This was the first serious modern work on alchemy that I've read, and boy did I luck out! It is a work charged with authenticity and vision. von Franz gives you some historical background on the origins of alchemy, then introduces this 16th century alchemist, Gerhard Dorn, and his inner and outer struggle to illuminate and heal the schism between spiritual alchemy and Western Christianity. Dorn doesn't come to any happy conclusions, but the chapter on Medieval Magic is worth the entire read. It includes a serious attempt to examine the question of evil (oh thank you!)and the historical process of projecting the contents of the psyche onto some aspect of the body. Also an inspiring section on the "cloud" as symbol in alchemy and christian mysticism for the confusing and darkening part of a person's journey inward to her own core. Also, peppered throughout are juicy tidbits about things like necromancy, pyromancy, hydromancy and something Jung himself was into for a while called Geomancy--which she explains in a brief but fascinating aside. The book is developed from transcripts of a 1969 lecture she gave in Zurich at the Jung Institute. It reads like a lecture, with the rythmns and addendums of the spoken word mostly intact, but obviously translated. That's ok--it flows like pure gold and is a great window into this whole Zurich scene and the living body of work that von Franz and Jung together embodied. This little work is bound to inspire and fuel some aspect of your own imagination. Enjoy!

I haven't read this book yet but couldn't find anywhere to request that you change your information. Ms Von Franz is no longer Jung's greatest living disciple; she no longer lives in Kusnacht; she died recently, perhaps in 1998?

....from his finest student. The depth of her self-exploration-informed research shines from every page. If you can't understand why alchemy has so much to tell us about the dynamics of the unconscious and of individuation, buy this book, it's quite wonderful.

In the rolling Tuscan countryside a piccola crow goes into business with a wily weasel. And therein begins the story of Andiamo, Weasel! by Rose Marie Grant and illustrated by Jon Goodell, ($15.95 Alfred A. Knopf.)

This charmingly illustrated children's book is perfect for youngsters of all ages, meaning the grown-ups who read it to the children will enjoy the tale and the telling as much as the little ones. Grown ups reading aloud may even break in to the song "Funiculi, funicula!" more than once!

Youngsters accustomed to hearing parents and grandparents split their speech with words from the old country will feel right at home in this fable. Consider that all the speaking parts in this fable belong to the animals, and they all live in Italy, of course, they'll sprinkle their exchanges with a bit of Italian. (Won't the grown ups delight in translating for the little ones!)

Even the rooster, who only has one word says it in Italian, "Chicchirichi!" Frankly, we've never heard a rooster crow in another language, but if they did, we're sure this is how they'd sound in Italian. (It's that willing-suspension-of-disbelief-thing, we ARE talking about a fable here!) But the best part of that rooster's cameo word is hearing Mom or Dad or a grandparent bringing the word to life, or life to the word and lighting up a child's face.

As the glossary at end of Andiamo, Weasel! explains, piccola is small. So the crow is small and needs the help of the weasel, who ends up being prodded by the title (Andiamo, Weasel!) and rarely succumbs to work after the corn crop is sown while they merrily sing "Funiculi, funicula!"

This fable works on many levels, one of which for the children reading it is to learn that hard work will be rewarded, and that even though they might be small, or piccola, they probably are much stronger than they realize and should stand up for what's right.

As interesting and fun as is the story, I could see reading this aloud and pausing to point out the rich detail capturing the Tuscan farm country. The piccolo crow wears a flower in her straw hat; the weasel wears a neckerchief (as if he could just as easily hold up the next stage coach!) that he later wears around his broken leg when there is work to be done. In the menacing rain corn husks like vipers whirl in the wind under dark clouds.

The piccolo crow enlists the help of a wolf to frighten the weasel into doing the right thing. The wolf could have been drawn to be more scary and imposing a figure - but let's not upset the friends of the wolves in the world. And the tenor frightened off the bandstand by the piccolo crow - why was he a fat, balding man with a handlebar mustache? Ooh fah!

But these minor points are no reason that you shouldn't run out now and buy a copy of Andiamo, Weasel! for every tot you know, from 1 to 101 years old. It's the stuff of which memories are made.

This is a wonderful book for children, ages 5 to 8, to learn how to believe in their own power.

And quite frankly, it might not be a bad idea for adults to read, and think about the things that they want out of life.

Andiamo, Weasel is a work of pure genious. Parents and children alike will laugh and learn valuable leasons about life and how persaverance ultimately pays off. Crow and Weasel team up to plant and harvest a corn crop but when it comes time for the real work, that lazy Weasel comes up lame. See how Crow overcomes adversity and solves the challenges we all face on our journey through life, friendship, and the rewards both can bring. The Italian country side coupled with timeless Neopolitan expressions adds a delicious flavor for the new young reader.

From the PUBLISHER:

Diary of a Healer: A Love Story (Part 1), published by Infinity Press International is a compelling story and personal account of the miraculous events that took place in the life of Clementine Marie Giovannetti, after an Angel of God appeared before her in a 100-year-old barn, and allowed itself to be photographed. Actual photograph of the Angel and the miraculous events that followed are published in the book.

Clementine's personal diary reveals; her life altering experience with the Angel; the intimate details of each and every miracle that took place; what happened when a recipient of a miracle tried to put her in contact with Christopher Reeve; and her own amazing recovery from the blow to the back of her head that left her clinically dead.

Be prepared to cry a lot! Diary of a Healer: (is definately) A Love Story.

"Spellbinding! Diary of a Healer: A Love Story is a simple description of an extraordinarily courageous and humble witness to God. Clementine Marie Giovannetti gives credence to the saying, "To know Him is to love Him." We are lucky to have a modern-day testimony to God's goodness through Ms. Giovannetti who is prayerfully following His will."

From the PUBLISHER:

Diary of a Healer: A Love Story (Part 1), published by Infinity Press International is a compelling story and personal account of the miraculous events that took place in the life of Clementine Marie Giovannetti, after an Angel of God appeared before her in a 100-year-old barn, and allowed itself to be photographed. Actual photograph of the Angel and the miraculous events that followed are published in the book.

Clementine's personal diary reveals; her life altering experience with the Angel; the intimate details of each and every miracle that took place; what happened when a recipient of a miracle tried to put her in contact with Christopher Reeve; and her own amazing recovery from a blow to the back of her head that left her clinicaly dead.

Be prepared to cry a lot! Diary of a Healer: (is definately) A Love Story.

Clementine would love to hear from you. Feel free to write to her anytime. And be sure to subscribe to her free email "Hope Newsletter".

This is your proverbial page-turner. The ending definetly calls for a sequel.

I finally did get this book finished after a long delay. This book, as I said earlier, is one of those books that you can put down and pick up later without forgetting where you left off. This book was full of inspiration and was very thought provoking. I took this book on vacation with me - perfect book to have along, because there are times when you just want to reflect on the love of God, which comes out in the book. Very thought provoking and the ending was great. I did not read the back pages first and don't you either! The surprise is worth the wait! Godspeed to you!

I loved this book! I read it the first night for two hours and finished it first thing the next morning. I could not put it down! The author, Margaret Marsala, did such a great job coming up with new twists and angles to each scenario played out by the characters. I was continuously suprised and captivated through out the entire plot. I highly recommend this book and hope that the author writes again about the lives of the Mag 7!

Great background music for reducing stress and muscle tension.

"Doves of Peace," Audio casssette You're guaranteed to feel less stressed after listening to this excellent biofeedback tape composed by Sr. Jean Anthony Gileno, I.H.M., Ph.D., MT-BC. Sr. Jean is a board certified music therapist and is Professor of Music Therapy at Immaculata College, Immaculata, Pennsylvania. ISBN No. 0-9627934-1-8.

"Doves of Peace" by Sr. Jean Anthony Gileno, I.H.M., Ph.D., is an excellent relaxation tape with soothing melodic piano music. "Doves of Peace" can be ordered through Animal Press at (610) 692-5905. Please make checks payable to Music & Healing. Mail orders to: Immaculata College, Attn: Sr. Jean Anthony Gileno, I.H.M., 1145 King Road, Immaculata, PA, 19345. Fax orders: (610) 251-1668.

The title says it all. The resolution to the novel is not what you expect! My favorite character is Daniel Hood and while at times his actions seem to suspend belief, you feel for this character and want to root him on.

Brodie is a great character as well. I wish there was more info about her but you're revealed yummy carrots, enough to grow attach to her as well.

Only problem I had with this book was the fact it makes me want to read more! :)

It would be easy to categorize "Echos of Lies" a 'thriller' or a good mystery, but to do so would be to take the easy way out. Jo Bannister's novel certainly fits those superficial descriptions--in fact, it rates most highly in the suspense department. But in all fairness to the author, there is much more going on here. "Echos of Lies" is an examination of lies, and lies about lies. Not only is the kidnapping of a young child a lie, all of the relationships which surround Sophie are filled with untruths and pain. And each of the characters who participates in her rescue must create their own deceptions and wrestle with the question of the destructive nature of truth. When should they lie? When is it better to tell a half-truth, or no truth at all? At the beginning of the novel, Daniel Hood is tortured relentlessly for information: the first words he speaks in chapter one are "I don't know...".

And he doesn't know. Miraculously, he survives physically, and confronts his torturers. Miraculously, he unravels the mysteris surrounding kidnapping and death. And at the end, the truth is too destructive to be told. The last sentence of the book is Daniel's lie to the police inspector: "No," he lied. "She never knew, and I never told her."

This book is truly good writing. More than just a challenging read or a thriller, it contains a penetrating depth of thought which makes it intellectually satisfying as well.

"Echoes of Lies" by Jo Bannister is a very challenging book to read. At least it was for me. From very nearly the beginning, Bannister challenged every concept I had on the notions of justice, law, retribution and forgiveness. Jo Bannister really pushed the envelop with this novel.

The plot has already been reviewed rather well, and to discuss it any more would give away plot developments that could spoil things for those who haven't yet read this 'must read' novel. So, I'll stick to what I liked about "Echoes of Lies." The solution to the criminal act of who tortured Daniel Hood, and why is resolved a quarter way through the book. This leads private detective Brodie Farrell and Daniel to another crime and another innocent whose life is at stake. And the identity of the mastermind behind that crime was quite easy to guess as well. No, it's not the crimes or how Daniel and Brodie arrive at the solutions of these crimes that makes this book such compelling reading, but rather the manner in which Bannister makes the reader examine concepts such as punishment of the crime, justice, retribution and revenge. Daniel, the victim of torture, is a character that many will seldom come across, whether in fiction or in real life. The question that nagged at me while I read this book -- is Daniel doing the right thing? -- haunted me even after I had finished the book. This is a book that makes you think and question the accepted social mores about justice and retribution. And is what ultimately makes "Echoes of Lies" such compelling reading.

Bannister did an excellent job in the pacing and execution of the novel -- each new development in the mystery led to an even deeper one. And I liked the manner in which Bannister made each new incident development in the mystery result in the 'fleshing out' of characters as well as insights into their motives.

"Echoes in Lies" is an excellent read. I finished the book in one go -- I simply couldn't put it down. It's not quite the traditional mystery novel, but is a great read nonetheless. Here's my advice: run (don't walk) to your nearest library/bookstore and get this book!

Being vegan can be a chore sometimes - it's the best diet in the world, yet it takes such an effort to avoid the proliferance of animal products in this country! But Marie Oser makes being vegan easy - and fun - and DELICIOUS! I have worn out her two other books from use, and I enjoying this new one so much. Every recipe is so tasty, her books have expanded my menu incredibly! The Enlightened Kitchen is informative, too - jam-packed with details to help you make good eating choices. You'll love it!

I heard that the author of the fabulous "Soy of Cooking", Marie Oser had a new book the "Enlightened Kitchen". I couldn't wait to get it. I wasn't disappointed. It is a wonderful collection of flavorful vegan recipes that I can make myself. I never have had an issue with trying to find the ingredients because so many are now available in supermarkets. If I'm unfamiliar with a product, Marie's Englightened Pantry serves as a wonderful reference guide. One of my favorite things about the Enlightened Kitchen is the way the recipes are layed out. They are easy to follow and come together quickly. And the best part in my family loves them! My 5 year old likes helping in the kitchen and it is nice to know I have a collection of Marie's cookbooks that can assist me in showing my daughter how to cook healthy. Since the holiday's are right around the corner, I'm going to be giving the "Enlightened Kitchen" as gifts this holiday along with fresh baked Cranberry Walnut muffins, Chocolate Chip Banana Bread and the Pumpkin Raisin Breads to friends and family.

I have always been concerned about what types of foods I consume on a daily basis and what the impact will be. Now with Marie's new book and these additional recipes, I can continue to prepare delicious menus and know I am putting the best products and ingredients into my blood stream. Her recipes are excellent with very little or no fat and no cholesterol. Wow! It is amazing that she continues to produce these award winning dishes that you can make for pennies on the dollar which are so good for you. Thank you Marie. I feel terrific!!!

If you want something JUST for labor, this is a great resource. The book covers pretty much any perspective/approach out there, so no matter where you are coming from, it has something you'll recognize. Plus, there are so many suggestions of things to try, you'll probably never run dry of ideas. Since you can't really tell what will work before you are actually THERE, having all the options so handy is really nice. If you want to just look at the pictures (no talking), fine, if you want to close your eyes and hear a visualization, fine, if you just need one word, or an idea about a position change, or encouraging words, they are all there. Plus, the pictures/images are beautifully done. Makes a great baby-shower gift - or give it to the father/partner as a companion to The Birth Partner (penny simpkin), as it helps the support person, too!

I didn't read the book (yet) but recently attended a friend's birth, and though she had an epidural, it didn't work very well. I read the back of the cards to her as she focused on the images on the fronts, and the visualizations were SO GREAT. Some are metaphors for the process of labor, some are more "direct" in nature, all are really good. She said it was helping her a lot, and I often saw her visibly relax her tense muscles when she heard certain passages. Each card also has a series of words at the bottom that can be read slowly to her, and suggestions for both the laboring woman and the partner to try. I highly recommend the cards, and I'll bet the book is great, too. (I've borrowed it from her for my own birth!)

This "kit" is unique and creative - it's a collection of 17 beautiful and symbolic cards that a woman in labor and her support team can use for visualization and imagery. The back of each card outlines suggested techniques for relaxing and relieving pain such as breathing, positions, activity and massage/touch suggestions. The kit also includes an informative book of ideas, suggestions and resources for birthing women. This kit is unique and an excellent tool for any birthing woman. It will help her find her own path and reinforce her strengths and coping techniques as she welcomes a baby into her life.

The best travel books are first-person, and Ms. Brewster's book is charming and insightful. A first-hand look at one woman's attraction to an amazing country!

Barbara Brewster's book "Down Under All Over" gets inside a vast country, and let's us see, hear, see and smell it with plenty of detail and first-person account. The book has made me want to see Oz. The author's relationship with the people there has touched me as well. After all, what travel is about, when all is said and done, is the folks you meet. I highly recommend this book.

This book made a perfect vacation read. On a domestic trip I read it a little each day for a week, and every moment it was like I was down under. Brewster takes us through quick stops throughout the continent, telling of her hitchhiking adventures, soulful solitary moments, profoundly happy and inviting stays with local friends and acquaintences, and unique cultural experiences, both during her more recent return trip to Australia and her original stay 20+ years ago. Interested in going, I checked the book out from the library along with some travel books on Australia, and it really brought some neat vicarious experiences into my life. I'm checking into getting some of the music she mentions, especially 'Gondwanaland'. Definitely a recommended read to those wanting an enjoyable look into some of Australia's life!

This is a story about a girl named Diana Fessler that was living with a friend's uncle. Long ago, in the house that she was living, lived another Scottish girl dead for 200 years. She was trapped in love that she couldn't be in peace with her soul, so she was taken control of Diana's mind.
I like this book because it is kind of romantic and is sentimental, too. I would like you to read it and try to understand it and it will make you know that when you love someone, you love him till death. I give this book five stars.

The Dream of The Dead is about a Pair of Brides that lived a long time ago.The Pair of Brides died. But their family doesn't like them to be brides. I like this book because I like romantic books. I think they are interesting. I like so much that kind of book.

I read this book when I was in 3rd grade (1978). I'm now 31 years old and am in awe at how this book has obviously had an impact on my psyche. You see, I'm a recording artist and actually created an album that was released in 1997 called, "Dream of the Dead" I searched, and searched, and searched for this book and could not find it. I thought I had made the entire thing up! Of course, I don't remember the plot of the book, so my album "really" has nothing to do with it (or does it?), but in any case felt compelled to mention this as a tid bit of information for anyone checking out this title. Irronically, I was searching to find out if my album had been added to the amazon.com music database (it has) and by accident ended up here in the books! What a pleasant surprise!