Economic-Life Books

This is a brilliant book. It needs effort because it is not the normal simply written personl development book, but it will really repay that effort. We have used it with individuals and client companies and found it really works to achieve personal goals for people. I have also heard that the framework is being applied to the treatment of depression and for a tool to achieve weight loss. It is worth a look! But you will also need to think!

I loved the book so much - I have also seen some press coverage in the Utne Reader about the principles of it being used as a tool to lose weight! I think the chapter you can see on Amazon 'look inside'is brilliant, although it is not representative of the book style.
Highly recommended for personal development, but a real tool for organisations too. The range of applications of FIT is enormous too.

Innervation by Guy Browning is a very good book. The book made me rethink several points in my life. This book gave me several tools I can use in every day life.

Guy Browning is a straight shooter. He gets right to the point and says it like it is. If you are looking for a good quick read I would recommend Innervation.

I'll start by saying that I've read a fair amount of books in my day. This book, for its genre, is probably the best (second would probably be The Circle of Innovation by Tom Peters) that I've read.

I'm honestly AMAZED by how concisely he communicates points in a matter of paragraphs that would take other authors entire books.

There also haven't been all that many books where I've started to laugh out loud in the middle of. I really like this guy's way of getting straight to the point.

The author has tackled a difficult but important topic: how do we citizens of the world achieve sustainable development and still make a living? Simply put, the author makes each of us a champion for environmental management using the new ISO 14000 management standards. As the author puts it, the environments we live in include the ecosystems, finances, politics, public relations, employees and other interested parties, and markets. The ISO 14000 standards are market-driven, period. Life from now on must be recognized as marketing and sales, customers and suppliers, a true need for honest empowerment of all stakeholders. Mr. Don Sayre's management primer goes well beyond the words of the standards, into his own unique insights as senior consultant to the federal government, well-versed auditor of management, root cause analyst, video producer, father and husband, film and stage actor, and someone who attended the original Woodstock Celebration in 1969. He is an international author and instructor and consultant, recognized by his wit, humor, and insightful understanding of what total and strategic environmental quality management is all about. Most all other authors on the ISO environmental management system standards limit their input (and output) to the specification, ISO 14001. But, as Don says, that is simply the skeleton; the meat of the organism involves the other guidance standards. Humans are at the center of sustainable development, in the eyes of the United Nations. What better way to support that and promote than to follow the simple instructions of the ISO 14000 standards. Otherwise, when the year 2030 absorbs us, the population growth and demand for available resources will collide. Boom! Devestation, turmoil, famine, war--all will follow in the framework established by our histories. This book is valuable reading for anyone with an inkling of interest in what our collective future holds. It is valuable reading to anyone who wants to make a difference. And, readers will be surprised to learn how knowledgeable they will be as the "new" experts on environmental management. It is a work written from the heart.

Published, March 1, 1996 this is the first publication to present ISO 14000, the so called "master scheme" for the protection and preservation of the environment, for sustainable development of life and improving our ecosystem. This book is presented as an everything you need to know in order to comply with the ISO 14000 series. Here, in his `Primer' for the ISO 14000 series one will find expansive discussions on each element of the ISO 14000.

Sayre's Inside ISO 14000: The Competitive Advantage Of Environmental Management [at the time of its publication] probably accomplished what the title suggests - tells you everything you need to know to comply with ISO 14000. That is, "how to" develop and implement a successful environmental management system that has potential to provide for competitive advantage, through a systematic management plan emphasizing commitment, planning, implementation, evaluation and review.

Throughout the `guide,' information on what the ISO 14000 series will require of organizations to become ISO 14000 certified is meticulously spelled out somewhat to the point of being repetitive, while the reader is sometimes bounced around in a rather distracting manner. One is often not sure if you are in ISO 14000 or one of the many other ISO, or related Standards also covered in the book. Sayre provides parallel information from related standards (other ISO 14000 standards, ISO 9000 and ANSI/ASQC E4). All this is intertwined with an expressed passion for the environment and sustainability coupled with "real world" suggestions drawn from Sayre's extensive knowledge in management systems.

The major problem with the book today is that this general guidance will not fulfill the needs of the consummate environmental professional charged with implementing an ISO 14001 system, therefore it could be considered inadequate for that level of interest. However, for the generalist seeking guidance or an overview on creation and implementation of a successful environmental management system this book would fulfill the need. For it does provide specifics on the internationally accepted framework for effectively managing environmental efforts. Interestingly enough, even though it is dated, for those interested in Auditing, Sayre's knowledge and personal experience rises to the forefront and provides appropriate guidance for today's environmental professional.

I have jusr finished reading Mike Levy's book,INVESTING WITH A GENIUS. It is written in simple concise language that anyone can understand. As a long time investor, I highly recommend this book to anyone remotely interested in investments. It is a must reading for secondary school as well as college students. This type of investment book fills a niche was very much needed.

Michael Levy's book "Invest with a Genius" is a compelling read that provides the reader with an understanding of what true wealth actually means to them, and, how that wealth can be attained in a joyous manner.

It clarifies the meaning of the terminology associated with the wealth generation process and helps the reader to understand not only who the Genius is, but also, where the Genius can find the information required to attain that true wealth.

The book contains a message for novice and experienced investors alike. It is a truly unique blend of financial advice, poetry and spiritual inspiration in a combination never seen before.

In short, if you only purchase one book this year; I would recommend that you make that one purchase "Invest with a Genius".

This is one of the few books that does justice to Iona, an island that has enchanted and captivated visitors for, literally, thousands of years. It is truly difficult to convey the elusive magic of Iona, that combination of physical place and atmosphere which draws so many of us back, time after time. Colin Baxter needs no introduction to those familiar with landscape photography in Scotland, and his work here is up to his usual breath-taking standard. Mairi MacArthur has a solid grounding in the history of the island, and of Argyll and the Highlands, as well as a sympathetic but honest perspective on islanders, past and present. As a guide during your visit to Iona, the book is first-rate. The maps and diagrams are simple but clear and full. The explanations and descriptions help you understand what you see around you, in terms of geology, ecology, human settlements, animal and human life - and including of course the ancient religious centre. It is readable and useful for those less familiar with Scotland and its life and traditions as well as for those of us who live here For those who have visited Iona, it is a lovely reminder. For those who have not yet had that privilege, this is a taster which should have you itching to come.

This book is the latest of Mairi MacArthur's books on her family's native island. It is rich in accurate, well-researched detail, supported by her extensive knowledge of Iona. This has been gained through academic research and through her close acquaintance with the island's residents over many years. Colin Baxter's photographs give an excellent impression of Iona, though generally when on its best behaviour in the summer - it can be a wild place at other times! The island is of interest to tourists, academics and also Christian people wishing to explore this small and incredibly beautiful island, and to see for themselves the place where some of those rugged Celtic saints brought their faith from Ireland to Scotland in the sixth century. The pictures and story of the Abbey show how it remains very much a living home of the Christian faith. It will surely also appeal to the generations of Iona emigrants who have settled in the USA and Canada.

Is the Market Moral? by Rebecca Blank and William McGurn is the second volume in the Pew Forum Dialogues on Religion & Public Life, a series of printed debates being published by the Brookings Institute. This debate reminded me why I enjoy reading economics as much as I do. The authors are both well-trained economists whose views fall well within the mainstream of the field, yet in this text they turn to a topic that receives little attention in the academic press, the interplay between religion and economic life. The format is a written debate, each author writes a paper, then each is given a chance to respond to the other's paper, then they each write a conclusion.

Blank begins the debate, her paper focuses on the role of government in correcting or eliminating markets which do not promote the Christian virtue of brotherly love or respect and caring for one's neighbors. She does not believe that government is all powerful, or that it should try to control markets completely, as she does recognize the tremendous power and huge benefits of a market economy, but she does believe that the way in which religion is most effectively applied to the market is through participation in the democratic process.

McGurn, on the other hand, sees the forces of the market as far too powerful to be controlled or dictated by legislation. Instead he believes that the way to make the market economy more Christian is through the "virtues-self-restraint, honesty, courage, diligence, the willingness to defer gratification-that it cannot itself create", through culture itself. In his words he "would say that Rebecca would probably consider it naïve to think of culture as strong enough to counter powerful market forces while I deem it even more naïve to expect government, which enjoys a monopoly of force, to do it properly."

My views on the matter fall far closer to those of William McGurn than they do to those of Rebecca Blank. I am deeply skeptical of the ability of government to do anything correctly if there is even the slightest controversy over the correct goal, and even when the goal is unanimous I still have grave doubts about the ability of government to fulfill the desires of the people without incurring massive unforeseen consequences. I am also much more inclined to believe McGurn and the emphasis he places on religion as the central force in determining the moral fabric of a society.

While I may not always agree with the views of the various religions at work in society, I do believe that they provide the bedrock on which the moral of society rely to keep a steady foundation. However, without informed and rational discussions like this one we cannot necessarily expect any progress in the way that religion approaches economics, and vice versa. The book is not particularly expensive, and a quick read, I highly recommend this book for anyone with any interest in the interplay of markets and culture or markets and religion.

The collaboration of Rebecca M. Blank (Dean of the Gerald R.FordSchool of Public Policy and Professor of Economics, University of Michigan) and William McGurn (Chief Editorial Writer, Wall Street Journal), Is The Market Moral?: A Dialogue On Religion, Economics & Justice is a literate discussion of serious issues of economic equality, efficiency, productivity, and social justice. The contrasting views of two strong-willed, intelligent, faithful, and astutely reasoned individuals - one a "cultural Protestant", the other a Roman Catholic, both concerned with issues of morality and human feedom to choose as surely as technical problems of supply and demand. Add in drastic changes wrought by increased globalization in today's world, and the evaluations followed by direct and personally addressed rebuttals in Is The Market Moral? take on an ever-growing sense of direct contemporary relevance, even urgency.

This book is an engaging read and shows real world examples of why achieving satisfaction in your non-work life actually helps you enjoy work more and become a better employee. In addition to building the case for why it's important to achieve balance, it gives some practical tips on how to ease in small changes so that over time you reach the work/life balance that's right for you. If you follow the advice in this book, not only will you be happier, you'll exhibit energy and enthusiasm for everything that you do!

As a fellow coach, father and businessman, I too, sometimes feel the anxiety of life's challenges. Your book came in an opportune time in my life, and it has prompted me to reassess my goals and focus on what I really love. I Love your book. If people actually knew the value and content of what is in your book, they would go to the end of the earth to get it.

Joe Sowerby has culled from years of experience in at least two professions and numerous other expert's in the sales field to provide a valuable resource for the novice and the experienced professional. I am in the real estate finance field and agree with everything Joe presents in "It's Your Deal." His breezy style is easy and fast to read and I found it an excellent refresher course in what it takes to be a sucessful salesperson in any line of sales.

Very successful sales people know it can be simple things which trigger riches. This book can be all you need. I especially enjoyed discussions regarding consistent persistence, follow-up and wholeheartedly agree with need to just "ask for the order". This book offers little foo-foo and lots of practical advice.

Nora Faires (Associate Professor of History) and Nancy Hanflik (Co-Curator of the Sloan Museum exhibition "A Century of Jewish Life in Flint") deftly collaborate to present Jewish Life In The Industrial Promised Land 1855-2005, an examination of the history of Jewish families and daily life in Flint, Michigan, an industrial boomtown famous for its decay into rustbelt poverty when General Motors slashes jobs and closed plants. The Jewish community of Flint was comprised of many strains, including immigrants from a variety of nations; collectively, they were not invested directly in the automobile-driven economy but rather worked as storekeepers, entrepreneurs, and professionals; and they were affected as severely as everyone else when General Motors' closings caused the local economy to crumble. Black- and-white photographs illustrate this detailed chronicle of all aspects of an enduring and faithful community.

The century and a half time frame covers Flint, Michigan, from its origins as a major industrial city, through the prosperity its inhabitants enjoyed in the decades when the automobile industy was the centerpiece of the American economy, until the last decades of the 20th century when Flint along with other major industrial centers fell into decline with the success of foreign automakers. During this long time, the lives of Flint's Jewish inhabitants reflected the general condition of the other residents. While Jews never participated in the well-paying and long-term factory work for the automobiles, they took part in the ups and downs, promising prospects and economic worries, affecting those involved in auto manufacturing and their families as shop owners, doctors and other professionals, and entrepreneurs in the areas of services for other city residents. Fairies and Hanflick's history of the Jews of Flint using their "own analytic framework and interpretive lens, but using the community's words and perceptions to help guide the analysis...and give shape and substance to the story" entails ecletic content. This ranges from oral history, many photographs from all periods, profiles of leading Jews, and social and economic history. All this is brought together coherently and informatively in this combination of regional, urban history and minority, Jewish study following mainly the assimilation and fortunes of the generations of the city's Jewish community. Both authors are connected with Michigan universities.

An interesting little book that will help you learn to focus on others. Like The Choice is Yours, this book is full of quotes and tidbits to help your life have more meaning and purpose. If you read it you will be challenged, and if you're willing to work you will experience growth in character and attitudes.

What a wonderful book. I've read through it at least a dozen times. Give this to everyone in your success lines (down lines). Each of us strives to leave this world better than we got it.
When you have reached financial success you realize that there is so much more out there that can be accomplished for others. Take this book and savor it. Read a page a night to your spouse, your child, your pet. I am a huge John Maxwell fan anyway, but wow, this is over the top. I will be eternally grateful for this reminder of how to serve others.