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Best Taoism

Change Your Thoughts - Change Your Life: Living the Wisdom of the Tao
In this book, Dr. Wayne W. Dyer has reviewed hundreds of translations of the Tao Te Ching and has written 81 distinct essays on how to apply the ancient wisdom of Lao-tzu to today’s modern world. Some of the chapter titles are “Living with Flexibility,” “Living Without Enemies,” and “Living by Letting Go.” Each of the 81 brief chapters focuses on living the Tao and concludes with a section called “Doing the Tao Now.”. His books Manifest Your Destiny, Wisdom of the Ages, There’s a Spiritual Solution to Every Problem, and the New York Times bestsellers 10 Secrets for Success and Inner Peace, The Power of Intention, Inspiration, Change Your Thoughts—Change Your Life, Excuses Begone!, Wishes Fulfilled, and I Can See Clearly Now were all featured as National Public Television specials.
Reviews
"VERY inspiring... Read it slowly and carefully..."
"I was not familiar with the author or the associated book, but I ordered this calendar because I thought the images looked great and I wanted to find a calendar that had some kind of interesting content with each month. The back of the calendar also gives a listing of the same holidays with the dates they occured on in 2009, a miniature of the final four months of 2009, and a small layout of the 2011 months."
"I am learning stuff and Wayne Dyer's voice calmly puts me to sleep."
"The first self-help book I ever read was by Wayne Dyer."
"What can I say its Dr. Wayne Dyer?"
"This man has always been one of my favorites since he first began writing."
"Or in my case, basic principles and concepts for review and meditation every day, even if heard before."
"Great read!"
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The Tao of Pooh (Winnie-the-Pooh)
In which it is revealed that one of the world's great Taoist masters isn't Chinese--or a venerable philosopher--but is in fact none other that that effortlessly calm, still, reflective bear. Benjamin Hoff grew up in a rural area a few miles from Portland, Oregon—at the opposite end of the valley in which Opal Whiteley wrote her diary.
Reviews
"Benjamin Hoff really blessed humanity with a gem."
"Insightfully true to the original."
"Great book, simplifies philosophy in a humorous way."
"I first read this book at time of publication."
"gr8 book."
"It was a gift for son and absolutely loves it!"
"This is a great way to conceptualize Taoism."
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The Art Of War
The Art of War is an ancient Chinese military treatise attributed to Sun Tzu a high-ranking military general, strategist and tactician, and it was believed to have been compiled during the late Spring and Autumn period or early Warring States period.
Reviews
"This book taught me that winning is not through aggression and dominance, but in knowing yourself and your enemies better than they do themselves."
"It's hard to figure out which part of this is the actual writing and which is a narrative about the writing."
"Great read and commentary on the classic war strategy book that offers advice applicable to any facet of life."
"This is the only copy of the art of war that I've come across which provides the original text in boldface type so that you can read it that having to wait three pages and pages of commentary ."
"I would enjoy a modern treatise of this book."
"This book is not for those who over-indulge in dot-to-dots, but for those willing to stop and take a look at their own lives, The Art of War is priceless."
"My second time reading this book and definitely not my last."
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Best Asian Literature

Three Kingdoms: A Historical Novel
Writing some twelve hundred years later, the Ming author Luo Guanzhong drew on histories, dramas, and poems portraying the crisis to fashion a sophisticated, compelling narrative that has become the Chinese national epic. "By the measure of sheer density of history and drama, all other historical novels suffer by comparison to "Three Kingdoms, the great epic of the Chinese literary tradition.
Reviews
"Great book, although I should mention a complaint with Amazon for using bubble wrap."
"Interesting, if a little confusing with an enormous cast of characters."
"The book shipped quickly and was in good condition."
"I cannot express how I love the books from this publisher."
"Been looking for these books since ever, and I love them."
"The writing doesn't flow very well but the story is very enjoyable."
"This is the translation you want."
"I was pleasantly surprised to find the character drawings, ancient maps that described the provinces at the time and the people who ruled over them, and a very in depth reference in the back of the book that went into detail about several of the incidents mentioned in the story and how they relate to historical records."
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Best History of Books

Remarkable Books: The World's Most Beautiful and Historic Works
A beautifully illustrated guide to more than 75 of the world's most celebrated, rare, and seminal books and handwritten manuscripts ever produced, with discussions of their purpose, features, and creators. Michael Collins is a native of Ireland and studied theology at the University College Dublin.
Reviews
"The definition of a good coffee table book, this work is almost impossible to avoid picking it up and paging through. Along with photographs of pages from the first edition which include a discussion of 16th century typesetting, is a general synopsis of the book’s subject matter, a thumbnail biography of the author, an over-view of culture during the book’s release and an In Context section which explores its impact in history which in this case is a look at the founding fathers of the U.S. Not every work in the book is covered as lavishly, for example in the final section most books, On the Road by Jack Kerouak has four or five columnar inches and a picture of the cover of the book. The inclusions cover a vast range of subjects from definitive botanical and anatomical works, ancient Egyptian Books of the Dead and the I Ching to Beatrice Potter’s Peter Rabbit along with Penguin publishers first 10 paperback books creating a thoroughly engaging volume."
"A stunning volume spanning centuries of beautiful books from all cultures."
"From earliest times, when books were laboriously written on clay tablets, papyrus, parchment, and paper, until the present, with millions of us obtaining books, magazines, and other reading matter electronically, books have been a hallmark of civilization. While doing so, you will discover a treasure trove about the Gutenberg Bible, Leonardo da Vinci's remarkable notebooks, Vesalius's studies of the human body that set "a new standard for anatomical illustration," Samuel Johnson's extraordinary dictionary, Audubon's masterpiece, "Birds of America," Harriet Beecher Stowe's "Uncle Tom's Cabin," and Baum's "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.""
"I thought not...). "Remarkable Books" is too big to sit down with and read all at once. However, it's a wonderful book to start at the beginning - 3000BCE - and goes on through the ages to modern times."
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Best Political Reference

The Art Of War
The Art of War is an ancient Chinese military treatise attributed to Sun Tzu a high-ranking military general, strategist and tactician, and it was believed to have been compiled during the late Spring and Autumn period or early Warring States period.
Reviews
"I want to tell future readers of this book in this way. I read it first when I was 14 or 15."
"The annotations are a little dry and make the reading disjointed at times, but overall I was satisfied."
"I know that a lot of very powerful people have read this book and taken away strategies for their business or military careers."
"Book is set of precepts."
"I strongly recommend this book, especially for teens and young adults."
"Anyone who takes seriously their Self Defense or Martial Arts training absolutely needs to read this material."
"I know there is much discussion over the issue of the reality of SunTzu as an individual but that does not negate the insight this book provides."
"Interesting book translated from the original Chinese text written by a great general (or so it appears)."
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Best Other Eastern Religions & Sacred Texts

The New Bohemians Handbook: Come Home to Good Vibes
Packed with hundreds of ideas for bringing positive energy to your home, the book features exercises and activities for thinking about rooms in new ways. Finally a book that offers specific, helpful ways to make a home feel original, beautiful and, most importantly, like a haven for its homeowner. (Sophie Donelson Editor in Chief, House Beautiful ). "Justina is a magical human who really understands how to live well and create a space you love. ( Washington Post ). "With Ms. Blakeney as guide, princes, plumbers and poets alike can readily replicate the charm and ease of these featured interiors—from tiny urban studios to suburban domiciles to rustic retreats." ( The Detroit News ). "If plant packed boho spaces are your thing, then you probably already follow in the footsteps of Justina Blakeney, The Jungalow founder whose first book, The New Bohemians, is a staple on design lovers' coffee tables everywhere. Bursts of color and jungle influences are splashed across the pages, as she encourages readers to think about rooms in a different way and bring positive energy to their homes.
Reviews
"This is a very inspiring book that has me rethinking my own personal style."
"Christmas gift for my daughter."
"Every page offers a great, doable idea: we began today with rotating furniture to find a better Flow; then went on to changing bedclothes and wall hangings to warmer, complementary colors for winter & moving the fiddle leaf fig to a focal point."
"This book is awesome, even just looking at pictures is enough for inspiration; beautiful object!"
"It is good, but not as good as the first one."
"One tiny problem I have is not with the contents of the book, but the actual form of the book."
"I don't think any other design book I've seen has ever done that."
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Best Jainism

A Treasury of Jewish Quotations
For more than forty years Dr. Joseph L. Baron, the eminent Jewish scholar, gathered material for this work, mining all the great treasuries of classic Jewish literature. Joseph L. Baron was a reform Rabbi who served at the Temple Emanu-El B'ne Jeshurun in Milwaukee from 1926 to 1960.
Reviews
"And they come from such diverse sources as the Bible to works of the 20th century, from prophets, philosophers, educators, statesmen, rabbis, novelists. But since the compiler, an eminent Jewish scholar, spent 40 years compiling these sayings, I can spend a few more months digesting them."
"To express it in a simple form, this book is a must for everyone interested in philosophy, ethics and what the jews have said about diverse themes throughout history."
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Best Shintoism

The Invention of Religion in Japan
In this book, Jason Ānanda Josephson reveals how Japanese officials invented religion in Japan and traces the sweeping intellectual, legal, and cultural changes that followed. Josephson argues that the invention of religion in Japan was a politically charged, boundary-drawing exercise that not only extensively reclassified the inherited materials of Buddhism, Confucianism, and Shinto to lasting effect, but also reshaped, in subtle but significant ways, our own formulation of the concept of religion today. " The. Invention of Religion in Japan is truly revolutionary. “Jason ­Ananda Josephson astutely analyzes how Japanese definitions of religion sought to contain Christian missionary agendas and to position Japan advantageously vis-à-vis Western nations while at the same time radically reconfiguring inherited traditions and articulating new ideological norms for Japanese citizens. This study is illuminating reading for anyone interested, not only in modern Japan, but in the complex interconnections of religion, modernity, and the politics of nation states.” ( Jacqueline Stone, Princeton University ). “Written with remarkable clarity, this book makes an excellent contribution to the study of the interface of traditional Japanese religions and politics. Josephson has used well-documented examples of the creation of various Japanese belief systems in the modern era to suggest a new model for understanding the colonial past of religious studies and to provide new tools and models for grappling with continuing change in religious studies theory. “Jason Ananda Josephson’s book on the ‘invention of religion’ is an informative, well-argued, and stimulating discussion of an important topic that should be fascinating to anyone interested in religion in modern Japan or religion in any historical or cultural context.”-Paul L. Swanson | International Bulletin of Missionary Research. “Jason Josephson’s The Invention of Religion in Japan offers a creative theoretical apparatus that many students of Japanese religion and history will find immediately useful. Josephson upends the familiar Saidian account of Europe’s masterful encounter with the passive ‘Orient,’ showing that Japanese interpreters played active roles in formulating European understandings of the new academic field of ‘Japanese religions.’”-Religious Studies in Japan. “Josephson admirably traces the development of ‘religion’ in Japan and the West, and he constantly reminds of how this invention was inextricably interwoven with international politics and diplomatic relationships. Josephson presents a sophisticated analysis of the invention of religion in Japan by applying theoretically and empirically based explanations that rely on primary source data in multiple languages to contest previous notions of ‘religion’ and assumptions within the academic study of religion. In that respect, The Invention of Religion in Japan can help scholars of religions in Japan and elsewhere continue to refine and shape our understanding of ‘religion’ in modernity.”-Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion. Readers who are not Japan specialists will find the issues framed by interesting anecdotes and well-chosen historical information.”-Journal of Religion in Japan. “The book is a linguistic and textual tour de force that challenges many preconceptions about the development of studies of religion in Japan as well as about religion as a defined, or definable, category in Japanese contexts. Its thesis, that “religion” as a conceptual category did not exist prior to Western incursions into Meiji Japan and that it thus needed to be invented by the Japanese, is argued convincingly and will make many who have held alternative viewpoints think again. One hopes very much that people outside of religious studies do not look at Josephson’s title and think this is a book solely about religion. “Theoretically sophisticated and intellectually ambitious, Josephson’s book challenges the long-held assumption that religion is a universal component of human experience….Josephson’s work is a skillful exercise in semiotic analysis, drawing on sources in Japanese, Chinese, Portuguese, French, German, Dutch, Norwegian, Spanish, and Italian, and it illuminates the role of the Japanese as observers of the West, not merely as objects of Western observation….In this way, Josephson uses the transnational approach not only to revise a long-standing problem in Japanese historiography but also to deconstruct hegemonic Western concepts.”-Cross-Currents. “Josephson weaves together a fresh narrative of Japanese nation-building in its relation to religion. [Josephson] does a brilliant job in showing how ‘religion’ was used by state officials, scientists, and other protagonists in late 19th-century Japan as exactly what it is: a free-floating signifier with a strong discursive force that can be of great use for different processes of negotiation and naturalization.”-Inken Prohl | Religion. “The book brilliantly weaves two genealogies of scholarship, making it deeply interesting to students of either one: studies examining the construction of State Shinto in the Meiji period as a nonreligious expression of modern Japanese identity with a generation of critical scholarship on the academic study of religion. [Josephson] has produced an elegant argument that religion (including its co-products, the secular and the superstitious) was not so much imposed on Japan, but rather, in the discursive gap created by Western missionary and diplomatic incursions, invented in Japan by the Japanese to serve the late nineteenth-century modernization project. Josephson sheds much light on how the Western category of religion was adapted, interpreted, and transformed in Japan at the turn of the twentieth century. “Josephson’s investigation of the category of religion as it developed in modern Japan is a helpful addition to the field, and, to be honest, I have already begun assigning it in seminars. This book [will be] useful in comparative and theoretical courses on religion and will no doubt appeal to anyone studying Japanese religions and Japanese history.
Reviews
"He told me that it opens new territory in the understanding of the development of Buddhism in Japan and the effects of the intersection with Christianity on both the Japanese and Europeans who brought Christianity to Japan."
"I highly recommend this book to undergrads considering a religion major, as well as people who want a summary of various topics related to the formation of the religious category in Japan."
"Josephson makes a profound argument about the nature of the category of religion through a detailed examination of how that category was formulated in Japan following Japan's encounter with The West."
"This is an excellent overview of the history of State Shinto and its development as a tool both for control and for adaptation to international assumptions about religion."
"Wonderful dissection of what is science, religion, and how they interweave."
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Best Sikhism

1 & 2 Timothy, Titus
Most Bible commentaries take us on a one-way trip from the twentieth century to the first century. Walter L. Liefeld (Ph.D. Columbia and Union) is distinguished professor emeritus of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and is the author of The Expositor’s Bible Commentary on Luke, Interpreting the Book of Acts, New Testament Exposition, and the IVP New Testament Commentary on Ephesians.
Reviews
"Very insightful and easy to understand."
"Have purchased about 6 books in this series and I really enjoy using for my sermon prep."
"Exactly what I was looking for...in the exact shape as advertised."
"Just started to read it."
"Part of a very applicable and easy to use commentary."
"Once again, excellent application of Scripture in this series."
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Best Tao Te Ching

Tao Te Ching
Lao-tzu's Tao Te Ching, or Book of the Way, is the classic manual on the art of living, and one of the wonders of the world. Text: English (translation). Original Language: Chinese. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Reviews
"Get this book, make some tea, turn of the incessant rattlings in your brain and the screens in your home and relax to ancient wisdom that has influenced millions of hearts and minds for thousands of years..."
"I felt the digital version was hard to read."
"Anyone who's looked at the original Chinese characters knows that it's tough to literally translate into English - many connectives we use to make things flow are just not present in the Chinese. Where other translations can be bogged down with frilly adjectives and add-ons, this one strips itself down to the bare essentials - not only approaching the spareness of the original, but also the theme - 'ten thousand things' are 9,999 too many!"
"It's been said that this is the best translation of Lao Tzu's Tao Teh Ching, though I cannot attest to the validity of the statement I can say that of the few translations that I have read this has been the most easy to understand and the most enjoyable."
"if you want to read the original this is a fine translation."
"More than happy to see an edition of Tao Te Ching that was my first exposure to the material."
"Stephen Mitchell really brings this work to relevance and I'd strongly recommend it to anyone looking to work in any leadership position."
"Since I practically have Mitchell's translation memorized, it is fun to have a new translation which is simple and understandable."
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Best Confucianism

A Guide to Elegance: For Every Woman Who Wants to Be Well and Properly Dressed on All Occasions
The original What Not to Wear from one of fashion's. most enduringly. stylish women ... Madame Genevieve Antoine Dariaux spent most of her life in Paris, and now lives in the south of France.
Reviews
"Some of the fashion advice is a little dated, but her overall approach to life is worth incorporating into your own."
"I found much of the advise in this book very well thought out, including how to dress for one's shape in the easiest and simple way."
"Boujie."
"Great read, a bit out of date in some things as it is written in the 60's but in has great style has no time."
"I use it all the time for checking just to make sure I look my best before walking out the door."
"It's fun to read this book."
"Very good tips for elegance."
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Best Zoroastrianism

In Search of Zarathustra: Across Iran and Central Asia to Find the World's First Prophet
Following Zarathustra’s elusive trail back through time and across the Islamic, Christian, and Jewish worlds, Paul Kriwaczek uncovers his legacy at a wedding ceremony in present-day Central Asia, in the Cathar heresy of medieval France, and among the mystery cults of the Roman empire. “Fascinating. One vacillates between wonder at the story told and admiration at the genial intellectual virtuosity of the storyteller. A delight.” — Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel. “Vital. Remarkable. Artfully reveals the Zarathustian hinges of Iranian culture. [It] is written with the prescient elegance of a curious traveler and in the hope that ideas that once changed the world may do so again.” — Boston Review.
Reviews
"The books takes you though each of the powerful Zoroastrian dynasties of the Persian Empire, and explains how the religion itself morphed over time during those centuries. The news these days would have you believe that the Iranians and Israelites are mortal enemies; however, there is a rich, shared past between these two cultures."
"Good info on a largely forgotten religion."
"A great journey that helped me learn my origins."
"It widen the knowledge and opens the door toward a rich and alive past that made part of what the world is today."
"Kriwaczek is a grand old traveler, following the tracks of a tradition across the world, generally spiraling backward toward the original source of all our major monotheistic beliefs -- God and the devil, heaven and hell, the messiah and the day of judgement -- in the first Zoroastrians."
"I suppose if you know absolutely nothing about Zarathustra, you might find this book sort of interesting (although you will be getting some truly bad history), but if you have even a Wikipedia level understanding of the subject, it will probably be a frustrating waste of time. He retells information he gets from a cab driver, a tour guide, and some guy who he was standing next to at an archeological site. He makes it sound like he's on a mystical journey, but he's just staying in hotels, taking cabs, and looking at tourist sites. And if you know anything about Zoroastrianism and have wondered about it's influence on our beliefs today, you might have a good idea of the first place to investigate: The Babylonian captivity of the Jews and their restoration to Jeruselem by Cyrus the Great of the Persians."
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Best Karma Buddhism

Astrology/Karma & Transformation 2nd Ed
Especially emphasizing the transformative and karmic significance of Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto, this book places all astrological techniques in a growth-oriented perspective. Regarding his written works, the Library Journal stated: "The simplicity and clarity of his treatment of complex ideas is remarkable; it makes accessible even to the beginner a wealth of understanding....giving meaningful psychological grounding to astrological interpretation.
Reviews
"I rate it as an excellent book for all the details and explanations that the author provides."
"This book takes a positive, helpful view of the topic of karma as it can be understood through astrology."
"Exceeded my expectations, here is the book whereby one comes to understand the inner secrets of all life!"
"As with all of Arroyo's books, this one takes Astrology to another level."
"Arroyo is a great teacher of astrology."
"great read!"
"Fresh and well thought out."
"Perfect for those ready to grow beyond beginning astrology."
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Best Tibetan Book of the Dead

The Tibetan Book of the Dead: First Complete Translation (Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition)
The first complete translation of a classic Buddhist text on the journey through living and dying Graced with opening words by His Holiness The Dalai Lama, the Penguin Deluxe Edition of The Tibetan Book of the Dead is "immaculately rendered in an English both graceful and precise." Profound and unique, it is one of the great treasures of wisdom in the spiritual heritage of humanity. (Sogyal Rinpoche, author of The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying ). a voyage inside the profound imagination of a people, immaculately rendered in an English both graceful and precise. I hope that the profound insights contained in this work will be a source of inspiration and support to many interested people around the world.
Reviews
"I have been a voracious reader all my life, and have been exposed to thousands of pages of literature from countless brilliant minds; my advice to those of my ilk: read this book and be amazed at the complexity of it."
"Good resource book."
"Cleared up a lot of questions for me and help me verify and correlate certain information important to me."
"Great book for understanding the process of exiting physical body, the between state and helps in healing process for the closed relatives of people who died."
"A great book."
"Good translation and color photo pages are lovely."
"everything about this book is awesome."
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