Editorial Review

Do you rush around all day, come home drained, hit the pillow exhausted, and then get up and do it all again the next day? "How did this happen? What happened to your dreams?" asks Marcia Wieder in Read more

Reviews (6)

With interersting ideas but lack of depth
I read the amazon reader reviews before I bought the book. Yet I must admit that I am a bit disappointed with the purchase. The principles in the book about dream making is nothing new at all. The book tries to relate aconcept of 'ease' with a life working towards your dream. But it is notvery convincing to me. And the 5-step process on finding your dream is atypical method that can be found in many other self-help books.

Better than 7 Habits of Highly Sucessful People!
I've read lots of self-help books, especially on self-discovery, time management etc. Excellent. Helps you *enjoy* making your dreams come true
I am re-reading portions of this book. Marcia Wieder's "Doing Less and Having More" is really inspirational. In my work as a speaker, author and motion picture director, I continually read books, and Marcia'sbook is *unique* and helps me develop ease for making my big dreams cometrue and finishing my film, "LIVING, the motion picture." I foundMarcia's book so valuable that I read every word. I have seen Marcia give aworkshop, and she's dynamic and uplifting -- in person. Her message is sopowerful that I'm reading her new book, "Making Your Dreams ComeTrue." Watch for her PBS special television program. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Applied Psychology    2. Change (Psychology)    3. General    4. Motivational & Inspirational    5. Personal Growth - Happiness    6. Personal Growth - Success    7. Psychology    8. Self-Help    9. Simplicity    10. Success    11. Popular psychology   

Reviews (11)

And transform it did......
This is one of my favorite books...Having read it fully now twice, I frequently go back to specific sections for inspiration, and to help refresh my practice, often, finding that it speaks directly to me (if you ever have had that feeling).From Geshe Kelsang Gyatso's teachings on karma, on death, on understanding the mind, learning to increase our love and compassion, to the practice of exchanging self with others, or the teachings on emptiness, etc.....there is no other presentation of this information that is more clear.The book conveys Buddha's dharma in such a meaningful way, that enables you to enrich or even begin your meditation and practice.Even the book itself and the texture of the pages feel wonderful and special, that I now keep it wrapped in a protective cloth, even when I'm reading.It truly and deeply has transformed my life, and fortunately, there is no looking back.

Essential Reading for the Spiritual Aspirant
Reading the book and understanding it's contents should be a prerequisite to making a qualified review. Although many of the reviews posted here are rather complimentary, one review in particular, stands out for obvious reasons.
Has nothing to do with Buddhism, is Nihilistic Humanism
This book is about the NKT cult and its leader, its contents are little more than humanistic "feel goodism", and has no basis whatsoever in Buddhist doctrine or its ontology of liberation.If you want a good book on genuine Buddhism, get "The Living thoughts of Gotama the Buddha" by Dr. A.K. Coomaraswamy ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - General    2. Personal Growth - General    3. Personal Growth - Happiness    4. Psychology    5. Self-Help    6. Buddhism   

Features

• Abridged
• Audiobook

Reviews (1)

Makes You Think
In our stressful lives, Sarah Breathnach's calm voice outlines a path to sanity.She advocates nurturing our spirits, our relationships and creating serene spaces in our lives.
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Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - Inspirational/Philosophy    2. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    3. Conduct of life    4. Inspirational - General    5. Personal Growth - Happiness    6. Religious life    7. Self-Help    8. Simplicity    9. Women    10. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    11. Self-Help / Happiness   

Reviews (3)

Best Self-Help Book, and I have read many,...too many.
As I have written in several book reviews of the self-help genre, nearly all such books are wordy, repetitive, and should be condensed to booklets. (That will never happen; imagine the profit margin of a booklet compared to a full-sized paperback or hardcover.) THE MOST BENEFICIAL SELF-HELP BOOK I'VE EVER READ!
Thank you Richard Carlson for writing this book.It was a joy to read, thanks to your knowledge and your wit.I believe the answers to leading a richer and happier life are right here in the pages of this book.I likenthis book to AA for alcoholics, Weight Watchers for dieters and SmokeEndersfor smokers.It is also a program that is presented in a clear and simpleformat, using basic terminology, yet its messages are profound in theirimpact towards attaining true peace of mind and personal fulfillment. I'veknown many people throughout my life (including myself) who put theirhopes, time and money into traditional psychotherapy, only to become morehindered than helped through the process of reiterating and dredging up oldwounds.Practicing the principles of this book regularly is cheaper andeasier than a therapist and it is almost guaranteed you will find positiveresults.

A practical approach to managing stress, anger, and pain
Carlson, best known as the author of "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff", provides an upbeat and amazingly simple set of techniques for dealing with the angers and pains we carry with us, sometimes from earliestchildhood. First, he shows us how it is our thinking about a problem thatcauses us pain, not the problem itself. Then, he presents 10 steps forfreeing ourselves from the thinking trap and along the way finding joy andpleasure in our lives. Carlson is a compassionate and cogent writer whoavoids both technical jargon and psychobabble. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Behavior modification    2. Contentment    3. General    4. Personal Growth - Happiness    5. Psychology    6. Self-Help    7. Self-actualization (Psychology    8. Self-actualization (Psychology)    9. Coping with personal problems    10. Popular psychology    11. Self-Help & Practical Interests    12. Self-Help / Happiness   

Reviews (20)

A Good Introduction to Ayn Rand's Ethics
_Loving Life_ is an excellent short introduction to Ayn Rand's ethics, particularly for people who find her writings too condensed or too polemical.Unlike the convoluted and rationalistic writings typically produced by academics, Craig Biddle's writing is clear and engaging.His plethora of examples not only illustrate the ideas under discussion, but also show their real-life importance.
A remarkable book
Loving Life explains with great clarity and simplicity the fundamentals of moral values and happiness, and why a person should follow the dictates of his reason and reject faith. This is a book everybody should read.

Ayn Rand Made Easy
Most people who are interested in Ayn Rand were probably introduced to her via her ethics and politics. Although her followers consider her theory of concept formation her greatest achievement, what grips most of her casual admirers is her ethical theory (rational selfishness) and politics (libertarianism). Unfortunately, there is no introduction that focuses on these aspects of her thought. In LOVING LIFE, Objectivist writer Craig Biddle attempts to remedy this defect with a primer on Rand's ethics and politics (although ethics gets more attention).
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Subjects:  1. Philosophy / Ethics & Moral Philosophy    2. Self-Help / Happiness    3. Sociology    4. Egoism    5. Ethics    6. Ethics & Moral Philosophy    7. Personal Growth - Happiness    8. Philosophy    9. Self-help    10. Self-interest   

Reviews (5)

Disappointment
I read everything i can to better understand the human psyche.This one was a superficial stretch.

Good, But Incomplete
I like Johnson's books--they are good vehicles for the lay person to navigate the complexities of archetypal psychology.This book presents a psycholotgical/cultural interpretation of the Dionysus muths in a simple, direct, and usually-insightful manner.
Ecstasy
An Essential guide to understanding why our culture is constantly obssessed with seeking fulfillment that we never achieve.Robert A. Johnson makes us aware of why the esctasy we crave is unattainable in the ways we are seeking itand how to attain it. I have reread this book so many times and always am finding new meaning in it. Johnson is an eloquent and thorough. This book will make you think differently about life. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ecstasy    2. General    3. Joy    4. Joy and sorrow    5. Movements - Behaviorism    6. Personal Growth - Happiness    7. Psychology    8. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    9. Self-Help / Happiness   

Reviews (13)

Some Good Ideas But Mostly Unpractical
I was really looking forward to this book, but unfortunately found it superficial and unsubstantive. There are some good ideas, but at least in my life they are not things that can be incorporated into every day activities. I do like her ideas on time management, though. I think Success Within: How to Create the Greatest Moment of Your Life by Lisa Wysocky is much more practical and rewarding.
LIfe takes time and consideration...
Knowing and becoming takes time.Alexandra writes in this book, "Patiently continue to grow, trusting your intuition that is your real guiding light.This innner knowing is instinctive.The truth will continuously be revealed to you without reason or outer knowledge.You possess this innate capacity of perception.Let this subtle, spontaneous awareness teach you who you essentially are."What are your priorities and goals?What do you hope to achieve in your life, and what are the things that are blocking you from becoming.I think this book is helpful in beginning that kind of a conversation with yourself.

Considering Alexandra Stoddard
I own nearly all of Ms. Stoddard's books and have been reading her reviews for this and other titles she has written.Clearly, it is true that she is consistent with her message, which is repackaged in different ways, with different themes and emphases:time, beauty, home, happiness, love, etc.Yet one does not buy a new Alexandra Stoddard book and expect a new Alexandra -- rather, one expects to resume a conversation with a friend who is known and trusted.Like a good friend, Alexandra repeats her ideas now and again, she shares with us what she considers important, and encourages us to move on in our own lives with grace, positivity, and joy.
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Subjects:  1. Inspiration & Personal Growth    2. Motivational & Inspirational    3. Personal Growth - Happiness    4. Personal Guidance    5. Psychology    6. Quality of life    7. Self-Help    8. Time management    9. Self-Help / Happiness   

Reviews (16)

Finish the book before making comments...
I think this is a must read for anyone interest in positive psychology, politics, economics, or all three. Unfortunately, the first reviewer admits that she did not finish the book and most the applicable ideas come later on. It is a completely different view of how we should implement public policy. Yes, some of it is quite liberal, but why shouldn't we try to increase the happiness of all in society?
Policy maker's handbook
I think this book should be read by anyone who are involved in the making of public policies.The author stated that happiness of citizen should be the means and the end of our constitution. He has provided many evidences on why we are not happier when we are richer and what can we do about it.
Addresses One of the Most Important Problems in Economics
It seems as though there are two really significant problems in economics: one is how we reconcile the conflict between economic progress and ecological preservation and the other is how we can again link up economic progress and increases in welfare, in general levels of happiness.
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Subjects:  1. Emotions    2. Ethics & Moral Philosophy    3. Mental Health And Hygiene    4. Personal Growth - Happiness    5. Psychology    6. Self-Help    7. Sociology Of Mental Health    8. Psychology & Psychiatry / Emotions   

Reviews (5)

Living with God
I'm all for simplicity and living with less so that's why I picked up a copy of this book at the library.I was really, really disappointed to find that this was a book about living simply but with God.If I wanted a sermon, I'd go to church.If you're looking for a book about simplicity or looking to scale back I recommend Frugal Living for Dummies, The Everything Budgeting Book, Living the Simple Life or The Joy of Simple Living.

Skimming the surface - but a good introduction
I read this book after reading a number of books on simple living, particularly from a Christian perspective, and perhaps that's why I found it less compelling than the other reviewers. I really felt that this book only skimmed the surface of the value of simplicity, so for me, was not a helpful resource at all. I became annoyed at the way the author endlessly quotes brand names (did he get commissions from Best Buy stores?) and relied heavily on a theology of a highly interventionist God.
What I needed to know and when I needed to hear it!
The day I opened up the book "Living With Less..." I was not in the mood to review or read any book much less a book talking about living with less! BUT after I began reading... from the very first page I was a captive audience member! This book was talking about me and so many other folks like me. As I read my spirit began to lift, a smile slowly took over my face, and a light-bulb went on in my head or over my head, I don't know which, but I got it! It all made perfect sense! Did I need or does anyone need all the clutter we have in our lives? Did owning more stuff mean I was successful? I learned from this well-written, thought provoking book that the answer was a resounding 'NO' to both of these questions!
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Subjects:  1. Christian Life    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. Home Management    4. Personal Growth - Happiness    5. Psychology    6. Religion - Christian Life    7. Self-Help    8. Stress Management   

Reviews (12)

PLAY with spontaneity
On Aug 10, 2005 I was diagnosed with adult ADD and dyslexia.For over 55 years I did not know what my new opportunity was inside MySELF.This is the first book I read cover to cover in many many years.I took notes, read slowly but finished the book in less than a week, and tried to comprehend what Mr. Scalese had written.I even cried a few times reading this "How to help MySELF" book.The name for my guarding angel is MySELF.So today, I can be three persons in one whole.... Me, MySELF, and I
More than a Whisper in my heart
I read Stephen's book in July and have heard more than a few "whispers" over the past few months.I was involved in TM (Transendental Meditation) back in the 70's, but got out of the habit of meditating after a couple of years.The Whisper in Your Heart brought back all the positive aspects of TM without the negatives that caused me to quit before. Another gem!
This book is a precious gem that will guide you to discover your real power within. I am greatly interested in discovering and unleashing the powers of subconscious mind and applying it in real life. The changes in my life that are already happening are exciting and promising. I already was able to get rid of long lasting and terribly disturbing stomach indigestion problem (about 6+ yrs old). None of traditional or chinese doctors were able to help, until i read these books and healed myself! It took me about 1 month. Besides that many different good things started to happen in my life and it always making me wonder "are they just a coincidents or the results of wisdom i am applying from these books?". I already making plans and working on to improve my life in all other aspects. Another book, that i am refering to is: "The Power of Your Subconscious Mind" by Joseph Murphy. Definitely get this Murphy's book. "The Whisper in your heart" takes an interesting approach to develop intuition, unleash the hidden powers you never suspected you had and explains how to talk to your subconscious mind in more "interactive" way. "The Power of Your Subconscious Mind" and "The Whisper in your heart" are nicely complement each other and are definitely classics and full of invaluable information on the subject. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit / Mental & Spiritual Healing    2. Personal Growth - General    3. Personal Growth - Happiness    4. Psychology    5. Self-Help    6. Self-Help / Success    7. Body, Mind & Spirit    8. Inspirational    9. Mental & Spiritual Healing    10. New Age    11. Self-confidence    12. Success   

Reviews (2)

Not One Of His Best
Johnson is one of my favorite authors.He's a Jungian analyst who writes about myths and how they can tell us a lot about our life experiences and why we do what we do and why things happen to us.In this (short) book (105 written pages) he writes about the three levels of consciousness of men and gives a literary example of each.Don Quixote is Two-Dimensional Man (or simple man), Hamlet is Three-Dimensional Man (or complex man), and Faust is Four-Dimensional Man (or enlightened man).Johnson describes how men go through these stages, but sometimes become stuck at complex man because they have become so educated that they cannot give up their knowledge and return to the simplicity that can be seen in enlightened man.Although there are some interesting statements made in this text, there isn't much new and different here from Johnson's other work, and what is new and different is not "fleshed out" to give the reader a feeling of fully understanding what is being discussed.Although I'll continue to read Johnson, this is not one of his best works.

Thoughtful and Thought-Provoking
Robert Johnson is a great first encounter with Jungian Psychology.The books are short and his points are direct.When you see the size of his books you first think that there isn't much to them, but it isn't long before you recant.I was somewhere near page five when I realized that I was considering the world from an entirely different introspection.Johnson explains how literature, myths and even ancient stories are consistent with overall human nature.By explaining the meaning of classic stories, Johnson explains the dilemmas of mankind, how they are timeless and universal.Read more

Subjects:  1. Men's Studies - Masculinity    2. Movements - Psychoanalysis    3. Personal Growth - Happiness    4. Psychology    5. Self-Help / Happiness   

Reviews (13)

An elegant vision
Simplicity and Success is a great guide to creating a simple and successful life.Many of us in a fast-paced world crave simplicity - but don't know how to achieve it.Others chase after the world's definition of success and find it equally as elusive.Bruce Elkin offers an elegant vision of a rich life based on sustainable values.A must-read for those of us who care about creating meaningful and moral lives.

This book makes sense
I have so much respect for Bruce Elkin's approach to success.This is so different than anything else I have read or tried before.I noticed changes in my life right away, by changing the way I think about success and simplicity.You can have both!They are not mutally exclusive.I love the whole concept of "creative tension."This book is easy to read and easy to apply.

A new map of the territory
What immediately caught my attention about this book was that it supported values that are important to me.I feel like those of us who believe the modern life is lacking and would like to live in a manner which supports something other than the great accumulation of money and things are told, "It can't be done!Get with it, and join the real world."
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Subjects:  1. Personal Growth - Happiness    2. Personal Growth - Success    3. Self-Help    4. Advice on careers & achieving success    5. Self-Help / General    6. simple living,simplicity,living simply,voluntary simplicity,success,creating what matters,creating,Trafford Publishing,03-0665,1-4120-0296-6,1412002966,Simplicity and Success: Creating the Life You Long For,Bruce Elkin   

Reviews (18)

Discover Who You Are and Be True to Yourself!
Many people live their lives to please others -- their parents, their spouses, their employers or their friends.Others find themselves caught up in cookbook advice that will lead to being wealthy . . . such as live where the costs are low (but there are drawbacks to living in the middle of the Sahara Desert).Still others pick goals and never get around to rechecking their choices.
Thoughtful, practical alternative to highly goal-focused approach to life
Stephen Shapiro's books doesn't really recommend being "goal free" -- it recommends being clear about what's really important and focusing on getting the most out of the present rather than focusing foremost on the future. He is laying out the value of this versus being overly goal-focused (the "it's the journey,not the destination" perspective).He offers a well thought out approach to living a fulfilling life that will especially resonate with anyone with a high Myers Briggs "perceiver" preference. If you spend a lot of time feeling you "should" have more and better goals, this book may give you an alternative way to look at your journey.

The Fun & Effectiveness of Living in the Moment
As an experienced voice instructor, I see students all the time who work really hard at their goal of "trying to sing". What inevitably happens is that they strain their muscles, stick their necks out and hurt themselves in the process!
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Subjects:  1. Business / Economics / Finance    2. Business Life - Inspirational    3. General    4. Life skills    5. Lifestyles    6. Motivational    7. Personal Growth - Happiness    8. Personal Growth - Success    9. Personal Guidance    10. Quality Of Work Life    11. Quality of life    12. Social Science    13. Sociology    14. Business & Economics / Motivational    15. Business & Management   

Reviews (6)

Add heaping handfuls of caring, love and charity--serves all
This book is in the format of the beloved "Chicken Soup for the Soul" series and consists of stories from the lives of women; women who work on the PTA, women who have an extraordinary child named Joel who makes flag safety pins for everyone in the post office after the anthrax scare moved him to action. And also women who have had to stay calm while removing handfuls of peanut butter from the cat or toilet seat. There is a check list about life and what you really want from it--a helpful exercise for anyone to sit down and take stock of things that matter. This is a perfect Mother's Day or birthday or anniversary gift for any woman on your list. And a fun read, too. Enjoy.

Life's Lessons Dor Women: 7 Essential Ingredients for a bala
I love this book.As always the Chicken Soup stories are wonderful and in Hotter and More Nurturing than Chicken Soup
Listen, I'm not your average Chicken Soup reader.(The books are fine.They're just not my particular cup of...tea, soup, or what have you.) But I have two other wonderful books by Marston on my shelf, namely her parenting book, "The Magic of Encouragement," and her book for midlife women, "If Not Now When,"---both of which I love and return to often.So, on impulse, I picked up Marston's Chicken Soup/Life Lessons book last night, and I'm already a happy grrrllll as a result. (A good self-help book that's also fun to read is truly a thing of beauty---and all too rare.) Read more

Subjects:  1. Conduct of life    2. Inspirational    3. Motivational & Inspirational    4. Personal Growth - General    5. Psychology    6. Self-Help    7. Self-realization    8. Self-realization in women    9. Spiritual    10. Women    11. Women And Religion (General)    12. Women's Studies - General    13. Self-Help / Happiness   

Reviews (6)

Great Book Makes My Day
As a manager in a large and busy Optometric practice, I constantly look for ideas to motivate our staff.I bought a copy for all 16 employees and we spent two office meetings discussing ways to Make Our Patient's day.WOW!We have become keenly aware of the need to be "in tune" to each and every person who walks through our doors...DAILY!!Thank you to David Wagner, our new HERO.Sue Linton, Puyallup WA.

Don't waste your time
This book has really helpful advice such as " smile at strangers" or " remember birthdays". This was hardly anything new or novel, or anything that Miss Manners hasn't been teaching for years.I got this book at the library and I am soooo glad I didn't waste my money on it. The retail price was $17.00. It possibly could be a value of $5.00 The pages are filled with a lot of space. I'm sure he's a nice guy, but I really don't think it's anything we haven't heard before. It could be summed up with " be nice to others".I am actually surprised it got such good reviews by people before me!

Daymaking: How The Little Kindnesses Impact The World
David Wagner is an idealist that believes we can change the world by making one day at a time. He shares personal Daymaking stories about his sister who passed away when she was 13, his wife, daughters, and his path to becoming a hairstylist and eventual CEO. He also shares the stories of others, inspirational quotes, and practical tips on how you can be a Daymaker.
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Subjects:  1. Benevolence    2. Charity    3. General    4. Humanity    5. Inspiration & Personal Growth    6. Inspirational    7. Inspirational - General    8. Interpersonal Relations    9. Kindness    10. Personal Growth - Happiness    11. Self-Help   

Reviews (4)

Contentment
I own all of Rbt Johnson's books, as I'm quite interested in Jungian psychology, but this has a "different voice", probably because it's co-written by someone else. Nevertheless, anyone interested in the concept of contentment will want to own it as it contains many thought-provoking ideas.

Wonderful & simplistic
I am reading it for a second time because I loved it so much. Very simple, but insightful book on everyone's search for contentment. It shows how the American culture does not support the journey required to find true contentment. I liked it so much I've bought a few copies to give to my friends!

A powerful examination of the core of human experience
This is a powerful book, full of concise wisdom.Rather than telling you how to interpret an idea--too many books tell you what to think--this thin volume, echoing Shakespeare's King Lear, allows you to integrate the wisdomdeeply into your consciousness.What I have always marveled aboutJohnson's books is their ability to suggest ideas without talking down toyou, evoke wisdom without hitting you over the head.Johnson lets you findyour own answers to the big questions.This book points me closer to God. What more could you expect from a mere book?(Another bonus: it's inspiredme to read Lear again, this time from a new perspective.) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Contentment    2. General    3. Personal Growth - Happiness    4. Psychology    5. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    6. Popular psychology    7. Psychology & Psychiatry / General   

Features

• Abridged
• Audiobook

Subjects:  1. Audio - Self-Help    2. Audiobooks    3. Love & Romance    4. Man-woman relationships    5. Marriage    6. Personal Growth - Happiness    7. Self-Help    8. Unabridged Audio - Self Help    9. Self-Help / Happiness   

Editorial Review

Reviews (14)

An Important Discussion Starter
I just discovered Michael Lerner's work within this past year, and he's quickly become a significant influence on my thinking. His reports of the alienation of life in contemporary America resonates with my own experience, and his description of Emancipatory Spirituality is compelling indeed, even to this agnostic. I'm grateful for this hopeful manifesto. Read it, and then join the national conversation about these ideas at www.spiritualprogressives.org.

Helpful in Rediscovering the Spiritual Within Ourselves
This is what I got from the book. People feel alienated and conflicted because they have deadened the emotional and spiritual feelings they had as children. As kids, we felt the awe and wonder of being part of the creation, life, but as adults, we repress these wonderful intuitive insights in order to fit in, make a living, and just basically survive in the impersonal, technological society in which we live.
Thank you for helping to clarify, I thought I was alone!
Excellent, enlightening, and inspiring.Well done, reminding us that there are no "right answers", and we can have the courage to place our integrity and ideals as values to stretch for and live by, rather than passively buy into some of the insanity created by the collective fears and egos of the society around us.(And this can result in not only greater happiness, but more effective organizations - they go hand-in-hand).This is a great book for stimulating thought, and encouraging us by letting us know that some of the things we thought were "wrong" or "missing" in society and in organizations we participate in, are very real and very valid (rather than believing they are our own "hangups").The beautiful human spirit and goodness which we share (the important things in life), is typically precisely the stuff we don't share and talk about.Reading this book a great way to get started, or to provide further inspiration.Read more

Subjects:  1. Devotional    2. Personal Growth - Happiness    3. Religion - Inspirational/Spirituality    4. Self-Help    5. Spirituality