ZenWise Selling - Mindful Methods to Improve Your Sales...

Title: ZenWise Selling - Mindful Methods to Improve Your Sales...and Your Self
Author: Lee Godden
Publisher: Two Circles Press

Category: Non-fiction / Business
260 pages; ISBN: 0-9740076-0-9

Rating: 9/10

ZenWise Selling: Mindful Methods to Improve Your Sales…and Your Self is written by Lee Godden, who has consistently and successfully used a Zen mind in his career as a sales executive. It is primarily meant for people who are already in sales or who may be looking at sales as a possible career option. The book does offer a basic course in selling too, but the focus is on Zen techniques.


The book has ten chapters and covers the subject well, both in breadth and depth. The approach is friendly and polite. The style is interesting and will hold your attention. For very definite reasons, the author has chosen a second person, guide book approach rather than the self- promoting autobiographical approach. He keeps himself in the background. Since the book does refer to 'you', the focus is on you, the reader, the customer, the consumer. The 'I' has been subdued, keeping with the Zen approach.

If you are totally new to Zen, this book may or may not be sufficient to understand that concept. The first few chapters of the book and the appendix give a fairly good treatment of Zen. But if you prefer to first read a more thorough introduction to that subject, the author gives good recommendations.

Lee Godden rightly differentiates between philosophical Zen and religious Zen. He uses the philosophical aspects of Zen, which when added to a set of beliefs and rituals forms the religious core for a good number of people in the present world.

The book is well-written and is well-produced. There are a couple of typos, but they don't interfere with understanding. Use of bullets and pointers, use of boxes with specific messages, exercises with specific focus, in general all the tools that make a guide book effective, have been liberally used. The book has two appendices on Zen, one on its history and one listing Zen resources. For those needing or wishing to explore the subject further, the notes and bibliography sections are a welcome addition. The book’s index will help you quickly locate the topic of your specific interest.


A summary or recap at the end of each chapter would have been a useful addition. Chapter 7 discusses the role of a Sales Manager, including coaching, correcting and critiquing. The painful but sometimes necessary step of terminating the services of an employee, who can't be corrected has also been dealt with, in a sensitive manner. However, the other scenario of a dissatisfied employee, quitting, has not been touched upon.


The book ZenWise Selling is indeed a radical departure from the usual guides to selling - which often focus on the individualistic aspects of selling and winning at the expense of another if needed. However, this book is at a higher level, where you, the customer and every one else, wins. This idea is emphasized throughout the book and is dealt with more at length in Chapter 8. Sales and business professionals open to new approaches will enjoy - and benefit from this book. Even if you are not immediately comfortable with Zen’s place in sales, but are willing to explore further, this book will become your friendly spiritual guide. And, it’s also a good value for your money.

Your Active Child

Title: Your Active Child
Author: Rae Pica
Publisher: McGraw-Hill (Contemporary Books)

Category: Non-fiction / Education
243 pages; ISBN: 0-07-140558-5

Rating: 8/10

'Your Active Child' by Rae Pica is a 'must-read' to all modern parents, educators and any one else connected with and interested in child health. The book focuses on such questions as,
- Is Physical Activity important for children?
- If yes, which is the appropriate type?
- Is there a situation of too much?
- Which activities are not appropriate for children?
- Is there a correlation between physical activity and mental/emotional development?
- What is the role of parents and teachers in fostering love for movement in children?
etc.

In the space of a little less than 250 pages, the author, a 'movement education consultant', presents a very convincing case for introduction of appropriate physical activity to children of all ages. And gives several appropriate activities for children of various age groups.

Rae's book is a valuable resource to start with if you are new to the subject. She also refers to publications of several other experts in the book. Additional material in the form of Resources and an index given at the end of the book is added value.

The book has a few editorial/style problems but is otherwise well-produced. A good value. A glossary of terms at the end of the book or as foot-notes on the page they first appear would have been helpful.

My rating of the book is 'Very Good' with a score card of 8/10.

Why Did I Marry You Anyway? - 12.5 Strategies for a Happy Marriage

Title: Why Did I Marry You Anyway? - 12.5 Strategies for a Happy Marriage
Author: Barbara Bartlein
Publisher: Cumberland House Publishing

Category: Non-fiction / Self-help
ISBN: 1-58182-367-3

Rating: 9/10

"Why Did I Marry You Anyway?" by Barbara Bartlein is an excellent Manual to create a happy and stable marriage. No doubt, there have been many books already on the subject and there will be many more in the future. But each book needs to be looked into and evaluated on its own. Does the book cover the topic well? Is it readable? Does it make sense? Are the examples close to your heart? Are the solutions suggested practical?

I asked myself these questions as I read the book and happily I am able to say 'yes' to all these questions.

In 12.5 chapters (the last chapter is a half chapter and yes, probably the author doesn't want to call it the thirteenth chapter for well-known reasons), the author explores the various valid reasons for the marriage to get sour, derailed and broken, and counters with strategies to prevent the disaster. Yes, you guessed it, it is a good Maintenance Manual.

All through the book, the author is asking of only one thing from the partners, commitment. Commitment to make it work. Commitment can work wonders in any field of human endeavor and marriage is no exception. It is all fine to be having one's head in the clouds, to have all sorts of fanciful ideas, about what marriage should be, but wisdom dictates that one tempers these fancies with practicality and works to keep one's relationship with the 'life partner' stable. One example from Chapter 7: "This balance between time together and autonomy is one of the critical challenges in a marriage. The need for autonomy requires understanding, communication, and a willingness to acknowledge that no one person, no matter how perfect, can fill all your needs."

And if that statement makes you think that you can stray to fulfill your 'needs', read this:

"Like land mines, there are signs of trouble before infidelity occurs. Wise married couples watch for danger signs and work to avoid the minefields. And when they feel terribly attracted to someone else, with a sexual urge that they absolutely cannot control, they run home to their spouses and make passionate love long into the night." Very sensible advice from the author.

Personally I feel this issue requires great understanding from the partner's side too. Especially women are very intuitive and she knows that the man is mentally making love to someone else. Can she accept it? If she cannot and berates the man for it, she will be driving him physically too away from her. Thus what is being suggested by Barbara is not perfection or Saintliness, but commitment and a practical approach. A willingness to accept the frailities of human nature and not to dwell on the past but to refocus on the present and the future.

All inter-personal relationship problems arise from difficulty in communication, or especially what is called crossed-communication. Barbara rightly stresses the need for the couple to work out their problems through proper communication. Counselling plays a vital role in 'moderating' these potentially explosive situations where the verbal communication process breaks down and the non-verbal part, which could include shouting, screaming, pushing and physically hurting the other person, takes over. The author shares her rich experience in counselling many couples in her long career as a psychotherapist.

The correlation between poor communication skills and problems in inter-personal relationships, especially marriage could have been more thoroughly explored. The problems facing men and women are a little different and may be the author could write separate books, for 'Him', for 'Her' and for 'Us'. But the present book is a good starter.

The following are excerpts from what I wrote to the author after reading the book.

"Dear Barbara,

Thank you and Thank God for the book! It is an excellent gift for all married, would-be-married, waiting-for-the perfect mate, have-been-married-but divorced, in fact any man or woman ............... You have touched upon all the aspects of marriage that can go wrong and you have given an excellent road-map to steer clear of the pitfalls and boulders ............

Your line on spirituality was very close to my own heart, but in today's America, it may not go down well with many. In fact, degradation of the spiritual life is probably the cause of increased divorce, increased promiscuity and increased crime rate."

When Your Heart Seeks the Sky

Title: When Your Heart Seeks the Sky
Author: Wang Jian
Publisher: Authorhouse

Category: Fiction / Fantasy
88 pages; ISBN: 1418485985

Rating: 9/10

When Your Heart Seeks the Sky by Wang Jian is a fabulous book, the story of how a spirit finds its true nature. Written as a fable, it is the moving and heartwarming story of a bald eagle, who was raised as a chicken, but who finds his true nature and regains his rightful place in God's creation. A very heart warming story, it has all the elements that touch you, all the values that help you find your true self.

This book is a good read for children of all ages, since there is always a child in each of us, a child, who had dreams, whose dreams have not yet become a reality. It is the birth right of every soul to dream, but to make the dream a reality, one has to take the trouble of going through a spiritual renewal, a painful but necessary process. Wang Jian holds your attention at every page, nay, every line.

Read it for simple entertainment, if you prefer. But read it, with sincerity, read it between the lines, for the real message of spiritual renewal, that the book is really about. And then, go for it. Go for fulfilling your own dream! Learn to soar!

I would in short sum up the book as very Heart-warming, Highly Symbolic and Spiritual.

Walking the World - Memories and Adventures

Title: Walking the World - Memories and Adventures
Author: Alan Cook
Publisher: 1st Books Library

Category: Non-fiction / Travel
316 pages; ISBN: 1-4140-2040-6

Rating: 7/10

"Walking The World - Memories and Adventures" by Alan Cook will certainly appeal to those who are avid walkers. Thus the book is rather specific in its appeal. Walking the World is a slight exaggeration. Alan did not walk large parts of it. Russia, China, India, Australia, Africa and South America etc., are not yet trod by his feet. But he did walk extensively in USA, Europe and some parts of Asia etc.

The book is certainly readable, but is not always gripping. That may be because I am not obsessed with walking. I walk for the health benefits. But Alan has been walking for years and has accumulated a number of experiences in his long life. He shares it with the reader, very freely. He also acknowledges the excellent support received from his wife in all his walks through life and many countries.

Some good advice to walkers and would-be-walkers is presented in the book. A specific chapter addressed to that topic would have been better.

The poems that are interspersed in the book are good to read.

The book is rather unevenly edited. And has a few typos too.

All in all, the book will appeal to those who take their walking seriously.

Under Wraps - One Soldier's Hidden Diary of World War II

Title: Under Wraps - One Soldier's Hidden Diary of World War II
Author: Jay Coffman - Edited by Tom Fulks

Category: History / War
330 pages; ISBN: 1-59411-043-3

Rating: 8/10

Under Wraps is the diary maintained by Jay Coffman, a soldier of US Armed Forces in World War II. Since maintaining a diary was forbidden, Jay maintained the diary on scraps of paper and hid them among his baggage. The scraps of paper were sorted out and typed out neatly by his fiance and later wife, Dot. The diary was passed on by Dot to Tom Fulks, Jay's nephew as a family heirloom and is now published by Tom with editorial notes interspersed and additional notes at the end of the diary to help those not familiar with the historical events.

The diary is certainly a good portrayal of the mind of an average American in the war time. It brings out nicely Jay's ties to the family, which kept him going in the war. The diary also brings out the abiding love of Jay and Dot to each other.

Editor's notes regarding the war are certainly welcome and add value to the book. The notes in the diary look crumpled and the type looks rather odd.

While the diary is certainly a useful addition to the Second World War literature, its value would have been much higher if the original scraps of paper were photographed as they were and compiled date wise. That would have been a real heirloom. A few handwritten notes of Jay if inserted, would have given more insights into Jay's mind.

For those who are familiar with the second world war, some of Jay's entries and Tom's notes would be familiar. For a majority of post war readers, the book is a good introduction to the war from an American perspective. And the book does give a good account of the life and culture of the Polynesian islands. The few photographs by Barbra do help the reader better visualise what was written by Jay. A few maps and sketches of the islands would be welcome.

The book is in one way timely in view of the US involvement in the Iraq war, from which it is becoming increasingly difficult for Americans to extricate themselves.

The reviewer feels that the US economy is war-driven and a few years of peace leads to a recession. Also the policy makers seem to suffer from megalomania which keeps driving them to become the super cops of the whole world.

All in all, this diary is a good addition to the war literature.

Think Safe - Practical Measures to Increase Security...

Title: Think Safe - Practical Measures to Increase Security at Home, at Work, and Throughout Life
Author: James M. McGrew, CPP, CFE
Publisher: Cameo Publications

Category: Non-fiction / Self-help
168 pages; ISBN: 0-9744149-6-4

Rating: 8/10

"Think Safe - Practical Measures to Increase Security at Home, at Work, and Throughout Life" is a long title, which does describe the book well. Written by James M.McGrew, CPP, CFE, a long time professional, the book is a fairly wide and sufficiently deep introduction to safety of life, limb and lucre. The book is meant for the US and Canadian markets but is also useful to people in other parts of the world.

The main attraction of the book is its ability to bring home the many dangers that lurk all around us. The book stresses on the importance of being aware of the potential risks and suggests several strategies to reduce and or eliminate the risks.

The statistics given are indeed eye-opening and underline the need to take personal safety seriously. If you are looking for a comprehensive safety manual and a do-it-yourself help book, you may be a little disappointed since the book lacks the depth and details to achieve that goal.

The book's editing failed to appeal to me, but fortunately the author's message comes through.

I would recommend this book as a good primer but I would suggest that you look elsewhere for more detailed professional advice. You could of course, consult with the author, who is a thorough professional.

The Treasure Hunt... A Complete Guide to Interviewing

Title: The Treasure Hunt...A Complete Guide to Interviewing
Author: Brian P. Carey
Publisher: Trafford

Category: Non-fiction / Self-help
73 pages; ISBN: 1-55395-793-8

Rating: 7/10

"The Treasure Hunt...A complete Guide to Interviewing" by Brain P.Carey is actually a self-help 'workbook' and is arguably, "The only way to find your dream job." It may or may not be the only way but is certainly a good way to land one's dream job. In the short space of about 70+ pages, Carey does a good job of charting a course for you to follow to reach your goal of happiness through a good career, not just a good job.

In true work-book style, the author gives detailed instructions and a clear roadmap for a prospective candidate to land a job of one's choice. It is also an activity book, a fun book.

Each Chapter is a Clue, there are eight in all. It starts logically with discovering oneself through goals and ends again logically with a conclusion that the whole process is a self- discovery. In between, Strength & Weakness analysis, Industry Research, Selection of a Company, The Right Career, Getting the Interview and General Interviews/Q&A Theory are the ingredients.

All in all, it is a good book. It would have been a much better book if real life examples, actual transcripts were given.

The book deserves better editing than what it received. Poorly costructed sentences and actual typos are noticed, which it is hoped will be corrected especially since the book is published using Trafford's POD technology and thus lends itself to editing.

The Supreme Mystic - A Biographical Novel About the Early Years of Lord Krishna

Title: The Supreme Mystic - A Biographical Novel About the Early Years of Lord Krishna
Author: Amal Bhakta
Publisher: Turnkey Press (A Krishna Productions Book)

Category: Biography / Religion
342 pages; ISBN: 0-9744668-1-6

Rating: 8/10

"The Supreme Mystic" by Amal Bhakta is a biographical novelised version of the story of Krishna, Vishnu's incarnation on the earth plane towards the end of Dwapara Yuga. The book follows the story as told by Krishna Dwaipayana Vyasa in the Tenth Canto of Srimad Bhagavath, written by Vyasa and a few other sources, given by the author at the end of the book.

Vyasa means diameter, spanning and by extension, who spans. Vyasa also is an Amsa (part) of Vishnu and a great sage takes on that role in every Maha Yuga, which is one cycle of four Yugas. Krishna has one meaning, dark colored. Dwaipayana was added because he was born on a small island in a river. And since he divided the Vedas, that is spanned them, he was known as Vyasa. So, Krishna Dwaipayana Vyasa. The author could have explained this so that readers know the author of Srimad Bhagavat and other Puranas, epics etc. better. In fact, Hindu literature effectively started with Vyasa.

The book is very interesting to read. Though written by a western devotee, it follows faithfully the Hindu text in major details. The style is easy to read and holds the reader's interest. If you are interested in other lands, people and cultures, you will find the book interesting.

This particular book traces the story from birth of Krishna upto about 11 or 12 years of age when He killed Kamsa, His demonic maternal uncle. It is being followed by another book which covers Krishna's later years and which details His Bhagavad Gita, Song of God, given to His friend and disciple Arjuna on the battle field of Kuru Kshetra.

Amal Bhakta writes with sincerity and devotion. He succeeds in making the reader visualise the situation being described. Line sketches at the beginning of each chapter additionally help the reader visualise the ancient times to which this story pertains. A praiseworthy effort.

The author uses Hindi and Sanskrit terms without explanation, which may confuse the reader, not familiar with those words. A glossary at the end of the book, or a footnote explaining the terms as they occur, would have been better. A few names have been mis-spelt. The book also has a few minor editorial glitches, but is otherwise well-produced.

This type of story lends itself well to a Multi-Media presentation. A companion CD, giving animated scenes, explanation of terms and references for a particular incident narrated etc. and a few scenes from the movies which have been made referring to these events in history would have greatly added value to this fine book.

I commend Amal Bhakta's praiseworthy efforts in bringing Krishna closer to the Western World.

The Personal Wealth Coach

Title: The Personal Wealth Coach
Author: Jeff McClure

Category: Non-fiction / Self-help
310 pages; ISBN: 09741858-5-X

Rating: 6/10

"The Personal Wealth Coach" by Jeff McClure, Certified Financial Planner, is written with a good intention of educating the public about the various options of wealth creation and preservation.

The author has a strong background of cultural anthropology in addition to his Certified Financial Planning qualification. This background helped him bring out the historical aspects of wealth. The first half of this book is more or less devoted to these historical aspects.

The second half of the book tries to coach the reader about various investment instruments, plans, choosing the right investment manager etc.

The author successfully argues that all average investors need professional advisors to help them to identify the right investment managers. Then the reader may rightly ask him/herslef the question, "why should I then spend this much time in reading this or similar books and try to understand these difficult concepts?"


The book is not easy to read, especially the later parts of it. The author makes a sincere and valiant attempt to explain difficult concepts in an easy to understand style. But I am afraid to report, not really successfully. While the historical aspects have been brought out quite well, the author doesn't quite succeed in explaining in a simple and lucid manner the various investment strategies. The book does not accomplish the goal of clarifying and educating the average educated lay reader.

The author is quite biased in favor of the American Capitalism as the best vehicle of individual enterpreneurship and thus wealth creation. People of other cultures may not agree. There is much more to life than just money. And the means are as important as the ends.

In spite of the author's grateful acknowledgement about the editorial efforts, the reviewer could not but help noticing various glitches in the book.

I would strongly advise the reader to spend more time in going through the book or buy it from a store which has a refund policy.

The Nature of Man and God - A New Look

Title: The Nature of Man and God - A New Look
Sub-Title: How We Can Know Our Self, Our God, and Our Life's Purpose
Author: Simon S. Godfrey
Publisher: Trafford
Category: Non-fiction / Education
233 pages; ISBN: 141200693-7

Rating: 7/10

"The Nature of Man and God" by Simon S.Godfrey will appeal to those curious to know about the real nature of him/herself and who is not satisfied with the teachings of main stream religions. The author takes a scientific, rational approach most of the time in addressing the all important question, What is our true nature? What is our relationship with God/Universal Self?

The author is a psychologist and is thus well qualified to probe into the depths of human psyche. He has also researched the topic extensively, especially the western views on this subject. The author's exposure to the Eastern views on the subject seems to be confined to a few sources, especially the Upanishads, the portion of Vedas, also known as Vedanta (end of Veda), which deals with Atma Vidya (knowledge of Self).

The book is spread over 11 chapters. The author differentiates between Nominal Self (what we normally associate with our Self), Transcendental Self (the Self which becomes apparent when we transcend, i.e. overcome the bundle of conditioned responses and the Universal Self/God. Most of the concepts presented by the author are common to Hindu Philosophy (which is different from the ritualistic religion for day-to-day living).

Although the topics discussed are very similar to those taught by the great traditions, the difference lies in the line of approach. The teachings of most traditions must be accepted on faith. Godfrey here offers a well-thought-out basis for the theses he puts forth, treating the topics systematically and experientially. This approach appeals to the modern reader who needs scientific arguments before accepting any concept.

The book is not easy to read, since the concepts presented are complex. The style is also not uniform. Some portions of the book are surprisingly lucid and easy to understand. Other portions are difficult and may need multiple reading sessions before the subject becomes clear.

The author argues that the Universal Self is the Unity of All Things. If this Unity encompasses all as It has to, to be called Unity, human beings and all else are perforce parts of All, parts of the Universal Self. Additionally, the author discusses the issues of free will and the necessity of evil quite broadly. His views on these issues are in my opinion, very close to the monistic (Non-Dualistic) philosophy of Hinduism as elaborated by Adi Shankara and in modern times by Sri Ramana Maharshi etc.”

The book has an Epilogue (also available at www.trafford.com/robots/03-1063.html) worth reading by the prospective buyer. The book also comes with copious notes, Bibliography and Index, all very useful features.

The book is generally well edited, though a few typographic errors were noticed.

The book is recommended to serious readers of philosophy.

The Marketing Toolkit for Growing Businesses

Title: The Marketing Toolkit for Growing Businesses
Author: Jay B. Lipe
Publisher: Chammerson Press, Minneapolis, MN, USA

Category: Non-fiction / Business
ISBN: 0-9720345-0-1

Rating: 8/10

Key Words: Marketing, Tips, Tools, Techniques, Growing Business, Marketing Plans, Toolkit

"The Marketing Toolkit for Growing Businesses" by Jay B. Lipe is a highly practical, Do-It-Yourself book, targeted at small to small-medium organisations (with an employee strength of say 5 to 50). He brings those marketing strategies from large organisations that are also useful to smaller, emerging businesses. Even if the organisation is going to use the services of an external consultant for developing and implementing marketing plans, it is essential that the CEO or some other reponsible person in the organsiation understands what is involved. This book helps that person to focus clearly on what needs to be done.

In the space of nearly 250 pages, Jay gives the Marketer (would-be type, need-be type, seasoned type, a novice type, in fact any one with any interest in marketing), a well-prepared, field- tested game plan, a road-map for success. He assumes nothing on the part of the reader and uses a practical, easy-on-the eyes, step-by-step approach. The style is lucid and conversational, friendly without being patronising.

The book or toolkit (that is an apt description), is divided into 17 chapters, thus making it easy for the reader to take the concepts in easily. Every chapter focusses on one aspect of the marketing, for example, Chapter 6 is "Your Business Vision & Goals: Keeping Your Eyes on the Prize". Notice the second person approach. The book is a well-written and good-to-read practical step-by-step guide. It is as if Jay is standing in front of us in a small seminar room and is
giving us the distilled wisdom and experience of his and several other seasoned marketing professionals. Yes, the book is full of practical wisdom. Every chapter focusses on one important aspect, and at the end of the chapter, the main points are well-summarised and are presented as "Tools to go."

The book is well designed visually and uses all the presentation tools and techniques effectively viz., boxes, bullets, figures, diagrams etc., designed to help the average reader, who is a busy
marketer with many things crowding his/her mind and clamoring for attention, absorb the concepts and more importantly get the gut feeling, yes, this guys knows what he is talking about, he has been there, he is genuine. If he can do it, so can I. And that after all is the objective of the author in writing the book and I would say without the least hesitation that he has fully succeeded.

Considering the amount of information packed into the book, which I again emphasise is not an academic tome, meant for being stored in your book-shelf, but is your daily friend, philosopher and guide, to be kept with you and used; considering that the volume captures the knowledge of a seminar of many hours - 10 hours at a guess?, the price is very, very reasonable. In fact, it is a bargain. Go for it.

And yes, for those who are perfect beginners or even for those, whose experience has been in some specific areas of marketing, who may have just a little difficulty in understanding some terms, the book comes with a glossary. And for those, whose curiosity has been kindled and would like to read further on some aspects, there is a big list of further reading. Added value or bonus items, in my view.

The book is primarily meant for the US Markets, especially the small (Jay prefers to call them emerging) businesses, who need marketing but can't afford a full time marketing director. However, some of the tools, tips and techniques are applicable to markets in other countries too.

I compliment Jay for coming up with such an excellent effort.

The Maker's Diet

Title: The Maker's Diet - The 40 day health experience that will change your life forever
Author: Jordan S. Rubin
Publisher: Siloam, a Strang Company

Category: Non-fiction / Health
304 pages; ISBN: 0-88419-948-7

Rating: 8/10

"The Maker's Diet" by Jordan S.Rubin is a book for those who have health challenges and would like to follow the biblical injunctions to regain their health, like the author did. Jordan recovered from a very severe form of Crohn's disease, which is considered incurable by the main stream doctors. He recovered by his faith in his Maker (the God) and by following the dietary guidelines given in The Bible. After recovery, Jordan felt inspired to continue to help other sufferers by sharing with them his knowledge. He is a doctor of naturopathy and is thus well qualified to write on the subject. But many of his recommendations appear to be commercially motivated. Many chapters of the book read like some marketing testimonials!

While the information given by Jordan is indeed valuable, the book has one limitation in that the food items suggested cannot be followed by lacto-fruito-vegetarians, who, by choice, by faith or by their religious upbringing have decided not to eat eggs, fish and meat. And Jordan seems to believe that God has chosen the Israelites specially to share His wisdom about food and has not shared His wisdom with people of other faiths in other lands. The Hindus too believe that He spoke to them and their food habits are quite different.

Much of the information contained in this book is common to what is given in Jordan's other book, "Restoring Your Digestive Health" coauthored by Jordan and Joseph Brasco. There is of course, some difference in the emphasis, in that the present book focuses more on following the Maker's Dietary instructions.

The last few chapters of the book are devoted to specific suggestions about the 40 day Diet and the Appendices give sources for getting the various foods recommended.

If you are comforatble with the Bible and would like to adhere to the dietary guidelines of that book, you may derive good value from the present book. You may also find that the diet recommended by the book is beyond your affordability.

The Lamb

Title: The Lamb
Author: Dr. Bruce Burnett
Publisher: iUniveres, Inc.

Category: Fiction / Religion
305 pages; ISBN: 0-595-27061-1

Rating: 8/10

The Lamb is the story of the coming of the Second Christ as Joshua Adon, a Scientist, who doesn't want that role, but is chosen by God and so has really no choice. Since his childhood, Joshua finds himself in situations where his unusual gifts startle not only the onlookers but himself too. Finally Joshua reconciles himself to his role as the Second Savior from a Christian perspective, (from the perspective of other religions, there have been many more saviors and many more will come) and averts a Third World War.

The story grips the reader's attention and interest right from the beginning to the end. The science becomes a bit complex at the DNA Fingerprinting part. Otherwise, the story is easy to follow and while every one may not agree with the development of the plot and the ending, there is no doubt that it is interesting. The style is good and the character development is good. A few scenes are quite poignant and moving. A few are horrible too, esp. the death of Dr.Adon's colleagues in lab.

I didn't find the Angel's arguments about the limited powers of God, free will etc., convincing. While the Angel is talking about man's free will, the events in Josh's life support the theory of destiny. The book is nevertheless interesting to read. It resonates well with the present brinkmanship policies of the US leaders and the chasm between Christianity and other religions. Fundamentalism and fanatism in any religion acts as a stimulus for appearance of similar fanatic groups in other religions too.

I have no hesitation in recommending the book to all lovers of fiction. This book is Dr.Burnett's first novel but I felt that he writes like a seasoned professional.

A few editorial glitches are noticed but by and large they don't interfere with the enjoyment of the novel by the reader.

A very good effort and a worthwhile buy. Strongly recommended.

The Complete Guide to a Creative Retirement

Title: The Complete Guide to a Creative Retirement
Author: Rob Kelley
Publisher: Turnkey Press

Category: Non-fiction / Self-help
316 pages; ISBN: 0-9740030-9-3

Rating: 8/10

The complete guide to a CREATIVE RETIREMENT by Rob Kelley is obviously meant for those who have been retired and are wondering what to do with their new found free time. What is not so obvious is that it is a good buy for every one else too. You could read it and help your spouse, your mom and dad, uncle or just your retired friend or neighbour, or gift the book to the person.

In the space of a little more than 300 pages, Kelley gives a retired person, several options and strategies to keep the body and mind fit, healthy and happy. Five alternative life styles, twelve easy-to-follow retirement strategies and eighty exciting and worthwhile projects. Yes, that in a nutshell is the scope of the book.

A feature which appealed to me is the slightly off-white non-glossy paper and the large type face, which is so easy on the eyes. At 55, and with a few more years to go for retirement, I certainly enjoyed the several choices which Rob has spread out before a prospective retiree. No doubt some of the choices are specially useful for retirees in USA and Canada, but generally the book is useful to any retiree anywhere in the world. At the end of every section, useful resources in the form of books, websites etc. are given, which is another useful feature. The index is not really necessary in this type of book, but is given to help you quickly locate a specific topic later.

Now to the not so positive aspects of the book. The book is rather poorly edited and there are quite a few slips. Not to the point of distorting the meaning, but slightly distracting. And a few typographic mistakes too. Some of the projects could have been grouped differently and some repetition at the conceptual level could have been avoided. A companion CD or a website with a check list and a program to come up with the suitable choices based on the answers to the questionnaire would have been a good feature, which it is hoped the author will incorporate in future.

Considering all the aspects, I would still recommend the book as a very good buy if you are looking for a comprehensive guide to creative retirement.

Song of Salvation

Title: Song of Salvation
Author: Kher Rajendra

Category: Fiction / Religion
326 pages; ISBN: 1-894869-99-0

Rating: 7/10


The Song of Salvation is a novelized version of Bhagawad Gita,literally meaning God's Song, a part of Mahabharata, the Great Indian Epic. Gita, as it is popularly called was a dialogue between Krishna,the God in the human form and Arjuna, the great Pandava Prince and a great warrior. The original Gita is in the form of 700 Slokas (verses) in Sanskrit, divided into eighteen chapters. The dialogue took place on the battlefield of KURU KSHETRA, a big plain named
after King Kuru in present day Haryana, a state near Delhi, after whom the dynasty of Kauravas was named. Another meaning of Kuru is 'to do'. So, Kuru Kshetra also means the Field of Action. And it is this dual meaning that is the starting point of a series of wonderful symbolisms, that convey very deep esoteric meanings and take us to the highest peaks of philosophy, knowledge of one's true Self.

The book generally follows the setting in Mahabharatha, though at a few places, the author seems to have taken a few liberties with the original version. Like when he wrote on page 123, "Seeing irritation on his friend's face, Arjuna quieted" implying that Krishna was subject to common human emotions. Ofcourse, such liberties are allowed in a work of fiction and Rajendra Kher is quick to point out that his book is exactly that.

The book portrays vividly the social conditions of a period of history nearly 5000 years old. The characters of Arjuna,Dhrutarashtra, Draupadi, Krishna etc. are portrayed in good detail. The descriptions of the battle field, the place of dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna etc., are quite good and with a little imagination, the reader can mentally go to that time and be there, like Sanjaya who was given the gift of Divine Vision.

The author generally uses good analogies and metaphors to convey the esoteric philosophical secrets of Gita. But the clarity is fluctuating and is lucid at some places and obtruse at others. The analogy, "No matter how much water is poured into an upside-down pitcher, the pitcher does not hold water." on page 49, is inappropriate since one cannot pour water into an upside down pitcher. Probably a better analogy would have been a pitcher with a hole in the bottom would never get filled. Because Arjuna was without Sraddha, Faith, Krishna's words did not register and take effect.

Rajendra Kher's attempt at novelizing Gita is to be praised. In English language, this type of presentation of Gita is certainly new. The reviewer received the Asian Edition printed in India and so all the comments given below, including the quality of printing etc. apply to that edition only. However, it is understood that the Zumaya Edition and the Asian Edition share the same .pdf file, so the printing errors may be common to both.

The first impression when I got the book in hand was that print quality is satisfactory, not great. The book has a good sprinkling of typographic and style errors, which generally do not distort the meaning. However, they do distract the reader and covey an impression that pre-press work could have been done more carefully.

One exception - the word Brahma is used for Brahman at a number of places on Page 229 and 231, and unless the reader has prior exposure to Gita, confusion will result. It may be clarifed that Brahma is one of the Three Gods, Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara. Brahman on the other hand, is used to represent the ultimate Soul, Paramatma, also called ParaBrahma, to differentiate from Brahma. Brahma has a definite life span, Brahman doesn't, since Brahman is the Principle of Eternal Reality.

The reviewer had a fairly good exposure to the teachings of Gita and so certainly enjoyed the refresher course provided by Rajendra Kher in this novel form. However, for a new reader, the concepts are not easy to understand and at places, the going becomes heavy. Also, the author has not given a basis for some of the philosophical statements made. He could have given a list of Commentaries on Gita that he perused for this endeavor.

Readers without prior exposure to Gita may have difficulty in coping with the Indian names. And some of the terms used could have been defined or explained with the help of foot-notes or a Glossary at the end of the book. And an index at the end, connecting the chapters of Gita to the chapters in this book would have been welcome. A biographical note about the original Author has been given, but not that of the translator, Mr.Khare. It would have been a welcome addition.

The book will definitely interest those who would like to know the concepts of Gita but would not like to take up learned commentaries right now. It would also refresh their memory if they had studied it long ago.

A good effort.

Sacred Union - The Journey Home

Title: Sacred Union - The Journey Home
Authors: Sri Ram Kaa & Kira Raa
Publisher: Robert D.Reed Publishers

Category: Non-fiction / Religion
164 pages; ISBN: 1-931741-33-6

Rating: 9/10

Sacred Union - The Journey Home, by Sri Ram Kaa and Kira Raa, their official, spiritual and legal names, is an extraordinary book. The book is really dangerous, beware! It will change your outlook for the rest of your life. Anyway don't worry. Nothing happens by chance. If you are reading this book review and then buy the book, you are ready. To go on board a vessel that would take you on your most important journey ever undertaken by you, viz., to discover your true authentic self.

In eleven chapters, spread over 4 sections, the two authors and their spiritual friend, philosopher and guide, Archangel Zadkiel, Kiel for friends like us, reaffirm many of the spiritual truths. The journey home is simply a change in the direction, turning towards our real self and seeing our ego to be what it is, our shadow, which we have been following. When we turn towards light, the shadow goes behind us and thus follows us, not leading us! We truly become Masters and become fit to help other souls when they are ready. We accept every soul as divine since it contains the same essential divine spark as all of us. There is nothing which is not divine, which is not perfect. Even the worst, ugliest thing in the world has a role to play, if nothing else, to remind us that both Good and Evil, Beautiful and Ugly are the two faces of a coin and knowing that every coin has two sides is the Sacred Union.

Through Kira Raa's mouth and recorded by Sri Ram Kaa, Archangel Zadkiel, (OK, OK, I understand that you want to be referred as Kiel), guides the reader gently, lovingly and yet firmly, to the truth. And the message that comes through is clear: trust, trust in your true authentic self. If doubts come, ask yourself, does it give joy? If yes, do it. If not, don't. Simple isn't it? The joy that Kiel is referring to is not the temporary pleasure of sensual nature. Joy is Bliss, it is eternal.

The concepts brought out in the book are not really new or revolutionary. But that doesn't detract any thing from the value of the book. The truth needs to be retold everytime and it has been told beautifully, sincerely and at places movingly. The book touched me to the core of my heart at places and made me cry. We all feel the pain of separation, separation from the beloved, which is our true Self.

And the Sacred Union is not just Sexual Union, though Sexual Union too could lead to the Sacred Union. In Sanskrit, the word Yoga is the closest to what Sri Ram Kaa, Kira Raa and Kiel are trying to convey. Yoga is related to Yoke, the cross bar that makes two oxen to go in unison to plough the field. Thus Yoga unifies two. Sacred Union, like marriage, also unifies two bodies and souls into one or makes the individual ego-soul one with the Higher Self from which it emanated.

If you are interested in spirituality, if you are
interested in the journey of self-discovery, and if you are ready to undertake a journey which can only end in the 'death' or 'dissolution' of 'you' (ego), go ahead and buy the book. Read and re-read. Follow the diet etc., if moved by heart. Do the exercises given as Appendix.

Kiel promised to give more information in the coming years and it is earnestly hoped that I will get an opportunity to review those books also.

The book has been printed well, with few errors. Kiel seems to be rather old fashioned in his english! But the message is always more important than the messenger.

I heartily recommend this book for true seekers.

Swamy

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I am an independent book reviewer in India. Though I consider himself to be spiritually oriented, I am not a Sanyasi or Monk. I got my name from a well know Hindu Deity, Venkateswara Swamy, of Tirumala Tirupati. It is the custom in Hindu families, to name the children after Gods and Goddesses, with the hope that they do work to get the qualities of that God or Goddess.

Restoring Your Digestive Health

Title: Restoring Your Digestive Health - How the Guts and Glory Program can Transform your Life
Authors: Jordan S.Rubin, N.M.D. & Joseph Brasco, M.D.

Category: Non-fiction / Health
380 pages; ISBN: 0-7582-0282-2

Rating: 8/10

Publisher: Twin Streams, Kensington Publishing Corp.

Key Words: Health, Digestion, GI, HSO, Food, Nutrition, Digestive Disorders


"Restoring Your Digestive Health - How the Guts and Glory Program can Transform Your Life" by Jordan S.Rubin and Joseph Brasco is a good resource book for all sufferers of digestive disorders. In a very detailed and fairly simple, easy-to-understand style, the authors, a naturopathic doctor who was an ex-patient and a Board-certified Gastroenterologist, explain the reasons for poor digestion and the resultant problems.

The book deals with a variety of GI problems such as IBS, Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Dyspepsia, Candidiasis etc., and the role of intestinal flora in optimal maintenance of health. They offer a number of useful suggestions and very specific dietary protocols for each problem.

The experience of Jordan S. Rubin who was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease - a very serious 'incurable' disease and who tried a number of doctors and treatments adds credibility to the book. The critical role played by various foods in maintenace of intestinal flora, i.e. the various bacteria which help in optimal food digestion and absorption is brought out well. The authors explain how HSOs (Homeostatic Soil Organsims) play a major role in improving and nurturing the intestinal environment. The treatment regimen given in the book is based mostly on what worked for Rubin, modified over years by the combined wisdom of Rubin and Brasco who claim to have helped thousands of sufferers over the past few years.

The book is specifically aimed at the US and Canadian readers, but the general principles are applicable to all. Thus for understanding the types and causes of various stomach ailments, this book will be found to be useful for all English speaking readers. I found it very interesting and useful to understand the general principles of good GI health.

The book would have better value if suitable illustrations accompanied the detailed explanations about the role of various organs in Alimentary Canal or GI tract as it is called. The dietary program given will not be appropriate to people with different religious beliefs. Thus all non-vegetarians will not be able to accept pork or beef etc. And the program is certainly not suitable for vegetarians, though some of the insights will help lacto-vegetarians too.

The opinions expressed by the authors about the other testing and treatment options may not be acceptable to all readers, esp. those who benefited from them in earlier instances. The opinions do come across as rather subjective and self-serving at places. In my opinion, that chapter could have been written better by the authors.

The book would also have benefited from better editing and proof-reading. Chapter 10, 'Protocols' could have been shorter since mostly same matter is repeated under each condition. Alternatively, that chapter could have been bound in tear-off sheet style, so that sufferers can tear out specific sections for day-to-day reference or may be paste to their refrigerator/kitchen cabinet. Typographic errors and style errors are present, which however, do not prevent our understanding and appreciation of the subject.

These minor shortcomings not withstanding, I strongly recommend this book to those who need to better understand the Digestive Disorders in themselves or their relatives and friends etc. A good buy.

Ramayana - A tale of Gods and Demons

Ramayana - A tale of Gods and Demons
by Ranchor Prime Published as Mandala Classic Edition

Category: Fiction / Religion
100 pages; ISBN: 1-932771-02-6

Rating: 8/10

Review

ISBN : 1-932771-02-6, pages: 100, Published by Mandala Publishing.

Ramayana - A tale of Gods and Demons by Ranchor Prime is a colorfully produced, beautifully illustrated and well printed book. It was originally published as a full color bigger art book. The present Mandala Classic edition itself is eye catching. The cover depicts Hanuman, the Monkey God and the servant, devotee and friend of Sri Rama. Hanuman looks charming indeed on the cover and I was thus attracted to take up the book ahead of the que of books pending review. The inner pages too are well printed. The illustrations by Shri BG Sharma are really appealing and add visual value to the well-printed book.

Tha story of Rama is now fairly well known, but bears repetition and retelling again and again. Ranchor Prime followed a particular translation of Valmiki's Ramayana. His narration is good. A few incidents as depicted in this book appeared odd to the reviewer who read different versions. One example is that the queens of King Dasaratha received Dasaratha and his party on return from Mithila with Sita. Another example is that Ravana is depicted as dragging Sita by her hair to his chariot. The story which the reviewer read is different, wherein Ravana doesn't even touch Sita but makes her swoon by showing his frightening form and then lifts her up indirectly by digging up the earth surrounding her body. The reason was that Ravana was cursed by another beautiful woman Vedavati that he will die if he ever touches a woman against her wish.

There are a few more similar differences in the story, but in general, the story is well told. One important omission is Aditya Hridayam, the Heart of Sun, a glorious hymn in praise of Sun God, told to Rama by Sage Agastya. Ravana's death was certainly felicitated by Sun God's blessings of Rama's efforts. Aditya Hridayam is one of the most beautiful hymns of Valmiki Ramayan and is chanted daily by lakhs of devotees.

This book will be a good read for children and adults who are interested in Hindu mythology.