The book "Clearing Away Clouds: Nine Lessons for
Life From the Martial Arts," by Stephen Fabian, is
written as an autobiography of Fabien sensei's
training and development as a martial artist. The
Fabian sensei takes the reader from his initial
exposure and introduction to the martial arts,
through his development to a point when the student
then becomes the teacher. Along the way you Fabian
sensei shares the trails and challenges of a young
college student, on learning to living on your own,
on the hectic, sometimes daunting demands placed on
a graduate student, to learning to function in a
foreign country.

Though the book is not necessarily meant to be
instructional, at least not in a traditional sense,
Fabian sensei provides a set of nine "lessons" or
guidelines to help the aspiring martial artist
through the travels along the Way.

These lessons are presented in a defined order, each
building on the previous lesson. The lessons are
presented in an abstract way, supported by
developmental stories from the author's life, which
force the reader to think about and internalize the
information.

This is not a "become a martial artist in nine easy
steps" type of book; this book provides real life
experiences of someone that have used the martial
arts to help shape their life, and become a better
person for it.

It several subtle ways, the author helps to
differentiate between the fast-food type of martial
art school whose primary objective is the
development of "martial athletes" and the more
traditional dojo's (dojang in Korean) that cultivate
true "martial artists".

As a practitioner of Japanese martial arts, I found
the chapters of the book related to the challenges
of living in Japan particularly interesting.

The book is very well written, and has a good
structure and flow to it. I highly recommend this
book to anyone that is interested in the martial
arts, particularly those that truly embrace their
training as a path along the Way.

Dr. Fabian is my sensei, teaching a class of 15-20 students in Hontai Yoshin Ryu (mainly Jujutsu with some Bojutsu and Iaijutsu), so I have some obvious bias. I read his book mainly because of the class. However, I would recommend it to anyone interested in a westerner's journey in the way of martial arts and what they have learned from that journey. Each of the nine main chapters is similarly structured; a short introduction, then the main autobiographical narrative thread, followed by a reflection on what was learned. As I read the book, I felt both a keen interest in the autobiographical content *and* the philosophical content; each is interesting per se, and they enhance each other strongly. I usually devour books rather rapidly; in this case I found myself putting it down at the end of a chapter and thinking about the concepts and ideas. As a Christian, it afforded me a valuable insight into the connection between Christianity and eastern thought and is influencing my way of following Christ. I recommend this book for anyone concerned with living life more intentionally, and particularly someone interested in finding a 'way', even if the way of martial arts is not where you see yourself going.

Clearing Away Clouds tells the story of a western martial artist who has opened himself to the wisdom of the east to a degree that is truly uncommon. We meet a man walking his Way with integrity and humility, and in the process we receive sensitive guidance for our own journeys. A very fine book which will be of great assistance to many.

Those of us who seek to be nourished by the Lenten liturgy are always on the watch for a fresh approach, a new and deeper look at these texts which are so familiar and "well-worn," yet capable of touching something deep with us that waits to be awakened to total receptivity and total gift.

Fr Francis Martin's book, THE FIRE IN THE CLOUD, is as striking as its title suggests. Reading it, praying it, is a personal journey into the desert. There the cloud shelters us, the fire burns us - and we are drawn beyond our familiar comprehensions to a landscape where new possibilities of self-gift are the horizon to which God's love beckons us through the texts set before us each day.

Fruit of the author's life-time dedication to the Scriptures, deep prayer, and spiritual direction, The Fire in the Cloud is a wonderful companion for Lent. The work is based on solid Scriptural scholarship, as well as liturgical history and theology, but is not concerned to draw us to these; rather, it draws us directly to Christ. It builds on the author's experience as student of the Scriptures, teacher, preacher, confessor and guide of souls. The power of Christ to transform our lives shines warmly from its pages. It's a simple and handy companion for Lenten observance and will do the reader more good than many other observances. It's solid nourishment for a time of fasting! You could hardly give a friend a better gift than this one, for it will bring all who use it rich fruit. Congratulations to Servant Publications for making it available!

The Fire in the Cloud is bound to be a classic Lenten meditation resource for it offers the very best of Fr. Francis Martin: profound spiritual insights & prayers and a deep understanding of the Scriptural text, written in everyday language. It helped me to see the wisdom in the Church's selection of daily readings and gave me a new sense of awe and appreciation for Jesus' great love for each one of us.

I'm sure it will help anyone in his journey in faith by providing a platform by which he can enter into the mysteries of the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is a "must have" for every Christian desirous of a deeper relationship with the Lord.

If you had a less than perfect Mom, this book is a keeper. I found it very helpful in sorting through my childhood and moving forward with my future.

I hit a point in my relationship with my mother where I realized something was terribly wrong. This book was recommended to me by a friend and was incredibly helpful in a time when I needed help. It pinpointed the type of mom I have and the feelings I feel now and felt in my childhood. It also gave practicle tips on how to make things better in your life and tools to deal with your relationship with your mother. It totally validated the feelings I've had and gives me hope that I can have healthy relationships with others.

Written with much compassion. It is not a mom-bashing book. If a reader is looking for someone to blame for his/her life, this is not the book to read. Writers are insightful in how our moms' interactions with us have influenced us and shaped how we view ourselves and relate with others. The writers explain that our moms continue to influence us, well into our adulthood, whether or not we continue to have contact with them. The writers are careful to explain that our fears and hopes have their origins in our relationships with our moms. Most importantly, the writers give guidelines, based on practical and Biblical concepts, to healthier living despite extended dysfunctional relationships with our moms. The writers are realistic about the difficulties their readers may face with such challenge. They exhibit empathy in their certainty that self-awareness and healthy living could be ultimately achieved.

Here's a book with real substance written by a doctor who has M.D.There are too many books on the marketthat appear to be written by doctors who are looking over someones shoulderin an attempt to write authoritively onthe subject. I was very impressed by the dept of knowledge of this doctor who writes with true in depth investigative knowledge, he truly understands because he has the problem.A lot of good advice regarding diet which is of major importance, and life style, (Smoking), etc.Careful reading will show at least how to stop the progression and he also tells what kind of research is being done to find , if not a cure, at leastpossible major help.I'll buy anything this guy writes !

This book on macular degeneration is by far the best one published to date.There are numerous other publications available by other doctors that don't come close to the quality and depth of information contained in this book. I even gave a copy to my eye doctor who was not aware of it's availability.I must add that this doctor really speaks from personal experience with Macular Degeneration and it shows in the quality and quantity of great information.I thank God for this mans bookand highly recommend it to anyone who has MD or a friend or relative with the problem.Sincere thanks,Lee CarlsonSpring Hill, Fl

I have a parent with macular degeneration and this book gave my father and our family new hope and inspiration. Particularly compelling was the fact that the author himself suffers from this affliction. The information provided was extremely useful and written in an informal, personal and non-technical manner. I highly recommend this book for anyone who has or knows someone with macular degeneration.

"Passing Through The Clouds" is more than an inspiration- it's live ministry. The power that literally comes from off the pages at you is an illumination and explanation of the apparent struggles a christian who is destined for greatness goes through.Reading the first few chapters was already an aah- aah experience for me.It is a must read for persons serious about their walk with God. It's presentation is reader friendly.

I thought this book displayed so many valuable lessons on christian living as well as the struggles, what to expect, how to endure, and most of all how to conquer them. I highly recommend this book to all new converts as well as those who have been Christians for some time.

Fantastic. Tremendous help for christians passing through this troubled world.

This was the 13th of his books I've read this year, and I think it will be the final one. After a while, all his books begin to sound the same. I thought he was way off base in the chapter titled, "Was Jesus a Freak?" He may have taught seminary and served as an Anglican priest, but he sure didn't know much about Christianity. It is typical of his books that he makes false or misleading statements about Christian ideas, and then proceeds to show why Christianity itself is in error. What stupidity from a brilliant mind. The chapter titled "What Shall We Do with the Church?" was unrealistic. Many churches have indeed implemented the changes he recommended in this book, but the result has been declining membership for the past three decades. The only churches or denominations which seem to thrive are those which emphasize formality and tradition. The rest of the book was mostly a re-hash of his other books. Well-written as always, but nothing really new in terms of topics. This has been one of the more interesting reading projects I have engaged in. Well worth my time and effort, but, after thirteen of his books, it's time to move on.

Timeless wisdom wrapped in beautiful language that soothes the soul. Alan Watts was a brilliant storyteller who managed to stir things up a bit before leaving on an optimistic note.

This work is edgier than his others and will satisfy the more rebellious new agers.

This is perhaps the best of the half dozen or so Watts books I've read. Watts is a brilliant philosopher of the "Big Picture", and it is all wonderfully laid out here: Cosmic consciousness, Tantric Buddhism, the Hippies, Tao... he nails them all in splendid fashion. Highly recommendable.

I read and enjoyed the book it seems to portray the behavior of the wild stallion and his herd very well. Good readablity factor.

This is a delightful, moving and insightful book for kids and adults of ALL ages. The print is big enough and the reading level easy enough for young children of reading age but the never before seen photography and insightful understanding shared by the author will thrill adults as well.

No one has ever observed and recorded the real life of any of America's precious, bold, highly intelligent and majestic Wild Horses as Kathren's does in this book. Their evolved social order and sometimes difficult but natural lives are fascinating to get a close look at. I would expect most people to keep this where guests to their home or offices would see it for years to come. This book makes a great gift for many occaisions. The only way this view can be enhanced is to go see the wild horses for oneself. If interested to ride to see the wild ones, contact the American Horse Defense Fund ... and see about taking the ride of your life to see other wild horses.

Ginger Kathrens book Cloud: Wild Stallion of the Rockies captures the spirit of our love affair with wild horses and the trials of this long relationship. They have epitomized the American spirit and image yet suffered terribly from our ignorance and disregard all the while maintaining their magnificence. Kathrens book, through vivid images and heartfelt writings, allows the reader both young and old, from east or west to those who have never seen a horse in person or someone that has had the bliss to feel their aura, to all experience the wild horse. This is certainly a book for all ages.

Rarely do we get to enjoy the uniqueness of an animal such as we do with Cloud. People tend to write and think about animals as though they don't have lives of their own, but that is a serious and devastating human shortcoming. As the bumper sticker says, "Humans are not the only species on the planet, we just act like it." Yet from when we first see Cloud as a wobbly-kneed young foal, struggling to keep up, but persevering, we know he is a special and unique soul. This does not waiver all the way to when he is a strong young stallion facing the challenges of nature and man. We can only hope that Kathrens book (and accompanying documentary) will help us again recapture our respect for these magnificent animals before it is too late. Because if wild horses like Cloud disappear, so does the American spirit.

This is not a chummy kitchen science experiment book. The science is serious and some principles obtuse. I studied this sort of thing in college and found some of it tough going, though I do think I came away with a lucid understanding for the effort.

The author rambles a bit, mixing exposition and reminisces. This is not a terrible thing, but may not be what you expect. Some of the experiments are elegant and clever, and impressed my 6 year-old considerably. The author's bent is towards optical phenomena, such as why the sky is blue, more than the meteorological, though there's plenty in there.

A fun and interesting book in a conversational and sometimes amusing format. And yes, I finally can explain why the sky is blue.

This book has been invaluable to me in teaching a university class on the Earth's climate. I've been able to pull off some of the clever demonstrations in the classroom. I've never read more understandable descriptions of pressure, "heat", the latent heat of vaporization, and blackbody radiation, including its relationship to the greenhouse effect. The author's dismissive comments towards global warming as just the current fad of 1982 have not stood the test of time. His book, however, will help educators explain to the public our dire circumstances so that something might be done about it.

This is a very well written, creative and informative work. It's a league well above the cliche "amazing science experiments" books and offers detailed insight into atmospheric phenomena. The style is prose, not the boring step by step method that turns off many readers. You can use it to perform experiments, but it's a good readin itself. I highly recommend it to teachers - you'll learn some interesting stuff while getting your demo ideas.

My 3 1/2 y.o. son loves to read this book while using a flash light which really help the stars & clouds shine when we turn off the light.

The story sparked such interest in both of my children to pick the book up over and over again and re-read it. They find it even more exciting when they get to read it under the covers.

Reading this book to my child was a real joy. To see her eyes light up as the pages glowed in the dark was wonderful. This book has now sparked an interest in my child to learn more about the moon and the stars. Great book.

As someone who has majored in religion, and a long time seeker, this book has been sooo incedibly wonderful. This book, as well as Volume 2, explains what you can and can not do, what you should and should not do. For example, when it is respectful leave a ceremony, what you should wear, is photography permitted. It even briefly explains the ceremony. I found a few errors, however. The Hindu customs for an infant are a little mixed up, but 98% of the book is fabulous!

. . .of every member of the clergy in America. (As well as on a lot of other desks and bookshelves).

In the America of the 21st century, all of us have friends, relatives, etc. who practice their faith in different manners. Most of us will have occasion to attend services in houses of worship other than our own. This book is a guide on proper behavior under these circumstances.

As a Christian clergyman, I have personally have had occasion to attend service in almost every major American Christian denomination, as well as Jewish temple services. Most members of the clergy that I know are in similar positions. All of us are passionate about our own faith -- but none of us want to be accidentally offensive to others.

Some might ask, "Why should I be concerned about how to behave at someone else's religious service? I never expect to go. They don't worship the way I do. They don't believe in the same God that I believe in, etc." For persons with these attitudes, here are some points to consider:

1) You may be surprised at the type of service you find yourself. A wedding. A funeral. A christening. A Bar-Mitzpah. The list goes on.

2) There are certain situations in which NOT attending can cause MORE offense.

3) Put yourself in the shoes of another. Would you want your Jewish or Muslim co-worker to support YOU if YOU lost a loved one?

4) Showing respect to another, WITHOUT compromising your own beliefs is an excellent way to share your own faith.

The list goes on.

This book does not suggest in any way that anyone compromise their own beliefs. It does not attempt to convert or sway anyone to a different way of thinking. What it DOES do, and does very well, is provide, to an increasingly discourteous society, the minimal rules of courtesy that persons today are no longer routinely taught.

Courtesy is the oil that lubricates all social interactions. This book helps provide this service.

I am purchasing this book after making use of it first as a library choice.It is a book I would suggest srongly to all age groups (8 to 80) for information which makes it possible to be respectful of relgious services other than the ones we ourselves know best and to do so in a relaxed and comfortable manner.