Epiphany Books

I have an old copy of this book and love it, but it was bulky to travel with. I love the paper back version of the book and the new updated language. A wonderful companion for my spiritual journey.

I have been studying this book for 6 years and sharing it with others. Oswald Chambers was an exceptional writer, bible scholar, and teacher. This book has given me great insight and direction to walk as a Christian daily.

I highly recommend this book for everyone! The lessons really hit home and are applicable to all lives at all stages.

My Utmost for His Highest is a wonderful classic christian devotional book. I have used it and bought a copy for each of my adult sons for Father's Day.

This is a great daily devotional that points you to scripture and then life application. While I LOVED my older edition of Oswald Chambers, reading it in contemporary language makes my quiet time flow easier because I don't get hung up on Oswald's old english.

I've read tons of books on high tech startups and this is the only one where the author really understands what must happen, in what order in a systematic way. As a result he focuses you on the most important issues, in the right order, but more importantly shows you how to take action.
All the other books are either (1) the author's story of success (or someone else's success or (2) nice theories which explain how the world works at the 100,000 foot level but say nothing as to what action you should take today. Neither types really help you very much in getting your venture off the ground from day 1.
This book, on the other hand, is all about what you can do today to increase your venture's chance of success
A must-ready for every tech entrepreneur who doesn't want to rely just on luck and serendipity (although they always help!)

How do you try again, when your first attempt fails?

Steven Blank has studied the early stages of product ventures and the impact of decisions made by entrepreneurs, and this is his attempt to retell their story. This book can appear at first to be a step-by-step how-to book, but look again. At least five years of a company's life has been condensed into 200-pages. Instead, I think of this book as an outline, with good advice on how the successful entrepreneur will make it to the next step on his or her journey, and a tale of the heroes that have come before and perished. After reading this book you will been forewarned of the common mistakes that have turned even the most well-prepared executives astray.

And you will have something that has not yet been attempted. A framework of what successful entrepreneurs must absolutely do to star their venture and see it through to a fully-grown company.

This book is not just for entrepreneurs who must eventually scale their business, but for those companies whose products have already created some success and growth, and for well-established companies introducing new products. Even a small garage business or a group of teenagers without investment money who must decide how much time to spend building a product and how much time to spend selling it should read this book. After reading Blank's book, its clear that you must do both at the same time, and learn and iterate. There is no way to get around it, and Steven Blank makes a compelling case why you should do it this way.

I learned a lot from this book, and what I learned will definitely have an impact.

Appendix A, about the job titles (he recommends against any) and the roles of the team during the early phases of a startup's life was particularly interesting.

I've only had the book for about two weeks, but I've already bought additional copies for some of the people I work with. I'll eventually need a new copy for myself as my copy is already getting worn and tattered from overuse.

Highly recommended

If your planning to start a startup, this book may save you time and money. And also help you to find an early market soon and really understand the difference from the mainstream. Mr. Blank writes as if he is talking to you at an appoint an fostering your possible problem before the time that you really face them.

Every startup marketer must read this book. I've led two startups from launch to IPO filing as the VP marketing - and despite my experience, I still learned a ton from The Four Steps to the Epiphany. I wish I had this book at the beginning of my career. This is the number one book that I recommend on the startup marketing blog [...].

..or did I miss something in this book? I was so excited when I received this book in the mail, but I was so disappointed when I started reading it. Something about this story just wasn't good to me. It didn't keep my attention at all. I struggled to read the first 50 pages and then I was just like forget it. There were good parts about this book, but overall I would not recommend it.

This book was EXCELLENT! It had suspense, romance, intrigue and flare. I really enjoyed reading how a friendship between a male and female can really exist, but with it's challenges along the way. I am looking forward to reading more from Toni.....This book was AMAZING and wonderfully written!

I received this novel as a gift from my husband, and what a gift indeed.

Ms. Harris is a very talented storyteller and I was impressed beyond measure by her attention to detail, accuracy in information, and ability to maintain continuity while creatively engaging my mind. I consider this read for the mature because although the text is contemporary and fresh, it also challenges the reader. This is not a "fluff" novel, full of raunch sex, violence, and overrated verbiage. Ms. Harris actually uses the English language as a tool to communicate ideas to provoke thought and deeper discussion. Her novel has depth and substance.

"Nothing Special" tells a story about the trials friendship may go through and how to really overcome them. While never appearing preachy, the story will help the reader experience some type of growth.

Toni Staton-Harris has written a provocative story that illustrates the trials and tribulations friends must endure to maintain a friendship. More importantly she provides insight into how male and female platonic relationships are often presented with a unique set of challenges, which can become very difficult to those involved. In addition, Toni's Nothing Special...Just Friends shows just how much "friends" can endure when they practice open communication and chose to become vulnerable during moments of emotional distress. This is such a great literary work that has given me fresh perspective about whether: "Friendship doesn't cost a thing".

As an African American male who has been reluctant to engage in reading fiction, I must say the time spent reading this book was a great investment. Again, Toni's book has given me a "fresh perspective". Don't sleep on this one brothers...and sisters of course! Great job, Toni.

David L. Anderson, Jr.

I loved this book - The writing grabbed you from the very beginning. I was not only interested in the characters but found myself intrigued with every twist and turn. It definetly was not another typical African American book. I would highly recommend this book as a MUST READ!!!

This lovely book by Patricia Alexander and Michael Burgos gives the reader exactly what the title promises, comfort for your spirit, body and soul. The stories and vignettes seem so real that they bring you to a special place where readers can just be, and get in touch with their inner spirit and desires. I have taken the Book of Comforts with me to doctor's appointments where I know I will have to sit and wait. Reading the lovely prose and gentle messages makes the time pass quickly and pleasurably. I have even had others ask me about the book and then copy down the title so they can find their own "Comfort". I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for peace and acceptance in their life.

A beautifully designed book, The Book of Comforts by Patricia Alexander & Michael Burgos soothes the mind and warms the soul. With simple yet powerful tips to comfort your spirit, and quotes that make you feel all warm and fuzzy, I like to keep it on my bedside table where I can access it regularly for hits of inspiration.

This book is truly life enhancing in that it is very helpful in the practicality and ease with which we can comfort our spirit, body, and soul through the examples, affirmations, and IDEAS given. Other words to describe the work of the authors and artist are inspirational, insightful, healing, creative, uplifting, and fun! A definite read and a wonderful book for you, family, friends, co-workers, etc.

What a nice reminder for all of us! With such a busy-doing life it only makes sense to remind ourselves to bring comfort into our lives again. This is a perfect companion for a that trip you've been meaning to take to refresh yourself. Or a great guestroom addition as well. I recomened this as a wonderful gift to those you care about to show that indeed you do care! Enjoy!
Kenton Bell

A friend gave me a copy of this wonderful book. Paging through before I began to read, I was struck by how simply beautiful it is. Layout is as important to me as words, and this book is not only easy to follow, but also a treat for the eyes. Kudos to artist/designer Dean Andrews and to the writers for hiring her!

The content of this book is also wonderful and very personal. With a writing style that has you believing they are speaking directly to you, Patricia Alexander and Michael Burgos give truly heart-warming, as well as practical, advice.

I'm ready to buy a few more for gifts. Everyone needs this book!

Epiphany is an action packed, techno-thriller type novel about an event that, given the recent close encounters with asteroids, could very well occur one day. It involves every day former Nike missile crews working in concert with the president and his administration to save the United States, albeit, the world from a natural disaster. It is very well written by someone who actually worked in the Nike missile sites during the cold war, and was thoroughly researched for historical accuracy. It is fast and easy reading as you get caught up with the characters and their lives in their race to accomplish their important goal. Is a backup plan like this really in place should the primary plan fail? And what would we do if an event like this were really to happen? Can Gary and his former military pals really save us from death and destruction? It does leave one thinking... just how far fetched is this idea? Read it and see what you think.

As a fan of Clancy and other action novels, I found Epiphany to be an engaging and riveting novel. Once you start, you don't want to put it down and I found myself reading "just one more chapter". The characters are real, thorough and believable. The plot is more than just plausible, it is probable. I could easily see this novel transition into a very compelling and exciting movie. And though I'm not sure that it was done on purpose, I felt like there was enough material that there could be a sequel. Congratulations to Mr. Stephens on his very fine novel.

Although I am typically not a fan of action novels, I found that I could not put this one down. Gary Stephens constructs his characters in a way that makes the reader feel instantly bonded with them. I found myself completely wrapped up in their story and cheering for the success of those involved with the mission. The book has alot of military references to it, however as someone unfamiliar with the technical language of the novel I found that the author made everything clear without getting caught up in wordy explanations. This novel is definitely one I will enjoy reading again.

Although I am typically not a fan of action novels, I found that I could not put this one down. Gary Stephens constructs his characters in a way that makes the reader feel instantly bonded with them. I found myself completely wrapped up in their story and cheering for the success of those involved with the mission. The book has alot of military references to it, but as someone unfamiliar with the technical language of the novel I found that the author made everything clear without getting caught up in wordy explanations. This novel is definitely one I will enjoy reading again.

Impeccably researched, Epiphany approaches a familiar techno-thriller plot in an unfamiliar way - realistically. Author Gary Stephens' answers to the question of how an unprepared world might confront a space object collision with little advance warning are unsettling, and as would likely be the case if such an event were to actually happen, the reader shouldn't expect a completely tidy ending. Epiphany's characters are not the larger-than-life superheroes typical of this novel's genre. Instead, Stephens has populated his story with characters who are "everyman" (and woman). They exhibit the human virtues and flaws we all possess, and you will identify with and care about the fates of these ordinary people caught up in extraordinary circumstances.

As a lifelong participant and member of the United Church of Christ, I have listened to countless sermons. Alex Gondola has the gift of clarity while basing his inspiritional sermons on a solid foundation of intellectualism and historical fact. His words stay with you. I recommend "Don't Forget The child" for meaningful reading during the Advent season.

"Don't Forget The Child" are wonderful written sermons for advent and Christmas with inspirational parables that gave me a greater insight of the meaning of the advent season and the birth of Christ.

I have just read the book "Don't Forget The Child" by Alex A. Gondola,Jr
and find his words inspirational giving me renewable meaning and faith.
With the advant season upon us we need to experience the true meaning of
Christmas. Alex was my pastor at Dennis Union Church and I too take part
in the Dennis Village Green Living Creche. It is truly the spirit of
Christmas.May we all read his sermons "Don't Forget the Child".

Advent is always an exciting time for churches and pastors. But it is often difficult to remain fresh and informative. Dr. Gondola provides 20 sermon starters for both experienced and novice pastors. The sermons include traditional advent Sundays, Christmas Eve/Day, and Christmas tide. This book will help develop excellent sermons during this time of expectation.

Rex Fortney, Licensed Lay Pastor, UCC

This book contains good, concrete illustrations that fortify and clarify the more abstract thought of the author.
Short, simply stated, but well written segments bulild to a point of understanding that take the reader forward toward being a more fully realized Christian

My husband and I are reading through these Advent meditations and they are rich and beautiful. Of course we're only half way through, so I can't review for the entire book, but we've shared excerpts with friends and family, and very much enjoyed these readings.

This book guides readers through the four weeks of advent with short devotionals and prayers that lead one into new and wonderful contemplations of the Incarnation. It also includes histories of feast days and every other page is illustrated with a breathtaking sacred masterpiece. I would highly recommend it as a rich pre-Christmas gift for any deep-thinking, art-loving individual.

One quote in particular by Neuhaus struck me with awe:

"God who is the fullness of Being infiltrated our world of beings in order that we might fully be. Christmas is about incarnation, and incarnation is God's becoming what he is not, in order that we might become what he is."

I discovered this book while doing some last minute shopping on Christmas Eve day. I was experiencing that familiar feeling of "missing" Christmas again this year. I found it again in this book. It has inspired me to celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas for the first time. The readings are timely, thought provoking, prayer inspiring, and quite simply BEAUTIFUL! I'm already looking for copies to give as gifts for next year. I hope the authors are planning on a similiar collection for Lent and Easter. I would order it sight unseen.

I was looking for a way to focus my attention during Advent this year and heard about this book from the journal Image. As promised, the book has beautiful reproductions of art to go with each daily reading during Advent. There are also scripture passages each day and a short reflection written by one of the six contributors. Information and reflections on feast days are included, and I really like the fact that the book continues until Epiphany. I've been able to keep up so far and have been challenged and encouraged by the readings to remember Jesus in the midst of what can be a very distracting time of year. This book will make a great gift for my friends and family for next year's Advent season.

Every Christmas my wife and I think, "O my, we've done it again - Christmas is here and we've allowed the busy-ness of the season to keep us from preparing our hearts and our home for the coming of the Christ child." We started using this book at the recommendation of a friend and whole-heartedly recommend it to you. We are being prepared this Advent and this book has much to do with it. The paintings, Scripture verses, discussions and prayers have been a great help to us and those in our small group as well.

Mark Amtower has taken his great speech and written a book around it, and it is wonderful!

This is classic Amtower: Straight talk, real meat, honest and important. His principles of life--especially business life--are what is needed when forming a career.

This is a treasure to be read and re-read every few years; it gets better with every reading; one of those must-have books that stays on the shelf in a familiar place for easy finding.

Don Libey

Edgy as ever, Amtower amuses and enlightens at the same time. Speaking from his heart, Mark shares his journey and in doing so, has us reflecting on our own paths. In a world of two many choices Mark has devised a code of ethics that he uses as a guide. It makes his life simple and therefore less stressful and leaves more room for joy. Amtower's law resonates.

Some of us are looking for a life of sanity - a rock solid island in the swirling craziness of the world today. Mark's "Epiphanies" book encourages us all to define what anchors us to sanity. Bravo Mark - you get people to look within. It's the only place we'll find the answers.

I read an advance copy of Mark's and found the concepts and content insightful and helpful without leaning towards dogma and jargon, all too commonplace in today's self-help book category. Worth the money and the reading time, Mark's book and common-sense approach to life's challenges is something we can all (couch potato or not) readily benefit from!

Feeling confused and battered by conflicting priorities in the hurly-burly of scratching out a living?

Buy this book, refresh, and re-set your perspective. It won't take long, won't hurt a bit, and sets out a gentle challenge to re-discover your own ethical ground in life and work.

Mark Amtower shares ten fundamental, straight-up truths about creating and living an authentic ethical life. He writes from the heart and bares his soul with raw honesty that draws you up to his fireside to listen at his knee. By opening up his life's lessons, and generously crediting all his teachers on the path, Mark reminds the reader of the power of basic things that we should always remember, and so often forget to practice.

He tells you straight up: "Here are the lessons my life has delivered to me -- as a business owner, and as a person who walks the earth like everyone else -- and why you should pay attention. He leaves you nodding, thoughtful and humbled, reminded of the vital importance of living your values...and how you WILL reap what you sow.

I had the opportunity to review the book in draft and thoroughly enjoyed it. It is a first person approach to the role that integrity and ethics play in the world of Mark Amtower who has been a very successful business person - largely by sticking to his ethical principles. In the book Mark chronicles his family history that has positioned him for success and then informs the reader concerning major epiphanies in his life that would likely not have occurred had he not adopted the philosophy and lifestyle dictated by the very epiphanies. The book is an easy read over a day or two and you will enjoy the genuine homespun humor and honesty that has become Mark's trademark. It will make you want to reach out and touch the writer even if you have never met him before. Mark is such a warm and caring person (to those he trusts) that if you asked him he would likely give you the shirt off his back (and it is a large shirt- for a person with a large heart).

Michelle has written a remarkable and sorely needed book--a primer for reclaiming your spirituality and forging a truly personal relationship with God. Filled with exercises and reflections, the book provides an illuminating path back to our true natures and our connections with the divine. A must-read for spiritual seekers and anyone who wants to feel more joy, abundance and aliveness!

For many Christians, God has taken a backseat to their lives, but "Excuse Me, Your God is Waiting" is here to help them fix this spiritual problem and to introduce God into each part of life, be it in solving their problems, celebrating, or just getting through the day and looking towards the next. Promoting a better life and spiritual happiness through a more complete oneness with God, "Excuse Me, Your God is Waiting" is a must for Christian studies collections and for anyone who thinks they can improve their life if their bond with God were greater.

Many of us have an impersonal relationship with someone else's version of God. Michelle helps us create our own life adventure to find, know and relish the very personal relationship we can have with Our Own God. In return, like any healthy partnership, Our God helps us discover and cherish our True Self.

Michelle opens her life experience about how she was able, with Her God's help, to let go of organized religious systems, symbols and images of the, "...angry male authoritarian God with a long white beard, piercing eyes and a stern face...", who, because of her immense spiritual hunger, wanted her to be a nun. Instead she describes a relevant, vibrant, ever-growing, stretching, expanding relationship with her God who is her devoted teammate - not because of what she does or doesn't do - but because of who Her God is: Love.

With an extensive professional background in business and personal coaching, she weaves brief exercises, questions, and thoughts to ponder throughout the book to help us learn, un-learn, re-learn, and generate A HA! insights to define and create our own lives with Our God.

Caution: This book will gently challenge and nudge away beliefs, images, or systems that are keeping you from your Birthright - a life, a self, and a God of your own. Michelle makes it far too easy for us to do what we crave: To receive love from our God, to learn to love our Selves, and to powerfully create the love we want in our lives.

Michelle helps you to get back in touch with God in a spiritual way. She walks you through all the baggage we have about God and helps strip it away to the essence of God talking directly to you personally. This book is a must read to establish the lost connection to God, and deepen the relationship.

A wonderful book! Father David Anderson (an Episcopal priest from Bucks County PA) has written a book that is spiritually uplifting. It is an enjoyable read for the religious and the non-religious alike. He has elements of Buddahism as well as the Benedictine and Franciscan spirituality of seeing the wonder of the spirit of God in the daily grind that we all live each day. Highly recommended!!

The way I know if a movie is good is if I want to see it twice. The same goes for books. I've read Breakfast Epiphanies and I'm going through it again.

I read a lot in this genre of self-help and spirituality and I have to say, this book caught me by surprise. Partly it's because there's such a light touch to every story. Anderson is a pastor but he doesn't preach.

I loved the one titled, Hands off: We Hatch Alone. It's about his visit to a kindergarten class where they were hatching a box of chicks. All the children were instructed to keep their hands folded behind their backs. Anderson did too. And then he spins a gentle tale of how this simple posture of attentive detachment works in our relationships. "We cannot stop drinking for someone else...we cannot lift the pall of depression...If they are going to break into freedom, they will have to hatch themselves."

And so it goes, story after story. There's the one about the cat, Oliver, who has the instinct to hunt but when he actually gets outdoors, meekly returns to the warmth of the kitchen. I sat there thinking about all the times the door of opportunity slid open for me and I retreated. I have a name for this now. I used to call it fear. Now I call it Oliver.

Then there's the one about the woman who received last rites and came back to life for the love of meat loaf. And the one about American men (and husbands) and how the best path to spiritual growth and vital relationship with our spouse might just be dancing lessons.

Finally, I guess why I like this book is that Anderson is such a likeable guy. The book is solid gold but it has the warmth of a real person living a real life. He's smart and witty but he's also just a lot of fun, the kind of neighbor you'd be eager to see and talk to over the fence.

I loved this book. I'm giving them away for Christmas!

David Anderson manages to find the transcendent in everyday pursuits and happenings. You don't have to be an Episcopal clergyman (as he is), or have any religious belief at all, to identify, learn, and be touched by the wisdom in these brief, warm, funny, and enlightening encounters with the nitty-gritty of our lives. No story takes more than 5 minutes to read, so it's easy to pick up and put down again with little guilt - but with great reward.