Economic-Life Books

Dr. Gladys Hankins has done an excellent job at highlighting many of the subtle forms of racial prejudice and discrimination in corporate America. Her insight is rather compelling with documented real-life interviews and workshops with working adults of different races and gender, as well as individuals working in different capacities and corporate levels. She presents very balanced and fair perspectives of individuals of different racial backgrounds and gender. She has excellently highlighted rather destructive but subtle forms of racial prejudice and discrimination that are designed consciously or unconsciously to stifle or frustrate many talented and hardworking individuals in corporate America. She has presented these issues in a constructive and non-judgmental manner. No well-meaning company executive and leader would read this book without being propelled to "question" their own stand on fostering true diversity which must include fairness and equity in giving all deserving individuals (regardless of race and gender) equal opportunities for career development and vertical promotion. After reading this book, any well-meaning company executive and leader would be propelled to playing an imaginary role of switching places with a very qualified and hardworking woman or minority man. Such a person must then ask how they would feel if a glass or concrete ceiling were placed on them regardless of their output, productivity, talents, abilities and skills. In this book, Dr. Hankins does a terrific job of bringing out your humanity and reminding you that empowering others equates to empowering yourself, your company, your community and the country as a whole.

Dr. Hankins very nicely addresses the White Male fears of seeing any kind of advancement of women or minority men. She brings to light that the feelings and fears of the White Male must be adequately addressed before real progress in corporate diversity issues can be measured. Finally, she offers empowering statements to women and minority men reminding them that to value self from within still surpasses external value by others.

This book pierced through the very heart of many subtle forms of racial prejudice and discrimination in the workplace bringing to light the "Diversity Blues". Blues that continue to limit great minds and potentials, and essentially causing many companies to operate at 50% of their human potential. This book is a "must read" for every company executive and leader because it holds many empowering tools that can help any company maximize the potentials of their intelligent, hardworking, well-meaning and well-deserving employees of the human race. Five stars to "Diversity Blues" and congratulations to Dr. Hankins for an excellent job!!!

Well done! Dr Hankins does an excellent job of recognizing the state of discrimination and prejudice as I experience it in my life (easier to ignore than 20 years ago). She does two things that really opened my eyes and compelled me to act. The first is identifying the problems as they look today and bringing to light the erosion of productivity this causes. The second is presenting a solid business case for why I should take action to fix these problems. Dr Hankins' style is refreshingly logical and direct. I was compelled to read each next chapter and was ready to spring into action when I finished the last page. This is required reading for everyone who cares about their world.

This book is a real eye-opener to everyone who thinks, "we're in pretty good shape as far as diversity is concerned". Its numerous insightful and moving testimonials involve the reader both intellectually and emotionally and convey that modern racism and sexism in the workplace are still a sad reality.

Dr. Hankins challenges readers to examine and revise their own beliefs and assumptions about people who exhibit differences. She reminds all of us regardless of our gender and ethnicity to assume responsibility and ownership for creating the kind of environment, and ultimately the world, we want to live in. To do that she offers strategies to those who are the targets of prejudice and discrimination, encouraging them to address issues from a position of empowerment rather than victimization. She also provides sound guidelines to leaders on how to develop a comprehensive diversity management strategy that goes beyond mere diverse enrollment.

A truly enlightening and inspiring book!

Dr. Gladys Hankins has done an excellent job at highlighting many of the subtle forms of racial prejudice and discrimination in corporate America. Her insight is rather compelling with documented real-life interviews and workshops with working adults of different races and gender, as well as individuals working in different capacities and corporate levels. She presents very balanced and fair perspectives of individuals of different racial backgrounds and gender. She has excellently highlighted rather destructive but subtle forms of racial prejudice and discrimination that are designed consciously or unconsciously to stifle or frustrate many talented and hardworking individuals in corporate America. She has presented these issues in a constructive and non-judgmental manner. No well-meaning company executive and leader would read this book without being propelled to "question" their own stand on fostering true diversity which must include fairness and equity in giving all deserving individuals (regardless of race and gender) equal opportunities for career development and vertical promotion. After reading this book, any well-meaning company executive and leader would be propelled to playing an imaginary role of switching places with a very qualified and hardworking woman or minority man. Such a person must then ask how they would feel if a glass or concrete ceiling were placed on them regardless of their output, productivity, talents, abilities and skills. In this book, Dr. Hankins does a terrific job of bringing out your humanity and reminding you that empowering others equates to empowering yourself, your company, your community and the country as a whole.

Dr. Hankins very nicely addresses the White Male fears of seeing any kind of advancement of women or minority men. She brings to light that the feelings and fears of the White Male must be adequately addressed before real progress in corporate diversity issues can be measured. Finally, she offers empowering statements to women and minority men reminding them that to value self from within still surpasses external value by others.

This book pierced through the very heart of many subtle forms of racial prejudice and discrimination in the workplace bringing to light the "Diversity Blues". Blues that continue to limit great minds and potentials, and essentially causing many companies to operate at 50% of their human potential. This book is a "must read" for every company executive and leader because it holds many empowering tools that can help any company maximize the potentials of their intelligent, hardworking, well-meaning and well-deserving employees of the human race. Five stars to "Diversity Blues" and congratulations to Dr. Hankins for a brilliant job!!!

At this crucial point in the history of the world's major organizations, when far too many are struggling for economic survival, Dr. Hankins makes it painfully clear that Diversity is often misunderstood, undervalued, and benignly, if not overtly, neglected. She goes on to make a compelling case for proactively managing diversity; not the least of her arguments is that an ongoing process for managing divesity must be built into every facet of an organization's business. Her prescription for a healthy organization is to implement ongoing diversity that affects a real change in attitudes so that its members acknowledge and respect human and cultural differences. She makes good common sense! A healthy organization is empowered and enabled to deliver critical results that assure business success and profitabilty. Finally! A book on diversity for the boardroom and the lunch bunch!

While accomplishing a clear and valid intellectual case for "principle-based diversity in today's workplace, Dr. Hankins conveys a deep understanding of the negative human emotions that foster racism and sexism. She challenged me to introspection and reflection by presenting more than statistics and scientific data alone. Personal and group interviews, along with her own personal experience and observation uncover the raw, destructive nature of racism and sexism.

Then, with style and savvy, Dr. Hankins shares a vision for a prejudice-free, discrimination free-organization and addresses key roles all of us must play to create it. Unlike any other dissertation I've read on diversity, "Diversity Blues" has inspired me to reaffirm my commitment to be part of the solution of living a principle-based diversity.

Doing Work You Love is an excellent book. I highly recommend it to anyone who is not happy in their current profession. It is inspirational and motivational at helping you to discover what career you really want to have in life. It is easy to read and understand. It also dispels many common myths and fears about job searches and changing careers.

Cheryl Gilman has written a career classic that ought to be handed to every high school student and college freshman to enlighten them about the importance of finding work you love. In an easy to read style, Cheryl highlights the key elements of career development in a practical format that anyone can relate to. She invites you to value your life and take charge of it! By giving you the lowdown on the new workplace, Cheryl gives you the tools and the insights to help you find your true place in it.

EVERYONE should read this book. While you read it, you'll be reminded that we all have choices in life and that all of us can and should be 'doing work that we love.' I found this book very empowering. The text is easy-to-read and follow, the exercises are very insightful, and the "Aphorisms and Reminders" at the back are extremely empowering. I found myself jotting them down in places I could see them, and I still review them to keep me motivated. I felt so empowered by this book that I made the decision to leave my job in search of Work That I Love and I have never looked back. Cheryl Gilman provides a forum for you to explore your own options, be it staying where you are, or moving on...the CHOICE is up to you! A big THANK YOU to Cheryl Gilman for guiding me along my journey in rediscovering who I am and what I want to do in life. An exceptionally good book.

This book - is outstanding - it will give you some very effective tools to really focus on "Finding out what you Love". I would recommend it to anyone whether you are in a career transition or just entering the job market.

A great read. It gives you lots to think about and I recommend it to anyone and everyone, whether you have a good job, a bad job, or no job at all.

The book helped me personally. I felt the topics were well covered. The book includes sections for the reader to complete tasks to help them improve on the very topics being covered. Worked well for me.

When I was given a copy of the Eagle's Secret by a friend, I was in the midst of a professional crisis. My marriage had deteriorated because I didn't give enough time to my family. Despite the excessive amount of time I spent working, my company suffered financial setbacks that provoked a hostile takeover - with no job security for me. Wile I was in a deep depression, I received this book. Even though I had not been open to "self-help" before, I thought I had better read it anyway. It became my companion out of the darkness and has since helped me to gain balance and renewed optimism about the future. Whether you are in crisis or just trying to live life more fully, make sure to read The Eagle's Secret.

Like most people, I let the day to day issues of life sweep me away. As a longtime student of spirituality, I know better than to get into the chaos and negativity around me. But alas, I'm human. It requires constant discipline to move from participation in dysfunction to focusing on what we really want for our lives. When I read David McNally's first book, EVEN EAGLES NEED A PUSH, I found it to be just what I needed to get through a difficult divorce. Now, I'm again in life transition, considering a radical career change and possible cross-country move. I'm blessed to have found THE EAGLE'S SECRET. It is almost as though this book was written especially for me. We all need to be reminded that although we don't have control over the circumstances around us, we DO have control over our thoughts. I'd like to make this book mandatory reading for everyone who is still breathing!

I had my technical writing class (11th-graders) read this book--they loved it and thought it was very worthwhile. It was a great springboard for discussion.

Unlike the author's earlier book, Even Eagles Need A Push, this book is about survivors and thrivers. The Thriving Inventory at the start of the book is an exercise well worth doing honestly. The score will give some perspective to your level of thrivership.The rest of the book is devoted to each of the seven components of thriving. To find value from the book, it would be useful to do all the exercises in the book. The book is an excellent workbook to discover more about yourself, your capability, talents and view about life. A useful companion to the author's earlier book, Even Eagles Need A Push.

I recently followed a friend's advice and purchased Nicole William's book Earn What You're Worth: A Wildly Sophisticated Approach to Investing In Your Career-and Yourself. Upon reading the first chapter, I knew I had made the right decision. The book is full of valuable knowledge and career advice that I will definitely never forget. Her sections about discovering how you are unique and identifying what you value really stuck out in my mind. The book made me aware of several essential elements of career success and I have learned to focus on what I really want and proactively ask for what I'm worth. Two thumbs up!

Put down the highligher. Every page in this book is packed with amazing words that promise to jump start you into a bigger salary and a true sense of self-worth. This book is not just for young career-minded women. It truly is for anyone wanting more for themselves. It reads effortlessly and has a genuine tone. Who ever thought a book of this genre could be a page turner? Incredible wisdom...makes me think Ms. Williams is in her 90s not her 30s. :)

This book has very practical advice on how to improve your chance of sucess in the business world, and how to become more financially successful.

There is no content on investing or particulars of fiancnes, rather the author approaches the idea of investing in yourself as the msot important way to improve your success, in all aspects of your life.

A specific example is "the latte factor." She writes taht she isn't ehre to tell anyone they need to stop drinking alt tes. Instead, she urges each of us to deicde why we are having our lattes, is it beacuse everyone else is getting one? Or do we get out of bed inteh mroing only because of the latte we know awaits us? If it's the latter, then by all means make that investmetn in yourself. If its the former, perhops yo ucan cut that latte out of your habit and have room in your budget for something more important.

I read this book twice, and the first time all of her career advice I applied to my relationship (it was all I could focus on at the time). But later, when I re-read it, I applied thea dvice to my career and job hunt and personal finance, and feel that I am actively working towards my goals. It helped me see and create the big picture so I can then work towards acheiving teh various aspects of my life goals.

With her breezy, girlfriend-next-door tone, Nicole Williams, author of "Wildly Sophisticated," takes readers on a journey of financial self exploration. With anecdotes from female entrepreneurs like herself, she encourages women to both explore and challenge their preconceived about success and money - particularly those which come from childhood. Williams also discusses our various "money relationships," from bankers and accountants to employers and even friends and family, as well as how we should approach them all.

Unlike other authors who challenge readers to save more and spend less, Williams encourages her audience to actually earn more. She does this by focusing on the concept of self worth (both tangible and intangible), our true values, and how that all translates into business success - or lack thereof. Highly motivating and entertaining.

I love the idea of investing in yourself, even if it means going into debt for a little bit - I'm a commodity worth investing in and this book has given me the courage to see that. A completely different way of looking at career success and money.

The late Gordon Cain was a legend in the chemical industry, first as a successful engineer and manager for various multi-national petrochemical and fertilizer firms and then as a very successful LBO architect and entrepreneur. Mr. Cain bought unwanted plants and divisions from chemical giants such as Dupont, Conoco, and Monsanto, and made them stand alone success stories. His strategy was simple, buy at the bottom of the cycle, find unwanted but well run plants, eliminate corporate overhead, and make sure that everyone shares in the gains.

Mr. Cain wrote this book to let everyone, especially his grandchildren, know that one does not need to be a ruthless raider like the boys at Apollo or Drexel to succeed in business and there is nothing inherently wrong with debt or leverage. Some deals even require subordinated debt, unfortunately called junk bonds. Mr. Cain's deals were all successful, mostly because of his keen sense of the cycles of the industry, and all participants went home happy. His biggest problem was managing the success, dealing with issues like whether an LBO should be re-leveraged or go to IPO in order to get liquidity for the participants.

An interesting lesson for Mr. Cain was that it is easier to do a large deal than a small one, since in the large deal, one can negotiate directly with a motivated and empowered seller. A key point for us is that Mr. Cain never became an owner until he was in his 70's. An early attempt at entrepreneurship in his 30's failed miserably, mostly because he went into it for the wrong reasons. Cain in his 80's continued to look for new business opportunities, stretching into airlines and biotechnology.

As a chemical industry veteran myself, I know some of these plants and people, but wanted to hear Cain's story from the man himself. While some of these companies have not done well in the last 10 years, there are plenty of people who paid their mortgages and sent kids to college with Cain's help. Mr. Cain is no longer with us, but has made an impact on our business and has done much good with his charitable work, especially at his alma mater LSU.

Gordon Cain tells his impressive story in a modest and matter of fact way. This book paints the broad strokes of his life. He shows some detailed financial data for his transactions but doesn't delve too much into the story. I think the book is most useful when combined with some additional research, you need to spend the time looking up information about the individuals and companies he references.

I had the pleasure and blessing financially to work for two all two short years for Gordon Cain, back in the 1980s. The man was both a gentleman and a genius. The title of the book sums up how he lived his fascinating life. As Gordon gracefully recounts his story, he leaves the business reader with wisdom of great value. His precepts are simple: Manage rationally with a human hand, make everyone an owner and a potential winner, engineer your product and processes to meet customer needs that are more important than your own, leave office politics behind. This stuff really worked, as deal after deal recounted in this book showed. It is a great mystery to this reviewer why american business rarely follows these precepts; since they always work. Post note to the book: Gordon shared the financial benefits with thousands of people and gave all his money away to build rural hospitals before he died.

Further the book is well written in Gordon's plain style of speaking. It shows how one man took the cards he was dealt with in life and played them not only well, but with dignity over the course of a long and interesting life.

Gordon Cain led a fascinating and exemplary life. This book is well written and comprehensive. Well worth reading.

We need more business leaders and managers who embrace and practice Mr. Cain's brand of business and general living. very pragmatic, down-to-earth, no-frills, seeing things for what they are -- Very ZEN.

Mr. Cain is a hero, not so much for the wealth he created for himself and many others, but the way he lived his life when he did not have alot of money.

Involved in a number of his transactions from the banker's role, Mr. Cain has set an example for all of us who call ourselves capitalists. Unfortunately, the corporate scandals of the day get the headlines whereas the true successes that create value for everyone, including the employees get little or no attention.

Integrity, Accountibility and Maximizing Long-Term share-holder Value -- not going for the quick buck at the expense of others is what is all about -- it allows us to discover, explore, educate, entertain and enjoy the life before us -- society progresses as a result. Everyone Wins.

High recommend this read to everyone -- whether or not you have an interest in business becasue it is the true story of one man's journey who just happened to become a successful businessman through a series of "happy accidents.

I am re-reading the book and I can't tell you how much I am enjoying it all again.....Don McHugh has a wonderful gift for "telling" the story instead of writing it! I am starting to catch myself keeping score on my day's activities and making notes for business practice, just like I do on the golf course...did I stay on the fairway off the tee, did I get to the green in regulation? What a great read! And Fun too!

Roaming through the management section of a local bookstore, my
attention was caught by the title of this book. As a golfer, always in search of improvement, and as a former executive and now teacher in a university management department, this had to be mandatory reading. What I found is a gem! I heartily recommend it to everyone interested in developing and maintaining
successful relationships with others. Numerous books are available for management training, none better than Don McHugh's approach of comparing the game of golf to the qualities of leadership. Golf and the Game of Leadership is a primer for the understanding of management and leadership action. The lessons throughout the book provide the apprentice supervisor and the senior manager a core of knowledge to guide their leadership actions. If you are a "professional practicing manager" or an "enthusiastic amateur," Don McHugh's writings will provide great enjoyment along with clear understanding of the essentials for successful leadership and success in life.

I am a business executive and an avid golfer, but like us all, could use tips for betterment in both areas. While my golf game may never improve, this book effectively outlines business strategies that can help from the smallest detail all the way up to full-scale corporate ideas. I initially selected the book because of my interest in golf and desire to increase leadership and effectiveness in the workplace. Having seen McHugh's resume, I not only trust his advice, but am not at all surprised by the success he has achieved. The book is a must-read for anyone in the business world, or that just loves the game of golf!

As a professional in the business world with aspirations to obtain an MBA, I found McHugh's book on leadership highly educational. Using golf as a backdrop, McHugh successfully conveys his message on how to be an effective leader. The format of the book - a round of golf - flows nicely. McHugh's leadership lessons are complimented by interesting, attention-grabbing stories. The "Quick Tips" sections, found at the end of each hole, showcase McHugh's years of experience in the leadership field. I whole-heartedly recommend this book - not only is it apparent McHugh understands what it means to be a leader in the business world, but also in life.

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about the art and science of being an effective leader. Donald McHugh's ability to utilize meaningful stories about golf and its players to emphasize leadership techniques gives the reader a refreshing way to learn. I was sorry to get to the end of the book.

I'm not normally a big fan of Christian business books, but this one was has had a profound impact on me. It was truly effective in relating to real life management situations while not over "spiritualizing" the historical stories.

I think this is a marvelous book for anyone (whether in business or not), but especially for the manager who has been criticized for being to demanding or authoritative with his staff, spouse or friends.

This is a very enjoyable read. The author has a good command of both worlds - management and the Bible - and molds them together well. Especially valuable is the admonition for leaders to trust in a creed, a guiding set of principles, a high calling and purpose for their existence and effort. Troubling however, but did not totally negate the gems of this book, is the author's enthusisam for listening to the sheep and making them the thrust and not the Good Shepherd. Biblically, this is non-existant, but is read into Scripture from a marketing oriented culture.

If you only buy one book on leadership, buy this one

This book gives tons and tons real usable advice from the best place in the world to get it. Well researched and written. I am buying copies to send to other leaders. A Must Read.

If you are the CEO of a Fortune 500 company, a high school teacher, the President or the Prime Minister, a parent, a middle executive, the owner of a small business or a section head for small band of workers, this book is for you!

Richad Phillips beautifully and poingnantly highlights the true essence of leadership--leadership built not upon its own successes, but is bound up in the loyalty to, and successes of the people who make the leader who he or she is.

He balances the personal qualities which distinguish a great leader with the realities of the dark side of the comforts, accolades and power accompanying leadership....dark recesses of David's heart that came to fruition in David's career: Potential self-created Goliaths in our own careers and lives ultimately crushing ourselves and those who follow.

Phillip's resolve to faithfully and colorfully portrays David's outstanding model for leadership while allowing David's flaws to be examined, actually gives us two models: What we can do to become greater leaders; what we can proactively do to maintain our integrity and honor.

If you seek to investigate how your own heart influences your leadership style and effectiveness, read this book.

This book is full of excellent advice that is transferable across any industry. There are not complex formulas and 12 steps programs, just a few simple rules to ensure you provide superior service to your customers, your friends and your family. It's really the difference between delivering good work and delivering work that is forever remembered by your clients.

Frankly, I doubt if there are any head-snapping revelations left concerning customer service but I continue to be impressed by recently published books in which their authors offer thought-provoking perspectives, insights, and suggestions worthy of careful consideration. Just as there is a buyer for every house, in publishing there is a buyer for every book. My task as a reviewer is to help those who read my comments to decide whether or not the given book seems to be directly appropriate to her or his own circumstances, needs, and interests. How You Do...What You Do offers a case in point.

Bob Livingston achieves his objective of presenting a comprehensive, cohesive, and cost-effective program that (with appropriate modifications, of course) could be put in place by almost any company, whatever its size and nature may be. I think that his book can also be of substantial value to individuals in sales, especially those who are relatively inexperienced although much of what he shares could serve as "reminders" to sales managers.

Obviously, the best an organization can do to support its sales initiatives (as opposed to its marketing initiatives) is to "free up" its salespersons - as much as possible - from responsibilities that are unrelated to the cultivation, solicitation, and post-sale process. Less time consumed by paperwork means more time available to nourish customer relationships. A company can maintain zero-defect quality control of each product it sells. It can also ensure that there are no foul-ups with order processing, delivery, invoicing, and technical service. An appropriate analogy would be to carrier jet pilots who also depend on an efficient system to provide the information they need, then get them and their planes safely on their way to each target destination. As Livingston explains very well, companies should be customer-centric, indeed customer-driven and develop a culture that recognizes what Peter Drucker observed decades ago: "If you don't have a customer, you don't have a business."

Of course, selling today must take into full account that customers have more choices than ever before, that many (if not most) products are commodities or at least widely viewed that way, and that in general, customers are much better informed than in years past, largely because of immediate access to more and better information, much of it provided by Web sites. (There are several Web sites that direct people to other Web sites. They function as an electronic concierge" and can be quite helpful.) Purchase decisions - including the decision to purchase nothing now or soon - usually involve several people (what Michael Boylan characterizes as a "circle of influence") rather than a single decision-maker, so cultivation strategies must be diversified and "customized" and yet (somehow) coordinated effectively. If you don't think that's tricky, try doing it.

As Livingston fully understands, no sales program or system such as his (or anyone else's) can ever replace a knowledgeable, likeable, principled, and energetic salesperson, nor was it intended to be. On the contrary, it should be viewed as an enabling device that saves a salesperson precious time and energy, improves identification and pre-qualification of prospective customers, and in other ways (to repeat) "frees up" her or him to focus on cultivation and solicitation initiatives.

His book will help those in sales to gain a better understand of what to do...and how to do it. (Those who read between lines will also get some tips on what not to do...and how not to do it.) Livingston's book can also help CEOs and other C-level executives to gain a better understanding of why a customer-centric, indeed customer-driven culture must be established and then sustained.

Those who share my high regard for this book are urged to check out Joseph Michelli's The New Gold Standard: 5 Leadership Principles for Creating a Legendary Customer Experience Courtesy of The Ritz Carlton Hotel Company and two of Leonard Berry's books, On Great Service: A Framework for Action and Discovering the Soul of Service: The Nine Drivers of Sustainable Business Success as well as Creating Customer Evangelists: How Loyal Customers Become a Volunteer Sales Force co-authored by Ben McConnell and Jackie Huba.

One could easily say that Bob's most enduring talent is to naturally motivate and encourage those around him. For those of us who have seen him speak, we have had the luxury of seeing the stories in this book come to life in the most inspiring and thought provocking manner.

You will want to photocopy sections of this book for your staff, bosses and clients alike. You will find yourself coming back to it over and over again. HYDWYD will be your valued asset in engaging those around you in service minded behavior. After all it is about the "how" you do "what" you do...

Bob is clearly the real life depiction of "how you do, what you do!" I can easily endorse Bob and his book without reservation.

I have had the pleasure of reading the book, hearing him present "How you do..What you do, and working with him directly and I can tell you that Bob Livingston is the real deal! The premise of the book extends beyond work and has meaning for your personal life as well. The book lays out in clear terms a pathway for improving "how you do" things, in many ways a lost art (or even value) today. It also provides meaningful examples to emphasize the points. It is fast paced and a must read!

Bob Livingston has a wonderful way of conveying service stories and solutions. He shares his many years of experience and situations from the Corporate World and presents simple solutions that we can all learn from. Every time I have a poor service experience, I wish that there were handouts in Bob's book so that I could share with people how they could learn to improve their level of service. How You Do....What You Do raises an awareness level of service second to none. This is a quick read, that will remain with you always. I highly recommend it.

I enjoyed reading this book. I found "It's Alive" forced me out of my comfort zone from time-to-time. While many of the concepts are abstract, the authors tended to amplify the message making the ideas easier to swallow. Do I think this is where the organizational America is heading? No, but, it will influence the thinking of those who pick up the book and make them stretch a bit more intellectually than if they hadn't.

"Library is a growing organism, said a Guru of information age, Dr. S R Ranganathan in his five laws of library science in 1930s. If library manifests the information content, and infromation, in turn, then simply manifests ideas, practices and thought.

The subtitle of the book is (The Coming Convergence of Information, Biology, and Business), then, not making any news in 2003. It is an age old fact, and those who forget history will be forced to repeat it.

Old wine in a new bottle? May be? Or is it a good way to constantly remind that the wolf is coming....

The book has a real value in its main title, and that's the value of information--not just in convergence that has suddenly manifested in New terminology or newer catchy phrases.

This book is, nevertheless, handy and telling precisely that informational value is just obvious, DONOT ignore it, nor dismiss it as trivia. Information has here a vocal and visual representation in scientific and technological domains.

The prediction of the book is straight forward: "During the next ten years, molecular technology will follow the same pattern, moving from the lab and into the basic operation of the corporation itself... The rules of evolution help explain the process of change in biology, business, and the economy, thereby providing a management guide to the business world around thecorner."

Compared with Davis & Meyer's excellent 1998 work 'Blur', the theme & concept of 'It's Alive' is much more abstract & provocative. 'The coming convergence of information, biology, & business' sounds like another 'management fad'; but as I enjoy 'Blur' very much, I gave the book a try & realized that my initial impression was wrong. Davis & Meyer managed to vividly elaborate their theme, with real-world examples & coherent arguments. I find their work to be highly pragmatic in guiding visionary leaders to shape their organization into an adaptable one.

Running a business these days feels like going on a blind date with the future. Most efforts to understand what lies ahead take on a rather breathless quality, lapsing into technobabble as they struggle to avoid the future's central truth: unknowability is its essence. Marshall McLuhan once observed that anticipating the future is like steering an automobile by looking into your rearview mirror. Yes, seeing where you've been does give you some idea of where you're going...but not much. That said, We strongly recommends this look into the crystal ball of technology. It's a clear improvement over most works of the future-shock genre. Soundly rooted in practical business applications, and presenting surprising examples and possibilities without resorting to mind-numbing jargon, this book will prove very useful to anyone savvy enough to realize that just improving your business is no longer enough.

Meyer and Davis say the way to succeed is to avoid planning (p.36), make lots of mistakes (p.149) and have as much sex as possible (p.81).

What a terrific guide through the obstacles of life's financial hiways and biways! Written succinctly, intelligently and humorously--this book is a must have for women of all ages who are recognize the importance of understanding how to handle and plan our finances to achieve our life's goals--- while also getting us through the occassional bump in the road or traffic snarls that affect our money issues. Easy read and great maps/questionnaires help to keep us on track while having fun too! A man is not a plan -- and small steps lead to big success are positive themes throughout.

Mystified by money? Using a crystal ball to plan your retirement? Burdened with credit card debt? Lacking health insurance? Budgetless? With humor, charts, user-friendly quizzes, and common sense, this book will prod you into taking the small steps needed to get a grip on money. Your money. Earning it, keeping it, growing it. You'll find the scoop on a broad range of financial topics, sprinkled with quotes from the likes of Confucius, Dear Abby, Mark Twain, and Erma Bombeck. Discover ways to put brains and muscle into your personal money management. I found each chapter to be clear, motivating, specific. A great gift.

Flipped through this book looking for tips on getting out of debt and realized it would help me with all of my money issues. (In fact it made me aware that I had more money issues than I thought I did.) Thanks for a good solid guide that I can understand! These authors should do seminars too.

This book has a wealth of information from getting out of debt to amassing a personal fortune. It's easy to read format helps the reader access topics of personal interest quickly and effortlessly. Get this book if you need to take control of your finances or if you know someone who would benefit from financial help and support. It makes a great gift for the women in your life from mothers and daughters and sisters too.

This is a personal finance book you'll actually ENJOY reading!
It doesn't contain any get-rich-quick schemes, nor does it offer any unrealistic promises or guarantees.

What it does do is help you identify your own "money type" (how you use money in general), and then gives simple lessons on how to best improve what needs improving.

Easy? Not exactly. As I said, there are no quick-fixes offered here. The lessons take time and effort. But if you do them, they're sure to work, because they're based on good sense, and an understanding of how women relate to money issues.

Reviewer: Linda Painchaud