Christmas season. Max Lacado's sermon provided the background for our Christmas program this year.

"The Heart of Christmas" employs the writing talents of six inspirational authors, with the message they would most like people to learn and see at Christmastime. John Maxwell relates the wise men following the star and finding a lowly stable, to our search for greatness and finding instead disappointment, in our lives. He allows us to understand that we can find God even in our lowest moments. Bill Hybels challenges us to really look at the nativity, and God's purpose for choosing the location of the Christ-child, this season. Hybels parallels the nativity to our relationship with God. Max Lucado ponders what Joseph's thoughts were on that wonderful night and how we oft-times questions God ourselves. David Jeremiah writes about the name and significance of Jesus, the reasons God may have chosen to give his only son that common, yet most revered name. Rick Warren encourages us to seek that which we want to find this year. He gives us special insight and tells us what we should really be seeking for. Jack Hayford examines the Mary Miracle, as he calls it. He shows us how God is still "birthing" his holy word in us, today. If you are like me, growing weary with all the hype and stress of Christmas as society defines it, year after un-inspirational year, this is a book that will offer you a new vision and understanding of this wonderful holiday. It will put Christmas back into your heart so that it may shine forth, just like the star that marked Jesus' birth.

With more than three hundred photographs, Herbert List: The Monograph documents for the first time all phases of List's creativity: the Fotografia Metafisica (as List's early work, with its affinity with the work of de Chirico and Magritte, has come to be known); his photographs of Classical Greek ruins and postwar Munich; his sensitive homoerotic photographs; the artist portraits spanning the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s; and his subtle and touching human-interest photo-essays. Authoritative texts by noted critics and scholars provide historical contexts and influences and detail the development of List's oeuvre. A selection of List's own writings, a comprehensive chronology, a bibliography, and records of exhibitions, collections, and published photographs and essays complete the book. The photographs and essays collected in this volume comprise the definitive presentation of this modern master.

Herbert List is one of the most impressive photographers of the 20th century. This book is a masterpiece and offers a wonderful overview of List's work. It gives the opportunity to discover a classical and refreshing approach of the world-which escapes however from classicism.

Herbert List belongs to the most impressive photographers of the 20th century, showing a simple but wonderful vision of the world while escaping from classicism... A wonderful publication for "amateurs" and a masterpiece in arts book!

Delightful, insightful, witty and charming. In the style of Fulghum and Trillin ... Max Israelite is one of those gifted people that can take an everyday incident and find the pathos or humor. Combine that with a fine storytelling flair and it conjures up the kind of person I (we all?) wish we would find sitting next to us at a dinner party . I never met author but hope to ...in the meantime I suggest this book for those long plane rides or a rainy weekend. This book travels to new readers (I imagine) mostly by word of mouth. It was suggested (to me) by a client. In keeping with the obligation of karma... I pass on this uncommon little volume.

A unique collection of glimpses into the world of Max Israelite, sometimes reflective, but mostly hilarious. An unusual book with a rare perspecitve - it is absolutely a smile-producer!

I Never Met An Inion I Didn't Like is easy reading with a chuckle or two on every page. The humor and the richness of vocabulary kept a smile on my face throughout and prompted me to share some of the two or three page stories with a high school class I taught. Everyone, young and old, can identify with the situations described in this short book. We have all eaten at fast food restaurants but in one of my favorite stories the author compares a gourmet restaurant meal to what one finds at fast food places. He humorously convinces the reader as to the superiority of the fine restaurant--except in cases when "an automobile with no brakes is careening downhill in your direction, or when the Governor's pardon is not forthcoming and the hangman begins to slip the noose around your neck...." Mr. Israelite has a way with words. For those readers who lived through World War II several stories will appeal to you. My favorite was "Beating the Censor." I hoped that the writer was able to get his location out to his family and was on the edge of my bed wondering if his plan would work. Onion is homespun humor often difficult to find today. It is reminiscent of Will Rogers without the lasso. I Never Met An Onion I Didn't Like belongs in the waiting rooms of professionals, on the coffee tables of those who entertain and in the homes of young and old alike. It is a belly laugh waiting to explode. Francine Miller Educator, Tempe High School Tempe, Arizona

Ok so this isn't rocket science but the book is a valuable tool in an age when little things can wreak havoc in our lives. For some reason there is a bounty of small gems that I have found myself reading, and this is one. Just over 160 pages in length the lessons are common sense but well written. Nine chapters, from 1 When Life Happens 2.Beyond Understanding 3.Honest to God 4. Two Quarters of Grace 5. Nourishing the Soul 6. From Disappointment to Reappointment 7. All I. Need is a Miracle 8 Seven Power Tools for Changing Those Flat Tires In the Rain 9 Moving On.

The 7 Power Tools are #1 Though it may be messy, sometimes you have to step out into the rain and take control #2 We all need help now and then, maybe someone just to hold an umbrella or call the police #3 Stay calm, don't panic; things are rarely as bad as they seem #4 Dont forget to clean up #5 Stop under a sheltering tree or overhang #6 Enjoy the journey and #7 It's ok if your spare tire doesn't fit. This last one doesn't have to do with my car (laughing) but the idea that some of us have that we are supposed to be perfect. I especially appreciate the authors HONEST admission on page 109 about miracles and his statement "The plain truth is this: Miracles don't always happen. But sometimes they do." Trust me believing in miracles is hard for me since I have a hard enough time trusting that God will provide me with the wisdom and direction I need.

But the author is equally wise in sharing how miracles and blessing happen and how they happen rather often. Guess this is why I like the book. It is a combination of hope and common sense. It simply is a small book that is helping me a lot.

If you or anyone you know are going through some challenging times, Max Davis' book is for you. Through simple, yet powerful, stories and metaphors, Max shows you how to navigate all of life's bumpy roads.

Buy it for yourself or give it to someone you love. I did. You'll be glad when you do.

I happened upon this book and have ordered 4 more to give to family members. Max Davis writes in a simply beautiful conversational style. I will reread it often. The last chapter is especially moving and I love the quote from Helen Keller (one of my favorites).

Like the other reviewers have said, this book is simply the best combination of an account of Kepler's life, theories, and works.

Although written in 1948, Caspar's biography is today still the most comprehensive attempt to portray the person of Kepler in a unified manner. This work reflects Caspar's lifetime of work dedicated to Kepler's many publications, manuscripts, and correspondences, and, thanks to additional citations made by editor Owen Gingerich, the reader may now find where nearly all of these passages derive from. Both the common reader and serious student may benefit from this book, for it combines Kepler's scientific studies with the deeply personal conflicts of an early modern genius. Caspar's biography is fundamental not only for studies made on Kepler, but also for the Scientific Revolution in general.

....about Kepler, you must have this book. Period.

De Pree presents a philosophy that while in many ways is timeless, is never a cliche. His emphasis upon people, their potential, and the elements present in strong, enduring organizations, will appeal to leaders working in any industry. De Pree offers the reader refreshing thoughts about the importance of service to others in an era of forgotten virtues. It is one of the most elegant and inspiring books I have come across lately.

Max De Pree continues to bless us with his insightful books on leadership. In this book he helps us to realize that leading without power works best when it is a movement that is being led, and when leaders focus not on success, but on building a legacy. When we are trying to build a legacy we become competent in establishing and maintaining relationships. A true legacy establishes and sustains an enduring direction.

Leading without power includes a vision that is based on morale purpose and active virtue. Nonprofit organizations without the clear insight they received through empowering vision, fail to realize their potential.

When leading people without power, helping them see their spiritual calling in life is mandatory. Many people are not clear about this essential resource.

I enjoyed this book because I am a highly task-oriented person who prefers to begin my thinking from a left-brain prspective. This book challenged me to think about relationships, and to think from a right-brained perspective. Whether your preferences are tasks or relationships, left brain or right brain, you will find great hope in serving community as you allow the message of this book to transform your leadership style.

After having read "Leadership is an Art", and "Leadership Jazz", I didn't have an idea that this book would have such a significant impact on my thoughts. Working for a non-profit, this book is such a wonderful guide about what it takes to lead an organization that is more concerned about people and less about profit. This doesn't mean that profit is not important, but what the author does say is that there is a considerable amount of heart and soul that goes into the non-profit sector. I especially recommend the section entitled "What shall we measure." DePree looks at key indicators from a perspective that should be imitated by any company that really wants to captivate its customers and employees. The explanation about the difference between a "movement" and "organization" is also spectacular. A great guide for the future.

This is the first Lucado book I have read, but it won't be the last! From page one I loved this author. He has a wonderful way of making you know that God is interested in you. He shares wonderful stories in life that let you know there is a God who loves you. When I read this book I felt very loved by my Creator, and it's also helped me to see the little miracles in life that happen everyday. Everyone who doubts there is a God should get a copy of this book. I can't wait to dig into another one of Lucado's works! I really like the way he sees God, and I am beginning to see God the way I should, Finally!

I love this book. This the first "Lucado" book that I have ever read. It is priceless. After reading this book and praying, my life seemed to improve. Maybe it helped me see that things weren't really as bad as I thought. It definitely showed me that God is in control.

This is the fifth copy of this book that I have purchased. I have given every copy to a friend. Max Lucado is my favorite author and these are three of his best books in one volume. Of course, all of his books are his best books. Pick any Lucado title. You will not be disappointed. He writes as if he were speaking only to you. "In the Grip of Grace" is one of my favorites, but every book I own of Lucado's is my favorite. He never disappoints. His tomes invite multiple readings and his clear style makes difficult truths easy to grasp. I just love his writing.

I saw Max Gunther on a late night talk show when he was prmoting the book. his informal, casual discussion highlights from his research really impressed me. I purchased the book a few days later. The kind of information in this book is whatever person in their late 20s should know. what he wrote about 25 years ago still stands today. Great stuff!

Intuition tells us (as does this book) that all things are not equal when it comes to the way that seemingly random occurences affect individuals. Some people are just luckier than others in terms of how these events appear and play out in their favor. Gunther takes an open-minded approach to the question of luck, and interviews unquestionably lucky and unlucky individuals to see what the common factors are. His analysis includes the expected (lucky people have more opportunities by virtue of their personalities), but he isn't afraid to talk about findings that don't fall nicely into a causal, classical model. Why should a person's state of mind matter in determining their luck, above and beyond how it changes their outward behavior? This book doesn't present the whole answer to that question, but it does lay a good foundation for giving the matter some serious thought.

Believe me. This is one book anybody who feels fate has give them a hard kick must have. This book will tell you why your less 'talented' friend did better than one of your apparently more talented ones. I'd read a lot of self-help books of all kind before I read this but this one ranks right there with Think and Grow Rich and How to win Friends and Influence People. It tells you exactly what luck is and how you can make it work for you. It is obvious that the author did extensive research before writing this. A unique thing in this book is the study of comparative luck-beliefs like probability. This book may not turnaround somebody's luck at once, but will be a great help in understanding luck and improving once chances in life. As a bonus, it is factually entertaining!

Max Perkins was the emperor of editors. I'm an editor myself (of textbooks), and Editor to Author, a collection of Perkins's letters to many of his writers, taught me how to deal with authors in order to get the best out of them. Two things about Max and Marjorie especially struck me. One was the difference between then and now in speed of communication. We'd never have these wonderful letters if Max and Marjorie had been using email or the telephone. The other was the insensitive attitude toward blacks. These were two educated and sensitive people. They didn't even realize what they were doing or saying. It seems horrible now.

I have worked on textbooks in which the writing process is a prominent feature in teaching students, and it is made to sound deadly dull, but the writing process makes a fascinating subject when it's discussed by Max and Marjorie.

I gave up a night's sleep because I did not want to put this book down.

I had chills when Perkins wrote Rawlings, "I see you book as a story about a boy growing up in the scrub...." and the Yearling was born from America's greatest editor to one of his authors that he understood as only he could.Reading his letters to her is to know American fiction first hand, from the genius's workshop gently passed on to a brilliant pupil. I have nothing but praise for the collector for bringing this to us.

This is a breathtaking book . . . I felt like I was in the room with Marjorie as she wrote each letter to Max Perkins. She is engaging, perceptive, very charming and brutally honest by turns. Max Perkins knew how to motivate Marjorie toward her best work through compliments and gentle reminders. When Max dies, it is hearbreaking, because the book is over, and I wanted it to continue on.

I remember reading this book when I was young.. and I have read it several times since. It is fun, witty, charming and covers everything from time travel to jousting to courtly love. It's great for boys or girls! A definate must!

For students who were having difficulty with the history and vocabulary of the Medieval Times, this book proved to be most helpful. The boys in the book experienced life in the middle ages after being transported by the time machine to 1250 AD England. My students found the book to be humorous and entertaining.

I read it with my class and it is the funniest love story ever