Economic-Life Books

I had originally grabbed this book from the local library "new books" shelving thinking that anything with small in the title might be worth my time... and some relevance to www.small-house-building.com. Lyle Estill does talk about housing, and his attempt to foster a real estate development that focused more on offering a chance for people to build their own affordable housing. They named their development "Abeyance" and had a vision of attracting young families with children that would play in the woods and migrate from household to household in their play time. They even offered a covenant with NO minimum square footage. For awhile it worked, but over the years it devolved into the usual neighborly squabbles as families grew up and ownerships changed. It would be interesting to see it today.

"Small is Possible" is an example of all the local economic and social interaction in Mr. Estill's Chatham County, NC. You could almost look at it as a biography of a community that has succeeded in building that elusive sense of community, but displays all the warts along the way. Surely not a smooth process, but one with great rewards. As Lyle says "forget homeland security... we need homeTOWN security". Keep your dollars, time, and energy in your local economy... what better way to build local security?

Also check out Lyle Estill's Energy Blog at Piedmont Biofuels for his latest essays. A good read!

Globalization is becoming more and more the name of the game in recent years, but is it really needed? "Small is Possible: Life in a Local Economy" is a look why smaller economies are still viable in the modern world. Focusing on self-sufficient towns and cities that produce almost everything they need on their own, and how such locations improve their own economies while importing very little from the outside, "Small Is Possible" is an interesting read which offers something new from an oft-overlooked source - the past.

I just finished the book and found it very interesting and well written. As a reporter for a small weekly newspaper that covers Pittsboro, NC, I was fascinated to learn more about the many personalities, businesses and organizations that make up this small town. I certainly see Pittsboro as a more dynamic and exciting place through Lyle Estill's eyes. I initially had low expectations of the book since I thought it would just be a compilation of essays, blog entries and newspaper columns, but it contained about 98 percent original writing. I have been telling many people around town about the book as a great way to learn more about Pittsboro. I think the book will be popular on a national scale since it talks about many ways that communities, and individuals, can be more self sustaining and this is an important issue nationally. On another level, it is interesting as the story of an entrepreneur who had the courage to renounce a very high-paying conventional job to pursue his dream.

I need to first point out my conflict of interest in this review. lyle is my brother.

He calls this a non-fiction book and I am sure it is but it is unlike the other non-fiction books that I read. I would call it more of a storybook and Lyle is a great story teller.

It is a story about Lyle's life in a small town and the characters in that town.

In the book he did mention me:

"He (that would be me) is an insatiable entrepreneur who insists he be measured not by the vast pile of bad ideas, heaped at the bottom of the wall - but rather by those ideas that stuck. As a risk-taker he has figured out a way to stay in the possible, and not dwell on those ventures that stung him."

At one point he talked about his blogging and how he was finding it difficult to come up with topics and someone suggested that he needs to entertain people. I found his book very entertaining and this is something that I should probably consider more in my blogging.

I love the book and found it easy and quick to read. Lyle is a great writer (and always has been).

I don't agree with everything in the book. I think supporting small just for the sake of supporting small has some flaws. His book lays out many reasons why small can be better value. And if it is better value - then clearly I support it.

Although small is possible, I am going to strive for big. I wonder if Lyle will still like me?

It is easy to be overwhelmed with the doom and gloom consequences of American's thoroughly unsustainable lifestyle: climate change, pollution of air, water, and soil, declining ecosystems, and the very real risk that in 60 years, nobody will be living what we today consider to be a first-world lifestyle. What to do?

For starters, read Lyle Estill's Small Is Possible, a wonderful collection of writings that chronicles Lyle's own shift from get-setting deal-maker to homesteading community-builder.

Lyle's writing style is excellent: concrete, humorous, and often self-deprecating, Lyle's stories spring to life from the pages, and then linger in details which keeps the community and its members, not Lyle himself, in the foreground.

This book variously strikes me as: non-fiction Huckleberry Finn, a North Carolinian Omnivore's Dilemma, a contemporary Guns, Germs, and Steel, and The Tipping Point as played by actors in Chatham County.

Let me say again: the book is very well written, the material is extremely compelling and relevant to the 21st century, and, in the great tradition of open source software (which Lyle himself acknowledges), it is designed to be a resource for others who believe that small is possible.

Yes, things have changed in financial investing since the book was published in 1993. However, the practical biblical wisdom is still appropriate.

Among the investing that still apply today that Austin Pryor mentions include:

1. A Biblical Blueprint for Building Your Financial House on Solid Rock.
2. Investing That Glorifies God and Values His Majesty.
3. Investing That Glorifies God and Builds His Kingdom.
4. Investing That Glorifies God and Upholds His Righteousness.
5. Investing That Glorifies God and Seeks His Wisdom.
6. Investing That Glorifies God and Enjoys His Blessings.

Again, while investing has changed some since the book was published around 13 years ago, the biblical principles mentioned in the book are still relevant and will still be years down the road.

Read and heed the wisdom found in this book. Recommended.

This is an awesome book! It is helpful for the beginner as well as someone who already has a "foundational" knowledge of finance. It is easy to read and understand and yet gives you a wealth of information. I read it cover to cover and even now often find myself using it as reference for making financial decisions. A must have for anyone interested in getting their financial house in order in a manner that is honoring to God. Worth every penny and more!

After trying to invest on my own,with mixed results; I've come to have a real admiration for the years of solid experience and great insight in Sound Mind Investing. The market perspective, great research and wonderful world view rate this book tops for me.

Austin Pryor teaches all of the basics of investing in this one book. The principles he teaches have already helped me. I trust his wisdom and knowledge. This book is well worth the money you'll spend for it.

In the foreward of the third edition of "Sound Mind Investing", Larry Burkett writes "...I endorse the integrity and honesty of Austin Pryor. Obviously you, the reader, must evaluate his advice yourself. No one individual has the right advice for everyone, and anyone can, and will, be wrong in the changing economy we live in. But if you will spend the time to read carefully the counsel Austin provides in this book, you will find it both time and money well spent."

I agree wholeheartedly. After having read numerous introductory texts on money-management from a Christian perspective, this book is the most comprehensive and readable text of the lot.

Austin's book is divided into 6 Sections:

1) Getting Debt-free. The author considers this the first level of financial fitness, an equivalent of laying a proper foundation upon which to build. At this early point in the text, he discusses the importance of tithing in your plan. Austin writes "we are not commanded to give generously. Rather, our giving is a test of sincerity of our love and our willingness to trust in God's utter faithfulness" (based upon 2Cor 8:8,9:8). Austin goes on to say "When you pray about your giving, may I encourage you to give to the full measure of your gratitude and cheerfulness. And continue to ask God to enlarge your heart toward Him so you can eagerly embrace the sacrifice needed to give all the more."
In addition, budgeting as well as the dangers associated with the misuse of credit cards are discussed.

2) Saving for Future Needs. This includes the principles of saving money in a secure, low-risk emergency fund (financial planners recommend 3 to 6 months living expenses; Austin recommends $10,000) as well as in an accumulation fund for big-ticket items that you anticipate purchasing within 1 to 5 years. He also includes advice on preparing to help your children to finance their college or technical education. He believes that, if parents have the financial means, they should consider helping with the expenses of a college education for their children. Emphasis is given to the benefits of investing for your children's education as early as possible. Powerful examples are given. Note that Austin believes that children should be responsible for a portion of their educational expenses as well. Advice on where to invest this money is given, including but not limited to Ed IRAs and 529 plans.

3) Investing Your Surplus. Once you are debt-free and have adequate savings in an emergency fund, the author believes you can then begin to take educated risks by investing your surplus in mutual funds. This section is a primer on investment basics and mutual funds.

4) Diversifying for Safety. Austin is a strong proponent of building an age-appropriate,diversified portfolio through mutual fund investing. For the typical investor, he advocates "dollar-cost-averaging" or "value-averaging" strategies versus market-timing strategies, although he does admit venturing into market-timing strategies in his personal investment approach (He did this professionally in the past, but does not recommend market-timing for the average investor. Reasons are given). This book includes a short quiz that enables the reader to see what their personal tolerance is for investment risk. Once you determine your tolerance level, Austin leads you through determining your appropriate portfolio mix and shows you how your mix should change as you go through the various financial stages of your life.

5) Retirement Countdown. Austin wants his readers to have a realistic view of their needs for retirement. He discusses how to properly lower your investment risk as retirement approaches.

6) Investing that Glorifies God. The book ends with a section entitled "Investing that Glorifies God, a Biblical Blueprint for Building Your Financial House on Solid Rock". This section is priceless. Austin essentially reminds the reader of the importance of an eternal perspective, and that our investing should glorify God by acknowledging His sovereignty, valuing His majesty, building His Kingdom, upholding His righteousness, seeking His wisdom, and enjoying His blessing.

Please consider the counsel given in this book. I have and it has changed my financial life.

I am looking for meaning in my life; it is a fundamentally human thing to do. The greatest meaning comes from making a difference, but creating difference means facing change; one of the more difficult human things to do. It is easy to let myself "off the hook" and when I do the difference I am trying to make moves a little further away. It is easier to create reasons "not to" than take a stand. The first reading of the Source was a page turner, not a "who done it", but a "path to it"; it was the counter to my excuses. It was a quick read that produced a sense of empowerment. I have reread "The Source" several times; each reading supports a sense of discovery in the book and me. I would highly recommend this book to anyone, it is extraordinarily valuable.

I am used to reading books that are full of cookbook recipes and good "how to" ideas so I read Source the way I would read any book. I perused it cover to cover and then put in on the shelf. I enjoyed it but, not surprisingly, it did not make a difference. I wondered why nothing really stuck. After thinking about it for a while I pulled it back off of the shelf and placed it on my desk. Over the next several weeks I contemplated one page a day and committed to keep the "topic for the day" present and vocal in the office. I shared the topic each day with the staff and began a dialogue for all of us to participate in throughout the day. When I got to the page on responsibility I paused there for several days and began to see my real role as a leader in my office.
So, here is the conundrum: This is a wonderful book if you don't treat it like a book. If you read it for information, you will miss the beauty and power that lie within its pages. If you approach this book as a mystery and a challenge to what you already think you know, and what you think about yourself, your business, and your life, and if you are willing to use it to guide you to think new thoughts, you will gain powerful insights that will make a difference. So, I urge you not to read this book-instead study and contemplate this book and use it to Source your future.

"Source" should be read as a prerequisite, "on being a human being."
Something's missing in our culture. We forgot, we source what's occurring in our lives.
With that . . . went our possibility. Our vision, mission, and purpose no longer seem available either.
What was our intention in the first place?
Didn't it have something to do with us being able to transform our lives?

What happened to our: integrity, core values, commitments and responsibility?
We no longer trust we are source!
We are the source to re-establish our character and courage and take a stand to be of service to others again?
We are the source that listens, owns, leads, and manages our businesses responsibly?
We are the source of the present moment that can create a new context for information and language.
This generates new distinctions, so we can ethically compete and at the same time handle the problems and breakdowns that occur, for they are what grant us access to the future anyway.
Being mindful, recaptures our power, so we can measure our results and be accountable for them.

Finally . . . with gratitude, being thankful and acknowledging those who contribute to us, makes us all better. Image a world operating from everyone realizing . . . Who is "SOURCE."
Now that would be transformational!
Blessings to my friend Marc Cooper for a writing such a magnificent piece of work.

In his newest book, Dr Marc Cooper takes the business owner to a new level of awareness. No longer is it acceptable to "blame" (the economy, the management, the staff,... ) on our failures (or successes). Dr Cooper invites the reader to be "responsible" and in fact "the source" of all of the results in our lives. Through distinguishing key principles, (ie: integrity, character, accountability, thankulness) Marc helps the reader to investigate their own "cause" in the matters of our lives.

This book is a must for anyone who authentically wants to create a future that inspires us to achieve our highest potential. When one really grasps the principles presented in this book and really becomes "source" for all aspects of our lives, we can live a life rich with the fullness of unlimited possibility!!

Although this is a relatively short book, don't let the number of pages and number of words on each page fool you. It is powerful and packed with information that should be savored and meditated on. The reader is charged by Dr Cooper to ask oneself how do each of these principles apply to us and are acting from them. These inquiries can open the door to success in all aspects of our lives. Thank you, Dr Cooper, for opening my eyes and helping me to gain clarity for some of the core values that I hold as "truth" in my life!

This book is a must-read for anyone out to create excellence in life, business or personal. 'Source' restores the meaning to qualities and concepts that have become overused 'buzz' words (i.e., vision, commitment, integrity, intention, etc) and allows you to have access to them at any moment. Marc Cooper distinguishes things in a way that makes them gut level real, by requiring you to examine your beliefs and get yourself clear on what they mean for you. I had numerous new insights while reading it. Writing a book with this kind of distillation clearly requires the author to embody the qualities it contains.

This is a great book and must read for all. Winners do not do different things, they just do things differently. And, Peter guides us on how we can achieve our goals and realize our dreams by taking few simple steps to get in the "winner circle". It is an easy read to provide anyone turbo charged motivation!

After reading Spell Success in Your Life, I realized that my goals keep changing as I get older. Peter's book helped me organize my goals according to what I want and can achieve NOW and keep those other goals on the horizon (just within my reach). The stories helped bring everything together. Success and failure will always be in our lives and Peter's book helps us feel as though no matter what happens we CAN and WILL achieve our goals and survive the success that comes our way. Peter's book is pure, truthful, inspiring and motivating. Les Brown was right when he said "Pure motivation from start to finish!" I will continue to re-read this book as my goals change, for every goal and dream that is achieved leaves another in its place just waiting...

I loved Peter's book! The book inspired me and motivated me to live my dreams now! As a matter of fact, Peter's material inspired me to write my own book! Thanks Peter for your contribution! You have made a difference in my life!

Like many people, I never thought that I would read a self-help or motivational book that could actually help me in any way. It so often happens that you see people who have read and then implemented into their lives the techniques outlined in "How to get rich quick" or "How to lose weight fast" books and subsequently don't become any richer or thinner, that you become skeptical of any book that claims it can change your life for the better. I believe that 99% of the self-help books out there fall into this category, and will do absolutely nothing for you. However, one book that would certainly fall into the 1% of books that CAN improve your life is Peter Colwell's, Spell SUCCESS in Your Life. After reading just the first few pages, you can literally FEEL how passionate Peter is about what he is saying, and that he is truly committed to helping anyone become successful in their lives. You also get that sense that Peter realized long ago something that most motivational writers still have not...that everyone's idea of what it means to be "successful" in life is different. He doesn't outline a get rich quick scheme, or give you instructions on how to start your own business, or to own the home of your dreams. Instead, he outlines specific and practical techniques that ANYONE can use in order to become successful at whatever it is they strive for. This book has certainly helped and inspired me, and I would recommend it to everyone, as I can't think of a single person who wouldn't reap at least some benefits in their life from reading it.

Written from the point of view from a person, who has definitely been there and done that, Peter Colwell's "Spell SUCCESS in your life" has made me realize things that were already smack dab in my face. Peter's comforting writing style makes you feel as though you were talking with an old friend.
Used as a goal setting guide or a user manual for a happy life, this book has been by far been my wisest purchase of 2002. I give it two very enthusiastic thumbs up!

I read this book in one sitting. It had all of the inside info that a person should know in marketing oneself. I will be implementing the strategies in this great book! Highly recommended.

This is a FABULOUS book filled with truly "insider" and "behind the scenes" information from television producers, agents, and talent. Marta Tracy is a true pro and her wisdom and advice will not only inspire but actively help a person, brand or business grow their constituency and succeed. Terence Noonan's voice is a fresh and witty and knowing. The stories and true tales from the trenches of such personalities at Paula Deen, Nancy Grace, Fred Barnes,Tucker Calrson, Joe Tacopino and others are very insightful and simply fun to read. Thank you for the honor of working on this book!
Karen Kelly
[...]

I love this book! It has so many practical ideas. "Starring You" has all the information you need to get on TV...in one place. I highly recommend this book to anyone trying to launch a brand or sell a product on TV.

The advice these two TV veterans offer is both insightful and authentic. What makes this book so distinctive is that it not only features real stories from celebrities like Paula Deen, Diane Sawyer, Isaac Mizrahi, and Nancy Grace but also features real advice from the experts behind the scenes. I found it to be very inspiring.

My pending wedding made me decide to become a fitness instructor. This book helped me decide to realize my dream and create a fitness video, and start pitching myself as a fitness expert to the media. I spent years working in TV and public relations, pitching other people.

Now I am starting a fitness website, have business cards ordered, and wrote a bio last week based on Terence and Marta's advice for finding your "backstory".

Just like The Big Idea on CNBC inspires inventors and business people to go after their dreams, this book was one of the major motivating factors in getting me to finally go after mine! I would recommend this book to anyone with the same kind of dream, or to anyone thinking of hiring a PR firm or doing media training as additional homework. They really understand the world of pitching the media and preparing yourself to go on air.

I have been passionate about Steve's first book, "10 Greatest Gifts I Give My Children" for years and am so excited about having these same qualities and values expressed in the office. In fact, I see these tools as invaluable in all relationships and community aspects of our lives. I have given this book to the top management of my work place in my effort to lead from "down under":-) I am fortunate to work in a wonderful environment and believe that communication is something you "can't do too good." They (Steve and Craig) have a way of very succinctly conveying very profound and workable concepts.The 10 Greatest Gifts I Give My Children

What's the elephant in your office? What's that one big thing, that underlying behavior that no one ever talks about? The issue much too overwhelming for a quick fix approach.

Ultimately, all the quick fixes in the world won't work. We all know that because we've tried them. Attempts to solve problems tend to end up in a finger pointing game. Happy people motivation schemes create disillusioned employees who feel undervalued.

The answer is so obvious that we've missed it. That elephant has to be exposed. Then, instead of looking for problems look to the strengths of the company to build a stronger foundation. In order to do this though, the employer has to change the way he or she manages. Listening, really listening. Being truly open to hearing about those elephants. Take the high road and use each elephant as a chance to learn and grow. Be dedicated to creating a wellness culture. Stomp the Elephant in the Office shows you how.

This book is incredibly insightful and caused me to look at company culture and my own professional behavior in a completely different way. We really do have the choice, no matter what our level in the organization, to be a driver of a positive work environment or a contributor to a negative one. This book provides practical tools that enable you to make a difference immediately in how you communicate with others, motivate team members and resolve challenges. I highly recommend it.

This may be the single most helpful book that I have read to help bring out the best in an organization. I have been in the business world for 25 years, and this book has me viewing my role as a leader completely different from the past. The tools that Vannoy and Ross provide the reader have had an immediate impact on my business.

I read this book once and have gone back to it countless times since! The simple and practical tools have a place in my everyday life, making both work and home more enjoyable!

You know those "little" irritating things that happen at work (a miscommunication with a co-worker, an email with an indecipherable tone, someone who keeps taking the meeting off track, a conversation where you WISHED you'd said something differently and replay it 100 times in your head, etc.) that you eventually realize aren't so little...because they eat up your time and energy and send you home cranky, where you might spend even more time complaining about them? Well, Stomp the Elephant in the Office is the roadmap to navigate these things and move on to doing your "real job."

Thank you, Vannoy and Ross, for illustrating simple and practical tools that give me back much-needed time and energy!

Bell's straightforward insights to a well-managed life read less like an instruction manual and more like a series of related short stories, where the story teller's life experiences tempt you to read on for his next fascinatingly personal slice of history. His use of visuals helps keep the concepts simple - my favorite being his innovative Left Line / Bottom Line / Right Line Leadership Model, which clarifies the similarities of mindsets leading to recent traumatic events. Notwithstanding the risk of oversimplifying, this model very effectively helps the reader identify traits Bell wants to warn against by reducing them to one of two damaging trends, leading the reader to a balanced "Bottom Line." Bell's book is interesting and helpful. I strongly recommend it.

As an owner of four of Randy Bell's books, I'd have to say Strategy 360 is the most interesting to read from cover to cover, because of it's autobiographical nature and stories of tragedies and how they were caused by one or more of the characteristics described in detail in one of the 10 chapters. Additionally, Strategy 360 is filled with practical advice for life through the use of truisms, his personal insights and philosophies and from his adventures both personal and professional.

While, there are a number of illustrative charts and tools dotted throughout the book. My favorite is the Leadership Model on page 10. This chart is original and a real tool that can be used to diagnose problems and get to there root(s). The thought and organization that went into developing this matrix demonstrates Randy's understanding of why individuals and/or groups get into or out of problems. If we were to base or focus more of our choices and actions using the words in the center column we may avoid some future troubles and not have to call on the Master of Disaster.

Strategy 360 is another example of Bell's unique ability to break down complex topics into manageable component parts. This book is for anyone who is smart enough to realize that we all have areas in our personal and professional lives that could be improved. The book draws heavily from management theory, psychology, and Bell's personal and professional experiences. Particularly interesting are numerous examples of human responses to major disasters that Bell studies as part of his work as a real estate damage economist. Definitely recommend.

The 10 Strategies listed in Strategy 360 are invaluable and can help anyone set goals. The stories are very interesting and keep your attention. I would reccomend this book to anybody interested in making themselves a better manager, leader, employee, parent or person.

Strategy 360 is a great book! It's very interesting, easy to understand and written in a straightforward manner. What would I do without the 10 Strategies? I have the sheet stuck to my refrigerator so I can plan my day accordingly. Other books I have read on this subject were very complicated, and made me feel that they weren't really for regular people needing to set ordinary goals. As far as I'm concerned, everyone should have a copy of Strategy 360 to be the best person they can be. Randall Bell has done all the ground work, now we can put to use the 10 Strategies.

Written by Robert W. Drago (Professor of Labor Studies and Women's Studies, Penn State University), Striking a Balance: Work, Family, Life is not a self-help book for the individual, but rather a scholarly examination of the modern societal problems of the care gap (too many children, elderly, and disabled, particularly among the poor, are not getting the care they need), the gender gap (women are forced to choose between success in their careers and providing adequate care to their children, or any other form of care work for low or no pay) and the income gap (the rich get richer and the poor get poorer). At the heart of these problems is not just cold hard economics, but also societal norms - the "motherhood norm" that insists women should provide care for little or no pay; the "ideal worker norm" that conditions employers to expect their workers to put in long hours up to an inhuman level; and the "individualism norm", a society-infused belief that the government should not help those needing care. Striking a Balance prescribes society-wide remedies to these growing problems: paid family leave, early childhood education and child care financing, guaranteed health insurance, and a minimum wage increase indexed to inflation, and the simple importance of allowing men and women from all walks of life to have their voices heard. Extensively researched, Striking a Balance: Work Family Life is a persuasive academic treatise about the need for social change, and highly recommended for reading for not only college library shelves, but also anyone looking for a better understanding of why the government needs to pay more attention to minimum wage, health care, and paid family leave issues.

This excellent analysis of the current state of working and trying to live at the same time in America is a great wakeup call from the overwork hypnosis reining for too long. Unlike in other advanced nations, we've never had a real national conversation about the impacts of large numbers of caregivers in the workplace and skyrocketing workweeks. Drago makes those repercussions of work without end very clear, in imploding families, skyrocketing health costs and absentee lives. Armed with a trove of research, he shows us not only the downside, but also a way out, when we can see the unconscious norms that skew our value system and sanity--the ideal worker norm, the motherhood norm, and the individualism norm. This much-needed book should should be required reading for every exec, congressperson, and presidential-candidate policy guru in the land.

This is one of the best sociological books I've read in years--which is saying quite a bit, since the author is an economist! Bob Drago's latest book is both scholarly and eminently readable. He pulls together the best analysis of the challenges confronting women, families, and workers--which pretty much includes all of us, now doesn't it?--with the most enlightened thinking about what we need to do to change the structures that produce those challenges. The book is written in very clear prose and presents a persuasive argument that gets right to the point. I think just about any reader concerned with social problems (the working poor, strains on families, gender inequalities) will find plenty of cause for optimism here. And readers who just want to make sense of why life is so hectic for themselves, their co-workers, family members, and neighbors will come away from this book with a clearer understanding and ideas for action. I highly recommend this book.

Bob Drago has long been recognized as a leader in the work-life balance world through his work with Take Care Net and on the Work and Family Bill of Rights. After decades in the wilderness, many of us have reached a shared vision of what does and doesn't help us to lead balanced lives. Drago captures this new consensus, explains why it has taken so long for us to reach this point, and provides a blueprint for change. Anyone stressed about their own lives, and what to do about it, should read this interesting, insightful, wise, and humorous work, and then join with Drago and others to change things.

This book is for anyone who feels that life is complicated and getting more so all the time. In clear language Drago gives data to show that Americans are working more and defines 3 important gaps Americans face: a care gap, a gender gap, and an income gap. These are interrelated, of course, as Drago makes clear. And he contributes to our understanding of the gender gap by expanding it to include the gap between women who are involved in actual care work (whether paid or not) and those successful in professional jobs and hence not directly involved in care. He anchors his discussion in three norms, all of which contribute to these gaps: motherhood, ideal worker, and individualism, and supports his discussion with both data and stories. A particularly interesting formulation is his definition of balance, by which he means involvement in all three of paid work, unpaid work, and leisure. He describes the kind of social infrastructure necessary to support such balance for all people in our society and ends with a work and family bill of rights. A great discussion of the challenges we all face.

A long time ago I made a goal to be a real estate millionaire but I allowed life to get in the way. This little book inspired me to start doing and stop doing the things to get me there. Thanks to the inspiration this book gave me, I am well on my way back to achieving my goals. "It just aint that hard" when your focus is right.

Steve has put together something other motivational speakers and writers have not. He has written a code to a better way of life that we can all actually live by. Most motivational speakers have beautiful ideas, but they are to difficult to implement in real life and that is where Steve Templeton will show you that "It Just Ain't That Hard, Yall!" Great book Steve!

I enjoyed this book. Templeton's Texas humor and story-telling prowess have produced a little book that's chock full of age-old wisdom all boiled down to its essence. In just 65 pages, he's inspired me to get out there and go for the gusto, and he's showed me how to do it with relative ease and confidence. Yahoo! Here I come, world!

Thanks Steve for a clear and simple way to approach success. I've read many books with lots of theories that boggle the mind and confuse the issues. Your book is straightforward with a healthy dose of good ol' Texas humor. It's fun to read as well as easy to understand. Thanks again. Can't wait for the sequel!!!

Great book! Steve Templeton clearly and concisely lays out six steps to success. (Three things to stop doing, and three things to start doing) With Mr. Templeton's writing style you will see there is no messing around, no fluff and certainly no wasted pages. You will truly appreciate his "Success ain't that hard, ya'll" approach and realize his steps to success are easily understood and adopted.

Taking Stock tells the author's personal story of the tragic death of his sister from cancer at a young age to his father straight foward lessons about how the Market works while he too is faced with terminal cancer. Dr. Norwood does a wonderful job of taking the reader on a journey that offers poetic insight regarding loss and healing with practical and interesting information about the Stock Market. Seemingly, an unlikely combination, Dr. Norwood tells his story with insight, compassion, and humor.

Michael Norwood- author, healer, and loving son - has written a deeply moving and ultimately highly uplifting true personal saga. The author drew me in with great force with the very first page and his story captivated me for weeks and even months after I read the last sentence. This book is overflowing with priceless spiritual and humanitarian insights and I look forward to reading it again and again.

Michael Norwood- author, healer, and loving son - has written a deeply moving and ultimately highly uplifting true personal saga. The author drew me in with great force with the very first page and his story captivated me for weeks and even months after I read the last sentence. This book is overflowing with priceless spiritual and humanitarian insights and I look forward to reading it again and again.

My wife and I both read this book and loved it! We knew it was about the author helping to walk his father to death's door and we were drawn to that. We both have lost our fathers and I spent much time with my mother in her last months on Earth, helping with her transition. Jill and I were both surprised that this book is filled with insights about material as well as spiritual wealth.

Michael describes a journey of healing, for himself as well as for his father and mother. As with my own father, we often don't appreciate our loved ones until they're gone. Michael had the love and wisdom to get to know his father much bettter in those last days.

One of the things Michael never wanted to learn about was his father's passion for investing in the stock market. His father had finally developed an investment strategy that worked, and Michael agreed to let his father teach him the system. They both gained much through the process.

Michael reveals his father's system in the book, while also offering much advice to anyone who is losing or has lost a loved one. The story is deeply moving and is a surprising storehouse of wealth--both spiitual and material. My wife and I highly recommend this book.

"Taking Stock" is the remarkable story of one man's struggle to support his father through a terminal illness, all the while wrestling with his own issues of personal and professional identity. It is a story of great love and respect, and it is a story of courage - the courage to face pain, fear, and impending loss and move through them to a place of wisdom.

The author, Michael Norwood, a chiropractor practicing in Atlanta, tells of his shock, frustration, and helplessness when his father refuses all treatment for cancer. He works hard to let go of his own agenda for healing in order to give his father the space to shape his own end-of-life experience.

One of the intriguing aspects of this book is the way lessons about the stock market are interwoven into the story. Once Norwood's father found himself faced with a life-threatening illness, he became intensely focused on the future security of his family. With considerable urgency, he began teaching his son his formula for successful investing. Norwood, whose interests lay in the creative and healing arts, did not take to these lessons easily. The end result is a testament to the love he had for his father and a monument to a man's desire to leave a final, meaningful gift to his family.

"Taking Stock" is beautifully written, wonderfully compelling, and intensely personal. For inspiration and for education, this book is a must read!