Reviews (6)

52 weeks to growing rich with Napolean Hill
I have to admit that I am a huge fan of Napolean Hill. I loved Think and Grow Rich and I love virtually everythingelse he wrote as well.

I found this book to be excellent as a supplement to Think and Grow Rich. I keep a copy on my desk and read Napolean Hills wisdom before I commence the day. It works.

Home Truths
Napolean Hill talks about attitude, outlook and how they influence a person's destiny. He's right and communicates this message to anyone who will listen. This book also has updated material more relevant to our time. If anyone is serious about changing their circumstance then this book is a good place to start.

Manuscript for Success
This is a wonderful book. What you are supposed to do is read a chapter a week. I had to plow right through the whole thing.

What Mr. Hill teaches, among other things is that you have to decide Exactly what you want, make a plan and go for it. He teaches about 40 other things too, but that is the main point.

Mr. Hill uses excellent examples from personal experience how to accomplish great things.

I'm sure you will love this book if you love success/self help type books.

Wonderful & thought provoking.
If you want success in any aspect of your life, you must read this timeless classic by Napolean Hill. He walks you through a 52 week roadmap to success.

Nice job! As good as THINK AND GROW RICH
This book is easy to follow and simple to read. Each chapter is a weeks worth of lessons. Just read a chapter, put the book down, and practice the methods, it's that simple! I have a whole new outlook on my career, and my worth! ... Read more

Reviews (14)

A book well worth your time!
The Children's Homer is a great book for older elementary children if they like adventure and are interested in learning about Greek society. It is an excellent book about the great Greek hero Odysseus and his son, Telemachus. When Telemachus is a baby his father, Odysseus, is called to go to war. When Telemachus grows older, the goddess Athene tells him to go seek his father. Telemachus obeys and great adventure begins. I personally thought that the names were hard to keep up with, but the book holds much magic and adventure. I also would have never wanted to read the book on my own, but I'm glad I got the chance in school. The book kept me interested just about all the time, and I always looked forward to reading more. My favorite character was Odysseus, because he was brave and wise. He would listen to advice given to him and was polite and thankful. I think I will always remember the story because it shows many good character traits that everyone needs.

A Beautiful Adaptation of Classics for Children
Padraic Colum (1881-1972) saw the need to introduce the classics to young children. In 1918 he published this book The Children's Homer which combines the retelling of both Homer's Illiad and Odyssey. It is obvious that his idea and his book has stood the test of time since this book is now in reprint for our children to learn from today. The few illustrations are by Willy Pogany and are well done. This is an excellent way to introduce our children or the younger student to the classics.
Simon & Schuster's Aladdin Paperback published this edition and on the back cover they offer a web site of www.SimonSaysKids.com for all who are interested.

Warning: archaic language
This is a very well-written book -- for its time. I find that the archaic language make it unsuited for reading to children. (It is filled with "thee", "thou," "raiment," etc.) I had to practically translate the conversations between the characters for my son. For example Achilles says: "Deem'st thou I grieve for ..."

I still read it to my son (with plenty of translation and paraphrasing), and he still thoroughly enjoys the Homeric epic. But I think a more contemporary rendering would have been much better.

This is a terrible Book
I hated. I like most books but this one was terrible. I had to read it for school. One person in my whole class liked it, most of the kids in my class did not even understand it . Never get this book for a kid. Teachers if you want to teach your kids to like to read get somthing else not this.

Childrens Homer
This is the worst book i have ever read!!!!!! Never read it!!!! It is soooooo boring! Are English teacher made us read it! Don't read it! ... Read more

Book Description

This comprehensive course on salesmanship, negotiation and management teaches you how to outsell, outmanage, outmotivate and outnegotiate your competition. Swim With The Sharks has won praise from a remarkable and diverse following, including Governor Mario Cuomo of New York, Gloria Steinem and Ted Koppel.

Harvey Mackay, the man who built a multi-million dollar international envelope manufacturing company, new shares his winning techniques for professional and personal success. He offers an agenda for achievement through a series of "lessons" featuring the Mackay 66 -- an in-depth customer profile designed to give you the edge -- and invaluable "quickies" on business and life -- " Make Your Decisions with Your Heart, and What You'll End Up with Is Heart Disease;" "How to Handle the Tough Prospect;" among many others.

In the bestselling tradition of Tom Peters, Donald Trump and Mark McCormack, here is sound advice for anyone who wants to be a winner in any field. Swim With The Sharks is the new "success" bible by the man Fortune magazine called "Mr. Make-Things-Happen." ... Read more

Reviews (33)

Harvey's Take On Things
Some worthy information about particular business issues are raised and noted, and for the most part this is an off-the-cuff soliloquy talk about how Harvey views business, and the world. There is nothing more amusing than some wealthy person in business who thinks they have the answers and the remedies for the rest of us. Written in the late 1980s, some of the attitudes presented towards hiring potential employees will become evident. All in all, this is an easy and quick-read.

I read "Swim With The Sharks" front-to-back, however each chapter concerns a different topic, so one does not have to read this book straight through from page 1 to the end.

One thing I found a bit quirky were the consistent references to allegedly "successful" collegiate and professional sports coaches. I don't feel it's an appropriate analogy to commonly equate coaches with the situations outside of the sports world. The sports culture is often not applicable to making a business deal, dealing with corporate culture, and/or avoiding mistakes with people socially. The sports in itself is a microcosm of society, but a separate world within its own. Time and time again I would chuckle to myself as I would read a quote made by Vince Lambardi, some NBA coach, or read a personal anecdote from the now disgraced coach Lou Holtz. Having to read Yogi Berra's lobotomy-like quotes and philosophy was quite dull, and not very informative.

Some helpful and practical information is the "66 question customer profile," as well as the "12P Competitor profile." I liked his noting (book written 1988) of how people who usually don't have money go out and buy a brand new "prestigious" car that depreciates.

Mackay also reminds us (or me atleast) of the importance of writing small yet important things down on paper and/or notepads.

One of his tips on how to save time is to drive near the front of a grocery store you plan on shopping in. Then look for how many people are in line. If its too crowded don't go in. Thanks Harvey. You've changed my life with your insights.

He also tried to break an attempt by his employees to form a union, which he lost. He openly stated how he conned very employee into thinking they were "special" and "important" with his one-to-one meetings with them. It didn't work. They didn't buy it.

He does understand (see "Dig You Well Before Your Thirsty") the art of the schmooze in talking with celebrities such as O.J. and world figures such as Castro about things that they do, and interest them in their free time and NOT about what they do for work.

All in all, useful things can be gleaned from "Swim With The Sharks," and it's a very quick read.

Best self-improvement book I have ever read
I am generally very skeptical about inspirational/ "how-to better your life" type of books because most of them teach very practical common sense (and many times seem to be taking their target audience to be naive idiots).

Mackay's book is however, different. I heard this book on cassette during the drive from/ to work, and found it to give wonderful advise and examples of negotiations, determination, management and salesmanship. I noted that some of his techniques I have used successfully even before reading this book. His ideas have inspired me to finetune my techniques, as well as learn some other important pointers which I was too complacent to note. With an attractive price, this is without question a BEST BUY.

Passes on Some Simple But Important Lessons
I came across this book a few years ago during a difficult time in my life. I was in the process of failing miserably at yet another professional endeavor, and in the throes of a major personal upheaval. It was shortly after these calamities that I seriously began to read this book. Internalizing just a few of the simple but important lessons in this book has made all the difference for me, and has allowed me to pursue life very much on my own terms.

From this book, I learned that in order to satisfy a demand, you first have to create the demand, the very first lesson of the text, and one that I applied to maximum benefit repeatedly shortly after internalizing it. I also learned that while money is nice, good information is priceless; otherwise, you will not have the money for long. Too many people never learn that lesson. Finally, the most important lesson for me came in the first few pages and had to do with salesmanship. As MacKay says, anyone can get the order if they are willing to say anything and do anything to get it. The real question is whether or not they can get the reorder, as that is the mark of the true salesman. I work with people at the moment that should have learned that lesson, but did not, and let me tell you, it is excruciatingly frustrating to interact with such individuals. People who have not learned this crucial and important lesson simply can not be trusted, and lack integrity. They develop reputations that, in a word, are most un-flattering, and can bring out the worst in people. An appropriate analogy for such people are scurrilous and reproachable politicians- all talk and promises, but very much non-action and non-delivery. Most important, once entrenched in a position with a fancy title and of some limited power and authority, they can and do frustrate any and all attempts at progress and forward locomotion. You would do well to cease contact with these people at the first and most convenient opportunity.

As an aside, I liked his musings on the old cliche 'Sell Yourself'- truly a meaningless and overworked phrase if there ever was one. As MacKay remarks, we as individuals often make for lousy products. I also concur with others who found Mr. MacKay's admonishment, Don't Get Mad, and DON'T Get Even, to be wise beyond words. I can affirm that stewing over personal and professional slights and plotting revenge wastes precious time and energy which could be directed towards more constructive and fruitful pursuits. However, I must admit that I have yet to internalize this truest of truisms, as some tresspasses are difficult to forgive. Still, as for most of the other lessons the reader probably already knows them or is familiar with them, but having them placed before you by an unrelated and credible third party always makes for good, sound, positive reinforcement. While some may dismiss most of the lessons in the book as common sense, I have to commend Mr. MacKay on his key insights on the human condition and human relationships.

Which, in the end is what business, and for that matter, everything else, including my profession, science, is all about. I especially recommend this book to those from non-business or professional backgrounds (especially scientists, as many of us are, perish the thought!, unfortunately severely handicapped in the people skills department, this reviewer included) who nonetheless must interact with people. Obtaining this book solely for the lessons on good, effective salesmanship alone would justify its purchase. I have also found that reading this book, in combination with a handy and powerful little volume, Soft Selling in a Hard World: Plain Talk on the Art of Persuasion, by Jerry Vass, can turn even the most reluctant, shy non-people-person into an effective salesperson. One of these days I am going to read Mr. MacKay's follow-up, Sharkproof!, as there are quite a few of those carnivorous, maneating fish in The Business of Science.

Why didn't I think of that?
Looking into networking for any reason at all? This is the book for you. The information is simple to apply and leaves you asking, "Why didn't I think of that?" If you are ready to not only meet people but to remember them well then read this book and have fun putting it into action today!

Nuts!
A bunch of feel-good stories about the author. The only real meat is his list of questions about his/your customers. The substance of the book is: find out all you can about you customers AND find out how they fit in and see the companies they represent.

The only good news is the book has so little substance it took me only an hour to read it. ... Read more

Book Description

The principles you live by today create the world you live in: if you change the principles you live by, you can change your world.

In the life-changing tradition of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, The Power Principle teaches the core principles that dramatically affect our careers and our lives. Dr. Blaine Lee, an extraordinary teacher, shows how principle-centered power is the ability to influence others' behavior, not to control, change, or manipulate it. Power is something other people feel in your presence because of what you are as well as what you can do, what you stand for, and how you live your life. When you honor others, they will honor you. Lee shows you how to overcome powerlessness, create legitimate power and influence with honor, and create a legacy that will outlast you in the lives of the people you care the most about. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

A Gift to those who want to help others!
The power principle is an outstanding book for those who want to influence others in a positive way. The three forms of power: Coercive, Utility; and Principle-Centered seem to be ways in which people tend to interact with each other. I loved the story about Oliver who showed how powerlessness can still be powerful; it was a moving moment. Emily Carr mentions "I don't think you can explain growth. it is silent, it is subtle. You don't keep digging up a plant to see how it is growing " Page 124. There are many examples of how people learn through adversity; the drama teacher who believed in that deaf boy so much that he managed to complete the play with success was a pleasant experience to read about. The book has a positive integrity which comes across with so much compassion being shown in many areas which one can relate to; moreover there are some poems which bring a new light on some areas. It is great book with plenty of stories and examples which are moving; furthermore I enjoyed reading the glorious beauty of love in the chapters. The mother who told her son not show his true feelings ever; and the son believed her hardly did which affected him in his life; however before she died she told him that she was wrong; and that he should show his feelings seemed to make me wonder about advice. If you want to influence with honor this book will give insights to help a person improve or enlighten. " We are here but a short time. Whatever our role - leader, parent, teacher, salesperson, friend, family member, CEO - we are the singers who become the choir. Are you singing? Are you teaching the song to others? You have one life to live. You live your life as you believe in living it and then it is gone and you are gone. Yet your legacy may live on in others. Your teaching and leading keeps the song alive. May the song stay on your lips long after you put this book down. " Blaine Lee Page 335.

weLEAD Book Review by the Editor of leadingtoday.org
Dr. Lee is an associate of Stephen R. Covey and vice president of Franklin Covey Company. If you appreciate Dr. Covey's books including Principle-Centered Leadership or The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, you will want this book! Blaine Lee discusses what he terms the power principle, which has the potential to significantly impact all of our relationships in and out of the workplace.

In a nutshell this power principle is defined as learning to influence with honor. Dr. Lee begins the book by discussing the relationship between power and influence. Most societies and cultures use two fundamental power strategies to influence others and achieve efficiency. The first power strategy is one of forced coercion. People do things because they are afraid not to. The person in authority has the "ability to intimidate or bully people, to do something unpleasant or uncomfortable to other people." The second option is that of a fair exchange approach. People do what they are told because of what the person in authority can do for them. They offer their services because "I will pay you if you'll do what I want. I have something to exchange for your time and effort...I've got something you want, you've got something I want. Let's make a deal." Blaine explains how these two approaches may be efficient but long-term they are not effective or productive.

The Power Principle offers a third approach to power strategy. It is predicated on a number of core principles clearly discussed by Dr. Lee. This is a different kind of power since it "suggests that the person you believe is powerful is someone others believe in, someone they honor, someone they respect." When others honor you, you have the ability to have sustained, long-term influence with them. The second 2/3rds of the book discusses why the power principle makes a difference, what they are, and how to use this strategy with your family, customers and coworkers. The final chapters deal with making a commitment to change and the power principle a lifelong quest.

This is an outstanding work and makes an excellent companion to Dr. Covey's highly respected principle-centered philosophy.

New power concept
The power principle is really a good book, however, it is very difficult in implementing and taking time. Examples in book are still not clear of how to live as a principled-center power. There are many inspring stories but do not clearly present what and how reader should live in the appropriate way.

Good things are all ten principles of power which I totally agree that everyone should follow, however, if the author makes it more conclusion and separate sections to make reader more understand the logic of thinking, the book will be better than it is.

By total, I will try to live in a principle-centered power life. And I love the book.

Little information on practical inflential skills
Interesting read at the beginning, but becomes rather boring and lack of solid substance towards the end. However the book contains a lot of interesting and inspiring metaphors which have saved the book from becoming a boring read.

P.

Must read for teachers
I believe the message of this book is so powerful I use it as one of the textbooks for the Classroom Management course that I teach. My students rave about it and feel that it gives them a better insight into their own issues regarding power. Many have said that the book has helped them with their relationships. ... Read more

Book Description

To live with change, to optimize change, you need principles that don't change. I cannot fully describe the respect and reverence I have for every person who has contributed a story, for their willingness to share their inward struggles to live by universal and self-evident principles. -- Stephen R. Covey

In the ten years since its publication, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People has become a worldwide phenomenon, with more than twelve million readers in thirty-two languages. The principles it teaches are more relevant than ever in today's uncertain world.

Living the 7 Habits: Stories of Courage and Inspiration captures the essence of people's real-life experiences, applying proven principles to help them solve their problems and overcome challenges. In this uplifting and riveting collection of stories, listeners will find wonderful examples of hope and encouragement as they are touched by the words of real people and their experiences of change -- change that got them through difficult times; change that solved family crises; change that mended broken relationship; change that turned their businesses around; change that influenced entire communities.

Our understanding is enhanced by the personal commentary and added insights of Dr. Stephen R. Covey, as he explains how the application of his principles aided each situation. Whether you have read his previous works or not, these touching and powerful stories will enthrall and inspire you with an energizing recognition of your own freedom, potential and power. ... Read more

Reviews (30)

It's not enough to know, you must also do...
I like this book. It is very inspiritional. It's sort of like Chicken Soup for the Soul or like an Millionaire Next Door for inspirition and attitude. It tells stories of people who have done it---used the 7 Habits and gotten incredible results.1 star reviewers don't like it because it takes all of the wind out of their claims against Covey and his philosophy.I particularly enjoyed the story on page 57, "I can choose my life." Very, very powerful.7 Habits should be your first book to read. You can then add this one either as a companion to while reading 7 Habits or after you get through the 7 Habits.I also recommend Principle Centered Leadership.

7 Habits in action!
I hesitated to buy this book. After reading 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, I thought that Dr. Covey had said all that he needed or could say. Boy was I wrong?

In living the 7 habits, Dr. Covey brings the 7 Habits to life. This book touched my heart and my soul. It made me dust of my old copy of 7 Habits and read it again along with this volume. It made the 7 Habits work like never before and created more balance and happiness inmy life.

If you are not touched agter reading this book, then you had better check your vitamin dosage. It is powerful.

Not enought to learn, you must LIVE the 7 Habits
What I liked about this book is that it includes many inspiring stories, but even better, goes even deeper into the 7 habits than the original book did and in a different way.

This book should be read in addition to, not in place of The 7 Habits. It is not the "same book on a different cover." It is an expanded version of The 7 Habits.

Gives Real Meaning to the Original Book
You can compare this book to the laboratory portion of a class, that brings the textbook to life. As a follow up to his original 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (the textbook), Covey uses Living the 7 Habits (the lab) to let people tell how they applied the 7 habits at work and in their personal lives, and describe the results.

The result? Far more interesting than the original book. You will enjoy reading these intensely personal and often dramatic stories, and you will reinforce what you learned with the first book.

Covey does a fine job of elaborating, as good teachers do, on the points made by the contributors.

A multitude of examples of successful applications
When I first read "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" I recognized its value but was not highly enough motivated to incorporate it into my daily life. Then with the passage of time and particularly after reading Covey's "Principle-Centered Leadership" I came back to it. Yet there was still something holding me back. The missing something was "Living the 7 Habits: Stories of Courage and Inspiration" with its multitude of examples of successful application in real world situations. I needed the encouragement of others to tell me "Hey this is how I applied it; it worked for me; you can do it, too." You need to read all three books because there is a multiplier effect - the three together are greater than their simple sum.

"Living the 7 Habits: The Courage to Change" is a collection of personal statements in four broad contexts: individual, family, community and education, and workplace. This synopsis is about the person who was appointed change agent of a major company that, with an annual growth rate of 40%, was one of the fastest growing companies in the world. " My goal was to create an organization of fifteen thousand exceptional businesspeople. We assumed that everyone wanted to be an entrepreneur within the company, and we gave them credit for having the brains and initiative to do it. My mission was to change the culture within what is essentially a virtual company. Our corporation had more territorial rivalries than the Middle East. Information was hoarded. Communication was disjointed. Trust and synergy were virtually nonexistent. Suddenly, the competition was all over us, undercutting our prices and courting our customers. One of my directives was to make the company more competitive and to learn faster than our competition. My job was to help create among the company's widely scattered population a sense of shared purpose (Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind). After recruiting the best, brightest, and most highly motivated people, we gently immersed them in the realities of our business, presenting them with information on profit margins, the marketplace, and the influences impacting the decisions of their customers (Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood). They were also introduced to a specially designed 7 Habits course to provide them with foundational principles and context for the other materials. There were only three rules: Take care of yourself. Take care of each other. Take care of this place. It wasn't long before mission statements began appearing on cubicle walls, and the conversations among employees were marked by references to making deposits into Emotional Bank Accounts. It was an experience of self-discovery for many people. They realized that the company valued them. I had spouses come to me after their husbands or wives had been to a session and say, 'This changed my life because it changed our family.'"

Not all the stories relate specific actions against a specific habit. This is a synopsis of a story by a person from Indian stock whose grandfather was cheated out of 160 acres of oil-rich land. "It was only after he died, when we were going through his papers and correspondence, that I realized what a phenomenal man my simple, unassuming grandfather actually was. The Washington my grandmother referred to was actually Washington, D.C. In his papers, we found letters from governors, senators, U.S. representatives. Some congratulated him on his fiftieth wedding anniversary; others thanked him for his help with legislation issues and for his community service. I sat there thinking, "Did they know the same man I did?" He had no eloquence, no wealth, not even his own home. Yet here were famous, powerful people corresponding with him. I realized that his life had been lived not to acquire things for himself, but to help other people. He had lived a life of integrity, honesty, and dedication to family and community all the while toiling in relative obscurity and humility. Once, before he died, he told me that there are two reward systems: people who will be rewarded here and people who will be rewarded later. 'These are not the same people,' he said. He continued, 'For all that you don't see in a reward system now, you will see some other time.' We debated long and hard what to do about the situation. Should we sue him to take back the land? Should we let it alone? Shouldn't he have to pay for his wrong doings? In the end, we knew. We knew what he would do. He would let it alone and allow the taxpayer to reap whatever rewards his behavior would cause him to reap, whether here or later. My grandfather might not have been able to leave us 160 acres of oil-rich land in Oklahoma but he left us something far more important. His insistence on humility, on compassion, on spending his life trying to help those around him with no thought of reward or praise is now our family legacy. He has changed generations of people with the help he gave. Can you put a dollar-and-cents value on that? I say absolutely not. We now have a value I try to instill in my own family to continue the legacy started by the Choctaw preacher who never owned his own home."

I think there is a maturity continuum. It is as though most other books address the nuts and bolts of doing business well - and of course that is important - and then we discover that there is something more to business than just that. Then we are ready for Stephen Covey. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The tortoise and the hare--not to mention a popular '60s-era adage--warned us that Speed Kills. Not so fast, contend Jason Jennings and Laurence Haughton, international consultants who have worked together since 1976. In It's Not the Big That Eat the Small... It's the Fast That Eat the Slow, the two argue that only the swiftest of corporations will thrive in the 21st century. They then outline a program, based on best practices developed by contemporary speedsters like Charles Schwab and AOL that readers can work into their own businesses by similarly focusing on "commerce, resource deployment, and people." Its four parts examine ways to create environments that anticipate the future, reassess operations and personnel and make appropriate adjustments whenever necessary, launch a "crusade" while "staying beneath the radar," and maintain velocity through institutionalization and close customer relationships. "This book will show you how to think and move faster than your competition," they write, adding that "being faster doesn't mean being out of breath. It means being smarter." Many of their suggestions will be familiar to those who follow the business of business improvement, but the singular (and quite convincing) context to which Jennings and Haughton now apply them help make this book unique. --Howard Rothman ... Read more

Reviews (28)

Simple management philosophy that worths a read
I think most people understand the importance of "speed" in the marketplace. The problem lies in "how" to incorporate this element into their daily business before they or their companies had been eaten by someone else. I am sorry that the author had not done a good job in this respect. He said a lot about the advantages of being speedy, but not practical methods of pushing it through bureaucracy, redtape, human resistance to change, the long term committment of top management......... Perhaps I had demanded too much from such a small book. However, I really believe the author is capable of giving us more, judged by his smooth and intelligent writing skills and choice of words.

Below please find some copy and paste for your reference.

Speed, merely for the sake of moving fast, without a destination inmind, is haste. Eventually, out of control, speed will land you in big trouble. But imagine how manymore races you would win if you had a big head start. Think about the advantageyou would have if you knew what the future was going to look like and were able to spot trends before the competition. Consider the power of being able to think about things quickly and accurately, tackling in minutes the same big issues and questions the competition would be processing for weeks. pg 9

Question everything...all the time. If you want to hone your anticipatory skills, accept nothing. Question everything. Ask how and why of everything that's presented to you. pg 19

A fund manager's best year will likely be his or her first. He or she is without a need to defend the previous year's choices and is able to ruthlessly assess the viability and potential performance of holdings in the fund. Dr. Richard Geist, professor of psychiatry at the Harvard Medical School. pg 101

It's not the strongest nor most intelligent of the species that survive; it is the one most adaptable to change. Charles Darwin pg 111

When you refuse to abandon, bad things always seem to happen.

p.s. The main book title is very interesting. I think if the author did add one more word "idiot" in the end, the impact will be even bigger.

Good
Lots of good stuff. Some you'll have read in other books, but that's not a negative if such info is presented in a new way, as it is here. I do think the choices of AOL and Hotmail as fast company examples were dumb choices, since Hotmail never actually turned a profit, it just grew to become an enticing buy for Microsoft, which is when the owners cashed in. AOL's troubled history is famous enough I need not repeat it here. But the other companies chosen (Charles Schwab, Clear Channel, among others) as examples are "legitimate" companies, aiming for profit and succeeding while growing quickly. And it's because of those examples I recommend this book.

Some flaws, but overall a good value
There is an old story about the two fellows who went lion hunting in Africa. They searched for days to no avail, then suddenly-right in front of them-was a huge lion!
The lion saw them, too, and thought, "lunch!" One of the men reached into his knapsack, retrieved his running shoes, and began putting them on. His friend, incredulous, mocked, "You'll never outrun that lion." The first man responded, "I don't have to outrun the lion; I just have to outrun you!"

The speed of business has increased, along with the speed of change. Today, and in the years ahead, the prizes will go to the companies that anticipate the trends, then move most quickly and wisely to put themselves in the right place at the right time. Those firms that allow any employee-at any level-to tie them to tradition or to get in the way of progress risk extinction. Given the title, we'd expect to find the secrets in the pages of this book. Readers will find quite a few tips, some great lessons, snappy writing, and valuable summary lists at the end of each chapter. There's a lot of good content here, but also some annoying redundancy.

This well-organized book moves steadily and deliberately through a collection of strategies that stimulate thinking and action. A number of examples are offered to illustrate fast movement and not-fast-enough movement. Many of the anecdotes and case studies come from the same companies, which is both good and bad. We see deeper into these companies, but miss the opportunity to appreciate the strategies and actions of a wider range of organizations. Hearing about the same companies over and over again made me wonder if the authors had investigated any other examples. The sameness got old.

Toward the end of the book, the reader may sense some repetition, as if the authors forgot they had mentioned these things or were looking for filler to complete the manuscript at the end of their writing process. I sensed some redundancy in the main body of the book, but as the manuscript drew to a close I almost lost interest because I was reading words I'd already read.

There's a lot of good content in this volume, so I'll still recommend it. Look for the tips, the advice, and the strategies that will inspire you to make notes, turn down pages, and highlight various sections. While the book wasn't 100% for me, there are a lot of valuable and thought-provoking lessons in these pages. Many of the ideas and observations are sufficiently thought-provoking to stimulate change in the way you do things, particularly if you perceive yourself to be in a competitive environment.

This review refers to the hardcover edition.

Speed Plus Torque = Victory!
This is the first of two books by Jennings which I have recently read. (The other is Less Is More.) It was written in collaboration with Laurence Haughton. The subtitle reveals their core assertion: "How to Use Speed as a Competitive Tool in Business." Correctly, they stress the importance of using speedto achieve and then sustain a decisive competitive advantage. They also realize that there are times for an organization to be a sprinter but other times to proceed as if in a marathon.

In the Prologue, Jennings and Haughton explain that they "began with a blank canvas. No points to prove, no axes to grind, and no one to impress. We truly wanted to figure this 'speed thing' out and boil it down into easy-to-replicate tactics." They developed criteria for selecting the fastest companies and then focused on them: Charles Schwab, Clear Channel Communications, AOL, H&M, Hotmail, Telepizza, and Lend Lease. The book presents a number of real-life lessons from these high-speed companies and their full-throttle executives. The authors also provide "time-proven instructions on becoming faster than anyone else."

The material is organized within four Parts: Fast Thinking, Fast Decisions, Get to Market Faster, and finally, Sustaining Speed. In their Epilogue, the authors observe that, early on in their research, they discovered that "truly fast companies that have demonstrated the ability to maintain momentum aren't naturally any faster than their slower-moving rivals. But they are smarter." What's the difference? The truly fast companies avoid, "blow up," or get past various "speed bumps," refusing to be delayed or prevented from getting to where they want to be.

As I read this book, I began to think of an organization as a vehicle. As such, what are its requirements? First, a specific and appropriate destination. Next, a capable driver. Then, a sufficiently powerful engine and enough fuel to keep it running. Also, a transmission with different gears (including reverse), shock absorbers, and brakes. Gauges keep the driver fully informed of available fuel, oil pressure, speed, time, etc. Jennings and Haughton discuss "speed bumps" and could have just easily included a discussion of terrain and weather. A number of organizations -- S&Ls 15-20 years ago and dot coms more recently -- have failed because they could not cope with "rough roads" and "foul weather." In several instances, imprudent speed was a factor in their demise. I want to stress this point because Jennings and Haughton do not glorify speed per se. In certain situations, however, speed is the determinant insofar as success and failure are concerned. Rapid response to customers' needs, for example, or to a new business opportunity. To extend the vehicle metaphor, executives also need a multi-gear "transmission" as well as an accelerator and brakes...and the skill to use each as well as the wisdom to know when.

Jennings and Haughton have a Snap! Crackle! and Pop! writing style which is eminently appropriate to the subject. They also have a delightful sense of humor which substantially increases the entertainment value of their work even as they focus on an especially serious subject: business competition in an age and at a time when it has never before been so intense and when prudent speed frequently determines the difference between organizational life or death. This is a brilliant achievement.

Those who share my high regard for this book are urged to check out Jennings' Less Is More as well as Curt Coffman and Gabriel Gonzalez-Molina's Follow This Path.

Average Book
If you did not read many books of management, you will certainly profit from reading this book. There'a a total lack of care for personel but a lot of good ideas.
Read a book on Emotional Intelligence together with this one, mix them both and get to work! ... Read more

Book Description

Susan Scott trains clients in the art of fierce conversations, empowering them to achieve exceptional results through transforming dialogue. Success hinges on engaging people in ways that interrogate reality, provoke learning, tackle tough challenges, tap our deepest aspirations, and enrich relationships. Fierce Conversations takes you step-by-step through your first fierce conversation -- with yourself -- and on to the most challenging and important conversations facing you.

Susan Scott teaches you how to:

• Overcome barriers to meaningful conversation
• Expand and enrich the territory you explore with colleagues, friends, and family
• Explore issues by mining for increased clarity, improved understanding, and impetus for change
• Confront challenges with courage, compassion, and skill
• Leverage new skills for frictionless debate
• Handle strong emotions - your own as well as others'
• Build breakthrough relationships with colleagues, clients, friends, and family

Reviews (15)

Fierce as in True
If we have ever needed a book like this, now is the time. Just think what could have happened at Enron, WorldCom, etc. if people had been willing to talk to each other about what was really going on? This is both a "think about this" and a "here's how to use it" book that can give people the courage and tools to tell others what they are seeing and believing. Don't be put off by the title, Fierce does not mean you get to beat everyone up - it really is an invitation to, as the author says - interrogate reality. Susan Scott does an effective job in weaving her three big ideas about conversations through the book. The ideas are simple yet powerful and can change the way we talk both to ourselves and to others. She captured me right away with the first concept; that our lives (and work) succeed or fail one conversation at a time, including those conversations we don't have. The book is an easy read. The concepts are clearly presented both in theory and with amusing stories and, best of all, there are practical tips on how to use the information. I enjoyed reading it and putting the principles into action. I'll be giving copies to friends and colleagues. This is one of those books that belongs both at home and the office.

A Fierce (robust) Book
Fierce Conversation starts with the premise that "the conversation is the relationship" and we must have Fierce (robust) Conversation's in all of our relationships -- business and personal. It is far more encompassing then other recent conversation books on how to have "crucial" or "critical" conversations only.

It's a guidebook on how to make relationships meaningful and successful. It's simplicity of focusing on "one conversation at a time" avoids the pitfall of a relationship deteriorating in Scott's words "slowly then suddenly".

It's a book whose processes I am able to put into action immediately. I can readily see how starting with one conversation at a time will lead to mastery and enrich relationships. The examples are vivid and easy to visualize and remember.

I actually look forward to having Fierce Conversations with my colleagues, customers, employees, and family.

I highly recommend Fierce Conversations.

Philip E. Fine
Chief Executive Officer
Premier Distribution Services, Inc.
Somerset, NJ

What are you pretending not to know?
Most breakdowns in life have some connection to conversations -- conversations not had, conversations that go poorly, or conversations not yet even imagined. There are a number of good books on conversations and this is one of them.

I tend to refer my coaching clients to "Fierce Conversations" when they are having trouble getting motivated and avoid a lot of uncomfortable conversations (compared to recommending other books for those who botch difficult conversations).

Susan's section on "stump speeches" is good for gaining clarity on personal vision (i.e., where are you going, why, who is going with you, and how will you get there?).

Once clear on "where you are going," it's time to start noticing and speaking about what "you're pretending not to know" (otherwise known as breakdowns -- yours or others).

Although "Fierce Conversations" doesn't cover the underlying emotions like "Difficult Conversations" or "Nonviolent Communications" do, or the styles under stress (silence or violence) as "Crucial Conversations" does, it does have some good discussion on "interrogating reality" (with an emphasis on questions and remaining curious) and identifying your own role in conversational breakdowns.

Fierce, difficult, crucial, nonviolent -- whatever you call these conversations, they're at the core of all meaningful relationships. I can definitely recommend "Fierce Conversations" to the mix of books on skillful conversations.

Packed With Knowledge!
This book offers numerous useful principles that will help anyone become a better conversationalist and a more responsive listener. Read carefully because gems of very valuable content are scattered through the entire book, a sentence here, a quotation there, buried in long, interesting digressions about the author's life, people she's known and clients she's worked with over time. A judicious editor could have made a very sharp and effective pocket book out of this material, which is about managing intense, strong discussions with skill. As it is, you'll have to do some digging, but you'll have a perfectly good time doing it, particularly if you are a fan of New Age mantras and can handle a little touchy-feely vocabulary. We assure you that the lessons you'll learn about conversations - including fierce ones - will stand you in good stead.

Not as Helpful as "Difficult Conversations."
I listened to both this and "Difficult Conversations." I found that "Diffiicult Conversations" offered much more helpful, concrete advice, and the material was much better organized. I was disappointed that the emphasis of "Firece Conversatons" was almost entirely on business related conversations. Example after example focused on her executive clients. After listening to this program, I felt no more prepared for conversations with friends and family than before. There were a few helpful ideas, but they were presented much more clearly in "Difficult Conversations." "Difficult Conversations" gave me real, practical strategies that have made a big difference in my ease in bringing up tricky conversations and working through them with positive results. ... Read more

Book Description

When do we need vision?During times of growth, change or opportunity -- so that we know we're headed in the right direction. We also need vision during times of uncertainty-- when we've lost confidence in our leaders, our institutions or ourselves. Instead of focusing on "what's next," we need to refocus on "what's first." Getting back to the basics means knowing who you are, where you're going, and what will guide your journey -- having a vision. When work is meaningful and connected to what we truly desire, we tap into a productive and creative power stronger than we ever imagined.

In Full Steam Ahead! you'll learn:

• How to use the power of vision to get focused, get energized and get great results
• How to create a vision that touches the hearts and spirits of everyone in your organization
• How to create a vision for your own life that provides meaningand direction

The lessons of Full Steam Ahead! are surprisingly simple, practical and powerful. They demonstrate that vision is not only necessary, but also possible and achievable. ... Read more

Reviews (28)

Fabulous!
Full Steam Ahead! is the best book I've read this year.My husband and I own our own business.After both reading the book, we sat down together and created a vision for our business.It was exciting and helped us get really focused.We were then able to discuss it with our employees.Their ideas made our vision even richer.And, to our delight, created an amazing amount of energy.We are all working so much better together now.I can't say more.You need to read the book yourself and then you'll understand.

However, I would like to add that we also created a vision for our family with our two children (ages 11 and 15).Once again, it was an amazing experience.The kind of discussion we had was so different from anything than we had done before.It really helped us all understand and appreciate each others' viewpoints better and to also understand how much we share the same values.(Big relief!)

So, even if you are not in business, I highly recommend this book!It can be used in so many ways.

Powerful, practical, useful!
Full steam ahead is a phenomenal book.It was critical to my understanding of vision.Prior to reading to this book, my understanding of vision was fuzzy at best, limited to what I know in scripture.Of vision, scripture states (Habakkuk 2:2) that we should write the vision and make it plain upon tables that he that reads it might run with it.The Hebrew word for vision, `chazown', indicates that the vision is a mental picture.Beyond that, I had never been clear on the elements of a vision, neither did I have a clear idea of how to craft a vision statement.

Now I understand that vision is all about knowing who you are (clear purpose), where you are going (picture of the future), and what will guide your journey (values).Your values guide you when you hit opposition or obstacles.I have been able to use these concepts and others presented in the book to craft a vision that is energizing and provides focus and direction.I have been able to explain it so that others want to support me.And, I have been amazed at the results.

Thank you, Ken Blanchard and Jesse Stoner for writing this book.You have offered a valuable service in helping people learn how to go Full Steam Ahead!

Highest praise.Best book I've read this year!
Full Steam Ahead! had such an impact on me that I decided to take the time to write a review, which I've never been moved to do before.I think it's important to let others know about this excellent book.It was given to me as a gift, which I left on the shelf for awhile.However, one evening I picked it up and started reading.I couldn't put it down and read it in one sitting!It made so much sense to me and it gave me great ideas that I could start using immediately.That was six months ago. Before I read the book, I thought my team was doing fine.After reading the book, I understood how much more we could be doing.I involved the rest of my team in creating a vision and we moved to a new level.Not only has my team been recognized for our contributions, but I've recently been promoted!

Full Steam Ahead! is a practical, down-to-earth book with excellent advice on how to get momentum, direction, focus and energy from your work as well as in your personal life.It is packed with examples of real situations such as an accounting department in an insurance agency, a fire department, and a public school.It also has great examples of how to create a personal vision for one's own life.

The first half of the book explains what makes a compelling vision--one that really provides direction (not some airy-fairy statement or bunch of platitudes like we see in so many places) but a vision that is capable of mobilizing people. The second half of the book focuses on how to make the vision a reality.What you need to do once you have identified a vision.

Full Steam Ahead! uses a parable format, which makes it easy to read and not so theoretical and dry.It includes some of the same ideas as The Fifth Discipline by Peter Senge but is much easier to read and understand.But it's not a recap of what others have written.It offers new and fresh thinking.While others write that vision is important, Full Steam Ahead! explains the elements of a compelling vision and how to create one.I've never found a book before that actually did that.Full Steam Ahead! is not just inspiring and fun to read, it gives practical information on what to do.If you're only going to read one book this year, this is the book to read!

Worthless!
This book would only be tolerable if you like romance novels, but in that case you'd be better off buying "The Notebook". - This book has no practical business value at all. I find its popularity to be deeply troubling. There is apparently something in the current business culture that makes people not want to think. They just want to feel good. The story presents "facts", but no sources. It presents inspiration, but no critical thought, and it doesn't prepare the reader for the real challenges that they will face in life or in business. Rather then presenting Vision from the appropriate management perspective, it presents it from a marketing perspective. This is how we want the public to feel about Vision. - Even from the viewpoint of `inspiration' it fails, because it's fictional. ANYONE can succeed in fiction. No?

Highest Praise for Full Steam Ahead!
When do you need vision?During times of growth, change or opportunity--and during times of uncertainty.According to Blanchard and Stoner, vision means know who you are, where you're going, and what will guide your journey.They show you how to create a vision for your work and your life that will unleash your power and potential and allow you to go Full Steam Ahead!They offer many examples of effective visions and show how to create one that will guide you.The authors share suprisingly simple, practical and powerful lessons and demonstrate how to use the power of vision to get focused, get energized and get great results; how to create a vision that touches the hearts and spirits of everyone involved; and how to create a vision for your own life that provides meaning and direction.Most importantly, they show that vision is not only necessary, but also how each of us can create one. ... Read more

Book Description

For nearly two decades, Anthony Robbins has dedicated his life to discovering the most advanced principles for producing accelerated change.He is the nation's expert in the psychology of peak performance and personal, professional, and organizational "turnaround," and has led the way in providing cutting-edge tools for individuals wanting to make radical improvements in their careers, emotional well-being, relationships, finances, time management, health and vitality, and professional growth
... Read more

Reviews (8)

Good intro to Personal Power
Anthony Robbins Personal Power home study program is simply the best personal development program going. I bought it after reading Unlimited Power and Awaken The Giant several years ago.

This intro to personal power will give you an overview but to really appreciate the program you have to pick up a copy of personal power or Robbins new program The Edge which includes Personal Power.

There really is nothingelse like this. Tony is the best.

Nothing else like it
This is a very intense personal mind training program. It is not a brain washing. It is all about you. You make the choices. You answer the questions. You make it happen. But you must stick with it. If you can get through this program, you can do just about anything you want. If you have 30 minutes a day for a mnoth, this is for you!

make real Transformation not this-a detailed outline
I did all the Tony Robbins stuff for years. The tapes, books-all of it. I was one of the unfortunate ones that got hooked. Instead of just bashing Mr. Robbins, I will write a clear, well detailed review of SOME of the huge flaws in his little money making system so that those major fans who will of course disagree with me, will at least read this and at some point will hopefully "see the light". Unfortunately, in this short review I can't explain things in great detail. Some of you will get what I'm saying though. Please read this carefully and think about what I am saying-scientifically--Please.
-Let's start with the mindset of these books. He promotes a super achiever kind of hyper-doer attitude. I would instead opt for being at peace with myself--HERE & NOW. Learning to BE. Not just be a doer. Does that mean being complacent? NO! It means you can set goals but it has nothing to do with your self-acceptance and daily joy.
-He uses this Pain/Pleasure principal to motivate you. That is a highly flawed system. It is based on causing stress on yourself and motivating you through discomfort. Has anyone stopped to think that one can achieve goals through peace and discipline. It's not motivation through pain/pleasure we need, it's learning to deal with our AVERSION to discomfort that holds many of us back. Facing that with persevearance and wisdom is the only way to deal with that-not gimmicky NAC.
-It is wrong to create MUSTS as he teaches. That causes people to be stressed out and to be attatched and anxious to things. You cannot DEMAND change of yourself. This again is based on the erroneous idea that we're so highly flawed we need to whip ourselves to grow. Not true. Better to learn Positive motivation skills based on learning to enjoy the Process not just the outcome.
-Tony goes in so many different directions in his book you don't know when to use what
-Why does he say that it's important to know that all feelings are good, they are Action Signals-yet he tells you to "break thru" depression,worry and other states. If we are going to accept our feelings how can we also go against them by trying to change them with NAC and physiology etc(that is not acceptance at all that is manipulation and many of you may have figured out by now that you can't battle with your feelings-ACCEPTANCE of them nonjudgmentally brings transformation)
Why, if we are to accept feelings do we need Transformational Vocabulary?? If we supposedly accept them as Action Signals, why tell myelf I'm peeved instead of angry? and will that really work? NO WAY. Of course you'll remain angry. C'MON. That is just silly.
-So much of it is really just a pump up. I admit that that might have it's place to a certain degree. Yes, I'm sure the pump up got some to achieve. That's a good thing, but this Robbins "technology" as a reliable, well developed system? Not quite.
-His system for creating Values is so ridiculously superficial. Just becaue you write down these supposed values and rules, that doesn't mean they will reflect you TRUE feelings. WE ARE NOT THAT SIMPLISTIC!
-Tony Robbins, having "mastered" relationships divorced his wife Becky a few years ago. Again, we are not that simplistic as his system tries to profess.
My intention is to try to help you seekers out there, not to bash Mr Robbins.
People would be better off making more of a "spiritual" discovery that brings them UNCONDITIONAL SELF ACCEPTANCE and Inner Peace. Something that is not based on achievment. You don't need to create this "achieve to win" attitude. Without transforming from the inside out, it's all a band aid solution and YES, you can be HIGHLY productive and just BE without getting into this crazed achiever mindset. Since when is that the purpose of life? Folks, you are all able to achieve great things by getting centered and tuning in to yourself. Trust yourself.

Find that wellspring within! You don't need all this pumped up, gimmicky stuff. A much better book would be The Power of Now. A book about real transformation. Finding inner grace in life moment to moment and yes achieving, but with inner satisfaction all along the way, whatever the outcome!
I hope you've read these points carefully and let them sink in. I hope to save you years of confusion by falling into these superficial techniques. Wishing you the best!!!!!

Fantastic Motivation Guide
I heard this book on tape from the local library during a time when I lost my job and broke up with a woman whom I dearly love. Couldn't be at a worst time. Robbins helps me to re-focus on my priority. Reinforced my value and stayed on course. I plan to buy the entire Personal Power II 24 cassette tapes. I am also looking to sign up for his Power Talk Series. By the way, I was a big skeptic of Tony Robbins and used to laugh at people who went to his seminar.

A REAL Motivator!
I do not own the Personal Power 2, Yet! But, when I first saw his Infomercial at 1 o clock in the morning I was hooked! Now, at night I wait for his infomercial to come on! And I am disappointed when it doesn't.

My point is...he is the REAL Thing! Just watching his Infomercial made me motivated to go do what I set out to do!!!

Attend his Seminars, Buy his Products, Visit his Website, and Watch his Infomercials!!! Soon you will be on your way to Great Successes!!!! ... Read more

Book Description

Hands-on approach to learning the basics of Microsoft XP with an interactive CD and book companion. ... Read more

Book Description

Here is the inescapable truth about getting a job: the interview is almost all that matters. As for everything else -- research, resumes, letters, phone calls -- it's all here as backup for that crucial meeting.

People who interview successfully are the people who are promoted faster, have increased self-esteem, and move faster and higher on the corporate track than anyone else. Focusing on time-tested techniques that can move job applicants from a position of weakness and uncertainty to one of confidence and power, America's leading placement attorney, Jeffrey Allen, presents sound, step-by-step advice on the A to Z of successful interviewing. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Sorry, but it was disappointing for me.
I did not find ANY thing there that are new for me. All information was VERY basic.
Besides, I don't think that this book will help you with ANSWER to question "HOW to turn an interview into a job?".
If you don't have any idea about resume and interview I think it's probably better to buy:
1.) Resumes in cyberspace (about e-mail resumes and more);
2.) 10 insider secrets to job hunting success;
3.) Gallery of best resumes;
4.) How to knock 'em dead (interview questions).

Also I found "Here is my card "book. I think some info there is interesting and useful.

Good luck!

The Best
I left school about 18 years ago armed with a copy of this book. The book helped me get offers or at least second interviews in about 75% of my attempts. From my experience, you'll do quite well in the interview if you take the author's advice. You'll actually feel positive energy flowing during the interview if you are using the techniques from the book.

Quick and Simple
...this short and sweet book ...[has]
tried and true concepts [that] will walk you through the critical
interview process, and send you on your way prepared and
confident. Once you have spent the time and effort it
takes to land an interview, Jeffrey G. Allen, in How to
Turn an Interview Into a Job will show you how to make it
count.

Let this no nonsense 12-step action plan be your guide. It
includes frequently asked and tricky questions, pro-active
answers, and some simple but valuable tips to demystify the
process. Keep Allen's list of action and buzz words handy,
so you can have what he calls a "winner's vocabulary".
Preparation is key, and Allen keeps it simple.

Useful Beyond the Interview!
I have owned a copy of this practical book since 1986 and have used it to secure every new job position for which I have applied. Jeffrey Allen's easy-to-use concepts and straightforward approach help to make easier the often frustrating task of finding and securing a new job. Of particular help is his suggestion of developing an "action vocabulary" and preparation for the "interrogation interview." In addition, Mr. Allen's approach found in Chapter Two, "The Deep Breath Phone Call," has even helped me to secure appointments with prospective clients during my career in sales. I have found this book to be helpful beyond the interview process!

Down to earth, candid, to the point, superb.
A great little book that can be read in an hour or two, yet provides concised "what, where, whom, and how to answer" interview questions. It also provides with a backbone format to get that job in 12 steps. Everything from what and how to write your CV, to making that first phone call, to the interview process, and finally to the post-interview follow up. It gives you tools to play the intervewer to your benefit without the interviewer even realizing he/she is just been set up to say, "you got the job." ... Read more

Book Description

Ernie Castellano, fast-talking wheeler-dealer kid, has come up with his greatest idea yet: pet funerals! With his pals Dusty (an artist in coffins) and Swimming Pool (one of the world's great criers, an asset to any funeral she attends) Ernie creates a thriving business-and manages to land himself in more hot water than he has ever dreamed of. High-spirited, hilarious, and unexpectedly touching, The Beloved Dearly is a sparkling debut for a major new voice in books for young readers.

An actor and performance artist himself, Doug Cooney is uniquely suited to narrate this hilarious novel version of his own highly acclaimed play, which was first performed at Lincoln Center. Doug's recent work includes a screenplay for an animated version of the classic Dr. Seuss film The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Fun Book Filled With Important Life-Lessons
Twelve-year-old Ernie Castellano has been a tycoon for years. His thoughts are always about how he can make a fast buck. Hence, he's always getting into trouble. This time, however, Ernie has started up a new business - against his father's wishes. One that will make him more money than he ever dreamed of. Pet funerals. After all, dying pets are a hot commodity for the 8-12-year-old gap. Ernie quickly hires a kid named Dusty to decorate burial boxes - which, might I add, are always perfect for the occasion - a boy named Tony to dig the holes, and the best of all, Swimming Pool, a tomboy who can shed tears on cue, and cry for hours and hours. Business goes through the roof, and suddenly Ernie is hosting up to five pet funerals a day. But when Swimming Pool quits over a pay raise, the business quickly unravels. As if that weren't bad enough, Ernie experiences something that can break the heart of any young kid, and realizes that maybe it wasn't too fair to cash in on the broken hearts of others.

As a fan of the Disney Channel TV Show, RECESS, I found that Doug Cooney's THE BELOVED DEARLY, reminded me greatly of some of my favorite characters, who appear daily on that show. Swimming Pool is a unique tomboy, whose tough exterior is really just a cover, as she is quite sensitive on the inside; Dusty is an artistic designer, who shines as the obedient, yet, at times, strange one of the group; Tony is the digger, determined to dig the best holes for the world to see; and Ernie is the schemer. The one who loves money, but realizes that it isn't right to take the hard-earned money from grieving kids in the end. Filled with an array of quirky characters, as well as some important life lessons, THE BELOVED DEARLY is a fabulous book for all readers.

Erika Sorocco
Book Review Columnist for The Community Bugle Newspaper

The boy who got less gready wile helping others
This book is about a boy that is like you and me except that he wants to run a business to help his father pay for his mother's funeral. So, he found an empty lot which he made into a funeral lot to make money. Later he got clients to have funerals at the lot. He made about $10 a funeral. But he paid Swimming Pool and Dusty per funeral too.I like this book because it inspires me to not be greedy and to not expect everything to be handed to me. It also inspires me to treat people the way they need to be treated and not take things for granted.

Ernie's Pet Funerals
Ernie loves money, he's always having scheme's to get money. but thats until he gets in trouble from his who tells him no more schemes. So Ernie secret starts his own biusness, pet funrels. He hires Swimming Pool to cry and Dusty to makesthe coffins.And everything is going great until Swimming Pool quits over a raise and from then on biuness is bad. And even worse his dad finds out about his biusness and its over for good.

Nice Book
A boy named Ernie decides to make a business--he is obsessed about money. So he grabs two kids, Dusty and Swimming Pool. Swimming pool is an excellent crier and will do so at any given cue. Dusty decorates, cleans, and etc. The trio start the business and makes some big bucks. But after burning the whole in their pockets, thing get out of hand. Ernie loses Swimming Pool do to this--
If you have a heart for adventure books, I highly doubt you will enjoy this book. If, though, you enjoy heart-warming kiddie tales about jealousy and giving and sharing (and etc.), you will want to read this book over and over and over again.

Is Ernie providing a service or up to another scheme?
When I began reading the story, I kept in mind the "delightful Norman Rockwell style image" of Ernie, Swimming Pool, and Dusty from the book jacket.This is actually why I picked up the book.Consequently, that image kept the story line alive for me.I questioned whether or not I would enjoy reading about children losing their pets; however, as I continued reading the story I found in spite of the deaths, the book is not excessively sad. It is more about the characters becoming friends and learning to care for others, which is why I could not put the book down or stop reading it.
Ernie is in a "confounding dilemma...living a double life."
He is a businessman during the day and a kid at home.How can a twelve-year-old boy run a successful burial business for pets? Ernie does more than run the business; he engages a casket maker, a hole digger, and a professional mourner (Cat-Lady's suggestion).This is not his first business and if his Dad discovers he has started another business, he will be "grounded...no, ifs, and, or buts."
All of the children in Ernie's neighborhood seem to have some kind of pet; one by one a pet dies so the burial preparations begin.Dusty makes the ceremonies grow into productions with his elaborate box making and staging. Swimming Pool becomes an expert at throwing her arm around the grieving pet owners while Ernie delivers the eulogy.
When you read about Ernie and his friends, I believe you will relate to at least one character in the book.The author implies early in the story that the ending will most likely be a bittersweet one, which makes it more believable and realistic.
... Read more

Book Description

The author of the bestselling How to Work a Room shares proven strategies for developing the kind of superior communication skills that lead to great business success.

A professor emeritus of business at Stanford University has found only one consistently common trait among successful MBA graduates: great conversational skills. Now, Susan RoAne, bestselling author of How to Work a Room and The Secrets of Savvy Networking, shows how people can vastly improve their conversational skills and acquire the necessary verbal tools and techniques to move forward in career and business. ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Practical Ways to Improve Conversational/Social Skills
"What Do I Say Next" is a book filled with practical tips for improving conversational skills. Although the book is not really designed for the super introvert, it will help typically shy folks to become better conversationalists. It also provides much needed direction for the outgoing but rude. Perhaps the best word to describe Susan Roane's approach is "balanced."

Unlike some books ab