Stuff Nobody Told Me [Paperback]

Alvin R. Koo (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 13, 1993

Stuff is a pithy, one-stop shop on personal growth and how to be happy. Isn't it such a common experience that we learn a thing as we get older, something so basic and important that it surprises us, and we wonder to ourselves, why hasn't anyone ever told me that before. That's the kind of stuff in Stuff. It's 23 chaper titles could be used as notes on how to be happy; in fact, it includes an 81 step plan of short reminders of a subject that engages all of us, happiness.

The book was originally written as notes to a series of seminars which Papa Al gave, first to help people quit smoking, then to help more people change their lives for the better. Thus, the chapters are arranged according to a plan to get better. First, there is the problem of dealing with emotions. Next, improving physical health also improves energy and emotional levels. Finally, there is the problem of dealing with false beliefs and strategies that all of us adopt early on, to varying degrees. The chapters are really organized into a six step plan to health. So whether you want a one-step plan or a six step plan or an 81 step plan, it's all here.

It also includes a 10-page appendix of the author's own story called Living the Dream.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Stuff was originally published as seminar notes. Then it was spiral bound numerous times in small quantities of 20 to 40. Finally, it was printed in a horizontal trade book paperback format, which exhibited well as a special on retail shelves, and was offered to small bookstores in Hawaii. They are slowly being found in small book shops, new age shops and other outlets. It can be found in Honolulu now at New Day, Book Ends, Kapiolani Medical Center, and Sirius Books. Amazon.com is the first national outleft for Stuff, and efforts have begun to develop a national audience now that a national outleft has been found. It is especially popular as gifts because of its gentle, compassionate tone and simple, strong truths.

From the Author

So many of these truths are so basic that I needed to be reminded of them every day. For instance: Live in the now. I know, I know, but how often do I forget. I start to worry, and to plan so much I forget it's only a plan. Anxiety builds. Fear. I begin to believe my future prognostications, especially all its problems and downsides. But I forget I only have today. I can plan for the future, but there is only so much I can do today for the future. Live in the now. It's simple truths like these that need reminding. So, when I first began to learn them at a later age in life than I've discovered many people learn these things, I needed reminders. I would make little signs and scotch tape them to the walls. Then I put together a book with a different saying for every day of the month. Then I needed little essays to explain some of the aphorisms, because they were more complicated than I could remember. And over and over, I learned that some people had learned these things as children and it had become a part of their day to day approach to life. I needed a way to develop these new life views for myself. And it came partly through daily reminders. That is how Stuff really began. As a way of gently reminding myself, over and over again, of what I choose to believe. And if you like what you read, it could do the same for you.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 136 pages
• Publisher: Hanalei Seminars (June 13, 1993)
• ISBN-10: 1575024349
• ISBN-13: 978-1575024349
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,697,970 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Down to earth reality check on your dreams, May 7, 2002

By 

Catherine A. Driscoll (Honolulu, HI United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Stuff Nobody Told Me (Paperback)

I felt happy and empowered after reading this book. It reminded me of pleasant events from my childhood and young adult years. The book offers practical advice on how to achieve one's dreams by developing and following a simple plan for a healthy happy life. The author did this with great affection, reflecting the humor of our circumstances and our human condition, allowing self-acceptance and self-love to happen. It's a quick read and because it is written from the heart in an authentic way, makes you want to read it again and again for pointers as you go through your life. It makes a great gift for your young adult children, because it says things you may have forgotten to say along the way. I'm sending it to both my daughters! Sometimes you come across a real gem that others have stepped over and never seen. Thanks to Alvin for having the courage and persistence to live his dream and inspiring others to do the same!

5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific Information, December 11, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Stuff Nobody Told Me (Paperback)

"Stuff" is a fast read, full of great information, useful today and tomorrow. I have often returned to certain, well worn pages. The author writes in a very readable manner, often from his own life experiences. Unlike so many other "self-help" books, this one is practical in a real sense! I highly recommend this unknown book to anyone interested in ridding oneself of "stuff".