"A gritty, thought-provoking, eye opener. wow."
Yes. However understand that this book chronicles 4 years that the author spent living among the gangs of the Chicago housing projects. It's not intended to be a fluffy story. If you really want to understand how a gang organizes itself, draw parallels to to modern business, get more information about the Freakonomics chapter about gangs and economics, or try to better understand those living in the projects, this is an awesome listen.
It really changed my attitude about why people live the way they do, why they don't accept help, and why they would turn a blind eye to what I consider appauling behavior. At times I had to walk away for a while to process the information, which is a good thing. It tells me I'm really giving consideration to the book. It took me far outside my comfort zone. At times I loathed the subjects and at other times I wanted to invite them out for coffee. Good job Sudhir. I found JT rather likeable.
The narrator added a grit to the story that made me feel like I was living in the projects. Had I read it myself, it would have been a fluffier story with flowers, puppies, and ice cream in it. The story would have suffered had I read it myself.
I stumbled upon this audio book and remembered the authors name from a chapter in Freakonomics. Since Freakonomics makes my top three books list, I gleefully purchased this book. However I had to listen on commutes, so it took me a couple of days to finish. Good thing too. It gave me time to contemplate the actions of the subjects and change my attitude toward them. (Thank you Sudhir)
So grateful I got to listen to this book. When reading Freakonomics, I always wanted more information. This book deeply satisfied that desire. Delighted Sudhir lived to tell the tale.
"Intriguing look at wax and the french revolution"
The narrator is easy to listen to. The story is wonderful. It beautifully merges the french revolution with an interesting look into the art and science of wax sculpting. I walked away with a marvelous impression of what it might have been like to live in the times and how the media of the day impacted the entertainment of the people of the time.
Enjoyed this story very much. It's not overtly feminine, Marie is not a flowery lady. The story features complicated relationships, political conflict, uprising factions, intrigue, and science. I found it to be an exciting romp as I followed Marie from just running her business to spending time among the courts of Versailles, to her inner turmoil about her loyalties, and her continuous strength and determination to see it all through.
The narrator is easy to listen to. Her voice depicted each character in an original way that kept me engaged in the story. Will look for other narrations she's done.
Antionette. The story gave me a new perception of the character. And, of course Marie who is wonderfully complicated.
"Let it go, for your own sake! - Marvelous"
yes.
The honestly with which it is presented.
yes.
If you don't want it to grow, (bitterness, unforgiveness, self loathing, envy, greed) stop nursing it. This book is about things that steal your joy and how we let it happen. Joyce states clearly some of our bad habits, why we do them, and how they prevent you from enjoying the true happiness Christ came here to give you. Christ said, "I came so that you could enjoy life." And Joyce is saying the same thing. However Joyce explains how allowing these things to fester in us prevents us from having a close personal relationship with God. She backs it up with sound biblical teachings (yes, I read my bible regularly). Then she tells you how you can start to make positive changes in your life that lead to life long happiness in a Christ filled life.
I also suggest Battlefield of the Mind for those who are serious about applying life changing principles that lead to long lasting happiness. Prayer isn't enough. You have to prune your life of bad habits and get connected to God. I have an amazing life now as a result of applying principles I've read in this and her other books. I can honestly say I have reached a level of peace that I've never felt before, and frankly I want more of it in my life. Good luck to you and God bless.
"helpful, bit sized topics"
This book is set up as a message a day designed to help you to explore your relationship with God and understand how the Holy Spirit lives within you. For those who have not accepted Christ as their Savior, it makes the topic more approachable. I encourage you to listen. You can listen to each daily topic which takes only a couple of minutes, or you can listen all the way through. If you are already a Christian, this book is helpful for gaining a more fulfilling relationship with God, and a better understanding that he wants to bless you, but you need to invite him into your everyday.
I have applied these principles in my own life and have seen more personal peace and joy. I also recommend Battlefield of the Mind as a follow up book. God Bless.
"Love it!"
Anyone who likes history, strategy, world travel, or just plain wondered about the impact of salt on the world will enjoy this book. It's a wonderful sprinkling of knowledge that will appeal to anyone who likes to pull a "did you know..." out of their pocket during random conversation. I've had a great deal of fun finding ways to recall stories from this book in everyday conversations with friends and collegues to show how salt continues to shape their lives in amazing ways. (In fact I got a fake book called the History of Pepper as a gift) If you love history or technical reading this is an incredible book. To date it is my favorite and has topped my list for several years. I found the recipe section interesting, though I admit a little dry. However the wealth of other fascinating impacts of salt on world history kept me riveted. I was delighted to see the book in audio form so that I can enjoy it again during commutes. It's got everything. Stories about everyday man, ruling bodies, ancient and modern trade routes, waring factions, and usurping politicians. It honors the contributions of many cultures and beautifully illustrates the impact salt had on those civilizations. Well Done! Highly recommended.