Jamie

A Superman story to touch your heart

Reviewed: 05-28-23

A beautiful Elseworlds story written for literate adults about the dual paths of Clark Kent and Lane and many other depression-era everyday heroes who, as we all should, do the best they can. We also see the development of the villain Lex Luthor (a sociopath, who nonetheless hates racist remarks and smoking) as a counterpoint to Clark’s own journey. I wish Tom De Haven had written a sequel to this beautiful book, which is read well by Scott Brick.

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LovingKindness is the Cure

Reviewed: 01-03-23

A beautiful series of lessons on the metta sutta as a guide to a wholesome, awakening-inclined life. And some lovely guided meditations. Thank you, Leigh Brasington for sharing this final masterpiece from your beloved teacher.

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1 person found this helpful

A Heartfelt Tale of Friendship and Bravery

Reviewed: 12-11-22

More than anything else, this is a tale of wholehearted friendship and bravery. The story is unparalleled and the narration excellent.

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Listening to the cries of the world with a heart full of compassion

Reviewed: 11-07-21

This book is a literary form of kintsugi - the restoration of shattered clay made stronger and more beautiful by the golden scars that hold it together in Japanese art. To say more about this book would be to trivialize it. Someone may have the words to do it justice, but I do not. I can only say that having experienced it, I feel as well of openness and compassion in my heart that is for your than ever of the judging mind. Thank you, Ruth Ozeki.

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Clear and Engaging Map for the Buddhist Path

Reviewed: 07-30-21

Ayya Khema was one of those unique beings that are able to transform a lifetime of hardship - including escaping Nazi Germany as a child, only to see her family imprisoned by the Imperial Japanese army near the end of WWII - into a journey of love and wisdom. In this audiobook - beautifully read - she offers a clear and concise outline of the Buddha’s teachings and how the modern practitioner can live by them. No matter how long you have been meditating - a day or decades - this book will enrich your practice and your life.

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1 person found this helpful

The story itself is insightful and inspiring; narrator continually mispronounces important names.

Reviewed: 01-01-21

This is a lovely book. I most appreciated the aspects of it that referred to the important role women played in Buddhism and the unacceptable state of Bhikkhuni ordination today as adherents of the patriarchy continue to bar women. It’s a disgraceful state of affairs for the 21st Century. And I truly enjoyed the author’s description of her own journey. For these reasons, I would recommend this book.

However, I hope those who produced this audiobook will attend to what is an ongoing problem with audio books written by Buddhist teachers. The reader mispronounces important names of people in the Buddhist community and as well as Buddhist terms. How is it names and non-English terms are not researched and proofread? Wouldn’t a good voice actor actually make sure they are properly pronouncing them? This happens so often, it would just be so much better if the teachers read their own works instead of relying on voice actors. It seems disrespectful for professional recordings to disregard the need to pronounce people’s names properly. I hate to make such a big deal of this as the book itself is lovely. But it is important. Authors should be able to at least review audiobooks before they are completed and ask that pertinent are edited.

Don't let this deter you from enjoying the book - this is more of a plea for a correction of this issue in future books.

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So grateful for these teachings!

Reviewed: 01-11-20

This inspiring collection of stories about the Buddhist disciples delivered much more than I could ever have asked for. My understanding is deepened and my heart gladdened by these teachings. This book is great support for any traveler on the path. Sadhu. Sadhu. Sadhu.

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Felt Like an Easedropper at Lincoln's White House

Reviewed: 01-06-13

Would you consider the audio edition of Team of Rivals to be better than the print version?

I haven't read the print version, but the exemplary way in which the audio version was executed suggests an equal, if not better, experience.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Team of Rivals?

Lincoln being driven to tears by the adoration and gratitude bestowed upon him by African American soldiers.

Which scene was your favorite?

The scene above - also any references to the closeness of Lincoln with Seward and Stanton.Some great scenes, two, describing meetings between Frederick Douglas and Lincoln.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

With Malice Toward None

Any additional comments?

This was an amazing piece of non-fiction: Scrupulously researched and presented in a way that made some fairly unwieldy material (especially in the beginning) understandable and compelling. Kearns-Goodwin justifies her place as a revered guest on The Daily Show, The Colbert Report and Sunday morning news programs.There were moments when I truly felt as though I was listening to Lincoln deal patiently with his often argumentitive cabinet.

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27 people found this helpful

In-Depth and Inspiring!

Reviewed: 02-06-12

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this book to any serious meditator. There are tons of books in circulation for beginners, most of them very good (some also by Joseph Goldstein), but very little out there that explore the Dharma in depth. Joseph Goldstein continues the line-by-line exploration of the Sattipattana Sutta he began in

What’s an idea from the book that you will remember?

“Whatever has the nature to arise also has the nature to cease.”

Any additional comments?

A note that might potentially be deleted: The Dhamma is offered free to all and this series is no exception. It is available on for no charge but the tedious, time-consuming effort in finding,downloading and organizing each talk does not seem worth the trouble when you can get it on audible for one credit (it's $120 or more if you buy it elsewhere).

May all beings be happy and free.

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16 people found this helpful