Category: self improvement

health, self improvement

The Energy Cure

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: William Bengston, PhD
Publisher: Sounds True
Genre: Health / Mind-Body
ISBN: 978-1-59179-911-5
Pages: 256
Price: $18.95

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If someone told you he had the cure for cancer in his hands, would you believe him? Would you trust him to cure you? William Bengstrom discovered this unique ability in an experiment with mice injected with a deadly form of cancer. When the mice spontaneously remitted, he knew he was onto something and he wanted to know more about this healing power he possessed.

Bengstrom knew it wasn’t enough to discover that something could be done. He needed to prove there was a science behind it, and that the results of his experiments could be replicated. So over the years, he continued to test himself and others in curing mice of cancer.

According to the author, we may also have the abilities he’s discovered in himself, and he shares his technique with us, hoping we can become healers, too. Since the process involves only energy shifts, no particular faith is necessary.

Written with Sylvia Fraser, this book documents Bengstrom’s history from the very beginning as a healer. A fascinating journey and engaging read, The Energy Cure is highly recommended.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children, self improvement, tween

The Skinny On Bullying

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Mike Cassidy
Publisher: Rand Media
Genre: Self-help / Children
ISBN: 978-0-9824390-1-2
Pages: 128
Price: $12.95

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Billy and Beth are best friends. They’ve just turned ten years old and have graduated from elementary school.  But attending Stickville Middle School is so much different. Now they also have to deal with bullies. And since Gretchen arrived at their school, their lives are becoming more and more difficult, as she bullies them and their classmates.

Bullying comes in many forms, as this stick-figure illustrated book reminds us. While we may only think of bullying as physical intimidation, it’s possible to find it as verbal, indirect and cyberbullying. But there are ways to minimize being bullied and stand up to someone if they’re bullying others. Sometimes even the person who feels bullied can be guilty of bullying, as Billy and Beth find out while dealing with Gretchen. They are also surprised to find out that even bullies sometimes have problems of their own, and a little understanding can go a long way toward everyone getting along better.

Bullying has always been a problem for kids. The Skinny On Bullying addresses this issue in a way they can easily understand. These simple stick figures have expressive mannerisms and sometimes go a bit over-the-top in making a point. And the text provides clear lists of bullying behavior as well as how to handle it, so kids can refer back to them easily.

Reading The Skinny On Bullying will take only a short while, and will feel more like spending time with a comic book. But the powerful anti-bullying message will stick with kids for a long time.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

self improvement

Total Law of Attraction

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Dr. David Che
Publisher: Blue Note Books
Genre: Self-help
ISBN: 978-1-878398-26-0
Pages: 168
Price: $19.00

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The Law of Attraction is a hot topic these days, with countless books and films detailing its wondrous results. From the Bible, to The Science of Getting Rich, to The Secret, these principles have been carried with us through the ages. But many false assumptions have been made by those who try to follow this law.

Some of the teachers tell us that we only need to visualize the end result clearly to have something manifest in our lives. But while we certainly do need to focus our thoughts on our goals, there are other things we need to be conscious of in using the Law of Attraction.

Dr. David Che has read nearly all that’s been written about this law, discovering what really works in the process. In Total Law of Attraction, he has distilled this wisdom from many sources into a comprehensive and simple book.

Like Dr. Che, I’ve also read quite a bit about this important law, and I’ve found that many authors simply repeat what’s already been said. They preach a “magic bullet” approach, which seems far-fetched and unrealistic. While Dr. Che hasn’t come up with any new ideas, what he has done in this book is show us only the best and most effective tools in working with the law. He explains why thoughts alone won’t work, and what we can do to make sure our dreams manifest in our lives. If you only read one book about the Law of Attraction, Total Law of Attraction will provide all you need to know.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

inspiration, self improvement

Giving You the Wow and the How

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Sharmen Lane
Publisher: Morgan James Publishing
Genre:  Self-help / Personal growth
ISBN: 978-1-60037-676-4
Pages: 172
Price $14.95

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Having the life of our dreams feels out of reach for many people. We may be stuck in ruts of our own making or feel as if we have little choice about making changes. But Sharmen Lane believes we can improve our lives, and if she could do it, so can we.

Lane dropped out of high school to become a manicurist. Although at the time, she thought she had no other options, she quickly realized this had not been a smart choice, and she set about changing her life. Getting her high school degree then led to a college degree, and eventually to a job paying more than a million dollars a year. And since she knew how she achieved her goals, she also wants to show us how.

Although Lane presents what she considers a simple plan, she acknowledges that putting this plan into action isn’t always easy. It requires us to change the way we think along with changing our actions. But if we have a solid plan and take action to move us towards our goals, we have a much better chance of success.

Lane’s style is upbeat, friendly and casual, but her words carry a strong message. We get what we put into life. She wants to show us how to make it the best it can be. Giving You the Wow and the How may not present a lot of new information, but what Lane does share is simple, direct, and most importantly, very do-able. If you want to make changes in your life, this book would be a great inspiration in getting you moving towards your own goals.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

self improvement

Purposeful Action

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Towanna B. Freeman, CDC,DD & Barbara H. Pellegrino, CEC
Publisher: iUniverse
Genre: Self improvement
ISBN: 978-1-4401-6387-6
Pages: 148
Price: $24.95

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It’s hard to have a goal and not be able to achieve it. Unfulfilled dreams keep us frustrated, always knowing our lives could be better if we only knew what to do. Purposeful Action was written for women by two women who believe they may be able to help. In this book, Towanna B. Freeman and Barbara H. Pellegrino offer guidance in reaching your goals.

In the first section of this book, several questions are addressed. What will make you happy? What can prevent you from achieving your goal? And when do you want to accomplish it? A life balance wheel is provided, and maintaining balance is strongly encouraged. The last section is their suggested seven steps to fulfillment. These are presented as a cycle: celebrating, affirmations, contemplation, visualization, acknowledgment, gratitude and asking.

Both of these women are life coaches, and they share some insights from their clients’ experiences. They also suggest you may benefit from your own coach, in working through this process. If you’re looking to make important changes in your life, you may find this workbook helpful in clarifying your vision before you take action.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

business, self improvement

Breakdown, Breakthrough

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Kathy Caprino
Publisher: Berrett-Koehler Publishers
Genre: Personal Growth / Business
ISBN: 978-1-57675-559-4
Pages: 237
Price: $16.95

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Although it’s been well documented that many men go through a midlife crisis, women have only recently recognized a similar life transition. When a woman suddenly finds herself stuck in a career that no longer seems to fit and she longs for something more, she often has no place to turn. Breakdown, Breakthrough was conceived when Kathy Caprino found herself in the midst of her own professional meltdown, and provides answers for women facing these struggles.

When a woman feels out of control in this stage of life, she needs to be empowered to make the right choices. Four areas of empowerment are covered in this book: with self, with others, with the world, and with the higher self. In all four areas, the reader is invited to step back to explore what might be causing the problem, let go of something that just isn’t working, and say yes to something new that might work better.

Caprino shares the wisdom she’s collected from women who have been through some dramatic changes that improved the quality of their lives. In addition to sharing their stories, these women offer advice and affirmations to guide us on a similar breakthrough. Action steps and probing questions are also provided.

A resource list of reading, websites, and groups is included, and Caprino suggests that you may need the support of a life coach or therapist, if you feel you can’t make these changes alone. But the most important thing you can do now is to recognize and take action to make your life the best it can be. Breakdown, Breakthrough can provide the expert assistance you’ll need on your journey.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

inspiration, self improvement

Three Feet From Gold

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Sharon L. Lechter & Greg S. Reid
Publisher: Sterling Publishing
Genre: Self-help
ISBN: 978-1-4027-6764-7
Pages: 256
Price: $22.95

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In 1937, Napoleon Hill wrote the classic Think and Grow Rich after spending twenty years interviewing the wealthiest and most successful men of his time. Although this book is still as applicable today as it was when it was written, Greg S. Reid felt the need to update some of this wisdom, accounting for changes that have happened since Napoleon Hill’s day.

In Three Feet From Gold Reid and his co-author Sharon Lechter share the success secrets of some of today’s business leaders. Don Green, CEO of the Napoleon Hill Foundation, assisted and supported this venture in carrying on its founder’s tradition.

Although it’s told as a story, with several fictional characters added to give it some depth, the wisdom Reid and Lechter impart in this book are profound. Nuggets like “A dream is just a dream until it is written down — then it becomes a goal” and “Never make a major decision in a valley” are scattered throughout the text, as the main character learns from his new mentors.

Nothing can ever take the place of Hill’s classic work, but Three Feet From Gold is an inspiring book that picks up where Think and Grow Rich leaves off. This new classic belongs in every positive thinker’s library.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Christian, inspiration, self improvement

I AM Says, “You Are…”

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: CJ Rapp
Publisher: Infusion Publishing
Genre: Christian / Inspiration / Devotional
ISBN: 978-0-9824790-0-1
Pages: 180
Price: $12.95

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Women often struggle with self-esteem issues. This general feeling of unworthiness is a message from the world, and does not come from God. If we study the Bible closely, we can see just how much God really treasures us.

In I AM Says, “You Are…”, author CJ Rapp has provided a 30-day devotional study designed to show women their true value as God’s children. Each day’s study touches on one message God has for us, such as “You are significant,” “You are beautiful,” and “You are royalty.”

These messages are accompanied by relevant Bible verses which back up the statements and provide positive reinforcement. Questions that guide us to “take out the trash” help remove our negative thinking about ourselves.

God truly loves us, even though the world often sends us messages that cause us to doubt our worthiness. This wonderful devotional reminds us that we are princesses of His kingdom, and God cares about us more than we can ever know. I highly recommend this study.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

self improvement, spirituality

Dare to Wear Your Soul on the Outside

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Gloria Burgess
Publisher: Jossey-Bass
Genre: Personal Growth / Spirituality
ISBN: 978-0470241837
Pages: 256
Price: $16.95

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Have you ever thought about the life you’re living, and what kind of impact you’re having on the people around you? You may know you want to leave a positive legacy, but don’t know exactly how to make the changes you need. Dare to Wear Your Soul on the Outside can offer some suggestions to guide you.

Dr. Gloria J. Burgess has determined that there are Seven Sacred Promises of legacy living. These are: gratitude, faith, love, vision, integrity, creative action, and legacy.

Through the examples of others who have followed her guidance, Burgess shows the reader how these women aligned their lives with their soul purpose. As they learned to wear their souls on the outside, they connected with their living legacy and are now contributing to the greater good in society.

Exercises are provided in this helpful book, and the reader is encouraged to keep a notebook to explore feelings and record the answers that are uncovered. Although it’s tempting to expect easy solutions, the process of creating your living legacy isn’t always a straightforward process, and it may take years. But the journey will be well worth the rewards.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

self improvement

A Life Worth Living

Bergers Book Reviews

life
Author: William F. Giruzzi
Publisher: Two Harbors Press
Genre: Self-help
ISBN: 978-1935097303
Pages: 130
Price: $12.95

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How did our current lifestyle evolve? Was it a conscious decision, or did everything simply happen? Is this system working for you, or do you wish things were different?

In A Life Worth Living, Bill Giruzzi questions the basic assumption of life, that “it’s just the way it is.” Instead, we’re shown how our collective thinking has evolved, and our current paradigm was formed. Once we can clearly see what artificially created limits are blocking us, we can decide what to do about them.

Our thoughts have the power to change our lives, as the Law of Attraction states. Although the law is never mentioned by name, this book follows the wisdom of thinking about and determining to reach your goal, and then taking steps to move in the direction of what you most want.

If you’ve never given any thought to why you’re living the life you now lead, A Life Worth Living will open your eyes. And if you want motivation to make changes, this book will provide a gentle push. But if you’re looking for a step-by-step method of making those changes, you won’t find it here. That’s something you’ll have to determine for yourself.

Reviewer: Alice Berger