Economic-Life Books

Using a bigger than life cow hunter, these tales of Florida before tourist and railroads ruined our only semi-tropical frontier, Bone Mizell is of raw grit and survival. I like an up to date map when I read a book of this type.

I bought this for my husband and he loved it. He loves to relate to others some of Bone's antics making for interesting and lively conversation.

Very informative. I've been researching the Florida Cattle History and found information to support my theroy. This is my second copy.

A very good handbook when you live in a very uncertain world with no job tenure or job security. Anyone reading the book in the context of career management will find it useful as the sections are generally short and to the point. Also key points are 'bulleted' so it is easy to 'digest' them. The cycle of separating => redefining => positioning => sustaining is very lucidly explained and supported with short case stories. Many of us have to re-invent ourselves; this is a useful handy book to have for thriving in a world that will eventually be dominated by free agents. Even though the book is written for an American readership, it is equally applicable to anywhere on planet earth!

Whether you are a contract or temporary employee, a consultant or freelancer, or working internally in management or on the front-line, FREE AGENTS is a wonderful gamebook for understanding the new world of work. It clearly explains the new rules of the workplace, and what individuals need to do to succeed, adn what organizatitions need to do to attract the individuals that will enable them to succeed. FREE AGENTS presents a clear and accessible four step process for individuals to become FREE AGENTS. It provides strategies and tips for individuals to answer four critical questions: What is the market that I want to serve? What are the unmet needs of this market? What are the assets I bring that can meet these need? How can I continue to acquire new skills, experiences, and relationships that enable me to sustain my employability in that market? This book helped me understand how I need to change my attitudes and actions to create and sustain my own employability. It also helped me see what companies are doing to attract individuals with the skills they need to succeed.

A well-written and logical exploration of the new workplace for both the "employee" & "employer". Defines roles and scenarios for "Free Agents" who shape their careers within one company as well as those who move from company to company. It goes well below the surface (and platitudes) of most self-help books to give real concepts and tools for developing your career and marketability, independent of a specific job or title. It also gives usable guidelines to employers on how to maximize the strengths of "Free Agents" to help grow the company. Case studies highlight the key elements

A WEALTH of information for the budding scribe (or flowering one as well). Don't let the number of pages fool you. Each page is packed with useful information; sans the fluff. Easy to read and lightly sprinkled with humor. You will want to reread it often. Tips, examples and gentle encouragement make this a must read!

Author Kimberly Ripley's mantra is "It's never too late to become a freelance writer," and she's absolutely right. I, too, was a "later in life" freelancer (starting in my mid-thirties as a professional writer). Her book is filled with straight-off-the-cuff hints and creative suggestions for turning a passion for writing into a writing career. I have read her book and used her ideas, and now have published more than 75 articles in newspapers and magazines within the past 20 months.

Her tone is conversational and her advice is professional. If you've even remotely considered attempting a career as a writer, you must read this book!

Though you wouldn't know it by the youthful picture on her informative Website, Kimberly Ripley is in her late forties, and thus speaks from personal experience in her jam-packed new book, Freelancing Later in Life. Crammed with enough tips and personal revelations to last you long into retirement, this book has all you need to know to begin a second career, right from your very own home!

Unlike other costly business ventures, freelance writing is ideal for those unwilling to plunk down big expenditures for office space or equipment. As Ripley states, "It can be done. There are a series of steps to take, and what-ifs to consider, yet this particular career requires less in terms of investment and training than many other career change options..."

Let's face it, there are enough books on freelance writing out there to spend your whole career reading them, but Ripley's book stands out from the crowd because it is designed specifically for a very unique audience. An audience that, until now, has certainly been overlooked. Geared for folks who are looking for a rewarding career or part-time job with which to fill their golden years, Freelancing Later in Life explains how to start from the bottom up-and make it all the way to the top!

With insightful tips that leave nothing to chance, Freelancing Later in Life touches on such basics as how much to charge for an assignment, where to look for freelancing jobs, how to insist on a contract, and what to write about first. And, while it does include several hyperlinks within its value-packed pages, it avoids the "hyperlink hyperbole" that so many eBooks fall prey to these days. Instead, Ripley gives you just enough links to get you started, knowing that once you're out there in cyberspace, you'll find enough free information to keep you busy for hours!

Still not convinced that Freelancing Later in Life is for you? Why not let the author state her case herself: "Not everyone begins a new career in middle age, but lots of people think about it. I did it, and it was the best move I've ever made. From full-time, stay-at-home mom to full-time professional freelance writer and published author, my career change has afforded me opportunities I'd otherwise have only realized through dreams..."

As a freelance writer myself, I can tell you that I've read all the books out there on the subject. Freelancing Later in Life helped me to remain committed to this challenging profession, and even taught me a few new tricks I thought I knew-but didn't! Whether you're young or old, Freelancing Later in Life was written by a true professional-in hopes that you will be too!

I read this wonderful book while my son was spending six hours in surgery. The uplifting tone and encouragement to tap into life's positive forces was not only inspirational but brought me peace during a trying time.

Lorin Beller is clearly one of today's top thinkers in the realm of taking control of your business and life. I would recommend this book to anyone thinking about starting a business or anyone owning a business that feels they may be loosing their edge

Lorin Beller's book, From Entrepreneur to Big Fish, is a valuable addition to the good "success" material already available. If you have aspirations to be more successful in business or even to find more happiness and inner peace, her book is a worthwhile read.

I don't think that any single idea is actually new and she doesn't pretend they are. What she does do is bring them together and in a very refreshing way. The concepts are quite simple, fundamental and powerful. The book covers both attitude and execution. Ms. Beller delivers it all as your coach and your fan.

Sometimes, knowing something isn't enough. You need to have someone motivate you to take action. Maybe with From Entrepreneur to Big Fish, Lorin Beller will do that for you!

This book speaks to the entrepreneur who wants to take their business to the next level with ease not added stress. The author has actual experience and knowing of the challenges business owners face. She shares practical principles to live and work by that take the guess work out of success. Add happiness, fulfillment and profit to your personal and business life. Read 'From Entrepreneur to Big Fish: 7 Principles to Wild Success' I did and loved where it took me. Also check out the Big Fish Nation Program that helps the Entrepreneur align their business with the life style they wish to create by utilizing a skilled business coach and a year long tele-class www.bigfishnation.com

I had the opportunity to meet, talk, and become friends with Robert Renteria before I read his book. I have now known him for about 9 months.
You would never know unless you read the book, of the many challenges Robert has overcome to become the success he is. He is unbelievably kind, generous, enthusiastic, and mild mannered. Things you would not expect from someone who has walked in his shoes.
He had a tragic accident in childhood; peer presure could have taken him into gang life, and no positive father figure. These are all issues that are affecting our children today.
Robert also faced obstacles in the corporate world that could have and destroys the souls of some of the best professionals in the business world.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to be inspired. It can motivate anyone of any age, ethnicity, color or gender, to go earn what you want in life. I hope that Robert's next book gives us the steps to achieve some of his success.

Rey Cruz, CFP(tm)
www.ReyCruz.com

Mr. Renteria shares his life story with an honesty that makes the reader wonder why a businessman, at the top of his game, would share so many intimate (and sometimes humbling) details of his climb to the top. By the end of the book, it becomes clear that he does so, not to aggrandize his accomplishments or sell a "how-to" manual, but to give of himself in the hopes that his story might inspire or even change another person's life.

When I was young, I remember being taught that I could become anything I wanted to be. Can you imagine a child who grows up without hearing this message? I became a psychologist who works with adolescents who face challenges not unlike those that Mr. Renteria faced in his own youth. Like him, poverty, violence, racism, gangs, and drugs fill the first chapters of their life stories. My job, at least what I try very hard to do, is to help them learn to take control of their lives and destinies. I strive to teach them that they are worthy people and that they should always believe in their dreams no matter what (or who) tells them they shouldn't. Mr. Renteria does my job in 100 pages in a way, I must admit, that I never will be able to. He's lived it.

I will share this book with my clients and colleagues. (Frankly, I hope it reaches as many of America's youth as possible.) It has, at its core, a message that everyone should hear and believe - that the path to professional and (most importantly) personal success is paved by working hard, treating others with respect, and never giving up.

As a Latino father of two young girls, this book became an inspiration for me. Mr. Renteria tells his story about living in the streets of LA and how poverty became his owner, yet he was able to overcome poverty through smart decisions throughout his life. His life is one that is lived by many, like having an absent father and joining a gang thinking that they would take care of him. Instead, his life spiraled out of control and it was thanks to the advice of his grandfather that he was able to change his ways and ultimately become Executive Vice President of his own company, WashPro USA. The road to his success is told to Corey Blake of Writers of the Round Table, a writing company, and together they have written not just a great, inspiring story, but also a guide for our troubled youth. It is written with honesty and with a message: "Don't let where you came from dictate who you are, but let it be a part of who you become". Just watch the news and you will see that our streets are out of control, and here comes this story that can be used by everyone, especially our youth, as an inspiration for them to get their lives under control. My favorite part of the book was how he ended up in Chicago with only $200, eating Arby's sandwiches because that was all he was able to afford, and ultimately becoming a successful businessman and being able to afford a Mercedes, a Rolex, and fine dining. Many of us can relate to wanting bigger and better things, and this story proves that we can ultimately achieve what we want, no matter how difficult our obstacles are.

This is a great reference tool. I was somewhat disappointed that some smaller funds with outstanding track records were excluded; however, with over 9,000 funds available the authors had to draw the line somewhere.

This book is a wonderful source of mutual fund data. I am just a an average joe who needed some help in the investment world. With this book, I was able to avoid those money grubbing brokers and get business handled on my own terms. I have told all my family and friends about this book and they are just as pleased as I am. I suggest that you let Morningstar do the hard research and number crunching for you, too.

Morningstar is the reason that I have been able to retire early. Much earlier than I ever thought possible. I have recommended their various publications to friends of mine, who have all come up to thank me later on. And the folks at Morningstar are just beautiful people.

GENTLY DOWN THE STREAM: 4 UNFORGETTABLE KEYS TO SUCCESS tells how to reduce stress, encourage joy in others, and enhance self-esteem and motivation to affect all walks of life. Using the classic song as a metaphor, the authors present the foundations of their successful seminar work to audiences interested in increasing harmony for personal and business success.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

Smiling Gently that is how this book left me. Luke and Matt have combined the best of Will Rogers and Garrison Keeler in their story telling with a message. They have crafted story telling into the art of making people become the best of themselves. Through a self depreciating humor they make us think about how to best become content in life. I think this little darling of a book is an exquisite gift of self improvement.

Although I've enjoyed the other books written by Luke Barber and Matt Weinstein (Work Like Your Dog and Dogs Don't Bite When a Growl Will Do), this little book is my favorite. By weaving words of wisdom from philosophers, poets, comedians, and Uncle Joe, with their own personal stories as well as those from co-workers, students, friends, and family, the authors have created a work that is simply elegant. Their use of a children's song as a metaphor for successful living has resulted in a book that is also elegantly simple. Yet in all of its simplicity, the wisdom contained within is as profound as that found in the four unforgettable lines of the song. I hope that these two are already working on their next book!

Sheila Robbins clearly lives what she teaches in her book - powerful demonstrations of how to organize actions that work.

Get A Life! is packed with everything you need to start a successful business.

I wasn't sure where to begin with my idea for a business. I tried free counseling through different agencies but couldn't seem to get organized and focused. Get A Life! took me by the hand and walked me all the way through the process until I knew exactly what kind of business I should start and how to do it.

No matter what business you are considering, this book will save you from confusion and wasting time. It will also save you a lot of money. Don't loan this book, you'll never get it back!

As a career consultant, I find myself responding to questions about the ultimate getaway: finding a new job (and maybe a new life) overseas. It sounds so romantic...till you get into the nitty-gritty of paperwork, taxes and health care.


This guide gets 5 stars simply because it does what it promises: offers a straightforward guide to those who are considering a move but have no place to begin. However, I would recommend (a) reading multiple guides and (b) talking to folks who have been there. Try to find someone who's been in your situation. A 60+ retiree won't benefit from talking to a twenty-something; a single person needs to understand how a culture interprets her lifestyle.

I spent a few years in Canada on a "landed immigrant" visa (equivalent to a green card) as a business school professor. It's been awhile, but I would say the info here seems accurate and balanced. The author assumes her readers will be concerned about safety and health care. Your beliefs, values, and interpretation of events will influence your own priorities.

But for a starting point, you could do a lot worse.

This is MUST reading for anyone wanting to make a major move in their lives, but were too confused with the details to do so!!! A fun, informative read for all adults.

When I first happened upon this book I was immediately attracted to the title. As a person who had left the comforts of an active career 4 years earlier to see what I could build in Europe, I thought this book might be amusing and thought it might enlighten me about situations I had yet to encounter.

It turned out to be a great deal more than that and I wish I had read it before I'd made the leap. It would have saved me a lot of hand wringing on various subjects and helped me think through a number of topics in advance.

The book addresses those who want a few months' getaway in a different environment as well as those who want to pull up stakes completely for a more `long term' change of scenery. Although written to some degree from an American perspective, the issues and questions raised apply no matter what your departure point.

Knorr raises subjects ranging from how to choose your destination, the family planning that's required, health care and medical coverage, insurance, passports, visas, bureaucracy, safety, financial considerations when operating away from home, what to take and what to leave behind, how to deal with the property you own, settling in, networking in your new environment as well as how to find a home, car, doctor, you name it, she thought of it.

Knorr gives you the facts but also addresses the emotional upheaval that can accompany such a move and helps you think through the permutations that always accompany a big decision! She writes with the wisdom of somehow who has passed this way and wants to save the reader some of the headaches she encountered while navigating the waters of setting up home in a new location. Her style is engaging, straight forward and very well informed .

If this book inspires you to take the leap, all the better, but even if I doesn't, it's a great read and will acquaint you with the adventure and challenges that await those who do. It is an easy read and jam packed with good information on virtually every aspect of making this kind of decision. If she missed anything, I'm not sure what it is.

I've decided that I need the same confidence that David had when he defeated the Giant. My life has been spiraling out of control recently and I doubt that I could conquer my own fears and doubts let alone a giant. Therefore I decided to order this book " A Guide to Confident Living." Only having the time to peruse a few pages it still has made me see how easy it is to erase self doubt and get with the program of Living Confidently. I'm very satisfied with this book and would highly recommend it to anyone that needs confidence in their life. It arrived in fine condition and in a timely manner as promised.

Dr. Peale begins with a lesson on listening to God in "creative silence", that in a worship atmosphere, a person can tap into God's thoughts and overcome the challenges of life. Bringing a spirit of expectancy is important if one is to achieve the desired results.
"...faith is the contact point with God's power" he tells us on page 12. He says a friend gave him a working definition of a competent church service, "The creation of an atmosphere in which a spiritual miracle can take place" (p. 12).
Dr. Peale reminds us of a theme found in a lot of his writings, one worth emphasis. He tell us to "supplant destructive thoughts with good ones, diseased thoughts with healthy ones" (p. 32).
Another one of his themes that he includes in this book has to do with the power of the mind to create. "There is a deep tendency in human nature to become like that which you image yourself to be" he quotes a psychologist as saying (p. 47).
Faith, confident assurance in God, releases powerful help on your behalf.
We're reminded of the power of the unseen in his description on page 82, "your life, or mine, is not determined by outward circumstances, but by the thoughts that habitually engage the mind." As a man thinks so he becomes.
He has such a powerful way of expressing truth. Consider the statement he makes on page 84, "A thought, properly employed, possesses a healing property."
If a person wants his life to be different, he should think different thoughts.
In a couple of places in the book he reminds us that Jesus Christ taught us to humble ourselves as children.
Toward the end of the book, a frank discussion of death is given. I strongly encourage you to get this book, if for no other reason to read this portion of it.
What you think determines what you become. What you become determines your life's work. Knowing how to live teaches one how to die.

This book can really change your life. I enjoyed every page of it.