Best Article Product Reviews

An excellent novel that will wring tears of frustration and pain and then tears of joy from the reader.'Fire in the Ice’ is a perfect title for this book.

The passion
confusion and anger that the main character (Deedra) felt
along with her pain over the loss of her parents and the death of her young husband caused her to cover her heart
lock it away and live only through a deep survival mode. (Thus the "Ice".) Encountering Josh
she became filled with fear at what could be her first experiences with real love and true passion and she nearly loathed him for disrupting her carefully constructed world. However
Deedra was not along in her fear of feeling – Josh too lived through a horrendous relationship that left him wary of commitment. Her constant rebuttal was hard on Josh
who was used to getting what he wanted
but his persistence and love released her from her own prison and helped Deedra realize that she had never really lived at all – but only existed. None of Deedra’s journey through her Self was possible without the loyal support of her dear friend
Marcy.

This romance novel had some very steamy parts (the "Fire") that
though not over-used
were certainly so well written that this shy reviewer was blushing furiously while reading them – much to the amusement of my husband!

Katlyn Stewart has done an excellent job pulling the reader into the lives of her characters and feeling their pain and elation. I would not hesitate to pick up another title authored by Katlyn.

Publisher: Publish America
Inc.
ISBN#: 141373278X
Author: Katlyn Stewart

A new world take on an old-world way of eating can be better than the many diets that are extreme and difficult or expensive to follow
and gives results in just 10 days. It's "The Sonoma Diet" (Meredith Books
$24.95) by Dr. Connie Guttersen
R.D.
Ph.D.

Ordinary weight loss plans can be uncomfortable or even unhealthy
asking you to cut out certain ingredients
and it can be hard to find out exactly what's in everything you eat-particularly if you want to eat out or at someone else's table.

Now there's a medically proven powerhouse program that has already helped countless dieters lose weight without counting calories or eliminating a single food category. This is the rejuvenating
sun-drenched cuisine you can savor without guilt while staying lean for a lifetime. It turns mealtime into a celebration
not a deprivation.

That's because across the Atlantic a timeless Mediterranean approach has consistently been linked with weight management and excellent overall health. Now the science behind these miracle foods has at last been translated to another sun-drenched locale closer to home: Sonoma County
California. The result is a proven
sane and completely savory way to stay fit for life.

Dr. Guttersen was a weight-loss counselor and nutrition researcher for many years and she is now on the faculty of the renowned Culinary Institute of America. She was inspired to develop a cutting-edge program that would reflect and perfect a celebration of food for people who love to eat and offers flavorful food good enough for guests. A recent study found that increasing carbohydrates with an emphasis on vegetables and fruits and grains
in fact does not promote weight gain. The Sonoma Diet doesn't call for any diet foods
just satisfying
easy-to-prepare meals that will actually program your body to lose weight. Flavorful recipes the whole family will love are portioned out so you won't overeat. Busy dieters can enjoy express salads even if they're always on the go.

You can enjoy such a carefree experience on The Sonoma Diet because Dr. Guttersen has done all the science for you. Her recommended meals offer a range of delicious "power foods" that deliver maximum disease-fighting nutrients
infused with robust flavors and plenty of variety. Eaten in the correct combinations
these power meals will keep you feeling full while shifting your body's metabolic levels into high gear.

Fern’s Dragon is a wonderfully fun read that stimulates the imagination of both young people and the young-at-heart alike. It is a good mystery-fantasy story that is artfully composed.

Fern is a bright
artistic young girl who is utterly fascinated with dragons. One day she created a masterpiece with beach sand and loved it so much that she was reluctant to leave her dragon
Nogard. When her mother brought Fern to visit Norgard
they were shocked to discover he was missing. Later that night
Fern is visited by Norgard
who begs for her help in saving dragon-kind.

Little Fern finds herself leading the last of the race of dragons
following clues and trying to piece together a way to save the dragon king – the only dragon with the power to stop the catastrophe about to fall.

David Wills has done a superb job on this children’s book. His use of colors and visually stimulating words is sure to spark the imagination. The light ending will leave a smile on the readers’ face.

I highly recommend this book to parents
as they are unlikely to become bored with their children begging to have the story repeatedly read to them. I know I certainly enjoyed it."

ISBN# 1413770177
Publisher: Publish America
Inc
Author: David Wills

Fading Toward Enlightenment by Wayne Wirs is definitely a well made book of excellent quality – it will certainly endure multiple readings. I loved the feel of the pages as I turned them. I would classify this book as a useful
inspirational
self-help tool for those searching for inner peace. Wayne shares his personal experiences while he searches to come to turns with himself and life in general through this beautiful work of art.

Wayne is truly a seeker of understanding. I was reminded occasionally of Joseph Campbell throughout the book
as the two focus on similar themes. Wayne shares his journey towards understanding that takes him through vigorous studies of mystic and myths
traveling into himself and then out again. He dreams of being able to reach beyond the ego.

Attractive
attention-demanding black and white photographs are enhanced by the deep-thinking quotations and the author’s excellent discussions. Each stage in his journey is accompanied by the exquisite photos
and the photos add depth to the text – feeding each other. I found that I would read a sentence and then look at the photo; back and forth - each page a slow and rewarding process to savor. Written to inspire others to delve deep into discovering who they are
Wayne asks us (as he asks himself) "Who are you behind those busy thoughts?"

The question and answer interview at the end of the book was quite helpful in finding out more about the author’s personal side and his particular views. He also includes a list of resources to aid the reader interested in furthering their journey."

ISBN#: 0976358107
Author: Wayne Wirs
Publisher: Missing Man Press

It very well could be real
but for now it’s the latest heart-pounding fiction book
Sledgehammer
about a terrorist who arrives in the ER with smallpox symptoms. An ER physician suspects it but has just six days to convince hospital executives and the U.S. Government before an epidemic breaks out.

The story is brought vividly to life by Dr. Paulo J. Reyes who obtained his MD at the UCSF School of Medicine
has 25 years in medicine and internal medicine and is a First Responder for the busiest cities in California specifically in terrorists training.

In Sledgehammer
the lead character
Max Kroose
an intuitive emergency room physician
believes terrorists are to blame for the attack and fears the more lethal form of smallpox
called Sledgehammer
will kill within days. As time progresses
the terrorists planned attacks at a sports arena
mall and airport must be stopped. The question becomes can this ER doctor convince the hospital administration and the public health care system about the presence of this deadly disease and the need to vaccinate the American public. You won’t be able to stop reading as you seek to find out the truth in this non-stop thriller.

How big a threat is smallpox? “The Federal Government should allow voluntary smallpox vaccinations to protect us from smallpox bioterrorist attacks
” says Dr. Reyes. “At the very least the Federal Government should allow voluntary vaccinations of the first responders which should include all hospital medical staff. The President and the military have been vaccinated. Why shouldn’t the American public?”

Dr. Reyes also authored Health-Care Reform or Redistribution of Cost? and in his research of the health care system
he has seen its shortcomings. Realizing there is clear and present danger of a terrorist attack in the health care system has prompted him to support voluntary smallpox vaccinations.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) considers smallpox as a possible danger and includes it as one of the possible agents of a bioterrorist attack
in its website under the subheading Emergency Preparedness and Response along with anthrax
plague
and tularemia.

Reyes believes the Federal Government should consider a trial program to detect the presence of the virus – similar to a pregnancy test – so if the disease presents itself
it will be detected before it becomes an epidemic or pandemic.

The American public is immuno-na๏ve to smallpox
which means it could spread very rapidly
Reyes says. And containment could be even more difficult or impossible if the virus was aerosolized
which the CDC believes may be the case
he says.

With new terrorist attacks continually happening in the United States and the fear of a global pandemic
Sledgehammer is a gripping book to get a real insight into what could possibly lie ahead unless immediate action is taken. Buy your book today at http://www.pauloreyes.com
Amazon or any major online bookstore.

For women in this day and age
hitting 50 doesn't automatically call for breaking out the knitting needles. Today's mature woman has the verve and style of a much younger person
yet she emanates the power and wisdom that can only come with those extra years.

While life may not exactly begin at 50
it doesn't have to lose speed either. Women wanting to keep their lives glamorous
confident
sexy and successful can find a bonanza of experience and advice in "Fabulous After 50: And Sexy at 60!" (Plume
$13).

Co-author Judy Steinberg
an attractive
vibrant woman who is often mistaken for someone decades younger
was utterly shocked when she first experienced age discrimination. At that moment
she vowed to share her frank and funny insights with older women everywhere.

With great panache
Steinberg offers tips and tricks on everything from diets and exercise to interpreting what a man is really saying and the importance of female friendships.

Whether one is suddenly single or simply looking for some sisterly advice
Steinberg navigates the course by addressing issues specific to women who are old enough to remember "Sex and the Single Girl."

The book is a salute to a new generation of vital
successful and gorgeous older women.

Envy of the Gods
a science-fiction novel
has a cast of five main characters that struggle through a rise to leadership
tough ethical decisions
the re-discovery and use of ancient textbooks
and a society that strives for a better
more efficient way of life.

In a ruthless and brutal age
much like our age of barbarian kingdoms
the novel takes the reader through immense social and governmental changes. Cold
power hungry Duke Atan Ishtba is on his way towards unchallenged dominance of surrounding kingdoms. Yet Raphela's intense beauty not only brought him to his knees. All his efforts at wooing her with jewels and finery are only in vain. Her heart lay with the rightful leader who is destined to rule the land with a caring and enterprising heart. Between the two they bring education to the masses
equality to women and better economic situations for the general public.

This is not done through some kind of super-human power
but rather through genuine hard work
learning to use their minds creatively and through the generosity of the Ancients – who left behind a written legacy of their advanced knowledge. The loyal support of friends like Mahtso and Fatell
help these two through their many adventures.

The author never tells us much about the Ancients
the terrain or other such background information. I was clueless
until it was made clear in the end
that the book is based in another world entirely. Certainly
the characters were quite likely to be of humanoid life. Envy of the Gods is very interesting indeed
and deserves a second read.

I do
however
feel it is necessary to voice some negative comments. The back cover does not explain the book very well at all and the front cover image does not have much appeal. I felt
that at times
some of the events were not exactly believable or could fit a realistic timetable. But then
science-fiction genres can push many boundaries that other genres cannot.

This 320-page novel by Andrea Savitch is the first in the trilogy and though it does not require subsequent novels
the author has created sufficient curiosity to entice readers to wonder where she will take them next.


ISBN#: 1-933538-11-2
Author: Andrea Savitch
Publisher: Bridgeway Books

EBOOK DETAILS
File Size: 1
71
Zipped
1
122
Unzipped.
Number of Pages: 45
Format: Adobe Acrobat (.pdf)
Subject: A guide to using eBay traffic to create a lifetime customer base for virtually any business.
Other Information: Can be bought with Jim Cockrum's other ebook "The Silent Sales Machine Hiding on eBay" as a discounted
package deal.


ABOUT JIM COCKRUM (AUTHOR OF HOW TO TURN AUCTION TRAFFIC INTO CASH)
The author Jim Cockrum
is a self confessed eBay freak. He also runs "Creative Ebay Selling
the Internets largest eBay success newsletter with over 90,000 subscribers and growing by the day. Jim has helped launch multiple internet businesses and has used the internet as his sole source of income since 2002.


ABOUT THE EBOOK
How to turn Auction Traffic into Cash is Jim Cockrum's followup to the hugely successful
Silent Sales Machine Hiding on eBay." Just like it's predecessor
How to turn Auction Traffic into Cash is a guide to gaining massively from eBay's huge amounts of traffic. This time instead of using this traffic to promote Silent Sales Machines
Jim shows you how to use this traffic to build up your mailing list. eBay gets 1.5 billion page views per month
there are over 100 million members
and 80
0
people sign up every day
so it is one of the best but also most underutilised sources of traffic available to any seller. The topics covered in How to turn Auction Traffic into Cash include:
ท The real power of eBay!!
ท The rules of the eBay game!!
ท Tapping into the power step by step!!
ท A step by step guide to setting up your newsletter and subscription forms on eBay whilst complying with eBay policy!!

Like with "The Silent Sales Machine Hiding on eBay" the main selling point of this ebook is that you can utilise the huge amounts of traffic on eBay to build up a mailing list. This amount of traffic would take a huge amount of time
effort
and money to gain using other means. If you are not currently building up a subscriber list then you are missing out on lots of benefits including repeat sales
increased trust in you as a seller
and a highly targeted source of traffic. However
like with Jim's last ebook
to implement the ideas in How to turn Auction Traffic into Cash means you will have to invest quite a lot of time and effort initially. It will also create additional expense for your business (in paying the autoresponder fees). Like I said in my review of "The Silent Sales Machine Hiding on eBay" if you are willing to put the time and effort in
then you will find this ebook useful. If you are not willing or ready to expand your eBay business in a creative and new dimension then this ebook is not for you.


GOOD POINTS
ท If you are currently only selling on eBay and not following up on auction visitors
How to turn Auction Traffic into Cash lays wide open the huge opportunities you are missing out on.
ท How to turn Auction Traffic into Cash tells you utilise eBay's huge levels of traffic
and build up a mailing list
(which in turn provides you with many benefits)
whilst sticking to eBay policy.
ท The ebook provides a step-by-step guide to setting up a newsletter system in your eBay auctions complete with screen shots. Even if you are completely unfamiliar with webforms you will find this guide easy to follow.
ท Building up a mailing list of subscribers provides you with many benefits including customer loyalty
customer trust
a highly targeted source of traffic
and the ability to sell products outside of eBay (meaning no eBay fees).
ท Once the webforms and followup messages are in place
building your mailing list is virtually automated. All you have to do is write the broadcast messages when you want to do a mass-mailing to your list.

BAD POINTS
ท To build a mailing list requires additional monthly expenditure on an autoresponder service.
ท If you are running lots of auctions they will all need to be edited to implement these ideas
which can be very time consuming.
ท The growth rate of your mailing list when using these methods is slightly exaggerated in this ebook.


HOW I HAVE GAINED FROM HOW TO TURN AUCTION TRAFFIC INTO CASH
How to turn Auction Traffic into Cash is the ebook that ked to me setting up my own mailing list. Prior to this I had been using eBay's basic Shop Newsletter tool which really cannot compete with a proper autoresponder service. Since I now run multiple websites as well as an eBay store
a newsletter is really the best way to communicate to all my visitors. Using the ideas in How to turn Auction Traffic into Cash I have been able to place web sign up forms on all my eBay pages as well as all my website pages
which has allowed me to maximise my subscription rate.

EBOOK DETAILS
File Size: 455kb Zipped
513
Unzipped.
Number of Pages: 36
Format: Adobe Acrobat (.pdf)
Subject: Interview Ebook with Sara Brown (see about the author for more details)
Other Information: Also comes with "Internet Marketing Success: Off the Record" - An interview with Tony Shepherd" who is author of 'The One Month Magnate.' This interview ebook is 18 pages long.


ABOUT SARA BROWN
Sara Brown is one of the UK's top internet marketers she sells on eBay at http://stores.ebay.co.uk/The-Jobhaters-Marketplace and also runs a variety of websites which can all be accessed from http://www.sara-brown.com/choices/. If you want to know more read her About Me page on eBay or subscribe to her newsletter through her websites.


ABOUT THE EBOOK
The title of the ebook pretty much explains what this ebook is; An Interview with Sara Brown. Inside Sara divulges a lot of key information which many an Internet Marketer would find useful.

In the ebook Sara discusses:
ท Her best discovery about the Internet!
ท The best discovery of her Life!
ท Her previous Jobs!
ท The formula she uses to launch a New Product!
ท Where she gets her Ideas!
ท How easy it is to set up an Income Stream!
ท Her first major success in Internet Marketing!
ท The most important money making skill a person can have as an Internet Marketer!
ท Why some people aren't successful Online!
ท Some of the real life income streams she has used in the past and uses Today!

I found this ebook an interesting read. Although it is not the most in depth Internet Marketing ebook out there it gave me some useful ideas to consider. The ebook starts with general questions about Sara's past achievements
jobs
and income streams. Towards the middle of the ebook and until the end Sara talks in detail about some of the income streams she has set up in the past.

The most interesting parts of the ebook I found were about Sara's offline income streams. These are a classic example of an idea that involved 'Thinking Outside the Box' and ones that get your mind rolling for similar ideas. One of them was an ingenious idea involving a car boot sale and the other involving winches. She also talks about one of her online income streams involving getting babies to sleep
a subject that Sara again had very little knowledge of before she started up the income stream. Other interesting things covered in this ebook include the rumour that Sara Brown is in fact Tony Shepherd.


GOOD POINTS
ท Provides real life examples of income streams Sara has used both on and offline to generate an income.
ท An additional interview ebook with Tony Shepherd is provided absolutely FREE.
ท Relatively low priced in comparison to similar ebooks.

BAD POINTS
ท Since it is an interview ebook it does not provide you with actual systems you can implement.
ท Relatively short when compared to other ebooks (only 36 pages).

HOW I HAVE GAINED FROM AN INTERVIEW WITH SARA BROWN
The main thing I gained from An Interview with Sara Brown is from her offline income streams. This got me thinking about ways that I could make money offline. This in turn led me to research ways I could make money offline in an area that I had expertise. A quick search of the forums helped me formulate a simple idea which was initially spawned from reading this interview.

Druxel Manor is a stimulating thriller-mystery-romance novel that keeps the reader guessing. Who do you trust? Everyone seems to know a little something but no one is willing to explain – or rather
what is revealed only creates more confusion.

There are three main characters here. Trevor and Angel are adopted siblings who were raised in a life of the privileged – growing up in a mansion and attending only the best of schools. Angel is a dedicated and driven journalist
while her brother is obsessed with his quest to find their biological parents. Their adopted parents’ insistent warnings to never try to find their real parents and other small clues drove Trevor to find out the truth. In his bones
he knew something was out of place and what he found out put both of their lives at stake.

Suddenly
Angel finds herself thrown into the midst of a mysterious and dangerous adventure – and she has no idea why. Then James arrives
her rescuer and protector – whether she likes it or not - and her undeniable animal attraction to him turns her world upside down. She must decide who to trust and find out the reason for all the things left unexplained.

Tarra Young performed a difficult task in keeping the pace fast and momentum high in this novel. I never knew what was going to happen next – and all my suspicions were wrong in the end. I thought this book was a fun and interesting read and is an excellent choice for readers who enjoy a good mystery."

Publisher: Publish America
Inc.
ISBN#: 1413766242
Author: Tarra Young

Dragon Tales by Mary C. Fairbanks is truly and entertaining book
chock full of twenty-four dragon stories. Perfect for youth from the age of five to fifteen
even adults would be charmed by its pages. The images are unique and interesting
with a style that left me with the impression they were created on a computer.

Caregivers are likely to find the morals to each story helpful to deal with youth problems with social interaction
self-image
overcoming self-absorption
understanding others and more. The author tackles many issues through her lovable
yet egotistical dragons or even through sad and lonely dragons. She shows the importance of freedom and dictates communities working together to solve problems peacefully. The confusion between the way that dragons and humans view each other in this book will aid against racism. Her characters learn to not passively accept what everyone else believes and live by another’s prejudices. Instead
Mary has the characters find out for themselves what is the truth. Often
the young characters have to ‘think’ their way out of a situation or learn to ask the right questions - rather than fighting it or running away from problems.

I would recommend this fictional
children’s book of short stories to anyone
anytime
anywhere.

ISBN#: 1554102545
Author: Marie C. Fairbanks
Publisher: Zumaya Otherworlds

This 284-page mystery thriller has twists and turns that will keep readers guessing right until the end. I was thinking about the book for days after I completed this review project. I knew it had to be read again from the moment I finished the last page.

Handsome
well-built Michael Bannagan is CEO and founder of a successful computer company – he’s also a womanizer. Unaccustomed to hardship or a messy life
Michael is having a difficult time with his cold and beautiful wife. He’s been caught cheating
again (but he’s not the only one)
and she wants a divorce. Out of the blue
he finds he is arrested for a murder he did not commit. All the clues point to Michael and he knows he is being set up – but by whom
and by how many? Are they working together? And WHY?! After all
Michael has never done anything evil in his life.

Don’t Go Alone is a story of high-society - of limousines
kept wives and fancy homes. It is a story of passion and shame
of regrets and betrayal
mistakes and love… hate and revenge.

This is the third book by Margaret Lenois that I have had the pleasure of reviewing. She may very well be the next female author that we see on the best selling list!

ISBN#: 0-9771971-3-1
Author: Margaret Lenois
Publisher: Better Be Write Publishing

When I first read the basic theme of the book
I thought seemed far-fetched. I couldn’t have been more wrong. In fact
the last 30 pages were so spell-binding everything else in my life had to wait until I finished the book. Author Margaret Lenois takes on a difficult task with this serial killer story line. Deadly Duplicates is a fiction novel about super-natural identical Siamese twins that would fit in with the genres of suspense and psychological thriller.

Separated Siamese twins Deborah and Doreen Price were the subjects of gossip for hospital staff from the moment they were born – and it was not being identical or their scars that set them apart. As young children
their mother’s mind snapped after several frightening and horrifying events including witnessing her own parents being burning alive in her childhood home. Yet she must rein over her self-imposed comatose state in time to save her girls.

Has their mother been absent so long that she cannot make a difference? Can the love of two detectives – the very men who adore them at home
but investigate the murders by day - save them? Read the book and find out!

ISBN#: 0976773244
Author: Margaret LeNois
Publisher: A Better Be Write Publisher

Now this could definitely be a movie! Dark Autumn is fantastic action-packed futuristic thriller that had me riveted for days. The energy was kept very high throughout the book. Occasionally Clint Dunshee’s characters performed seemingly super-human tasks
similar to James Bond or Dirk Pitt. However
the reader is also shown their flaws and the strength of intimate friendships – bonds that are so deep they are willing to risk their lives for them. The abilities of these characters are made more believable because of the incredibly difficult training scenarios the author leads the reader through.

The theme is set in the future when space travel and space science is a part of life. Earth is contacted from another planet when one of the science probes is picked up by alien humans. As it turns out Earth is only one of hundreds of planets with intelligent life
only some were human. Many planets in the universe helped bring Earth’s technology up to par in exchange for the planet’s rich agriculture and minerals. Most planets worked on a good trade relation in relative peace
but the trouble-making Marvonians were on the edge of acceptance. This planet took it upon themselves to steal from Earth and attack their ships within a few light years of Marvon.

The main characters of the book
Alan
Bill
Carrie
Julie and Angela are all highly intelligent youth that are singled out for highly trained positions. Despite their youth and inexperience
they were considered Earth’s only chance to avoid a war with a technologically superior race. Bounty hunters and sabotage plays a part in a deadly scavenger hunt while plans are laid to rescue the hostages held by Marvonians. Earth has a chance to destroy their image of being a young planet and elevate into more sophisticated
honorable one that the other planets can respect and hold trade with more readily.

In order to do this
Earth must play the game carefully and honorably - at the same time the team must eliminate the dangerous problems with Marvon and free the Earthling prisoners before it is too late.

I believe this book deserves the highest ratings and I would recommend it to anyone
anytime
anywhere.

Publisher: Publish America
Inc.
ISBN#: 1413750923

This true account of domestic sexual abuse does not horrify the reader with graphic details of incest – rather it shares the repercussions of it. C.J.Wilke's personal reactions
her recovery and interactions with family members are well documented here.

In the beginning
the survivor is counseled into finding something healthy to hold on to their sanity. For some
like the author
this crutch becomes religion; many find a passion for task
craft or artistic endeavor – for others
their hate and anger are the only things that keep them alive.

Her experiences show us that it is most important for the survivor to gain the right kind of friends. To a survivor with a desire to resist succumbing to the incredible haunting emotional and physical distresses
a good friend can help them make the first steps to recovery. A friend that shows the survivor as a valuable person worthy of friendship can be a huge healing step. Rather than friends that bring further harm and insult which only increase the victims suffering. The difficulty is having the skills to recognize the friend who really cares
as opposed to the one who ‘cares’ to the extent as what you do (or might do) for them. Recognition is only one part of it
however. One must also have the skills to deal with the situation and take on the terrifying aspect of change.

For C.J.
getting married and changing her name was part of her healing process. She married a good
loving man who was also her best friend. By shedding the family name and taking her husbands’
she felt like she was refreshed
no longer the victim. Her difficult task was only beginning as she tried to learn to forgive herself. Once she had done this
she could deal with her family
as long as her strong husband was by her side.

If I was to say one thing about this book it would be that it is a very moving tale
because of its authenticity.

Publisher: Publish America
Inc.
ISBN#: 1413712282
Author: CJ Wilkes

Jocelyn has an excellent knowledge and understanding of the writing craft. The author interweaves multiple
strong
leading characters and two completely different time frames masterfully. Crest of Eagles reminds me of some of the great works of Wilbur Smith. This book certainly ranks with some of the best that I have reviewed to date and I would not hesitate to give Crest of Eagles the highest rating available.

Mandhla is taken prisoner by terrorists during an attack of a mission run by white people with generous hearts for children who had no one to turn to. Everyone was mercilessly killed except those who could not be turned into soldiers or whores.

Peter Kennedy
leader of the top military team
set out to save the children
but in fouling the job
Peter earned the revenge of one very mixed-up boy. Kuru joins Peter in the war against the terrorists with the hope of saving his brother – never dreaming that when he did meet Mandhla again
it would be as enemies.

Ancient tribal religion works its way into present day. The lives of Tcana
a high priestess
and Rebecca
a bombshell journalist
are connected in some kind of cosmic manor - though they live centuries apart.

Romance
adventure
suspense
ancient tribal history and modern day action – this book has it all! Crest of Eagles is destined to be one of the most dog-eared fiction books in my collection.

ISBN#: 0976773252
Author: Jocelyn Howe
Publisher: A Better Be Write Publisher

Author
Margaret LeNois demonstrates excellent story-telling capabilities in her 272-page fiction novel
Cremator’s Revenge.

The title was perfect choice for the book. Here we have a very disturbed serial killer working as a cremator at the very graveyard where his beloved grandmother lay. Obsessed with her death
a twisted kind of religion
a benevolent hate for destitute people and being a loner
took a toll on him. It seemed
for a while at least
that refuge could be found in tending his beautiful gardens out in the Florida sunshine.

The author is brutally realistic and shows a true understanding of people in less privileged situations and the life circumstances that brought them there. We are shown how street people
or "streeters"
survive the elements
avoid dangers and locate food. The huge benefits that the meals
clothes
showers and comfort that volunteers provide is a gift that cannot be measured for those who have no access to these things. The "streeters" creation of tight and protective substitute families
aid against the prejudice within society. And those that aim for greener pastures face huge challenges.

The heart-thumping pace is kept steady with the author’s skilled use of fear
righteous wrath and revenge - emotions that today’s society can relate to and on some level
even cheer. A tense romance triangle between a feisty reporter
a frustrated cop and a destitute military veteran really spices things up. There were sections of such chilling horror that I shivered
but couldn’t break away from reading just one more page.

I absolutely loved reading this psychological thriller and highly recommend it to readers who like a book that is hard to set down.

ISBN#: 0976773201
Author: Margaret M. LeNois
Publisher: A Better Be Write Publisher

I had the satisfaction the other day of having finished a book. Yes
you would think that those of us who write for a living would be great readers. Some of us are
some of us aren’t. I probably am fairly well read overall
but that covers magazines
newspapers
articles
and the like for the most part…especially if they can be found online!

My wife picked up a book for me this past Christmas and she hit it right on the mark — Condi: The Condoleeza Rice Story. Written by Antonia Felix
the book traces the remarkable life of now Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice from her days living in highly segregated Birmingham
Alabama during the 1950s and 1960s through her years as an academic scholar
college professor
and university provost
all the way up to her present work with the Bush Administration. Written in 2003
the book still has Condi as National Security Advisor to the president
but in 2004 Condi replaced Colin Powell as the Secretary of State.

The book delves into Condi’s life and doesn’t hold back on much. No
not much to criticize about this consummate overachiever
rather plenty of praise for a role model who has triumphed in the face of overwhelming odds
let alone overwhelming adversity.

Condi is not just a leading scholar
but she is an expert in Soviet {Russian} affairs
an accomplished pianist
and an avid football fan. Driven? Oh
yes! But
not in the “possessed” or “obsessed” sense of the word. As a black woman working in a mostly white male environment Condi has established herself on her terms and not on someone else’s. “Twice as good” was the mantra passed down to Condi by her parents who believed that black children had to do everything twice as well as white children in order to be considered equal in a segregated society.

I won’t give all the details of the book away
but there are some highly interesting aspects about Condi that some people probably just don’t know. Personally
I don’t think Condi will run for president on the Republican ticket in 2008 as some desire — instead
she aspires to be president of the NFL — but whatever Condi chooses to do beyond her time working with President Bush will more than likely include breaking new ground and setting the trend for all who come behind her.

Howard Jonas
founder and chairman of IDT Corp.
was 14 years old when he started selling hot dogs on a street corner in the Bronx. Today
he runs a multibillion dollar telecommunications company that is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. What is the secret of his success?

The answer
he says
is in his religious commitment and the title of his most recent book
I'm Not the Boss, I Just Work Here.


Jonas recalls that as a little boy his father told him how the biblical Joseph
a slave of Egypt
rose to be a master of Potiphar's house.

Potiphar was the prime minister of Egypt. Joseph
a lowly Hebrew slave
had one of the simplest jobs in the household - sweeping the floor. Yet
taking a break when more work could be done didn't seem right to Joseph.

One day Potiphar showed up particularly late and all of the servants had left
except for Joseph. Joseph was sweeping the floor just one more time. Potiphar realized that Joseph was a man he could trust because if this slave wouldn't "steal" a moment's rest from him
he certainly wouldn't steal from the household.

"I've kept this Joseph story in mind as I've built my company
Jonas writes. Jonas believes that people who not only accept but embrace life's challenges are truly actualizing God's will for humanity.

Personally and professionally, Jonas has had enormous success.
Success is not a reward
he writes.
Sometimes it's just a sign of having tried hard and often."

But he also has had more than his fair share of failures as he reveals in "I'm Not the Boss
I Just Work Here." Jonas candidly shares with readers a time in his life in which he struggled with severe depression. Jonas says he wrote this book hoping to inspire and encourage others by the example of his response to adversity and the strength of his relationship with God.

Remember the Batman movies? Well
the movie producer of successful movies like these and entertaining children’s television shows such as Where on Earth is Carmen Sandiego?
Michael Uslan
has released this adorable children’s book. Chatterbox – The Bird Who Wore Glasses is available in a durable
hard-cover format with a lovely cover sleeve that will help prolong the life of the book. At 40 pages and full of excellent illustrations
this book is sure to entertain children.

Sad
red-headed Nancy doesn’t fit in well with the other kids who call her "Nancy Nobody". She wished and wished for a new friend and one day the dream came true when a feathered
sight-challenged friend flew her way. Nancy felt needed
she was loved
and her world was set right by her new funny bird.

John Steven Gurney
a very successful artist and illustrator
colorfully illustrates the large pages with plenty of things to look at. Written in playful
light verse the author does mention things like prayer and "God’s love"
there fore it may appeal to a religious audience.

The book includes a CD with 2 songs and the orated version of the story by actress Brittany Murphy (voice of Luanne on King of the Hill
also known for her parts in Clueless and Up Town Girls). This could certainly appeal to the independent child who wants to "read" the book themselves. As well
the CD option may provide a few extra minutes for busy caregivers. The bullying shown in the beginning of the story
though very minor
may be useful for building empathy in the classroom for lonely and segregated individuals.

Children with family pets
especially birds
would definitely enjoy this book. Also
kids that are just becoming used to either themselves or someone they know who has recently gotten eye-glasses.

Chatterbox – The Bird Who Wore Glasses is actually the first book in a series by the author Michael Uslan. Check out the website for the book at: www(dot)chatterboxthebirdwhoworeglasses(dot)com


ISBN#: 0-97538432-5
Author: Michael E. Uslan
Illustrator: John Steven Gurney
Publisher: EE Publishing & Productions
Inc.

There is no question about it - Americans are running out of time. Family dinners are a thing of the past. We run from appointment to appointment
take work home
and cram leisure time into short bursts of stress filled moments. The question is
how did we did get into this predicament? It certainly isn’t because we are inefficient. In the past 25 years
economists estimate that productivity has increased by 70% or more. We have overnight delivery
cell phones
fast food
and instant messaging. Shouldn’t our ability to get more work done give us more time? Where does all this “extra” time go?

According to Dr. Bill Quain
we are spending too much time at work
and not enough time on the things we really want to do. Americans in the 21st century work more hours than peasants did in the Middle Ages
and spend less time at home with their families because of it. We are busy staying busy
but all that work doesn't always translate to a better lifestyle. Our debt is up
and our leisure time is down. In fact
we don’t even take the leisure time we’ve earned. More than 25 percent of Americans will take no vacation days at all next year.

Dr. Bill Quain
an experienced author
businessman
university professor and speaker prescribes a cure for the whole treadmill syndrome. Dr. Quain
known as “The Time Doctor
” says he is the first person to really solve the time problem. His book
“Overcoming Time Poverty: How to Achieve More by Working Less”
doesn’t cost much or take much time to read. But it explains a system for gaining not only more free time but also more wealth
with less work.

While many popular authors and business experts recommend taking more time off from work to improve your quality of life
Dr. Quain says that can be a prescription for disaster. “Most people trade their time for money
” says Quain. “If you work less
you make less! Then
your quality of life suffers.” In his book
he describes a simple
five-step process to create more leisure time
with the money to enjoy it.

According to Quain
the process of overcoming time poverty is different than for overcoming financial poverty. Financially poor people don’t have money
but time poor people do have time. “We all get the same – 24 hours per day. It isn’t a lack of time
it is the way we use that time that matters
” says Quain.

How should we use our time? “Don’t just trade your time
hour by hour
for a paycheck
” he says. “Use some of your time to create equity
and then let the equity make money for you.” In his book
Quain shows readers how to develop five kinds of wealth-and-time generating equity. Instead of working more hours
people can now increase the value of each and every hour – giving them more choices as to how they spend their time.

Quain says that most of us are just playing the wrong game. We work hard to make money
and then work more hours when we want more money. Soon
we have money
but no time.

It is time to play a new game -- make more money in less time. Take a job you like
but get off the "fast track" at work. Then
leverage your time equity outside work to combine the income of a CEO with the leisure time of a retiree.

And that sounds like a perfect prescription for coping with the time challenges of the 21st century.

Be careful what you wish for! Birthday wishes may just be a little more powerful than we give them credit for…

Caleb’s Birthday Wish is a wonderful tale about holding on to one’s dream despite whatever we might see as obstacles. Written by David Villanueva jr. and illustrated by Edmundo Sanchez
Caleb’s Birthday Wish brings us a wonderful
freckle-faced 8-year-old boy in a wheelchair that wanted very much to fly. Caleb goes on a fun and exciting balloon trip where he is briefly caught in a tree
had a slight alligator scare
enjoyed a chimpanzee race
met a sneezing giraffe and had a close call with a zooming jet. Finally
aided by friendly ducks (and his powerful birthday wish) Caleb finds his way back to the birthday party that is still going strong in his back yard.

The last few pages are well designed for this age group with a maze
seek and count games and a word search. 40-pages are filled with a light-humor and the main character has a cheerful and dream-filled disposition. His faithful dog
Ozzy
is there with him throughout the tale – with the exception of the flight itself.

I can say with honesty
that I enjoyed reviewing this book…

ISBN#: 0-9771971-8-2
Author: David Villanueva jr.
Illustrator: Edmundo Sanchez
Publisher: A Better Be Write Publisher

This is certainly an unusual tale. Here we have Caleb
a child from a single and destitute mother
who is taken in by a trusted friend of the family. The father figure for Caleb has never been a father; he is not married and has little experience with children. Despite all of this
the two blend well together and create their own version of "family" - with just the two of them.

Issues from raising a child as a single father
without a mother’s presence and tackling stereotyped views that a man cannot adopt a child by himself were raised in a compelling manor right from the start. Difficulties in handling corrupt and ruined systems in some medical and childcare arenas are also raised with strong emotion. The author brings up the fact that schools who teach children as a generic mass rather than focusing on the individual
leave too many children on their own. Careless doctors
thoughtless education systems
unreasonable and unbending childcare rules… All of these are addressed in Caleb’s Branch.

Young Caleb is a gifted and abused child that is overdosed with prescription drugs
strung out and hyper active when he arrives at his new home. He has a secret ability to see things that others cannot. The author uses this to slip back in time to the family who lived on the same piece land generations ago
where we are shown another kind of a father-son relationship.

Often justifiable
but tiring and emotional rants were used to relay the rage and frustration felt by the new father in this story. The writing style was definitely descriptive - sometimes a little over descriptive for my tastes. The way the author concluded Caleb’s Branch had me wondering if I had missed some pages
because it didn’t really conclude. It is painfully obvious that there will be a book two on the slate
which might provide the explanations and closure that are missing in this book.

Caleb’s Branch
a relatively large book with over 400 pages
is difficult to classify. It is a family non-fiction with mysterious and paranormal occurrences that involves two families separated by generations
yet connected through a little boy named Caleb and the land they have all called "home". I thought it was particularly interesting that the author showed how having children can sometimes bring a new understanding of our upbringing and our parents – and therefore
of our selves.

The Magician's Nephew is chronologically the first book in the Narnia series by C. S. Lewis. Set about 50 Years before the events in
The Lion
the Witch and the Wardrobe"
it describes how the land of Narnia came into being.

If you watched the recent movie "The Lion
the Witch and the Wardrobe"
you might have wondered about two details: why does a wardrobe lead into the magical land of Narnia
and why does Lucy find a lantern burning in the middle of a forest?

"The Magician"s Nephew" answers these questions (though I will not give the answers away in this review) and many more. The novel contains the genesis (literally) of the entire Narnia cycle.

The story begins in late 19th-century London
when two children
Polly and Digory accidentally enter the secret study of Digory's eccentric uncle Andrew while exploring a passage that connects the attics of several houses.

The uncle is actually a magician
and he tricks Polly and his nephew into performing an experiment involving magic rings. These rings transport the children into the "Wood between the Worlds"
a quiet forest that contains numerous small pools serving as gates to other worlds. Polly and Digory jump into one of the pools and explore the ruined city of Charn
where Digory is faced with a great temptation. A sign on a small bell next to a sleeping woman proclaims:

Make your choice
adventurous Stranger

Strike the bell and bide the danger

Or wonder
till it drives you mad

What would have followed if you had.

Digory is unable to resist and strikes the bell
which has momentous consequences. The sound awakens the woman
Empress Jadis
who had destroyed the entire city of Charn with a curse thousands of years ago. She manages to follow the children to London
and scenes of hilarious mayhem ensue.

Eventually
the two children
the uncle
the cruel Empress and a cabbie and his horse are transported back to the Wood between the Worlds and from there to a new world that is just coming into being - Narnia.

The creation of Narnia is described in poetic detail
and afterwards Digory has to atone for his earlier mistake by resisting another temptation - the fruit from the forbidden tree. The history of Narnia begins
but the shadow of evil (the Empress will one day return as the White Witch) and the future necessity of Aslan's sacrifice are already hinted at.

Sound plays an important role in this novel: there is the drowsy stillness of the Wood between the Worlds
the barren silence of the city of Charn shattered by the bell
the harmony of the celestial spheres and the creative song of Aslan's voice. All this makes "The Magician"s Nephew" a true prelude to Narnia.

If you recently watched the very popular Disney movie "The Lion
the Witch and the Wardrobe"
you might be aware that C. S. Lewis wrote a total of seven books about Narnia. These are
in order of the internal chronology of events:

1 - The Magician's Nephew
2 - The Lion
the Witch and the Wardrobe
3- The Horse and His Boy
4 - Prince Caspian
5 - The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
6 - The Silver Chair
7 - The Last Battle

The novel "Prince Caspian" begins one year after the events told in "The Lion
the Witch and the Wardrobe" on a railroad platform where Peter
Edmund
Susan and Lucy are waiting for trains that will take them to their boarding schools. Suddenly they feel themselves transported into another world
and after a few hours of wandering about they realize that it is Narnia
where many centuries have passed in the meantime.

The second plot line involves young Prince Caspian
heir to the throne of Narnia
who has to flee from his usurping uncle Miraz. Deep in a forest he discovers some of the "Old Narnians" - talking beasts and dwarfs - and later decides to challenge his uncle for the kingship.

Soon
though
the military situation deteriorates for Caspian and his small army
and they end up besieged on Aslan's How
a hill built over the site of the stone table that played a crucial role in "The Lion
the Witch and the Wardrobe". When things look utterly bleak
Caspian uses his most precious object
Queen Susan's Horn
to summon help.

This review does not try to give away too much more of the plot and spoil the reader's enjoyment
so let me just say that the two plot lines intertwine
there are thrilling battle scenes (including a duel) and a wonderful celebration at the end.

Lewis does a good job of showing the gradual re-transformation of the four children
who once again turn from being English schoolchildren to becoming Kings and Queens of Narnia.

To me
Prince Caspian
is one of the three best books in the Narnia series
together with "The Lion
the Witch and the Wardrobe" and "The Magician's Nephew". In many ways
it repeats themes from "The Lion
the Witch and the Wardrobe"
but adds an interesting perspective by having the events of the earlier book become the stuff of legend.

Recently chosen by Writer’s Digest magazine as one of the best new self-published books of 2005
‘Buddha in the Boardroom’ is a clever and entertaining blend of business challenges and Buddhist philosophy.

“What a charming book! MacConnell and Mosher have successfully juxtaposed wonderful
simple Buddhist wisdom with the everyday ordinary
focusing on work life. Indeed
why not have a Buddha in the Boardroom. For that matter
simple Buddhist wisdom is helpful anywhere…This is an easy
very pleasant read - with great substance.”

Writer’s Digest magazine

Learn the secrets of the original self-help Guru. Over 2
500
years ago The Buddha shared with his followers what Western medicine has realized less than 200 years ago: emotional suffering can be just as painful and debilitating as physical suffering.

Buddhism teaches us that if we learn to handle our relationships properly our life will be easier. Learn how your chaotic and stressful workplace environment is really a series of relationships
whether it is with your boss
co-workers
customers
salesmen
competition
or suppliers. Each chapter shows how by learning to handle these workplace relationships properly
you not only increase your chances of success
but your job can actually becomes less stressful and more enjoyable.

“You will see yourself and everyone you know in the chapters of this book.”
Heather McGough

Sometimes funny and sometimes serious
discover for yourself why ‘Buddha in the Boardroom’ has been called ‘the business book that is inspirational.’ Chapters include: competition
conflicts
controlling anger
risk taking
ethics
handling change
teamwork
goal setting
time management and many more in 30 chapters and 138 pages.

Buddhism is universally accepted because it is not in conflict with any religion nor with science. See for yourself why Buddhism is not for everyone
it’s only for those who want to live a happier and more productive life.

Author of two books and many short stories
J.P. Ransom is busily writing a series of books called Colla’d Greens and two more upcoming books including a sequel to Born Evil.

Born Evil is a compact
150
book that is printed on acid-free paper – which may be of interest to the environmentally conscious consumer. I would categorize this book as a chilling horror
which involves an infant that is born evil. Traumatized by early experiences
only compounds Jonathan’s natural inclination – a cruel desire to cause harm. Unprepared for a disturbed child
his adopted parents are continually wallowing in deep pits of overwhelming uncertainty. Rick suspects the truth
but Trish finds it very hard to imagine or even accept that little Jonathon is capable of such hateful acts.

I think the book makes a good point that some people are simply born with a desire to do harm
with no abusive situation to attribute these urges to. Readers are also shown how these urges can easily be encouraged through socially acceptable entertainment and through being witness to violent acts.

While reading Born Evil
I experienced a wide range of emotions from anger to sorrow and shock. The conclusion was exceptional and I look forward to J.P. Ransom’s sequel.

ISBN#: 1410788520
Author: J.P. Ransom
Publisher: Author House

The Alchemist is one of those "esoteric" feeling books that makes you feel like life is vivid again.

It certainly plays on the feeling that "there is something more" that you've forgotten and the thought that you are part of a bigger plan.

As you follow Santiago
the shepherd boy on his adventure
you will automatically question your own adventure in life; are you living up to your higher purpose? Why have you forgotten your way? What else is out there that you should be doing? Have you betrayed what you were meant to do with your life?

Asking questions like this...feeling the feelings that go along with such questions...it really is a wonderful way to live. For the short time that you read this book
you will feel more alive. You will feel more in tune with "the universe". You will feel that wonderful 1-in-the-morning-stare-out-the-window-and-listen-to-the-wind feeling...that is…unless you don't know what that feels like.

Santiago follows his dreams
which take him from Spain to Morocco and then Egypt
all in search of a special treasure. During his travels he learns lessons from messengers that seem placed in his path at the right moment
just when he needs them.

The author
Paulo Coelho
is a Brazilian writer who is very well-liked. I heard that Madonna loves him. I have read several of his books
but I think this is the best one. He has churned out quite a few more books in the last few years that I have not read yet
so it is certainly possible that he has outdone The Alchemist. I'll check it out.

A few of his books have been non-fiction and about his own life. From what I can piece together
Paulo is a member of a little-known Mystic Catholic sect which seeks after spiritual growth. They assign previously unknown international mentors to their members...older men who have attained a high degree of spiritual power (and worldly success?). I won't even go into some of the weird stuff they do
but if you want to an idea
pick up "The Pilgrimage"
also by Coelho.

But do read The Alchemist; it is just such a good book. It will definitely give you a wisdom-buzz...or an "esoteric-buzz".

Today I was reading an interview with Paulo
in which he talked about watching for "Omens" in your life that only you will recognize. It's a language the “Universe” speaks to you through...like coincidences
songs
feelings
synchronicities. This is a theme he definitely speaks a lot about in The Alchemist.

Some people complain that the book is too simplistic
that you would be stupid to believe that there is some “plan” for your life that you should have followed; that you should wake up
take your head out of the “touchy-feely” clouds and get back to work.

If you are prone to such thoughts
perhaps this book is not for you. However
if you enjoy waking up your soul from time to time
there is no better place to do it than in the clouds.

If you haven't read "7 Habits" yet
it MAY NOT be time to read it now.

I have noticed that you can't or shouldn't read it until you're ready. Let me explain that:

I read it in 1993 when I was 20. If I had read it when I was 19
I would have gotten nothing out of it. To be honest
when I did read it
it really was an answer to my prayers.

There are concepts in this book that are so powerful
that even just reading them (without consciously putting them into action) changed how I live.

For example
I continuously found myself comparing what was happening in my life to what I had just read. If someone said an insulting thing to me
my initial feeling would be anger
but on the heels of that thought would come something I'd read in 7 Habits. I'd be thinking
Hey! That reminds me of when Covey wrote about ___________.
And by the time that thought was gone
so was the negative situation.

Thinking became a whole lot of fun!

Even the first 3 Habits were enough to get me incredibly excited about interaction with others. You could live 1000 years and not come up with these concepts on your own.

The 4th habit was my favorite. It's called "Seek First to Understand
Then to be Understood". I wish I did this more...now that I'm married! But back then
this helped me to become a very good "Speaker". I could talk to people and help them not "drown for psychological air" around me. People want to be understood. If you argue your point all the time
no one feels understood and ideas are harder to be put into action. ANY IDIOT CAN ARGUE! The whole world seems to place a huge importance on debate...and being able to destroy other people's points of view with your logic and wit.

But that's not strength. Like I said: any idiot can argue. Not 1 in 1000 people can REALLY consider another person's opinion as being the right one. Even fewer can actually stop and say to themselves: "I'm positive that I'm 110% right and that other person is wrong
but who knows? Maybe I am wrong. Let me consider their point and listen to what they need to express."

Now that is real strength.

I once shared this concept with an opinionated individual. They started yelling at me and saying I was wrong and that if you know you're right
you need to stand up for yourself and prove the other person is wrong. With a grin on my face
I replied
Maybe you're right
. LOL! They didn't even pick up on the fact I had just done to them what I was advocating.

It's amazing what happens to people when you state back to them what you think is the point they're trying to make. You'll end up starting a lot of your sentences with: "...so
what you're saying is....". Once you begin to show the person you're not there to argue
their backs go down; the urgency in their voice drops; they calm down; and then they listen to your point without fighting.

As Covey explains
the best way to influence others is...to be INFLUENCED.

It's such a good book and it's filled with principles that will help you in all your dealings
but I find you have to be in a position in your life to put it into action. It will work great if you can practice it every day in a setting as:

-a family member dealing with difficult situations
-a manager
-a salesperson

...or anyone who needs to deal with people day-to-day. If you feel a strong need to know how to deal with others more effectively
maybe you're ready for this book now.

Coming on strong after the success of his Pulitzer Prize-winning Guns
Germs
and Steel
Jared Diamond's new book
Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed is a tome of intriguing insight to the other side of the coin. While Guns
Germs and Steel examined how some societies thrived
due to their respective geographic and environmental endowments
this book examines why ancient societies have collapsed so often in the past
in part for the same reasons. To support this thesis
the book delves into a variety of past civilizations
including the Anasazi of the American Southwest
the Maya and the Viking colonies of Greenland to illustrate that collapse of a society is no respecter of geography. Nor is it a respecter of time. Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed also looks at modern-day societies such as Rwanda to explain the catastrophe that recently befell this afflicted nation
as well as it depicts present-day Montana and the fascinating factors rendering this once wealthy state into one of the poorest. Could Montana be a microcosm for the U.S. at large? The book asks how once astute societies that built magnificent monuments testifying of their social and economic prowess
could suddenly vanish or be rendered impotent. Not lost on the reader throughout these case studies is the nagging thought that perhaps this fate might also befall our own wealthy country. In fact
it is the seminal point of this provocative book. Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed hopes to stir our collective consciousness to an understanding what lies before us so that we may be saved
as evidenced
from the pitfalls of the past. In essence
we cannot separate the economy from the environment if we hope to avoid devastation.

Perhaps this is best depicted in the book's treatise of the Anasazi. Their vast ruins in what is now northern New Mexico echo a well-ordered
sophisticated society in a fragile desert environment that lasted over 600 years. To put this into perspective
they lasted longer than any European society in the Americas to date. However
over time the Anasazi of the Chaco Canyon complex became ever more specialized in the tasks of the society. This in turn allowed them to make gains in economies of efficiency while making them equally interdependent as a culture. More and more the main complex at Chaco Canyon depended on outlying communities and outposts for their support
not unlike London or Rome today. These cities served as governmental and religious centers to facilitate the management their respective societies. Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed describes how
like many of our cities of today
"Chaco Canyon became a black hole into which goods were imported but from which nothing tangible was exported." As the population grew so did the demands on the surrounding environment. Fuel and other essential resources became ever more distant; coupled with soil depletion and erosion in the surrounding farmlands. In essence
they became increasingly close to living on the margin of what the environment could reasonably support. The final straw was a prolonged drought. No longer able to support or feed themselves
the society suddenly collapsed into open revolt and total civil warfare
culminating in cannibalism and ultimately total abandonment of the site. The moral lesson is that while they "adopted solutions that were brilliantly successful and understandable in the 'short term' (they) created fatal problems in the long run." The analogy to our present day situation of overextending ourselves is obvious.

While Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed seems to make a strong connection between collapse of a society and it's environment
this book is not all about eco-meltdowns. He also measures four other critical factors involving the demise of societies as well; including hostile neighbors; loss of trading partners; climate change and perhaps most importantly
a society's responses to its challenges. In this vein
this book also looks at several past success stories where societies in Japan and the highlands of New Guinea had the insight to change fundamental
traditional values and restore a positive balance with nature
trading partners etc. and thrive.

In its conclusion
Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed presents a cautious optimism for our own future. The book concludes that because we are the creators our own problems
we also have the power to amend the quandaries we have made. This
the book maintains
will not be easy and will require profound courage; but necessary if we are to have hope for the future.

"No wonder it's so hard to lose weight- our bodies are designed to keep weight on at all costs; it's a matter of survival. It's embedded in our DNA." In essence
we are designed to gain weight
expounds Mark Hyman
M.D. in his new bestselling book Ultrametabolism: The Simple Plan for Automatic Weight Loss. This books follows on the heels of his previous bestseller
UltraPrevention: The 6-Week Plan that Will Make You Healthy for Life that he coauthored and proves to be every bit as informative. Dr. Hyman
who has a passion for the cutting-edge science of Western medicine and alternative health for over 20 years
maintains that Ultrametabolism: The Simple Plan for Automatic Weight Loss is not just another of many weight loss books on the market. Rather
the book is your body’s owner's manual for overall health. He distills his knowledge into a healthy lifestyle
which reduces the factors of a number of epidemic health problems and degenerative diseases currently plaguing us
while at the same time we also gain the positive side-effect of weight loss.

Ultrametabolism: The Simple Plan for Automatic Weight Loss dives in by turning much of what we believe as conventional wisdom concerning weight loss on its head. Much of what we think we know about weight loss actually has been making us gain weight. As evidence
the book points to the fact that despite the $50 billion we spend on weight loss every year in America
whether it's diet pills
programs or exercise routines
they all have a dismal success record. In fact
for every diet we go on
we end up gaining five pounds on average in the long run. Obesity is now overtaking smoking as the number one cause of preventable deaths with almost 70 percent of the adult population and one third of our children now overweight. Compounding the problem are the profitable foods the food industry pushes
entrenched pharmaceutical companies and our own government's recommendations
especially when it comes to the "food pyramid" or low fat in our diets.

In part I
Ultrametabolism: The Simple Plan for Automatic Weight Loss exposes seven hoary myths that make us unhealthy
gain weight and keep it on. First there is the Starvation Myth: Eating less and exercising more does not equal weight loss. Next is the Calorie Myth: All calories are created equal. Third is the Fat Myth. Eating fat makes you fat. Fourth is the Carb Myth. Eating a low carb or no carb diet will make you thin. Fifth is the Sumo Wrestler Myth: Skipping meals helps you lose weight. Sixth is the French Paradox Myth: The French are thin because they drink wine and eat butter
and last but not least is the Protector Myth: Government food policies and food industry regulations protect our health. Moreover
the book points out that the introduced man-made substances such as "trans-fats"
which are found in nearly every processed and packaged food because they never spoil
are adding to our overall exploding health and weight problems over the past 30 years. This consumable plastic disrupts our metabolism by actually turning on a gene in your DNA
which slows metabolism causing you to gain weight. The book also discusses another danger to our health: the man-made supersugars
such as high-fructose corn syrup
which is used to sweeten almost everything these days including soft drinks. These supersugars quickly enter your bloodstream and trigger hormonal and chemical changes which induces insulin surges that tell your brain to eat more and your fat cells to store more fat.

If there are substances and foods that we eat that can trigger negative results
then surly there are ways to make us healthy and loose weight. Part II of Ultrametabolism: The Simple Plan for Automatic Weight Loss gives us the keys to turn on our metabolism and fat burning genes
turn off your weight gain genes
and program your body to lose weight automatically. The book takes this even further in part III by providing menus and recipes
along with exercise and lifestyle treatments designed to create healthy metabolism and overall health. This section of the book is designed so it can be customized to meet your unique genetic needs to optimally awaken your fat-burning DNA.

Ultrametabolism: The Simple Plan for Automatic Weight Loss provides a vivid road map to navigate our way back to health and fitness. And in so doing we will be successful in our quest for long-term weight loss without counting calories
fat grams or carbs. We don't have to starve ourselves; we simply need to eat in harmony with our genes.

If we learned anything from childhood
it was not to build our houses out of straw. After all
that big bad wolf was just waiting to blow it down. But that was before the world knew the numerous advantages of using compressed straw bales
as a key building material as outlined in the book The Straw Bale House. This easy to understand book is comprehensive in its education on how to build with straw- so that no wolf (or tornado for that matter) can ever blow it down. The book covers why and how to build with straw bales
while also illustrating necessary details to create an aesthetically and sound home at an affordable price. To portray this point
The Straw Bale House provides a good number of enlightening black and white diagrams as well as impressive color photographs. I would have to say The Straw Bale House is the Bible of straw bale construction books and therefore an indispensable starting point for anyone looking into the straw bale home concept. After purchasing the book (well worth the price) I had no reservations about going ahead with my own project and building with straw bales. Both new and experienced builders will appreciate the clear
simple instructions and diagrams
as well as practical explanations for dealing with building codes and insurers.

The Straw Bale House also nurtures you on the many practical advantages of building with compressed straw bales. In addition to being inexpensive
straw bale serve as a clean
and lightweight building material that is easy to work with. The book discusses the many important advantages straw offers such as super high-energy efficiency (a need in today’s high heating costs)
superior fire resistance
while at the same time seismically correct. In addition
this all-natural material
as a recycled agricultural byproduct of grain production
is a sustainable
renewable resource. While enthusiasts of straw bale construction praise this method of building for the aforementioned reasons
the actual reason so many people are turning to straw bale homes is because they are so often extraordinarily beautiful and inviting
as The Straw Bale House's many color photographs displays. Clearly
inexpensive doesn't have to mean low quality nor unattractive. The natural materials used in creating a straw bale home exude a lot of chi. And so does this book. The Straw Bale House would be a good addition to any coffee table.

The Covenant with Black America is the brainchild of Tavis Smiley. For the past seven years
the talk show host has had his own "State of the Black Union" symposium. Seeing that simply exchanging opinions with the nation's top black leaders was not sufficient
he decided to chart a course for the African American Community. To provide a structured blueprint
The Covenant with Black America have assembled a scholarly collection of 10 short essays by esteemed experts in various disciplines to address the devastating social
political and economic disparities facing many African Americans. Each chapter or "covenant" looks at one pivotal issue and supplies the reader with a list of resources and suggested plans of action that individuals and governments can do to make a difference in their communities. This high-octane approach
as the book indicates on its back cover
is "to shift the conversation from talking about our pain to talking about our plan" for the African American community.

As might be expected
any best-selling book that tackles such a profound and often neglected need in our society is likely to generate some controversy. The proposed formulas for addressing a host of ills
from the skewed criminal justice system to substandard education to toxic waste in poor neighborhoods
to name a few
is not without it's critics. For others The Covenant with Black America did not meet some expectations and go far enough.

Despite the diversity of contributors of the various covenants
the book has a rather monotone character throughout. This is probably due to the consistent format that each essay follows as dictated by the book. Each chapter starts out with an introductory essay identifying the issues at hand. Then there is a treatise of the subject
complete with a table of statistics
followed by shared solutions under the headings of "What the Community Can Do"
"What Every Individual Can Do"
"What Works Now"
and "What Every Leader and Elected Official Can Do." However
the general theme
despite the shared solution topics
seems to be almost always weighted towards heavy governmental intervention. In short
a "fix it with finance" solution to the problems. Critics of this book
both black and white
point out that the Government does not solve problems
it funds them. It could be pointed out
for example
that the past governmental housing projects have in fact created a type of apartheid for much of the African American community
thus isolating and amplifying the negative thought processes of those so confined. The symptomatic results are evidenced in school dropout rates
drugs and gang violence. So dysfunctional has this public policy been
that some cities have started to tear down their projects. Throwing more money at the problem
for them
is not the solution.

In this same vein
the tile "covenant
" is perhaps a misnomer for this book. A covenant is a pact. And a pact
as such
requires that both parties perform a specific set of criteria. Although there is a "What every Individual Can Do" section of each chapter
there is not a clear sense of endorsement as to a national plan of action by individuals in addressing these problems. As there are 10 different introductory essays
each written by different individuals
it is difficult to get a comprehensive picture of what is promised by whom and when
with no real teeth of accountability as might be expected in an actual covenant. Equally disappointing
the book does not really explore core self-responsibility issues
such as the need to look at the spiritual
mental and emotional health of the individual as a way of making true progress.

Also
what would be refreshing would be to have each essay focus on setting definitive goals over a specific time period. Such as by 2015
60
percent of black males will be in college; or that 80 percent of toxic waste in poor neighborhoods will be cleaned up. Without specific goals
many of the suggestions
while well intentioned
seem ineffectual.

Still
the real virtue of this book lies in putting these critical issues before all Americans. Whether you agree with the diagnosis and prescriptions of the essays in The Covenant with Black America is not the issue. The issue is to increase awareness
dialogue and debate in how best to address the needs of those most disenfranchised in our nation.

At 254 pages
this provocative book is well worth the modest retail price of only $12.00. Given the many social challenges we as a nation face
it is a small price to pay to be a party to the trends of a bestseller. All profits from this book are dedicated to Third World Press.

For anyone who has any interest in energy
its cost
future and the political debate over this precious resource- The Bottomless Well is a must read. This book is an intriguing insight to the other side of what most of us have been led to believe on the environmentalist monopoly of the subject. The Bottomless Well makes the case that most of the things we think we know are mostly myths- because we really don't understand what the essence of energy is in the first place. The book demonstrates how a better understanding of energy will radically change our views and policies on a number of very controversial issues. The Bottomless Well also explains why demand for energy will only continue to increase
why most of what we believe is "energy waste" actually proves out to be a benefit for all; why more efficient vehicles
engines
and light bulbs will never lower demand
and why the earth’s energy supply is actually infinite.

The Bottomless Well goes on to point out that that the cost of energy has increasingly less and less to do with the actual cost of fuel. With roughly five percent of the world’s population
America consumes over 25 percent of the world's natural gas
43
percent of its motor gasoline
25
percent of its crude petroleum
23
percent of its coal
and 26 percent of its total electricity production. But the book points out that most our energy consumption isn't for locomotion
lighting
or cooling. What we use energy for
mainly
is to extract
refine
process
and purify energy into ever higher states of efficiency. The more efficient our technology
the more energy we actually consume; not save
because the cost to reward ratio is so positive for the consumers of this highly refined energy. The book also point out that the competitive advantage in manufacturing will soon be shifting decisively back toward the U.S.: the human demand for energy will only continue to grow and is indeed insatiable; raw fuels sources are not running out; and America's relentless pursuit of high-grade energy does not add chaos to the global environment but rather restores it to order. Indeed
expanding energy supplies mean higher productivity
more jobs
and a growing GDP. Across the board- energy isn't the problem
energy is the solution.

While the conventional wisdom holds that energy consumption is the problem and certainly some would disagree from an environmental impact concerning (at lest fossil fuel) energy consumption
The Bottomless Well argues that from an environmental perspective it also makes sense to use energy in an ever more efficient state. For example America
unlike most of the poor developing countries
is a net carbon sink. That is
despite all the pollution produced in America
there is more CO2 PPM upwind of America on the Pacific side then there is downstream of it over the Atlantic. This fact is undisputed
but although the book does offer some anecdotal reasons why this might be the case there is no definitive evidence to explain this unexpected phenomenon.

I would strongly recommend The Bottomless Well to anyone
no matter where they might stand on the issues of energy
the environment or politics. The book breaks the mold on many of our conventional views of energy
how we use it and why. At very least The Bottomless Well opens the door to another school of thought
not to mention a healthy debate about energy policy and our future.

THE BARON SON: VADE MECUM 7
By Vicky Therese Davis
William R. Patterson
D. Marques Patton
Long & Silverman Publishing
Inc.
ISBN - 159575375


Today it seems nearly impossible to open a newspaper without finding a story of corruption
cover-ups
or ethical lapses in judgment from prominent figures in positions of authority. With corporate and political scandal rampant and executives headed to jail in record numbers
the unbridled pursuit of wealth and abusive use of power are no longer options. Now
as an instrument of change
Bestselling Co-authors Vicky Therese Davis
William R. Patterson
and D. Marques Patton step forward to present their new book
The Baron Son
as a revolutionary road map to ethically guide leaders and remake America's organizations.

After completing The Baron Son
I found it to be as promised
a challenging and insightful work with a life-changing power. For those with no interest in the subject of leadership
not to worry
the teachings of The Baron Son reach far beyond the genre
adeptly covering such areas as building wealth
entrepreneurship
marketing and salesmanship to name a few.

The Baron Son is an instructional tale that reveals the wealth-building secrets of an oil merchant who through a string of successes and failures becomes the richest man the world has ever known. Having started from nothing
this wealthy Baron uses his life as the blueprint for the ethical attainment of riches both in material and non-material form. With many unexpected twists and turns
the story alone makes for a fascinating read
but the valuable leadership
financial
and business lessons formed into 11 "Supreme Principles" propel the book into an entirely different realm. Its archaic style is reminiscent of such classic works as The Richest Man in Babylon by George Clayson or The Greatest Salesman in the World by Og Mandino. In my opinion however
the story and depth of content in The Baron Son easily surpass both earlier books.

The authors do an excellent job of weaving their insights on a number of pertinent and diverse topics into a colorful and inspiring story. There are countless ideas that entrepreneurs will benefit from whether they are starting a new business or growing an existing enterprise. Investors will also notice subtle points that can help them improve their returns and avoid bad investments. Lastly
and perhaps most importantly
there is a clear road map for ethical leaders to help them direct their actions with vision
integrity
and passion to create the greatest value for all those they serve. Recent history has proven this to be a lost ideal.

As with all things
there will be some people who will not appreciate the book or realize that they are the ones that need it most
but for those individuals with creative vision
there will be no limit to what he or she can achieve through its teachings. It is one of those few unique works that will reveal a new understanding each time it is opened. A book of wisdom for all seasons of life
The Baron Son truly is
as the authors would say
one of the "Seedlings of Empires."


Rating: 5 Stars

I had already sampled Joels work when I read his original ebook "What Google Never Told You About Adsense"
so I had high expectations of this physical Adsense training book. I have to say Joel didn't disappoint me this time either.

To start with The Adsense Code begins with the basics which anyone just starting out with Adsense will find useful as a quick reference to get them up and running. As someone who has been using Adsense for a while I found this section could be skimmed
although there are some tips you may still find useful even if you have used Adsense on your sites for a while. Some of the stuff in the first few chapters will jog your memory and remind you of somethings you already know but forget to use.

After the initial setup Joel gets right on with the stuff you bought the book for
the correct way to implement Adsense for maximum profits. His tips are all backed with his real life testing and tuning
but even so he is ready to admit that there is no one size fits all when it comes to ad placement and colour usage in the adblocks
think blending in the Adsense blocks to not look like ads and you are getting close. He also reveals what Adsense blocks work best and where
as well as caveats when this advice doesn't quite work out to be true.

After the initial setting up
and placement
The Adsense Code goes further into testing and tracking to get the maximum CTR (Click Through Rate) for your Adsense blocks. Joel mentions some of the tools he uses for tracking and gives you a more in depth knowledge of how to use the tracking Google has already given to Adsense publishers with the "Channels" you can use to track your Adsense effectiveness with. This is a useful read for anyone who wants to make the most of every block of Adsense ads.

The other parts of the book briefly (sometimes it seems a little too briefly) cover the topics of content sites
search engine optimisation and using your website stats to help you increase your traffic. The section on SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) could have been a little more in depth
although this is a huge subject which deservedly has more than enough books and ebooks written about it
it could have had a little more than the 8 pages devoted to it
but then this book isn't about getting traffic
it's about making the most from what you already get.

In summing up
The Adsense Code by Joel Comm is an ideal book for the beginner to intermediate Adsense publisher
and will help improve their Adsense earnings. If you are already earning a living from Adsense this will offer only a little backup reference information for you. The Adsense Code covers the core subject for which it was written in great detail
in an easy to understand way without being patronising. My advice is if you are earning less than a few hundred dollars a month from Adsense but would like to do better then this is the book to buy
and keep referring back to as you improve your earnings.

If you want to start a business
but don't know where to start
then the place to start is with "Start Your Own Business: The Only Start-Up Book You'll Ever Need" by Rieva Lesonsky. The book is put out by Entrepreneur Press and is essentially a compilation of Entrepreneur Magazine's large knowledge database regarding starting a business.

The book literally takes you through the entire business process - from determining if you really have what it takes to run a business to how to deal with failure if your business doesn't work out
and everything in between. The best part about the book is that it covers nearly EVERYTHING in some capacity. If you need more information
it does a great job of suggesting further reading and pertinent web sites.

The book is broken down into seven sections
each with several chapters. The first section
'You Gotta Start Somewhere' covers determining if you can be an entrepreneur
how to come up with an idea for your business
and whether you should launch your business part time or full time. Most people who buy the book will already have answers to these questions
but going through the exercises in the book can still be helpful.

The second section of the book is entitled 'Building Blocks'. It covers how to name your business
choosing a business structure
creating a business plan
and how to hire a lawyer and accountant. I think that this is the most valuable section of the book. These are the things that most entrepreneurs either struggle with or ignore. The "Naming Your Business" chapter in particular helped me a great deal. Naming your business is not nearly as easy as you think - you need to consider all registered trademark names
registered domain names
and names that are being used but not trademarked. One of the worst things that you can do is to pick a name that is already being used by someone and face a legal battle down the road.

The third section covers financing including where and how to get money to run your business. The fourth section
'Setting the Stage' is absolutely massive and covers numerous important things such as choosing a location for your business
creating a professional image
offering customers credit
hiring your first employee
and business insurance. Needless to say
all of these things are extremely important to every business owner.

The fifth section covers buying company computers
cell phones
and cars. These things probably won't be very difficult for most business owners. The sixth section
however
covers one of the hardest thing every business owner faces - marketing. The section is nearly 100 pages about advertising
marketing
and public relations. It also briefly touches on web-marketing but those looking to seriously profit online will need to look elsewhere because the book is a little thin when it comes to e-commerce.

The final section
entitled 'By the Books' goes over every entrepreneurs favorite things - accounting and taxes. It gives solid advice regarding basic bookkeeping
financial statements
budgeting
and taxes. For most business owners this section and the web resources listed should be more than enough to get them started on keeping their business legal.

I can't overemphasize how important I think it is for every business owner to have this book. It is a mini-encyclopedia (ok
so 800 pages isn't THAT mini) for everything business related. Having this book on your shelf will save you countless hours. I read it from cover to cover when I got it and I constantly refer back to it. I have recommended it to every person I know that has talked with me about starting a business. Each and every one of them bought it
and each and every one of them came back to me raving about it.

For the amount of depth that is covered in the book
Start Your Own Business: The Only Start-Up Book You'll Ever Need by Rieva Lesonsky is an amazingly easy read. Anyone over the age of 16 will be able to comprehend the simple nature of the book. Reading this book won't guarantee your success as an entrepreneur
but it will help reduce the risk of starting a business by providing you with a sound foundation to build upon.

There seems to be no lack of the number of books written about personality traits
talents and how to more effectively manage personnel to the advantage of the organization. However
Marcus Buckingham
coauthor of the book First
Break All the Rules
and Donald O. Clifton
Chair of the Gallup International Research & Education Center
now provide managers with a positive approach to help identify and utilize strengths of individuals to the benefit of the organization in their bestselling Now
Discover Your Strengths. The book maintains that this unique
positive approach of focusing on strengths is far more effective in achieving success than eliminating weaknesses
given that we all have inherent strengths and natural weaknesses no matter what positions we might have. For example
the book points out
it does not matter if you are Bill Gates or Tiger Woods. True
these are individuals with tremendous talents that have made them well known in their respective fields
but they also have weaknesses that play into the mix. It would seem our brains are programmed by nature from early childhood
no matter how good our nurture
to start being selective in a few key areas. It is as nature intended it to be. Without being selective
and allowing many of the billions of connections we are born with to lapse into disrepair
we would become dysfunctional with information overload. Therefore
it is understandable that with sufficient practice
while we might be able to learn different tasks well
we will never be great in these areas unless we have a natural innate talent for them.

Unfortunately
most of us do not have a good sense of our talents
let alone the ability to effectively use our strengths to our advantage. Rather
most of us spend our lives becoming all too aware of our weaknesses and spend our time trying to deal with our flaws
while neglecting our innate talents. However
most original and potentially most revealing
to address this problem
Now
Discover Your Strengths provides access to a web-based interactive questionnaire
developed by the Gallup Organization
that quickly identifies your top 5 (out of a total of 34) positive "personality themes"
such as: Achiever
Deliberative
Harmony
Empathy and so forth that you might naturally posses. The book goes on to elaborate how each of the 34 unique themes can be identified
complete with individual profiles describing how each might act and what each might "sound like." As each sees the world through their own strengths filter
it is easy to have friction between different individuals within the same department or organization
because we all see the world
and how it should look
so differently. While one may hear what someone else is saying
they may not be able to assimilate it into their own world effectively. This is why partners or advisors are often so effective
as they ad balance to the limits of others. One word of caution however: do not buy this book used if you intend to take the preference test. There is a unique
one-time code that comes with each copy of Now
Discover Your Strengths
which is absolutely necessary in order to access the website's resources. The book has limited value without the ability to take the online test. However
the test alone is well worth the price of the entire book just by itself. With this resource
you will better understand how to build a "strengths-based organization" by capitalizing on the fact that such traits are already present among those within it.

With an estimated 8 out of 10 people in this country not really in a position to capitalize on their strengths and talents
chances are most of us could benefit from reading this book. As most of us fail to capitalize on our strengths
it is not surprising that most departments in any company
no matter the size of the organization
are not operating at even par performance. The risk doing nothing is costly- not only in lost productivity
but in job satisfaction
employee retention and absenteeism and so on. This groundbreaking
resourceful book is easy to read in short concise chapters. Along with the associated preference test
Now
Discover Your Strengths
is a positive cost effective solution in resolving problems
and helping each employee achieve his or her full potential. This is must read for managers and office teams who want a win-win solution in improving their own departments
as well as the lives of those who work for them.