Triumph Reviews

As the wife of a Khe Sanh Viet Nam veteran, I have watched my husband of 25 years deal with his own personal war - struggling through his memories of Viet Nam. In "Farewell Darkness", Ron Zaczek helped me to understand more clearly the phases my husband has gone through and the emotional hell he lives with every day. This book is a must-read for anyone whose loved one suffers from PTSD as a result of Viet Nam.

Of the numerous books written on the War in Vietnam, I believe this is the defining work of the life and times of a Marine Helicopter Crew Chief and his battles fought during and after the war.
It is a story of undying friendship, terror, laughter and the sadness of loss. But most of all it is a story about the heart of a man and his sense of duty to friends and family. It is a journey none should wish to take, but it raises the spirit to follow Ron and his battle to overcome his personal war.

It is the essence of "Semper Fidelis" (always faithful). It is the story of one VMO-3 Marine Crew Chief, a title not given nor easily earned, and the men with whom he served.
Outstanding, well written and a clarity next to none.

Great book. I have given it to my son in the hope that he may better understand his father.

Sandy Papazian has achieved what most writers can only dream of. She's managed to tell a tragic and compelling personal story in a most entertaining and affecting way, while at the same time never flinching from the sometimes difficult truths that confronted her family after the birth of their youngest son, Joey.
Anyone who ever had their faith shattered, their beliefs questioned, their strength drained, their hopes challenged...should read and learn from this magnificent story. Joey's story may seem, at first, only relatable to those who have family members wth handicaps...but in reading her book, we soon learn that we all have handicaps of one sort or another...and it is how we learn to deal with them that determines the fabric of our lives. In "Growing Up with Joey", Sandy has found a way to define and extract the most beautiful qualities on earth from the most tragic and terrifying of circumstances.
...If you are not transformed into a better person by reading this book, then there is little hope for you to begin with. Don't miss it.

This is a must read for anyone who wants to understand the difficulties facing a child with multiple disabilities and the problems families face in doing what they think is best for the child. This is a beautifully written book by a woman who knows the subject matter because she has lived it....I am CEO of a social services organization and I have not read a more inspiring book on this subject....I give it two thumbs up....Garrison Smith, CEO, Wabash Valley Human Services......

As a professional screenwriter, I am always looking for books that have compelling stories and dynamic relationships. Those that not only touch you in profound ways, but that stay with you long after the read. "Growing Up With Joey," does just that. Ms. Papazian's account of bringing up her handicapped son, amidst the pain and confusion of parenthood, is as mind boggling as it is inspiring. Having worked on projects that involve the mentally handicapped, I have done extensive research in the field. Until now, I had yet to come across a story filled with so much honesty. Honesty that transcends marriage, family, the work place and social consciousness. Ms. Papazian's attention to detail, not only in the day to day struggle of bringing up her son, but in the myriad of ways that struggle impacted every facet of her life, is something at which to marvel and, more importantly, something from which we can learn. The path is as long as it is difficult. It's filled with frustration, uncertainty and despair. But it's paved with love. This book is certain to bring Ms. Papazian critical acclaim and should be read by parent, spouse, sibling, teacher, student and child.

this book kept me wanting more Dennis and Angela Byrd are truly inspirational people. I highly recomend this book to any one who has had any kind of setback in their life or career. Dennis never asked "why me?" when he paralyzed playing football. Dennis used faith in him self and God to rise above it.

I had a brush with paralysis when I was in training camp in my second year of University. The injury I suffered ended my days as a football player but I was fortunate enough to not be paralysed as a result of it. I can still, however, relate to many of the thoughts Dennis shares in his book. His story is without a doubt, one of the most inspirational I have ever heard and I admire him for his courage. Nothing I have ever read has helped me to put my life in to perspective better than "Rise and Walk". His book is among my favorites and I enjoy reading it more every time. I would recomend it to anyone.

DENNIS BYRD'S TESTIMONY HAS TRULY GOT TO BE THE MOST FAITH RENEWING EVER. HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO ANYONE FACING ANY KIND OF TRIAL OR ADVERSITY IN THEIR LIFE.

Triumphs of the Heart is filled with wonderfully remarkable true stories portraying what the power of love can indeed accomplish. The twenty-five stories will at times astonish you, and remind you at the same time, that miracles can occur when love is the catalyst. Nothing is stronger it seems, than the bonds of love. Healing occurs, lives change and peace enters into one's life.

There is the remarkable story of Keith and Marilyn's love for one another, when Marilyn refused to give up and give in to the doctor's prognosis of permanent brain damage after a serious car crash. Never leaving her husband's side, Marilyn was determined that he would wake up with minimal damage. Keith astonished doctors after awakening six weeks later from a coma with high odds of rehabilitation. Then there is the mother who refused to give up on her son, who led a life of drug dealing for over twenty years, but with his mother's love, he overcame that lifestyle. There also several wonderful stories on the deep bond and love of pet owner's and the pets literally saving their lives.

This book will inspire you, touch you deeply, and remind you that the power of love is miraculous and incredibly powerful.

Triumphs of the Heart, says the Amazon editorial review "is a diverse collection of remarkable and inspirational true stories about people who have overcome great obstacles--with love as the catalyst for their heroic endeavors." George W Bush writes the introduction to "twenty-five accounts of heroism and healing depicting the invisible but immensely powerful bonds of love that connect us all." It's remarkable stuff. Take the story of the young child from Kyoto - abandonned and left to die, some might think. Yet what emerges is a genuinely moving story of the ties of love and affection between the writer of the introduction and the oil and manufacturing industries which not only warms the heart, but the entire planet.

I was in Bookstar looking for something to read on the plane to Nashville, when I saw this book prominently displayed in the store. I was going to get this or one of the more recent "Chicken Soup for the Soul" books. The clerk recommended Triumphs of the Heart. I heartily concur. This book made me cry it was so moving. Some of the stories are so unbelievable that it is hard to believe that they are true--but that is the point of the book. THEY ARE TRUE! The power of love is amazing and inspirational. This book lifted me out of the doldrums. I would recommend it to everyone. (And I'm not a Republican--I saw that Mr. Benguhe got George W. Bush to write his introduction.)

PS I saw it under self-help, but it is more inspirational than self-help.

The story of the life and times of William ("Bill for short") Sackter is as remarkable and inspiring as any in American history. Bill's story is re-told by his good friend Professor Thomas Walz (now retired from the social work department of the University of Iowa) in such sharp, believable detail as even to go so far as to write the majority of the book from Bill's point of view, using the sort of speech, broken perhaps but very gripping, as Bill had used; this aspect brings a great deal of accuracy to the book. The Bible says in I Thessalonians 5 to rejoice always and to give thanks in all circumstances. Bill Sackter took these principles to the extreme, and as a result, made everyone who knew him take a much closer look at themselves and the world around them. His life still has that effect on people today.

I'm not going to say here what all happened in Bill's life; the book will do a much better job of that than I. However, I will simply say that this book will open your eyes to an incredible sense of optimism little known in the world we live in today. I can't imagine someone reading this book and being disappointed.

One thing more: for those of you who have seen and loved the movies "Bill" and "Bill On His Own" (which have been out of print for who-knows-how-many-years), they are available from the very good people at Wild Bill's Coffee Shop at the University of Iowa.

This book is a love feast. Story after story of Bill and the "frens" who were fortunate enough to be a part of Bill's circle, including the regulars on the bus who were cheerfully greeted upon boarding, the day care children who had a happy transition from parents dropping them off for day care, the nice lady prostitutes who enjoyed his happy harmonica tunes when he was in Washington, DC to be honored for his achievements. Not only does the book make you glad to know about Bill's magnificent gift of loving, it gives hints about how to nurture that in life. The book is for everyone who celebrates the great diversity of gifts that make life wonderful

This uplifting story will appeal to anyone who is interested in how the human spirit overcomes great adversity. It is also of local interest to residents of Iowa City, as it recaps events that happened in this town and on this campus. A thoroughly enjoyable read that I would highly recommend.

(...) I was very surprised to see how realistic the stories were. (...) I highly recommend it for those who enjoy reading, but do not have much time. (...) The stories are worth reading at a slower pace, but I was just hooked to the story lines. (...)

I totally enjoyed reading this book. The stories in the book touched me emotionally and mentally. I found myself thinking of my own experiences. I recommend this book for women and men. This is a keeper and an eye opener to anyone who has loved or is in love. This book will make an excellent gift to everyone you know that has ever loved.

This book is simply great for the women who enjoy reading, but find with work and family obligations it is hard to take time to fit a good book into the schedule. This is the one! It is a quick read, that is comforting, healing and witty. These three talented authors include lessons that every woman will be able to relate too. The book itself is lightweight, able to fit in during lunchbreaks,doctor visits, or any appointment. Virtually, easy to read at any given time where you find yourself waiting. It is sure to become a conversation piece on many coffee tables.
It is right on time for the gift-giving season. I eagerly look forward to the next book. Don't pass this one up, ladies.

HI Koo, it's sasha-I just wanted to say this and you're other book Balancing Acts are the best 'sport realated' books I have ever read. You are the best! I suggest this book to n e 1 who loves a good book with cool pix.!

Way to go mommy -love jak

"Women who Win", gives a glimpse into the personal sucess storiesof over 25 of the most inspirational female athletes.Stunning photographs accompany the profiles of women athletes wo have redifined the parameters of sports for women and kept their own integrity intact. Congrats Auntie, luv ya -sashy

This book really opened my eyes to the living HELL these Jewish people went through. We learn about it in school, but the schoolbooks just scratch the surface of the emotional and physical turmoil these people went through. I wanted to learn more about this period. And when I did it explained why there are some people who think that the Holocaust never happened. I think that they don't want to believe that a human being could do that to another person! They go into denial. I recommend this book to anyone and everyone who wants to learn more and can handle the very disturbing REAL events that happened to REAL people. Ruth Elias is a heroic person and I would LOVE to have the oppurtunity to meet her.

I found this book not only an unbelievable book to read but also a book which I learnt a lot from. As I am learning about the Holocaust in school now, it was good to hear a personal story from the horses mouth(so to speak) of what actually happened. Often when you hear stories they are changed each time they are retold, like the game broken telephone. But when you read a book which was written by the person who was the actual survivor, you know it isn't going to be all distorted and something you can actually learn from. I am still unable to comprehend exactly how it all happened but it did so now we should make sure that the story of the Holocaust is told to the future Jewish and non-Jewish generations to come, to make sure it is never forgotten. Also to make sure Holocaust deniers don't convince people that the Holocaust never happened as they are very persuasive with their stupid lies. Unfortunatley one day we won't have any survivors left and that is why we need to educate the future which is my generation and the generations that follow. So I recommend if you haven't read this book to read it and if you have or once you finish, recommend it to everyone to read. Ruth Elias is not only a fabulous author but a fabulous and heroic person. She is someone we should all look up to.

Triumph of Hope, takes the reader along with Mrs. Elias as she lives through her every day encounters. The pain and suffering, and also the humiliation that the Huppert family endures leaves one with a heavy heart. But the pressing memory that I have of this book, is the decision that Mrs. Elias was forced to make in order to save the life of her beautiful baby girl.

The Wisdom of Wolves yes, was a one night read. Very brief, Very broad, Very general - BUT - very unique. And thats what I am looking for, and so too are you right? Something different will brighten up our days, it always does - try this book out.

The Wisdom of Wolves, is Towery's theory of natures way to organizational success. He does it well. THe book is broken up into roughly 20 short chapters. Some chapters are Patience, Failure, Strategy, Play, Loyalty, and Communication. By using the wolf as a metaphor for our lives and organizational behaviour, you and I will not only learn valuable principles but also have a great time in the process. The lessons of the wolf pack visually demonstrate a management philosophy that every organization should want to foster among its members.

I was inspired and really did for the first time, look upon the wolf as more than just someone who red riding hood met. Enjoy the read - it really is a classic!

Let me begin by saying that I really did enjoy reading the book. The book really, felt great in my hands, and when I was reading it - I was thinking to myself - this author has obviously done a lot of research about the wolf. It's a very simple read, a one-night job to say the least. But you will get something out of you, whether it be - a few ideas for organizational success, a new way of looking upon the wolf, or even the way you should approach your family and personal self. As you can see, the book covers alot, but its very general. (But I like that!)

We are faced with some 20 chapters, but each chapter is about 2 pages each. But then again, that is all that is needed I think. Patience, Curiosty, Strategy, Loyalty, Teamwork and Attitude, are just some of the topics Towery is addressing. Nice general topics of management, and organizational success - that will help you out if you are looking for an introduction to it all.

By using the wolf as a metaphor for our lives, and organizational behaviour, people not only learn valuable principles, but also have a great time in the process. The lessons of the wolf pack visually demonstrate a management philosophy that an organization should want to foster among its members.

I loved it! Happy Reading!

Wolves come in pack.
So do human. We live in group and work in team.
You may think we should be far more better in terms of living / working together than wolves for we are more intelligent.

Better think again.

May be we are too intelligent, or may be we just think we do or we just think too much...

From the author Twyman L. Ph.D. Towery's years of study, there's a lot actually we can learn back from the wolves of how to live and work together more in harmony.

Especially when we apply the insights to the business world. The wisdom of wolves will definitely serve as an extremely useful guide.

The book is written in a very simple format and it's really interesting and easy to read. But the impression it leaves behind for sure will stay forever.

Erwin Lutzer writes about the judgement of Christians in Heaven. He states eventhough our salvation is sealed by the blood of Jesus, our reward is is based on our works on earth. Erwin Luttzer makes aprofound statement in that what we recieve from God is solely out of the generosity of his goodness. We recieve because God gives it to us not because we deserve it. Our reward or participation in Heaven is based on our works and deeds on earth. We enter Heaven under general admission through faith in the death and resurection of Jesus. Weither or not we sit behind the dugout or on the fifty yard line is up to us. Erwin Lutzer states that Jesus is looking for servants that serve him and one another willingly. Every good deed done in the name of Jesus is tallied in Heaven. He also states that not all deads have pure motives, but if we generally have hearts for Jesus we will be rewarded. He also states that everything belongs to God, even money. How we treat what God has given us will also effect our Judgement and rewards in heaven. In general, how we live on earth as believers will effect our position in Heaven.

Erwin Lutzer has written a powerful commentary on what awaits us at the Judgment seat of Christ, as well as what waits for those who reject Christ as Lord and Savior. He shows the various rewards (yes, rewards) which await us, as well as describing the various crowns, and with Scripture throughout, he presents a compelling vision of what we are to do - live everyday for Christ, and every motive to do for Christ all that we do. The only chapter which I found a little out of sync was the one entitled "Run to Win." For some strange reasons, modern day Christians want to applaud all athletes instead of look with discernment at the industry. Paul, back in his day, dealt with the "true" athlete, the one who participated for a crown. In today's world, it's all about million dollar and billion dollar deals, and in many instances, athletes are recruited without integrity and with a great deal of greed. That is not to say that the entire industry is at fault, but there should be a clarion call from the Church of Christ to call into question this whole business of the sports-industrial-complex, and how it has transformed all of our society. More than religion being the opiate of the people, I am inclined to believe that sports is the ultimate opiate of the people. All in all, though, Mr. Lutzer displays an incredible passion in this book, and it is highly recommended!!!

After reading "Hitler's Cross," which I loved, I thought I'd try another Lutzer book, with this the next choice, and I wasn't disappointed. This is a powerful hitting book, and has great implications for any believer in Christ who takes his teachings to heart. Using many Scriptures, Erwin Lutzer basically comes down to how we as Christians should live - our whole motive to do everythings is to please Christ. To do all things for Him. This alone was worth the price of the book. A timeless classic. Highly recommended!!!