Enterprise Books

I have not found any other good keynote book. This is informative, has lots of good information and more.Well done. Lots of good ideas, tips and tricks.

I have gone over this book from front to back and find that there is nothing that I found wanting in the book. I learned things I could use in every chapter.

If you don't own the book, use Keynote or want to use Keynote, this is the book for you.

Tom Negrino's book is all you will need to become a expert user of Keynote. Each process is broken down into easy-to-follow steps, including exactly which keystrokes are necessary. Especially useful are the many Tips and Screenshots that are included every chapter. I will be heartily recommending "Keynote for Mac OS X: Visual QuickStart Guide" to all of our Mac Users Group next week when I do a presentation on Keynote.

An excellent book for a beginner to Keynote or a seasoned veteran. Very easy to understand and very well written. The book flows seamlessly form one topic to the next. Great book!

Forget the manual, get this book instead, especially if you want to learn how Themes and Master slides are constructed. I run KeynoteUser.com and I was the tech editor on this book (I read every page, cover to cover). I also wrote the first draft of the chapter on building custom themes...all that to say I STILL learned things from this book while I was reading through it. There's stuff in there you just won't find anywhere else. And no, I don't get any royalties from the sale of the book (that all goes to Tom for his hard work), I just think it's something every Keynote user should own.

Once again Joyce has captivated the feeling of sitting down with an old friend to simply "talk it out". Once I picked it up, I simply could not put it down. Joyce brings the things forward that really matter while allowing us to see that all the "stuff" simply isn't as important. I can't wait to read her two newest books!

Joyce does it again in sharing her everyday life experiences as well as her heart. She takes you on her jouney of following Christ in the everyday experiences and how God speaks to her and challenges her to become more like Him. This is a great read into her heart and so, into the heart of God.

I read her first book and didn't think it was possible for her to out do herself, but this book was equally as great as the first in a totally different way. These two books are very different. You need to get them both!

Letting go....such simple words when spoken, but such difficult words to really DO! Joyce once again has given a "recipe" for letting go of all the junk that seems to weigh me down. Her words are so personal and her insight so clearly written that even someone like me, who is flat out uninspirable most days, seeks the direction and desire to follow the simple steps to having a peace filled life. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for opening the eyes of my heart and helping me to shed off those guilt stained glasses! My focus is now back on Jesus and I couldn't be happier!

I read Joyce's first book, Chili and Chocolate Cake and I was with her during the writing of this new book. But it was not until I sat down and read "Life Is Not About $100 Bills!" in it's final form, that I was struck with the beauty and joy of its content. As tears of the joy of Christ streamed down my face I declared, "This is the BEST book I have ever read". Go get `em Ms. Joyce!

In Life Lines, Anthony Edey draws upon his experiences with Parkinson's Disease and Cancer to craft a poetry which is both serious and hilarious at the same time. Enhanced with line drawn illustrations by Iris Edey and a section of black & white photographs, the poetry comprising this slender volume is as unique as it is memorable. The Final Cure: I hear that I ought to tart smoking,/Just try a medicinal pack./Inhale all the nice levadopa/My little gray cells seem to lack.//I hear that the feeling-good factor/Is just what I'm missing of late./A packet of Gaulloise should fix it,/I'd happily asphyxiate.//It's really a strange contradiction/That smoking could see this thing off./Instead of a long life of shaking/I'd die nice and slow of a cough!//On balance it seems quite apparent,/The treatment is worse than the cure./Through Parkinson's may not be perfect,/It's better than smoking, for sure.

We think that the book is a real light that shines on the fundamental questions of life that many of us manage to ignore.

Life Lines, especially the poem about Sam, made us think again about what is important in our own lives.

Edey captures his feelings and shares his personal revelations with wit and humility as he goes through his acceptance of the diseases that have attacked his body....the art work that accompanies each poem was lovingly brought to life by his wife, a gifted artist. The book is a joy to read and upon which to reflect.

Anthony Edey has written a wonderful book to be appreciated by all, but particularly by those facing serious illness. The book shares humor and sensitivity, and demonstrates how keeping a positive perspective has allowed him to find hope for the future and cherish the simple blessings of everyday life. Parkinson's disease and cancer are tough challenges for anyone. The lesson Anthony teaches with this book is that they can readily be faced with the best medicines: positive thoughts, the love and support of friends and family, a fighting attitude and humor. Bravo, and thank you, Anthony!

Life Lines was meant as a double-entendre by Edey -- "life lines" as throwing them out to save someone drowning in adversity, and lines by the words used by this man who charismatically wrote about his experiences in being treated for skin cancer and Parkinson's Disease. We've heard actor Michael J. Fox talk publicly about his life with PD, and like Fox, Edey provides a service to those who read his words. In Life Lines, Edey takes a "that's life" attitude with his health issues, and makes us chuckle in the face of reality.

I'm an unrated player estimated to be in the 1300-1400 range by folks at the club. I also help coach complete beginners at the middle school my daughter goes to. Now you know the relevant facts about the reviewer: here goes.

The book has over 200 puzzles (in the form of "White to move after someBlackMove) with two-part answers; threat and prevention. Sometimes finding the threat is the hard part and sometimes the prevention is the head-scratcher. The answers don't just have variations, but also explanation of how to handle the position.

Heisman's advice is wonderfully pragmatic. I'll quote an interesting sample; a 1-star problem where the puzzle is common sense, not tactical.
(The board has K+R+7 pawns against the same, with the b-file open.)
The answer is:
Threat: 2. Rb1, getting the only open file for his rook, which White can use to penetrate Black's position.
Prevention: 1...Rb8. Tit for tat. The first one to control the file has an advantage. This is a good example of a position where one does not have to look ahead in order to find the best move; general principles and a little experience will tell you that grabbing the open file first must be better than the alternatives. Therefore, it is just a waste of time in this position to see what will happen next. Just make sure the move is really safe and play it, and figure out later if you are winning or just on the better side of a draw.

What else?
The one to five stars rating of problem difficulty seems about right to me.
The puzzles are reasonably divided between opening, middle game, and endgame.
The only errors I've found seem to be the same one recurring because the proofreader is unfamiliar with the new concept. ;-) In several places, the player to move is stated wrongly, even though the move given always makes it clear who moves next.

I like this book so much I immediately started stealing explanations from it to coach the beginners.

I did not think I could ever find a book to learn what chess is about, well at least one of the most important things in the game. Yes, chess is about making threats and stop them, and this book teaches how to do that in a very instructive way. If we ever want to become strong chess players, it is of essential nature learning to see our opponent's threats and meet them appropriately.

What you will find in this book is a very clear explanation about threats and how we can deal with them, and then a lot of excercises to train your mind and eye to find the threats on the chess board. This is the firs book I know that deviates from the traditional way of "White to play and win".

Stop loosing games because you did not see your opponent's threat, get this book and become stronger. I really liked it.

I almost passed this one up but I'm sure glad I didn't. As a player rated in the 1600 - 1800 range, I'm often frustrated to see a "crushing" win swept away in one careless move. I get so wrapped up in my own plans that I often ignore those of my opponent. Ugh! Although it is easy to say "always try to understand what your opponent's move was threatening before making your move", I tend to play fast and impatiently (even when not in any time trouble). Heisman's book is great because it forces you to solve the problems in 2 stages - identify the threat, then figure out the remedy.

By working on these, I found that I started to automatically look more carefully at my opponent's moves. Heisman's examples also include some very common themes so I suspect "imprinting" these "tactical images" into my brain will also do me good. Great stuff!

By the way, as an earlier reviewer pointed out, I found that even some of the so-called easy challenges were sometimes difficult.

"Looking for Trouble" is a collection of 200+ chess positions that are mostly tactical in nature. What separates this book from other similar works are the extensive and helpful verbal annotations, and the fact that it's not "White to move and win", but instead: "Avoid the threat and find the best move". Working through this book feels more like playing a real game than playing through a normal collection of tactical problems, and is surprisingly fun.

One of the main benefits of this book is that it helps you to establish a better thinking process. After you worked through all the puzzles, your first thought while playing a game will be "What is his threat?", which is exactly how it should be.

The positions themselves are also very instructive: Taken from real games, sorted into openings, middle game and endgame sections and assigned an estimated difficulty (* to *****).

My only criticism is that the author recommends this book to players rated as low as 1200. I'm rated 1700 and found most of these puzzles to be quite challenging. I think a 1200 player would be overwhelmed by the difficulty of most positions, though he will likely still benefit from learning how to think better.

Overall I liked this book but found it difficult at certain points. It is not a good book for a lower rated player like the advertizing makes it seem. Not all the patterns found in this book are logically placed. But there are some good positions for understanding.

Everytime I go to the various websites and I read reviews online and on print of "Mastering the French" I read a good review. People say how wonderful it is and how great it is, but common: it uses the illustrative game method of teaching and it goes a little too far with it. If you're starting off playing the French by reading this book, OK its good, but if you have a little experience with it or chess, forget it. The problem is too much exemplary games. I don't completely agree with International Master John Watson, but generally the illustrative method is severely limited. Basically the author presents a game that is meant to illustrate typical themes and in the notes gives a little analysis. I think this book needs a little more analysis. For starters the chapter on the exchange variation is lacking in depth. Its lacking because he never gets around to explaining why Kasparov played the variation the way he did. Exclamation after exclamation mark appears in the game, but it looks to me that white is losing. The whole point of the book is to explain something like that. After all, the pawn structure parts are basically for inexperienced players, so why not explain the game? He also leaves out how to crucially "imbalance" the position to possibly favor black. Watson's book deals with this(its a little harder to win in the boring exchange) .
Ditto for the Wade Advance which he describes as basically bad for black after about four or five moves without explaining the positional features. Its like there's no analysis because its a beginner book, but no explanation of the position either. Seirawan's experimentation in the classical boils down to results (he beat two grandmasters and drew a third) but there's no explanation as to why the first two couldn't handle a6 before 0-0 in the Classical French. I found myself asking lots of questions.

I agree with the assesments of the other reviewers. For understanding the concepts and general plan of the French, this book can't be beaten. For more recent coverage and a detailed line by line analysis, use John Watson's book. I couldn't imagine needing any more information than what is contained in these two books. It would probably serve you for your entire chess career.

The French defense is on of those openings that you either love with passion or hate it. One of the problems for the black side is figuring out why are certain moves made and what are the plans for black in the different variations. That's all fair but why not categorize the opening by the resulting pawn structures? After all, the pawn squeleton determines how to proceed and how to place most optimaly your pieces.

This is precisely what GM N. McDonald does: He categorizes the resulting pawn structures and proceeds to explain the typical themes that apply in each configuration of pawn structures. His aim to arm you with practical knowledge is superbly accomplished.

However, you have got to have some previous knowledge of the French defense to get the most out of this book. This is unavoidable in my opinion and your repertoire in the French has to be fine tuned before tackling GM McDonald's book [ That is, you must know what to do against a Tarrasch variation, how to handle the advance variation, etc. ]

GM McDonald is very candid in explaining what his aim is and clears up that his book is not about variations of the French defense but general plans for black (and white by default...) That is the reason why I gave him 5 stars. After all, cramping the book with variations and subvariations defeats the purpose of GM McDonald's book and if that is what you are looking for, IM Watson's book "Play the French" is a much better choice [ I use both books for my preparation ]

What's a French Fanatic you say? How about someone that owns "Winning with the French", "Tactics in the French", "French Defense 2: New and Forgotten Ideas", "The French Tarrasch", "The French Advance", "French Defense, Classical System", a Monograph on the French Winawer, and last my not least, "MASTERING THE FRENCH WITH THE READ AND PLAY METHOD", the book that puts all the nuts and bolts together. How is one to master a defense if they don't understand the strengths and weaknesses that both players have in the resulting pawn structures and placement of the pieces, and understand the whole concept of what Black's trying to do? All French players should get this book (and the other 7 I mentioned too, but this one, and maybe Uhlmann's "Winning with the French", should definitely come first!!!).

This review is very long, but it comes from someone with 1,500+ games' experience with the French Defense (live and on the internet). If not for this book, my chess career may have been over before it ever really got started.

Let me begin by telling you a bit about my chess career before I started playing the French to provide a context. I don't think this is a digression; possibly, you will find parallels in it to your own chess development, see why playing the French may (or may not) be a good choice for you, and how this book can literally change your chess tournament life--the way it did for me.

I learned how to play chess at 8, but did not study chess until I was 11 or play in a tournament until I was 12 1/2 in March 1996. So, I felt I had to play "catch up" with other kids in tournaments who had been playing for years. Now these kids mostly played 1...e5 or 1...c5 in response to 1.e4. These two replies were how I began defending against 1.e4, because I thought that this is the way I was "supposed to" play.

I played the resulting King Pawn and Sicilian positions very badly and pretty much got creamed. I was new to chess, and these defenses are what newcomers (kids, and adults as well) are taught to begin with. They naturally had more experience than I did.

I realized quickly that I would a)have to intensely study KPs or Sicilians to have any hope, or b)change to something different. You're probably expecting me to now say I changed to the French...

But I changed to the Pirc! (1...d6 after 1.e4), and found that I did not understand the positions at all (in all honestly, I don't understand them very well NOW, and now I am USCF 1800+). Kids (and adults, as I played in tournaments at the Manhattan Chess Club), had fairly well-defined approaches to dealing with this kind of stuff. After losing a game as a 1000 player in a tournament one day, I decided it was time to change. I played the 2...Nf6 Scandinavian for a time (which wasn't so bad for me, results-wise) before making a breakthrough.

It was at this point (at the end of 1997) that I saw MASTERING THE FRENCH WITH THE READ AND PLAY METHOD in a Barnes and Noble. It was unlike any opening book I had ever seen...and it looked like I would be able to understand it! The book was divided by pawn structures, and each chapter had much introductory material explaining the typical plans for each side! I got the book and read it. And I began playing the French in tournaments.

I am not going to tell you that playing the French Defense gained me tons or rating points or anything like that. I will simply say that when playing I ACTUALLY HAD A CLUE! Just as importantly, my opponents often had (and still have to this day) an often superficial understanding of what THEY should be doing as White. The play in 1.e4 e5 openings is mostly straightforward; this is also true in the Sicilian, if a little less so. With the French, there is usually no glaring target to aim at, and this is where White players get flustered: they understand some basics, but seem to have no concept of the nuances that French players do. In exchange for some activity, you get PLENTY of chances to outright outplay your opponents. If you're a strong Grandmaster life may not be so easy, but even then, it's a tough nut to crack...

I have been playing the French as my main defense (both in tournaments and in casual play, the latter of which I find myself doing more and more on the internet than playing in tournaments Over The Board) since the day I purchased MASTERING THE FRENCH nine years ago. I would add that (in my experience) this opening, more than any other, frustrates opponents to no end. I agree 1000% with the reviewer who said that people either love the French or they hate it. This is absolutely true! Bobby Fischer's poor results with White against the defense are well-documented (the reclusive World Champion later switched to a "side line," attacking the French with the King's Indian Attack--but even here methods of Defense have been refined and there are some underrated lines you can play).

In closing, I feel that the French is ideal for a person who wishes to maintain more control of the game and not wage a wide-open battle, even if this means ceding some initiative. Generally you will win games over the longer haul (but, believe me, you can score some quick KOs with it if your opponents make bad positional errors--and they do A LOT). A lot of people think the French is passive, and that they can do anything they want against it, but that line of thinking is their undoing. If you enjoy giving your "mad hacking" opponents the sense that they are banging their heads against a brick wall, there is no better defense to 1.e4!

This book should be read before any other book you may read on the French. It seems this book is now out of print; I don't care what lengths you need to go to in order to get this book: get it! Don't overly book this opening; instead, understand the ideas and let your opponents' mistakes--er, your own brilliance--do the rest. If you excel at Counterattacking, the French Defense is nothing short of lethal.

Good luck!

Let us stop talking about the environment and the need to protect it and start DOING SOMETHING, ANYTHING to achieve a better path towards a more SUSTAINABLE SOCIETY AND WAY OF LIFE! THE TIME IS NOW! I do hope its not too late.
Anselmo De Portu, Environmental Planner

Ray Anderson is the CEO of Interface Corporation, a manufacturer of carpet tiles for businesses and hotel chains. After reading Paul Hawken's The Ecology of Commerce and Daniel Quinn's Ishmael, Anderson revolutionized his beliefs and how his company does business. He is now striving for 100-percent sustainability by having zero waste, reusing materials, not using non-renewable resources, such as petroleum, and by leasing his carpet rather than selling it. Why this is important: 1) The obvious reasons such as not being wasteful and polluting, 2) Interface is now a model for all industry, 3) Anderson shows how sustainability is more profitable, and 4) Anderson's model shows that it only takes changing minds to be a successfully revolutionary--not street protests, letters to the editor, petitions, meditation, spiritual consciousness, believing in God, lobbying Congress, protesting governments and/or corporations, and all the typically tried and often painfully slow ways to enact positive change. Brilliant.

This book deserves more than five stars.

Mr. Anderson has taken an important step forward in leading Interface Corporation towards becoming ecologically neutral. By that phrase, ecologically neutral, I mean taking nothing from and adding nothing to the environment. This concept has become a popular one in Europe beginning in Sweden, in the form of The Natural Step, but has been much more slowly adopted in the United States. Those who are interested in understanding the processes by which a company can pursue improved environmental performance will find many helpful examples in Mid-Course Correction.

What if you don't care about your company's impact on the environment? Mr. Anderson makes a powerful argument based on his experiences at Interface that you should. First, it is much cheaper to produce goods and services if you use less materials and waste less. This means higher profits. Do you care about profits? Second, the pursuit of sustainability attracts many new customers and better supplier relationships. That also means higher profits. Third, people feel better about themselves. Do you like to feel better about yourself? Fourth, perhaps you should rethink your position about the environment. Even if we have enough for now, if we waste it, we are robbing our own descendents at some point of a good quality life. Mr. Anderson describes many cases of where despoilage of nature from overuse has been very expensive and undesirable by anyone's standard.

He also cites many of the leading books on the benefits of an ecologically sustainable business world. In fact, this movement will become a disruptive technology by making those who waste unable to compete with those who do not. Think about it.

To me, the value in the book is in Mr. Anderson's fine example of how to lead towards becoming environmentally sustainable as a company. I have been aware of most of the arguments in favor of this (including The Natural Step), but could not imagine how an American company would go about pursuing this goal. I also could not imagine how it could be reconciled with public ownership of stock. So much for my tiny imagination. Now, with Mr. Anderson's book, I can understand (and so can you) that becoming a sustainable enterprise is simply good business as well as being a good citizen. That will make sense to almost anyone.

After you read this wonderful book, I encourage you to share you copy with another person and ask them to do the same. This message needs to be spread if our companies are to fulfill their potential, and we are to have a world that we can all be proud of and enjoy living in. Then, I urge you to take this one step further, and think about how your family could become an ecologically sustainable unit.

Do good and do well!

This is the personal and eco-spiritual journey of Ray Anderson - the CEO of Interface, Inc., the world's largest producer of floor coverings. The book chronicals Ray Anderson's mid-life "change of heart" concerning the negative impact his business was having on the eco-systems of earth. Moved by this new awareness, Anderson sets off on an intensive study of the topic (much of which he writes about here) and sets the audacious goal of transforming his company into the first truly sustainable enterprise (which is a work in-progess of course).

Admittedly, much of what Mr. Anderson writes here is an amalgam of the writings of the major environmental proponents of the 80's & 90's, but told in a personalized way as it relates to Interface's carpeting business. He forms a framework and rationale of why sustainable business is essential and gives many useful stories of how Interface struggled to define and achieve continuous improvement in the quest for sustainability - a journey Anderson likens to "climbing Mt. Everest."

Some highlights I found useful include:
+ A vision of prototypical sustainable company of the 21st century
+ The case how technology must move from being part of the problem to being part of the solution to non-sustainability
+ Interface's seven-front plan for achieving sustainability (nice color charts)
+ A great example of how Interface is moving from selling consumable products to be discarded (floorcovering) to providing an ongoing service (replaceable floorcovering that is taken back and recycled using zero-waste, solar-energy processes).

While this book is now 10 years old, it is still relevant and useful - although some concepts are dated (eg: solar is now economically realizable in many places but not written as such). For readers who like books that tell a story, there should be much inspiration here in the author's memoirs. And for those who look for the "how-to" lists, there is a wonderful, comprehensive list of 200-some practices a company can implement to achieve greater sustainability. Those with responsibily to implement sustainable practices should find these highly practical actions invaluable (worth buying the book just for this).

In any societal movement, true visionaries are needed to set the bar and define ultimate goals. Interface is one such organization. However, no organization, business or community is anywhere near being truly sustainable so far. Interface is no where near it, and their recyclable carpet "leasing" program has not quite been a big success - so far - as they miscalculated some customer behaviors needed to change. But it is better than it was years ago which is the basic journey towards truly sustainable products and operations.

I would highly recommend this book for those of you who are convinced big business will eventually destroy our earth.

I was impressed that a non-scientist/engineer would even attempt to write a book like this. His excitement about the potential for saving the environment came through in his text. He laid out the goals his company had set for achieving a state beyond zero waste, returning to the earth as much as was taken from it. I believe it takes a visionary to apply such abstract ideas and commit to making them real. And the fact that he was able to make a business arguement for sustainable development was reassuring because, realistically, if businesses can be convinced that this will help them make money, it is much more likely to happen. That's clearly what I saw with the pollution prevention movement and it just might happen here.

Nan's Journey is a wonderful book and beautifully describes Colorado in the 1800's. I could not put it down and read it cover to cover in less than a day. I agree with another reviewer that Elaine did deserve to have a better editor, but the story is outstanding. It is easy to like to 'good guys' and cheer them on, and you don't like the 'bad guys'. I'm glad that there will be a second in the Heritage Series and can't wait for Elk's Resolve to be published. Anyone wanting to know what happened to the other baby will want to pick up a copy when it comes out in 2009. What! You don't know about the baby? Pick up a copy of Nan's Journey then, trust me, you'll want to know.

Nan's Journey is one of those rare books I have ever found that was just simply the most easiest book to read. I was immediately placed into Nan's character, feelings and heartache. I understood her pain and her concern for her brother. The pain she has and is going through from the past and in the present. Each chapter was quick to read. I was not bogged down with lots of background information to just to keep the story going. Most of all it was a story of knowing that God does not promise nothing bad will ever happen to us. But knowing that God is always with us. All we have to do is call on him and accept him. It is a story of learning how to forgive, even in the worst circumstances.

I can't wait until the sequel to this book. Most of all you may need to know, I don't read books that often. Other than my Bible and to my 5 year old daughter. My husband, a power reader, is thrilled I have found an author, especially a Christian author, I can love to read.

I can hardly believe that the book "Nan's Journey" is Elaine's first book. It is very well written and the story is weaved together so well, it keeps you wondering what will happen next. It is the story of a young, orphan girl and her little brother, who are badly mistreated. They run away, and every time you think things can't get any worse for them, they do. Nan feels she will never be able to trust or open her heart to love again. It is a story of God's unconditional love and forgiveness, and I highly recommend it. The book holds your interest; I found myself getting up in the middle of the night to read more. Get it!!

Elaine Littau's "Nan's Journey" is the touching story of two children escaping the violence of an abusive home. Nan and her younger brother, Elmer, brave the elements and harsh wilderness in search of a better life.

This novel deserved a better editor. Elaine Littau tells a beautiful story with characters that invest the reader emotionally in the book. But, instead of being able to really savor the tale, I found myself mentally correcting grammar and typos. Thankfully, I recognized the author's talent and persisted. Re-reading passages, I was able to really fall for these leading characters, making their enemies my enemies and their friends my friends. This would make a good book club read as well as an entertaining film!

Nan's journey was an I am not putting this book down kind of read. caught up in an array of likeable and not so likeable characters, an instant bonding to Nan and her journey demands a sequel. A story that will take your heart on a journey along with Nan! Nan and her baby brother Elmer embark on a life changing , life saving adventure with twists and turns that leave you breathless. And then, what will happen next? I can't wait to see.

I've read virtually every bowling book available (and quite a few that are out of print) and this is by far the best.

It is incredibly detailed, advanced bowlers will love it, new bowlers may be a bit overwhelmed at first.

An excellent book. It's not an easy read by any means but for any bowler looking to improve their average, this book is a can't miss! Kouros breaks the game down into elements I either hadn't even thought of or completely took for granted. If you are serious about your game and buy this book I guarantee you will not regret it! Buy it now!

Par Bowling is one of the great books on bowling. Kuros goes through all the intracies in the game. Well worth reading and studying. It has helped my game tremendously. The book does need to be updated to more modern conditions and it would be wonderful if Kuros could expand more on the ideas and even use more elaborate graphics. To some, the book may seem too detailed, but that is its strength. Kuros does a masterful job of breaking down the elements of good bowling and develing into them. He also is wide open to what's good bowling and what is not and also where one can be flexible. I especially enjoyed is talk abot "mid-roll" - a real secret to putting good action on ball.

Mr Kouros' tome combines a scenic tour of the game and a technical manual on how to play it. His chapter on the various releases alone is worth the cover price. Other insightful items include a behind-the-scenes peek at PBA Tour conditions and a thoughtful piece on the mysteries of the "mid-roll", probably the Holy Grail of all serious bowlers. Heavy stuff to wade through - then again it's never easy to haul pure gold out of them mines. I've read through the book a couple of times now and there is always something new to catch my attention. This book is the next best thing to a full-time coach. If you love the game, you should get a copy to keep.

I've had several copies of Tom's book including the original `Par Bowling'. They never seem to find there way back to me. While there are various reasons why this is so, the foremost reason is the value of the content. Carmen Salvino a true legend of the game is reputed to have called Kouros after the release of the initial book asking him how he could publish all of this knowledge for $3.95 (original price). Actually, the term Tom used in the interview was that Carmen was livid (source: Phantom radio show). Personally, I've read, watched, listened, attended seminars, gotten certified as a coach, most of what I've learned and know has it's genesis in Tom's book. Yes, it's encyclopedic in nature, he explains the how's, why's when's, discusses exceptions etc. While it's true that the game has changed due to an evolving environment and equipment revolution, Tom's book remains a primary repository of bowling knowledge. Tom has been cited by other top coaches as being among if not the best.
Truly if bowling had a Mount Rushmore Equivalent, Tom's image would be there.

I LOVE this little book. It was recommended by the director of our Early Childhood Education program, and I've had it for about 4 years. It sits on our kitchen counter, and I pick it up often to re-read a tip or give me a little boost of patience and clarity.

We have several good parenting books, but this is the one I keep at hand and have used over and over. It's one tool kit that every parent needs!

100 million copies of this book should be airdropped across the USA...in fact, it should blanket the globe. It is the most concise collection of parenting wisdom available anywhere. Ruthann Saphier is clearly a woman of deep experience, commitment and compassion. We can only hope she will add to this gem, which is designed for parents on the go, another volume with more detail for those of us who are still determined to make time to read fuller expositions. Bravo. American parents have no excuse now!

This book is an excellent no-nonsense parenting guide for all moms and dads. The parenting tips are short and to the point and are wonderful daily reminders. I read it and re-read it daily to help me do the best job I can as a parent! It also makes a fantastic gift. Buy it today!

I am SO appreciative of this artful, whimsical and extremely useful little book. My own children are grown--and I wish it had existed for them!-- but as a grandmother, I am thrilled to have clear, concise guidelines and suggestions as I participate with one more generation.

This book is excellent. It provides important thoughts to remember on a daily basis. The format is fun, and information can be found quickly and easily, which is what busy parents need. Many of these ideas are things we already know we should do and want to do--but forget during stressful times. A quick reminder gets us back on track. Yet, if we have a real problem area where we need more help, references are given for additional information on each topic. Many of these ideas are things I wish I had had the presence of mind to think of on my own, but didn't have the time or energy to focus on them. Thanks to Ruthann for putting so much good solid wisdom in such a small easy to read book!

It was a great surprise to not only find a compelling, page-turner, but also one that so accurately and expertly depicts some of the well-known landmarks and establishments in Southern California. Southern California natives and visitors alike will love this book and mentally picture the locale. Definitely one I strongly recommend.

I ran into a friend at a Holiday Party who raved about this new book, A Private Enterprise. She loaned me her copy and I couldn't break myself away from the unfolding thriller; I bought myself a copy to loan to my friends. I highly recommend it to anyone with a liking for the top-selling thrillers.

I picked this one up from a recent trip to Southern California and read it the entire plane trip back east--I couldn't put it down. Highly recommended if you are looking for a great surprise from a local author. Easy to read, with realistic explanations for military and aeronautical thrilling tales.

I am a tough critic, and A Private Enterprise surely passed my test. If you are looking for an intelligent thriller with action, suspense, character development, and a story that is actually evolving before your eyes so that you don't want to put it down for a second, then I highly recommend this book. Amazing this is Mr. Holt's first book.

Two excellent thrillers! Waiting anxiously for "Return for Good".....