The Magic of Believing by Claude M. Bristol

The Magic of Believing

MILLIONS OF READERS HAVE PROVED THAT THE MAGIC OF BELIEVING WORKS WONDERS! For more than four decades success-oriented Americans have turned to the no-nonsense, time-tested motivational techniques described in The Magic of Believing to achieve all their long- and short-term goals: a better job, an increased income, a happier marriage, or simply a good night's sleep. Now it's your turn to put Claude M. Bristol's special "magic" into your life and into action!

His tough-minded, hard-hitting message speaks directly to You. It has yielded proven results for forty years and remains as fresh and focused as ever. Learn how to:

* Harness the unlimited power of the subconscious mind and make your dreams come true

* Protect your thoughts and turn them into achievements

* Use "the law of suggestion" to step up your effectiveness in everything you do

* Apply the power of your imagination to overcome obstacles

* And much more!

If you seek to become more assertive in business, more fulfilled at home, more influential in your dealings with others -- you can believe in MAGIC!

My Review:

I 'believed' i could finish this book.. and I did!! It works...
Seriously though, the author has come across something that many others before him have also come to see.. that belief unleashes the powers of the subconscious in such a way that we will get what we desire. It isn't a shortcut to success though, as we still need to invest our hearts and souls (and the subconscious of course) in order to bring about our desired change, success or healing. I have coincidentally been using the power of belief and faith for a few months before reading this book and have also noticed dramatic changes in my life. Everyone can benefit from reading this book and tapping into the powers of faith, belief and unleashing the infinite powers of the subconscious mind.

Child of a Mad God by R.A. Salvatore

Child of a Mad God (Coven #1)

When Aoleyn loses her parents, she is left to fend for herself among a tribe of vicious barbarians. Bound by rigid traditions, she dreams of escaping to the world beyond her mountain home.

The only hope for achieving the kind of freedom she searches for is to learn how to wield the mysterious power used by the tribe’s coven known as the Song of Usgar. Thankfully, Aoleyn may be the strongest witch to have ever lived, but magic comes at price. Not only has her abilities caught the eye of the brutish warlord that leads the tribe, but the demon of the mountain hunts all who wield the Coven’s power, and Aoleyn’s talent has made her a beacon in the night.

My Review:

This book surely would have gotten 5 stars if it weren't for the excessive use of rape in the storyline.
The book has a split storyline between an orphaned Usgar girl named Aoleyn who grows up in a very brutal (I'd like to say evil) tribe on a mountain and of the story of Talmadge and Khotai who are traders, trading in the other tribes along a large lake at the foot of the mountain. I really enjoyed the Talmadge/Khotai storyline and it was interesting to see how the author would eventually make these two storylines cross paths.
The Usgar aren't really a nice people (reminded me of human versions of drow) and young Aoleyn who grows up questioning the brutal ways of her tribe and eventually working against the tribe in some ways (reminded me a lot of Drizzt's origin story here). I wonder if the author noticed this himself or if it happened on a subconscious level?
Anyway, as others have already mentioned, this book is a slow mover except for certain fight scenes (and an awesome lake monster) scattered throughout the book. Slower books don't really bother me if the story is solid and the characters engaging. Such was the case in this book. I simply couldn't put it down.
As I mentioned above, it would have received 5 stars if not for the excessive use of rape. It's enough to know the tribe rapes captives and their own, but for a while I was wondering if I could go a chapter without multiple rape scenes or references (important to note that none were ever graphic though)!
Otherwise, a solid fantasy book with very interesting and dynamic characters. R.A. Salvatore has shown us time and again why his books are so favored in the fantasy genre. Looking forward to the sequel.

Ignatian Spirituality A to Z by Jim Manney

Ignatian Spirituality A to Z

by Jim Manney

What is discernment? Who was Peter Faber? Why do the Jesuits exude such optimism?

Awareness. Emotions. Love. Work. We use such words every day in normal conversation, but those same words take on special meaning when used in the context of Ignatian spirituality. Other words and phrases, such as finding God in all things, are distinctly associated with the Ignatian approach to spiritual development. Acquiring a general grasp of these terms will prove invaluable to those who desire a better understanding of the Jesuit / Ignatian way of life.

With Ignatian Spirituality A to Z, Jim Manney has provided a brief, informative, and entertaining guide to key concepts of Ignatian spirituality and essential characters and events in Jesuit history. The lexicon format allows readers to find terms quickly, and the concise descriptions are ideal for those new to the Ignatian story.

From Pedro Arrupe to Francis Xavier, from Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam to Zeal, this book uncovers the rich language of the Jesuits. It will be an indispensable tool to anyone interested in Ignatian spirituality, to staff, faculty, and students at Jesuit institutions and schools, and to clergy and spiritual directors who advise others about prayer and spiritual matters.

My Review:

The book ‘Ignatian Spirituality A to Z’ by Jim Manney, really delivers as advertised.

It was a fun read for me, as I studied philosophy and (some of my) theology at the Jesuit-run Saint George’s Seminary in Frankfurt, Germany. It not only had me revisit well-known and comfortable practices such as the examination of conscience (Examen) and the Spiritual Exercises (Exerzitien), but also deepened my knowledge and familiarity of Jesuit Saints and other more obscure Principles.

This book could definitely be used as a glossary or reference book only, but I believe the author intended for the book to be read from A-Z. The writing is very easy to follow and the author does a great job of explaining these fundamentally important tenets of Ignatian spirituality. Jim Manney covers everything from AMDG (ad majorem Dei gloriam), gratitude, the fourth vow, “praying as if everything depends on you”, and doesn’t shy away from mentioning the conspiracy theories that (still) surround the Society of Jesus (Jesuits).

All in all, a good and (at times) lighthearted approach to Ignatian spirituality that will appeal to lots of people. If you’ve been wondering about the Society of Jesus, this would be a great first contact. If the reader feels a ‘calling’ to the spiritual Exercises or the Jesuits as an Order, I recommend you to get into contact with a Jesuit priest.

Happy Reading and God bless!

Little Lessons from the Saints: 52 Simple and Surprising Ways to See the Saint in You by Bob Burnham

Little Lessons from the Saints: 52 Simple and Surprising Ways to See the Saint in You

by Bob Burnham

52 glimpses into the gifts (charisms) of the saints offer quick lessons that can easily be applied to our own lives, helping us become saints ourselves.

My Review:

This great little book packs a holy punch! Bob Burnham does a great job to help us live every day (or week) with the saints! It is through their holy example that we ourselves become strenghtened to imitate them. In the beginning of this book, the author gives important advice: Don't rush through the book. Take your time to reflect upon and to meditate on each saint. There are important lessons to be learned here, and if you just zip through it, you'll definitely miss out on what the author tried to do with this book. I'm very happy (as a lay Passionist), that Saint Maria Goretti has been included as well.

I recommend this book for all Catholics who need some reflective time with the saints (that would be all of us!).

Silver Surfer: When Calls Galactus

Silver Surfer Epic Collection: When Calls Galactus (Silver Surfer: Epic Collection #1)





Soaring through the cosmos like a living comet, the Silver Surfer, herald of the world devourer Galactus, debuted in the pages of Fantastic Four and blew the minds of a generation of Marvel fans. This strange, stoic alien entered as harbinger of destruction, but was touched by human compassion, leading him to rebel against Galactus. Now, for the first time ever, Stan Lee and Jack Kirby's original Silver Surfer stories are collected in one Epic Collection.

COLLECTING: FANTASTIC FOUR (1961) 48-50, 55, 57-60, 72, 74-77; MATERIAL FROM TALES TO ASTONISH (1959) 92-93, FANTASTIC FOUR (1961) 56, 61, ANNUAL 5 (SILVER SURFER EPIC COLLECTION VOL. 1)

My Review:


The first appearances and stories of the galactic Silver Surfer. A good collection of Fantastic Four comics from the 60s. If you like the FF, Silver Surfer, Galactus and you're willing to read the humorous language of the 60s (especially what comes from the Thing's mouth), then you'll be especially pleased with this collection! Stan Lee and Jack Kirby at their best...

New Pompeii (New Pompeii #1) by Daniel Godfrey

New Pompeii (New Pompeii #1)

In the near future, energy giant Novus Particles develops the technology to transport objects and people from the deep past to the present. Their biggest secret: New Pompeii. A replica of the city hidden deep in central Asia, filled with Romans pulled through time a split second before the volcano erupted.

Historian Nick Houghton doesn't know why he's been chosen to be the company's historical advisor. He's just excited to be there. Until he starts to wonder what happened to his predecessor. Until he realizes that NovusPart have more secrets than even the conspiracy theorists suspect.

Until he realizes that NovusPart have underestimated their captives...  

My Review:

Historian and not yet doctor Nick Houghton gets recruited by a mysterious energy company called Novus Particles in this thriller by Daniel Godfrey. Once recruited, he is flown to an undisclosed location where he is to help with the language and culture of the Romans in a replica town of Pompeii. The inhabitants have been pulled forward in time (right before Pompeii's complete destruction) without knowing that their world was about to be destroyed... NovusPart hopes to use this New Pompeii for trading and money making purposes.. But the Roman culture is very different from the 'outsiders' who've arrived to study and exploit them. Roman culture is very brutal and the author does a great job contrasting our world with theirs. Soon, some Romans start wondering about things that aren't the same anymore (namely large chickens and orange carrots, not to mention the missing sea).. they want answers and will stop at nothing to get them.

I wasn't expecting such a good book when I purchased it. There is a story within the story here as well, and it wasn't until the end that I saw how the author brought these two stories together. The idea of pulling people forward in time was pretty cool. The technology has its limitations however which makes it more interesting.

The characters were believable and and the author recreated Pompeii very well in his story. Even though it's been a few years since I've been to Pompeii, certain memories were able to be awakened.
The book had me almost biting my nails at times.

'New Pompeii' is definately worth reading if you are a fan of historical thrillers. The author did a great job bringing this town and the Roman culture alive. Fans of Sci-Fi will also enjoy the unique take on time travel and its possible paradoxes. Happy reading! 

Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman

Neverwhere






Under the streets of London lies a world most people could never dream of.

When Richard Mayhew helps a mysterious girl he finds bleeding on the pavement, his boring life changes in an instant. Her name is Door, she’s on the run from two assassins in black suits and she comes from London Below.

His act of kindness leads him to a place filled with monsters and angels, a Beast in a labyrinth and an Earl who holds Court in a Tube train.

It is strangely familiar yet utterly bizarre.

[This special edition presents Neil Gaiman’s preferred text for his extraordinary modern classic, illustrated for the first time (by Chris Riddell)

My Review:

Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman is a modern Fantasy tale about a young man named Richard Mayhew, who recently moved to London, and who is about to get himself into a world of trouble!

While walking with his fiancée, he stumbles across a beaten and bloody girl laying on the pavement. From the moment he decides to do 'the right thing' and helps this girl (named Door), his life is turned upside down. Richard finds himself nearly invisible to regular Londoners and finds out that his apartment is being renting out (with himself still in it) and that nobody at work ever remembers him being there. His journey to help Door will send him deep into the bowels of London Below. A London very different to one on the streets above.

I purchased the illustrated version of this book which was illustrated by Chris Riddell. I looked forward to his drawings and doodles on almost every second page. Without the illustrations, I would have given this book 4 solid stars, but the drawings brought the story to life and made the book that much more enjoyable to me.

This fantasy (which is directed at adults) was a very fun read and Neil Gaiman's humor shows throughout this book. A good example are the two evil assassins, Mr. Coup and Mr. Valdemar. Their banter and conversations brought a smile to my face even though I ended up hating them more and more. Both characters behave more like rabid animals, in that they live to kill and destroy. Mr. Croup is definitely the 'brains' of the operation, and his weirdness is accentuated by the fact that he also has a love for fine china.

Richard's journey takes him to strange angels, a court held in a moving subway train, and to a horrendous beast in a labyrinth.

This was (at the time) the first book of Neil Gaiman that I've read, and it has since put me on the path of reading other books by this awesome author!

This adult-oriented fantasy book is a fantastic read even without the illustrations. It's a tale of endurance, revenge, love, and double-crosses. I highly recommend this read to all of you which love urban fantasy. Get the illustrated version to add a bit more 'magic' to the experience.

Happy reading!!