Economic-Life Books

If you have read William Colby's book Nancy Cruzan, The Long Goodbye, you will find his latest book equally informative. Mr. Colby provides an excellent medical history that has brought us to our current debate about killing vs. allowing individuals to die. He shares recent cases and offers insight to both sides of the issue. This book should be read by anyone who has been faced with making end-of-life care decisions and by all who want to ensure that their end-of-life care is clearly understood.

Between author William H. Colby's role as the attorney for the family of Nancy Cruzan - who fought for the removal of her feeding tube, when she was in a Persistent Vegetative State 15 years before the Schiavo case dominated national discourse - and "Unplugged"'s subtitle, "Reclaiming our Right to Die in America", you might expect unsubtle advocacy. Colby doesn't give it, however; and although he talks about being impartial at excessive length, he does stick to the facts when the 3 individual cases (Karen Ann Quinlan, Nancy Cruzan, and Terri Schiavo) on the right-to-die issue he discusses are brought up.

The most valuable part of the book was the grounding Colby gives in the evolution of Medical Technology and the role this has played in the debate and how it's arisen; it's striking how new these issues are and how much they are dependent on technology. PVS patients weren't sustainable at all in the past - the term wasn't even coined until 1972 - and the different between the extensive surgery for a feeding tube for Quinlan and Cruzan, and the simple procedure for Schiavo, is vast; it may get even simpler tomorrow. Given that debates have turned on how extreme the measures taken are - and how hopeless a situation is - the moral debates are going to continually change as technology develops, a situation Colby illustrates well.

He also shows the potential pitfalls in living wills and the legal mess that still surrounds this issue; his solution is a power of attorney form and discussion with your loved ones. Giving them the power to make decisions and extensive knowledge of what you wanted is a good; a united family with clear knowledge of your desires is unlikely to have trouble carrying them out. Even if the point in the book is repeated ad nauseum.

The book is repetitive, though this is not always his fault - he provides a necessary accounting of the Schiavo case, which can't avoid covering the endless repetitive and futile appeals. All in all, "Unplugged" covers a lot of useful ground that was missed in the shouting atmosphere surrounding the Schiavo case; brief tie-ins of related issues (such as assisted suicide) add to the use of the book not as taking another side in the debate but giving information you can use decided where you stand and what you should do about it.

"Unplugged" is a book everyone who is going to die should read. It tells you what you need to do to make sure your wishes are respected when it comes to end-of-life decisions. Doing that will spare your loved ones unnecessary anguish. This book, believe it or not, is an engaging page turner and my 90-year-old mother just read it. We took its advice, talked about her wishes, and she now has a notarized health care power-of-attorney, giving us both much peace of mind. All this thanks to Colby's wonderfully written, timely, important book.

unplugged delves into timely and essential subject matter with an entertaining, informative, wondrful style of writing. colby's insight to this pertinent topic is beneficial universally, as we all must confront these circumstances at some point in our lives.

The right-to-die debate is once again tackled; this time by a lawyer who represented Nancy Cruzan in the first right- to-die case heard by the Supreme Court. While Nancy Cruzan's struggles were chronicled in a prior book by Colby, Unplugged: Reclaiming Our Right To Die In America offers a broader perspective on the topic, moving beyond Cruzan's struggle to offer answers to legal, ethical, medical and personal issues involved in the debate. Court records, interviews and the authors' own experiences lend to the discussion of current laws, proposed changes, and their effects on society.

Will the Boat Sink the Water? is a series of stories that show the problems of peasant life in the villages and farming counties. The farmers are held down by unchecked greed among the village leaders, heavy taxes demanded by the layers of government, barriers between them and those who could help them in the National Government. The book gives you a vivid picture about how helpless the 900 million people are under the crushing weight of Communist China. They live the same as they did before the Revolution and, in some way, their life is worse. Millions are out of work, millions pour into the cities but don't have the proper papers or the contacts needed to get good jobs.
The rural poor make up most of China and yet rarely do they have a voice in either the government or in the press.
Has a time line of important events, with a focus on those important to the peasants, and an introduction by John Pomfret, author of Chinese Lessons. A must for anybody interested in Asia or in China.

Chen and Wu are a voice for millions of farmers throughout China. Great insights into what life is like for the peasants and farmers in the countryside of China. It is hard to find many stories and reports about the hardships and persecutions which the farmers in China face and the political and economic system that they have to deal with. These are the people who make up the majority of China's population and yet you normally only hear about the urban areas and economic progress in China. As an American many of these incidents were hard for me to imagine happening within the last ten to fifteen years. I read this book while studying in China and when traveling in the countryside it gave me a better understanding of the places and people I encountered.

This is not a fun book to read, it is bloody, sad, lawless, power vs non power, poor is poor. most of people think China is developing so fast in recent years, but people don't realize that they are still about 800 million people live in rural area in China, they are still struggle with their daily life, and voiceless.

Forget the title, this is an interesting expose on the Chinese peasant. These 900 million people toil in the backwaters of rural China, and were instrumental in getting their country industrialized. They also helped the country sustain itself following the Great Leap Forward (or backward in reality) and the Cultural Revolution. These people spend countless hours in backbreaking labor only to have party cadres unfairly tax them beyond their means. This book by a husband and wife team examines stories about their home province and show the corruption of village and party administration. China may be a coming superpower, but it better solve these problems before the people throw the rascals out.

I found this a very informative read. It starts out slow, but this is an intensely interesting book about the unfair lives led by millions of Chinese peasants and the people that are supposed to protect them-the party and village government hacks.

John Pomfret writes in his introduction to this book that when he was in college in the late 1970s, professors taught that the Chinese Communist Party "truly represented the wishes of China's dispossessed" and one quoted Mao's saying that "A revolution is not a dinner party." Chinese reporters Chen Guidi and Wu Chuntao document the plight of the peasants in their country, showing Pomfret and anyone else who dares to read their expose how corruption, excessive taxation, miscarriages of justice, too many layers of bureaucracy, and unchecked industrial pollution oppress and threaten the very existence of China's poorest.

China is no worker's paradise. The rural population is basically an unprivileged underclass -- a class of serfs -- that the government squeezes mercilessly. Despite declarations from the top Chinese Communist rulers that peasants should not be pay more than 5% of their annual income in taxes, 19% is closer to the truth. For a subsistence population, such heavy taxation (often in the form of ill-defined, sometimes illegal, fees and fines) is more than they can bear. Yet, their appeals for relief to various levels of their government generally result only in the status quo retained.

A sizable portion of the book relates journalistic investigations into specific several cases of murder of peasants by village or township officials. The petty officials became enraged to the point of doing or ordering bodily violence against peasants because the fed-up farmers were taking public steps to expose their (the officials') corruption.

Then, the authors cite some of the recent policies of the Chinese central government that have increased the sufferings of the peasants. Examples include increasing the layers of local governance, commanding villages to invest in industrial enterprises that are not sustainable and that force them into mountains of debt, and permitting giant gobs of industrial pollutants to turn black rivers peasants must use for bathing and drinking water.

"Will the Boat Sink the Water? The Life of China's Peasants" does feature portraits of good, conscientious officials who put the welfare of their villages or regions ahead of their own advancement. But the Chinese Communist system does not ordinarily promote such people. The Party is more interested in keeping the peasants in their place, and it promotes those officials who inflate the agricultural yields and other economic "successes" of their locality and who deliver their assessed taxes in full.

This revealing look at China at the grassroots level should be read by everyone who has read glowing reports of the progressive, sweeping economic and social strides allegedly remaking the most populous nation on earth. There *is* a dinner party going on: the Chinese peasants are being feasted upon by their cadres, village heads, and Party watchdogs.

This English translation of the book now banned in China is very highly recommended.

While it's sad that there needs to be book about how to treat people, Dawna does a great job of pointing out how being a good person gets you ahead in life and business. She does it without coming across preachy too. I have recently changed directions within my company and this book has some great ideas for me to try in my new role. Thanks Dawna for helping to promote good manners!

I bought this book after subscribing and enjoying Dawna Stone's magazine "Her Sports and Fitness". After reading her book about how she found her passion and how she achieved her success, I have even more respect for her. This book describes what the top tier of people do that gets them there; and its not about being bossy or sneaky or thinking only about yourself--its about making the extra effort and surrounding yourself with postive people and retaining your ethics. The part that stuck home was how she described three phases to careers and how non-traditional careers are; no longer do we climb a straight path up a ladder with one business anymore.

If you're looking for a behind-the-scenes tell-all about Dawna Stone's experience on Martha Stewart's "Apprentice," you're going to disappointed. And that's a good thing, too, since Stone opts instead to offer some timeless advice about how to manage people and succeed in business without being the type of ruthless, win-at-all-costs person that's right out of reality TV central casting. Stone is at her best when she's talking about the challenges of her start-up magazine, the four-year-old Her Sports + Fitness, and I would have liked to have read more about that unlikely success story. She relies perhaps a little too much from familiar quotes and anecdotes from the likes of Ken Blanchard, Jim Collins, etc., and that's a shame since clearly she has plenty of her own material. It's tough at times to keep track of all of the many jobs she's had in less than two decades. Clearly this is an author who is always on the move up. Perhaps her next book will have more first-person material --and we triathletes wouldn't mind a little more insight into how Stone, an Ironman finisher, has used the sport to fuel her business success. Still, whether you're someone out of college trying to navigate the corporate world, a thirtysomething getting your first taste of management, or a first-time entrepreneur ready to take the plunge, you'll find this book invaluable.

Recently I completed reading the "Winning Nice: How to Succeed in Business and Life Without Waging War" by Dawna Stone (Winner of the Apprentice: Martha Stewart and founder of Her Sports + Fitness magazine). Dawna brings in her myriad of experience and explains some real world situations and their solutions. Every chapter also has a sweet short ending summarizing the contents and listing the action points. Dawna also chips in experiences and success stories of some well-known names including Oprah Winfrey, Jim Marshall, Tim Wilkins, Bill Gates, Steve Forbes Cheryl Richardson and others. The book is divided mainly into two sections the basic seven skills to build your foundation and further tips and techniques to apply for a bright future in business and life.
The section of resume and interview preparation is very good in content. Recent graduates and job hunters watch out for this section. The best part of the book is that Dawna has done a great job of translating her experience effectively into words in a simple and consistent language. Instead of being very philosophical, the book explains some real world issues and their solution. The language is simple, consistent and easy to understand. Some of the success stories are well explained to clarify the point at hand. Dawna also has touched upon some social issues in work place like sexual discrimination. The only weakness I found was that the book sometimes become a little repetitive and stretches itself around the main point.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and should prove a helpful resource to head start my career next week.

Thanks,
Amit Deshpande

For more information visit:
http://www.home.amit-deshpande.com
http://www.amit-deshpande.com

Easily one of the best books on the market as far as applicable tips. People looking to be classier, kinder, more successful, more impressive at work should pick this book up and read it. The stories she tells and the tips she gives are easy applied to real-life scenarios. As a college professor, I was impressed and believe this book can lend a hand in finding success in one's career and one's personal life.

Unlike this book, so many other business & motivational books are full of fluff or obvious tips. This book had tips I had never even thought of - and some of these little ideas she shares could probably make the difference between a mediocre working experience and an incredible working experience. I'm glad I picked it up and feel like I now have a new set of tools to bring to work.

I also found her stories about believing in yourself to be quite inspiring -- I never knew some of these people had such rough starts before finding success.

Anyways, love this book.

This was a wonderful insiteful book. Easy to pick up and read and think about each law. Very comprehensive. Covered catagories that I would never considered as part of wellness.

I don't even remember the details of why i liked this book so much, but I can tell you the way it made me feel. Maybe this was the first book that inspired me, or made me pick Psychology as my major. Maybe it was the fact it showed me that cancer survivors can live normal lives or it taught me about mind over matter.. it was such a long time ago but I know that I remembered this book---its like you see a good movie or read a book that makes you feel like you can acomplish anything! that's what this book did for me.

The author has personally recovered from cancer ( near death - just30 days to live), by living the laws, he suggests others to live by. The key passage is in chapter 19 where he discusses how he discovered the law of forgiveness and applied it in his case. Similarly the law of unity is an important observation. We are body,mind and spirit. The book is easy to read. He uses no jargons. He also emphasises how these laws are connected to each other.

Upon reading the first few paragraghs of this book, I knew it would be special. Anderson focuses on the holistic approach to living well. Laws such as being personally responsible for ourselves is especially relevent is these days where everyone claims to be a victim of something or another. The Law of Esprit: Realize that each day is a gift. The Law of Minimal Medical Invasiveness: You are the most important person on your medical team, not your doctor or anyone else. Take care of your health. The list goes on. Go ahead and buy this book; you will not be disappointed.

Greg Anderson's laws of wellness are not just words but actual laws you can live by. Each one can be applied to our own lives. I especially liked the the first law - the law of Esprit - the joy you feel is life! How true! I bought this book in 1998 and have read it several times. Yes, sometimes I need reminders on how I should be living. Excellent book.

This book is so good that I read and reread it three times in a row! What powerful insights! You won't find this information anywhere else.

This book is a keeper. I took copious notes and am benefitting tremendously from these powerful insights. I found many powerful insights.

First it is based exclusively on extensive data collection, analysis, and correlation rather than observation or an acedemics inspired perspectives on life.

Second, one chapter is devoted to each of the four typeswith each chapter using a standard discussion/presentation format (prevalent characteristics and style of the type, case studies, SPECIFIC paths to success for each type, successful work situations for each type, etc.) that makes it extremely easy to compare and contrast types as one determineswhich-if-any-one is.

Third, there is a self assessment test to determine/validate one's type as well as extensive guidance on how to correctly interpet one's scores and mitigate response basis.

Finally, instead of one on one (presumably expensive) career counseling, Miner provides a detailed listing of the more than 60 skills/values/personality type/interest etc. tests administered to his 100 research subjects (MBA students at SUNY-
Buffalo) and specifically advises readers to work with the book on their ownrather than engage him.

I have recommended this book to several others who, in turn, have read it and come away with the same decidedly positive view that I have.

I find myself continually reflecting on material in the book and re-reading certain sections. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that you will find yourself hansomely rewarded for the small investment in this great book. And no doubt will, as I and my associates have, continue to refer to it again and again as you consider it's implications for your life.
-ufflo

This book is a quick read and well worth it. I haven't yet begun to use the route most appropriate for me, but I did find the self-assessment very useful in helping to determine which route I should take. One word of caution (which is also echoed in the book): make sure you are extremely honest with yourself when doing the self-assessment. I also recommend taking a Myers-Briggs test (MBTI) and seeing if the results of the MBTI match up with what you find in this book. In my case they were very closely related.

I rarely give 5 stars, and once I've had a chance to actually test and implement the strategies in this book I suspect I will increase my rating.

This is one of those unsung hero books that few people know about but really packs a wallop. Great information. I also recommend The Entrepreneurial Mindset by Rita Gunther which is likewise packed with powerful information that really works.

I noticed another book promoted with this book written by a self publisher. BEWARE: I have read his books, not much substance. Stick with people Gunther, Macmillan and Miner and you won't be dissappointed.

In this engaging book about entrepreneurs, John B. Miner cites research that identifies four different types of entrepreneurial personalities. The result is a thoroughly fascinating treatment of the different routes to entrepreneurial behavior. We [...] recommend this book to anyone who wants to be an entrepreneur, anyone who works for or with an entrepreneur, or anyone who wants to understand entrepreneurial psychology.

It seemed everyone purchasing my book was also purchasing this book, so I decided to give it a read. I really enjoyed reading "The Four Routes To Entrepreneurial Success." Miner researched 100 entrepreneurs in New York to understand the characteristics of successful entrepreneurs.

He found entrepreneurs tend to be one of four basic personality types. Miner calls these basic types of entrepreneurs:

--The Personal Achiever
--The SupersalesPerson
--The Real Manager
--The Expert Idea Generator

For each type, Miner offers possible routes to achieving success as an entrepreneur. Miner points out pitfalls each type typically faces along the way to success. While the other types can find happiness as employees in larger corporations or as entrepreneurs, Miner says Personal Achievers need to become entrepreneurs to achieve true fulfillment.

Some people have more than one of the above types. Miner calls these people "complex entrepreneurs." Of the entrepreneur's studied, 46% of the complex entrepreneurs had firms that had grown a lot, while individuals lacking a strong type didn't have any firms that had grown a lot. Only one entrepreneur, the owner of an industrial lubricant company, was strong in all four types. He could move fluidly between the various types.

Miner discusses characteristics of each type. For example, Expert Idea Generators love ideas, tend to avoid risk, and enjoy innovation. Miner tells us that risk avoidance is important because it keeps the Expert Idea Generator focused upon ideas that can actually work.

Miner writes: "Creative ideas have some redeeming social value; crazy ideas do not. The difference is very hard to establish when you are riding the wave of inspirational zeal."

According to Miner: "The ideal situation for any entrepreneur is one where others perceive that a high degree of risk exists, ... and the entrepreneur with his or her knowledge sees practically no risk at all."

We also learn that Expert Idea Generators often need a benefactor to provide financial support for their ideas. Expert Idea Generators, sometimes, also need managers to run the companies, because management often isn't their strength. Expert Idea Generators may not be particularly strong in following through and getting things done.

Expert Idea Generators also run the risk of becoming too product-focused and losing sight of the customers' needs. And, they run the risk of not knowing enough. For example, Miner tells us some people working in small family businesses might come to incorrectly believe they're on the cutting edge of knowledge, when, in fact, they aren't.

So, to become real experts, Miner says Expert Idea Generators benefit from reading a lot and getting experience at multiple companies in their industry.

Miner says another pitfall Expert Idea Generators run into is wandering away from their areas of expertise. Because Expert Idea Generators are often highly intelligent and may know one field very well, they may incorrectly come to believe they're prepared to tackle another industry as experts.

Miner cautions: "You are always capable of having really terrible ideas. Never forget that."

My only criticism of the book is that the test to determine your type (if any) seems too simple. Miner asks us to check one of three categories ("Very Much," "Sizable," and "Less") for various questions, such as "Need To Achieve." and "Love Of Ideas."

Now how the hey are we supposed to know our "Need To Achieve" relative to other people? Miner also says we can use our intuition to help us understand if we might fit one of the types. But, I'd still like a more robust test, such as the online test accompanying, "Now, Discover Your Strengths" ("Now, Discover Your Strengths" doesn't discuss entrepreneurship, but it shows how important it is to follow your natural strengths to be successful. It's a good book to read along with "The Four Routes To Entrepreneurial Success.")

Peter Hupalo, Author of "Thinking Like An Entrepreneur"

This book is loaded with research that supports the claim that you should read to your baby. I knew it made a difference but to see the results of the numerous studies on the topic was shocking. I did not know it made that much of a difference. You owe it to your child to spend some time reading to them. In my opinion, if you want to make an impact on the life of your child, buy this book and read to your child! The book is a quick read and you do not even have to read the whole thing at once. Read the beginning and then read about the different stages as you are going through them. There are a ton of baby books out there (I know because I have bought them) but this one proves that by doing something as simple as reading can make a world of difference in the life of your child. It would also make an amazing baby shower gift, I will not go to another shower again without a copy if this for the parents.

What a great reading source!! I am a Mom of three children as well as a preschool teacher and have always made reading a priority at home and in the classroom. This book brings out the best research and useful information for both parents and teachers!!! Everyone should read it and put its practices to use. This is a wonderful publication!!!

Of course it is a joy to sit with a child - a BABY - and read aloud! But this book sheds light on why and how to make it a daily, joyful experience. The research described explains how important the process is on so many different levels you might not have thought of. You can start before birth, for instance! The organization is very helpful, with specific books recommended for each stage of development and coordinated activities.

Very well organized for parents with young children of all ages -- started our infant at one week and by week seven he was focusing on black and white book series and now at week 12 he is grabbing for pages and is truly engaged! As new parents we are excited to see him grow into each level of read aloud and enjoy spending this quality time together. Recommend this book highly as well as the the wonderful book recommendations that are provided by the authors.

When I purchased Baby Read-Aloud basics, I had already read Reading with Babies, Toddlers and Twos and was hoping to complement my reading on the subject of baby books and read-alouds. I personally thought this book was not as helpful or complete, nor did it have as many book suggestions as the first one mentionned above. Still, this book is pretty good. It gives a few suggestions of books for every baby stage, what to do with that book, reading techniques, literacy games, and contains some interviews with parents who went through the read-aloud from birth experience. It is kind of repetitive but easy to read and well organized.

Underneath the southern hospitality is a man who understands the importance of taking risks and managing those risks. I think what makes Bowden unique is his ability to keep his ego in check with a sense of humility and gratitude that's rare in leadership today. I always got the feeling that he's grateful for being in the position where he is today, be it family or his coaching career.

I have read Maxwell and a host of other leadership books, but there is a world of difference between a consultant or a middle-manager telling you about leadership...and the winningest coach in college football telling you about leadership!

The thing I liked the most is that rather than vague affirmations or ambiguous principles, Bowden gives us SPECIFIC, hard-won advice regarding handling staff, planning for success, etc.

The fact that he has done so remarkably well--with his job "on the line" based on each season's performance, not to mention every time he plays a strong rival--Bowden gives us a CEO/Chairman of the Board-level view of how to handle matters.

I bought it because I am an FSU fan. I kept it because it was the best book on leadership I had ever read.

On the football field Bobby Bowden is king! He is also a very inspirational and motivated person. This book is amazing, in ALL aspects. You don't have to be a Florida State or even a football fan, this book goes so far beyond any sport. This book basically tells you how too live a better life, and Bobby Bowden obviously has a awesome one.

I'm a Penn State grad and fan, but I enjoyed Bobby Bowden's leadership book. It's very easy to read and has lots of good advice. Also, I respect his religious beliefs and that he openly shares them throughout the book. This is a good leadership book!

i would recommend this book to anyone who has to manage people in any capacity...from managing your children to managing your employees...Coach Bowden has proven himself to be a true leader both on and off the football field.

Let's face it...sooner or later we all have something to sell in business and life, whether it's to help launch a new business, re-energize an existing one or to sell an idea. Elisa's book helps you do it all with great examples, easy-to-digest advice, and lots of passion! You'll want to keep this handy reference around whenever you feel stuck and in need of a fresh perspective on your next sales endeavor.

A key to success is to create a message that inspires others to help you succeed. Elisa explains how to share this message with others so you can achieve more. Her clear, insightful secrets show us how to use the resources we have to attract attention to our goals.

I am a highly trained engineer for the first time selling my services as a consultant. With The Break Through The Noise tools, I crafted my message not in terms of engineering-ese, but in terms of actions and experiences my customers would get. As a result, CEOs of major companies (e.g. revenues more than $50M) replied to my email solicitations and fowarded my messages to their staff.

As the Sales and Marketing executive for a small engineering company, I was having trouble converting some of our more effective Marketing efforts into specific Sales opportunities. I was successfully getting myself into professional and social situations where Prospects abounded, but competitors abounded there as well. Because I wasn't able to "Break Through the Noise" typical in those environments, I often couldn't generate enough interest on a Prospect's part for him or here to seriously consider us for a major project.

Then I read "Break Through the Noise," a tight, applicable-to-all-industries, tip & technique-packed instruction manual on how to connect with even the most reticent or distracted of Prospects. (And few Prospects are as reticent or distracted as our target customer, the middle-management engineer!).

Read this book, and you'll never engage in "hand-to-hand" Marketing the same way again.

Elisa Southard and her great book: Break Through the Noise helped me to succinctly articulate what it is I do. So many words, so many ideas, so much noise -- she helped me wade through the muck to find not only one pearl, but an entire strand, all the while keeping those I want to reach in mind.

This is a great, thought-provoking book, as other reviewers have noted, and should be read by everyone who is trying to live the gospel. We read it as a family; even teens aren't too young to grasp and discuss the ideas especially if facilitated by parents or other adults. A good gift for a college student or young adult, or any (reading) Christian for that matter.

This book has been a blessing to read. Foster came through as simple, and yet profound in his writing style; there was ample references to scripture, and Foster brings modern times into perspective with long held biblical spirituality; I plan to reread this book over again.

I have read the Chinese translation of the book. In fact, the translation is sold in a set of three different books. I have read them at different times. It provides direct and biblical insights into how Christians should view money, sex and power. Richard's writing is succinct. If you want to dive further into a topic, a rather extensive bibliography is provided.

PLOT: Money, Sex, & Power, these are the three big temptations of church leadership. The early monks battled these with vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Protestants today are more likely to use the tools of simplicity, fidelity, and servanthood. Foster does an excellent job exploring these three dangerous areas.

POSITIVES: Foster draws from Scripture, other authors, and his own excellent understanding of theology. This is a book I find myself coming back to again and again.

PROBLEMS: Foster is given to strong statements. I didn't agree with all of them. I found myself highlighting certain passages and writing notes of praise. I found myself highlighting other passages and disagreeing with them. This is not a problem for me. I often interact with the books I read and sometimes go back years later and interact with my own notes as I wrestle with myself. But this could be a problem with some readers, who either feel they have a handle on theology or are threatened by ideas they disagree with. Let the buyer beware.

I think this is one of the best books on the difficulty of living in a society driven by money, power, consumerism, sex and continual change.

Foster has a compassionate, realistic view of what life is really like and how to deal with it. His opening chapter, Money, Sex and Power in Christian Perspective lays out the focus of the book - it is difficult to walk the walk. He isn't focusing on the external morality of ethical behavior, but on the social implications. He offers historical views of attitudes on money, sex and power, and divides the books into sections that focus on each issue.

In a small section titled "When Good Things Go Bad," he says, "There is, of course, a proper place in Christian life and experience for money, sex, and power. When properly placed and effectively functioning, they have the ability as nothing else does to enhance and bless life." He goes on to identify what the problem is in each area -the demon in money is greed; the demon in sex is lust; the demon in power is pride. And he tells us that these really are not matters we can be neutral about in hopes that they will disappear - if we ignore them, we will be dominated by them.

How do we avoid be controlled by our own desires, instead of controlling them to our own advantage? In the Power area, Foster suggests that we face the demons within, instead of projecting them on others. In addition, he suggests that we stop trying to manage and control others, and focus on our own spiritual powers.

Foster manages to be 'proper' without being unrealistically 'prim.' Whether read by fundamentalist Christians, small "c" christians, or Buddhists, this book gives food for thought. Agnostics, athiests and many free spirits will be turned off by references to the Bible and the focus on Jesus.

I used to think you had to agree with everything you read in a book, to find it of any use. There are parts of this book I don't agree with, but I took what was helpful, and left the rest. Those who keep an open mind will find that this is not a dogmatic, preaching book, but one that will make you think.

A must read for anyone in the private or public sector going through organizational change. Easy read and easy to relate to.

Salerno and Brock combine pragmatic tips and tools with wit and levity -- a rare combination in a world of bland, ego-driven management books. Equally helpful for the individual yearning to thrive in a changing workplace and the leaders who determine those very changes.

Once again Solerno and Brock have created insight for approaching and dealing with change in our lives. This book not only speaks to those in the business sector, but also to individuals. The Change Cycle is a must read for those who are leaders in business, education and churches.

Life never sits still, so neither does business. "The Change Cycle: How People Can Survive and Thrive in Organizational Change" is a guide to dealing with change in the world of business without losing one's head. Covering six aspects that range from loss to integration, it's a seminal guide to going with the flow of time, instead of foolishly standing in the way of it. "The Change Cycle" is solid reading for anyone who has trouble keeping up with a changing world in business.

I love it when I find a book that is both easy to understand as well as profound. Salerno and Brock have offered an easy to understand model to help navigate through the sometimes not so friendly waters of change!

Even though this book is geared towards business, I have found it helpful in all areas of my life...I highly recommend this book to anyone exploring ways to deal with and understand change.