Although it has been years since reading the book, several impressions still remain.

One was the way scripture constantly came out in Esther Ahn's life. It was very real. Some readers, in their reading of fiction, may seek adventure and plot--this book has it in its recounting of imprisonment and persecution of a Christian in Korea--but seeing how the Word comes to her mind all the time, seeing how her life was built on this, is what made me love the book.

And the thing that hit me the most was: when I finished reading the book, I felt strongly: I WANT TO MEET HER MOTHER! Her mother wasn't one of the main characters in the book, but it was the mother who instilled in Esther Ahn her unshakable confidence in the Word and lifestyle of constant reference to it.

"I have never seen anything like this before," the senior officer, who was a Korean, said. "The daughter is great. The mother is greater."

What a well written an awesome testimony of God Almighty. As on e reads this biographical collection one can clearly see the Hand of God in this faithful woman's life. We,in this current age, especially in the USA, can not really imagine what it means to stand for one's faith and be persecuted for it. After reading this account one can truly see that our God is the 'God of the Impossible' and His ways are so above ours. What an encouraging book. I can't wait to meet Esther Kim at heaven's gate!

In the face of the most brutal treatment and systematic persecution by her Japanese captors during WWII, Esther Kim puts into action the love of God that overcomes anguish, fear and incomprehensible evil. This is one of the most moving books I've ever read and was instrumental in my own personal search for a God who is real and who makes a difference.

Seeking God is an elegant, insightful, and extremely valuable treatment of the spirituality inherent in St. Benedict's Rule. The further into the book I read, the better I realized it was. Again and again I was impressed with the wisdom and psychological astuteness of the Rule as deWaal explained it. Benedict's way of moderation, humility, and balance, as interpreted by deWaal, seems one of the wisest and healthiest examples of Christian thinking that I have encountered. It is an excellent antidote to the regrettable tendency of some to want to separate body from soul and the material world from the spiritual world; Benedictine spirituality instead balances and integrates them!

"Seeking God" helped bring "The Rule of St. Benedict" into focus for me, enabling me to see clearly the wisdom of Benedict's vision for our day. For two other books that explore Benedictine wisdom for parents, look for "The Family Cloister: Benedictine Wisdom for the Home" and "The Christian Family Toolbox: 52 Benedictine Activities for the Home", both by David Robinson (New York: Crossroad,2000 and 2001). Benedict still speaks relevantly and prophetically in our day!

The author was recommended to me both by my spiritual director and by a monastic. I see why. It is written simply and directly. It does not drip religiousity nor is it so esoteric that one becomes stalled in frustration. Instead, de Waal relates the Rule of St. Benedict to life in the world today. She does not compromise the Rule nor interpose her own "doctrine"- she draws from a great knowledge of writers of the Benedictine tradition from the past to the present, couples that with her experience as a wife and mother, presenting a straight forward discussion of the Rule, how it is of help to the Christian of today, and how it may be applied in the life of the individual who is seeking a rule for his or her own life. Her tradition is Anglican but one does not sense an intrusiveness- rather a calm, rational, feet on the floor contemplative guide which opens the door to further spiritual growth.

The book I thought I wanted to read would have been called "Surviving Divorce." Throughout the long years of a failing marriage I often wished my ex-husband had died, and I expect he thought the same about me.
It was a surprise for me to discover how many of Esther's experiences had been like mine. Like her, I found myself living with loss, having to manage on my own, having to rebuild a life for myself and my adult children. I was going to write that I did not go through a period of mourning but that was not true. Recently I heard that there are creative ceremonies and ritual for divorce. Esther, as a widow and a clinical psychologist would understand how these could help.
For me, reading this book was like being taken on a boat trip along a stream of thoughts, memories, reflections and amazingly helpful and appropriate literary and biblical quotations.

I happened upon Esther Goshen-Gottstein's book on widows after two close friends' husbands died. I was searching for a helpful book to suggest. I read SURVIVING WIDOWHOOD before suggesting it and found it most useful. Goshen-Gottstein has a solid social psychology background which allows her to step away from her own experience of widowhood and relate to the larger issue of loss. She always returns to her personal story and in a most human way describes how her life has changed since her husband's death. Although I have never been widowed, I think reading the book has made me more sensitive to what my friends are going through and more able to be helpful to them.

Having sadly joined the ranks of widowhood, I found this book to be much more than a confirming description of my own situation. The book helped me to evaluate my own life at this juncture and to move on in a positive and productive direction. At the same time, Goshen-Gottstein points out pitfalls and validates emotions which only another widow can appreciate. It is an instructive on how to assess one's own reality and how to move on to a rich, fulfilling and independent life while never forgetting the circumstances creating that new reality. "Surviving Widowhood" is a positive "up beat" book which encourages an energetic approach to a new life. The book is a "must read" for a widow who needs to find her way in life devoid of self pity and full of promise for the future.

This is an excellent regional photography book. It covers the general fauna, flora and topography of the Big Horn mountain region of Wyoming in a very artistic fashion. It is not intended as a comprehensive review but as an ex-Wyoming native it sure reminded me of the glorious beauty of the last frontier.

Anyone with a little practice can take nice, well composed photographs. What makes a photograph art, like all art, is its ability to speak to something deeper inside, to draw you into it, to evoke an emotion. Esther McWilliams is an artist and her photographs are pure art; a feast for the soul as well as for the eye. Her ability to fine beauty in the little things that most of the rest of us overlook is also a delight.

We have quite a large library of books and this one is of a quality that National Geographic might have their name on. Not only is it well put together, the photo's capture the beauty of the Big Horn Mountains of Wyoming, and the animals, birds, and flowers, at varioius seasons of a year, it does so in such a way in makes one want to visit and see it first hand. And it is an interesting book that one can set out to be viewed without any concern if a child looks through it.

This and Ether Veltheim's other books are cleraly written for the western mind. This book challenges the mind to question oneself and how one obtained the beliefs they have. It jars some of your beliefs from their comfortable positions. This book is for anyone that is seriously questioning who they are and what is real versus illusionary. This is a life changing book if you let it be one.

I've read tons of books, taken so many classes, studied so many different approaches and found nothing that really felt right. I didn't realize it, but I was looking for my Self -- who I really am -- the truth beyond all this "stuff" that happens every day. With this, I now know that the only way to find that peace, that knowing, that freedom is to clear out all the misconceptions, expectations and beliefs that cloud reality. With these going, I experience less pain, less involvement with the "stuff", and greater and greater peace. It's amazing what happens when you start to let go of the beliefs that bind you.

We all spend so much time looking for the "truth", for what is "real", for peace in our hearts, and for freedom from the pains that we experience in our lives. I've been searching for years -- read hundreds of books and met tons of people -- have been to tons of strange and normal classes. Of all things, this book for me at least, is the true path home. It begins the process of dissolving "who you are not". As this happens, "who you are" becomes more clear. Then comes what you seek. May it be as magical for you.

The wisdom shared by Rebbetzin Jungreis reaches deep into the soul of humankind, having meaning and appeal both to the Jew and the non-Jew alike. If you like the writings of authors such as Chaim Potok, Isaac Singer, and Nathan Ausubel, you will love Rebbetzin Jungreis.

Drink from her well-spring of wisdom to receive health and nourishment for your marriage as she quotes from the Torah, Talmud, the sages, and adds a wealth of information from her personal experiences as well.

These all combine to weave a beautiful tapestry of love, unity, and mutual respect between the husband and wife as they bring the revealed will of The Almighty into clear focus for their marriage.

In addition to this book, I highly recommend that you also purchase her book entitled "The Committed Life" and read them as a combined set. The wisdom in both books will enrich and change your life.

Not only did I buy the book for myself, but after reading it, I
purchased it for my children and friends. It is a beautiful book with beautiful teachings. Simply put, in a hectic world, this book is a compass as to the direction all relationships should follow.

well actually it more than covers marriages-- life in general, and bringing up chrildren etc. When i first was offered to read it i was hesitant since there are so many " self-help books" available; even for married couples. But this is different. It goes about guiding marrieds the Torah way, but it isnt just for Torah observant people or even Jews. I mean it can be applied towards anybody looking to enrich their lives and marriage and those who wish to make themselves better people.

all i can say is that five stars doesnt do it justice. Ten would be better. Eat your heart out Shmuly Boteach!

Some of the best new mystery fiction coming out today. I'm glad to see the adventures of Ben Reese moving forward--unlike most other modern 'mysteries,' this series doesn't rely on blood and guts or sex between the characters to keep the novel moving along--the mystery is the point of the book, and mystery is what you get. The plot is well thought out, and the clues well placed.

She informed me and delighted me again!

Intriguing plot and characters. A fine setting. And a decent mystery to boot!

I had never thought of Scotland as a possible travel destination. Maybe after her depiction I might consider it. Not that she romanticizes it, she obviously just loves it because it is lovable. Plus there were so many amusing and beguiling Scots that I had the pleasure of meeting. Not to mention the depths of the human heart that I had to ponder when reading this (I thought I knew who the murderer was, but I really didn't want to believe it was who I thought it was--so I had to ponder my own heart's depth as well).

I rarely reread mysteries, but I will return to this one again sometime. There's more to this than I could get on one time through.

In 1961, Jonathan MacLean is a minister in the Scottish Church. He is happily married to the woman he loves and owns the ancestral estate Kilgarth. His best friend, Lord Alexander Chisholm, owns Balnagard Castle. The two buddies plan to take their annual trip together, which consists of roaming the countryside wherever their instincts lead them to travel. However, Jonathan dies from anaphylaxis reaction to bee venom.

Alex believes that someone deliberately murdered his friend as the bees were found inside Jonathan's picnic basket. Alex is happy that another friend, intelligence officer Ben Reese is coming to Balnagard to appraise his heirlooms. When Ben arrives, he agrees to investigate Jonathan's death. Ben soon finds several viable suspects, but never anticipated that the killer might want to make him the next victim.

Although the story line occurs less than four decades ago, there remains a surreal atmosphere, as if the events occurred in a previous century. The plot is compelling as PRIDE AND PREDATOR focuses on a monster wearing the respectable mask of sane civility that fools everyone except the likable hero. Sally Wright has the right stuff as she shows her story telling abilities to turn a mid-twentieth century who-done-it into a grand novel.

Harriet Klausner

Morgan-Cole's book goes beyond the cliche, and beyond the Biblical narrative. She answers questions I have wondered about. What was life like in an Asian harem? Did Esther really want to be there? She is celebrated every year as a heroine. But who was she? An interesting plot, butressed with historical research and a female perspective, that leads you to admire Morgan-Cole's Esther, and the many women of her era who's names we never learn.

This is historical fiction at it's best. Meticulously researched and accurate where possible while at the same time totally captivating.

It's the story of a young Hebrew girl living in Persia c. 480 B.C.E. after her people had been exiled from Jerusalem. King Xerxes sends his men to find beautiful women for his harem and Esther is taken by force from her family. As the story of royal harem life and firey politics unwinds Esther finds herself more deeply involved in the King's life than she ever dreamed. Her strength and courage as she saves her people from annihilation give the reader cause for contemplation and make you fall in love with her.

Esther herself is enchanting but the whole cast of characters is skillfully developed. Before you know it you are floating along in the story and living in the 5th century B.C.E. The descriptions and history mesh perfectly with the fictional elements to create a spellbinding story of intrigue, mystery, murder, and romance.

The best part of the book for the true historical fiction fan is the part where Trudy Morgan-Cole details how she researched the book. She explains which parts are true, which parts are probably true, and which parts are pure fiction. She touches on the difficulties of researching historical figures from over 2000 years ago and explains her reasoning in using the 'version' of history she chose.

It's truly a splendid book that will delight the reader all the way through!

Thought provoking and truly an amazing story!

Having only read the biblical version of the story, I found this book to be insightful and true-to-life. It was so captivating that I could hardly wait to get home from work each day to keep reading it. It provides much depth and emotion to all characters and has been well researched. Fictional characters were craftfully inserted into the story to fill the gaps in the biblical version without taking away from it authenticity. I will be re-reading and re-re-reading this book in the future.

my daughter and i read this book when she was in high school i was so lost in the story it was like i was really there but best of all it was from an actual historical happening.

One of the best Biblical fictions I've read. Even though I'm very familiar with the story from the Bible, this book held me enthralled to the very last page. It answered questions that I've had since I was a child...i.e. "Why was it such a big thing for Esther to go before the king without his calling for her?" and "How might Esther have felt about going to the King's bed without out benefit of marriage, given the strict upbringing of the Jewish girls?" Fascinating book, I will be searching out more books by this author.

You probably won't find this book on required reading lists for an MBA, but if being a successful businesswoman -- or even a successful woman period -- matters to you, then "What Queen Esther Knew" is essential reading. The authors have taken a story of palace intrigue from the bible, and translated the lessons into useful advice for modern-day women. Just in case you didn't know, Queen Esther became the most powerful woman in the Persian empire even though she was an exiled orphan. What the authors point out is that more important than her beauty or her charm was her innate ability to strategize, persuade others, take risks, and use her intelligence at every turn. These are skills that any woman (in business or not) would find useful.

Since so many business books today are either technical textbooks or self-aggrandizing stories of success, "What Queen Esther Knew" is a welcome addition to any working woman's library. I liked learning that many of the skills we think were just ushered in during the era of feminists, were actually an important part of life during the biblical era. Glaser and Smalley give their book a modern feel by providing "real-women" examples that correlate with the advice they (i.e., Queen Esther) offer. This takes "What Queen Esther Knew" from a book full of theory into one of valuable and practical application

While reading the book, I was constantly amazed at the relevance this ancient story has for women in business today. From learning how to identify a mentor to finding the courage to stand up for your convictions, the book is chock full of practical strategies that we can all learn and benefit from.

The authors do an excellent job of interweaving the timeless story of Queen Esther with "best practices" for women today. Well-written and well-documented, this book is sure to become a best seller. Perfect for book groups and discussion.

Connie Glaser and Barbara Smalley are absolutely brilliant at translating this most inspirational story of Queen Esther. They weave passages from the Old Testament, translations from theologians, and stories of modern day women into a basket filled with royal advice.

"What Queen Esther Knew" is packed with sound recommendations I will use over and over again in aspects of my personal, community, spiritual, and professional life.

It is a manuscript with strong theory, a solid foundation, and practical strategies that women can use 24/7. You can think of it as an operational guide for character, influence, elegance, and purpose.

Give this book to all women you care about. It is a gift that will give over and over again!

When Oprah gets a look at this book, she's certain to love it!!