Economic-Life Books

Even though this book does not go into the details of estate planning at length, it is nevertheless a useful book, written in common parlance. I would recommend it to anyone before they read a technical book on estate planning. A book of all season, not only for someone over 40.

David and Tom Gardner's writing style seems to try to imitate their speaking style on their NPR show, but it doesn't always translate well to the page. Some of their off-the-cuff humor is actually funny, but much of it just gets in the way.

Nonetheless, they've compiled a decent collection of all the things we boomers need to think about as we near the end of our regular working days. They ask us to think about why we want to "retire" (while shunning the word as sounding too much like withdrawing, which is not what a good retirement is about); they help us figure out how much we'll need; they remind us about such topics as health care, long-term care, caring for our parents, and estate planning.

Although much of the information was a bit vague (mainly because no one book can describe the best plan for everyone), I found many useful tips and resources (I've bookmarked dozens of websites) in every chapter, including the chapter on saving for your kid's college education, despite the fact that I have no children. (I do, however, have nieces and nephews, who might just benefit from one of the tips...)

If you read this book, you should make sure you read other financial-type books too (Suze Orman and Jean Chatzky are two authors whose books I've liked, and I have one from Money Magazine in my queue), as differing viewpoints will empower you to discover what's right for you in your situation.

As with all of our books, we love to hear your comments, whether positive words or constructive criticism. We particularly benefit from the latter as we eventually take our books from hard-cover to paperback, so if you have any corrections or other suggestions, our organization would love to hear from you -- you can e-mail our Fool team at CS@Fool.com.

Tom and I put a lot of work into this book and have had many others breathe life into it, from great customer anecdotes and Motley Fool stories to numerous quotations from a variety of well-known business leaders and celebs via our NPR show. As with all Motley Fool books, it's our hope that we have educated, amused, and enriched you, and that you're inspired to make better financial decisions as a result. Foolish best! --DG

David and Tom Gardner walk the reader through retirement planning in their usual good-natured style. Everything is covered here for us age-phobic boomers, such as investments, insurance, housing, social security, health care, educating our kids and taking care of our aging parents. I particularly liked their suggestions about the need to downsize our oversized houses and to sell off our excess possessions on eBay (presumably to unsuspecting members of Generations X and Y). A well-written and sensible book. Now all I need is enough common sense to follow their advice.

I've read several of The Motley Fool books and this one is great!

As a freelancer for 16 years, I was skeptical at first that this book would teach me anything I didn't already know. I started out around the same time Goodman did, in my twentysomethings, and was just as green at the time (she and I both spent too much money on neat new business stationery). But I'd been waylaid along the route by a grad-school stint, and then got sucked into teaching, so her real-world advice has helped me refocus on the freelance goal, identify (and correct) a few re-entry missteps, and build on my niche expertise (even if you don't think you have one, you most likely do).

Plus, this book is a terrifically fun read. It's like sitting down with one of your gal-pals to talk shop instead of gossip. Although filled with practical, usable suggestions, Goodman writes with humor and pathos, sharing some of her own horror stories (such as a gig that dragged on so long, she ended up making a few cents per hour on it) and hewing to a no-nonsense, colloquial tone, with subheadings such as "Problem: Your Client Is a Bloodsucker" and "Ebbs Are for Amateurs."

I often receive e-mails from budding young freelancer-wannabes seeking advice. Now all I have to do is give them this book.

Here's what I wrote to Michelle, and it's true:
"Just wanted to drop you a note to tell you how amazed and in love with your book i am. i finally had a chance to sit down and read your newest one and i am so happy, i have been recommending it to folks who are newly freelance (they all bought it only because i knew it would be great and i hadn't read it at that point)
i love how it's so easy and fun to read, peppered with great real-life stories, and most of all, inspirational."

It covers everything you need to know and is good for those who are new at freelancing, as well as those who want to brush up or want to improve their business.

If you're thinking about heading out on your own, you are not alone. Michelle Goodman will guide you every step of the way with this spirited and smart primer on establishing a freelance life of your own. You've got questions? Michelle Goodman will give you the answers. From managing your time to setting your rates, it's all in here. If you are looking to unleash your inner entrepreneur, look no further. MY SO-CALLED FREELANCE LIFE is essential reading!

I read Michelle's last book, The Anti 9-to-5 Guide, and loved it, so I was eager to read this her new one. I have to say that she did not disappoint. Her candor is refreshing, as is her contemporary yet tried-and-true advice for those of us in the freelance trenches. Some stuff in here I'd never thought of, like renting a spot in an office co-op to avoid climbing the walls with loneliness.

I'd recommend this book for new and experienced freelancers alike - in fact, I've already bought a copy for a friend.

If you're like me, you probably fell into your freelance lifestyle, rather than deliberately planned and strategically designed a solo career. Which is why Goodman's book had me at the title! This is a well-written, hilarious, solid resource for creative types who still have a 9 to 5 and want to switch to working for themselves, or those of us who kinda already are but not as professionally as we might like.

Goodman covers the fun stuff like getting your online portfolio up and hobnobbing with fellow freelancers. She talks about the icky stuff--like recordkeeping and invoicing and working with a tax professional. And she keeps it real, with discussion on how to not "sell out" creatively while keeping your bills paid and maintaining the work/life balance. All the while, Goodman freely admits her mistakes as proof that it's never too late to get in shape, businesswise. Her popular 1st book, The Anti-9-to-5 Guide, website of the same name, and columns and writing gigs give her advice plenty of street cred.

I have shelves of books on the freelance writing lifestyle, many of which are dear to my heart and great references (Bowerman's "Well Fed Writer" is one example). But "My So Called Freelance Life" is now #1 with a bullet because it's a targeted blueprint to laying the foundation and building my writing business, delivered in a hip, conversational tone that spoke directly to me.

This was an excellent book! I laughed out loud several times during the first half. I felt as though Paul somehow secretly observed our department since many of the examples were so personal and real life. The book has many suggestions that can be immediately put into use. I am at Amazon so I can order copies for my boss and my boss' boss!

As an employer of over 350 employees, I think this book may be the best way to jump start their thinking. In an engaging way,this book makes a point of challenging your every thought and helps one find some light at the end of the tunnel. Read it twice and give it out to everyone in your organization, particularly those people who have been there too long.

This book is great for anyone who has ever thought before.

It combines fun anecdotes, lessons about adjusting your thinking (that don't necessarliy hit you till hours later), and optimizing your brain power. It taught me a lot about how to get through the day at work and in life in a more efficient, productive and objective manner.

I really liked it - and still like thinking about it. I need to read it again!

I don't know anyone who isn't stressed at work, and for all sorts of reasons. This book shows you that much of the stress can be overcome! Yes! In fact, most of these fears and anxieties are unfounded. I saw this book featured in PARENTS magazine, and I rushed out to buy my copy. It was well worth it. The book offer simple, straightforward solutions to make the workplace a better, more peaceful, place. I really enjoyed this book. It's actually FUN to read, even though it's quite informative.

This is a great read that entertains you while still helping you to learn new ways of thinking and behaving. Some of the common sense approaches in here will make you wonder why you didn't think of it yourself! It takes reading Naked at Work to help you see why so many of your fears are unfounded, and how easy it is to ease them. I recommend this book for anyone having a tough time at work.

As a budding entrepreneur I can attest to the fear factor of taking those first steps. Brian Cunningham gives us great insight and super ideas on how to overcome and avoid those pit falls. Brian's humor makes this an easy and informative read. Cunningham really takes us through the entire process of starting and completing the tasks necessary to be successful. I encourage everyone who ever wanted to succeed in entrepreneurship to read this book!

I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit but, no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't make any business work. I was informed about a book written by Brian Cunningham titled "Never Give Up" and it sounded like just what I needed to learn about starting a successful business.

Mr. Cunningham's book is full of interesting facts along with trials and tribulations. He had no one to lead him down the correct path so he learned a lot from his mistakes as well as his successes. I am obliged to him for writing this wonderful book.

The book covers so many aspects of starting, running, and succeeding in a business. It also teaches you that you can, and will, fail at some forms of business, but you should never give up. I feel more at ease about my failures and have chosen to look back at them and, using Brian Cunningham's book as a guide, pinpoint my errors.

I also learned that, if you are serious enough about your dreams, your family will stand by you. This book contains tons of lessons, chapter reviews, and activities to keep you in the right frame of mind. "Never Give Up" has inspired me to move on with my photography business. I know now that it is hard work and, that no matter what, I must keep moving forward.

Thanks to Brian Cunningham I can see my dream again. I suggest this read to anyone thinking of starting a business. You will not be disappointed!

If you are currently struggling through owning your own business, or are considering starting a business, Never Give Up is a book that should be on your reading list. Brian Cunningham gives a no nonsense look at the ups and downs of owning a business in an informative and entertaining way.

The book starts with Mr. Cunningham as an underpaid NASA physicist trying to figure out how he was going to provide for a young and growing family. He decided to leave government work and join the private sector with a newly formed company Electronic Sales Associates (ESA).

Brian had to learn to deal with cash-flow difficulties, success, inadvertent legal snares, and ultimately success. He gained experience along the way in sales, management, and writing business plans for new divisions that he helped form. Those experiences became invaluable when he finally struck out on his own, forming Computer Entry Systems Corporation (CES) in 1969.

He again worked through business startup issues, growing pains and ultimately, success.

Throughout his telling of his journey, Brian shares the lessons he learned along the way, telling what worked, what didn't, and mistakes that were made.

If you are considering your own business, this is a great way to see what mistakes you can avoid, and how to be a successful entrepreneur.

I found Brian Cunningham's book to be incredibly inspiring. I noticed a trait in him that I have found in myself: fear. But while that fear has served to hold me back, Brian shows how he just went for it anyway and became the success he is. Everything he had to deal with, including his emotions inside, is told in this excellent book. "Never Give Up" is full of excellent advice, especially for beginners, and I think I'll be reading it more than a few times on my own entrepreneurial journey. Highly recommended.

Brian Cunningham's Never Give Up is a must read for everyone, whether they are running their own company, or working for someone else. The lessons you will learn in this book are very valuable to your future. Mr. Cunningham shares his knowledge with you in a way that you feel you are right there with him while he is trying to make his next business deal.
The book keeps you entertained, while teaching you very important information about running a business. Mr. Cunningham did not have the good fortune of having someone share his or her knowledge with him. He had to learn through each up and down he experienced.
You will learn about the deep love Mr. Cunningham had for his family. They meant everything to him, and were the reason he kept on even when it looked like the company was failing.
The most important thing you will learn is to never give up. Even when times looked grim, Mr. Cunningham kept on chugging along. Even when a 1.7 million dollar checked was dropped in the toilet he did not give up.
There is a great section at the end of the book that provides valuable information for the reader. There is a review of each chapter and questions and activities for you to fill out. Mr. Cunningham's determination is very inspiring. I have a completely new outlook on my business.

Tom has written a great book! It is for anyone who wants road map for financial freedom and the joy of retirement. As I read this book I kept thinking how much it applied to all ages. I am retired now and Tom gave me some insight about spending and enjoying the fruits of my efforts. I have missed a lot of joy if the "Kids" get to spend the "fruits" instead of me and my Wife. Bill

Author Tom Hardin is a financial planner, but this book offers much more than ways on how to increase your wealth. This is a positive, upbeat, life-affirming book that encourages readers to plan not only for their financial futures, but also for lives that are emotionally and spiritually fulfilling, and as physically healthy as possible.

He offers examples of people who have planned carefully and thought about what they wanted to do with their lives, and who are now living the best lives possible. This is NOT a book of vague generalizations. Hardin offers specific suggestions and guidelines, and encourages the reader to think deeply about what s/he wants out of life. Then, he says, act on those goals!

You can't pick this book up without catching some of Hardin's optimism and energy. And I intend to pick this book up and peruse it many more times!

This book really hits the nail on the head for anyone hoping to live a long and healty life. Tom covers three important topics, vision, health and investing. I really liked the stories of real people who are still rocking and rolling after all these years. If you believe your best years are ahead of you, buy this book and start living a life you love, at any age.

So true...while generations past wound down at 50; the baby boomers and all after have too much and to long to live to even think about it. Winding up and making the second 50 years the best ever is a religion all need to follow. "Never Too Old" puts in all in perspective in a very comprehensive, quick reading book. T. Ottinger, Redondo Beach, CA

My wife handed me the book and asked that I also read it. I am 41, not 50 ,and think it is a must read for anyone planning their future. Don't wait until 50 to read it. The author addresses more than just financial planning issues. He asks you to think about the "big picture"; what you want your future to look like financially, physically, and mentally - how to be healthy in order to enjoy your future and to make sure you are doing something you enjoy when you get there.

This book presents the reader with a no nonsense, realistic approach to truly managing your career. Lassiter's philosophy drives a significant change in the way you "look" for a job...it's not about a job search any longer, it's about bringing networking into your everyday life and building your career into everything you do. This book is a refreshing honest approach to looking at yourself and improving how you go about making changes that are right for you. It is filled with great examples that we can all relate to. Hats off to Lassiter for a great job! I'll be impatiently waiting for the next one!

This book presents the reader with a no nonsense, realistic approach to truly managing your career. Lassiter's philosophy drives a significant change in the way you "look" for a job...it's not about a job search any longer, it's about bringing networking into your everyday life and building your career into everything you do. This book is a refreshing honest approach to looking at yourself and improving how you go about making changes that are right for you. It is filled with great examples that we can all relate to. Hats off to Lassiter for a great job! I'll be impatiently waiting for the next one!

The New Job Security gives the reader a refreshing look at how to approach a career change. I have read many "HOW TO" books and this one is the most realistic and comprehensive guide to date. It challenges you to look at yourself, and review one's philsophy on how to manage your career while incorporating the "job search" into your everyday lifestyle. This book is full of real life (and often humorous) stories that we can all relate to. This is one of the few books that tells it like it is. Lassiter certainly has proven herself to understand the market conditions and the motivation of the people who know how to survive and thrive. A great find! I'll wait impatiently for her next one. JM

If you've been working in the corporate world and you know how to handle yourself in business settings, you absolutely must use this book. Don't wait till you need it! Start reading now.

This book is not for everyone. If you're a certified maverick (like me), or you haven't ever fit in to the corporate world, your efforts to apply Lassiter's strategies can backfire. Corporate managers know how to read between the lines. When you try to follow Lassiter's scripts, you have to know the tone to use and the body language to complement your verbal communication.

With that caveat, Lassiter's book is one of the most comprehensive and realistic I've come across. These days, she says, you can't just look for a job. You must proactively identify needs and demonstrate that you can fill them.

A few highlights:
Come up with some PAR statements: Problem, Action, Resolution.
When negotiating, it's not over till it's over! Keep your options open till you've got a written offer...even while you're new on the job..
Don't show that you're desperate!

Networking is the only way to make career moves -- and Lassiter actually offers tips for would-be networkers. Most books focus on simplistic networking tips that don't work for senior-level managers.
Her discussion of executive recruiters is superb -- and frank.

If you've got a track record in some organization, this book will be the best you can get. Lassiter doesn't say much about changing careers -- just briefly warns of the difficulty and says "not too often." She's really presented in a small book the information you might get from a high-quality outplacement service. I'll even forgive her references to Myers-Briggs -- you might score "introverted" and still be a great salesperson!

Move over Richard Bolles! Pam Lassiter has written the career book for the new millennium and new economy. Though basically common sense - as are all good self-help books - this one is current and relevant, and the ideas are packaged in a clever yet practical way, one that hopefully will make its suggestions easier to implement.

The book provides a comprehensive, cohesive, and logical approach to career management. Its highlights are: excellent use of humor, and a great attitude and style throughout; two dozen practical, but not overwhelming, "homework" exercises (with extra blank forms provided); particularly strong coverage of networking and negotiating; over a dozen realistic, short tales of people in different career phases; and excellent, up-to-date references to additional print and on-line resources.

I am a career and job search counselor who strongly believes that "it depends" is the answer to almost all job search-related questions. So, my favorite parts of the book are the many "caveats" that have been inserted. Just when you think Pam may have made a point a bit too strongly, she seems to quickly acknowledge the opposite view, or provide an alternate approach. That's nice work!

Realistic, comprehensive, practical, instructive, and fun, the book is a valuable addition to the career management literature.

CHOOSING HEALTH & WELLNESS is third in a series from the creators of [...] a forum for black women, and is a highly recommended pick for any black woman seeking health. Why do black women need a race-specific health guide? Because many conditions are common to black women and a risk for the group as a whole - and most can be solved by preventative or self-help techniques as simple as walking daily. From common skin conditions to handling new challenges at every age, CHOOSING HEALTH AND WELLNESS is an outstanding health guide every black woman should have at hand.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

If you're a self-respecting sista who has at least a remote interest in your health and wellness, then you owe it to yourself to run out and pick up a copy of the latest installment in the NIA Guides, CHOOSING HEALTH AND WELLNESS. This book can be described as small but mighty. Small in that it is not a huge medical encyclopedia; it is just the right size and leaves no stone unturned in its easy discourses on the health challenges faced by African American women.

This is a collaborative effort between Sheryl Huggins and Cheryl Mayberry-McKissack. These ladies share facts and figures from credible health resources as well as share their own personal situations. Topics in this book are vast, ranging from insight on diabetes to insomnia to depression to weight loss.

As I reviewed my own personal health situation, I found this book to be right on time! The information is conveyed in an easy, sister-friend manner that provided encouragement and insight to me as I embrace a healthier lifestyle. If you find yourself at a similar crossroads, I encourage you to pick up a copy.

Reviewed by Nedine
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

Want to start a business? Stressed out? Where can you turn for guidance, or hear others tell you that you're not alone? The editors of NiaOnline have done an excellent job in the second installment of their self-help series. Using interviews and a panel discussion of women who have filled many shoes at one time as a base, this guide is designed to help women learn tips and tricks to juggle their responsibilities. It's also formulated to show you how to do these things and enjoy yourself at the same time.
 
There are topics in this book for everyone. From relinquishing the `superwoman' syndrome, to making your passion profitable, you're sure to find a topic that peaks your interest. Keeping everything simple with no hassles, McKissack and Huggins use panelists and contributors who have actually been through the process in which they give advice.
 
BALANCING WORK AND LIFE is very informative and a quick read. One of the highlights in the book is the resource guide found at the end, which contains valuable contact information to assist you. I've read the first, and now the second. I give these two ladies a thumbs-up. This  series that is sorely needed for women today.  
Reviewed by T. Belinda Williams for Loose Leaves Book Review

Developed by the editors and contributors to NiaOnline.com, The Nia Guide for Black Women: Balancing Work and Life is the second in a series of empowerment guides for black women. It is filled with practical advice for balancing work and personal life through tips, suggestions and person stories form successful black women such as actress Phylicia Rashad, songstress Brandy, entrepreneur Lisa Price, and Executive VP Janice Cook Roberts.

A lot of the advice featured is very practical and basic; in fact, most readers might recognize the premise behind the examples as those they have seen presented before in other forums (books, magazines, online, etc.). However, I think the authors were successful in supplementing their messages with information that specifically targets black women. For example, I found the most unique aspects about the guide was the personal statements from the Nia summit session transcripts on differing topics such as "Financing Your Dreams" and "Don't Quit Your Day Job....Yet." The other chapters were interesting as well - they focused on demystifying the "Superwoman/Strong Black Woman" cultural image, reducing stress at work and home, soliciting a support system from family and friends, and turning your true career passion into profit. There was a wonderful consolidated resource guide in the back that offers assistance in the areas of personal organization, career coaching, time-saving resources, stress reduction services, counseling and family support, business start-up services, and job search resources.

One may not need to heed all the suggestions at once, but having this book on your shelf for quick and easy access to a great reference guide would be a smart move.

Reviewed by Phyllis
APOOO BookClub
The Nubian Circle Book Club

Do you feel that there is not enough time in the day? Do you feel that everybody wants something from you continually? Do you constantly care for others and not yourself? Do you sometimes put work in front of your needs and your family's needs? Is your job becoming a source of frustration? Do you feel sometimes as if your life is spinning out of control and you are powerless to do anything about it? If you have answered yes to any of these questions, then "doing it all is doing you in." But, don't worry, help is on the way. This is a condition that is addressed in Sheryl Huggins and Cheryl Mayberry McKissack's latest literary offering, THE NIA GUIDE FOR BLACK WOMEN: Balancing Work and Life.

This Nia Guide focuses on balancing work and home to provide a more productive and harmonious life. The opening line, "Show me a superwoman, and we'll show you a human being who's cranky, exhausted, and mentally and physically drained," really serves as an eye-opener and sets the tone for the entire book. How many of us have not been that way at one time or another as we've tried to juggle the requirements of work, the needs of family and, somewhere among those two, our own personal needs as women? This book really delves into showing us how to shed the superwoman cape, turn our passion into profit, and how and where to find the resources.

Huggins and McKissack have collaborated and put together a very unique and invaluable tool that addresses issues that African American women have faced in the home and the workplace for years. They have pulled together their combined wisdom and that of other professional women along with the results from a survey conducted in 2004 to give sage advice on the following topics: Ending the Superwoman Syndrome, Gaining Sanity and Support, Finding Your Focus and Following Your Passion, Building Your Dreams, Inc., and Reinventing Yourself. A resource guide is provided at the end of the book for readers to use at will. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and being on the receiving end of so much experience and resources. I found the book to be very timely and helpful to me as a single mother trying to balance a career and holding the family together. If you're an African American woman doing the juggling act right now, this handbook is for you.

Reviewed by Brenda M. Lisbon
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

This book gives excellent advice about dealing with difficult situations that occur in office. The information that I gained by reading this book I am sure will help me come out on the winning side of negotiations in the future where I've come up short in the past. I've gained a better understanding as to how to maintain a sense of balance and get my point across without creating greater tension in the process. This book couldn't have come along at a better time. Thank you Dr. Puder-York for sharing this insightful information.

The insight in this book is incomparable. Dr Puder York does an amazing job of discussing situations that happen in the real world and she actually coaches you through it. Her advice is a must read. I think that I have strong people skills, yet, there was a lot in this book that took what I know to the next level.

This isn't just about the "other" people in business that you & I need to get along with. It's also about "us," why we respond as we do to particular other personalities and situations, plus practical guidelines to increase the chances of success. An easy & engaging read. Don't keep this book on your shelf: buy it, read it, and keep it under your pillow.

Well done! This book is filled with useful suggestions that can be applied immediately. The author's experience rings through with examples the reader can grasp on first pass. The material renders a pleasant read from cover to cover but is also modular enough that you can flip to an isolated topic and gain contextual appreciation straight away. This is one book which won't be allowed to gather dust on my shelf!

This book is filled with the kind of insights and advice that anyone who is trying to thrive -- not just survive -- in a 21st-century office environment can begin putting to use immediately. The suggestions and ideas contained within are real-world, nuts-and-bolts tools that help avoid problems, resolve issues, and build the kind of consensus that will allow you and your whole team to move forward. Today, more than ever, interpersonal skills are an essential component of business success. Without them, your career can be over before it begins. Ironically, however, we all seem to get less training and less preparation in this vital area than ever before. This book can help close that gap. Put it on the bookshelf where you keep the essential volumes that you come back to over and over again.

Randy Pennington has done an outstanding job of bridging the serious nature of earning a living in business and learning ethics as an adolescent. This slim tome speaks volumes about 'the right thing to do' on a daily basis.

Specific and simple examples are used to support every desired ethical and moral behavior. This is a universal book that should be read, studied, and practiced in business - and at home.

This book sets on my desk next to Jim Collin's book "Good to Great". I am constantly buying and giving away these two books to business peers.

On My Honor is a very emotional story;Exciting,scary,and sad all at th same time.There is two boys (best friends) Tony is the braver one of the two.Something so dredful,so mystrious,so scary
has happened to Tony! The question is, is Tony dead or alive?

Reading this book made me stop and take a good hard look at myself and my honesty. It should be required reading for Bill Clinton as well as any- one in the public eye.

This book talks about what is right and should be mandatory reading for all corporate officers, government employees and people in leadership roles. The book will motivate you, get you to stop and think, as well as give you ideas about how to improve yourself, your organization and your company. Fantastic Book that I am going to make all of my people read!

This book is truly amazing! Not only is all the info there for you to truly start operating "on purpose", but it's delivered in a way that you can absorb it. Kevin is absolutley awesome and he "get's it" he understands that you need to look, walk, talk and exist where you want to go! Please, please read it, apply it.. and then get on purpose and live fully and abundantly!
PS Have you seen Kevin's new pics? He has lost a great deal of weight, and looks years younger.. I guess he is more on purpose now than ever!
Thank you Kevin for this wonderful work!

I quick and impactful read with all the fat trimmed off. McCarthy does a beautiful job of comminicating his points and lessons.

A great read for anyone that is after a book that can give them some advise about how to be a good leader and manager. If your business is lacking that something then this is the book to read.

Rarely have I been moved by reading a "business" book -- until now. This book touched me -- explaining in logical detail why it is important to align our head, hands, and heart in our business endeavors, as in all areas of our lives. Businesses who follow these guidelines will be successful -- both financially and with an abundance of happy, motivated, enthusiastic employees. Written in story format, this book is a quick read with a marvelous lesson for anyone involved in any kind of business. Individuals can also apply the lessons to their daily lives to increase their personal sense of fulfillment and happiness. I'm sending a copy of this book to the CEO of the company I used to work for! The book's message is wonderful -- and very motivational.

So many organizations today are trying to do "more with less" and are trying to be "all things to all Customers." This book provides insight into why you cannot experience long-term success without being On-Purpose. I wish Corporate American, from the top-down, would use this book as a strategic "blue print!"