Book Description
Why do some students in the United States make the most of college, while others struggle and look back on years of missed opportunities? What choices can students make, and what can teachers and university leaders do to improve more students' experiences and help them make the most of their time and monetary investment? And how is greater diversity on campus--cultural, racial, and religious--affecting education? How can students and faculty benefit from differences and learn from the inevitable moments of misunderstanding and awkwardness?
Two Harvard University Presidents invited Richard Light and his colleagues to explore these questions, resulting in ten years of interviews with 1,600 Harvard students. Making the Most of College offers concrete advice on choosing classes, talking productively with advisors, improving writing and study skills, maximizing the value of research assignments, and connecting learning inside the classroom with the rest of life.
The stories that students shared with Light and his colleagues about their experiences of inspiration, frustration, and discovery fill the book with spirit. Some of the anecdotes are funny, some are moving, and some are surprising. Many are wise--especially about the ways of getting the best, in classroom and dormitory, from the new racial and ethnic diversity.
Filled with practical advice, illuminated with stories of real students' self-doubts, failures, discoveries, and hopes, Making the Most of College presents strategies for academic success.
Customer Reviews:
So you've been admitted to a top school; now what?.......2007-06-13
If you are interested in this book, check out the hard-cover edition which is available both new and used for substantially less than the paperback.
I was introduced to this book by a friend who is heavily involved in undergraduate advising. I had not heard of Prof. Light or of this work previously, and I wonder whether it is less widely known than it deserves to be.
The title and cover of the book are a bit misleading. It could easily be mistaken for a self-help book and/or a book that covers a wide spectrum of college environments. For this, I fault the publisher rather than the author. Readers who come to it expecting one of the above will indeed find it lacking. It assumes students are motivated and goes from there. If you're looking for a book to provide motivation, this is not it.
The book in fact presents the results of ten years' research, primarily around Harvard undergraduates. To understand the context fully, one should read the first item of back matter, "The Assessment", first. There has been some attempt to generalize by involving faculty from 25 other institutions (which are neither named nor characterized), but the real focus is on Harvard.
There are good reasons for this. Harvard is a very selective place, and its administration has both the wherewithal and the motivation to make every student's experience as rich as possible in the full knowledge that for every student who disengages, there were ten other equally qualified applicants for whom there was not room. Thus, Harvard funded the study, the results are particularly applicable to it, and its own press published it. It is unrealistic to carp that the book wasn't about something else.
So who should be reading this book? Sadly enough, it should most be read by those Harvard faculty members who are not particularly interested in developing undergraduates to see what they're missing. Perhaps Harvard's recently-launched initiative in excellence in teaching will help; the question of advising remains murkier. Academic staff anywhere who aspire to do a better job in helping their students launch their adult lives are bound to find useful perspectives and practical nuggets. I think the book will be mostly lost on undergraduates; I wouldn't have understood it then, much as it might have been useful. Parents of high-potential college students might find it helpful in understanding what their children are going through, but to use it as a guide to advising their parentally-resistant (or, worse, parentally-dominated) offspring may be unproductive. Using it in a peer-advising context is a waste of time, as you can see from other reviews. I suspect there are good nuggets here for secondary school educators as well.
This book makes an interesting contrast with the more recent book, "Excellence Without a Soul" by Harry Lewis, who was the Dean of Harvard College during the time Light was finishing this book. Lewis's book reflects personal opinions on the same issues (and more); its underpinnings are based on his own experiences rather than the extensive interviewing process Light uses. Taking the two together provides even better insights than either separately.
Goodness: Among his many detailed points, Light talks (sometimes through the students) of the importance - and difficulty - of clear exposition in reporting on scientific research and of the value of evidence-based discourse, and this book provides an exemplar of both. The book is not heavy on theory with consequent bulky endnotes, and the bibliography is of reasonable size.
Quibbles: Light intermixes Harvard-specific terminology (e.g., proctor) with more generic equivalents (e.g., dorm supervisor) without making the connection for the reader. He presents most of his dilemmas from the viewpoint of a student in the social sciences, which are somewhat different from those encountered by students in the humanities or - especially - the natural sciences. There is so little indentation in the extended quotes from the students that it is sometimes hard to tell whose voice is speaking. The inner margins in both the hardcover and the paperback are so tight that it's hard to read without breaking the spine. And the editing could have been a bit tighter.
The above could easily reduce my rating by a star, but on balance I think the importance of the work and the clarity (if occasionally redundant) of the exposition overcome these. Perhaps I should say five stars if your desired frame of reference is a selective, research university, and four stars otherwise.
Better the second time around.......2006-06-02
The first time I read this book (in 2002) I wasn't at all impressed. As a student affairs professional, I kept thinking that Light (as is the case with most academics) basically ignored the role of student affairs as a significant source of student support and education. I also thought he was writing the obvious.
I re-read the book in 2005, however, and had a very different experience of it. Light refutes some of the "conventional wisdom" (such as the common feeling that it is best to get all of the "requirements" out of the way early) and backs up what he says with solid reasoning.
The major weakness of this book is it's focus on Harvard students as the research sample. The book would have gained considerable credibilty if Light had made a diligent effort to reach beyond Cambridge and beyond the Ivy League to learn what makes students at other kinds of campuses successful.
That being said, this is an important book for anyone who advises college students: faculty, academic advisors, and student affairs professionals. I would also recommend it for High School guidance counselors and parents. Students might or might not enjoy it; again, the Harvard focus could make it seem perhaps irrelevant to many.
Making the Most of Light.......2005-11-07
I am a peer academic advisor at a West Coast college. I was assigned this book as part of my peer advising training, so I read this book from the perspective of a student. Overall, I found the book mixed in its helpfulness to students.
Chapter 3, "Suggestions from Students", contains the bulk of practically useful information. The title itself underlines one of the book's key ideas: students learn from each other. While substantial student interaction occurs behinds classroom doors, Light notes correctly that "learning outside of classes, especially in residential settings and extracurricular activities such as the arts, is vital" (p. 8). More subtly, Light suggests that college leaders and other individuals must make conscious efforts to develop the kind of environment that facilitates symbiotic learning between students. He writes,
when students refer in their interviews to those that build campus culture, they do not just mean deans or residence hall directors or leaders of student organizations ... They are really characterizing _every student_, in the old-fashioned sense of believing that each person can make a difference by setting an example (p. 194, his emphasis).
Later, he continues,
deans and adults should convey to all incoming students that they have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience, in their college years, a new set of people with new ideas that may challenge their own. They should encourage students to see these few precious years as a special chance to meet, work with, and get to know others who are unlike themselves (p. 196).
So far so good. The rest of the book, I felt, was short on concrete advice for students. Here, I'll mention some thoughts that occurred to me while I was reading the book.
First, despite Light's claims, I am unconvinced that his results generalize. Light is a statistician by training, and I was surprised that he did not offer any comparative statistics to substantiate his claims; as such, his work may be more aptly called Making The Most Of Harvard (or more accurately, How Faculty Can Help Students Make The Most Of Harvard).
Second, not only does Light's results not generalize across colleges, he also does not provide evidence to show that they generalize across a diverse group of students (strange, since he devotes a large part of the book to diversity). There are no tables, graphs, charts, or summary statistics that back up his claim that his results generalize; in particular, the book focused mostly on students who are ex ante driven and motivated towards success - Light says nothing about the selection bias that arises from sampling a group of Harvard students, who are more likely than not to possess the characteristics necessary for success.
All in, I found Light's book informative, but unhelpful. I will not deny that there are lessons to be learnt if one puts some thought into it. As a peer academic advisor, however, much of the book was made up of clichés, platitudes, and findings that were irrelevant to my work. Faculty and administrators, however, may find the book more useful.
Pretentious .......2005-09-21
It should have been titled, Making the Most of Harvard: Students Speak Their Minds. We were required to read this book for an English writing class. Some of the suggestions in the book are helpful, like time management and getting help if you are not scoring well but only if you read this book *before* you go to college.
Light makes suggestions that may not be feasable, including finding a class with very few students because it will be benificial. Our class also felt that Light's suggestion of picking roomates according to race is ludicrous.
3.5 Stars... Worthwhile reading for/re incoming college freshmen.......2005-07-08
My son and I went through the college search process in the past year (he'll start college next month), and we actually had quite a good time doing the college campus visits, narrowing down his choices, etc. Now that he is about to start college, I fell upon this book by accident.
"Making the Most of College" is from some professor at Harvard whom I readily admit I've never heard about before. But the author actually makes a number of (seemingly) good points that I thought made a lot of sense (disclaimer: I did not go to college in the US but in Belgium, so I cannot easily compare it to "the old days"). The book does get tedious at times,and as such is not geared to/written for incoming freshmen but more for parents and teachers. I cannot imagine too many incoming freshmen reading through the whole thing (my son certainly did not), but I did discuss certain passages of the book with him. What good (if any) it will do him, who knows... only time will tell :-)
Book Description
Warrior of the Light: A Manual is an inspirational companion to The Alchemist, an international bestseller that has beguiled millions of readers around the world. Every short passage invites us to live out our dreams, to embrace the uncertainty of life, and to rise to our own unique destiny. In his inimitable style, Paulo Coelho helps bring out the Warrior of the Light within each of us. He also shows readers how to embark upon the way of the Warrior: the one who appreciates the miracle of being alive, the one who accepts failure, and the one whose quest leads him to become the person he wants to be.
Paulo Coelho is one of the most beloved storytellers of our time. Now, in the long-awaited companion to his first novel, Coelho presents a collection of philosophical stories that will delight and guide seekers everywhere.
Customer Reviews:
Very good book for self improvement.......2007-08-23
I have not finished to read the book, but I am satisfied with what I have seen.
Joe's Review.......2007-07-20
Book is somewhat repititous with a religious bent. After a while it became a bit boring.
Handbook for Living.......2007-04-26
Anyone who has read Paolo Coelho, knows how much wisdom there is in his words. This book of short passages are an excellent intro to Coelho if you have not read any other of his books. Wisdom for life, help through everyday issues and plenty of thoughtful insights for all kinds of situations. A must for anyone who ponders 'The Meaning of Life'.
One limping warrior .......2007-03-26
I found this book an immense pleasure. It relieves me of the need to think I must be perfect to be of any use. It can also be used as a daily meditation book. I find every page enlightening
Comfort reading.......2007-01-20
What I like most about this book is that it celebrates the journey of life by putting equal value upon the inevitable successes, failures, mistakes, heartbreak and joy we all experience along the way. The book imparts comfort along with it's wisdom, very important I think.
Amazon.com
From beloved award-winning author Max Lucado comes Traveling Light, refreshing words wrapped around the biblical passages of the 23rd Psalm to reenergize weary spiritual travelers. In his inimitable, pastoral voice that both soothes and exhorts, Lucado gently unpacks the verses of the psalm while helping readers lay down the burdens of doubt, anxiety, perfectionism, and fear. "You can't enjoy a journey carrying so much stuff," Lucado writes. "Why don't you just drop all that luggage?" Lucado mixes personal transparency with his trademark humor, offering uncomplicated counsel. Change your focus. Make time for rest. Know you are not alone. Be humble. Trust God. It's only when we set down our "luggage" and let God carry it for us, says Lucado, that we are free to share grace, offer comfort, and help lift the load of others. As you read Lucado's words and work through the study questions, you'll find your own load feeling a little lighter. --Cindy Crosby
Book Description
Weary travelers. You've seen them-everything they own crammed into their luggage. Staggering through terminals and hotel lobbies with overstuffed suitcases, trunks, duffels, and backpacks. Backs ache. Feet burn. Eyelids droop. We've all seen people like that. At times, we are people like that-if not with our physical luggage, then at least with our spiritual load. We all lug loads we were never intended to carry. Fear. Worry. Discontent. No wonder we get so weary. We're worn out from carrying that excess baggage. Wouldn't it be nice to lose some of those bags? That's the invitation of Max Lucado. With the Twenty-third Psalm as our guide, let's release some of the burdens we were never intended to bear.
Customer Reviews:
audio cassettee.......2007-08-23
would not play on my computer. Was for an older
pc. cound not use. Didn't realize it was such
an old version
Find True Peace.......2007-08-15
If you need rest for your soul read this book ... and of course, the book this book is about ... God's Word, the Bible. It's life-changing!
Traveling Light.......2007-05-14
Traveling Light: Releasing the Burdens You Were Never Intended to BearRate this a "10". Got a backpack full of worries, burdens, sruggles, heartaches, etc., you are lugging around? Read this book and learn how to lighten the backpack and leave it at home. This is one of his best books on learning how to live in this world and enjoy every second of living not only with yourself but with GOD. Makes a great gift. Again, Max should be considered the "Nora Roberts" of the religious genre.
One of Bests in Last 10years!.......2007-04-26
This treatment of the classic Psalm 23 is wonderful. The reader would come away from this book truly encouraged to travel light, indeed. This is a great work. I highly recommend it. We were never designed to shoulder our burdens. We must turn them over to God. This work is to that end.
lucado fans.......2007-03-09
I enjoy all Lucado's books - this one definitely made you look at things in a different point of view. Lucado is witty and makes your spiritual walk a bit more fun & personal, not so rules oriented and boring. I'd recommend all his books.
Book Description
In this masterful and often surprising sequel to the acclaimed Duane's Depressed, the Pulitzer Prize- and Oscar-winning author of Lonesome Dove has written a haunting, elegiac, and occasionally erotic novel about one of his most beloved characters. Duane Moore first made his appearance in The Last Picture Showand, like his author, he has aged but not lost his vigor or his taste for life.
Back from a two-week trip to Egypt, Duane finds he cannot readjust to life in Thalia, the small, dusty, West Texas hometown in which he has spent all of his life. In the short time he was away, it seems that everything has changed alarmingly. His office barely has a reason to exist now that his son Dickie is running the company from Wichita Falls, his lifelong friends seem to have suddenly grown old, his familiar hangout, once a good old-fashioned convenience store, has been transformed into an "Asian Wonder Deli," his daughters seem to have taken leave of their senses and moved on to new and strange lives, and his own health is at serious risk.
It's as if Duane cannot find any solace or familiarity in Thalia and cannot even bring himself to revisit the house he shared for decades with his late wife, Karla, and their children and grandchildren. He spends his days aimlessly riding his bicycle
(already a sign of serious eccentricity in West Texas) and living in his cabin outside town. The more he tries to get back to the rhythm of his old life, the more he realizes that he should have left Thalia long ago -- indeed everybody he cared for seems to have moved on without him, to new lives or to death.
The only consolation is meeting the young, attractive geologist, Annie Cameron, whom Dickie has hired to work out of the Thalia office. Annie is brazenly
seductive, yet oddly cold, young enough to be Duane's daughter, or worse, and Duane hasn't a clue how to handle her. He's also in love with his psychiatrist, Honor Carmichael, who after years of rebuffing him, has decided to undertake what she feels is Duane's very necessary sex reeducation, opening him up to some major, life-changing surprises.
For the lesson of When the Light Goes is that where there's life, there is indeed hope -- Duane, widowed, displaced from whatever is left of his own life, suddenly rootless in the middle of his own hometown, and at risk of death from a heart that also doesn't seem to be doing its job, is in the end saved by sex, by love, and by his own compassionate and intense interest in other people and the surprises they reveal.
At once realistic and life-loving, often hilariously funny, and always moving, though without a touch of sentimentality, Larry McMurtry has opened up a new chapter in Duane's life and, in doing so, written one of his finest and most compelling novels to date, doing for Duane what he did so triumphantly for Aurora in Terms of Endearment.
Customer Reviews:
Ugh........2007-09-07
Duane's Depressed was such a beautiful book. I should have stopped there. While reading When the Light Goes, I kept calculating how many pages I had until the end - I didn't know how McMurtry was going to dazzle me in the last few pages. Oh... He didn't. Yes, I agree - Skip this book - and read one of his other, wonderful tales.
Slender yes, but he still has it !.......2007-08-15
Yes, this is a slender book, full of blank pages, but the fact remains that a late in career Larry McMurtry not at his best is still way above 80% of the writers on the market today.
Worse Ever.......2007-08-08
This series should have ended with DUANE'S DEPRESSED. I have read several of McMurtrys books and it's hard to believe this is the same man who won the Pulitzer for LONESOME DOVE. The gross amount of profanity and the sex scenes did not add anything to the book. In fact, this book did not really add anything to the story line. It should have just ended with Duane flying off to Egypt in DUANE'S DEPRESSED.
TYPICAL McMURTRY.......2007-06-11
Very good read. Am proud owner of all Mcmutry's books. Since I am in the same age group as Duane I can relate to him quite a lot.
Pete
Snow on the Roof-fire in the chimmney.......2007-05-31
I enjoyed this book, even more then Duane's Depressed. I'm glad that there are books that celebrate that season of life. Enjoy.
Amazon.com
Welcome to Mitford, North Carolina, the small mountain town at the center of Jan Karon's bestselling novels about rector Father Tim and the heartwarming cast of characters surrounding him. This boxed set includes paperback editions of the first four books in the series: At Home in Mitford, A Light in the Window, These High, Green Hills, and Out to Canaan.
Book Description
Readers everywhere have discovered Mitford is good for the soul. Peopled with a lovable cast of characters and filled with mysteries and miracles, Mitford has become one of the most memorable small towns in recent literature.
Boxed set includes:
At Home in Mitford
A Light in the Window
These High, Green Hills
Out to Canaan
A New Song
A Common Life
Customer Reviews:
At Home in Mitford.......2007-09-28
So, far I have gotten through the first book for class. I am a person drawn to "story", so this book is one I am reading for my ISSUES OF INTERGRITY class at my seminary, and it really speaks to me (and its not that bad of a read either). Sometimes I am weary about the number of pages, yet the story itself about Father/Rector Tim keeps me glued for hours, which has not happened in a while. There is also a subtle irony in the title, because Tim doubts some in the book if this is where he should be or not. Its almost a transitory title, it could be called "For Now At Home In Mitford" - but I guess that would seem too long.. ha ha
The Mitford Years (1-6).......2007-09-28
Because of a sudden death in my family I haven't had time to read but about 1/2 of the first book (At Home in Mitford) in the boxed set. After reading only 1/2 of the first book I would recommend it highly
Wonderful Series.......2007-06-06
I have read this series myself and have given it several times as gifts. This purchase was a gift for my best friend. I previously gave it to my 102-year-old aunt, my mother and my neighbor. Everyone I know who has read these books, loves them.
AT HOME IN MITFORD BOX SERIES.......2007-06-01
THIS ORDER CAME VERY QUICKLY! IT WAS A VERY NICELY PACKAGED GIFT THAT I WAS PROUD TO GIVE. MOM WAS VERY HAPPY!
Absolutly Delightful!.......2007-05-07
This set of books set in Mitford are such a pleasure to read. Part way through you begin to feel like you, too, are a citizen of this wonderful town. Jan Karon sure can write! I would reccomend them highly.
Amazon.com
Rising divorce rates inspired Dr. James Dobson, founder and president of Focus on the Family, and his wife, Shirley, to author a devotional for couples in an attempt to strengthen the marriages of younger generations. Night Light: A Devotional for Couples contains six months of daily devotions stemming from the Dobsons' 40 years of marriage experience. Beginning on Sunday, an inspirational story addresses a relevant theme, such as communication, money, forgiveness, or conflict resolution, which is expounded upon throughout the devotions for that week. Scripture, probing questions, and short anecdotes encourage intimacy between the couple in an attempt to ward off stagnation and habitual laziness in spiritual growth. While the questions and suggestions will affect every couple differently, this devotional stimulates conversation about weighty issues of the heart and turns the head toward what matters for eternity. Knowing that most couples are too exhausted by the end of the day to analyze every facet of their marriage, however, the Dobson's have crafted the devotions to be completed within 10 minutes. One would expect this to be most helpful for newlyweds, but it is a revitalizing aide for those who have had poor communication throughout their marriage or are looking to refocus their marriage on Christ. Night Light is a wonderful way to set your mind on the Lord before turning out the light and for drawing closer to your mate in the process. --Jill Heatherly
Book Description
The challenge of sustaining an intimate, faith-based marriage in today's "hurry-up" society has never been greater. Now Night Light, the inspired, first-ever couples' devotional from Focus on the Family ministry founder Dr. James Dobson and his wife, Shirley, brings spouses together each evening, helping them stay connected with each other and their Lord. Stories that strike an emotional chord, Scripture readings, provocative questions, prayers, and personal commentary from the Dobsons encourage men and women in their homes and spiritual lives. More than just another devotional, Night Light is a practical, uplifting guide for every couple who longs to experience the joyous, intimate, "three-person" marriage covenant God intended.
Whether you’re just married or are celebrating your golden anniversary, you need regular, quiet moments with your mate - times to renew love and intimacy between each other and with the Lord. Night Light, by Dr. James Dobson and his wife, Shirley, will help you do just that. This daily devotional offers the personal, practical, and biblical insights that have sustained the Dobsons’ marriage for forty years and encouraged couples and families around the world. Let Night Light enrich your marriage, too -tonight and every night.
Customer Reviews:
Must Have!.......2007-08-22
My husband and I read this book our first 6 months of marriage and loved it! It also makes a great gift. Many couples who we have given it to have just raved about how much they enjoyed it too.
A true blessing.......2007-06-05
My husband and I had been married for 23 years and were Christians. We were feeling like we had grown apart and needed something to bring us back together. This book did it for us! Each night we read our pages together and answered, truthfully, the questions at the end. It opened a whole new chapter in our marriage and we have recommended it to all our friends. Matter of fact, we are going to read it again!
Great book, great stories, great idea.......2007-05-11
Devotional reading at night in our home used to be tiring. As a belated wedding gift we began to read this book together in place of some other books. We both enjoy the daily messages and the stories at the beginning of each week. Highly recommend this book. Each reading is 1-4 pages max. Helps in situations were your spouse tends to fall asleep.
Great Gift!.......2007-05-09
My husband and I recieved this as a wedding gift and loved it. We have purchased one for almost every couple we know who has gotten married since then!
Great book for couples!!.......2006-12-29
My husband and I have read this devotional and LOVED it!! The questions after the stories spark deep conversations and it's a great way to spend some one on one time with your spouse after a long day.
Customer Reviews:
everyday victory for everyday people.......2007-07-21
This book gives positive reinforcement to those persons participating in the First Place weight loss program. I recommend ths book to anyone who might be considering participating in the Christian based program.
Spiritual warfare--coming to a refrigerator near you.......2007-02-02
Wow! This is an excellent study--the second I have done in this series. The first was okay, but this one addressed issues in my life and in the life of the rest of the group that we all needed to work on. Working through each day's section of the study only took half an hour, but it dealt in refreshing ways with the topic of spiritual warfare. The accompanying memory verses were very relevant. The first one kept me going throughout: "What I am asking you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach." This study is not so much about transforming your waist line as it is changing you from the inside (heart, attitude, thoughts) outward. Everyone in our group, without exception found these studies to be outstanding.
good, but similar to other FP studies.......2006-03-09
So far, I'm enjoying the First Place program and the Bible Studies. This is our second study, and while it's easy and keeps me focused on my goal of keeping Christ first place in my life, the second study is not that different from the first. They aren't real deep studies, so they're perfect for someone who's just starting a new routine of daily Bible study. Others might want to get something deeper to use alongside the First Place studies. EVfEP is a great follow up to Giving Christ First Place.
Everyday Victory for Everyday People.......2005-10-15
This is the second of the First Place Bible studies that I have done. I find it easy to use, not consuming too much time, but providing MUCH food for thought. I especially love the CD's that accompany the studies that help with scripture memorization.
Another Victory in the First Place series!.......2005-03-29
They've done it again. The First Place bible studies continue to be my favorites. I love them because studies are easy to do, each lesson takes about 5 to 10 minutes each day. But they keep you thinking & learning all day long! Plus the Scripture Memory CD helps you learn 10 verses throughout the study. This one had a bit more hokey-sounding music, it was still good though. I highly recommend ordering this study & looking into joining an actual First Place group.
Book Description
Introducing a new title in the Procedures in Cosmetic Dermatology Series! This breakthrough reference presents up-to-the-minute, practical guidance on the use of lasers for skin rejuvenation, resurfacing, and hair removaledited by one of the top laser surgeons in the world, Dr. David Goldberg. Succinctly written and lavishly illustrated, this resource focuses on procedural how to's and offers step-by-step guidance on proper techniques, pitfalls, and tricks of the trade. An accompanying DVD shows clips of key techniques so readers can implement the newest procedures into their practice immediately.
Customer Reviews:
Lost order!!!.......2007-05-31
I have ordered 5 books on one setting. I have received 4 of them in 2 different shipments, but the last one is lost out there somewhere.(I was told that it would arrive before 23/5/07) I tried to track down where my order is but failed to locate it, any help that you guys can offer?
The above comment applies to Volume 2 of the Procedures series which I am yet to receive.
THE WAY TO LEARN ABOUT PROCEDURES.......2007-02-17
Cosmetic surgery laser books are a dime a dozen. This does not apply to this book. Its marvelous.
Product Description
Depression: A Stubborn Darkness is Dr. Edward T. Welch s latest release in a series of ground-breaking best-selling counseling books that include When People Are Big and God is Small, Blame It on the Brain?, Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave. Now in its third printing, Welch continues to further his reputation as an author who can speak to general consumers in a language they intuitively connect with on a deeply personal level. Endorsed by Joni Eareckson Tada, and Bob Lepine of FamilyLife, this book is targeted to the 18 million adult Americans who struggle with depression. Compassionate and compelling, the book lays out issues and answers with Welch s world view that faith needs to be interlaced with therapies and medication for conditions categorized as strictly clinical. The author weaves in questions scattered throughout the book to help the reader interact with the content and also offers suggestions for those who have loved ones struggling with depression.
Customer Reviews:
Very good .......2007-06-30
"When you are depressed, how can you take a step, let alone a journey? When all vital energy is devoted to staying alive and just making it to the next hour, how can you add anything else - like hope - to your day?" So begins this wise and compassionate book by Ed Welch. Whether you are a someone who struggles with depression yourself, or someone who desires to help those who do, Depression: A Stubborn Darkness will prove an informed and biblically-faithful resource.
The book is divided into an introduction and four parts.
Introduction. The first three chapters are introductory and begin with an empathetic note, describing "How Depression Feels" (chapter two) with a number of actual statements from those who have experienced depression. This chapter will help give understanding to someone who has never personally battled with severe depression. "Definitions and Causes" are described in chapter three, which differentiates between "situational depression" (less severe) and "clinical depression" (more severe), along with lists of possible symptoms for each.
Part One: Depression is Suffering. The seven chapters making up part one are Godward and hopeful, reminding us that depression is a form of suffering out which we can cry out to God for comfort and purpose. Welch doesn't try to make depression look less painful than it is. He faces it head-on. But neither does he let the lying voices of depression claim the day. Instead, he points the reader to God and Scripture (especially the Psalms), with gentle and hopeful reminders of God's love and sovereignty.
Part Two: Listen to Depression. Part two is especially helpful as the various contributing causes of depression are explored. These include other people, "Adam," Satan (chapter eleven), and culture (chapter twelve). Chapter thirteen gets to "The Heart of Depression" showing that depression is a result not simply of the "outside events" that "come at us," but also our "internal believes and interpretations . . . that come out of us" (p. 123). To deal with depression we must learn to address the "spiritual allegiances" of our hearts" which give rise to imaginations, desires, motives, thoughts, feelings, and actions. "The curious path to true life" says Welch, "is to grow in both the knowledge of God's love and your own sin" (p. 131). Chapter fourteen continues with "The Heart Unveiled," with following chapters exploring other causes of and collaborators with depression such as fear, anger, dashed hopes, failure and shame, guilt and legalism, and death. With each of these, the author walks the reader through the fog of confused feelings onto the sure-footed path of biblical truth about sin and grace.
Part Three: Other Help and Advice. In part three, Welch discusses medical treatments (chapter twenty-one) and gives helpful advice for the families and friends of those who are suffering from depression (chapter twenty-two). "To help a depressed person, you don't need expert knowledge. You do need an awareness of your own spiritual neediness, a growing knowledge of Jesus, and an eagerness to learn from others, including the person you would like to help" (p. 224). A particularly great chapter follows called "What Has Helped." It contains helpful insights from counselees about what first helped them begin to change, along with some specific strategies to try. The goal of the chapter is not to give an endless to-do list, but rather to "prime the pump" by giving ideas and strategies that have actually been helpful for depressed people. Chapter twenty-four is another honest, yet hopeful, look at "What to Expect" as one continues to battle against depression.
Part Four: Hope and Joy: Thinking God's Thoughts. The book finishes with two chapters on Humility and Hope (chapter twenty-five) and Thankfulness and Joy (chapter twenty-six). Potential readers should not feel daunted by the twenty-six chapters; each chapter is short and Ed Welch is an engaging writer with an easy prose. It is obvious that Welch has done his research, but the book isn't cluttered by clinical language. More than anything, reading this book feels like getting good advice from an kind and caring friend. As a pastor who sometimes struggles with discouragement and sometimes counsels those with more severe forms of depression, I found this a grace-filled book, loaded with hope and wisdom. I highly recommend it.
Excellent resource for small group use.......2007-03-12
Insightful. Short chapters make it ideal for small group/support group use. Catalyst for discussion.
Top Drawer!!! Very challenging and encouraging........2007-01-17
Ed Welch has been gifted by God to write in a humble yet powerful manner that grips the minds and consciences of those who read his works. His books including "Depression" challenge our thinking and actions with the authority of Scripture and at the same time he points out the great hope and encouragement that we have from the same Scriptures. He writes in a simple yet profound manner that does not draw attention to himself but directs the readers' attention where it should be: on God.
This is an excellent resource not only for those who struggle with "depression" but all people who go through difficulty and suffering in life. I guess that includes all of us.
wonderfully explainitory for the average person.......2006-07-26
Ed Welch is so talented in writing so that all readers, whether expert or novice, can relate and understand what he's talking about. I read so that I could better understand the struggles of a loved one going through depression and it greatly deepened my understanding and ignited my compassion. Highly recommended for anyone suffering from depression or loving someone who does.
Encouraging Balance.......2006-07-11
Dr. Ed Welch has taken some "hits" even from within his own "camp" for this thoroughly balanced and biblical approach to understanding, facing, and dealing with depression. Welch is neither "gaga" over medical diagnoses nor "knee-jerk" reacting against the possibility of medical causes for some depression. In this, he follows in the train of the Church Fathers, the Reformers, and the Puritans who all recognized and even suggested the possibility of physical/medical causes for depression.
Welch writes with a rare combination of compassion and challenge, buttressed by his spiritual theology of suffering--a sufferology. This is perhaps the greatest contribution of the book.
Readers looking for a thought-provoking approach to depression that addresses spiritual, relational, rational, volitional, emotional, and physical issues, will not be disappointed by "Depression: A Stubborn Darkness--Light for the Path."
Reviewer: Bob Kellemen, Ph.D., is the author of "Soul Physicians," "Spiritual Friends," "Biblical Psychology," "Martin Luther's Pastoral Counseling," and "Beyond the Suffering: Embracing the Legacy of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction."
Book Description
In this moving sequel to Even Now, Emily Anderson falls deeply in love with a young Army reservist who is about to serve in Iraq. At the same time, Emily’s parents seem on the verge of losing all they had gained. Will heartbreaking tragedy be the turning point for all of them?
Customer Reviews:
Love It!.......2007-08-31
This is the first book I have read by Karen Kinsbury and I love it. I found it difficult to put the book down. Its a love story that will make you cry.
A Tear Jerker that's worth reading........2007-08-06
This book, a sequel to Even Now, caused me to shed more tears than when I first read Black Beauty as a child. Yet, I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys an excellently written love story. It is a little slower than some of Kingsbury's other books, but it was definitely worth the read. I appreciate how the book illustrates the fact that most of our news reporters never show the good side of our troops' presence in Iraq. I feel the characters are realistic, and the story believable. Keep your tissues handy, you'll need them.
Unbelievable.......2007-07-21
Ever After by Karen Kingsbury is mainly a book of supporting the war and its servicemen. I completely support the war and agree totally with Karen's arguments, but I've heard them all before so it left me looking for how good the story was. The relationship between Justin and Emily was just too perfect that you couldn't identify with them. Justin is too perfect in all aspects that you couldn't connect with his character. Emily seemed more believable because you saw the determined way about her when she found her parents in Even Now. Also, it left you thinking they are perfect for each other, but when Justin dies all that love between each other seems wasted. Although Karen tries to make it a point that his death caused Joe (his best army buddy) to find Emily and become closer than friends. Well if Emily and Joe were meant for each other, than why'd Emily have to spoil her purity by kissing Justin earlier?
When Emily and Joe become close friends it all happens too predictable and quickly after Justin's death, even though it says 18 months later it really takes only five pages. Although I have to say at least Joe is a little easier to identify with because you saw his weaknesses, his emotional side.
Lauren's conversion to a right state of mind is about the only thing I liked about this book, besides the support for the troops. Though through the whole book you question why Shane still loves her when she can be such an annoying person.
The teen center is very unbelievable because the teenagers there can act like 16 or 10. Their attitude changes from completely emotional to acting like a tough-guy. Karen didn't show how much an impact Justin did on them when he was alive so it was hard to believe they would cry over his death. Plus, why would a nineteen year-old (Emily) spend time with teenagers maybe one or two years younger when they're depicted as near gansters? They call her "pretty mama" or "hot mama", I would most likely stay clear of them.
Though I have to say, I'm glad someone stepped up to support the war and its servicemen when there are so many who are blindly disagreeing.
5-star story.......2007-07-15
The novel raises important questions about both sides of the war issue, and gives thoughtful and thought-provoking responses to each side. It helped me to try to approach people with opposing views more considerately and lovingly. I believe reading this book would build bridges of understanding, no matter what one's opinion of war might be.
Gold Medallion Award Winner.......2007-07-10
Ever After was just awarded the BEST CHRISTIAN BOOK OF THE YEAR, Gold Medallion Award! Congratulations Karen!
-Rose Andrews
Books:
- Managing New Product and Process Development: Text and Cases
- Manipulating the Mouse Embryo: A Laboratory Manual
- Mass Spectrometry Data Analysis in Proteomics (Methods in Molecular Biology)
- Microbiology: A Human Perspective w/ARIS bind in card
- Molecular Biology of the Cell, Fourth Edition
- Molecular Biology of the Cell, Fourth Edition
- Molecular Biology of the Gene, Fifth Edition
- Molecular Biology of the Male Reproductive System
- Molecular Biotechnology: Principles and Applications of Recombinant DNA
- Moral Minds: How Nature Designed Our Universal Sense of Right and Wrong
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Here, There and Everywhere: My Life Recording the Music of the Beatles
- Every Man's Battle: Winning the War on Sexual Temptation One Victory at a Time
- A Sport and a Pastime: A Novel
- Art, Anti-Art, Non-Art: Experimentations in the Public Sphere in Postwar Japan, 1950-1970
- Artificial Life II: Proceedings of the Workshop on Artificial Life Held February, 1990 in Santa Fe,
- Biology, Sixth Edition
- Capone: The Life and World of Al Capone
- Making Modernism: Picasso and the Creation of the Market for Twentieth-Century Art
- A Handbook of Mexican Roadside Flora
- A Checklist of the Vascular Plants of Orange County, California
General
| Education
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
What the Best College Teachers Do
My Freshman Year: What a Professor Learned by Becoming a Student
How College Affects Students: A Third Decade of Research (Jossey-Bass Higher & Adult Education)
Student Success in College: Creating Conditions That Matter
Student Development in College: Theory, Research, and Practice (Jossey Bass Higher and Adult Education Series)
