The Lazarus Project
Aside from the trick of writing in a non-native language, Hemon's not quite in a class with Nabokov and Conrad just yet. But there's no doubt he's become a fluent writer in English, and one that uses the language to unique and pleasing effects. Parallel plots concern the brief life of Lazarus Averbuch, a Jew and recent East European transplant who escaped a pogrom in Moldova only to be mistaken for an anarchist and shot down at 19 by Chicago Police in 1908; and Vladimir Brik, a Bosnian writer with Ukrainian roots who travels to the Ukraine and Sarajevo to research a book on Averbuch as well as his own ancestry.

This story is enlivened by Bosnian and Jewish jokes, and crucial catchphrases that grow in resonance with each reprise: "Home is where somebody notices your absence"; "I am just like everybody else because there is nobody like me in the whole world." The novel also notes the parallels between the U.S. war against anarchism a century ago and its war against terrorism today, without belaboring them.

It must be both thrilling and anxiety-provoking for a young writer to find himself compared to Nabokov, Conrad and Rushdie with only one novel and a short story collection to his credit. Aleksandar Hemon, descendant of Ukrainian emigrants to Yugoslavia and a native of Sarajevo, Bosnia, arrived in Chicago for a 1992 visit just ahead of the Balkan war. It took him only three years to begin publishing stories in English, eight to issue his first book and 12 to win a MacArthur Foundation "genius grant."

The Lazarus Project is a story filled with death, despair, missed connections and aching ironies, that somehow manages to be full of humor and hope -- a neat trick whose secret must lie somewhere in Hemon's skilled use of his adopted language.

One of the staples of "the college experience" at many schools is the "The last lecture" --- a beloved professor sums up a lifetime of scholarship and teaching as if he/she were heading out the door for the last time. It's the kind of tweed-jacket-with-elbow-patches talk that may or may not impart useful knowledge and lasting inspiration, but almost surely gives all present some warm and fuzzy feelings.

But a "last lecture" by Randy Pausch was different in every possible way. The professor of Computer Science, Human Computer Interaction, and Design at Carnegie Mellon University was just 46, and this really was his last lecture --- he was dying.

And dying fast. In the summer of 2006, Pausch had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, a ferociously efficient killer. Only 4% of its victims are alive five years after diagnosis. Most die much faster. Think months, not years.

Pausch fought back. Surgery. Chemo. Progress. But in August of 2007, the cancer returned --- and now it had metastasized to his liver and spleen. The new prognosis: 3-6 months of relative health, then a quick dispatch to the grave, leaving behind a wife and three little kids.

On September 18, 2007 --- less than a month later --- Randy Pausch gave his last lecture.

No one would have faulted him for launching a blast about desperately seizing opportunities in an irrational universe. Instead, Pausch delivered a laugh-filled session of teaching stories about going after your childhood dreams and helping others achieve theirs and enjoying every moment in your life --- even the ones that break your heart. Pausch's philosophy, in brief: "We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand."

The lecture was taped, and slapped up on YouTube. Jeffrey Zaslow wrote about it in The Wall Street Journal, and news shows made Pausch "person of the week" --- and soon Pausch had a book deal reported to be worth almost $7 million. Few expected him to be alive when it was published.

On February 19, I interviewed Randy Pausch for Reader's Digest. To the surprise of many --- including Pausch --- he was still his recognizable, energetic self. As I write (in early April, 2008), Pausch reports he's recovering from a standing eight count. But his good news doesn't deceive him. He notes that pancreatic cancer did to the photographer Dith Pran ("The Killing Fields") what Pol Pot couldn't --- it buried him in three months.

And now we have the book. It's two books, really, because it reads one way with the author still among us and will surely read differently when "The Last Lecture" is like the The Butterfly and the Diving Bell --- the record of a dead man, talking. The first book invites your support and gives you a wake-up call. The second, I suspect, is also a wake-up call but, between the lines, reminds you that even happiness can't save you from death.

Somewhere in between --- in the quiet space where a book really lives --- is a document that accomplishes a lot in 200 pages. It's about paying attention to what you think is important (when asked how he got tenure early, Pausch replied, "Call me at my office at 10 o'clock on Friday night and I'll tell you") and working hard and listening really well. It's easy to miss that last part of that in the emotion and the stories surrounding this book, but Pausch argues that hearing what other people say about you and your work is crucial to success and happiness. Because this is what you get: "a feedback loop for life."

So, if you must, shed your tears for Randy Pausch. Imagine what it would be like if you or your dearest loved one drew the card called pancreatic cancer. And then put dying aside, and get on with your dreams. Amazing how many you can achieve if you want them badly enough. And how they have the power to cushion the pain when the bad stuff happens.The last lecture

Sounds crazy, I know: Pollyanna in the cancer ward. But I talked with the guy. And we laughed and laughed. Of all the achievements in a life that's winding down, that's got to be up there.

Looking for Self in All the Wrong Places: Based on the Wiz by Gershonah C. Whitley


Buy new: $8.99An inspirational book. The Wizard of Oz, The Wiz and any version of L. Frank Baum's moumental Wizard of Oz productions will never be seen in the same light again. Find yourself and your own journey through Dorothy's, The Lion's, the Straw-man's and the Tin-man's journey.

Power Through Constructive Thinking by Emmet Fox



Buy new:
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A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of "A Course in Miracles" by Marianne Williamson


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Who Moved My Cheese? An Amazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life by Spencer Johnson


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$1.75We question change and in most cases are afraid of change. This author cleverly shows how different people adjust or don't adjust to change. Ultimately showing that the more open we are the more opportunities we are likely to take advantage of. Gershonah C. Whitley, author of Looking For Self In All The Wrong Places

As a Man Thinketh by James Allen



Buy new:
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$1.92James Allen clearly illustrates how we are the master of our own mental kingdoms. All the situations we find ourselves in are the result of our own mental imaging. We can change our circumstances at any time, but first we must begin within. Gershonah C. Whitley, Author of Looking For Self In All The Wrong Places

The Greatest Salesman in the World by Og Mandino


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Manifest Your Destiny: The Nine Spiritual Principles for Getting Everything You Want by Dr.Wayne W. Dyer


Buy new:
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$2.66This book powerfully describes the steps needed to gain the desires of our heart and it shows proven techniques, that if implemented will give us what we desire. Gershonah C. Whitley, author of Looking For Self In All The Wrong Places

The Secret by Rhonda Byrne



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The Attractor Factor: 5 Easy Steps for Creating Wealth (or Anything Else) from the Inside Out by Joe Vitale


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JEWELS OF AWE: poetry for and from the soul by Patricia Sanders



Buy new: $18.95a book of spiritual, sexual,love and inspirational poetry. For the poetry lover.

The Illuminated Rumi by Jalal Al-Din Rumi


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$19.80
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One Song: A New Illuminated Rumi by Michael Green


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$23.10
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$18.19

The Invitation by Oriah



Buy new:
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$0.19inspiring...

Zero Limits: The Secret Hawaiian System for Wealth, Health, Peace, and More by Joe Vitale


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$13.34life changing

Phenomenal Woman: Four Poems Celebrating Women by Maya Angelou


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$0.01Maya's phenomenal poetry...love her poetry

The Love Poems of Rumi



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$2.45for the poetry lover

The Power of Intention by Wayne W. Dyer


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$4.00he wrote this way before the secret

A Woman's Worth by Marianne Williamson


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Enchanted Love: The Mystical Power Of Intimate Relationships by Marianne Williamson



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$0.87for the lover in us all

Creating Affluence: The A-to-Z Steps to a Richer Life (Chopra, Deepak) by Deepak Chopra


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$3.95no need to elaborate here

A Night Without Armor : Poems by Jewel


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100 Love Sonnets: Cien sonetos de amor (Texas Pan American Series) by Pablo Neruda



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The Essential Neruda: Selected Poems by Pablo Neruda


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Courageous Souls: Do We Plan Our Life Challenges Before Birth? by Robert Schwartz


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A Witch's Guide to Faery Folk: Reclaiming Our Working Relationship with Invisible Helpers (Llewellyn's New Age Series) by Edain McCoy


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$4.02A book with many names of the Unseen, both good and bad.  How to attract and keep "them" around (for you never say their names outloud) or to rid your house of those who love to play tricks.

Earth Angels: A Pocket Guide for Incarnated Angels, Elementals, Starpeople, Walk-Ins, and Wizards by Doreen Virtue



Buy new:
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$1.99A neat quiz to take to see what you are incarnated as, and what it means.  I was a Witch....it described of fear of burning.  That was on the mark...lol  Ever since I was a child.

Faery Magick by Sirona Knight



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$7.00Ahhh...the Earth Spirits, the Unseen.  Explains where these mystical beings came from and hide.  Don't forget to leave out a tasty snack for them. A great read.

The Book of Faeries: A Guide to the World of Elves, Pixies, Goblins, and Other Magic Spirits by Francis Melville


Buy used from: $5.86My first Faery book.  Hardcover, with the Faeries in different sections....The Elementals, the Helpers, the Tricksters, etc.

Enchantment Of The Faerie Realm: Communicate with Nature Spirits & Elementals by Ted Andrews


Buy new:
$10.36
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$2.65Before you cut down a tree or one of it's branches....talk to it first , and leave a token of apprecation.  Sit among the flowers, under the trees...be very quiet and listen.

Green Witchcraft II: Balancing Light & Shadow by Ann Moura


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Tarot for the Green Witch by Ann Moura



Buy new:
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$2.57Fantastic book.  Place the Tarot cards that appeal to you over the printed one Mrs. Moura has on the page, and you have a total new way of looking at your Tarot Deck the Green Way

Craft of the Wild Witch: Green Spirituality & Natural Enchantment by Poppy Palin


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Natural Magic by Doreen Valiente


Buy used from: $2.50What better Magick is there than Natural and Green.

The Real Witches' Garden: Spells,Herbs, Plants and Magical Spaces Outdoors by Kate West


Buy used from: $10.22With this book, I can't wait to start my Garden!!

Llewellyn's 2005 Herbal Almanac (Llewellyn's Herbal Almanac) by Llewellyn


Buy used from: $0.14You have to get this book every year.  Besides reading about herbs, there are recipes for food, beauty, and all you need to start your garden for the new year

The Everything Herbal Remedies Book (Everything) by Marie-Jeanne Abadie



Buy used from: $3.65The title says "Everything", and it sure does.  Simple herbs to use, and gives ideas for a Herbal First Aid Kit

The Healing Powers Of Vinegar: A Complete Guide to Nature's Most Remarkable Remedy (IGN Green) by Cal Orey


Buy used from: $3.75A must read.  Apple Cider Vinegar, among other types are great in keeping you healthy.

Daughter of the Forest (The Sevenwaters Trilogy, Book 1) by Juliet Marillier


Buy new:
$6.99
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$0.89Fantastic Trilogy.  From what you read about Erin, this series brings to life the history you've read.

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Change Your Brain, Change Your Life: The Breakthrough Program for Conquering Anxiety, Depression, Obsessiveness, Anger, and Impulsiveness

By Daniel G. Amen

List Price: $15.00

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BRAIN PRESCRIPTIONS THAT REALLY WORK
In this breakthrough bestseller, you'll see scientific evidence that your anxiety, depression, anger, obsessiveness, or impulsiveness could be related to how specific structures in your brain work. You're not stuck with the brain you're born with. Here are just a few of neuropsychiatrist Dr. Daniel Amen's surprising--and effective--"brain prescriptions" that can help heal your brain and change your life:
To Quell Anxiety and Panic:
¸  Use simple breathing techniques to immediately calm inner turmoil
To Fight Depression:
¸  Learn how to kill ANTs (automatic negative thoughts)
To Curb Anger:
¸  Follow the Amen anti-anger diet and learn the nutrients that calm rage
To Conquer Impulsiveness and Learn to Focus:
¸  Develop total focus with the "One-Page Miracle"
To Stop Obsessive Worrying:
¸  Follow the "get unstuck" writing exercise and learn other problem-solving exercises

Memories of God: Theological Reflections on a Life by Roberta C. Bondi


Buy new:
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$1.37Healing stories of the author's painful images of God mainly developed through her childhood. Bondi is a professor of church history and steers the reader to many helpful resources she discovered in her readings of the church fathers and mothers that led the way for her to discover a God of absolute love.

In Ordinary Time by Roberta C. Bondi



Buy new:
$18.06
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$11.70This is Bondi's imaginative discourse through letters with a friend needing help in finding God's emotional healing. Chapter 1 is an absolutely brilliant theological outline of the God of love that sets the tone for the whole book. That chapter alone is well worth the price of the book and something I repeatedly reread.

Surrender to Love: Discovering the Heart of Christian Spirituality by David G. Benner


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$6.00Benner is a Christian psychologist who counsels that surrendering to God, in his extravagant love, enables us to let go of our immobilizing fear and find the liberation to embrace our created humanity. A Personal Growth Finalist in the 2004 Word Guild Canadian Writing Awards.

Heart of Healing, Heart of Light: Encountering God, Who Shares and Heals Our Pain by Flora Slosson Wuellner


Buy used from: $1.04Flora Slosson Wuellner may not be well known but I have been hugely impacted by her profound knowledge of God as loving healer. Her healing wisdom is both gentle and highly respectful of the feelings of the reader. A true shepherd!

Let Yourself Be Loved (Illumination Books) by Phillip Bennett



Buy new:
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$1.32A gem of a small booklet that examines the many types of fear we let rob us from basking in the unconditional love of God. Bennett has a pastoral psychotherapy practice and much insight into the human condition.

Good Goats: Healing Our Image of God by Dennis Linn


Buy new:
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$4.06The Linns are another tremendous gift to the church. This book mainly deals with the issues of God's goodness via discussion of hell/universalism. Written in a simple, non-technical way that appeals to the "childlikeness" in us all. In many ways, we adults get lost in our over-complicated cerebral minds.

Healing the Eight Stages of Life by Matthew Linn


Buy new:
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$1.83The Linns harness the insight of Erik Erikson's eight-stage theory of the human life-cycle to counsel how to find healing for hurts that occurred at the various stages of one's life. But really the heart of the book is finding healing in the ever-present love of God that can nurture us to wholeness.

He Loves Me! Learning to Live In the Father's Affection by Wayne Jacobsen



Buy new:
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$8.15This may be a good read for those coming from an evangelical background. Jacobsen wonderfully coaxes the reader to open up to the lavish love of God, while not abandoning his fidelity to many of the traditional tenets of evangelical belief.