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Summary: From Brazil
Review: "The thrilling message that runs through these wonderful stories is that of compassion and service to others. In my weekly meditation classes in the prisons of Brazil, I share your conviction that every human being has he potential to transform his or her life. Keep up the great work!"
Dada Maheshvarananda
Monk
Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Summary: Everyone Counts
Review: As a therapist and group facilitator, I can depend on a story from P-Soup with a related poem or quotation to set the stage for a jail or prison group to be successful. Group members become engaged and trust the process because "their story" is heard and respected. It helps me to to "get out of the way" of my own perceptions and listen with humility and awe at the shared wisdom of the stories. P-Soup speaks directly to the needs of each human being behind bars---no one is excluded: everyone counts and everyone can make a contribution. This the essential message that can foster healing, hope, and a new direction for the many man and women who will return to our communties as neighbors. They are hungry for the chicken soup that will address and honor their dis-ease and struggle towards emotional wellness and relational respect. Each story helps a person to think about whether or not you are using your time wisely, a question asked by Dr. Cook in the story entitled August 25 by Gail Valla. P-Soup reminds us that we are all--- in and outside of the walls--doing time on planet Earth, and what heals one, heals all. This is a book for everyone.
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Summary: Soul Growth in Us All
Review: As an educator in a state correctional facility, I am always looking for reading material that can interest and inspire. As a human being struggling with the difficulties of my own little life, working with human being beings who for many reasons are going through the very difficult life experience of incarceration has assisted me in my own soul growth and the awareness of the one soul by which we are all connected.
Reading "Chicken Soup for the Prisoner's Soul" before I read it in class with my adult incarcerated students aided that development. I bought copies of the book for my students to read in class. Each student practiced his story. Then read it to the class. We have had many soul-stirring discussions.
I have never been the victim of a violent crime. I feel very much for victims and their families. The sections of the book that moved me to reflect on forgiveness were the ones telling about the forgiveness of the victim's family member for the perpetrator. I have trouble forgiving small slights. To read about the forgiveness of a violent crime that led to a taken life...well, I am still working on that. We live. We think. We change. This book encourages new thoughts to enter my mind and new changes in awareness of the soul.
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Summary: Excellent Prison Ministry Resource
Review: I am involved in prison ministry and I am working on getting this book out to each and every inmate I work with. Each book that I am able to send benefits not only the receiver, but is passed from inmate to inmate, eventually reaching many. It is an extraordinary book, full of hope and inspiration. I highly recommend it to anyone who has been touched in any way by the prison system, as well as anyone in society who wants to know more. This book will open your eyes and change your mind about the incarcerated. As funds become available I will continue to get this wonderful book into the hands of as many as possible.
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Summary: FINALLY AVAILABLE!! Enlightening!!!
Review: i am so thrilled to see this book finally be available to the general public. The stories in this book are enlightening. As a mental health professional in a maximum security prison, i have used the book in prisons as a tool of healing and expression.
As the founder of a peace organization we have been providing this book free to prisoners around the world for the past two years as well as doing workshops in prisons utilizing the book.
Not only is it good for prisoners but it is a powerful tool of education for those NOT connected with "the system." It brings a voice of humanity to people many in society would like to throw away. This book reminds us of how closely connected we all are.
(i also have two stories in it and am honored to be part of such a positive book!)
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Summary: What a wonderful book!
Review: I could only read one or two stories at a time, because I had to take a cry break in between. What powerful testimonies of how God's Spirit can work, even behind the walls of a prison. This book continues to serve God and man as we distribute hundreds of copies of it through our Kairos prison ministry in the NYS prisons where we serve. As Jesus said in Matthew: "I was in prison and you visited me."
Kenneth J. Ronk
Kairos volunteer
Wallkill, NY
Rating:
Summary: What a wonderful book!
Review: I could only read one or two stories at a time, because I had to take a cry break in between. What powerful testimonies of how God's Spirit can work, even behind the walls of a prison. This book continues to serve God and man as we distribute hundreds of copies of it through our Kairos prison ministry in the NYS prisons where we serve. As Jesus said in Matthew: "I was in prison and you visited me."
Kenneth J. Ronk
Kairos volunteer
Wallkill, NY
Rating:
Summary: Inspiring
Review: I had the pleasure of meeting Tom Lagana in Santa Barbara and was very touched with his gentle manner and beautiful spirit.
It's not surprising he brings much kindness and tenderness to all those he touches.
This book is a true tribute to who Tom Lagana is. It's a two thumbs up, top shelf, must read.
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Summary: Chicken Soup For The Prisoner's Soul
Review: I just received my copy of Chicken Soup for the Prisoners Soul. What a beautiful book! I am the leader of Prison Fellowship Ministries at my church, and I am often questioned on this ministry I choose to serve. People don't question other ministries. If you help the elderly or people of poverty everyone pats you on the back. Our ministry is not as easily accepted. Many are baffled as to why anyone would bother.I'm going to order a box of books for my volunteer group. It is a must for prison ministry volunteers! Plus I will keep a copy on hand at work. For now on when I am asked, "Why," I will loan out your book. Thank you so much for caring about the forgotten ones. It is actually a loved one in prison who told me about your book. He said it's helping him cope with doing his time." Antonette Flamenco
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Summary: Touching Stories
Review: I LOVED "Chicken Soup for the Prisoner's Soul." Of course I knew I would. The stories were wonderful and very touching. Great job. Ann Edenfield, author "Family Arrested: How To Survive The Incarceration of a Loved One"
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