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"Invisible Acts of Power: Personal
Choices That Create Miracles," Caroline Myss, Free Press, 2004,
269 pages. Over the last 20
years Caroline Myss has studied how people put their personal power
to work in their lives. In her new book, "Invisible Acts of Power,"
Myss points her message in a new direction.
According to Myss, individuals
become "channels for divine grace and a conduit for miracles through
kind, compassionate, generous actions." This "invisible act of
power" is without a private agenda or expectation of credit or
reward. As God works anonymously through the individual, these
invisible acts, such as prayer, allow the individual to experience
an incredible journey of personal empowerment.
Individuals can empower themselves
through these selfless acts by following Myss' seven stages of gifts
of the earth: financial support, creative support, self-esteem, the
heart, choice, wisdom and the spirit.
* * *
"Your Own Words." Barbara
Wallraff, Counterpoint, 2004, 278 pages.
Everyone has a desire to better
express himself or herself and convey thoughts. In her new
book, "Your Own Words," columnist Barbara Wallraff answers some
common questions about the English language and how you can become a
"language expert."
Although the book contains useful
information on dictionaries, stylebooks, usage manuals and thesauri,
its real value lies in how to make a good writing form your own.
This book helps you think about what goes into a good style of
writing and encourages you to "reach your own conclusions and
develop a style that expresses you at your best."
The chapter entitled "Do It
Yourself" is especially entertaining reading and provides guidance
on those frustrating linguistic problems we sometimes encounter when
writing.
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"Off the Cuff: The Essential
Guide for Men
-- And the Women Who Love Them." Carson Kressley, Dutton, 2004,
168 pages.
Are you sick and tired of chasing
the latest trends in men's fashion? In "Off the Cuff," author and
fashion expert Carson Kressley helps readers develop a timeless
style, concentrating on clothing that "mines each man's unique
personality and physique." He lets readers in on his
"best-kept secret -- that the only thing sure to stay in fashion is
the man who wears what's right for him."
Kressley covers the entire contents
of a man's closet -- from underthings to shoes and everything in
between -- in an edgy and sometimes hilarious writing style.
One focal point of the book's
message involves his 10 fashion commandments. The most notable
commandments include "Never go shopping alone" and "A garment should
never be made of more than 25 percent of an unnatural fiber."
* * *
"Christopher Lowell, The
Hassle-Free Host." Christopher Lowell with Frances Schultz,
Clarkson Potter/Publishers, 2004, 176.
For any host or hostess planning a
party, the devil's always in the details. Now, with a lavishly
illustrated book, the Emmy award-winning Christopher Lowell and the
television personality and author Frances Schultz take the headache
out of hosting the perfect party. Readers of "Christopher Lowell,
The Hassle-Free Host" will discover super-simple "tablescapes" for
guests, along with recipes that are sure to please the party crowd.
The book is divided into two
sections. Section one, "Let's Party," contains a dozen different
themes for setting a great table. Drawing from different cultures,
colors and themes, Lowell and Schultz have created extravagantly
beautiful yet easily created table settings that will dazzle your
guests and make your party a success.
After you have selected your table
theme, it's time to decide what to serve. Section two, "Ridiculously
Easy Recipes," contains a dozen menus that are suitable for any
occasion. One favorite menu is entitled "Lunch on the Sundeck" and
has recipes for making and serving chilled avocado soup, grilled
beef salad, garlic bread and frozen key lime pie with macadamia nut
center.
This book is a must for anyone
looking for fresh ideas in party planning and fine dining.
[Richard
Sumrall Lincoln Public
Library District |
