The authors continue to demonstrate how their mind mapping matrix can help not only to improve recall but to increase sales. They show how the use of words, color, etc.. from both sides of the brain can be used together to increase the connection with the client. I'd read it again.

I recommend this book to my screenwriting students!

This book provides powerful tools to use the enormous potential of everyone's mind. Just the one chapter on memory has transformed my experience at parties, where I now remember everyone's name. Before reading the book I had trouble remembering even one or two names. It applies to everyone as "sales" is an important part of what everyone does, e.g., asking for a raise, a date, a loan, a job ... I strongly recommend this book

When a football player follows this book they will increase there skills and abilities exponentially. The training program in this book helped me to increase my forty yard dash time by .2 seconds over a summer, and also helped me to score in the top 5 on my team in overall atheletic ability!

For anyone who wants to attain optimum conditioning, this is the book for you. This book will show you how to be the fittest athlete on the football field. It's no wonder Eric Dickerson shattered the record books. I personally have benefited from the flexibility training and increased my strength as a result.

I throughly enjoyed reading this book. Jesus heals and with the guidance of Dr. Lee, I once again feel whole. Anxious to read more that Dr. Lee has written. Money well spent!

This is a powerful book. Dr. Lee has managed to give the reader the opportunity to truly experience the "healing touch of Jesus". Because of the interactive format, it invites one to look at his own illness with the hope that only faith can provide. I highly recommend this book because it empowers one to find a path to healing through the power of Christ.

This book, more than most, requires interpretive reading. Ingalese goes way out on a limb discussing some of his theories. I think had he written the book a decade or two later, after learning from Freud, Jung and other founders of modern psychology, he might interpret things a bit differently.

Nevertheless, it can still be read with benefit... if nothing else it's an inspiring and thought provoking account of the mind without the limitations (but also the structural framework) of modern psychology.

Opens your eyes, clears your mind and changes your life so that you can REST.

This book is very significant for Johannine studies. As well as documenting telling connections between Johannine Christianity's religious commitments against their Roman backdrops, this book demolishes the naive view that because Roman persecution of Christians is not documented in Roman historical records until the third century one cannot infer the Roman empire was a source of hardship for Christians in the first and second centuries CE. Cassidy builds a convincing picture, based on the events between the reigns of Vespasian and Tatian, of what interactions with the empire may have been like for Mediterranean residents of the early Christian era. All it takes is some local enforcement of empirial clout for the Roman presence to have been experienced as problematic for Christians and Jews during this era.

Paul N. Anderson

Visiting Associate Professor of New Testament, Yale Divinity School

This was a really interesting book and covered aspects of the New Testament period and early Christianity that usually is not considered adequately, namely the setting of the Roman Empire and what effects this might have had on Chrsitianity and the early Church. The book is thoughtful.

Extreamly interesting book contained with actual occurances of levitation and history of demonstrations. This book explains what levitation is, a study of it, and then preaches to you about how to do it and other occult powers. Only someone who is serious about levitation or wants to have an superb study on it should consider this book.

Having read all of Steve Richards books, I can honestly tell you that this is his best one. Not only does it delve skillfully into the history and background of this art(which pretty much any good researcher could do he also goes on to explain EXACTLY HOW TO DO IT!!! Never, ever have I read an occult that is this direct and without any decoration. This is pure knowledge. After he clues you in on how to levitate he also expands on other great powers such as infinite strength, knowledge, and sight. Amazingly anything you can think of. I won't tell you all about it because you should really go out and look for a copy yourself. Even though none of his books are in print any longer I have managed to obtain all of them from various used book stores. After this book you will never need or want another occult book. This and Invisibility are a must have for any occult follower. This is not magic, it's completely somthing else. If anyone reads this has any questions or knows how I can get in touch with Steve Richards, the author feel free to email me. ENJOY IT!!!

I found the book to be a good historical and political account of the electrical power utility industry. Mr. Hirsh provides an interesting account of the creation of the industry and the changes that have led to the current state of the industry (only up to 1996). A considerable amount of the book was given to the inpacts of enviromental and energy efficency groups within the industry. The book was not unduly technical in its presentation, well written, and main ideas were sumerized frequently. As a reader unfamilar with the subject, I was able to follow along well. This book has been very helpful in understanding the current events within this industry.

This work has an ambitious mission, to shed light on the "power loss" of the electric utility, if you would excuse the pun - powers that be. Since the 1960s, a myriad of factors have lead to their partial downfall - allies of their own gravediggers. Power Loss suffers from three basic problems. First, it only follows events up to 1996, which is just when this industry began to really change to its very foundation. At the end of the book, restructuring is on the verge of happening in California - which is a real problem even today. Power Loss misses out on what may have been the real breakthrough in terms of the deregulation happening in California. Next, the book is both too long and too short and does not spend enough time focusing on how decisions are actually made at regulatory commissions. Lastly, from an economist's perspective, the book falls short. Economists see things from a monetary perspective and would have really liked to see more in this area. However, the linchpin of the book is really the examination of PURPA - and that makes this book worth all the money.

Miguel Llora

Though I've been a Republican (and occasional Libertarian) since I was old enough to vote, one of my favorite politicians remains a Democrat. Chicago's own Dan Rostenkowski served as chairman of the very powerful Ways and Means Committee until 1994 when he was voted out of office amongst corruption charges and disgust with the Democratic establishment in general. Richard Cohen's book is the first and (as far as I can tell) only full-length biography of this politician and its a fascinating read. Following Rostenkowski from his beginnings as an obscure lackey of Mayor Richard Daley in the '50s to his position as the most powerful man in Washington, D.C. in the late '80s and early '90s, and finally ending with his downfall, Cohen's book shows how this man came to power though the old fashioned politics of patronage and was eventually destroyed by them. Its also a finely nuanced investigation of a man who remained bluntly unglamorous as American politics were transformed into the world's most vapid beauty contest by the Clintons and their ilk. Even as you read about the man's flagrant abuse of power, its hard not to miss Dan Rostenkowski whose ill-fitting suits, cheap haircuts, and blue collar manner become all the more likeable in the face of our recent crop of lip-biting, pain-feeling, bridge-building politicians.

COHEN's book takes us from boyhood to the ignominious end of a political career -- and does so while telling a second and equally fascinating stoy about the changes in the American political system that accompanied, and ended, with the ROSTENKOWSKI era. For those who find Chicago politics -- where tombstones sometime vote -- to be worth a good read, this is a wonderful view of how all that worked in and around a Congressional district. For those who find the story of this Polish-American icon to be worthy of a book investment, this volume delivers 200%. For those who appreciate what a professional journalist with 30 years of Washington reporting can add to the ROSTENKOWSKI story by way of historical perspective and evolution, this is a book that cannot be missed.

A Tale of Two Cities is set in the two cities of London and Paris, in the fourth quarter of the eighteenth century. A Doctor Manette is brought from France, where he has been wrongfully imprisoned for 18 years, to England where his daughter has been raised. They testify in a trial against Charles Darnay, who is eventually aquitted and later marries Miss Manette. Darnay is really a French nobleman, the Marquis Evremonde, who has left his estate in France to work for a living in humble circumstances in England. During the French Revolution, his representative in the old country is arrested, and the idealistic Darnay goes home to defend this man only to get himself arrested. This occurs during the Terror, and Darnay must expect to be executed as a treacherous emigrant. The final chapters of the book revolve around the effort to save Darnay and his family from the guillotine. The book seems to have two distinct parts. In the beginning, Dickens mainly describes settings and characters, while the plot is mostly invisible. Then, as the end of the book approaches, focus moves to a chain of more or less surprising events, which bind together other seemingly disconnected events in the first chapters. Towards the end, the Tale is almost a Thriller. Dickens reveals himself as a master of the English language, a genius of style and a great wit early in the book. His descriptions rival those of Turgenev, although his descriptions of misery are in a moralizing tone that is never heard from the more subtle Russian. One problem I found with this book is that the characters seem a little too black and white, there is little of the psychological complexity found in, say, the writings of Dostoevski or Ibsen. Two interesting exceptions are Sydney Carton, a family friend with great ability and potential but a life-long lack of self-control, and Dr. Manette, who we find struggling to repress the memory of his imprisonment. A Tale of Two Cities is certainly great literature from a writer who even in the most gloomy circumstances finds something to amuse us. But I find it hard to suffer with his poor virtuous Ms. Manette/Mrs. Darnay with her blonde hair, blue eyes, unlimited loyalty, and talented interior design. She is simply too much, too perfect, too unreal. As for Dickens' description of the Great Revolution, vivid and engaging as it is, it is plagued by the same hyperbolic tendency. A Tale of Two Cities, then, is a highly enjoyable and fascinating read, but it doesn't have the complexity and insight characteristic of the very best novels (in my humble and subjective opinion).

This book is incredible. I read it last year (in eighth grade), and I love it. I love Charles Dickens' language and style. Whoever is reading this may have little or no respect for my opinions, thinking that I am to young to comprehend the greatness of the plot and language, and I admit that I probably do not completely appreciate this classic piece of literature. I do read above a 12th grade level, although that doesn't count for a whole lot. It took me a while to get into this book. In fact, I dreaded reading it for a long time. But nearer to the end, I was drawn in by the poignant figure of a jackal, Sydney Carton. In his story I became enthralled with this book, especially his pitiful life. After I read and cried at Carton's transformation from an ignoble jackal to the noblest of persons, I was able to look back over the parts of the book that I had not appreciated, and realize how truly awesome they are. I learned to appreciate all of the characters, from Lucy Manette to Madame Defarge. I also was affected by all of the symbolism involved with both the French Revolution, and the nature of sinful man, no matter what the time or place. My pitiful review could never do justice to this great book, please don't be discouraged by my inability.

Charles Dickens deserves two thumbs up for his magnificent creation, A Tale of Two Cities. This novel does an explicit job of foreshadowing and portraying the French Revolution in the eyes of many different people. Dickens' attention to details also helps the novel flow well and at the same time, create irony and suspense. For example, when Mrs. Defarge remained almost invisible, her stitching revealed a lot about who she was and what her plans were. This brought irony to the plot. I also enjoyed the symbolism throughout the story. It was thought provoking. When I read the story for the first time, I thought some situations were unnecessary and were dragged on, but as I furthered into the book, every detail that previously occurred started to make sense. It is amazing that an author could make all of these details have parallels and with so much precision. I also liked how he formed the characters. Many of the characters within the novel were clearly described for a good reason. Most of them had one other character that they paralleled with. It is not easy to develop characters that are similar to one another, yet also opposite. There were also many twists to the story that made me want to keep reading so I could find out what was really going to happen, but I do not want to reveal any twists as to spoil the story for those who have not read it. I would highly recommend reading A Tale of Two Cities to any person who enjoys reading a wonderful story. Just remember to pay attention to the details and the book will make sense in the end.

I remembered reading the very informative TIME magazine cover story by Ostling several years ago, and picked up the book as soon as I saw it.

I found this book, which covers the span from the beginning of this religion over 150 years ago to the present day church, to be very readable and informative. The author writes about the theology, the scripture, the rules, the sacred ceremonies, and the lifestyles of Mormons today. It is obvious that the authors did a tremendous amount of research and tried to present an unbiased account.

I found myself seeing a church that changes with the prevailing winds and discourages its members from looking too hard at its origins, as needed to control (maybe that is too strong a word) its membership. I also saw a religion that promotes wonderful family and social values, one that takes care of its own.

I am not sure about the high moral ground that the authors claim for most Mormons. I think that Mormons are just like anyone else in business or personal dealings. In fact, I know this to be true.

This book also raised many questions in my mind about some of the Mormon practices, like eternal marriage and the secret wedding ceremony. I do not think there is another religion that has so many secretive things going on, hidden from the outside world. Yet the LDS church seems to want to preserve its cultish secrecy, as if that makes it more appealing.

I also wonder how the Mormon faithful, many of whom are intelligent and well-educated, accept all that they are asked to accept, seemingly without question....especially since so many of the founding beliefs and precepts have been changed as needed. I also was left wondering about the very odd beginnings of this religion. I guess this is what is meant by "faith", but to me,it seems like blind faith.

My doubts aside, I think that the author has done a marvelous job of allowing the reader to draw his/her own conclusions by presenting the information contained in the book in a fair way.

Mormon America is a well-written, broad description of the LDS Church, its history, its doctrines, and its members. It is also the first quality work on this subject I have seen from non-Mormons that is written for a general audience (Jan Shipps is also good, but writes at a different level). I am myself an active member of the LDS Church, returned missionary, and BYU graduate. I enjoyed the accounts of the elders at work in New York, of the LDS families working to live their religion, and of the new converts embracing the Church, finding in these accounts much that matches my own experiences in the Church.

There are a number of minor errors, but overall I was pleasantly surprised at the accuracy of this work. The Ostlings have obviously dedicated countless hours to research and interviews, and constructed their book with meticulous care. I would recommend it to anyone unacquainted with the LDS faith that wishes to know more about us.

Naturally, the Ostlings do not shy away from controversial topics, the inclusion of which in this book will no doubt upset some Church members. They also seem to feel an obligation to present both the positive and negative aspects of the faith as they see them. They are, after all, both non-LDS and journalists. I am convinced that their book represents their honest attempt at a neutral assesment of the Latter-day Saint religion and its importance in the modern world. There is much here for readers to appreciate, whether or not they share the authors' attitudes toward the Church.

In any work of such broad scope, most readers will question the emphasis given some material and the omission of other pertinent information (for myself, I wonder why S-F writer Orson Scott Card's name does not appear in the chapter on LDS celebrities). Nevertheless, Mormon America is most remarkable, in my opinion, for all that it does cover. Readers from outside the LDS Church, in particular, will find many, if not most, of their basic questions about the faith answered in this volume.

A glance at the religion shelves of the local bookstore tends to show a few how-to-witness-to- the-Mormons books, a couple of specialized volumes on Mormon history, and maybe a few by LDS leaders and scholars. A general book on the Church by non-LDS authors, one that neither attempts to promote nor denigrate the faith, has been sorely wanting. Mormon America fills this niche admirably. It is considerably better than I would have expected for the first major work of this kind, and will be welcome reading for those beginning a study of the Mormon religion.

I grew up in Quincy, Illinois, which is a short drive away from Nauvoo, Illinois. Both of these towns would be familiar to anyone aquainted with Mormon history. Every time I drove past the Gardner Museum as a boy I remember seeing one the Sunstones from the original Mormon temple sitting out in the yard. I remember the wonderful television commercials that used to air all the time making some kind of moral point and finishing with the tag line "from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints--the Mormons." I remember meeting a number of Mormons around town and in occasional trips to Nauvoo. I always remember thinking "what nice people."

As I grew up, I learned quite a lot about theology. Though I've never felt the desire to leave my own church, my experience as a boy got me quite interested in Mormonism as a religious system. I've always wondered how people who were so strongly ethical could rationalize a theology that is often strange and inconsistent. Reading this book was a great help in clarifying some of my thoughts and experiences.

The reason this book is so well done for a person with an intellectual bent towards religion is that it is balanced. The Ostlings are do not come across as either pro- or anti-Mormon. They present the information they have gathered and judge certain things about the Mormons positive and certain things negative.

Many of their judgements mesh well with my own experiences with Mormonism. For example, they point out the strong family values that Mormons have as well as their incredible willingness to help others, particularly, though not exclusively, other Mormons. In fact, they have well-organized systems of relief for those who are suffering. Better, perhaps, than almost any other religion. In addition, they have a culture of service to their church that outstrips many others.

On the other hand, despite the protests of many Mormon scholars, Mormon theology is clearly a break from any traditional understanding of Christianity. They have a system of revelation which, though not a problem in principle, makes for inconsistent theological development with which it can be difficult to deal. (I've never understood why people would believe that God spoke to prophets thousands of years ago but wouldn't now. Still, any prophet, I think, would have to meet a certain muster to be accepted by a large population.) Additionally, Mormons are clearly secretive and very conservative which causes a lot of tension not only with other religions but also with disenfranchised groups within their church.

All of these aspects and more are clearly and deeply covered by the Ostlings in their book. Anyone with any interest in Mormons or Mormonism would be well-advised to read this book. It is a fair account not influenced too deeply by either side.