Book Description
In this inspiring book (formerly
Seizing Your Divine Moment), Erwin McManus uses the biblical account of Israel's war with the Philistines (1 Samuel 13 and 14) and the characters of Saul and Jonathan to demonstrate the difference between living a life of purpose and adventure, and living one of apathy and missed opportunity. In the midst of a less-than-hopeful battle, Saul rested beneath a tree as Jonathan seized the divine moment that would impact the future of Israel. Through this story McManus artfully illustrates the eight characteristics of an adventurer's heart, what he calls "the Jonathan factor."
Using powerful examples from his own life and ministry, along with fresh biblical teaching, McManus asserts that God crafts divine moments specific to each of us-priceless opportunities for us to actively engage in God's plan. By developing the characteristics McManus outlines, Christians can move from mundane to miraculous living.
Customer Reviews:
Adrenal Spirituality........2007-09-15
Chasing Daylight: Seizing the Power of Every Moment is the"Red Bull" of devotional books, a passionate call to action. Erwin McManus is, in his own words, "a husband, father, writer, futurist, activist, artist, and a spiritual and cultural leader." Chasing Daylight embodies McManus' high octane approach to life and spirituality.
Chasing Daylight is an invitation to view Christianity as something more than mere "sin management." For McManus, faith is adventure, and each second of our life is an on-ramp to living life purposefully. McManus uses language that feels alien to a discussion of Christianity, but shouldn't--courage, initiative, risk, embracing uncertainty, influence, and movement. These traits should be the buzzwords of every believer.
The narrative of Jonathan and his shield bearer choosing to attack the Philistine camp without support (1 Samuel 14) makes up the backbone of the book. Pastor Erwin sees Jonathan as a temple of personal discipleship. We see a need that only a God-energized agent can meet and attack it. McManus calls this the Jonathan Factor, and he believes that this should be a standard feature of every Christ-follower.
Chasing Daylight is filled with personal stories from Erwin's personal life and from the life of his congregation. McManus has gone where he's calling others to go. His stories of starting out as a pastor and risking his financial security and reputation for the sake of God's calling gives him the credibility to dare others from their lives of complacency. The story of how his church, Mosaic, risked looking foolish in their quest to begin influencing north Los Angeles resonated deeply in me.
McManus also weaves references from pop culture and fictional diary entries of a mysterious character, Aydan, to simultaneously add familiarity and mystery to his book. Chasing Daylight is intense, urgent, and fast.
It's hard to find a fault with this book, other than it cost me some sleep. I started reading the book in bed, thinking I'd take in a chapter before falling asleep. However, McManus' writing pushed every leadership and motivational button in my body. It's like singing "Eye of the Tiger" to your infant as a lullaby. It's impossible to read this book with a detached perspective; you'll find yourself personally engaged in the call to spend your life well.
Chasing Daylight is a great book for anyone needing a jolt from complacency, living in a rut, or even laziness. This is the perfect gift for the graduates in your life who are just beginning to launch their adult lives.
Seize this book!.......2007-07-01
I recommend this book to everyone, young and old Christians alike! I read it, then my daughter, and then we bought more copies to pass along to her friends. McManus shares personal experiences to show how God STILL moves and wants us to MOVE for Him. You should take one more step of faith and buy this book!
It will change your life.......2007-04-03
If you are a born-again believer, this one will put feet to your Christian walk the likes of which you have not experienced. It will encourage you to live aggressively.
Drink this up.......2007-03-31
Caution! Reading this book may be hazardous to a stale, comfy faith!
Mcmanus is one of my favorite authors and this is one of my favorite books by him. If you've read Fearless Faith by John Fisher or Your God is Too Safe by Mark Buchannan...this is very similiar.
This book will stretch you. I encourage you to read, think deeply, and apply personally the main ideas presented in this book.
Nate Warren
Be Careful!!.......2007-01-09
Don't read this book if you are in love with the status quo. Don't read this book if you want to eek out a meager existence in the land of the mediocre! Erwin McManus takes a in-depth look at the risks that Jonathan took and translates that into challenges for the reader to make the same kind of difference in their world. Read Chasing Daylight if you want God to use it to spur you on to taking steps of faith.
Book Description
Your character, more than anything else, will impact how much you accomplish in this life. It is more important than your talent, your education, your background, or your network of friends. Andy Stanley helps you chart a course toward becoming a man or woman of character. You'll discover a definition of character that will inspire you for a lifetime, the external and internal benefits of strong character, the six false beliefs behind negative behaviors, and more. Using practical insights, biblical exposition, and engaging stories, Stanley guides you step-by-step in setting the personal goals that will build the foundation for true success.
The Secret to a Life with No Regrets
How important is your character? It determines everything about you! How much you will accomplish in life, and whether you are worth knowing. How you will respond to success, and how you will weather the inevitable storms of life.
This is a book about uncompromised living. It is about choosing every day to be a man or woman of integrity, a person whose actions speak louder than words. Bestselling author Andy Stanley challenges you to become what you were meant to be: a person whose commitment to doing the right thing, whatever the cost, will inspire others and change your world.
Story Behind the Book
As a pastor, I spend a substantial amount of my time with people who are digging themselves out from personal environmental catastrophesâcircumstances that were often years in the making but âtook them by surprise.â Another group of people have faced, or are facing, storms of life that are not of their own making, storms created by the character deficits of othersâstorms that are a natural part of a fallen world.
There, in the midst of unjust treatment and seemingly undeserved pain, the true character of a man or woman is revealed. What you see in such moments is what was really there all along. This book is about change. It’s about the process of taking raw materials and molding them, shaping them, and refining them into a finished product. Whether you know it or not, that process is happening in you. Your character, not your accomplishments or acquisitions, determines your legacy.
Customer Reviews:
Pastor's perspective.......2007-05-21
There is some good material in this particular book, however it was not as good as some of Stanley's other stuff. I found his book, "The Best Question Ever" more informative, with more of a practical application. Obviouly the man is an extremely talented writer.
So Practicle. So Applicable!.......2007-02-25
This book is a must-have for anyone, any age and any stage.
Louder Than Words.......2006-11-04
This book was so well written and so applicable to my life, but to be honest, it would be so for pretty much any body's life. And to be completely honest with you, Andy Stanley is such a great speaker and writer that I recomend just about any sermon or book by him. He has such a unique, but basic view on things and how they should be, and he is very well gifted in getting them across. He can make something as "everyday" as the Lord's Prayer not just interesting, but captivating. So, to get back to the book, If you're looking to not just improve your character but actually understand what character is, this is the book for you.
Even if you're not jealous, angry, greedy, prideful, or dishonest..........2006-05-19
I challenge you to read this book. Even if you are none of the things above, chances are you know someone who is. So buy the book for them (but read through a bit yourself).
Andy writes like a person carrying on a conversation with you. He constructs scenarios that leave you with a handful of questions, and then he answer them one at a time with practical advice and scriptural support.
This is a book about integrity and character. Andy provides real solutions that you can start implementing in your life immediately to start combating each character issue. You will see yourself, and the people around you, very differently after reading this book. You won't regret this change.
I bought this book for each of the 11th grade guys in my small group. If you are a father, I recommend buying 2 copies and reading it along with your teenage son or daughter. Maybe schedule coffee every other week, and discuss one chapter per sitting.
Andy says that every day you are either growing closer to, or further away, from the person you want to be. This book is a guide for those who desire to be deliberate about becoming the person they wish they were all along.
The book on godly character development !! :0) AA +++.......2005-12-29
This is a great book to read on Christian character development, what it means to grow gracefully in the Lord, to learn about poise and elegance from the liberation of being obedient to God (and they are not burdensome :) , how our reverence to the Almighty slowly changes our character and our willingness to go through such changes in light of a person's reverence for God. Character is a reflection of our inner being. Stanley includes appropriate biblical passages, it is a must read book for anyone who wants to develop their character to the likeness of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ.
Book Description
Whether you are a businessperson, a homemaker, a student, or a head of state, author Myles Munroe explains how you can make your dreams and hopes a living reality. Your success is not dependent on the state of the economy or what the job market is like. You do not need to be hindered by the limited perceptions of others or by a lack of resources. Discover time-tested principles that will enable you to fulfill your vision no matter who you are or where you come from. You were not meant for a mundane or mediocre life. You do not exist just to earn a paycheck. Revive your passion for living. Pursue your dream. Discover your vision--and find your true life.
Customer Reviews:
Vision and purpose understood.......2007-09-12
If you want to really, fully understand how and why one is given a Christian spiritual gift like purpose and vision you will truly enjoy reading this book....it's hard for me to put it down...and I'm only into the 3rd chapter. Myles Monroe has been given a rare gift of explaining the actual "mechanics" of various spiritual gifts in terms that are so plain and understandable....I've read his book on prayer as well "Understanding the Purpose and Power of Prayer" it was TERRIFIC!! I can't wait to order another one of his books when I get through with this one.
Great & Inspiring.......2007-02-19
I can't get enough of this book, every page is an "aha" moment. It's taking me to the next level. I think the book was written just for me, answering/addressing the questions I've had & couldn't seem to figure out the answers.
A spiritually motivational booster shot!.......2006-11-10
Myles Munroe has done it again! In his own uniquely simplistic way of informing people who are searching, of the principles in scripture which help us to move forward in the purpose that God has given each of us. Munroe shows us how to identify the talents that God has given us and to utilize them to our fullest potential. This book along with the study guide helps the reader to remain on track in regard to prioritizing what is really important in life. The fulfillment of our individual purpose for being. It's not about competition, it's about purpose!!
Excellent.......2006-10-10
I had the opportunity of taking a class on this book. The book is awesome. It made me think seriously on somethings I wanted to do in my life. One statement in this book was, "Stop procrastinating and hoping you will eventually get somewhere in life. Decide whether you're going to get a curse or a blessing." Revelation 3:15-16
I decided I would rather have a blessing and began to focus more towards my purpose in life. Knowing that God is my source and He would never give me a vision or assignment that I am not equipped for.
I also liked the Chapter Principles at the end of each chapter (ie. "If you don't have a plan, God doesn't have anything specific to direct you in.").
Life Changing.......2006-03-25
You find yourself looking at YOU & what YOU can accomplish in a totally new light.
Many revelations on LIFE & your purpose in it.
Book Description
Renowned speaker Michael Youssef shows how one person can become a dynamic and far-reaching force for good in the world. Bombarded with negative influences, believers can feel beaten down and powerless to rise above the opposition that surrounds them. But each person can become a transforming force for good in this often-chaotic world, as dynamic speaker and writer Michael Youssef demonstrates in DISCOVER THE POWER OF ONE--an inspiring how-to guide for individuals desiring to take a strong stand for godly behavior, biblical truth, and right attitudes. He helps readers maintain their identities, challenge the status quo, experience God's rewards, overcome life's tests, and stand on a sure foundation of absolutes. Youssef urges readers on to victory--one by one, the righteous will prevail.
Customer Reviews:
Inspiring, Deeply Educational, A Godly Masterpiece.......2007-09-06
This book has taught me aspects of the Bible that were unknown to me, as a person who is trying to learn the way to know God. Dr. Youssef is brilliant in the way he presents his lessons, combining Biblical passages with aspects of modern life. This is a must-read for anybody who wants to improve the knowledge of The Bible, as a way to develop an intimate relationship with God.
Challenging.......2007-05-13
This is a must read book for every christian and it would be a benefit to any other person too. It makes a person think through their whole approach to life and its many challenges.
Len Maycock (Retired Baptist Pastor)
Discover the Power of One.......2007-05-12
This book gives new insight into how one person makes a difference in representing ourselves to the people around us
The Power of One - review.......2007-04-05
The Power of One is an excellent book. I really enjoyed the "read."
Scott Hargrove
Discover the Power of One.......2007-03-31
It is a perfect gift for two people to whom I am giving the books (got 2 copies) whose lives are in different ways associated with the book of Daniel in the Bible. It consists of 31 short chapters; one can be read each day of the week for a month.
Average customer rating:
- Great book and a completion to Third Option
- Good story
- Another Winner
- Just as good as the last three
- The new king in town
|
Separation of Power (Mitch Rapp Novels)
Vince Flynn
Manufacturer: Pocket Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 United States
| World Literature
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
| 18th Century
| 19th Century
| 20th Century
| African American
| Asian American
| Classics
| Collections & Readers
| Drama
| General
| Hispanic
| History & Criticism
| Humor
| Jewish American
| Letters & Correspondence
| Native American
| Poetry
| Short Stories
| Women Writers
Contemporary
| General
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
Political
| Genre Fiction
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Thrillers
| Mystery & Thrillers
| Subjects
| Books
Spy Stories & Tales of Intrigue
| Thrillers
| Mystery & Thrillers
| Subjects
| Books
Suspense
| Thrillers
| Mystery & Thrillers
| Subjects
| Books
Similar Items:
-
Transfer of Power
-
The Third Option
-
Memorial Day
-
Term Limits
-
Consent to Kill: A Thriller
ASIN: 0671047337 |
Book Description
CIA superagent Mitch Rapp is back in action in this high-velocity adventure from the master of the political thriller, Vince Flynn.
SEPARATION OF POWER
CIA director Thomas Stansfield is dead -- a fact many individuals in and around the nation's capital are pleased to hear. But their happiness proves to be short-lived once they learn that Stansfield's successor is the late director's close friend and protégé, Dr. Irene Kennedy. Her plan of action is to pursue the very goals Stansfield established -- something Stansfield's fiercest enemies don't want to hear. And something they refuse to accept.
Meanwhile, Israel has discovered that Saddam Hussein is close to entering the nuclear arms race -- and they've vowed to stop the Iraqi madman before he can get his hands on the ultimate weapon. With the Middle East teetering on the precipice of chaos and devastation, the president of the United States is forced to act. The commander in chief's secret weapon? None other than the CIA's top counterterrorism operative, Mitch Rapp. But the window for action on this crucial mission is incredibly tight. Israel has given the United States only two weeks to take the nukes out. After that, they'll do whatever it takes to destroy the weapons themselves. With the haunting specter of World War III looming, Rapp races against time and impossible odds -- navigating the deadly alleys of Baghdad, tearing through the corruption-riddled streets of Washington, D.C., and taking drastic measures against anyone who gets in his way.
With action that sizzles and true-to-life insider detail, Separation Of Power showcases New York Times bestselling author Vince Flynn at his shell-shocking best.
Download Description
CIA superagent Mitch Rapp is back in action in this high-velocity adventure from the master of the political thriller, Vince Flynn. SEPARATION OF POWER CIA director Thomas Stansfield is dead -- a fact many individuals in and around the nation's capital are pleased to hear. But their happiness proves to be short-lived once they learn that Stansfield's successor is the late director's close friend and protégé, Dr. Irene Kennedy. Her plan of action is to pursue the very goals Stansfield established -- something Stansfield's fiercest enemies don't want to hear. And something they refuse to accept. Meanwhile, Israel has discovered that Saddam Hussein is close to entering the nuclear arms race -- and they've vowed to stop the Iraqi madman before he can get his hands on the ultimate weapon. With the Middle East teetering on the precipice of chaos and devastation, the president of the United States is forced to act. The commander in chief's secret weapon? None other than the CIA's top counterterrorism operative, Mitch Rapp. But the window for action on this crucial mission is incredibly tight. Israel has given the United States only two weeks to take the nukes out. After that, they'll do whatever it takes to destroy the weapons themselves. With the haunting specter of World War III looming, Rapp races against time and impossible odds -- navigating the deadly alleys of Baghdad, tearing through the corruption-riddled streets of Washington, D.C., and taking drastic measures against anyone who gets in his way. With action that sizzles and true-to-life insider detail, Separation Of Power showcases New York Times bestselling author Vince Flynn at his shell-shocking best.
Customer Reviews:
Great book and a completion to Third Option.......2007-07-25
Third Option was a good book, but incomplete until you read this book in followup. I'd stress they would probably be better together as one book, but that's just my 2cents. Great action, drama, plot development etc... Everything I want in my "escape" from reality. A+++++
Good story.......2007-07-23
I have really grown found of Vince Flynn and his stories and the characters in them. I listen to them when I drive from one end of California to another and am never bored.
Another Winner.......2007-05-06
If you liked Tom Clancy's books and the Jack Ryan series, you will love Vince Flynn. If you like "24" and Jack Bauer, Buy them all now. Don't make the mistake I did and buy just one. I had to wait for the others to arrive, after doing another order. Just buy what is available now, and be prepared for an exciting ride. Fighting terrorism the way it should be.
Just as good as the last three.......2007-02-19
Having discovered Vince Flynn and his addictive writing style, I admit I'm hooked. I can't wait to get to the next book.
The new king in town.......2007-01-22
I borrowed my first Vince Flynn book from the "library" at work. I was hooked. Vince Flynn writes about the same subjects as Clancy. I have liked Clancy from the start but he is often too nitpicky about the minutia of his subject matter, often to the detriment to the story. Whereas Flynn gives just enough detail to lend credibility to his writing.
Nobody doubts Clancy is an insider in the community and Flynn leaves no doubt he is one too.
His stories are fast paced and a VERY good read. I recommend ANY book by him. Clancy writes about the Russian cold war, Flynn writes about the war on terror. His main character, Mitch Rapp, is undeniably a complete Bad***, I loved the Jack Ryan character, but time to retire Jack, Mitch is in town.
Book Description
It's about the absolute need to know how to minister to yourself. There is a "selfless" emphasis in the Body of Christ that actually works against the gospel ndash; people believe that anything to do with self is sin. Not so. If I don't take care of my walk wi
Customer Reviews:
A MUST READ.......2007-08-24
This book is a "must read". If you are just thinking about getting it and aren't sure, I'm here to tell you it's worth every penny. It's an easy read, but profound at the same time. Whether you are a professional minister or minister non-professionally (which that is all Christians responsibility), this book will help you Strengthen Yourself In the Lord. Practical words, Godly words, and words of vision for your life. Loved it!
Thanksgiving.......2007-08-21
I am currently reading this book, it continues to show me ways in which I need grow in my daily walk.
kick discouragement & change your life immediately.......2007-07-04
Religion and life discourage us at every turn. Unanswered prayers can gender such offense that we retreat inwardly while going through the external religious motions. This book has been the greatest encouragement to me in all my 27 years of ministry. If you want your thinking "re-aligned" get this book! It's a short, simple read which is a bonus.
nothing earthshaking from my perspective........2007-06-27
WHEN HEAVEN INVADES EARTH was truly a great book. for me, this one did not reach those heights.
yes, we need to encourage ourselves in the Lord. God is not going to do that for us. we need to have a faith that is proactive on our behalf. i agree. being thankful. yes. keeping in mind all that the Lord has done. yes. doesn't the Holy Spirit move us to do these things on the inside if He truly lives in us? don't these things emanate naturally from our love and hunger for God? but then...what?
flashes of revelation here perhaps, but not a page turner i'm sorry to say. some good reminders, but not much new for me. milk. disappointing.
Great principles to help ourselves in this journey of faith........2007-06-12
This book came at a time where I needed to learn how to strengthen myself in the Lord. Johnson brings out great principles and also shares portions of his life and what God taught him through them. As Johnson said, these areas that he writes about are not exhaustive, but they are areas that have been more common to him to deal with.
One area that Johnson writes about is that we need to protect ourselves from things that can distract us or discourage us, or take us away from the Word of God and His promises. I think this is very applicable today especially when we have so many differing views about things, and we can easily get distracted. Also, it seems in some circles that knowledge is their "god" but trying to accomodate every view and perspective can lead us eventually astray. We need a healthy sense of "denial". Logic and reasoning cannot be held higher than God.
Below are some great statements that Johnson made in this book:
- God is not responsible for making us reach our potential (p. 25).
- It is impossible for anyone to reach his ultimate destiny in life without learning to minister to himself (p. 27).
- My job is to trust my heavenly Father with the problems and situations I don't understand, and focus on stewarding my will to what I know to be true. My success in watching over my heart determinies the measure of Kingdom breakthrough I will experience in life (pg. 34).
- The tests that David endured were tests that specifically addressed his ability to keep focus on his identity and purpose. He was tested by coming into circumstances that directly contradicted God's Word over his life (pg. 39).
- God never sets us up to fail - only to grow (pg. 41).
- God not only prepares us for conflict, He leads us right into it (pg. 46).
- Difficulty has a way of exposing the degree to which our lives and minds have been truly transformed by a heavenly perspective for certain responses to be habitual (pg. 52-3).
- Try to live in such a way that nothing ever gets bigger than our consciousness of God's presence (pg. 60).
- It becomes really hard to stay depressed about your circumstances when you're filled with the awareness of the love and goodness that surrounds and infuses your life (pg. 61).
- By lining my physical body up with what the Word said, I brought my whole being into agreement with the truth (pg. 69).
- Desperation is not always an expression of faith (pg. 88).
- Every generation that stopped walking in their covenant with God did so because they forgot His works (pg. 111).
- The standard we set for ears also determines our ability to strengthen ourselves because strengthening ourselves begins with our choice to listen to God's voice more than any other (pg. 122).
- Not all ungodly counsel comes from the ungodly (pg. 125).
Customer Reviews:
The Power of Your Words Review.......2007-08-23
Bought this for a friend who is in a verbally abusive relationship - read it myself and it is truly inspirational. It has changed the way I think about my communication with everyone, especially those closest to me.
I like Robert Morris' writing style.......2007-01-09
The book serves to heighten our awareness as to the power of life and death in our words. Doesn't get too deep in any one area, and has a helpful chapter on praying in the Spirit. This is encouraging to those of us who would like to receive the gift of a prayer language.
The Power of Your Words: How God Can Bless Your Life Through the Words You Speak.......2006-11-09
This book is a powerful testimony of how God can work through an individual's life to change so many other individuals lives. Everyone in America need to read this book, if nothing more than to know that we do not have the freedom of speech in the Kingdom of God as it relates to each other, particularly negative speech.
Sincerely,
Be Blessed.......2006-09-25
This book presents how powerful "words" are to everything and every area in your life. Any parent or spouse will find this book to be extremely helpful in having a home that is full of love, respect, and discipline. Rev. Morris shares such straight forward renderings of his heart and adherence to the word of God, that is is entirely refreshing. It is a book that I can hardly put down, but do for a short while so that I can absorb all the wonderful "words of life" into my spirit. Be blessed.
Awesome book!.......2006-08-22
This is the third book we have read from Robert Morris. We actually use his books and videos for a home fellowship group we lead. The Biblical truths that Robert Morris teaches through his books and videos have been life changing for us and many others as well. I highly recommend his books!
Book Description
Drawing on her years of training in theater and decades of teaching, Van Bergen unveils the secret of using your own archetypes to find and develop already-existing characters. This approach has little to do with how to "create" characters or plot stories. Rather, is is more about how to find your characters and story archetypes, or even how to have them find you - using specific skills taught in the book.
Customer Reviews:
Archetypes for Every Artist.......2007-10-08
In "Archetypes for Writers", Jennifer Van Bergen has created a practical guide that succeeds in helping writers and other artists challenge themselves on a number of levels. The process that she developed evolved from a fusion of the work of many great thinkers, such as Marcel Proust, Carl Jung, and Joseph Campbell. For this reason, the exercises in "Archetypes for Writers" are deeply self-reflective and allow the reader to explore their own psychology and personal philosophies, as well as those of other people, in a way that allows the artist to expand their mind and allow new personalities and characters to come forth.
The techniques detailed in the book are written from the perspective of her experience in teaching them in writing classes. (Incidentally, Van Bergen offers an Internet course on the archetypes process that is quite impressive.) Her method of writing allows each reader to take what they need from the book. It is as engaging for seasoned writers as it is for those who are just starting. Teachers will find Van Bergen's teaching experiences quite useful when incorporating these methods into their own curricula.
"Archetypes for Writers" is the overview for a set of exercises that can take years to master. They are a critical ingredient for individual psychological development, as well as fictional character development. Every artist who reads this book will find the entrance to one of the paths that lead toward full and mature creative work.
-Brandon Batzloff
Free Voices Magazine
Using our subconscious to create more consciously.......2007-08-28
One of last year's films, Pan's Labyrinth, was acclaimed for its powerful story and images. Writer and director Guillermo del Toro has commented, "When you have the intuition that there is something which is there, but out of the reach of your physical world, art and religion are the only means to get to it."
He acknowledged using two levels of thought in his work as an artist: "One is conscious and the other unconscious or subconscious..."
Jennifer Van Bergen affirms that writing "takes place in the subconscious, which actually operates as an independent mind."
In her book, she provides information on how our subconscious works, and details strategies and specific exercises on "doing archetypes" to make more of that "independent mind" available to enrich our writing or other forms of creative expression, and better understand the wealth of our hidden depths.
A journey worth taking.......2007-07-07
It has now been about six years since I first signed up to take Jennifer Van Bergen's class 'Act to Write' - an earlier incarnation of Archetypes for Writers. The class was online and so I went into it without being able to meet Jennifer in person. At the time there was no book and I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I certainly had no idea of the impact that this work would have on my writing and in fact, my life.
Immediately I found the material and the class to be riveting. We started with Character Facts and it became clear very quickly that I was not used to separating out what was observable in someone from my own subjective impressions. I was used to describing a person in terms that assumed everyone sees and thinks the way I do. Along with the humbling quality of this discovery, it was also a relief to realize that there was a truth to see when observing people - and that I was being given tools and a framework with which to find that truth.
After that class I went on to do advanced work with Jennifer, both in a small group and individually. I am so glad that there is now a book that encapsulates this work and makes it accessible in a way it was not before. The book is set up to guide the reader through the steps of acquiring the necessary tools and then learning how to use them. What also comes across loud and clear in the book is the generosity and excitement that is always a part of Jennifer Van Bergen's teaching method. You can almost hear her talking to you, explaining things and encouraging you.
Archetype work not only informs my writing - I read differently, I see people differently on the subway and in the grocery store. It is impossible to forget for one moment that everyone has a story. For me, that's where the life-changing part of this work comes in.
Examples of monologues, dialogues, and effective scripts throughout.......2007-06-17
Years of training in theatre and decades of teaching lends to the author's unique approach of how to utilize personal archetypes to fuel stories - and how to find such archetypes. Screenwriters and any library catering to them will find ARCHETYPES FOR WRITERS: USING THE POWER OF YOUR SUBCONSCIOUS packed with exercises and keys to utilizing them successfully, from understanding character facts and dialogue to underlying psychology. Examples of monologues, dialogues, and effective scripts throughout lend body and insight to an excellent survey essential for screenwriters who want to get the most from their efforts.
Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch
Very deep character work.......2007-05-19
You might think that this book is just another retread of the Campbellian ideas popularized by The Hero's Journey, but you'd be very much mistaken. Jennifer Van Bergen resurrects the ancient skill of arkhelogy or `doing archetypes': discovering an imprint of a pattern of human behaviour (=an archetype) in a person we observe.
Arkhelogy is a global skill, with a number of component skills, all of which must be mastered. Doing this will lead you to your deepest places in your being and potentially stretch your writing abilities. The skills are Character Facts (impartially observing facts about someone), Universal Drives (discerning universal drives in people), Discrepancies (noticing differences in a person between words and deeds), Analogues (focussing on similarities between two people or events), Being In The Moment, Universes of Discourse (identifying two different worlds within a film, their laws and points of contact), Emotional Access Work, Ectyping (taking a particular thing and generalizing it) and Isotyping (looking for something similar to the ectype but with a different origin).
Make no mistake, this is a difficult book. Van Bergen invents a lot of new words, and the New Age concepts she uses are hard to understand correctly. They do teach you to observe in a new and profound way, however. Still, to get the most out of them, taking a course or workshop with Ms. Van Bergen or someone who's mastered her theory will probably be most effective. Nevertheless, several of the exercises here will be very valuable to any writer.
Customer Reviews:
Grades 1 and 2.......2005-10-13
Kanji Power presents the level 1 and 2 joyo kanji, which Japanese kids learn in their first two years of school. Learning by frequency of occurence (such as with many of the kanji cards available) may be a better approach, depending on your goals. If you want to read children's books and the like, go with the joyo ordering -- you'll get furigana for higher-level kanji.
The presentation is fairly rote, like how it's taught in the schools, which will prove more effective for some than others. I personally need mnemonics and am interested in how the kanjis came to be, but I have Kanji Pictographix and Read Japanese Today for this purpose.
not for beginners.......2005-02-22
i am currently living in japan, studying japanese. i bought this before coming in order to study kanji. the book expressly advertises itself as a beginners book, but it isn't. when studying any individual kanji, you are expected to remember many more difficult kanji for each "6 kanji" check test. personally, i cannot remember kanji without writing it. i have showed the book's check tests to japanese co-workers who say they are really difficult, and they are fluently bilingual. i now study with kids drill books, grade one and two, and kanji power is useful as a dictionary with these drills, but as a stand alone book, it is incredibly intimidating.
My favorite kanji book.......2004-05-10
I have a bunch of kanji books, but Kanji Power is my favorite. I'm not a big fan of the kind that give you mnemonics to help remember the kanji, because then the mnemonic is just another thing to remember. I do pretty well with just plain memorization.
For each kanji entry, the following details are provided: on-yomi, kun-yomi, meaning, explanation of the character's shape, example sentences, common compounds, and writing practice (with tips on writing them correctly). I like that the readings are written in kana, because I'm always suspicious of romaji. Also, it helps me remember them better.
There are also quizzes and tests, but I don't find them useful. While all the kanji compounds it tests you on are listed in the kanji entry, they're not words I find very useful or common. For example, the entry for "shi/ichi" (city, market) includes these "common" compounds: "shikyou" (market conditions), "shichou" (mayor), "shiyakusho" (city hall), and "kabushiki-shijou" (stock exchange).
Personally, I like Hadamitzky and Spahn's way of showing compounds. Only compounds with kanji that have been learned previously are used. That way, even if the words aren't so common, you can write the whole word. However, I don't like the way they order the kanji, and learning them out of order makes that feature pointless.
Kanji Power Has Many Features.......2000-06-23
This book shows where not to make mistakes when writing characters(lines sticking out in wrong places, how to space lines)and has plenty of example sentences. It has many tests to see how you are doing. However, material in the tests are sometimes different than actual studied material. Full reading of kanji are given in the book.
Average customer rating:
- Just who is Power Girl anyway?
- needs focus
- Geoff Johns makes DC's most confused hero somewhat sensical
- A Long, Strange Trip...
- Well thought out character
|
Power Girl
Geoff Johns ,
Paul Levitz , and
Paul Kupperberg
Manufacturer: DC Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Teens
| Subjects
| Books
| Authors, A-Z
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Health, Mind & Body
| History & Historical Fiction
| Horror
| Literature & Fiction
| Manga
| Mysteries
| Reference
| Religion & Spirituality
| School & Sports
| Science & Technology
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Series
| Social Issues
General
| Graphic Novels
| Comics & Graphic Novels
| Subjects
| Books
Superheroes
| Graphic Novels
| Comics & Graphic Novels
| Subjects
| Books
DC Comics
| Publishers
| Comics & Graphic Novels
| Subjects
| Books
Superheroes
| Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery & Horror
| Literature
| Children's Books
| Subjects
| Books
Similar Items:
-
Supergirl Vol. 1: Power
-
Infinite Crisis (DC Comics)
-
Supergirl Vol. 2: Candor
-
Superman: Sacrifice (The OMAC Project) (Infinite Crisis)
-
Superman: Infinite Crisis
ASIN: 1401209688 |
Customer Reviews:
Just who is Power Girl anyway?.......2007-01-20
The publisher, DC Comics, has been doing so much retconning (retroactive continuity revisions) in the last twenty years that in some cases, a fan who enjoyed comics in 1986 or 1995 would find today's characters, even though they go by the same names and look the same, unrecognizable. This volume, a collection of previously-published material, is an essential read for today's fan to have any idea what this character has undergone since her introduction thirtysome years ago. Various artists' and writers' work is reprinted; the quality is uneven, but enough is excellent (the art of Amanda Conner in particular) for this purchase to be worthwhile.
needs focus.......2007-01-06
This is a prime example of how Dc has a tendacy to overfil it's roster of superheros.I mean,this character never would have gotten a different writer and origin every few years if she was a marvel character.Marvel would of examined her flaws and defined her powers better,Dc seems to care more about putting a set of muscles or curves into a colorful suit and calling that a hero than doing the nitty-gritty of character developement.Still,the comic is interesting as an unintentional spoof of DC.
Geoff Johns makes DC's most confused hero somewhat sensical.......2007-01-02
Power Girl, for those of you who don't know, is Superman's blonde haired Kryptonian cousin who shares similar super powers. Now I know what you're thinking, "isn't that Supergirl?". Well, yes and no. Power Girl is the cousin of the man of steel, only from a different universe. See, in the mid-80's, DC had a mess on their hands. They had multiple Earth's in their universe, each containing different versions of various heroes and villains. Power Girl is the cousin of the Earth-2 Superman, and when DC did their Crisis on Infinite Earths maxi-series, which destroyed every different Earth except Earth-1, she still managed to survive, with no memory of her true origin. Over the years, her origins have been played with (Atlantean? Really?), but DC writer extraordinairre Geoff Johns (Flash, JSA, Green Lantern, Infinite Crisis) attempts to fix some of the past tinkerings with Power Girl. The bulk of this TPB contains the first four issues of JSA Classified, which finds our busty heroine questioning herself, and getting a taste of her true past when she comes face to face with the only person in the world who really does remember where she came from: the Psycho Pirate. Johns is at his near best here taking convoluted past material and making the most out of it (and even introduces more aspects including an appearance from the Legion of Super Heroes), while Amanda Conner provides decent enough pencils to provide for the most of cheese cake shots. There are some older stories thrown in at the beginning of the TPB as well so new readers can get a taste of just how much Power Girl has been tinkered with over the years, and the climax even sets the stage for the cataclysmic events of Infinite Crisis. All in all, if you're a fan of Power Girl, the Crisis books, or Johns himself, this TPB is worth picking up.
A Long, Strange Trip..........2006-11-03
This edition is a great collection of several key phases of Power Girl's storylines, beginning with her first in Showcase in the 1970's. She's unique among comicbook characters - she's essentially a knock-off of a company's own character (Supergirl), which in turn was a knock-off of yet another charcter owned by the same company (Superman)! And oddly enough, these 'knockoffs' quickly became their own charcters, though Power Girl did a better job earlier on than Supergirl did.
Power Girl's other unique feature is her roulette-wheel-style series of origins, which is what this collected edition demonstrates. In a nutshell, originally she was the Earth-2 Superman's cousin, like Supergirl is/was for Earth-1's Superman (brief comics history - DC had established a 'multiverse' to account for why they had characters from the 1930's & 1940's who were still young in the present day; the explanation was, essentially, every few years, we switched over to a parallel universe where the characters were just getting started). When DC revamped its continuity in 1985 (see 'Crisis on Infinite Earths' which was recently released in an 'Absolute Edition'), it was decided that the multiverse would become one universe, Supergirl was killed off, but Power Girl (due to fan popularity) would survive. However, since part of this reorganization involved having Superman be the sole survivor of Krypton again, the people at DC were left to try and figure out how to account for Power Girl's existence in the newly formed universe.
The other stories in this collection show the attempts, which were not entirely successful. Finally, it was decided to go back to the original origin (cousin of Earth-2's Superman) since DC decided to do a direct sequel to 1985's 'Crisis' series with 'Infinite Crisis' (available in a collected edition as well, though at this time not an Absolute Edition). That second 'Crisis' series was not, shall we say, as well-done as the original, and while there were a few nice touches, generally speaking it felt contrived and arbitrary. The reason this volume gets 4 stars instead of 5 from me, is because the final story was one of the key lead-ins to 'Infinite Crisis,' and helped add to the mess that's going to be with us for years to come.
The character is still a solid character however, and was a key part of the recently-cancelled 'JSA' series (presumably to be reborn as 'Justice Society of America,' though the character appears destined for the 'Justice League of America' title - in any event, all 87 issues of the 'JSA' run are collected in a series of trade paperbacks; I recommend them all since the series was that great). Power Girl is probably going to be around for a long time - the real question is, will DC figure out a consistent way of keeping her around.
Well thought out character.......2006-07-20
I won't kid you. i like Power Girl for here costume. it's initally the first thing that caught my eye. this was years ago. but lately, power girl has been getting alot of hype and exposure. so i jumped on the band wagon to check out her new book. it's amazing.
i know all about the multiple earths of DC's past. it's enough to make your head hurt. while the first part of the book is a sort of introduction to Power Girl, it's the disjointed mess that plagued any comic book with the words "Infinite" on the cover. Skip it by all means. the latter portion of the book is the real meat of the story and kinda lays down a definitive origin for a misplace super hero.
The art work fits and is great. after my second and third read, it appears to be very "wordy" with lots of dialogue. but it explains so much more about the character than alot of source books out on the market today. i definately support this book to anyone. a nice storyline with great artwork
Books:
- Chicano Drama: Performance, Society and Myth (Cambridge Studies in American Theatre and Drama)
- Chicken Soup for the Prisoner's Soul: 101 Stories to Open the Heart and Rekindle the Spirit of Hope, Healing and Forgiveness (Chicken Soup for the Soul)
- Classic and Contemporary Readings in the Philosophy of Education
- Crooked House (Minotaur Mysteries)
- Dangerous Doses: How Counterfeiters Are Contaminating America's Drug Supply
- Dark Possession (The Carpathians (Dark) Series, Book 15)
- Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are? (Classic Seuss)
- Diffusion of Innovations, 5th Edition
- Duel in the Sun: Alberto Salazar, Dick Beardsley, and America's Greatest Marathon
- Engineering Graphics (8th Edition)
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Mavericks at Work: Why the Most Original Minds in Business Win
- Construction Scheduling: Principles and Practices
- Becoming Mae West
- CCD Astrophotography: High-Quality Imaging from the Suburbs
- Blackwater: The Rise of the World's Most Powerful Mercenary Army
- Flip Side of The Game
- Conifers of California
- Getting the Bugs Out: The Rise, Fall, and Comeback of Volkswagen in America
- Accounting and Financial Management for Builders Remodelers, & Developers
- 1999 Pennsylvania Business Directory: The Ultimate Sales and Credit Tool
Stand Against the Wind: Fuel for the Revolution of Your Soul
The Barbarian Way: Unleash the Untamed Faith Within
Soul Cravings
Uprising: A Revolution of the Soul
An Unstoppable Force: Daring to Become the Church God Had in Mind
