Well, not quite. But I'm a veteran of many books on this subject, and several classes as well. Each teacher has a special knack, but Marta's book is the best I've read so far. She is very clear, and very present with the reader. Her excercises for practicing communication skills are practical and easy to understand, and to evaluate. I'm especially thrilled that she expands this skill to cover all of nature, a crucial part of finding your place in the universe. It's not just about talking to your pets.

I also appreciate the fact that Marta embraces students of all beliefs. Even skeptics are treated with respect in this book. (And, speaking to skeptics, the subject of animal communications is widely accepted and successfully used by many; no need to single out Marta if you don't like what she says.)

If I had to recommend one book to those interested in learning interspecies communication, this would definitely be the one.

Marta Williams has done work for me, so I am well aware of her abilities.

The book is a lucid explanation of how to use the intuitive power which, she says, is inherent in every living thing but which has been forgotten by humans as they have relied more and more heavily on the purely cerebral part of their brains' functions. The author gives step-by-step exercises to develop this capacity in the reader. She includes numerous fascinating case histories, every one of which demonstrates the importance of learning these skills. Many of the exercises have verifiable answers that are included at the end with the index, chapter notes, resource list, and suggestions for further reading.

The implications of developing and using this ability are far- reaching in these days during which we seem to be teetering on the brink of one ecological disaster after another. Not only can Ms Williams show you how to figure out why your horse is suddenly refusing his fly mask, she also makes it clear that the disregard humans have shown for all nature and especially for animals cannot go on forever -- and gives you something you can do about it.

What a wonderful book! As an animal communicator myself, I was very happy to see a new book on the subject that is actually user-friendly, and accessible to those who are either unfamiliar with the subject or who may be sceptical. It is clearly written, the stories are wonderful, and the excercises make it possible for anyone to learn to do this. I will use this book as the basis for my classes, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wishes to expand their perception of the animals with whom we share this planet!

This beautifully illustrated, colorful, spiralbound hardcover book would make a great gift for the dog or cat lover with an interest in natural remedies for animals. Of course it's nowhere near as thorough as Dr. Schwartz' excellent "Four Paws, Five Directions," but this A-Z guide to dozens of ailments (from abscesses and arthritis to worms and yawning) is nonetheless a solid reference for those who prefer to tackle health problems with nutrition, herbs, homeopathy, and massage instead of drugs and chemical insecticides. Don't expect elaborate treatment plans and diagnosis techniques from this little book -- just safe and natural remedies you can try at home. And yes, Dr. Schwartz does take care to point out when it's a good idea to see a professional for diagnosis/treatment.

Not only is this a great book, but Dr. Cheryl is a wonderful veterinarian!! She is incredibly intuitive and knowledgeable and my animals (cats, dogs, and horses) have been in the best of health since being under her care -- and I had some rather difficult cases.

It's about time someone put together a clear and concise guide to the numerous alternative veterinary treatments available. Dr. Schwartz gives us a path to greater involvement in our pets' care, while stating clearly when to consult a health care professional. As an obedience instructor for over 20 years, I recommend this book highly to all owners of dogs and cats!

I found this book extremely helpful in my journey out. It is geared toward gay, lesbian, bisexual, or just plain curious teenagers. However, it would be helpful to anyone, no matter the age. The book is written in a simple style and very easy to read. There are lists of resources that a person can utilize to help them on their journey out. The most important part of the novel was the chapter on coming out. This chapter gives the reader advice on how and when to come out. Another plus is that there are little blurbs from actual people interspersed in the book. This book is a must read for anyone who is gay, lesbian, or bisexual!

Though it's out of date and the appendix containing addresses and phone numbers of gay-friendly religious organizations around the country and gay/lesbian/bisexual youth associations is sure to be inaccurate at this point, the text itself remains relevant. The book is well-written and researched and has content very appopriate for a questioning teenager. The authors continue to stress self-acceptance and express a compassionate and understanding viewpoint of differing sexual orientations that numerous people are still loath to accept nearly a decade after the book was written.

Perhaps the most interesting and informative chapter is the one concerning religion and spirituality. Being older than the target audience for the book, I found little of the information in the first few chapters to be as enlightening as I might have at age fourteen or fifteen. However, the religion and spirituality chapter gave me some information to which I had not yet been exposed. In relatively simple terms, Pollack and Schwartz explain the ongoing battle against homosexuality by several religious groups. It's helpful to go to the source and discuss the exact biblical passages that spawned the controversy and also briefly discuss the vast cultural differences between the time period in which the Bible was written and the world today. Knowing these differences makes one wonder why it would be necessary to take the Bible literally as some continue to do.

Another interesting chapter is the one that tells about gay history, which is somewhat of a refresher of one's high school or college world history class, highlighting a few points some teachers may have inadvertently or intentionally omitted, such as the fact that in Ancient Greece, young artistocratic boys often had sexual relationships with their assigned teachers and role models, who were older men. Some young people don't realize that homosexuality has such a history that most likely goes back to the beginning of mankind.

Still, what is just as important is the continuous message the book sends to teenagers that they are not strange or sick, and they are not alone, since there are inevitably many closeted gays and lesbians, and whether we choose to admit it or not, we all question our sexuality at some point in our lives. For many of us, this questioning comes during adolescence, which is why books like this are essential.

This is one of the most impractical books on holistic care for animals that I have ever read.

As a long time practioner of TCM or Traditional Chinese Medicine I believe this to be one of the three must-haves. Schwartz introduces and elaborates on TCM thoroughly and concisely. It is a wonderfully informatve book for someone new to TCM or a practioner. When owned, one will find themselves referencing it again and again. The text and charts are easily navigated. It will open ones eyes about the roots and practical applications of TCM. Readers will wish they owned a guide just like it for humans. Schwartz has compiled all of the information it would take the average person months to research, all the while painting a clear picture of the procedures and their benefits. Well written, pleasant read. Once again, a must own.

If you believe in herbs, chinese medicine, acupuncture, and acupressure you will love this book. It has lots of information on helping your pet with the correct foods, too. Knowledge of chinese medicine is helpful in interpreting how to relate the information for practical use.