Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

The Path Within: Break Through Harmful Programming and Doctrine To Experience Happiness and Harmony In Your Reality is a non-fiction, self-help book written by Anthony Santen. The author is a counselor and holistic health practitioner who has developed The Path Within System, based on his studies and his work with patients over the last twenty years. In this book, he introduces the reader to that program and explains the ways that one can approach and work through the concepts and exercises that are contained therein. Santen offers alternative ways of looking at depression and illness, and shares his skepticism of the prevailing pharmacological approach to treating illness. Towards the end of the book, Santen includes links for guided meditation, a bibliography and a complete index.

I wasn't really sure what Anthony Santen's self-help book, The Path Within: Break Through Harmful Programming and Doctrine To Experience Happiness and Harmony In Your Reality, would have to offer, but I quickly became intrigued when I sat down and began reading. The Path Within offers the careful reader an opportunity to free him/herself of artificial constructs and societal controls and to begin living as an authentic and empowered individual. Santen's text is well-written, carefully organized and beautifully presented. The exercises he offers helped me to more fully comprehend and make sense of each chapter. As I continued through the book, I realized that the mere act of reading was resulting in changes in how I regard myself and the world. I'm looking forward to spending a lot more time considering and re-reading The Path Within and listening to the audio files Santen includes. The Path Within: Break Through Harmful Programming and Doctrine To Experience Happiness and Harmony In Your Reality is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Carla Trueheart for Readers' Favorite

Why Is the Dalai Lama Always Smiling? is an enlightening and beautiful book that includes a memoir of sorts by author Lama Tsomo, thoughts on spiritual paths, and instruction on how to be happier and live a peaceful lifestyle. The book begins with the author’s own journey, her struggles, and how she became involved in Buddhist practices. That would be enough to tell a moving tale of life and choices, but she goes further and includes instruction on how this was accomplished. Through daily meditation, positive thinking, unique techniques, and the teachings of Rinpoche, she was able to live a happier, more peaceful life. Included in the book are meditation techniques, The Tibetan Nose Blow (it is not as weird as it sounds), and the practice of Tonglen, which teaches compassion and eases suffering. The book also includes tips for fitting meditation into our busy daily lives.

It’s interesting that I read this book when I did, because I just, by happenstance, began the study of Buddhist religions and Buddhist history. Why Is the Dalai Lama Always Smiling? really helped me as a reader learn more about these old techniques and Buddhist teachings, such as meditation, dharma, karma, the Five Poisons, and the Three Jewels. In addition, author Lama Tsomo includes color illustrations, charts and guides, science tidbits, and a Question and Answer section. All of these additions were done with passion for the subject and even touches of humor. The author’s personality and her beliefs really came through, making this a delight to read and educational as well. I would recommend the book to those who want to learn more about Buddhism, meditation, or just how to live a more peaceful lifestyle.

Reviewed by Nandita Keshavan for Readers' Favorite

How a Good Person Can Really Win is an excellent book by Pavan Choudary on how strategy and values affect the successes and follies of people in the world of work and politics. The book characterises two types of people; the vile and the naive. The vile person operates on greed and ulterior motives, whereas the naive person is often unaware of the dangerous doings of the vile person and gets taken advantage of. In so doing, Choudary aims to expose these dual and opposing traits and illustrate how a predominantly vile person would act, for the benefit of the naive person, who he argues can increase his awareness and learn to build greater strength in his own principles and values.

Choudary's style of writing is grounded, sincere and aphoristic. He illustrates his views with numerous stories, based on contemporary and historical people. Not only are the stories illustrative, but they serve to show that the concepts put forth are real and that vile patterns of behaviour repeatedly appear when morality is lacking. Part one covers the controlling and narcissistic machinations of the vile person, giving advice also to the vile person, and occasionally to the naive person, and sometimes to the independent ruler of both. Whether you consider yourself to be naive or not, part one is eye opening due to its thorough analysis of the numerous subtle and indirect ways in which vile people can manipulate and control others. It is clear from part one that he intends not only to expose vile tendencies, but to give vile people a chance to become self aware and to change for the better.

In parts two and three, Choudary makes a strong attempt to uplift and empower the masses of good people who are struggling in complex power plays, and whose good efforts are thwarted or not duly recognised or rewarded. In all cases, the strong values are integral, but the external manifestation of them can sometimes be subtle and simple yet still effective in enforcing discipline and in encouraging reform. He suggests practical options for avoiding direct confrontation and achieving goals discreetly but effectively. Also, the importance of seeking wise advice and giving advice at the right moment without sermonising is explained effectively.

Rather than adopt a formulaic approach to working with others, Choudary explains the importance of good timing in taking important decisions and being intuitive and adaptive. Furthermore, he advises masculine people to develop their feminine polarity, lead with a large heart, and allow talent to flourish in an organisation. Thus, he hopes to show people why they should avoid the pitfalls of ego, hatred, and jealousy, even when wronged. Nevertheless, the book does not compromise in the importance and benefit of strong principles and of good leadership and discipline. As Choudary says, “the good should make use of any adversity they come across.” This statement alone is abundantly substantiated in the book, and I believe everyone can learn more from life if they adopt this approach. I encourage people to thoroughly read How a Good Person Can Really Win and highlight the advice in it which they need most.

Choudary is a visionary with deep insight into the workings of different types of people and, through this work, is trying to improve the efficiency, principles, productivity, fraternity and morality of organisations. He wishes to arm the good man with inspiration, creativity, motivation and practical advice in which to emerge victorious from unpleasant situations, such as direct or indirect attacks, being cheated or being undermined. Spiritual people will appreciate the value placed on prayer and recognition of one's place in the universe. Not only is the book relevant to contemporary corporate and political settings, but it has stories and quotations from philosophers, rulers and other important figures across the world, which make How a Good Person Can Really Win a cultural integrator and an informative catalyst.

Reviewed by Roy T. James for Readers' Favorite

Think Less, Live More by Shelley Row depicts the author's journey to feeling successful and worthy, which begins with the author's visit to a counselor and ends with the author's advice to the reader: ‘Think less. Listen more…’ In between, the book looks at the subject of attaining one's dreams in a different light, with greater attention paid to feeling and less to thinking. It implores one to lead with the heart and to live more with courage. It comes down to this: lead with your heart; manage with your head. But you can’t lead with your heart and manage with your head if you don’t develop the habit of hearing both voices, and this book explores ways to connect with the persona of feeling. Moreover, it is a practical guide with helpful reminders and tables to effectively plan one's sojourn with one's feelings.

Think Less, Live More by Shelley Row is written in a conversational style with greater emphasis on practical adaptability of its content. To this end, many charts, lists and tables are provided, in addition to a structured routine recommended to follow for each of them. In short, for those who truly wish to adopt the recommendations into their life style, hardly any effort is needed besides the instructions given in the book. Simple and easy to follow, this book converts the rather obscure topics of emotional discovery, meditation, affirmation, calming, and energy recovery into child’s play for the reader, culminating in the titular theme of the book: think less, live more.

Reviewed by Charity Tober for Readers' Favorite

Still Standing After All The Tears by Valerie Silveira is a tough but motivational read. The author uses this book to not only share her personal heartbreaking story, but also to empower others to fight and prevail over the “beasts” in their own lives. Silveira defines a “beast” as “that situation, person, attitude or circumstance that has left you lost, defeated, frustrated, angry, hopeless and helpless, or living in paralyzing fear.” The author recounts the painful story of how her own daughter battled a “beast” of drug addiction and bad choices, which ultimately led to her being shot by an ex-boyfriend (who was also a gang member). The author points out that one poor choice can lead to another, and things can escalate fairly quickly. From her own experience with a life-changing ordeal, the author presents readers with nine steps to battling a personal “beast,” whether it be drugs, alcohol, abuse or any other number of debilitating life issues. Silveira advises readers to stand up and fight, put on spiritual armor, change their attitudes, adjust their focus, and make meaning of the madness!

This book was a very motivational and introspective read for me. Valerie Silveira writes with such emotion, conviction, and a can-do attitude. She shows that no matter what you are going through, you can’t just lie down and take it. You must empower yourself to fight back and win against any “beasts” that come into your life. I was really inspired by how the author took such a heartbreaking situation (such as a child spiraling out of control) and used that to build a positive message of strength and support. Highly recommended for anyone going through a life trial.

Reviewed by Rich Follett for Readers' Favorite

What Aging Men Want: The Odyssey as a Parable of Male Aging by John C. Robinson, Ph.D., D. Min. is a powerful, transformative guide to the inevitable personal odyssey all men must face: maintaining a sense of purpose and vitality while facing the effects of advancing years. What Aging Men Want dares to ask the question: “What if aging can be ‘…a radically new, fulfilling and joyful time saturated in love and generosity, quite literally the blossoming of your life?’” It is a compelling question, approached with impeccable scholarship, sound psychology, a mythologist’s eye for universal truth, and the kind of straight-talking personal point of view authentic only to those with a wealth of first-hand experience.

The premise of What Aging Men Want by John C. Robinson, Ph.D., D. Min. is that the universal stages of a man’s aging process correspond to specific chapters of Odysseus’ fabled return to Ithaca at the close of the Trojan War. While Robinson’s approach is so methodical and precise as to be virtually incontrovertible, the narrative is pleasingly conversational in tone and never patronizing. It is clear that Dr. Robinson seeks not to assert his credentials among a jaded body of peers, but rather to extend a compassionate invitation for fellow men struggling with fear and doubt to drink freely from his font of hard-won and carefully considered knowledge. It is virtually impossible to imagine any man, regardless of wealth, privilege, level of education, or degree of life experience, for whom What Aging Men Want would not be a valuable asset.

Each chapter of What Aging Men Want by John C. Robinson, Ph.D., D. Min. is formatted identically, with an introduction outlining the focus, a segment reframing the story in modern context, the author’s interpretation, points for discussion, and a closing challenge. Robinson then ends each section of this exceedingly well-crafted guidebook with Growth Questions which challenge the reader to apply learned insights in practical and personal ways. This consistency of design allows the reader to relax into the experience and extract every possible benefit from the wisdom within its covers.

In much the same fashion as Odysseus of old, readers of “What Aging Men Want” by John C. Robinson, Ph.D., D. Min. will return to their former lives with a newfound sense of joy, purpose and self-worth. “What Aging Men Want” by John C. Robinson, Ph.D., D. Min. should be required reading for every man facing mid-life and struggling with impending mortality.

Reviewed by Kathryn Bennett for Readers' Favorite

Connecting Happiness and Success: A Guide to Creating Success Through Happiness by Ray White tells us not to wait until we reach success to become happier. Most of us are relatively happy people, but we are also well aware that we could be happier. There is a belief - thanks to society - that once we hit a certain amount of success in a raise, promotion, or a brand new job that we will hit a level of happiness that comes along with that. The truth is we can be happy now; chasing success for the sake of being happy is not a strategy that works. Look at a solid guide that will help you be happier now and find success through that happiness.

I admit I have been one of those people lately, hoping that once I hit a certain stride in my freelance writing career that I will be happier. Ray White has written a book that shed so much light onto changing my outlook. I honestly can see where I was going wrong and his guide opened my eyes wide. The book flows well and the steps are written out in a way that is so easy to implement I am going to be starting today. While the book is educational, it does not just spout the facts and keep them cold; it is engaging and the tone is friendly, which is something I responded to well. Out of the self help books I have read, I must say this is one of the best. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for some answers.

Reviewed by Roy T. James for Readers' Favorite

Aging With Dignity, Living With Grace by David Brady prepares one to face adversity, whether as a health issue, financial challenges, business closing unexpectedly, a family, friendship, or marriage difficulty, or the loss of a loved one. David proposes Eight Step Principles to help one overcome this, and to find peace of mind and prosperity.

This book begins with David’s self introduction as a rebel and his experiences in a school for students with learning difficulties. He further narrates his stint in the financial world and working at the Toronto Stock Exchange, undoubtedly attesting to his credentials to write on such a topic as this. He marries, but after the collapse of his marriage he returns to school and specializes in communication, makes movies, and becomes a name to be reckoned with, winning awards after awards. His takes on a wide variety of topics, like neurobiology, sociology, etc add to this book's appeal. A good part of this book is filled with his dissertations on the ‘Eight Steps to Master Mind’, where he discusses in detail the finer aspects of these, devoting one chapter exclusively to each of the eight steps.

Aging With Dignity, Living With Grace by David Brady is an inspiring book. His life itself is a collection of adversities and none of those could succeed in preventing him from achieving success. As he mentions in this book, there is a dearth of such books as these, which can prepare us better for the rough seas of life. The book in fact possesses a universal appeal as it is devoid of topics identifiable with any particular religion.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Energize Your Retirement: Stories of Passionate Pursuits is a non-fiction book written by Christine Sparacino. The author conducted a series of interviews with retirees and seniors who have hobbies, interests or pastimes that make their lives meaningful. Each interview covers that person’s interest, how they got involved in it, and the approximate cost for a beginner. Sparacino interviewed people who were involved in outdoor activities: star-watching, bird-watching, hiking, beekeeping and mushroom gathering; volunteer services: serving as an ombudsman, mentoring children, working with the National Park Service, and helping seniors craft the best Medicare coverage; motoring: traveling the country on motorcycles or in an RV; and arts and crafts: sculpting, writing, craft-beer brewing; still others spoke of dancing, doing triathlons, playing softball, raising service dogs and skeet-shooting. Each chapter also includes resources for interested readers including associations, clubs, and literature.

There’s something for everyone in Energize Your Retirement: Stories of Passionate Pursuits. Author Christine Sparacino’s guide to an exciting retirement is actually an introduction to fun and often profitable dream-jobs and hobbies -- you know, the kind of fun thing where you’re warned not to quit your day job. Well, if you can, or already have, quit that day job, you’re ready for this book. While some of the pursuits were not my cup of tea, there were a good number that had me giving serious consideration on how to add them into my life. The interviewees are all interesting and accomplished folk who've become experts on their passion and freely share their experiences, tips and encouragement. I love the outdoors and sports, and was pleasantly surprised to read that while I’ll probably never be able, or want, to do an Ironman Triathlon at my current level of conditioning, I could do a Sprint Triathlon with just a bit of prep. The sculpting chapter also answered a lot of questions I’ve had about that art form. I’d recommend this book not only to retirees and those approaching that time, but also to anyone who’s wanted more from life than working their job and going home to a meal and TV. Energize Your Retirement: Stories of Passionate Pursuits is chock-full of fabulous alternatives that are within most people’s reach, and it’s most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Cheryl Schopen for Readers' Favorite

Many of us see people celebrating their 100th birthdays on the news, and we wonder how they were able to reach that age and still look healthy and active. Age to Perfection: How to Thrive to 100, Happy, Healthy, and Wise by Walter N. Gaman, Judith K. Gaman, and Mark J. Anderson will tell you just how to do that. From eating right to exercising to having the right outlook on life, this book will fill readers in on the known and not-so-known secrets to living to 100. Readers will not only get advice from the doctors and health professionals who wrote this book, but they will also receive tips from living centenarians on how to live a long and happy life.

When I received Age to Perfection, I sat down and told myself that I would read a chapter or two before bed. Before I knew it, it was past midnight and I had read over 100 pages. This book is filled with fascinating facts and tips that everyone should know about. I was constantly telling my husband and other family members about everything I was reading because I realized how significant this information can be, and I want us all to live long, happy, and healthy lives together. Gaman, Gaman, and Anderson do an excellent job of presenting this information in an organized and well-written way that people of all ages and backgrounds can understand and relate to. I may be in my 20s, but I am so happy that I got the chance to read this book because it not only gives me a great outlook on how to live my life, but it also gives me an idea of how to raise my daughter. I recommend this book to EVERYONE. It’s never too early or too late to turn things around and begin your journey to a better life.