If you've ever had an excuse for not getting into the Word, this book is for you. Howard Hendricks who chairs the Center for Christian Leadership (affectionately know as "Prof." to his students at Dallas Theological Seminary) with the aid of his son Bill, has written this phenomenal book on the "why" and "how" of Bible study.

In the first few chapters, Hendricks challenges all the excuses we have for not studying our Bibles and posits clearly superior reasons in favor of doing so. He then uses Scripture itself to show us what we will gain from regular study of God's Word. In typical Hendricks fashion he begins by humoring "I wish we had a better term than 'Bible study,' because for most of us, 'study' is a bad news item. It has all the appeal of flossing our teeth" (13). He tells the story of a man he met at a Bible conference who drove twelve hundred miles to "get under the Word" and Hendricks muses "was he just as willing to walk across his living room floor, pick up a Bible, and get into it for himself?" (9).

There are three steps, which will transform that sometimes-dry text into the spiritual growth that we desire in our lives. They are Observation, Interpretation and Application. These three steps are the heart of the book.

The ability of Howard Hendricks to communicate clearly and effectively is unmatched in this introductory work on Bible study. The pages of this book come alive as he swiftly and painlessly removes the obstacles to personal study while at the same time equipping the reader with the proper tools to understand God's Word. Virtually every chapter contains exercises for the student of Scripture to get hands-on experience instead of just theoretical book knowledge. Much of this book is essentially the application of Mortimer Adler's book, How to Read a Book, (which Hendricks highly acclaims) to the Bible. The anecdotes, illustrations and "quotables" are alone worth the price of the book, not to mention the enlightening elaboration of the three-step approach to Bible study. This book should be the absolute first book a new Christian reads apart from the Bible itself.

Dr. Hendricks gives us a wonderful overview and guide on studying the Bible. His humor and plain language make the reading enjoyable while at the same time you are learning an in-depth method of getting into God's Word. As a pastor, I have recommended this book for years to my congregation. I have used it as a teaching outline for new believers as well as those who just want to get deeper into the Word. A GREAT book.

"Living By The Book" is the best introduction to the Bible that I have yet to read. Whether you are brand new to Bible study, or a seasoned lover of the Word of God- there are many helpful tools in this book. There is a wealth of knowledge to be discovered in the Bible, and this book shows you how to be a "spiritual" detective. Fun and rewarding reading! Thank you God, Howard, and William!

Arkansas A Guide to Backcountry Travel & Adventure, by Bryan Hendricks, is in my opinion, the best source for information about outdoor activities in Arkansas currently available. I have read several titles that have promised useful information on this subject, but Mr. Hendricks' book has got the most complete listings of places to go and things to do in the most reader-friendly format of any of my previous purchases. I have 3 young children, and accurate information is vital to me when it comes to planning a trip. This book lets me know exactly what to expect when I'm considering a weekend jaunt with my family. Nothing can ruin an otherwise nice outing for me more than getting to a place and finding it totally different than it has been described to me. I have already been to several of the recreation areas mentioned in this book, and have found the author's assessments to be right on track. Therefore, I feel like I can trust Mr. Hendricks' observations when I am planning future excursions with my family. Arkansas A Guide to Backcountry Travel & Adventure, published by Out There Press, covers every region of the state in an easy-to-use layout, complete with locations, maps, activities permitted, contact information, ranger station locations, and also gives you names of businesses in the immediate area which may be of use while on an outing. Everything is easy to understand, with emphasis placed on hiking, camping, canoeing, fishing, and my personal favorite, mountain biking. It is so hard to get accurate information on what is permitted, and when and where, that the contacts included with the book will make it a valuable refernce for years to come. I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to find outdoor activities in Arkansas, as I feel there is not a single wasted page between its covers.

I recently read the book "Arkansas, A Guide to Backcountry Travel and Adventure", written by Bryan Hendricks in anticipation of a combined canoe and back-country exploration of the Buffalo River Area in North west Arkansas. I was pleasantly surprised to find all the information I needed for both the canoe trip and back country hiking trip contained in the same book! Usually, my trips require purchase of at least two different books: one for the whitewater and one for the back-country; but not in this case. This is the first time I've planned a combined journey with the luxury of finding all the needed information, map references, portages, and trail heads in one comprehensive volume. Great work, Bryan!

I was also fascinated upon further reading by the anecdotal information in the book which made for an interesting and "not-so-dry" read. The story of the "Legend of Boggy Creek" was particularly enjoyable and should provide a good discussion point for any family camping trip.

Thanks again for the excellent book and perhaps I'll see Mr. Hendricks on the Buffalo River this April.

If you are looking for an expert, detailed guide to a backcountry adventure or just a highly readable armchair simulation, read this book. It offers detailed suggestions not only to surviving the wilds but thriving in them. ARKANSAS appeals to hiker, naturalist, and layman alike with each district and area offering a general overview for trip selection. Following each of these are detailed maps with topographical descriptions, seasonal guides to vegetation and animals, climate expectations, clothing needs, and equipment recommendations. Also, there are comprehensive activitity guides to camping, canoeing, fishing, biking, and hiking. The book traverses the state like its rivers: from the high-plateau Ozark Mountains of the Northwest, down the Arkansas River Valley, through the piney woods of the Ouachita Mountains, across the fertile cotton, rice, and soybean fields of the Delta to the blackwater swamps of the Southeast. The author's expertise is impressive, but more than this, the book reflects a deep appreciation, respect, and love of backcountry Arkansas.

Without doubt, this is one of the greatest works I have read on the art of relationships and loving. This book (which I have read a number of times) emphasizes the beauty and necessity of telling the "microscopic truth" a value that we as a society are not taught to embrace. I believe that Gay and Kathy have successfully demonstrated what it means to be in a "conscious" relationship, as well as providing examples of the precise moment when couples enter into an "unconscious" relationship. You will find yourself easily wanting to read more as you apply their methods to your daily life and find that they work!

For those of us who are trying to create / co-create a deep, intimate, meaninful relationship, this book is an incredible resource. It helps you see your own patterns, the part that you play in your relationships, and in the on-going tapestry of your life. Read it with an open mind and an open heart.

This is a wonderful book for any couple trying to find their way through a relationship. It presents clear insights and practical ways to create a loving, supportive and growing relationship with your partner. Its accuracy and wisdom have astounded us. And the perspective you gain from this book helps you in all your relationships: with children, friends, coworkers. Don't miss this book. It is excellent. It is the kind of book you want to give to all the couples you know. It would be a great wedding present, too.

This extraordinary book is the most ruthlessly on-target review of leadership and communication that I have encountered or expect to. Most of what's here covers not what to do, but who to BE to lead and conduct business most effectively. If you are willing to truly take on what is shared here, your business and your life will not be the same again. This book shows that the only obstacle in your path has been you, and assists in getting you out of your own way. I have lost count of how many copies of this book I have bought and passed on already, but many of the recipients have affirmed that it is the best book they ever read, and that it has certainly made a huge difference in transforming businesses, teams and specific crucial meetings. An absolute must read for anyone with their eyes open.

Innovation, creativity, leadership start in the individual and the Corporate Mystic distill in a very condensed and practical way how CEOs and leaders by committing themselves to integrity foster commitment, vision and innovation in organizations, and this then explains why in them, they so often fail. Today when we hear everyday these words The corporate Mystic is a must-read for every one, but more than a book to read it is a practical manual we have to consult very often

The only complaint I have is that this is passed off as a business book. Nonsense!! Leave out the "corporate" words & you've got vital advice for anyone literate enough to open it. No mumbo-jumbo, either, just some solid advice on how to get ahead in life by being honest & expecting the same. Read it every few months.

This book offers the reader a factual, non-biased compilation of available complementary therapies. As a cancer survivor, she teaches us that when facing a cancer diagnosis and standard allopathic therapies, we can, no we must, be an active participant in assessing all the possible treatment paths as we make our decisions and choices in our path to healing. Not only do we hope to understand what is happening to us, we must take an active role in regaining our good health.

Ms. O'Toole teaches us that we must trust our selves and our abilities in this process. For when we do, we make the best possible decisions for our lives. This book is a wonderful guide for those facing treatment as well as their loved ones.

This book is such a gift, written with authority, clarity, and empathy. For anyone who wonders what to expect from different complementary therapies, this book is invaluable. For those facing decisions about maintaining health while fighting cancer, this book is a blessing. The author transforms her struggle to stay alive and maintain well-being into a resource for the rest of us.

As a bodywork practitioner presented with the dilemma of offering help and services to clients confronted with the trial of their lives, I had high expectations of this book. I wasn't disappointed. This book is solid, well researched, and substantive. I will recommend it without reservation to my clients. Not just clients facing cancer, but any client troubled by a chronic or acute physical condition or discomfort who seeks resources to improve their health and well-being. This takes effort, education, information, and resources. What this book offers is a structure and framework to evaluate "what's out there", and help a person to decide "Is this for me?" "Is this for me now, or later?"

What I especially appreciate is the author's emphasis on trusting your own intuition---and backing that up with succinct, well-organized information to facilitate rational decision-making in support of one's intuition. This book isn't just another nice book about a cancer experience; it's a well thought out resource to think through and make decisions on developing your complementary health care. Thank you, Carole O'Toole!

This book is truly a complete guide to horse breeds. Unfortunately the quality of the book material was a disappointment. It was filled with photos; but only a few were color photos. The pages were not much better than the quality of a comic book, thin and yellow. I expected much more for the price. 4 stars solely on the detail and depth of it's information.

This book is wonderful. Lots of information, but a little pricy. Overall, it's a good deal for you if you love horses like me. One problem I had was I didn't know how many pages were in the book. All I know is it has more than 17 pages because there are 17 sample pages. I enjoyed looking at the sample pages. Thank you.

I would have given this book ten stars if they allowed it.

This is the book to get.

If you have not bought this book by this author, I highly recommend doing so. You will not be disappointed.

This book is now in my collection of horse book and plus it really helps you out when you are looking for a breed for your model horses. I have already found a breed for one of my model horses that I collect and live show.

This book is worth every single penny you spent to purchase this book.

While reading this book I couldn't be sure if what I was reading was in the book or in the headlines. Refernces to FEMA, messages from tele-evangelists, crises around the world, high level secret government meetings all seemed to be happening at the same time in real life as in the book. All I can say is, I hope this is my imagination and not for real.

I have never read such a well researched and reference based book with such a non-traditional hypothesis. At first I thought, "no way" - but then, "maybe" and now YES! This is a must read - can't wait for the sequel!

James Hendricks hit right on the mark with this book. The story keeps your interest and the local Southern California landmarks used make you want to just get in your car and drive out to join up with the people. Great pace, one you can't put down. Add me to the list of folks going on the journey!! Can't wait for the sequel!

Incidents in the Life Of A Slave Girl is a harrowing, personal experience of a AA female born and raised during the tumultuous, infamous and tragic era of slavery in America's history. Harriett Jacobs, aka Linda Brent, tells in her own voice-one that is explicit and easy to understand-the story of a young woman born into the brutal, horrendous slavery era who later escapes to freedom in the North. Incidents is emotional and the feelings are raw as you experience the tale of a slave who desired freedom so badly that she hid for SEVEN YEARS in a narrow, cramped quarter without much freedom of movement. The story is riveting and moving and shows what an individual is able to accomplish in spite of sex, race and slavery. Incidents is a story of bravery in light of insurmountable circumstances and ones belief that they can succeed in spite of unmeasurable difficulties.

Incidents is an excellent reading selection for a bookgroup and a book that I highly recommend to everyone. Remember the story and share the story so that history doesn't repeat itself.

Intended to convince northerners -- particularly women -- of the rankness of Slavery, Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl presents a powerful autobiography and convincing writing that reads like a gripping novel but is organized and argued like an essay.

Incidents follows the "true story" (its authenticity is doubted in some places) of Linda [Jacobs uses a pseudonym] who is born into the shackles of slavery and yearns for freedom. She lives with a depraved slave master who dehumanizes her, and a mistress who mistreats her. As the novel progresses, Linda becomes increasingly starved of freedom and resolves to escape, but Linda finds that even escaping presents its problems.

But Incidents is more than just a gripping narration of one woman's crusade for freedom, and is rather an organized attack on Slavery, intended to convince even the most apathetic of northerners. And in this too, Incidents succeeds. The writing is clear, and Jacobs' use of rhetorical strategy to preserve integrity is astonishing.

Well written, convincing, entertaining, Incidents is an amazing book.

Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl by Linda Brent is a deeply touching narrative of a slave woman's journey through the heinous institution of slavery to her eventual emancipation. Through her description of bonded labor, the reader very poignantly realizes what it was like for millions of African Americans to be brutalized and ravaged by slavery. Written in 1861 to educate the Northerners, especially the women, about the evils of slavery, the autobiography is a harrowing account of a woman's life, what the author ironically calls her 'adventures'. The abuse that the palpably intelligent and veracious author had to undergo has the power to humble every one of us even today.
Linda Brent was born as a slave in the household of a miraculously benevolent mistress. She lost her mother at the age of six, but her mistress, who was her mother's half-sister, took good care of her and endowed on her ward the gift of literacy. The degradative reality of slavery was hidden from the author till she entered her early teens, when within a year both her mistress and her father passed away, and she was acquired by the household of Dr. Flint. At his plantation, the author had to bear the full force of slavery. From this time to the author's eventual freedom, the reader gets a glimpse of the persecution that a slave had to face.
As mentioned above, the book was written to illustrate the depravity of slavery to people living in the North. It is striking to see how humbly, or even apologetically, the author has used her life to explain the circumstances of slavery. She has used fictitious names and concealed the names of places so as not to offend any person, black or white. As one reads the book, the author can definitely be identified as a pious and truthful person, and becomes easy to see why the author places so much emphasis on her secrecy. The book is not written to garner sympathy from readers, but to shock readers into the realities of slavery. It was an appeal to the people who the author thought had the power to defeat slavery to act on it.
The author's main argument is that slavery is not just about perpetual bondage, but it involves the absolute debasement of a people. She painfully acknowledges that the 'black man is inferior', but vociferously argues that it is a result of slavery, which stymies the intellectual capacity of her race. She believes that 'white men compel' the black race to be ignorant. Although she was wronged by many Southern white men, she does not blame the white race for her ills. She believes that the institution of slavery has ample negative impact on the household and psyche of a white family as well, and that white males are coerced into being brutal. She rebukes 'the Free States' in her own pacific way for condoning slavery in the South. Her stand is that a life of manumit destitution is radically more acceptable than bondage, and that is the general idea that the author wants the readers to remember.
The book is sequenced more or less in a chronological order. The author's astoundingly comfortable childhood is shattered by the nefarious demands of being a pubescent female slave. She explains how even the body of a slave is not her own, and is considered to be a property of the slaveholder, that can violated or abused according to his wishes. Her analogy to being traded or shot like pigs demonstrates the extent of shame that a slave had to bear with. Her infatuation and blind faith in the goodness of a white man make her the mother of two children, and her determination to keep them away from the evils of slavery becomes her primary goal. In her attempts to flee from slavery, she has to hide in a den above her grandmother's house for seven years. The anguish of a mother who can see her children but not be able to communicate with them is heart wrenching. The story of her escape to the North is also incredible. Even after reaching the north, she had to resist prejudice and fear for a long time before she and her children eventually became free.
By reading the book, the reader can definitely get to experience the life of a slave. Perhaps the shocking brutality of the truth is shielded in the book by the author's conscious effort to not be a cause of affront. She wrote this book because she had a message to give to the readers, but was held back in a way by her goodness. On the other hand, reading a book written in a simple way, as though the author was narrating her story in front of the reader, goes on to validate her tragedy. It is explained in a more personal way than a historian would explain it, and the harsh emotions experienced by the author break through, even though she tries to suppress her sadness. The author's argument that slavery is humiliating is proved by the fact that the author does not explain exactly how she was mentally and physically abused. She only points out that she had to bear physical and mental decadence, but does elaborate on the techniques of the likes of Dr. Flint.
It has to be remembered that this book was not written to be a historical text. It is about a woman's personal fight with slavery. It cannot be argued that her emotions were wrong or that her views about slavery can be challenged in any way. Readers who have not experienced slavery are not in a position to do so. This book definitely manages to do what it was intended to do, and that is to make the reader aware that slavery was a harrowing experience for the African Americans. As a book of past injustices and future hopes, it is a must read.

This is a good read. Every now and them, overtones of a Toni Morrison novel appeared (the first wedding night; the other woman; Big Mama (Baby Suggs, etc.). A different take for the story of the woman at the well, it does, however humanize her. Maryam was on her way to normal growth until the menfolk took to telling her father that she was too "gibora" for her own good. Her father literally started the stunting of Maryam's psyche. Her grandmother, fearing that she would be manless, reinforced the exhortation of Maryam's father which confused Maryam. By the time the poor girl met gentleman #5, she had been ground into the ground.

The characters were pretty well developed. I still have some confusion about husband #4.

I could parallel some of the drama in the book to every day life in this millenium for some women, to some black men, to some areas of the black community.

I especially loved the sensitivity and ability of Mr. Hendricks to get into the head of a woman. The women in his own life have to have very positive impact upon him.

I had the great pleasure of interviewing Dr. Hendricks for Booking Matters Magazine in February 2003, however at the time, I had not finished his novel (Living Water). I am very happy to share that I recently finished the novel and was left almost speechless by it's contents. Dr. Hendricks' dug really dip to pen such a powerful account of the well known bible story of the woman at the well. Growing up in church, I've heard the story (like many of you) preached, taught probably 1,000 different ways...however, I have never pondered who this woman really was. I never thought that maybe she (Maryam) had a story. In my quest to read novels that are historically based, I could NOT have chosen a better book to begin with. Living Water gives any reader a front row seat into the life of the "Woman at the Well" beginning with her childhood. By the end of the book, you feel as if you know her personally and you understand her reputation as having had five husbands. (you meet the husbands in the story)

Reading this novel opened up a plethora of new words for me, as Dr. Hendricks is a master storyteller, gifted writer and scholar. While challenging in some parts, the more I read, the harder it became for me to put the book down. Throughout the story, original biblical names are used, which makes the story even more interesting. The character development is super and the story flows very well. Some might view this as a challenging read but one, which will leave you thirsty no more. I highly recommend this to any avid reader, male and female, clergy, book clubs...it's a GREAT read.

Hats off to Dr. Hendrick's for giving us insight into the lives of these bible story characters, especially Maryam. Thanks for reminding us that even the people in the bible had/have significant stories....

I await your next novel....with great anticipation.

Obery Hendricks has taken a scene from the Bible and transformed it into a poetic novel about the conditions of Samaritan women during the times of Jesus. No one knows the name of the woman Jesus talked with at the well in the book of John, chapter 4, but this novel gives her a name. It also takes us through her five tragic marriages and gives her the strength to speak out in a country where women were considered worthless. While the novel takes place 2000 years ago, it is easy to slip into the mood of the book as attitudes and conditions of life for Samaritans under the harsh rule of the Romans and the disdain of the Jews unfolds. Unfortunately, it calls to mind some modern injustices that still exist.

Hendricks perhaps takes some liberties with Jesus toward the end of the book that I am sure will ruffle the feathers of some. The novel is an eye opener that explains some of the present day beliefs that we continue to maintain regarding the place of women, what spirituality is all about and above all, what constitutes love.

Reviewed by Alice Holman
The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

"To receive and offer unconditional love, we must become undefended and unconditional lovers" write authors and visionaries Jett Psaris and Marlena Lyons. How to achieve the trust, intimacy and strength to drop one's defenses and "...resurface from our protected hiding place and come into direct contact with ourselves and our partners" is the vital subject of Undefended Love.

Here is the means to recognize the complex ways we protect ourselves emotionally, and the tools to expand, not limit our ability to know and love one another. Utilizing a deep understanding of relationships, and case studies of many couples in transition, the authors map the way to success. We learn, "When we try to relate to our partners with our multiple layers of protective padding in place, it is as if we are trying to hug them through ten layers of overcoats. Our outer layers may meet, but our longing to be deeply connected remains unfulfilled."

When we shed these mantles of protection we become more capable of being nonreactive, openhearted and loving in our relationships. Authors Psaris and Lyons show us how to do this by eliminating the preoccupations we substitute for relationships, determining what it is we really want, and dissolving our defenses.

Undefended Love teaches us that, "Instead of trying to maintain a sense of harmony by limiting who we are, we embrace our partners as intimate allies." What a splendid goal because it leads to the discovery that we are all one vast, loving, universal heart. In this reviewer's opinion, Undefended Love is the roadmap to that goal, and the transformation to become whole!

Undefended Love is by far one of the most insightful explanations of our human condition. The concepts are expressed clearly and in a manner that invites the reader to participate in the process of self discovery. While many of the ideas may be familiar to those who have read self help books or books about relationships, this book makes it possible to begin a personal and meaningful journey to embracing your true self. We shouldn't try to fulfill our needs through someone else,but rather find within ourselves the ability to satisfy our own needs with the magic that resides in all of us. Psaris and Lyons challenge our beliefs and guide us to an understanding that painful feelings are clues to our core identity and should be investigated not avoided if we intend to deepen our relationship with ourselves and others. They broaden our thinking by explaining that we all implement behavioral strategies to avoid uncomfortable or painful feelings in thr belief that it is necessary to cover up our vulnerabilities. We mistakenly describe a successful relationship as one in which we get all our needs met, but this is both myth and mistake. We must look to deepen our basic appreciation of ourself in order to connect intimately with someone else.

The book is unusual in that the authors provide us with the questions we need to ask in order to begin to uncover our own truths. They provide us with a road map that helps the reader to manuever successfully through the obstacles we all use to protect the image that we have created for others to see because we are either lack the courage to show our true selves or we don't know who we really are. If you believe in love, then this is a must read! I loved this book so much that I bought 7 copies over the last 4 months to give to friends and my therapist!!

I have been a couples therapist for more than twenty years, and have never felt satisfied with the efficacy of existing approaches. In my clinical opinion, the Undefended Love model is the most exciting development in the field. I have never seen such a sensitive, compelling, respectful process. What Jett Psaris and Marlena Lyons have done in less than 200 pages is present a comprehensive theory of human development, describe the personality as an intricate self-defense structure, and delineate the ways our distorted beliefs about ourselves create identities that hide our vulnerability as we present ourselves to the world and even to those to whom we feel close.

The ways in which these resulting structures prevent us from being able to sustain an intimate bond are discovered by way of a series of questions and processes which lead us to the only source of transformation, ourselves.

Their model addresses human beings on every level, intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and regardless of where the individual is in their life, the processes steadily lead the person closer to the undefended self.

Their concepts are original and arresting: essential self, cracked identity, compensatory identity. The simplicity of their techniques for guiding individuals and couples into their internal landscape belies the power that they possess to bring a person to self-discovery and self-responsibility. The arrow is artfully turned from outside to inside, the road to intimacy, first with self, then with the other.

Psaris and Lyons provide the reader with the means to explore themselves and their relationships in a way that gently expands their capacity to create fulfilment. I highly recommend this book to mental health professionals and to anyone interested in the human condition. And, all of this wisdom is wrapped in beautiful language. It is a treasure, and a pleasure to read.

Gerda K.Young, Ph.D.