Leader

This book serves as a good introduction to Theodore Roosevelt to either satisfy or stimulate one's curiosity before indulging in a lengthier biography. This is a "short" bio, and not meant to be a treatise on T.R. The author was better with his Penguin Lives book on Woodrow Wilson, but he seemed to have more fun with Roosevelt.
As a subject T.R. is especially enjoyable, but more for his forceful character than for any of his objective accomplishments (for which the author notes several, e.g., negotiating the peace between Japan and Russia, and his national conservationist orders, etc.).
The author addresses Roosevelt's sense that his presidency was relatively unspectacular, and since war time presidents receive the most historical attention (e.g., leading to positive evaluations for Lincoln and Franklin Roosevelt, but negative for Wilson due to his post war failures), Roosevelt felt himself cheated from his place of greatness due to being a peacetime president.
As this author notes, many of T.R.'s beliefs had long lasting value (especially, I feel, his beliefs on the limitations of capitalism as spoken by a pro-business chief executive). Those who followed him, though, soon abandoned these attitudes. The reason for this seems to rest with T.R. He accomplished much emphasizing the forcefulness of his personality and took credit for improvements as being uniquely his. Since he can be the only T.R., his philosophy could not be transmitted to others. When out of office, he was no longer "T.R." and his so-called system collapsed as with a deck of cards. He was ultimately left a shell of his former self.
What if Roosevelt had toned down some of his tendencies? Might he have extended his influence over the next administrations and the country? If so, might this have led to a different result in how America influenced the developing European disputes that resulted in the First World War? These are some of the questions that remained with me from reading this book.

This slim volume may serve as a excellent introduction to the life of TR, or as a bracing romp through familiar landscape for devoted TR aficionados. The book itself is a little pricey for what you get, however (I hope a paperback edition of this American Presidents series is made available eventually), and it is pretty evident to the informed reader that Auchincloss is merely reviewing the conclusions of previous biographers. Auchincloss does attend to a particularly interesting period of TR's life, i.e. his decline and fall. From TR's impulsive public declaration not to seek a "third" term, the bloodletting in Africa, his quixotic Bull Moose campaign, the misadventure in the Amazon, to TR's death shortly following the death of his youngest son in WWI ("poor Quinnikins"), Auchincloss's volume was for me a tantalizing foreshadowing of what is certain to be a grand event in biography -- the third volume of Edmund Morris's TR trilogy. This book should help keep you satisfied (if only for a few hours) until the release of Morris' next volume. And after you read Auchincloss's TR, you should read his THE RECTOR OF JUSTIN if you've never done so, and also Edward Renehan's THE LAST LION (excellent mini-biographies of TR's sons, fascinating characters in their own right).

This is the second volume in the new American Presidents series edited by Arthur M. Schlessinger, and like the first on James Madison, provides excellent, although brief insight into one of America's most fascinating characters. The prime focus of this book is on TR's presidential and post-presidential years. Limited space does not allow for anything more than a brief summary of Roosevelt's early life, which may actually be his most interesting period. Still there is enough to give the reader a basis for understanding Roosevelt's revolutionary power-expanding actions as President. Auchincloss does a wonderful job of filling this short volume with all of the important events of Roosevelt's life while keeping to a very enjoyable and readable style. It is a good introduction to Roosevelt and will leave you wanting to learn more.

Trivial bone-picking: the author states the commanding general of the 1st Infantry Division was the only general officer killed in the Viet Nam war. However I recall the great sense of loss everyone in the Cav felt when General Casey, CG, 1st Cavalry Division(AM), was killed when his UH-1 went down. But on the whole the book rings true.

Like most historical events and first person accounts of that history, there is more than one perspective that must be considered. Mr. Tripp's book although excellent and compelling, gives the reader 'his' experience. Sometimes this effort comes at the expense of objectivity. So, in reading this book be aware of other realities that share his Vietnam world.

I was with the 9th Infantry Division approximately the same time. In fact, I know many of the same places Mr. Tripp refers to in his book. Who knows, maybe he and I shared C-rations at some point. I also know that Mr. Tripp's description of the 9th Division and the Division Snipers in particular, although written from his perspective and with literary license, and meant to be compelling, is also unfair and plays into the hands of those who called us 'baby killers' and 'killing machines'.

We were young men, 18 years old and in combat for the first time. For most of us, it was not about proving one's self, or fighting the internal war with families and other bagage. It was about getting through the day without getting killed. Mr. Tripp has provided us with some gutsy descriptions of that emotion, I only wish it was not at the expense of other GI's who shared the same battleground, we were not all automatons nor were we without our own feelings of guilt, regardless of origin.

I can't make any claims to the validity or non-validity of the book's subject matter, but I found the whole book engrossing from beginning to end. The man's private motivations and trials may not belong to everyone, but I think they are deep and true enough so that anyone can understand them. They are mixed in with commentary about the war from the author's viewpoint then as a young man and at the time of writing, and is also filled with the nerve wracking, often spooky action of that period in that place, which creates its own atmosphere along the lines of Dispatches by Herr. This book is not to be missed.

I would travel with Joyce Brooks anytime! I really admire her travel savvy and enjoyed Around the World in the Middle Seat - tales of the glories and pitfalls of group travel. I think this would be a great book for any traveler or anyone thinking of leading a group tour. Joyce's job as a travel leader has been one of my secret fantasy jobs - I would love to not only travel the world, but also be knowledgable enough about the destinations to lead others to enjoy my favorite escapes. Brooks is very positive about her experiences, but she opens readers' eyes to the realities of being responsible for others' health, safety and well-being (not to mention making sure they get where they are supposed to be) while on vacation. Obviously, her dependable husband Keith is an essential part of the Brooks travel team.
I enjoyed reading this book, and expect to find her information useful in my future travels abroad. {I particularly liked the fact that she explained foreign toilets - a subject most travel guides seem to gloss over.} After reading Around the World..., I have decided that being a group travel leader is not for me; however, I do have an enormously increased appreciation for those who make my travel organized, safe and comfortable. I still haven't seen the Eiffel tower or the Taj Mahal, but I'm ready to sign up for the next trip!

I have traveled all over the world and I find Joyce Brooks' book very humorous, easy to read and refreshing. Both the novice and experienced traveler can benefit from reading about her experiences.
Experienced travelers will nod and smile in agreement at having been through similar situations. The novice traveler can be forewarned of possible hitches while traveling and know that it will turn out OK if everyone stays calm.
I especially enjoyed how Joyce was able to resolve every situation by knowing when to stand her ground and when to give in, most often with humor.
A very amusing and informative book which even the armchair traveler will enjoy.

This book was fun to read and includes some really interesting stories. I have traveled to many of these places (so far, 5 of the 7 continents), and I think the author offers some great insights. The book is not meant to be a comprehensive "guide" book for traveling to these wonderful places - it's meant to entertain, and this it does, while also offering some great suggestions should you ever find yourself traveling to the areas described. The author describes some unbelievable (and mostly humorous) escapades. And the desciptions of some of the "groups" she led around the world sound vaguely familiar! I think both seasoned and not-so-seasoned travelers will both enjoy this book.

Janet Lowe does a great job of distilling the essence of Jack Welch's business wisdom. The quotes, which were often used by Welch for motivation, are very powerful. This makes for a more compelling book than Jack Welch's autobiography, Straight from the Gut.

I've read (studied) most of the books written about Jack Welch and felt this particular book was well worth a review too. As an inspirational children's book author I love books that inspire, teach and have messages that I can use to make life better. All of Jack Welch's wisdom, management messages and lessons are all packed into this book. In this book you'll learn about how managers shouldn't muddle but lead by exciting and inspiring their team. The importance of speed, simplicity and self-confidence. It goes into Sigma Six, Workout Sessions and more. My book shelf has just about every book ever written about Jack Welch. I call it my "Jack Pack." If you are like me you will want to read them all! I am looking forward to reading "Straight from the Gut" and would highly recommend you read Jack Welch's new book as well.

This is the best single source of comments by Jack Welch, at least that I am aware of, as he approaches the conclusion of his illustriuous career at GE. Lowe deserves great credit for her editorial skills. Her selections are outstanding and well-organized. For me, this book offers a rare opportunity to share Welch's insights re subjects such as setting proper priorities, allocating resources, anticipating and then preparing for an uncertain future, responding to unexpected crises, healing self-inflicted wounds, eliminating deadwood, adjusting or abandoning ineffective strategies, and -- meanwhile -- remaining committed to non-negotiable core values. When Welch "speaks", all of us should listen very carefully. This book probably comes as close as any single source could to maximize the value of such an interaction.

Mr. Reichheld has impressive credentials and I respect his intentions, yet in this book he recommends using poorly-developed surveys to understand customer or employee loyalty. That's extremely misleading! That process and the results gained will only mislead management and will not truly indicate how loyal customers or employees really are. The only true way to understand and manage customer or employee loyalty is to talk to them and let them express their own thoughts! Mr. Reichheld has missed the mark.

Reichfeld's thesis is that loyalty, more than a fosuc on profits, is what guarantees companies long term success. He uses a handful of examples, including Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Northwestern Mutual, Harley Davidson, Cisco, among others, to make the case that having outstanding loyalty from your customers, suppliers and employees drives outstanding results.

The main rules Reichfeld sticks to and calls the "high road" are the following:
1. Focus on win/win solutions with partners
2. Focus only on clients which you can serve well
3. Focus on simplicity to allow everyone to understand the rules
4. Develop a set of principles and live by them, rewarding others who act according to those principles.

Overall, he makes a strong case to show how these principles can have a positive effect on business. By having low turnover, a fast food restaurant spends very little on HR expenses. By focusing on the bikes their customers love (and not diversifying), Harley gains lifelong customers.

The weakenesses of the book lie in the overemphasis of loyalty, in relation to other important tasks in business. Of course, being a book on loyalty, one could not expect anything different. Additionally, it would have eben useful to have some fake types of loyalty as example of weak attempts at loyalty. I am sure certain companies must have tried to gain loyalty through not-so-smart measures, so it would be nice to haev examples in order to differentiate them.

Overall, it is a very interesting book, useful to anyone involved in customer related businesses and in managing employee relationships. It is short (a benefit) and a bit too concise (a drawback), so it should not take more than a week to read for a regular reader.

Not long ago, loyalty was out of fashion. Tom Peters said, "Forget loyalty. Try loyalty to your Rolodex." The magazine Fast Company incited everyone to join the "free-agent nation." Now, loyalty is a hot topic.

The person most responsible for this turnaround is Frederick Reichheld, who published the seminal work, "TheLoyalty Effect: The Hidden Force Behind Growth, Profits and Lasting Value," in 1996. Based on studies at Bain & Co., Reichheld determined that loyalty is the primary driver of profitability. The studies found that an increase in customer retention rates of just 5% increases profits by 25%-95%. The right customers, employees and investors who stay with a firm fuel a virtuous cycle of long-term growth that increases profitability,empowers the brand and cuts marketing costs.

"Loyalty Rules!" picks up on the same themes addressed in "Loyalty Effect." It's impossible to generate superior long-term profits without superior customer loyalty. The right measurements and rewards are critical to achieving the right results. The book illustrates how loyalty has made such organizations as Harley-Davidson, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, The Vanguard Group, Southwest Airlines, Northwestern Mutual, Chick-fil-a, and others so successful.

Such success, says Reichheld, results from the emphasis corporate leaders place on six loyalty principles:

o play to win/win
o be picky (membership is a privilege)
o keep it simple
o reward the right results
o listen hard
o talk straight, and preach what you practice

The "Loyalty Effect" was a primer on how to build loyalty. Numerous charts, graphs and even formulas illustrated the cause-and-effect relationships between loyalty and value creation. While "Loyalty Effect" sought to teach and persuade, "Loyalty Rules!" aims to inspire. Organizations should always take the high road. Vanguard employees are "proud to be part of the most ethical organization in the industry." Reichheld approvingly quotes Cisco CEO John Chambers: "Never do anything to competitors that you wouldn't want them to do to you." He encourages leaders "to assume the pulpit and preach about the values at the core of your life and your relationships."

Inspirational stories and advice are balanced by "action checklists" at the end of each chapter. These include specific tips to achieve loyalty, such as "create a golden rule for your firm," "make recruiting an executive priority," "create a customer experience council," and "turn call centers and help desks into strategic listening posts."

Reichheld concludes with a "Loyalty Acid Test." These are sample questionnaires for customers and employees that can diagnose the health of relationships.

Other excellent books on the same topic are Customer Equity: Building and Managing Relationships as Valuable Assets by Blattberg, Getz and Thomas. Also highly recommended is FusionBranding: How to Forge Your Brand for the Future by customer loyalty consultant Nick Wreden, who looks at how to apply customer equity and accountability to branding

Few books are as tightly written for their clarity of thought and purpose in conveying what is required to rise above the level of mediocrity. The examples given of his life and accomplishments are very inspiring and sobering at the same time. I cannot imagine for one moment that any potential reader of this book would come away unaffected by one's lack of accomplishments and yet at the same time be wanting to make a concerted effort mentally and physically to make a difference. If more men and women knew the potential within themselves to accomplish things as Roosevelt did, there is little doubt that this world would be different.

We home school our two children and this book will become mandatory reading material for each of them when they are in seventh grade. It is wonderfully inspiring to read about a man involved in politics who held such high ideals for himself and his country. He challanged himself to excell in every facet of his life (i.e. his faithfullness, his family, and his political life). He took his weaknesses and turned them into his strengths. This is a GREAT BOOK!

This is an incredible book, that truly gives you the insight of one of the greatest men that ever lived. Filled with many incredible principles to live by, you WILL enjoy this book and the excitement it brings to your life!

This is one of the most informative books ever written about the people who ruled the Soviet Union. Being a highly centralized, totalitarian state, the Soviet Union acquired and lost much of its character as its rulers came and went. And the rulers were General Secrertaries of the communist party. Stalin brought crush indurstrialization, famine, and purges--millions of innocent people died, inclduing some of the most devoted communist revolutionaries. Khruschev tried reform, with some success in political liberalization, but his agricultural policy failed miserably. Brezhnev was compromise incarnate and, in his later years, aloof and passive. Andropov had a vision of reform based on social discipline and strict control, and economic accountability. Chernenko, who was a tireless bureaucrat in his youth, was simply a cripple almost the moment he assumed power. Then came Gorbachev and changed the course of history.

The book makes for a fascinating read. The leaders of the Soviet state were all too human, with this exception, that perhaps they craved power more than ordinary people do and could play politics like Paganini could play the violin. However, Stalin's lust for power, combined with his paranoia, may put him in a qualitatively different category--that of the world's most cruel dictators.

The book can be challenging at times, because it presents so many facts. Its highly archival nature does disrupt the smooth flow of the narrative. But for the fact starved Russians at least this may be a welcome change. The Soviet Union, outside the most elite circles, was almost devoid of any meaningful information about politics and political history. Ideology and propaganda ruled. Rhetorical arguments and logical exercises always came before fact, and before feelings of real living Soviet people. Thus in a way, even Volkogonov's factual excess is a welcome change.

A wonderful read. Volkogonov has written other biographies of Lenin, Stalin and Trotsky which I also highly recommend. THis book is a waltz through the lives of the leaders of the soviet union. VOlkogonov takes for granted that you have some background. He takes you on a jurney into the private lives of the dictators.

For those that say he rambbles the reality is that he is Russian, he is not a writer by trade and yet he overcame geat obstacles to write the books he did before he died. They should be viewed as treasrers and not condemned for their lack of clarity which stems more from the russian mind then from the authors inability to contrust a coheren argument.

Volkogonov has not produced his best work here, but a work which is wholly approachable, entertaining and interesting...the way a good history should be written. Reading an historical text need not be like washing down a bowl of cornflakes with sand rather then milk. Volkogonov has become the "Suetonius" of Soviet Russia....and his text with its humor and occasional intimate details and also personal experiences is as interesting a read as the former's "Lives of the Twelve Caesars."

Peter Rabbit is one of four rabbits in his family. Very much curious as well as disobedient, Peter decides to wonder off into Mr. McGregor's garden. He has heard the warning given to him by his mother of what Mr. McGregor does to curious, wandering rabbits. Peter slips away from his brother's and sister's while they play in the fields and decides to see this wonderful garden. While in the garden, Peter fills his stomach with delicious carrots, lettuce and other various vegetables. While eating, Mr. McGregor finds the somewhat stuffed rabbit and chases him around his garden. Peter, realizing the mistake he made, only wishes to be free, that he might not make the same mistake again. This book is very well written and can capture the heart of even the oldest person. Filled with detailed pictures, Peter comes to life in this classic tale of tales.

I got this book when I was very young and to this day I still love it. It's a cute story about this naughty little bunny going into Mr. McGregors yard and getting into a big mess. I love the drawings and everything about it. A great book for the kids.

Four rabbit children are told to pick berries by their mother, who also warns the rabbits not to go near Mr. McGregor's garden. Flopsy, Mopsy and Cottaintale obey their mother, but Peter, the mischievous of the four rabbits, ignores his mother's warning and ventures off for some tasty food from Mr. McGregor's garden. While Peter is greedily eating some radishes, he is spotted by Mr. McGregor. Peter tries to dash out of Mr. McGregor's way, only getting further and further away from the garden gate. Will Peter get away from Mr. McGregor, and find his way out of the garden? What will happen when his mother hears what he has done?

Personal Response:
I have loved this story since I was little, probably because any child can relate to Peter's mischievous ways. I have not met a child who could not attest to getting in over their heads after doing something they were told not to do. Beatrix Potter does an amazing job illustrating this well known tale. She brings life to the characters with her beautifully detailed illustrations. The illustrations have soft lines and curves to give a pleasant fell to the story. The pictures go along with the pages of the story as well as adding detail to the reader's mind about the plot and setting. The reader can see the vastness of the garden by looking at Beatrix Potter's illustrations.
The author's ability to suspend disbelief is not very great, because of the nature of the story. This story is made to be a fairy tale, which is not usually believable to children or adults. Children are accustomed to talking animals in stories at the age they would read this book. However, the plot of the story is very realistic to the child. It is realistic because the child can relate to disobeying their parent, and getting into trouble of some sort. They can also relate to the punishment that Peter gets at the end of the story.

Though the pace can at times make you feel like your in labor, this novel has an incredible plot, and is simply another in the plethora of PKD's dystopic wonders. Honestly, not his best effort, but definitely worth the time.

Anyone who has seen the Red Dwarf episode "Backwards" will know the basic premise of Counter-Clock World. Based on Dick's short story "Your Appointment Will Be Yesterday", Counter-Clock World has time running backwards, curiously only on Earth, due to the naturally occuring 'Hobart Phase' (in the short story the Hobart Phase was artificially created).
Logic would dictate that everything would have to run backwards but in Counter-Clock World people have a forward-pointing 'arrow of time' while the world they are living in has a reverse arrow of time. Dick selctively has his characters doing certain things in backwards (such as 'imbibing' Sogum and later on uneating a plate of food) and other things forwards like driving a car or carrying on a conversation.
Even though the environment of Counter-Clock World is a bit hard to buy it nonetheless a good story and is as worth reading as any of his other novels.

PKD faced the old problem of commercialism vs. integrity. I consider this book to be a testament to Dick's integrity. Exploring often mentioned, but never developed, ideas.
For example, the Wizard Merlin supposedly lived backwards in time. Yet this idea has only been presented, not developed in the stories I have read. Several religions suggest a rapture or ressurection of the dead, without filling us in on the details.
Dick must have really felt the avenue of backwards time was worth exploring or he never would have finished it. It was brave for Dick to see these ideas through to their conclusion. While facing the realities of rent and editors, etc.
This book is not as morbid as earlier reviews might suggest. The characters are sincere and even light-hearted at times.
I found this to be one of Dick's easier and smoother reads.
I break it down this way. If you go to a movie and willingly submit to a fantasy experience, read this book. If you go to movies to test your analytical and deductive skills don't bother.
If you suspect that time is really just one big cosmic "Wow!" that has already ensued, I highly recommend it.

There is about a hundred references to Dale Carnegie in this book. First, you need to buy "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie. Or you will be very confused. Then you have to use the techniques and discover if this sort of product is for you. If it is, then buy "How to Stop Worrying and Start Living" by Dale Carnegie. Then try those techniques. If both these books are your cup of tea, then buy this book. It goes beyond these two books with plenty examples of Carnegie's tecniques for success in a more technological atmosphere. Goals are a big thing in this book. The one main criticism of this book is that it doesn't deal with character. What Stephen Covey, the management expert, calls "truncating the character base." This is based on the idea that you have to be a good guy and gal in order to succeed. This book does not deal with the moral structure of a leader. Positive thinking, goal imagery, ethusiasm -- these and other elements of leadership are dealt with. Lying and manipulation are not dealt with in any true fashion. Thank you.

Having twice completed the original "How to Win Friends and Influence People", I found 75% of this is a rehash. The other 25% was mostly modern anecdotes that support the original author's theories. I found little original material.

This excellent books written by Staurt R. Levine and Michael A. Crum combines the best of the Carnegie strategies and will show you How To Win Friends and Influence People and Succeed in a changing world.

Unless you are a hermit, dealing with people is a must and this book shows you how to strengthen your human relations and develop the leader in you.

Great book. Should be read right along with Carnegies Classic How To Win Friends and Influence People.