"Have you ever read CENTERING?" a friend asked me. "That book changed my life," she explained, with a knowing smile, "and I'll even loan you my copy." M. C. Richards was a potter, teacher, and poet, and her 1962 book is "a story of transformation" (p. 4). In his Foreward to the 25th Anniversay Edition of M.C.'s "truly subversive book" (p. ix), Matthew Fox writes, "I consider this book one of the great works of American philosophy: it is so cosmological, so feminist (without once using that term), so original, so full of wisdom, so post Cartesian, so nondualistic, so moral, and so fully a part of the mystical tradition of the West that one wonders from what source it arrived in our world . . . This is a prophetic and mystical book. Such books are dangerous. They are the kind dictators burn, churches tend to ignore, and consumer cultures leave on the shelf. For they have the power to awaken, to stir, to disturb, and to transform" (pp. vii-viii).

After forty years, CENTERING remains as relevant as ever. The good news is that it's still in print. M. C. observes that, in our society, "ordinary education and social training seem to impoverish the capacity for free initiative and artistic imagination. We talk indepedence, but we enact conformity . . . Brains are washed (when they are not clogged), wills are standardized, that is to say immobilized. Someone within cries for help. There must be more to life than all these learned acts, all this highly conditioned consumption. A person wants to do something of his own, to feel his own being alive and unique. He wants out of bondage. He wants in to the promised land" (p. 43).

Wisdom arrives through a childlike sense of wonder, or through "centering," as M. C. calls it. "Within us lives a merciful being," she observes, "who helps us to our feet however many times we fall" (p. 8). "Wisdom is not the product of mental effort," she tells us. Rather, it is a state of "total being, in which capacities for knowledge and for love, for survival and for death, for imagination, inspiration, intuition, for all the fabulous functioning of this human being who we are, come into a center with their forces, come into an experience of meaning that can voice itself as wise action" (p. 15). She encourages us to "ride our lives like natural beasts, like tempests, like the bounce of a ball or the slightest ambiguous hovering of ash, the drift of scent: let us stick to those currents that can carry us, membering them with our souls. Our world personifies us, we know ourselves by it" (p. 7). "I sense this," she writes; "we must be steady enough in ourselves, to be open and to let the winds of life blow through us, to be our breath, our inspiration; to breathe with them, mobile and soft in the limberness of our bodies, in our agility, our ability, as it were, to dance, and yet to stand upright, to be intact, to be persons" (p. 12). CENTERING is a "sensual, sexual, trusting" book "full of surprises" (p. xv) you'll want to share with your friends.

G. Merritt

I've read this several times since it was first published in the 60's MC Richards has a lot of insight and some very good things to say to teachers.

This book is a classic! I came across it in the '70's and now, again, when I am old enough to understand the depth of Mary Caroline Richard's wisdom. She truly knows what life-generating relationships are about. The best news about this book is that it is still in print.

This book is a bit of home that is comforting in times of homesickness. Yet is still manages to emphasize the diversity of a great nation without seeming over patriotic. I good read for all Canadians whether at home or abroad. Also a good bit of insight for Americans to read to better understand their quitely proud neighbours to the north.

As the Canadian Co-author of Chicken Soup for the Canadian Soul, I am so honoured to have been part of creating - of bringing to life - this very special book. Our vision was to put together a collection of stories that all Canadians would be moved and inspired by. In the process, we read over 6000 stories from Canadians from one coast to the other, and then we talked to some of our greatest Canadian heroes. The result - History, Heritage Heroes and Heart! The Heart is courtesy of Chicken Soup for the Soul, but the history, heroes and heritage are all ours, they are all Canadian. Read The True Story of Lake Ontario by Marilyn Bell Di Lascio, In 1954, at the age of 16, Marilyn was the first person in history to swim across Lake Ontario. This story is in her own words, from her own heart. Like The Goal of the Century from Paul Henderson, Becoming the Man in Motion from Rick Hansen, and The Magic Skates from Barbara Underhill and Paul Martini, these stories are not journalistic renderings, but rather a passionate reliving of the story by the person it happened to. And for the first time in this short story format, you can read The Legacy of Terry Fox by Leslie Scrivener of the Toronto Star. Other contributors include Kurt Browning, Jann Arden, Natalie MacMaster, Chief Dan George, and Pamela Wallin, as well as some wonderful historical and heritage stories, told by authors from all across Canada,in the compelling and heartfelt Chicken Soup style. Buy this book for yourself, or for someone you love. Give it to your kids, your parents, or you best friend. This book is for anyone who loves Canada - no matter where they live!

We live literally across the street from each other - Canadians and Americans. But Americans don't really know us. This book shows our big hearts, humor, valiant spirit, courage and creativity. Every American should read this book and learn just a little bit more about the people who use strange words like "eh" and "toque"! Come on up and visit - or better yet, read this book. The folks who were stranded in Gander, Newfoundland on September 11 will tell you that every word is the truth.

Matthew the Poor is a professional pharmacist who left a life of worldly success to seek the face of God in silence in the desert. That he was called to this vocation by a strong and authentic yearning is clear from his concise, but riveting theological explanations. There is no waste in this book. Every sentence is packed with insight into scripture and wisdom not easily matched in today's theological bookstores. No fluff, no self-aggrandizement, just humble and pure exposition of his learnings from his personal communion with Love Himself. Among countless spiritual and theological treatises available today, this one stands with the great masters. The final chapter on unity in the Church through ecumenism is alone worth the cost.

Fr Matthew the Poor is certainly a hidden treasure. His depth, spiritual insight and understanding in his writings can be benefitted from by anyone. There are very few Coptic Orthodox writers who's works are this readily available.

He does not write about topics for monks, but topics that will touch the heart of every beliver. I recommend this book to anyone who is searching for the depths of Orthodox spirituality.

This is the only book available in English written by this Egyptian Christian monk and holy man. It is a collection of some of his writings, and presents an illumination of the Gospel that begins with a chapter titled 'How to Read the Bible' that cuts deep into the heart of our understanding. We in the west always seem to be subjecting the words of the Bible to our understanding of them, and this Father shines a light on the way of reading that brings one into proper relationship with God's word without the error of subjecting it to the intellect, but in fact subjecting the intellect to it...

A [partial] list of chapter titles might prove helpful:

Christ of the Old and New Testaments The Christ of History: A Living Christ The Hidden Aspect of the Nativity The Righteousness of Humility Repentance and Asceticism in the Gospel The Deep Meaning of Fasting Between Ressurrection and Ascension The Holy Spirit in Dogmatic Theology and in Ascetic Theology The Virgin in the Theology of the Church

Abba Matte is not yet well known in the west. He will become more well known as more and more of his works gets translated into English, and as this little book makes its rounds from person to person. His monastery in the desert, some 50 miles southwest of Cairo, draws as many as 500 visitors a day now...

While Michelle McGann comes across well in this publication, much of the credit should go to her ghost writer who seems to have done an excellent job in translating a pro's techniques into layman's terms. This is a good book which is a valuable learning tool for those who are just being introduced to the sport. Subjects are discussed in a very simple, concise way, and at no times does the author speak to the reader in a condescending way. A great read.

I bought the book because I was interested in learning the game. I found it very informative. Covered the basics and stretching exercises to do before playing. A must read if you are serious about your game!

I bought this book after walking away unhappy with "Golf for Dummies" (2nd ed.). This book is so much better, because it focuses on things a beginner golfer needs to know, instead of trivia we don't really care about. After reading this book I have improved my swing and hit as well as picked out a good club set with the help of the chapter on clubs. I'll read this book over and over again as I become hooked on golf.

When I saw this book I was blown away by the range and quality of the work in it. As soon as I was back at my computer, I purchased a copy for my sister who does botanical illustration. She too was very impressed with it. You cannot go wrong buying this book if you enjoy a) art; b) botanical illustration, or; c) all things beautiful.

Have recommended this book to other botanical artists and every one who sees it has purchased it. Full of exquisitely rendered specimens in many different styles of botanical painting. Gives some background on each of the artists, but the real feature is the large reproductions of the art work. An excellent reference book for painters and a beautiful book to display. Don't miss this one!

This is a book of dazzling beauty. The first time that I read it I had to keep trying to remember to breath! This is not a how-to book but a WOW! book. The range and quality of the illustrations is astounding, particularly in view of the large number of pictures and the comparatively low price

I have enjoyed much of the Matthews' writings, both when together and on their own, but I'm not so elated with this. I was fortunate enough to pick this up when a book shop was closing down and so got it at a very low price, I'm not so sure I would have been so forgiving if I had to pay full price.

I have read quite a lot on the Ogham, and aside from Robert Graves' White Goddess, this is probably the most inspired and innovative spin on them I have come across, although it is not the most insightful. Now whilst I agree that the Ogham should not be looked upon only as a "tree alphabet", if one has decided to emphasise this approach then there should be a little more about the nature of the tree and how this affects ones interpretation of the individual staves. Just my personal opinion!

That aside, the actual practical side of the book is a geat idea, enough to redeem it at any rate! I particularly admire the work gone into the quatrains, which are far more insightful than many of the traditional word oghams, which have lost much meaning in their translation. These add so much more to the depth of reading one can traditionally get from them, and has revived my flagging use of them.

This book has altered the way I use the ogham quite considerably, but I shan't be using the staves that come with the set, I'll stick to my own (oh the comedy!). Mine came with two that were losing their bark and in a fraying bag. Rustic,or just shoddy? I think the latter. That aside, it is true that making one's own staves is a much better idea. My own set I spent a while over, collecting the wood of each tree and bush to make them with, all in all a much better way of doing it!

It is true that the oracle text is concrete and pragmatic, and that the wisdom sticks themselves look like french fries. And one would have liked some hints as to time and place for consulting the sticks. Nevertheless, this is Caitlin Matthews' most accessible, most "tactile," least esoteric oracle device yet. Lest you think from the foregoing that Celtic Wisdom Sticks are some kind of Irish fortune cookies, used intuitively and contemplatively they can lead one to a deep, rich, mystical experience equal if not superior to tarot.

Of all of Ms. Matthew's works, I find the Celtic Wisdom Sticks of a par with her Celtic Devotional, and both to be superior tools for those pursuing a neo-Celtic or maybe meta-Celtic path.

First off, let me say that I have incredible respect for the work and writings of Caitlin Matthews. I have followed her line of inquiry into the Celtic visionary tradition over the years and feel that she has done an incredible service to both Celtic and non-Celtic descendants by what she has produced. Her research into Ogam to produce The Celtic Wisdom Sticks is keeping in her prolific strides to produce time-tested, yet relevant means for people to deepen their practice. Her work on the Ogam is very good both via scholarship and translation but, probably even more importantly, via utilizing some of the very visionary states of consciousness employed by our Irish ancestors. The book really is very innovative in its consideration of the Ogam--speaking openly that the sacred markings have a utilitarian purpose, but also a visionary application.
The actual "sticks" in the set The Celtic Wisdom sticks--at least in the ones I received--were not really that great, but I have since realized that, truly, they are merely meant as a guide--and that if your soul takes to the Ogam, and the soul of the Ogam takes to you, that you will eventually make your own set that has the mark of your own energy within them. And, I would recommend doing this. The 'forfedha' letters on the Four Airts, or Four Directional Indicator stave is truly ingenious and adds a remarkable sense of visionary continuity with other visionary practices in the Celtic tradition. The particular indicator stick I received in the set was a little imbalanced--which I think can throw a reading off and is another reason for making your own staves--but I find this innovation, like everything else Caitlin does, to be truly cutting edge, while honoring of the ancient.
Many of the suggested readings are also beautiful, combining the best of intuition with the nature of this lore to guide those who walk in this way with a quality of "the next step," which any working oracle should do. The Oghams, like the Runes and the Yarrow Sticks of the I-Ching, are not a static and lifeless oracle, but a living, breathing being that becomes a co-walker in your life.
To this end, I feel that the book is well worth the purchase, but I would recommend using the actual sticks that one receives in The Celtic Wisdom Sticks as simply a model or guide for creating your own set. Definitely reap the harvest of Caitlin's analepsis, as she puts it, but buy this set primarily for the book.

The book was helpful, the chapter formats are short and to the point giving you only what you need to pass the, which is good. Just don't rely only on this book...here is a secret, there is a program called cf_buster that is a great test prep that when used in conjuction with this book simulate a certified test environment. I passed my test today.

most chapter's are only 10 pages or less long so you can sit down for 5 minutes read a chapter then come back and read another chapter later as it helps to read a whole chapter at once

where as some books are like 40 pages per chapter and ya need to sit down with a fair bit of time just to read the chapter

Ben Forta's Certified Coldfusion 5 Developer Study Guide will not teach ColdFusion, but will be a review guide that provides helpful pointers for examinees. The book's look will be non-intimidating yet thorough, and will be highly readable in small bite-sized chunks. Each subject will be presented in a clear and direct language, with useful and well explained code examples. Sample questions will accompany each subject, as will references to recommended reading, product documentation, Macromedia course work, and existing ColdFusion books. 432 pp. Intermediate-Advanced user level.

An in depth look at the area of study giving the reader a greater understanding of the subject.

This is one of the best books I have read on Chemical Sensitivity. Matthew's has lots of very good information. This book is a great resource to have in your MCS/Chemical Sensitivity Collection. I highly recommend this book. I would not be without my copy!

Chemical Sensitivity, By: Bonnye Matthews is a "Must Have" book, especially for those new to MCS. It contains detailed information, and provides excellent resources. Written in a professional, yet easy to read format, I recommend it for anyone's MCS medical/resource library!!!

I am very happy with the Friends Forever books because they are more realistic than the old BSC. I have one complaint though. I am Japanese-American and I don't think the girl who is on the covers as Claudia is. I would guess she is Phillipina. It drives me crazy when people think all Asian-American people are interchangeable, like we won't notice. There *are* differences in the appearances of Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Phillipinas, etc., if only you would stop to look.

Claudia has the chance to get her guy and making up with herBFF, Stacey! But,while on her way to getting her man, somethingunexpected happen. Claudia wrote a letter for Jeremy meaning on "More than Friends", and slipped into Jeremy's locker, but it turns out it wasn't his locker! And the guy who reads it falls for Claudia! This incident brought Stacey and Claudia together as friends again, Jeremy left behind, and Kristy Very disgusted! I won't tell you who the mystery guy was, only let you read it and be surprised, but I will tell you two more things, Claudia realizes Jeremy wasn't the guy of her dreams, but her "mystery guy" maybe is what her heart is really for......

I love this new series so much! I've got reviews up on some others in this series, and I speak the truth in all of them. I have read the original BSC books for so long. I am glad for this change. Ms. Martin, kudos to you for making this series much MUCH more realistic than the original BSC series! I'm glad that the time between books is reasonable, and I'm really hoping that the girls will go on to high school when they finish this eighth grade year. After all, they've only been in the eighth grade since book TEN of the original series! I think that's a little long! They've had a million summer vacations, and now, everything that they recall from eighth grade, well, you get the picture. Keep up the good work, Ann!

Walker is not known for publishing the best mystery novels, so the quality of COME TO DUST comes as a surprise. The opening chapters, in which a 4-F novelist comes across an equally 4-F thug while walking along the beach during WWII, are among the funniest I've read. The comedy slacks off a bit in later chapters, which begin to read a bit more like your average mid-list mystery (protag butts heads with a pair of sarcastic cops; protag comes across an injustice and rights the wrong; obligatory climactic twist, in this case ripped off shamelessly from the film "The Usual Suspects"), but even then the writing remains unusually strong (especially the crackling dialogue) and the novel sports an atmosphere of seriousness the average mystery lacks. The main character is a failure, and his sense of being a failure pervades the book. Far from being the turn-off this sounds like, it infuses the story with a richness not often found in its peers. A funnier and more sober mystery than the average, and well worth reading.

In need of something to read and only a few choices on my shelves, I finally settled for this little book I bought about a year ago in the bargain section of a local bookstore. After blowing the dust off the rather nondescript jacket, I settled down to my usual hour or two of reading after going to bed. Suddenly it was four hours later and I was halfway through the novel!

This quirky little mystery is like watching a Nick and Nora Charles Thin Man movie from the '40s. I pictured Keith (the protagonist) and Myra Moody as William Powell and Myrna Loy. The dialogue is full of that elegant, sophisticated banter they spoke so well. Keith, a failed novelist/former screenwriter, just can't keep trouble from finding him. Thus, his escapades, like having an imbecile threaten him with a gun on the beach in broad daylight to stealing a body from a nursing home, make this a laugh-a-minute twists-and-turns kind of novel that you can't put down. And there is a plethora of wacko characters, one of my favorites being the daffy desk clerk at the hotel Keith and Myra reside after their house is trashed. This fragile-egoed schizoid definitely deserves an award for best supporting character in a novel!

The novel goes through many twists and turns with several seemingly unrelated events suddenly coming together and making sense. And after you cut through the humor, there is a seriousness that raises the question of where the dividing line is between obligation to a friend and integrity to oneself. All in all, this was a most enjoyable read. This is a sequel to Greg Matthews' FAR FROM HEAVEN, which I intend to read soon. Let's hope this isn't the end of the series.

Another great Keith Moody mystery by Mr. Matthews.

Moody is the ulitmate anti-hero. Although he has become more sophisticated than he was when we first met him in "Far from Heaven," his sense of humor had me laughing out loud at several points.

But this is not solely a comic novel. It has moments of beauty,sorrow, and clarity that are uncommon in the mystery genre.

I certainly hope there is a third installment, although the novel's ending has me guessing there will not be. That is a shame. Keith Moody and his smart-ass wife Myra are two of the most likeable charactors I've ever encountered in fiction.