By Christian Jarrett
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1848364601/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B004UPLSE8&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1VXPMBRAWAZTWK0KDRTG
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
I use psychological evidence and research in my writing on communication, and I have done so for well over thirty-five years. I subscribe to the magazine PSYCHOLOGY TODAY, and I read it closely every month. It is for these same reasons that I chose to read The Rough Guide to Psychology—a truly interesting book.
One thing you will note from the title and the spelling of the word “behaviour,” is that the book was written by an Englishman—the editor of the British Psychological Society’s Research Digest. Jarrett has a Ph.D. in cognitive neuroscience from the University of Manchester’s Institute of Science and Technology. This is important for two reasons: 1) It adds credibility to the book and what’s written in it. 2) It reveals that the material is likely to be well researched, based on studies, and the evidence (studies) clearly stated. Both are true.
Jarrett states on page vi: “This book contains frequent references to experiments and case studies, and, wherever possible, names and dates are provided to help you track down the original research online.”
I took psychology courses in college, and this is not your ordinary, run-of-the-mill textbook. And, at the same time, it is not a book of psychobabble. It is, however, a book designed for the above-average, well-educated, intelligent, and inquisitive adult reader. With the exception of the part on “Resources,” there are six: “Welcome to you,” “You and me,” “Same difference,” “All of us, “Psychology at large,” and “Psychological problems.” I guarantee that there will be a number of sections that you will find that interest you, because his swath of issues and ideas is broad.
More than the text material itself—which is interesting, to be sure—I found the additional sections (colored in blue) some of the most valuable material in the book. Not only are there boxes on some of the leading psychologists (William James, Lev Vygotsky, Alfred Binet, Elizabeth Loftus, and Sigmund Freud, among others), but others are like self-help boxes on “Five ways to boost your brain power,” “How to visit the toilet in the dark,” “Six evidence-based ways to boost your happiness,” “Does brain training really work?,” and “Evidence-based seduction,” among many, many others.
The layout, coverage of topics, writing (a very informal, comfortable style), examples, and short, pithy sections, make this book incredibly accessible and likable.
The rough guide to psychology: An introduction to human behaviour and the mind can be purchased at Amazon.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Monday, November 19, 2012
Barefoot in Baghdad: A story of identity—my own and what it means to be a woman in chaos
By Manal M. Omar
http://www.amazon.com/Barefoot-Baghdad-Story-Identity-My-Means/dp/1402237219
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
One reason I found this book interesting was that it provided a potential “Consider This” selection for the eleventh edition of my college textbook COMMUNICATING EFFECTIVELY (McGraw-Hill). In my textbook I have a chapter called “Intercultural Communication,” and I am always on the lookout for possible “boxed” additions—that is, sections that provide student readers with additional, insightful, and informative material that enhances, explains, or illustrates what is written in the text.
I have found Omar’s explanation of her multiple identities instructive, and the fact that it gave her her “own secret superpower” a useful insight–especially in the variety of different ways she was able to make use of that power.
The second reason I found this book interesting is that I have engaged in a great deal of foreign travel, and Omar’s description of and personal insights about Iraq are simply fascinating. Admittedly, many are personal—and she states that at the outset. But, having lived in Bangladesh for 14 months, I agree and concur with her observations.
The third reason I found this book interesting is found in Omar’s stories. They are captivating and heartwrenching, to say the least. The story of the five Iraqi girls inside an American trailer in the Green Zone (pp. 137-163) was especially touching.
The fourth reason this book is interesting is that it (along with a number of other books) well advertises the plight of women in many parts of the world. If you are a woman, and if you want to champion women’s rights any place on the planet, this would be a good book to read to establish the foundation for strong arguments and to gather evidence for convincing disputation.
These four reasons alone are sufficient to recommend this book highly. It is interesting, insightful, and captivating.
Barefoot in Baghdad: A story of identity—my own and what it means to be a woman in chaos can be purchased at Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Barefoot-Baghdad-Story-Identity-My-Means/dp/1402237219
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
One reason I found this book interesting was that it provided a potential “Consider This” selection for the eleventh edition of my college textbook COMMUNICATING EFFECTIVELY (McGraw-Hill). In my textbook I have a chapter called “Intercultural Communication,” and I am always on the lookout for possible “boxed” additions—that is, sections that provide student readers with additional, insightful, and informative material that enhances, explains, or illustrates what is written in the text.
I have found Omar’s explanation of her multiple identities instructive, and the fact that it gave her her “own secret superpower” a useful insight–especially in the variety of different ways she was able to make use of that power.
The second reason I found this book interesting is that I have engaged in a great deal of foreign travel, and Omar’s description of and personal insights about Iraq are simply fascinating. Admittedly, many are personal—and she states that at the outset. But, having lived in Bangladesh for 14 months, I agree and concur with her observations.
The third reason I found this book interesting is found in Omar’s stories. They are captivating and heartwrenching, to say the least. The story of the five Iraqi girls inside an American trailer in the Green Zone (pp. 137-163) was especially touching.
The fourth reason this book is interesting is that it (along with a number of other books) well advertises the plight of women in many parts of the world. If you are a woman, and if you want to champion women’s rights any place on the planet, this would be a good book to read to establish the foundation for strong arguments and to gather evidence for convincing disputation.
These four reasons alone are sufficient to recommend this book highly. It is interesting, insightful, and captivating.
Barefoot in Baghdad: A story of identity—my own and what it means to be a woman in chaos can be purchased at Amazon.
Monday, November 12, 2012
The life plan: How any man can achieve lasting health, great sex, and a stronger, leaner body
By Jeffry S. Life
http://www.amazon.com/Life-Plan-Achieve-Lasting-Stronger/dp/1439194580
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
Why did I pick up this book? I am in excellent health. I don’t smoke or drink. I eat clean, get plenty of rest, exercise frequently (and actively), and I maintain optimal hormone levels (according to results of tests and regular doctor visits). People like myself—people who stay in good shape—are always looking for a new angle, a new approach, or a way to add something new to what they already do. Rather than finding something new, Life simply reinforces (through his Life Plan) the kinds of things that healthy people must do to remain healthy.
Incidentally, he includes 9 pages of excellent references, and for those who need it, he has a Baseline Health Record that includes the “Important Tests to Maintain Optimal Health and Lower Disease Risk.” If you are like I am and maintain your health by regular exercise, good nutrition, healthy habits, and regular monitoring and doctor’s visits, I think you’ll find that most of these tests are unnecessary as are the hormone supplements Life recommends.
If you are in poor health, however, it’s a different story: “By adhering to the diet and exercise programs, you are ensuring that not only will you lose weight and gain muscle mass, but you will improve your heart health. If you follow the supplement program, you’ll find that your energy levels will return. And if you carefully monitor your hormone levels, you’ll find that in no time at all, you’ll be looking and feeling younger” (p. 323).
I found the writing of the book excellent, the suggestions terrific, and the overall content superb. There is a lot of information in this book. A lot! His Life Plan Recipes (e.g., pp. 105-109) offer wonderful alternatives and ideas.
Also, I appreciated Life’s honesty. For example, when he answered the question, “Do I Need Sports Drinks?” he said, “The truth is, there is nothing magical about any of these beverages. They all contain carbohydrates, which have been clearly shown to be beneficial during exercise. . . . Research has show, however, that carbohydrate ingestion is beneficial only during prolonged exercise. . . . In fact, when we ingest carbohydrates during short-term exercise, it simply increases the calories we take in and inteferes with our efforts to get rid of body fat” (pp. 126-127).
I loved the personal examples Life includes. For example, “My wife, Annie, has made dieting effortless for me. She has come up with her own creation, and it has revolutionized my ability to stay on track with my nutrition program. . .” (p. 103).
I have to say that rather than simply a daily guide or a list of suggestions for diet and exercise, this is a reference work to which one can refer on an ongoing basis. There is just too much here to digest and use without a plan of returning to the book over and over again.
I highly recommend this book for its direct, easy-to-read and understand approach, for Jeffry Life’s willingness to illustrate most of the exercises he recommends, for the numerous charts, for the personal, interesting examples (as well as the individual stories/testimonials distributed throughout the book), for the comprehensiveness of the coverage, and for the encouragement provided throughout for sticking to it, following through, creating realistic goals, and rewarding yourself for accomplishment.
It is true that any approach like this requires incredible willpower and self-discipline, but any change we want to make demands these same elements. This is a book that is specific and to the point, so if you are looking for instructions along with motivation to get going, this is a great place to start. I absolutely loved this book. Five stars!
The life plan: How any man can achieve lasting health, great sex, and a stronger, leaner body can be purchased at Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Life-Plan-Achieve-Lasting-Stronger/dp/1439194580
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
Why did I pick up this book? I am in excellent health. I don’t smoke or drink. I eat clean, get plenty of rest, exercise frequently (and actively), and I maintain optimal hormone levels (according to results of tests and regular doctor visits). People like myself—people who stay in good shape—are always looking for a new angle, a new approach, or a way to add something new to what they already do. Rather than finding something new, Life simply reinforces (through his Life Plan) the kinds of things that healthy people must do to remain healthy.
Incidentally, he includes 9 pages of excellent references, and for those who need it, he has a Baseline Health Record that includes the “Important Tests to Maintain Optimal Health and Lower Disease Risk.” If you are like I am and maintain your health by regular exercise, good nutrition, healthy habits, and regular monitoring and doctor’s visits, I think you’ll find that most of these tests are unnecessary as are the hormone supplements Life recommends.
If you are in poor health, however, it’s a different story: “By adhering to the diet and exercise programs, you are ensuring that not only will you lose weight and gain muscle mass, but you will improve your heart health. If you follow the supplement program, you’ll find that your energy levels will return. And if you carefully monitor your hormone levels, you’ll find that in no time at all, you’ll be looking and feeling younger” (p. 323).
I found the writing of the book excellent, the suggestions terrific, and the overall content superb. There is a lot of information in this book. A lot! His Life Plan Recipes (e.g., pp. 105-109) offer wonderful alternatives and ideas.
Also, I appreciated Life’s honesty. For example, when he answered the question, “Do I Need Sports Drinks?” he said, “The truth is, there is nothing magical about any of these beverages. They all contain carbohydrates, which have been clearly shown to be beneficial during exercise. . . . Research has show, however, that carbohydrate ingestion is beneficial only during prolonged exercise. . . . In fact, when we ingest carbohydrates during short-term exercise, it simply increases the calories we take in and inteferes with our efforts to get rid of body fat” (pp. 126-127).
I loved the personal examples Life includes. For example, “My wife, Annie, has made dieting effortless for me. She has come up with her own creation, and it has revolutionized my ability to stay on track with my nutrition program. . .” (p. 103).
I have to say that rather than simply a daily guide or a list of suggestions for diet and exercise, this is a reference work to which one can refer on an ongoing basis. There is just too much here to digest and use without a plan of returning to the book over and over again.
I highly recommend this book for its direct, easy-to-read and understand approach, for Jeffry Life’s willingness to illustrate most of the exercises he recommends, for the numerous charts, for the personal, interesting examples (as well as the individual stories/testimonials distributed throughout the book), for the comprehensiveness of the coverage, and for the encouragement provided throughout for sticking to it, following through, creating realistic goals, and rewarding yourself for accomplishment.
It is true that any approach like this requires incredible willpower and self-discipline, but any change we want to make demands these same elements. This is a book that is specific and to the point, so if you are looking for instructions along with motivation to get going, this is a great place to start. I absolutely loved this book. Five stars!
The life plan: How any man can achieve lasting health, great sex, and a stronger, leaner body can be purchased at Amazon.
Monday, November 5, 2012
27 powers of persuasion: Simple strategies to seduce audiences and win allies
By Chris St. Hilaire with Lynette Padwa
http://www.amazon.com/27-Powers-Persuasion-Strategies-Audiences/dp/B004LQ0EMI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1306452690&sr=1-1
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
There are 27 chapters and 198 pages which means, on average, 7.3 pages per chapter. Chapter titles include the techniques St. Hilaire and Padwa advocate: 1) Focus on the Goal, 2) Evaluate Egos, 3) Soothe or Sidestep Other Egos, 4) Manage Opposition by Giving It Nothing to Oppose, 5) Make Your Weakness Your Strength, 6) Find One Thing to Like About Everyone in the Room, 7) Use the First Five Minutes to Make People Feel Safe, 8) Stay in the Present, 9) Recognize Their Reality, 10) Make It About Choice, Fairness, and Accountability, 11) Keep It Simple, 12) Own the Language, 13) Use Emotional Language, 14) Make Sure Everyone’s Invested, 15) Get Third-Party Validation, 16) Get a Couple of Numbers, 17) Arm Your Advocates, 18) Aim for the Undecideds, 19) Avoid Absolutes and Hypotheticals, 20) Learn How to Use Silence, 21) Get Physical, 22) Don’t Say No, Say ‘Let’s Try This,’ 23) Release Bad News Quickly and Good News Slowly, 24) Challenge Bad Ideas by Challenging the Details, 25) Play Devil’s Advocate, 26) Don’t Change, ‘Adapt,’ 27) Be Your Own Pundit.
Okay, the point of listing the titles is, basically, that these are the persuasive techniques these authors advocate. Do any of them surprise you? If you have engaged in persuasion yourself, do they look familiar? For those with no speech-communication experience, I can see how they might welcome a basic, persuasive primer like this, and I can certainly see how they would review the book positively.
From where did these ideas come? Not from research. The four pages of notes (pages 199-202) include 37 notes, and they are Internet sources, media interviews, or other resources that would not be considered “research” even if the term was interpreted in its widest possible latitude. St. Hilaire and Padwa write: “For the past two decades I have observed how my clients—politicians, CEOs,trial attorneys, and marketers—practice the art of persuasion. I’ve watched the best and worst of class in these professions, observed their communication styles, listened to their spoken language, tuned in to their body language. And I’ve seen that certain patterns always hold true” (p. xiii). The 27 techniques are based on observations only—one person’s observations.
Oh, not on observations alone. Catch this: “ . . . the powers are informed by the observations and wisdom of my Buddhist teacher, Master Hang Truong, a man I have come to respect as much as anyone I know” (p. xxix). Does this increase their credibility? Their reliability? Their validity?
I am not for one minute suggesting that the techniques (St. Hilaire and Padq call them “27 powers”) are wrong, weak, poorly chosen, or otherwise inept. I am simply saying they are based entirely on observation—not on research; thus, they become one person’s suggestions. If they work for you, great, but if they don’t, so be it. In my mind, as I observe the “27 powers,” I find them common sense. Anyone with any experience in speech communication (or not) would discover these on their own. Just think about it. That is all that is required. Think! (I award this book 1 star out of 5—less, maybe even zero out of 5!)
27 powers of persuasion: Simple strategies to seduce audiences & win allies can be purchased at Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/27-Powers-Persuasion-Strategies-Audiences/dp/B004LQ0EMI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1306452690&sr=1-1
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
There are 27 chapters and 198 pages which means, on average, 7.3 pages per chapter. Chapter titles include the techniques St. Hilaire and Padwa advocate: 1) Focus on the Goal, 2) Evaluate Egos, 3) Soothe or Sidestep Other Egos, 4) Manage Opposition by Giving It Nothing to Oppose, 5) Make Your Weakness Your Strength, 6) Find One Thing to Like About Everyone in the Room, 7) Use the First Five Minutes to Make People Feel Safe, 8) Stay in the Present, 9) Recognize Their Reality, 10) Make It About Choice, Fairness, and Accountability, 11) Keep It Simple, 12) Own the Language, 13) Use Emotional Language, 14) Make Sure Everyone’s Invested, 15) Get Third-Party Validation, 16) Get a Couple of Numbers, 17) Arm Your Advocates, 18) Aim for the Undecideds, 19) Avoid Absolutes and Hypotheticals, 20) Learn How to Use Silence, 21) Get Physical, 22) Don’t Say No, Say ‘Let’s Try This,’ 23) Release Bad News Quickly and Good News Slowly, 24) Challenge Bad Ideas by Challenging the Details, 25) Play Devil’s Advocate, 26) Don’t Change, ‘Adapt,’ 27) Be Your Own Pundit.
Okay, the point of listing the titles is, basically, that these are the persuasive techniques these authors advocate. Do any of them surprise you? If you have engaged in persuasion yourself, do they look familiar? For those with no speech-communication experience, I can see how they might welcome a basic, persuasive primer like this, and I can certainly see how they would review the book positively.
From where did these ideas come? Not from research. The four pages of notes (pages 199-202) include 37 notes, and they are Internet sources, media interviews, or other resources that would not be considered “research” even if the term was interpreted in its widest possible latitude. St. Hilaire and Padwa write: “For the past two decades I have observed how my clients—politicians, CEOs,trial attorneys, and marketers—practice the art of persuasion. I’ve watched the best and worst of class in these professions, observed their communication styles, listened to their spoken language, tuned in to their body language. And I’ve seen that certain patterns always hold true” (p. xiii). The 27 techniques are based on observations only—one person’s observations.
Oh, not on observations alone. Catch this: “ . . . the powers are informed by the observations and wisdom of my Buddhist teacher, Master Hang Truong, a man I have come to respect as much as anyone I know” (p. xxix). Does this increase their credibility? Their reliability? Their validity?
I am not for one minute suggesting that the techniques (St. Hilaire and Padq call them “27 powers”) are wrong, weak, poorly chosen, or otherwise inept. I am simply saying they are based entirely on observation—not on research; thus, they become one person’s suggestions. If they work for you, great, but if they don’t, so be it. In my mind, as I observe the “27 powers,” I find them common sense. Anyone with any experience in speech communication (or not) would discover these on their own. Just think about it. That is all that is required. Think! (I award this book 1 star out of 5—less, maybe even zero out of 5!)
27 powers of persuasion: Simple strategies to seduce audiences & win allies can be purchased at Amazon.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Book 1: Stand and deliver: How to become a masterful communicator and public speaker, and Book 2: Make yourself unforgettable: How to become the person everyone remembers and no one can resist
By Dale Carnegie
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
The Dale Carnegie books were available (and popular) when I was a student in college. I never thought much about them until I became a speech-communication major. They were easy targets of disdain at that time; after all, we were gaining a college education in the very topics Carnegie addressed. Besides, people were quick to point out, his books carried no footnotes, references, or bibliography and were often perceived to be “a pedestrian approach to communication.” Once again, in college you get the sources for the ideas you espouse, therefore, it is thought, the ideas are of “higher quality” because they can be supported with credible references. Whether you accept this idea or not is irrelevant; the only point I am making here is that as a young college student, I knew of these books but never took them seriously.
Both books appear like first-time editions with a 2011 copyright date and no acknowledgment of previous editions. In the introduction, those who put together this book excuse the use of old examples in this way: “Stand and Deliver frequently draws on incidents and personalities from the not-too-recent past. True, events such as the first Kennedy-Nixon debate have been discussed before. But it would be a mistake to turn away from one of the all-time best examples of public speaking issues just for the sake of the calendar” (p. x). The quotations/examples used throughout the book wreak of old age: Earl Nightingale, Harold Macmillan, Winston Churchill, Andrew Carnegie, Theodore Roosevelt, William James, W. Clement Stone, Henry Ford, Edwin Land, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Eleanor Roosevelt, J. Pierpont Morgan, Carl Sagan, and Woodrow Wilson, to name a few. Sports personalities cited include Knute Rockne, Lou Gehrig, and Vince Lombardi among others. That said, the book has been updated and includes, too, more recent examples.
The nuts and bolts of public speaking, if that is what you are looking for, are presented in the book Public Speaking Rules! All You Need for a GREAT speech! which offers the basic essentials in an easy-to-read 170 pages.
If you are looking for a straightforward advice book about public speaking with numerous quotations and supporting examples, Stand and Deliver delivers the goods. It is cogent, accurate, and reads quickly and easily. For each chapter there are three quotations on a page followed by a blank page. The quotations are interesting but not necessary, and their elimination would reduce the size of this 240-page book by at least 20 pages.
Make Yourself Unforgettable is a much denser book than Stand and Deliver. Many of the examples/quotations still wreak of old age, and the advice contained is a great deal of common sense. The advice is competent; however, reading 224 pages of fairly dense text about relationships and self-presentation may be too much for some people.
The information in the book Relationship Rules: For Long-term Happiness, Security, and Commitment can have the same satisfying results; however, this book is easier to read, digest, and understand—and the information contained here isn’t as dense as Carnegie’s.
For over twenty years I wrote a college textbook, Understanding Interpersonal Communication, 7th ed. (HarperCollins) which covered much of the same information as that in Carnegie’s Make Yourself Unforgettable, and I have to say that his material is accurate, interesting, and useful.
I thought his advice on self-improvement is priceless: “Investment in yourself is absolutely the best investment you can make for securing your future. Yes, it takes some of your free time and energy, and you will have to prioritize. But you’ll meet new people, you’ll make new friends, and you’ll learn something. It’s an excellent bargain” (p. 191).
These books deserve re-publication in this new form. The information and advice is timeless and valuable. Any book that is specifically designed to help people better themselves, understand others, and make a valuable contribution to community and society merits attention.
Book 1: Stand and deliver: How to become a masterful communicator and public speaker can be purchased at Amazon. And Book 2 : Make yourself unforgettable: How to become the person everyone remembers and no one can resist can be purchased at Amazon too.
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
The Dale Carnegie books were available (and popular) when I was a student in college. I never thought much about them until I became a speech-communication major. They were easy targets of disdain at that time; after all, we were gaining a college education in the very topics Carnegie addressed. Besides, people were quick to point out, his books carried no footnotes, references, or bibliography and were often perceived to be “a pedestrian approach to communication.” Once again, in college you get the sources for the ideas you espouse, therefore, it is thought, the ideas are of “higher quality” because they can be supported with credible references. Whether you accept this idea or not is irrelevant; the only point I am making here is that as a young college student, I knew of these books but never took them seriously.
Both books appear like first-time editions with a 2011 copyright date and no acknowledgment of previous editions. In the introduction, those who put together this book excuse the use of old examples in this way: “Stand and Deliver frequently draws on incidents and personalities from the not-too-recent past. True, events such as the first Kennedy-Nixon debate have been discussed before. But it would be a mistake to turn away from one of the all-time best examples of public speaking issues just for the sake of the calendar” (p. x). The quotations/examples used throughout the book wreak of old age: Earl Nightingale, Harold Macmillan, Winston Churchill, Andrew Carnegie, Theodore Roosevelt, William James, W. Clement Stone, Henry Ford, Edwin Land, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Eleanor Roosevelt, J. Pierpont Morgan, Carl Sagan, and Woodrow Wilson, to name a few. Sports personalities cited include Knute Rockne, Lou Gehrig, and Vince Lombardi among others. That said, the book has been updated and includes, too, more recent examples.
The nuts and bolts of public speaking, if that is what you are looking for, are presented in the book Public Speaking Rules! All You Need for a GREAT speech! which offers the basic essentials in an easy-to-read 170 pages.
If you are looking for a straightforward advice book about public speaking with numerous quotations and supporting examples, Stand and Deliver delivers the goods. It is cogent, accurate, and reads quickly and easily. For each chapter there are three quotations on a page followed by a blank page. The quotations are interesting but not necessary, and their elimination would reduce the size of this 240-page book by at least 20 pages.
Make Yourself Unforgettable is a much denser book than Stand and Deliver. Many of the examples/quotations still wreak of old age, and the advice contained is a great deal of common sense. The advice is competent; however, reading 224 pages of fairly dense text about relationships and self-presentation may be too much for some people.
The information in the book Relationship Rules: For Long-term Happiness, Security, and Commitment can have the same satisfying results; however, this book is easier to read, digest, and understand—and the information contained here isn’t as dense as Carnegie’s.
For over twenty years I wrote a college textbook, Understanding Interpersonal Communication, 7th ed. (HarperCollins) which covered much of the same information as that in Carnegie’s Make Yourself Unforgettable, and I have to say that his material is accurate, interesting, and useful.
I thought his advice on self-improvement is priceless: “Investment in yourself is absolutely the best investment you can make for securing your future. Yes, it takes some of your free time and energy, and you will have to prioritize. But you’ll meet new people, you’ll make new friends, and you’ll learn something. It’s an excellent bargain” (p. 191).
These books deserve re-publication in this new form. The information and advice is timeless and valuable. Any book that is specifically designed to help people better themselves, understand others, and make a valuable contribution to community and society merits attention.
Book 1: Stand and deliver: How to become a masterful communicator and public speaker can be purchased at Amazon. And Book 2 : Make yourself unforgettable: How to become the person everyone remembers and no one can resist can be purchased at Amazon too.
Monday, October 22, 2012
The Amish way: Patient faith in a perilous world
By Donald B. Kraybill, Steven M. Nolt, and David L. Weaver-Zercher
http://www.amazon.com/Amish-Way-Patient-Faith-Perilous/dp/0470520698/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1306370338&sr=1-1
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
The authors (each with a Ph.D. and professors at various colleges) are great writers and researchers and have a deep understanding and appreciation of Amish life and ways. There are 14 pages of notes and 6 pages of references.
I found several things appealing in this book. The first thing, the authors talk about in the preface: “We talked with a host of Amish people in the course of writing this book, and we quote many of them in the following pages” (p. xv). These quotations offer in-depth insights, revealing windows into Amish feelings and experiences, and an amazing reading experience.
The second thing I found appealing is how the authors emphasized throughout the book how Amish spirituality gives all members of their community “a framework for making decisions about marriage, family, work, and play—indeed, a framework that helps them face all the pleasures and uncertainties that human life entails” (p. xiii). I find the power of their spirituality fascinating.
The third thing is the influence/domination of community. A good example of community is explained on page 33: “A mother knows that if she is hospitalized, her congregation will help pay the bills, care for her children, and do the household chores until she recovers. The local church swings into action with meals and moral support after any sort of misfortune, from a catastrophic barn fire to a broken arm” (p. 33).
Perhaps one of the most astounding ideas is how they reject anything that smacks of activism. Not only do the Amish not concern themselves with world affairs, they do nothing (ever!) to try to change the world. It is not the Amish way. (Some might appreciate this approach and this simplicity. I do not.)
There is a great deal of information packed into this 192 pages of text material. There are three appendices, and in addition to the notes and references, there is a complete18-page index. With a tight organization plan, the book reads easily—especially because there are so many examples, and the sections within each chapter are short, vivid, revealing, and to the point.
Having directed a master’s thesis on the Amish in Ohio, I already had a good background of and interest in this topic; however, that being said, I found a great deal of new information in this book. Of all the books on the Amish I have read, this is by far the best of the bunch.
Whether you have an interest in the Amish or not, this book offers wonderful insights into one of America’s most interesting co-cultures and a truly American phenomenon. If you are simply looking for a great book that is entertaining, informative, and engaging, this is a fabulous choice. Five stars!
The Amish way: Patient faith in a perilous world can be purchased at Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Amish-Way-Patient-Faith-Perilous/dp/0470520698/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1306370338&sr=1-1
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
The authors (each with a Ph.D. and professors at various colleges) are great writers and researchers and have a deep understanding and appreciation of Amish life and ways. There are 14 pages of notes and 6 pages of references.
I found several things appealing in this book. The first thing, the authors talk about in the preface: “We talked with a host of Amish people in the course of writing this book, and we quote many of them in the following pages” (p. xv). These quotations offer in-depth insights, revealing windows into Amish feelings and experiences, and an amazing reading experience.
The second thing I found appealing is how the authors emphasized throughout the book how Amish spirituality gives all members of their community “a framework for making decisions about marriage, family, work, and play—indeed, a framework that helps them face all the pleasures and uncertainties that human life entails” (p. xiii). I find the power of their spirituality fascinating.
The third thing is the influence/domination of community. A good example of community is explained on page 33: “A mother knows that if she is hospitalized, her congregation will help pay the bills, care for her children, and do the household chores until she recovers. The local church swings into action with meals and moral support after any sort of misfortune, from a catastrophic barn fire to a broken arm” (p. 33).
Perhaps one of the most astounding ideas is how they reject anything that smacks of activism. Not only do the Amish not concern themselves with world affairs, they do nothing (ever!) to try to change the world. It is not the Amish way. (Some might appreciate this approach and this simplicity. I do not.)
There is a great deal of information packed into this 192 pages of text material. There are three appendices, and in addition to the notes and references, there is a complete18-page index. With a tight organization plan, the book reads easily—especially because there are so many examples, and the sections within each chapter are short, vivid, revealing, and to the point.
Having directed a master’s thesis on the Amish in Ohio, I already had a good background of and interest in this topic; however, that being said, I found a great deal of new information in this book. Of all the books on the Amish I have read, this is by far the best of the bunch.
Whether you have an interest in the Amish or not, this book offers wonderful insights into one of America’s most interesting co-cultures and a truly American phenomenon. If you are simply looking for a great book that is entertaining, informative, and engaging, this is a fabulous choice. Five stars!
The Amish way: Patient faith in a perilous world can be purchased at Amazon.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Blur: How to know what's true in the age of information overload
By Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenstiel
http://www.amazon.com/Blur-Know-Whats-Information-Overload/dp/159691565X
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
Any book that seeks to assist readers in becoming more discriminating consumers, whatever the marketplace involved, should not just be commended, it should be welcomed, hailed, and widely read. This is certainly one of those books.
Over many years (over thirty now), I have been trying to encourage students (whether through lectures or textbooks) to critically analyze information from the Internet or material available via any media source. How successful I have been is always questionable, especially since people tend to believe that if it is in print or if it appears on an Internet site, it has credibility.
Their chapter titles clearly reveal their intent: 1) How to Know What to Believe Anymore, 2) We Have Been Here Before, 3) The Way of Skeptical Knowing The Tradecraft of Verification, 4) Completeness: What Is Here and What Is Missing? 5) Sources: Where Did This Come From? 6) Evidence and the Journalism of Verification, 7) Assertion, Affirmation: Where’s the Evidence? 8) How to Find What Really Matters, 9) What We Need from the “Next Journalism.” The Epilogue is entitled, “The New Way of Knowing.”
The authors of the book are both journalists with a great deal of experience, and they are clearly great writers. The narrative flows easily. Their numerous examples are interesting and engaging. Central to their thesis, are the questions they raise at the end of chapter 1: “How will we as citizens learn what is true? How will we find out what information we can trust in an age in which we are all our own experts and power has been ceded to everyone” (p. 11)? At the end of Chapter 2, they raise the question, “How so we identify, with our new tools and options, what information is reliable” (p. 25)? In Chapter 6, they ask: “How do we, as consumers, arrive at meaning in news? How well do we navigate the borders between fact and belief, between empiricism and our own preconceptions” (p. 115)?
Incidentally, I always enjoy the use of the scientific method as a way to develop discipline and sanity in testing hypotheses. In pages 116-119, the explanation is clear and precise—although I am skeptical that the average reader will understand all of its perameters or adopt the method in everyday life.
Unfortunately, the people who really need to read this book won’t, and I’m afraid that the predominant attitude regarding information that is printed (whether in newspapers, magazines, books, or on the Internet) is likely to be believed without analysis, question, or challenge. That, after all, is the status quo, and changing in any degree from what is known, accepted, and habitual is unlikely.
Just as speakers who deliver their ideas effectively (despite the worth, value, or ethical underpinning of the ideas themselves) tend to be believed without challenge, words in print often have the same effect. It would be great if it were otherwise, but it is not nor will it ever be.
At the end of Chapter 3, the authors delineate what I see as the major hurtle that must be overcome to increasing skepticism when it comes to information (especially that available on the Internet): “Identifying what you are reading is not simply a matter of buyer beware. You must learn to discriminate, to know what kind of journalism it represents, to discover the norms and motives lurking in the work—what the journalists are trying to do. It is the first step, but a critical one, in knowing what to trust. Once you have done this, then comes the work of knowing how to navigate, of walking the other steps of the skeptical way of knowing” (p. 56).
One thing the authors ought to consider is reducing the size (or focus) of this book to the process of verifying evidence. They already have all the information, and it could be condensed, organized effectively, and all the advice they provide and suggestions they offer, could then be sold (in a different package, of course) as a way to improve communication, increase citizen potency, and heighten information credibility—all to the benefit of a more responsible democracy. The problem of this book (for some readers) is that it is too long; there is too much information; and the needed advice, although obvious and available, may not have the effectiveness necessary. (I say this and yet enjoyed all the examples the authors supply that make this book illuminating.)
I especially loved Chapter 8, “How to Find What Really Matters,” for its practicality, directness, and sense. Their advice in answering the question, “Am I getting what I need from the news” (p. 165)? is spot on (pp. 165-169), and will make every reader a more capable consumer of news.
This is really an outstanding book that is incredibly enjoyable to read. The authors have done an outstanding job in delineating the problem and suggesting specific methods for solving it.
Blur: How to know what’s true in the age of information overload can be purchased at Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Blur-Know-Whats-Information-Overload/dp/159691565X
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
Any book that seeks to assist readers in becoming more discriminating consumers, whatever the marketplace involved, should not just be commended, it should be welcomed, hailed, and widely read. This is certainly one of those books.
Over many years (over thirty now), I have been trying to encourage students (whether through lectures or textbooks) to critically analyze information from the Internet or material available via any media source. How successful I have been is always questionable, especially since people tend to believe that if it is in print or if it appears on an Internet site, it has credibility.
Their chapter titles clearly reveal their intent: 1) How to Know What to Believe Anymore, 2) We Have Been Here Before, 3) The Way of Skeptical Knowing The Tradecraft of Verification, 4) Completeness: What Is Here and What Is Missing? 5) Sources: Where Did This Come From? 6) Evidence and the Journalism of Verification, 7) Assertion, Affirmation: Where’s the Evidence? 8) How to Find What Really Matters, 9) What We Need from the “Next Journalism.” The Epilogue is entitled, “The New Way of Knowing.”
The authors of the book are both journalists with a great deal of experience, and they are clearly great writers. The narrative flows easily. Their numerous examples are interesting and engaging. Central to their thesis, are the questions they raise at the end of chapter 1: “How will we as citizens learn what is true? How will we find out what information we can trust in an age in which we are all our own experts and power has been ceded to everyone” (p. 11)? At the end of Chapter 2, they raise the question, “How so we identify, with our new tools and options, what information is reliable” (p. 25)? In Chapter 6, they ask: “How do we, as consumers, arrive at meaning in news? How well do we navigate the borders between fact and belief, between empiricism and our own preconceptions” (p. 115)?
Incidentally, I always enjoy the use of the scientific method as a way to develop discipline and sanity in testing hypotheses. In pages 116-119, the explanation is clear and precise—although I am skeptical that the average reader will understand all of its perameters or adopt the method in everyday life.
Unfortunately, the people who really need to read this book won’t, and I’m afraid that the predominant attitude regarding information that is printed (whether in newspapers, magazines, books, or on the Internet) is likely to be believed without analysis, question, or challenge. That, after all, is the status quo, and changing in any degree from what is known, accepted, and habitual is unlikely.
Just as speakers who deliver their ideas effectively (despite the worth, value, or ethical underpinning of the ideas themselves) tend to be believed without challenge, words in print often have the same effect. It would be great if it were otherwise, but it is not nor will it ever be.
At the end of Chapter 3, the authors delineate what I see as the major hurtle that must be overcome to increasing skepticism when it comes to information (especially that available on the Internet): “Identifying what you are reading is not simply a matter of buyer beware. You must learn to discriminate, to know what kind of journalism it represents, to discover the norms and motives lurking in the work—what the journalists are trying to do. It is the first step, but a critical one, in knowing what to trust. Once you have done this, then comes the work of knowing how to navigate, of walking the other steps of the skeptical way of knowing” (p. 56).
One thing the authors ought to consider is reducing the size (or focus) of this book to the process of verifying evidence. They already have all the information, and it could be condensed, organized effectively, and all the advice they provide and suggestions they offer, could then be sold (in a different package, of course) as a way to improve communication, increase citizen potency, and heighten information credibility—all to the benefit of a more responsible democracy. The problem of this book (for some readers) is that it is too long; there is too much information; and the needed advice, although obvious and available, may not have the effectiveness necessary. (I say this and yet enjoyed all the examples the authors supply that make this book illuminating.)
I especially loved Chapter 8, “How to Find What Really Matters,” for its practicality, directness, and sense. Their advice in answering the question, “Am I getting what I need from the news” (p. 165)? is spot on (pp. 165-169), and will make every reader a more capable consumer of news.
This is really an outstanding book that is incredibly enjoyable to read. The authors have done an outstanding job in delineating the problem and suggesting specific methods for solving it.
Blur: How to know what’s true in the age of information overload can be purchased at Amazon.
Monday, October 8, 2012
Better by mistake: The unexpected benefits of being wrong
By Alina Tugend
http://www.amazon.com/Better-Mistake-Unexpected-Benefits-Being/dp/1594487855/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1305680517&sr=1-1
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
This is an excellent book. Not only is it well-written and well-researched, but the narration flows smoothly, and the research is incorporated easily and unobtrusively.
In seventeen pages in half the font size of the text, she includes a wonderful and quite extensive set of notes. Her bibliography, in the same reduced font size, extends for eleven pages.
Tugend truly knows what she is talking about, and not only does she offer examples with which all readers can identify, whether it is in raising children, in the workplace, medicine, aviation, genders, cultures, or individually, her insights and conclusions are on the mark.
I have used the research (the five dimensions) that Geert Hofstede, the Dutch psychologist, “has done over the years to identify and explain variations among societies” (p. 203), in my textbook, Communicating Effectively, 10th ed. (McGraw-Hill, 2012) for many years, and I was pleased to see Tugend’s endorsement of them. She said, “Nonetheless [despite his dimensions being “critiqued for failing to take into account minority societies within a dominant culture” (p. 205)], his work has proved very useful, and has withstood the test of time, in helping understand important cultural differences” (p. 205).
His examples of Hofstede’s dimensions are clear and helpful, and I plan to use one of them (with permission, of course), as a “Consider This” box or as an “Active Open-Mindedness,” or “Another Point of View” supplementary box. That is how good her material is.
I also appreciated Tugend’s continual reminders about how we (her readers) can successfully deal with mistakes, or how they can be dealt with in the various areas she writes about. In her “Conclusion,” she summarizes her advice by saying, “We all make our share of those [a faux pas or blunder], and that’s okay also. But if we can all forgive ours and others’ errors more often, if we can acknowledge that perfection is a myth and that human beings screw up on a regular basis—and we can either simply feel bad about it and find someone to accuse or learn from it—then swe are on the right track. Make no mistake about it” (p. 252).
This book is a “must read” for everyone. There are “unexpected benefits of being wrong” that all people need to read.
Better by mistake: The unexpected benefits of being wrong can be purchased at Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Better-Mistake-Unexpected-Benefits-Being/dp/1594487855/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1305680517&sr=1-1
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
This is an excellent book. Not only is it well-written and well-researched, but the narration flows smoothly, and the research is incorporated easily and unobtrusively.
In seventeen pages in half the font size of the text, she includes a wonderful and quite extensive set of notes. Her bibliography, in the same reduced font size, extends for eleven pages.
Tugend truly knows what she is talking about, and not only does she offer examples with which all readers can identify, whether it is in raising children, in the workplace, medicine, aviation, genders, cultures, or individually, her insights and conclusions are on the mark.
I have used the research (the five dimensions) that Geert Hofstede, the Dutch psychologist, “has done over the years to identify and explain variations among societies” (p. 203), in my textbook, Communicating Effectively, 10th ed. (McGraw-Hill, 2012) for many years, and I was pleased to see Tugend’s endorsement of them. She said, “Nonetheless [despite his dimensions being “critiqued for failing to take into account minority societies within a dominant culture” (p. 205)], his work has proved very useful, and has withstood the test of time, in helping understand important cultural differences” (p. 205).
His examples of Hofstede’s dimensions are clear and helpful, and I plan to use one of them (with permission, of course), as a “Consider This” box or as an “Active Open-Mindedness,” or “Another Point of View” supplementary box. That is how good her material is.
I also appreciated Tugend’s continual reminders about how we (her readers) can successfully deal with mistakes, or how they can be dealt with in the various areas she writes about. In her “Conclusion,” she summarizes her advice by saying, “We all make our share of those [a faux pas or blunder], and that’s okay also. But if we can all forgive ours and others’ errors more often, if we can acknowledge that perfection is a myth and that human beings screw up on a regular basis—and we can either simply feel bad about it and find someone to accuse or learn from it—then swe are on the right track. Make no mistake about it” (p. 252).
This book is a “must read” for everyone. There are “unexpected benefits of being wrong” that all people need to read.
Better by mistake: The unexpected benefits of being wrong can be purchased at Amazon.
Monday, October 1, 2012
Being happy: You don’t have to be perfect to lead a richer, happier life
By Tal Ben-Shahar
http://www.amazon.com/Being-Happy-Perfect-Richer-Happier/dp/0071746617
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
There are a number of reasons why I liked this 228-page (of text) book, the first of which is that it is very well written. Ben-Shahar is an engaging writer.
Second, I found the book educational. Ben-Shahar includes six pages of references, then his four pages of notes are abbreviated, and all his notes come from his references. The way he incorporates his sources throughout the book is smooth and comfortable—not the least bit awkward. It will not take you, as a reader, long to discover that Ben-Shahar is not only well-educated, but the breadth of his knowledge is impressive as well.
Third, I enjoyed his personal insights, stories, and references because they offer additional depth to the book. I thought the idea of moving from a perfectionistic point of view (or approach to life) to an optimalist is reasonable. Also, it is a move that people can accomplish with dedication, patience, and persistence—requirements, obviously, for anyone who wishes to make changes in his or her life.
Fourth, I identify with Ben-Shahar. It is clear that he is a teacher, and I thought his “Time-In” sections and end-of-the-chapter exercises were spot-on. Anyone with a serious desire to shed his or her perfectionistic tendencies to become happier and more fulfilled, will find ideas in this book that will help them change—to move in more positive directions.
I am not suggesting by my comments that Ben-Shahar’s material is all new, that it is revelatory, that it is earth-shattering, or involves huge changes in one’s life. There is a great deal of common knowledge and common sense here. Often, those who are seeking changes in their lives need assistance.
Reading this interactive book is a little like walking with a mentor’s hand on your shoulder. The mentor is offering assistance through suggestions, advice, and warm counsel. He, like a good teacher, is encouraging, motivating, comforting, supportive, positive, and reassuring. If that is an approach you appreciate, then this book is a great choice. To keep it handy is like having a counselor or tutor at arm’s length.
Being happy: You don’t have to be perfect to lead a richer, happier life can be purchased at Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Being-Happy-Perfect-Richer-Happier/dp/0071746617
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
There are a number of reasons why I liked this 228-page (of text) book, the first of which is that it is very well written. Ben-Shahar is an engaging writer.
Second, I found the book educational. Ben-Shahar includes six pages of references, then his four pages of notes are abbreviated, and all his notes come from his references. The way he incorporates his sources throughout the book is smooth and comfortable—not the least bit awkward. It will not take you, as a reader, long to discover that Ben-Shahar is not only well-educated, but the breadth of his knowledge is impressive as well.
Third, I enjoyed his personal insights, stories, and references because they offer additional depth to the book. I thought the idea of moving from a perfectionistic point of view (or approach to life) to an optimalist is reasonable. Also, it is a move that people can accomplish with dedication, patience, and persistence—requirements, obviously, for anyone who wishes to make changes in his or her life.
Fourth, I identify with Ben-Shahar. It is clear that he is a teacher, and I thought his “Time-In” sections and end-of-the-chapter exercises were spot-on. Anyone with a serious desire to shed his or her perfectionistic tendencies to become happier and more fulfilled, will find ideas in this book that will help them change—to move in more positive directions.
I am not suggesting by my comments that Ben-Shahar’s material is all new, that it is revelatory, that it is earth-shattering, or involves huge changes in one’s life. There is a great deal of common knowledge and common sense here. Often, those who are seeking changes in their lives need assistance.
Reading this interactive book is a little like walking with a mentor’s hand on your shoulder. The mentor is offering assistance through suggestions, advice, and warm counsel. He, like a good teacher, is encouraging, motivating, comforting, supportive, positive, and reassuring. If that is an approach you appreciate, then this book is a great choice. To keep it handy is like having a counselor or tutor at arm’s length.
Being happy: You don’t have to be perfect to lead a richer, happier life can be purchased at Amazon.
Monday, September 24, 2012
The big thirst: The secret life and turbulent future of water
By Charles Fishman
http://www.amazon.com/Big-Thirst-Secret-Turbulent-Future/dp/1439102074/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1305595353&sr=1-1
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
Charles Fishman has written an absolutely superb book! Judge it from any perspective whatever, and it wreaks of excellence. If the five-star scale went to ten, it would be ten out of ten!
First, he is a wonderful, captivating, engrossing, and entertaining writer. His language use is delightful. As the flyleaf says, he “brings vibrantly to life in this surprising and mind-changing narrative, [how] water runs our world.”
Second, he is a terrific story teller. “Story” suggests that he makes up information, which is not the case. He provides superb examples and illustrations, and the details he offers make them riveting.
Third, he includes 55 pages of notes (in a small font) in this 313-page (of text material) book. His sources are superior; his research is excellent; and the support he offers for all of his information is without comparison.
Fishman offers excellent statistics regarding household water use that are shocking.
How Las Vegas uses, saves, and then returns much of the water it borrows from Lake Mead is astounding. The specificity of his examples are wonderful. For example, his description of Poland Spring water from Poland Spring, Maine, is both delightful and insightful. His stories of Atlanta, Galveston, Australia, India, and so many other places are breathtaking.
Fishman’s conclusion, as explained on the flyleaf of the book, is: “We have more than enough water. We just don’t think about it, or use it, smartly.” How companies like IBM, GE, and Royal Caribbean are now making important breakthroughs in water productivity are fascinating to read.
This is clearly a book that everyone should read. The back flyleaf of the book is accurate when it says that the book “will forever change the way [you] think about water, about [your] essential relationship to it, and about the creativity [you] can bring to ensuring that [you’ll] always have plenty of it.”
The big thirst: The secret life and turbulent future of water can be purchased at Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Big-Thirst-Secret-Turbulent-Future/dp/1439102074/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1305595353&sr=1-1
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
Charles Fishman has written an absolutely superb book! Judge it from any perspective whatever, and it wreaks of excellence. If the five-star scale went to ten, it would be ten out of ten!
First, he is a wonderful, captivating, engrossing, and entertaining writer. His language use is delightful. As the flyleaf says, he “brings vibrantly to life in this surprising and mind-changing narrative, [how] water runs our world.”
Second, he is a terrific story teller. “Story” suggests that he makes up information, which is not the case. He provides superb examples and illustrations, and the details he offers make them riveting.
Third, he includes 55 pages of notes (in a small font) in this 313-page (of text material) book. His sources are superior; his research is excellent; and the support he offers for all of his information is without comparison.
Fishman offers excellent statistics regarding household water use that are shocking.
How Las Vegas uses, saves, and then returns much of the water it borrows from Lake Mead is astounding. The specificity of his examples are wonderful. For example, his description of Poland Spring water from Poland Spring, Maine, is both delightful and insightful. His stories of Atlanta, Galveston, Australia, India, and so many other places are breathtaking.
Fishman’s conclusion, as explained on the flyleaf of the book, is: “We have more than enough water. We just don’t think about it, or use it, smartly.” How companies like IBM, GE, and Royal Caribbean are now making important breakthroughs in water productivity are fascinating to read.
This is clearly a book that everyone should read. The back flyleaf of the book is accurate when it says that the book “will forever change the way [you] think about water, about [your] essential relationship to it, and about the creativity [you] can bring to ensuring that [you’ll] always have plenty of it.”
The big thirst: The secret life and turbulent future of water can be purchased at Amazon.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Self empowerment and your subconscious mind: Your unlimited resource for health, success, long life & spiritual attainment
By Carl Llewellyn Weschcke and Joe H. Slate
http://www.amazon.com/Mountain-Tibet-Colin-Thubron/dp/006176826X
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
Yes, I should have realized what this book would be about when I read that Weschcke has been called “the father of the New Age for his public sponsorship of metaphysical subjects,” and that Slate’s previous books included “a variety of metaphysical subjects, from astral projection and aura energies to nature power to psychic vampires, reincarnation, and rejuvenation” (from the back cover).
Why did I pick up this book? I am always interested in new perspectives, alternative ways of thinking, and counter-intuitive modes of analysis. Curiosity, pure and simple!
Before offering several reactions to this book, you have to know that I was raised by parents immersed in science (one taught science and the other was a professor who co-authored a textbook on biology), and I was in pre-medicine from junior highschool through my second year of university work at the University of Michigan. It was total immersion in scientific or science-related courses for six years of my life. I am not a scientist, but I read extensively about science and scientific subjects because they interest me and have always intrigued me.
The text of this book is only 151 pages in length after which there is a 13-page appendix, “Self-Empowerment and Self-Hypnosis,” followed by a 56-page “Glossary and Suggested Readings.”
I found the authors’ explanation of the Great Pyramid model of Personal Consciousness, presented in their chapter one, when they described the Queen’s Chamber, its foundation upon the Earth as well as its connection to the Subterranean Chamber in the earth, and then the King’s Chamber and the area above completely absurd. Even silly.
To give you just a quick introduction to the nature of this book, this is what the authors say in the section, “Psychic Skills and Paranormal Phenomena”: “The conscious mind, working through the subconscious mind, is able to manage these abilities that include clairvoyance, mind-to-mind telepathy, spiritual healing, automatic writing, psychokinesis, spirit communication, dowsing, astral projection, precognition, remote viewing, past-life regression, personal rejuvenation, psychic defense, and more. Our goal is to intentionally make use of psychic skills for our practical benefit . . . “ (p. 69). If you, as a potential reader of this book, believes in, supports, or truly endorses any of these activities or behaviors, then this book is definitely for you.
This is what the authors say in the section, “The American Middle Pillar and “Auric Energizer”: “The psychic centers themselves are not to be visualized as images or symbols, but rather as colored spheres of intense light, each about one and one-half inches in diameter, located—as indicated—either as a full sphere external to the body, or as a half sphere partially within the body and partially projecting out in front of the body” (p. 143). If this isn’t nonsense in the extreme—psychic, supernormal, extrasensory, or mystical—I don’t know what is!
This is a totally ridiculous book—preposterous, ludicrous, farcical, irrational, nonsensical, and laughable. If you enjoy farce, if you like charade, if you don’t mind wasting your time, then this book is for you. It is harebrained, cockamamie, foolish, and stupid. I award the book zero stars out of five. If I could award a negative number of stars, somewhere between negative five and ten might not even begin to capture my assessment! What a sham! How is it that authors of the absurd can even find a legitimate vehicle to publication? This book is not worth the paper it is printed on!
Self empowerment and your subconscious mind: Your unlimited resource for health, success, long life & spiritual attainment can be purchased at Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Mountain-Tibet-Colin-Thubron/dp/006176826X
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
Yes, I should have realized what this book would be about when I read that Weschcke has been called “the father of the New Age for his public sponsorship of metaphysical subjects,” and that Slate’s previous books included “a variety of metaphysical subjects, from astral projection and aura energies to nature power to psychic vampires, reincarnation, and rejuvenation” (from the back cover).
Why did I pick up this book? I am always interested in new perspectives, alternative ways of thinking, and counter-intuitive modes of analysis. Curiosity, pure and simple!
Before offering several reactions to this book, you have to know that I was raised by parents immersed in science (one taught science and the other was a professor who co-authored a textbook on biology), and I was in pre-medicine from junior highschool through my second year of university work at the University of Michigan. It was total immersion in scientific or science-related courses for six years of my life. I am not a scientist, but I read extensively about science and scientific subjects because they interest me and have always intrigued me.
The text of this book is only 151 pages in length after which there is a 13-page appendix, “Self-Empowerment and Self-Hypnosis,” followed by a 56-page “Glossary and Suggested Readings.”
I found the authors’ explanation of the Great Pyramid model of Personal Consciousness, presented in their chapter one, when they described the Queen’s Chamber, its foundation upon the Earth as well as its connection to the Subterranean Chamber in the earth, and then the King’s Chamber and the area above completely absurd. Even silly.
To give you just a quick introduction to the nature of this book, this is what the authors say in the section, “Psychic Skills and Paranormal Phenomena”: “The conscious mind, working through the subconscious mind, is able to manage these abilities that include clairvoyance, mind-to-mind telepathy, spiritual healing, automatic writing, psychokinesis, spirit communication, dowsing, astral projection, precognition, remote viewing, past-life regression, personal rejuvenation, psychic defense, and more. Our goal is to intentionally make use of psychic skills for our practical benefit . . . “ (p. 69). If you, as a potential reader of this book, believes in, supports, or truly endorses any of these activities or behaviors, then this book is definitely for you.
This is what the authors say in the section, “The American Middle Pillar and “Auric Energizer”: “The psychic centers themselves are not to be visualized as images or symbols, but rather as colored spheres of intense light, each about one and one-half inches in diameter, located—as indicated—either as a full sphere external to the body, or as a half sphere partially within the body and partially projecting out in front of the body” (p. 143). If this isn’t nonsense in the extreme—psychic, supernormal, extrasensory, or mystical—I don’t know what is!
This is a totally ridiculous book—preposterous, ludicrous, farcical, irrational, nonsensical, and laughable. If you enjoy farce, if you like charade, if you don’t mind wasting your time, then this book is for you. It is harebrained, cockamamie, foolish, and stupid. I award the book zero stars out of five. If I could award a negative number of stars, somewhere between negative five and ten might not even begin to capture my assessment! What a sham! How is it that authors of the absurd can even find a legitimate vehicle to publication? This book is not worth the paper it is printed on!
Self empowerment and your subconscious mind: Your unlimited resource for health, success, long life & spiritual attainment can be purchased at Amazon.
Monday, September 10, 2012
To a mountain in Tibet
By Colin Thubron
http://www.amazon.com/Mountain-Tibet-Colin-Thubron/dp/006176826X
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
I have read no previous books by Colin Thubron; thus, this was my introduction to the author and his writing. I was thoroughly impressed.
There are a number of caveats in my assessment of this book. First, I am an active traveler. Second, I love being out in nature. Third, I have traveled in many foreign countries, and I’ve experienced isolated villages and desperately poor people. Thus, it is easy for me to identify with Thubron’s ideas, feelings, and insights. Fourth, I love to read beautiful language (spectacular imagery) — especially when words create visual images that can easily be perceived. In this book, it is as if you, the reader, are part of the author’s traveling party.
There is another reason, too, that prejudices my assessment of this book. Fifth, I truly enjoy entry into thinking-people’s thought processes. This book is a thinking person’s spiritual journey, and the way he weighs and develops his ideas is not just remarkable and riveting but outstanding. The way this author transitions smoothly between descriptions about the people he encounters, the natural environment he experiences about him, his own thoughts and ideas about his history and his family, and even the history, religion, and background of the places he happens to be are wonderful in their richness and vividness. Again, just allowing his words to immerse you, bathe you, even soak you in their radiance and intensity is a warm, deep, penetrating experience.
I easily, comfortably, and accurately award this book five stars out of five for its dramatic, colorful, fascinating, intensity. If you want to read about what the book covers or even the passages that stand out in others’ minds, read the reviews at Amazon.com.
To a mountain in Tibet can be purchased at Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Mountain-Tibet-Colin-Thubron/dp/006176826X
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
I have read no previous books by Colin Thubron; thus, this was my introduction to the author and his writing. I was thoroughly impressed.
There are a number of caveats in my assessment of this book. First, I am an active traveler. Second, I love being out in nature. Third, I have traveled in many foreign countries, and I’ve experienced isolated villages and desperately poor people. Thus, it is easy for me to identify with Thubron’s ideas, feelings, and insights. Fourth, I love to read beautiful language (spectacular imagery) — especially when words create visual images that can easily be perceived. In this book, it is as if you, the reader, are part of the author’s traveling party.
There is another reason, too, that prejudices my assessment of this book. Fifth, I truly enjoy entry into thinking-people’s thought processes. This book is a thinking person’s spiritual journey, and the way he weighs and develops his ideas is not just remarkable and riveting but outstanding. The way this author transitions smoothly between descriptions about the people he encounters, the natural environment he experiences about him, his own thoughts and ideas about his history and his family, and even the history, religion, and background of the places he happens to be are wonderful in their richness and vividness. Again, just allowing his words to immerse you, bathe you, even soak you in their radiance and intensity is a warm, deep, penetrating experience.
I easily, comfortably, and accurately award this book five stars out of five for its dramatic, colorful, fascinating, intensity. If you want to read about what the book covers or even the passages that stand out in others’ minds, read the reviews at Amazon.com.
To a mountain in Tibet can be purchased at Amazon.
Monday, September 3, 2012
As China goes, so goes the world: How Chinese consumers are transforming everything
By Karl Gerth
http://www.amazon.com/China-Goes-World-Transforming-Everything/dp/0809034298/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1304448557&sr=1-1
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
The author teaches modern Chinese history at Oxford University and has written one previous book on China. The 205-pages of text of the book As China Goes . . . is followed by 29 pages of notes, three pages of further readings, and a complete index. The notes section is thorough, comprehensive, and extremely competent.
The book is not only well-written, it is well-researched, too.
Having recently visited both Shanghai and Beijing, I was interested in the author’s perspective of China, and that is why I sought out this book.
His eight chapter titles reveal, in part, what this book is about: 1) No Going Back? 2) Who Gets What? 3) Made in Taiwan. 4) Standardizing Abundance. 5) Branding Consumer Consciousness. 6) Living in a World of Fakes. 7) Extreme Markets. 8) Environmental Implications.
I thought the continuing contrast between the past and the present throughout the book was interesting and stark. Having been there recently, I was able to witness the characteristics Gerth offered about present-day China. Having lived and worked in Dacca, East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) for nine months, it is not difficult to visualize the China Gerth knew when he went to school there, and the China with which he contrasted the present.
This is a well-written, well-researched, well-organized, and well-presented narrative that offers an accurate picture of China both then and now. Gerth’s examples—whether personal, from contacts, or from his research—are interesting, useful, and certainly help advance his narrative.
I found this information both accurate and informative: “If global consumers are concerned about the safety of such Chinese imports as toys, paint, and drywall, imagine what it’s like to be a consumer in China, where the authenticity and quality of everything in your life is suspect: the food you eat, the water you drink, the pills you put in your body, the building you live in, the computer you use, the airplane you fly in—right down to the ‘Mont Blanc’ pen you may use, say, to write a book manuscript. The uncertainty created by Chinese counterfeits is making sonsumer life in China unpredictable . . .” (P. 155).
This quotation reveals Gerth’s writing style, the accuracy of his observations, and the kind of information he has for readers. This is a wonderful book, full of excellent, insightful information. Whether you are planning a China trip, have been to China in the past, or if you have an interest in the development of the Chinese economy. It isn’t just the development of the Chinese economy either, it is the reciprocal influence between China and the United States. In his conclusion’s final paragraph, Gerth says, “. . . what happens in China is also deeply influenced by the actions of other countries, particularly the United States, and a similar case could be made that as the American consumer goes, so goes the Chinese consumer and the world. . . .(p. 205).”
This is an excellent book full of 205 pages of useful, well-researched information.
As China goes, so goes the world: How Chinese consumers are transforming everything can be purchased at Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/China-Goes-World-Transforming-Everything/dp/0809034298/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1304448557&sr=1-1
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
The author teaches modern Chinese history at Oxford University and has written one previous book on China. The 205-pages of text of the book As China Goes . . . is followed by 29 pages of notes, three pages of further readings, and a complete index. The notes section is thorough, comprehensive, and extremely competent.
The book is not only well-written, it is well-researched, too.
Having recently visited both Shanghai and Beijing, I was interested in the author’s perspective of China, and that is why I sought out this book.
His eight chapter titles reveal, in part, what this book is about: 1) No Going Back? 2) Who Gets What? 3) Made in Taiwan. 4) Standardizing Abundance. 5) Branding Consumer Consciousness. 6) Living in a World of Fakes. 7) Extreme Markets. 8) Environmental Implications.
I thought the continuing contrast between the past and the present throughout the book was interesting and stark. Having been there recently, I was able to witness the characteristics Gerth offered about present-day China. Having lived and worked in Dacca, East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) for nine months, it is not difficult to visualize the China Gerth knew when he went to school there, and the China with which he contrasted the present.
This is a well-written, well-researched, well-organized, and well-presented narrative that offers an accurate picture of China both then and now. Gerth’s examples—whether personal, from contacts, or from his research—are interesting, useful, and certainly help advance his narrative.
I found this information both accurate and informative: “If global consumers are concerned about the safety of such Chinese imports as toys, paint, and drywall, imagine what it’s like to be a consumer in China, where the authenticity and quality of everything in your life is suspect: the food you eat, the water you drink, the pills you put in your body, the building you live in, the computer you use, the airplane you fly in—right down to the ‘Mont Blanc’ pen you may use, say, to write a book manuscript. The uncertainty created by Chinese counterfeits is making sonsumer life in China unpredictable . . .” (P. 155).
This quotation reveals Gerth’s writing style, the accuracy of his observations, and the kind of information he has for readers. This is a wonderful book, full of excellent, insightful information. Whether you are planning a China trip, have been to China in the past, or if you have an interest in the development of the Chinese economy. It isn’t just the development of the Chinese economy either, it is the reciprocal influence between China and the United States. In his conclusion’s final paragraph, Gerth says, “. . . what happens in China is also deeply influenced by the actions of other countries, particularly the United States, and a similar case could be made that as the American consumer goes, so goes the Chinese consumer and the world. . . .(p. 205).”
This is an excellent book full of 205 pages of useful, well-researched information.
As China goes, so goes the world: How Chinese consumers are transforming everything can be purchased at Amazon.
Monday, August 27, 2012
Over the cliff: How Obama’s election drove the American right insane
By John Amato and David Neiwert
http://www.amazon.com/Over-Cliff-Obamas-Election-American/dp/0982417179
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
When I picked up this book I had no intention of reviewing it; however, once I read it, I changed my mind for one reason: being a follower of politics, I think Amato and Neiwert (two outstanding writers) have accurately chronicled the politics of this moment (May, 2011).
Of course it’s true that both writers are biased. Look at the title! And, too, both writers write from a liberal-progressive slant. Amato has been featured in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, USA Today, and Forbes. Neiwert has been featured in the Washington Post, Alon, Seattle Magazine, and the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Intelligence Report. Also, Neiwert does online reportage for MSNBC. What would you expect from these writers?
If you follow politics closely, and if you listen to MSNBC on a regular basis, some (not most!) of the information in this book will not be new. There are many insights and ideas that are new since both writers have access to information not readily available to political junkies and their search ranged widely as they sought to provide information for this book. It is clearly well-researched! Also, both writers closely follow (just to write a book like this!) the rantings, ravings, and lunatic assertions and assumptions of the American right. Personally, I wouldn’t waste my time. Just the mention of Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh, Sarah Palin, Michelle Bachmann, Sean Hannity, Bill O’Reilly, Lou Dobbs, Ann Coulter, Patrick Buchanan, Michael Savage, Newt Gingrich, or Charles Krauthammer (among others) is enough to turn my stomach. Although I have the same political leanings as both writers, I would not have wanted to pursue the research to write this book!
I thought that part of the paragraph on page 113 that represents Republican thinking (as well as the Koch and Coors families and FreedomWorks) pretty much sums up my problem with current politics and my issue with the right wing agenda. Their goal is “to propagandize vulnerable Americans [especially the blue collar, uneducated, and barely literate right wing!] into believing that the fault for their tough economic times lies not with conservative governance (cutting taxes to corporations and the wealthiest Americans, demolishing regulations that protect the working class) but with minorities and welfare recipients—people, they were told, who are just lazy and don’t want to work for themselves and whose laziness is enabled by liberal policies. It is, fundamentally, the practice of the politics of resentment, using cultural wedge issues to pry working-class people away from progressive politics” (p. 113).
The book is well-written (as you can tell from this quotation), to-the-point, and very well reasoned. If for no other reason than representing the way that politics have come to be in the present day, this is a valuable and worthwhile book.
Over the cliff: How Obama’s election drove the American right insane can be purchased at Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/Over-Cliff-Obamas-Election-American/dp/0982417179
http://www.amazon.com/Over-Cliff-Obamas-Election-American/dp/0982417179
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
When I picked up this book I had no intention of reviewing it; however, once I read it, I changed my mind for one reason: being a follower of politics, I think Amato and Neiwert (two outstanding writers) have accurately chronicled the politics of this moment (May, 2011).
Of course it’s true that both writers are biased. Look at the title! And, too, both writers write from a liberal-progressive slant. Amato has been featured in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, USA Today, and Forbes. Neiwert has been featured in the Washington Post, Alon, Seattle Magazine, and the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Intelligence Report. Also, Neiwert does online reportage for MSNBC. What would you expect from these writers?
If you follow politics closely, and if you listen to MSNBC on a regular basis, some (not most!) of the information in this book will not be new. There are many insights and ideas that are new since both writers have access to information not readily available to political junkies and their search ranged widely as they sought to provide information for this book. It is clearly well-researched! Also, both writers closely follow (just to write a book like this!) the rantings, ravings, and lunatic assertions and assumptions of the American right. Personally, I wouldn’t waste my time. Just the mention of Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh, Sarah Palin, Michelle Bachmann, Sean Hannity, Bill O’Reilly, Lou Dobbs, Ann Coulter, Patrick Buchanan, Michael Savage, Newt Gingrich, or Charles Krauthammer (among others) is enough to turn my stomach. Although I have the same political leanings as both writers, I would not have wanted to pursue the research to write this book!
I thought that part of the paragraph on page 113 that represents Republican thinking (as well as the Koch and Coors families and FreedomWorks) pretty much sums up my problem with current politics and my issue with the right wing agenda. Their goal is “to propagandize vulnerable Americans [especially the blue collar, uneducated, and barely literate right wing!] into believing that the fault for their tough economic times lies not with conservative governance (cutting taxes to corporations and the wealthiest Americans, demolishing regulations that protect the working class) but with minorities and welfare recipients—people, they were told, who are just lazy and don’t want to work for themselves and whose laziness is enabled by liberal policies. It is, fundamentally, the practice of the politics of resentment, using cultural wedge issues to pry working-class people away from progressive politics” (p. 113).
The book is well-written (as you can tell from this quotation), to-the-point, and very well reasoned. If for no other reason than representing the way that politics have come to be in the present day, this is a valuable and worthwhile book.
Over the cliff: How Obama’s election drove the American right insane can be purchased at Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/Over-Cliff-Obamas-Election-American/dp/0982417179
Monday, August 20, 2012
In the plex: How Google thinks, works, and shapes our lives
By Steven Levy
http://www.amazon.com/Plex-Google-Thinks-Works-Shapes/dp/1416596585/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1304432165&sr=1-1
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
Just looking at this 387-page (of text) book, sixteen pages of notes, with only seven parts and meekly marked chapters within each part, with a heavy amount of verbiage on each page, no pictures, no special boxes, or any interferences of any kind, one can be easily intimidated. Reading the book, however, will change this perspective quickly and directly. Levy is a terrific writer; his stories are interesting and, indeed, engaging; and the narrative is well-organized, and meaningfully and purposefully driven.
For technophiles, and anyone else who might be interested in the etymology, history, maintenance, and continuing evolution of one of the most influential and indispensable aspects of daily life, this book is a “must buy.”
Because of Levy’s unprecedented access to Google, you not only get to look into its headquarters (the Googleplex), but you also see Google from the vantage point of its employees. Levy interviewed “hundreds of current and former Googlers and attended a variety of meetings in the company” (p. 6).
How does Levy know all the in’s and out’s of the workings of the company? The meetings he was allowed to attend “included product development meetings, ‘interface reviews,’ search launch meetings, privacy council sessions, weekly TGIF all-hands gatherings, and the gatherings of the high command known as Google Product Strategy (GPS) meetings, where projects and initiatives are approved or rejected. I also ate a lot of meals at Andale, the burrito joint in Google’s Building 43" (p. 6).
The inside information Levy obtains, the incredibly detailed operations, the decisions that had/have to be made, the thinking that takes/took place, the numerous and exacting quotations, and all the various and intricate movements of this company are told in a fascinating, even riveting, narrative that keeps your attention from beginning to end.
One personal story here merits comment. In the sixth edition of my college textbook (written with Saundra Hybels), Communicating Effectively (2001), I introduced readers to the AltaVista search engine every time I discussed the use of the Internet as a research tool. At that point, Google was not mentioned at all. It was in my seventh edition (2004), that I made a complete switch from discussing AltaVista—which now had one mention (p. 421) —to Google, which, in my seventh had more than a dozen pages as listed in the index. In the very next edition, my eighth (2007), AltaVista was not discussed (even as an alternative search engine), and Google became so predominant, obvious, and accepted that it was no longer even selected for special mention in the index—and it was a prominent fixture throughout the book. Communicating Effectively, now in its 10th edition (McGraw-Hill, 2012) continues to discuss Google alone when it comes to Internet searches. I have grown as a writer along with Google, and in the essays, books, and speeches I write, I depend on it (almost solely) as my immediate and invaluable research tool.
For me Levy’s book is outstanding for its comprehensiveness and depth. I recommend it highly and without reservation.
In the plex: How Google thinks, works, and shapes our lives can be purchased at Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Plex-Google-Thinks-Works-Shapes/dp/1416596585/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1304432165&sr=1-1
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
Just looking at this 387-page (of text) book, sixteen pages of notes, with only seven parts and meekly marked chapters within each part, with a heavy amount of verbiage on each page, no pictures, no special boxes, or any interferences of any kind, one can be easily intimidated. Reading the book, however, will change this perspective quickly and directly. Levy is a terrific writer; his stories are interesting and, indeed, engaging; and the narrative is well-organized, and meaningfully and purposefully driven.
For technophiles, and anyone else who might be interested in the etymology, history, maintenance, and continuing evolution of one of the most influential and indispensable aspects of daily life, this book is a “must buy.”
Because of Levy’s unprecedented access to Google, you not only get to look into its headquarters (the Googleplex), but you also see Google from the vantage point of its employees. Levy interviewed “hundreds of current and former Googlers and attended a variety of meetings in the company” (p. 6).
How does Levy know all the in’s and out’s of the workings of the company? The meetings he was allowed to attend “included product development meetings, ‘interface reviews,’ search launch meetings, privacy council sessions, weekly TGIF all-hands gatherings, and the gatherings of the high command known as Google Product Strategy (GPS) meetings, where projects and initiatives are approved or rejected. I also ate a lot of meals at Andale, the burrito joint in Google’s Building 43" (p. 6).
The inside information Levy obtains, the incredibly detailed operations, the decisions that had/have to be made, the thinking that takes/took place, the numerous and exacting quotations, and all the various and intricate movements of this company are told in a fascinating, even riveting, narrative that keeps your attention from beginning to end.
One personal story here merits comment. In the sixth edition of my college textbook (written with Saundra Hybels), Communicating Effectively (2001), I introduced readers to the AltaVista search engine every time I discussed the use of the Internet as a research tool. At that point, Google was not mentioned at all. It was in my seventh edition (2004), that I made a complete switch from discussing AltaVista—which now had one mention (p. 421) —to Google, which, in my seventh had more than a dozen pages as listed in the index. In the very next edition, my eighth (2007), AltaVista was not discussed (even as an alternative search engine), and Google became so predominant, obvious, and accepted that it was no longer even selected for special mention in the index—and it was a prominent fixture throughout the book. Communicating Effectively, now in its 10th edition (McGraw-Hill, 2012) continues to discuss Google alone when it comes to Internet searches. I have grown as a writer along with Google, and in the essays, books, and speeches I write, I depend on it (almost solely) as my immediate and invaluable research tool.
For me Levy’s book is outstanding for its comprehensiveness and depth. I recommend it highly and without reservation.
In the plex: How Google thinks, works, and shapes our lives can be purchased at Amazon.
Monday, August 13, 2012
The Amen Solution: The brain healthy way to lose weight and keep it off (The secret to being thinner, smarter, happier)
By Daniel G. Amen, M.D.
http://www.amazon.com/Amen-Solution-Brain-Healthy-Weight/product-reviews/0307463605/ref=cm_cr_dp_all_helpful?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
Some reviewers have complained that there is nothing new in this volume when compared with Amen’s previous books, and for regular readers or followers of Dr. Amen, that might be a problem (concern!). I admit that I have not seen him on television; I have read none of his previous books, and in no way at all could I be considered one of his readers or followers; thus, I am reviewing this book as if it is a first-time experience.
As one overriding insight, I have to admit that any book that recommends exercise and eating right—especially one written by an acclaimed medical doctor, much less a clinical neuroscientist, psychiatrist, and brain imaging expert—is all right by me. To motivate our obese (overweight), lazy, Alzheimer’s prone, depressed population will certainly take more than one enlightening book, but any contribution should be heralded and exclaimed. That is especially true when the prescribed plan is based on a brilliant combination of scientific findings, Amen’s original research, clinical experience, and, of course, common sense.
As a second overriding insight, I must admit that one of the reasons I may not have read or seen Dr. Amen is a simple one. I do much of what Amen recommends. I exercise regularly (and heavily); I watch my weight; I eat highly nutritious meals; I do not snack between meals; I do not eat fast food nor junk food; I think positive, reinforcing, encouraging thoughts; and I am constantly concerned about good health (both body and brain). Am I one who needs an Amen Solution? Probably not—at least not as much as the majority of our population (most of whom will not read this book!).
There are ten chapters and 270 pages of text. Then, in addition, there are 8 appendices, references and further reading suggestions, and a complete index. Perhaps the most important theme throughout the book (and supported as well in his previous books) is for people to understand: “ . . . their brain and weight are intricately connected and that if you boost your brain you can have a better body” (p. 2).
There are a number of things I liked about this book. First, it is well-written. Second, it is well-organized. Third, it is practical and to-the-point. Fourth, it is encouraging and motivational. Fifth, each section is short and easy-to-read. Sixth, he includes short sections, “Get Smart to Get Thinner,” that are quotes from advocates that increase the motivation. Seventh, he incorporates great stories throughout that are fun, interesting, and full of attention-getting detail. Eighth, the photographs dispersed in many chapters are helpful and interesting. Ninth, the scientific findings are incorporated gently and without technical jargon. Tenth, Amen talks directly to his readers in a plain, simple, and direct manner.
I am not saying that Amen’s solutions are earth-shattering (“Physical exercise is a powerful brain booster” (p. 189) revelations about which readers have never heard of previously. But he offers great reminders, wonderful, practical exercises and activities, and a comprehensive examination of the whole range of things people can do to boost their brain and body functioning.
I highly recommend this book without hesitation or reservation; however, I think instead of the title, The Amen Solution, it would probably be more accurate to say, Amen Solutions.
The Amen Solution: The brain healthy way to lose weight and keep it off (The secret to being thinner, smarter, happier) can be purchased at Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Amen-Solution-Brain-Healthy-Weight/product-reviews/0307463605/ref=cm_cr_dp_all_helpful?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
Some reviewers have complained that there is nothing new in this volume when compared with Amen’s previous books, and for regular readers or followers of Dr. Amen, that might be a problem (concern!). I admit that I have not seen him on television; I have read none of his previous books, and in no way at all could I be considered one of his readers or followers; thus, I am reviewing this book as if it is a first-time experience.
As one overriding insight, I have to admit that any book that recommends exercise and eating right—especially one written by an acclaimed medical doctor, much less a clinical neuroscientist, psychiatrist, and brain imaging expert—is all right by me. To motivate our obese (overweight), lazy, Alzheimer’s prone, depressed population will certainly take more than one enlightening book, but any contribution should be heralded and exclaimed. That is especially true when the prescribed plan is based on a brilliant combination of scientific findings, Amen’s original research, clinical experience, and, of course, common sense.
As a second overriding insight, I must admit that one of the reasons I may not have read or seen Dr. Amen is a simple one. I do much of what Amen recommends. I exercise regularly (and heavily); I watch my weight; I eat highly nutritious meals; I do not snack between meals; I do not eat fast food nor junk food; I think positive, reinforcing, encouraging thoughts; and I am constantly concerned about good health (both body and brain). Am I one who needs an Amen Solution? Probably not—at least not as much as the majority of our population (most of whom will not read this book!).
There are ten chapters and 270 pages of text. Then, in addition, there are 8 appendices, references and further reading suggestions, and a complete index. Perhaps the most important theme throughout the book (and supported as well in his previous books) is for people to understand: “ . . . their brain and weight are intricately connected and that if you boost your brain you can have a better body” (p. 2).
There are a number of things I liked about this book. First, it is well-written. Second, it is well-organized. Third, it is practical and to-the-point. Fourth, it is encouraging and motivational. Fifth, each section is short and easy-to-read. Sixth, he includes short sections, “Get Smart to Get Thinner,” that are quotes from advocates that increase the motivation. Seventh, he incorporates great stories throughout that are fun, interesting, and full of attention-getting detail. Eighth, the photographs dispersed in many chapters are helpful and interesting. Ninth, the scientific findings are incorporated gently and without technical jargon. Tenth, Amen talks directly to his readers in a plain, simple, and direct manner.
I am not saying that Amen’s solutions are earth-shattering (“Physical exercise is a powerful brain booster” (p. 189) revelations about which readers have never heard of previously. But he offers great reminders, wonderful, practical exercises and activities, and a comprehensive examination of the whole range of things people can do to boost their brain and body functioning.
I highly recommend this book without hesitation or reservation; however, I think instead of the title, The Amen Solution, it would probably be more accurate to say, Amen Solutions.
The Amen Solution: The brain healthy way to lose weight and keep it off (The secret to being thinner, smarter, happier) can be purchased at Amazon.
Monday, August 6, 2012
101 ways to promote your web site, 8th edition and 19 ways to survive: Small-business strategies for a tough economy
By Susan Sweeney
http://www.amazon.com/101-Ways-Promote-Your-Site/dp/1931644780/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1311878960&sr=1-1
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
This is a simple, forthright, well-planned, easy-to-follow guide/resource that included not just planning your web site, but designing it to be search engine friendly, ways to keep visitors coming back, permission marketing, spreading the word with viral marketing, how to reveal great content, explanations about landing pages, developing a pay-to-play strategy, email and signature files, autoresponders, consumer-generated media, establishing private mailing lists, developing dynamite links, winning awards, online advertising, maximizing media relations, increasing traffic through online publications, marketing through blogs, social media, facebook, linkedin, twitter, YouTube, video-sharing sites, Flickr, mobile marketing, interactive mapping, the power of partnering, and web traffic analysis.
Why did I go through all the subjects covered in the book? Because it shows the comprehensiveness of the book. This is a truly remarkable book for all that it contains. Also, Sweeney writes in a very comfortable, understandable style. The sections are short and conversational, there are numerous bullet-pointed lists, figures to illustrate topics that are covered, and a minimum amount of technical language and computerese.
For those just starting out, Sweeney’s book offers not just a great introduction, but a resource to refer to over and over again as one continues the process of building and maintenance.
As an author of five popular books with a website to support each of them, I must admit that my son and I have used many of the suggestions Sweeney offers. They are effective and useful. I highly recommend her book for both its clarity and comprehensiveness.
101 ways to promote your web site, 8th edition can be purchased at Amazon.
= * = * = * = * = * = * = * =
By Lynn Spry and Philip Spry
http://www.amazon.com/19-Ways-Survive-Small-business-strategies/dp/1551808919/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1304380761&sr=1-1
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II
I found this 163-page book quite similar to 101 Ways to Promote Your Web Site by Susan Sweeney for a number of reasons. First, it is simple and to the point. Second, it is well-written and well-organized. Third, there are short sections, numerous bullet-pointed lists, and a great deal of practical advice.
I regret that there are no footnotes, notes, bibliography, or index. There are 20 chapters (averaging 8 pages per chapter) in a 8 1/4" x 10 3/4" format. Chapters cover how to make your business a success, complying with all government rules and regulations, taxes, eliminate the financial obstacles, understand the financial health of your organization, understand your industry to become a leader in your field, ask for support and assistance, take stock of your supplies, focus on your target market, keep your customers and clients happy, motivate you employees, manage your problem employees, document your critical processes to ensure consistent, quality customer service, train your employees to increase sales and improve profitability, turning your store into a showplace, adapt to changing market conditions, compete effectively with big businesses, take advantage of barter opportunities, protecting your business from theft and fraud, enuring that the functions critical to your business are stable, backed up, and insured, and the final chapter (#20), “Now That You Know the ‘Ways,’ Continue to Search for New Opportunities.”
I list the subjects, once again, to help readers know the comprehensiveness of this book.
I enjoyed spry and Spry’s additional sections they scattered throughout the book: “Lifesaver” gave direct advice about things readers should purchase (like a day planner), pay attention to, or do. Sections titled “Warning” keeps readers abreast of things to be cautious about, and sections called “Moneymaker” offers specific ways to bring in new clients and customers or, if they have visited and not purchased anything, ways that will bring them back. “Moneymaker” also offers ways to create new revenue streams.
It should be clear that this is not rocket science. Anyone who is setting up a new business probably knows most of the information in this book (or should), but it is, first, a great starting point with suggestions and reminders, second, an elementary resource book that may offer a few new ideas and can be referred to again and again, and, third, a checklist to make certain that all readers’ bases are covered.
19 ways to survive: Small-business strategies for a tough economy can be purchased at Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/101-Ways-Promote-Your-Site/dp/1931644780/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1311878960&sr=1-1
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
This is a simple, forthright, well-planned, easy-to-follow guide/resource that included not just planning your web site, but designing it to be search engine friendly, ways to keep visitors coming back, permission marketing, spreading the word with viral marketing, how to reveal great content, explanations about landing pages, developing a pay-to-play strategy, email and signature files, autoresponders, consumer-generated media, establishing private mailing lists, developing dynamite links, winning awards, online advertising, maximizing media relations, increasing traffic through online publications, marketing through blogs, social media, facebook, linkedin, twitter, YouTube, video-sharing sites, Flickr, mobile marketing, interactive mapping, the power of partnering, and web traffic analysis.
Why did I go through all the subjects covered in the book? Because it shows the comprehensiveness of the book. This is a truly remarkable book for all that it contains. Also, Sweeney writes in a very comfortable, understandable style. The sections are short and conversational, there are numerous bullet-pointed lists, figures to illustrate topics that are covered, and a minimum amount of technical language and computerese.
For those just starting out, Sweeney’s book offers not just a great introduction, but a resource to refer to over and over again as one continues the process of building and maintenance.
As an author of five popular books with a website to support each of them, I must admit that my son and I have used many of the suggestions Sweeney offers. They are effective and useful. I highly recommend her book for both its clarity and comprehensiveness.
101 ways to promote your web site, 8th edition can be purchased at Amazon.
= * = * = * = * = * = * = * =
By Lynn Spry and Philip Spry
http://www.amazon.com/19-Ways-Survive-Small-business-strategies/dp/1551808919/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1304380761&sr=1-1
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II
I found this 163-page book quite similar to 101 Ways to Promote Your Web Site by Susan Sweeney for a number of reasons. First, it is simple and to the point. Second, it is well-written and well-organized. Third, there are short sections, numerous bullet-pointed lists, and a great deal of practical advice.
I regret that there are no footnotes, notes, bibliography, or index. There are 20 chapters (averaging 8 pages per chapter) in a 8 1/4" x 10 3/4" format. Chapters cover how to make your business a success, complying with all government rules and regulations, taxes, eliminate the financial obstacles, understand the financial health of your organization, understand your industry to become a leader in your field, ask for support and assistance, take stock of your supplies, focus on your target market, keep your customers and clients happy, motivate you employees, manage your problem employees, document your critical processes to ensure consistent, quality customer service, train your employees to increase sales and improve profitability, turning your store into a showplace, adapt to changing market conditions, compete effectively with big businesses, take advantage of barter opportunities, protecting your business from theft and fraud, enuring that the functions critical to your business are stable, backed up, and insured, and the final chapter (#20), “Now That You Know the ‘Ways,’ Continue to Search for New Opportunities.”
I list the subjects, once again, to help readers know the comprehensiveness of this book.
I enjoyed spry and Spry’s additional sections they scattered throughout the book: “Lifesaver” gave direct advice about things readers should purchase (like a day planner), pay attention to, or do. Sections titled “Warning” keeps readers abreast of things to be cautious about, and sections called “Moneymaker” offers specific ways to bring in new clients and customers or, if they have visited and not purchased anything, ways that will bring them back. “Moneymaker” also offers ways to create new revenue streams.
It should be clear that this is not rocket science. Anyone who is setting up a new business probably knows most of the information in this book (or should), but it is, first, a great starting point with suggestions and reminders, second, an elementary resource book that may offer a few new ideas and can be referred to again and again, and, third, a checklist to make certain that all readers’ bases are covered.
19 ways to survive: Small-business strategies for a tough economy can be purchased at Amazon.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Fortytude: Making the next decades the best years of your life---through the 40s, 50s, and beyond
By Sarah Brokaw
http://www.amazon.com/Fortytude-Making-Decades-through-Beyond/dp/1401341195/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1304294980&sr=1-1
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
This is a 262-page book that is a well-written collection of stories that Brokaw has drawn from her therapy practice in Beverly Hills, California. There are many similar books, and there is no question that they make interesting reading. There are a total of 46 notes, 27 of which come from the Internet.
There are five core values (1. Grace, 2. Connectedness, 3. Accomplishment, 4. Adventure, and 5. Spirituality) that form the major parts of the book, then each part has three chapters, which, along with an introduction and conclusion form the eighteen chapters of the book.
Throughout the book, Brokaw references her family (“Of course, my parents did not view things this way” (p. 107).) the way she grew up (“Still, to this day, I can struggle with the sense of not being good enough. . . .” (p. 09).) , and even how she occasionally seeks their opinion. “Naturally, I consulted my mother and father for their opinion on this subject” (p. 86). Tom Brokaw, the former NBC news reporter, is her father.
Brokaw has a master’s degree in social work from New York University, and throughout the book she cites her work as a therapist as her basis for saying things: “In my practice, I’ve observed that many people cheat. . . .” (p. 93). “As a therapist, I’ve also learned that a lot of clients have a hard time talking about sex” (p. 174). “As I work with couples, I strive to help them understand. . . .” (p. 175). She dispenses advice such as, “I generally suggest that single women not date online, go to bars, get set up on blind dates, or buy tickets to expensive events if they sincerely feel that they won’t enjoy themselves” (p. 194). Aren’t readers lucky to have her advice?
You learn a great deal about Sarah Brokaw from reading her book. She talks about her upbringing, her education, her current status (“At 40, I am still not married, though I have been in and out of long-term relationships” (p. 191).) And her advice is sprinkled throughout the book: “‘You can’t change what’s happened in your life, but you can change your narrative.’ This is something I say frequently to my clients. . . .” (p. 225), or “It may sound strange to some, but I found deep spiritual satisfaction in surfing” (p. 240). This makes the book a more enjoyable read, it is true, and I can see why some readers will not just get hooked on the narrative, but adopt her ideas as proven ideas.
Having read the reviews of her book at Amazon.com, I am not surprised that most give her book a five-star rating, however, I am a little suspect. I wonder about the influence Tom Brokaw might have had in these. Perhaps, for example, he passed the book to some of his friends who posted their reviews and ratings. I am not saying the book is not deserving of these reviews, I am just saying that it looks very suspicious.
Having examined a number of books using this same format (narratives of clients’ lives as the main support for the author’s observations (and even selecting five core values, key principles, important concepts, or essential beliefs), I find this book similar in kind. It is interesting, true, but I don’t think it offers a large number of new ideas. It may be worthwhile for those who need encouragement, support, or just an uplifting, inspiring read. There is no question Brokaw can revitalize and give a shot in the arm to those who are reaching or have recently passed their 40th birthday.
Fortytude: Making the next decades the best years of your life—through the 40s, 50s, and beyond can be purchased at Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Fortytude-Making-Decades-through-Beyond/dp/1401341195/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1304294980&sr=1-1
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
This is a 262-page book that is a well-written collection of stories that Brokaw has drawn from her therapy practice in Beverly Hills, California. There are many similar books, and there is no question that they make interesting reading. There are a total of 46 notes, 27 of which come from the Internet.
There are five core values (1. Grace, 2. Connectedness, 3. Accomplishment, 4. Adventure, and 5. Spirituality) that form the major parts of the book, then each part has three chapters, which, along with an introduction and conclusion form the eighteen chapters of the book.
Throughout the book, Brokaw references her family (“Of course, my parents did not view things this way” (p. 107).) the way she grew up (“Still, to this day, I can struggle with the sense of not being good enough. . . .” (p. 09).) , and even how she occasionally seeks their opinion. “Naturally, I consulted my mother and father for their opinion on this subject” (p. 86). Tom Brokaw, the former NBC news reporter, is her father.
Brokaw has a master’s degree in social work from New York University, and throughout the book she cites her work as a therapist as her basis for saying things: “In my practice, I’ve observed that many people cheat. . . .” (p. 93). “As a therapist, I’ve also learned that a lot of clients have a hard time talking about sex” (p. 174). “As I work with couples, I strive to help them understand. . . .” (p. 175). She dispenses advice such as, “I generally suggest that single women not date online, go to bars, get set up on blind dates, or buy tickets to expensive events if they sincerely feel that they won’t enjoy themselves” (p. 194). Aren’t readers lucky to have her advice?
You learn a great deal about Sarah Brokaw from reading her book. She talks about her upbringing, her education, her current status (“At 40, I am still not married, though I have been in and out of long-term relationships” (p. 191).) And her advice is sprinkled throughout the book: “‘You can’t change what’s happened in your life, but you can change your narrative.’ This is something I say frequently to my clients. . . .” (p. 225), or “It may sound strange to some, but I found deep spiritual satisfaction in surfing” (p. 240). This makes the book a more enjoyable read, it is true, and I can see why some readers will not just get hooked on the narrative, but adopt her ideas as proven ideas.
Having read the reviews of her book at Amazon.com, I am not surprised that most give her book a five-star rating, however, I am a little suspect. I wonder about the influence Tom Brokaw might have had in these. Perhaps, for example, he passed the book to some of his friends who posted their reviews and ratings. I am not saying the book is not deserving of these reviews, I am just saying that it looks very suspicious.
Having examined a number of books using this same format (narratives of clients’ lives as the main support for the author’s observations (and even selecting five core values, key principles, important concepts, or essential beliefs), I find this book similar in kind. It is interesting, true, but I don’t think it offers a large number of new ideas. It may be worthwhile for those who need encouragement, support, or just an uplifting, inspiring read. There is no question Brokaw can revitalize and give a shot in the arm to those who are reaching or have recently passed their 40th birthday.
Fortytude: Making the next decades the best years of your life—through the 40s, 50s, and beyond can be purchased at Amazon.
Monday, July 23, 2012
American Idol: The untold story
By Richard Rushfield
http://www.amazon.com/Heart-Simple-Living-Paths-Better/dp/1440204519
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
No, I am not a big fan nor a consistent follower of the program. I enjoy watching it when the contestants are narrowed down to ten or so. On one particular day in April, 2011, I watched the show (it featured rock-n’-roll selections), and I was shocked to discover that I enjoyed every song that was sung, and I thought that every singer had selected an absolutely appropriate song for their own vocal range and ability. Even the judges were amazed and noted that it would be difficult for viewers to select one of the contestants for elimination.
Since I don’t follow the show religiously, I really don’t care who the eliminated contestant is nor do I care who the winner might be. That is a casual interest if there ever was one.
I say all of the above for one reason. Unlike some of the reviewers of Rushfield’s book, I am unable to pick out errors—unless they are misspellings, grammatical errors, or typos (which are obvious and a few are present).
Okay, as a non-fan, then, why would I even select this book for review? First, I enjoy some pop culture, and this book certainly is all about a pop culture occurrence. Second, I enjoy media events, and American Idol must be catalogued as a major media event. Third, I delight in well-written material that reveals (to some degree) what goes on behind the scenes. Rushfield certainly gets in behind the scenes. Finally, fourth, I enjoy an entertaining read. The interviews and stories are definitely entertaining.
There is so much here that is just fun. The material is well put together, reads easily, and covers a great deal of territory. From the back flyleaf, the background of Rushfield includes this comment: “For three years RICHARD RUSHFIELD covered American Idol for the Los Angeles Times writing hundreds of columns and conducting thousands of interviews with cast and crew. He is currently an entertainment columnist for The Daily Beast . . . .” Not only does his history of covering the show become easily seen, but his writing experience, too, is quickly revealed.
I loved the information on how the judges were initially selected, how Ryan Seacrest found his niche, how decisions about what songs were sung were made, various contestants views of the whole process (especially the exhausting rehearsals), and how the various aspects of the show came to be—the decisions that had to be made as well as the influences on those making the decisions. Even the decisions about how to handle the voting because of the different time zones in this country was interesting to read.
One thing I wished from first opening this book, is that the chapter titles were more descriptive of what was included in the various chapters. Some are obvious like “Creator,” but “Lightbulbs,” “Enter the Dragon,” “Pop Goes the Idol,” “The Crossing,” “Showtime,” “Once Upon a Time,” “The Exile,” “Goliah,” “Divas,” “Simon vs. Simon,” “The Anti-Christ,” “Detente,” “Ponyhawk,” “The Bubble,” Twilight of the Valkyries,” “The Pastor,” “Tweak House, “Leaving Idol,” and “The End of the Day.” Most of these titles reveal nothing, and if a reader was interested in reading just a portion of the book (knowing little before delving into it), how would he or she know where to look from just these chapter titles alone?
This book isn’t for everyone of course. Many will find it boring. Many will have no reference base for the material. Many, on the other hand, are likely to find it entertaining (as I did) and enjoy the insights and information.
American Idol: The untold story can be purchased at Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Heart-Simple-Living-Paths-Better/dp/1440204519
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
No, I am not a big fan nor a consistent follower of the program. I enjoy watching it when the contestants are narrowed down to ten or so. On one particular day in April, 2011, I watched the show (it featured rock-n’-roll selections), and I was shocked to discover that I enjoyed every song that was sung, and I thought that every singer had selected an absolutely appropriate song for their own vocal range and ability. Even the judges were amazed and noted that it would be difficult for viewers to select one of the contestants for elimination.
Since I don’t follow the show religiously, I really don’t care who the eliminated contestant is nor do I care who the winner might be. That is a casual interest if there ever was one.
I say all of the above for one reason. Unlike some of the reviewers of Rushfield’s book, I am unable to pick out errors—unless they are misspellings, grammatical errors, or typos (which are obvious and a few are present).
Okay, as a non-fan, then, why would I even select this book for review? First, I enjoy some pop culture, and this book certainly is all about a pop culture occurrence. Second, I enjoy media events, and American Idol must be catalogued as a major media event. Third, I delight in well-written material that reveals (to some degree) what goes on behind the scenes. Rushfield certainly gets in behind the scenes. Finally, fourth, I enjoy an entertaining read. The interviews and stories are definitely entertaining.
There is so much here that is just fun. The material is well put together, reads easily, and covers a great deal of territory. From the back flyleaf, the background of Rushfield includes this comment: “For three years RICHARD RUSHFIELD covered American Idol for the Los Angeles Times writing hundreds of columns and conducting thousands of interviews with cast and crew. He is currently an entertainment columnist for The Daily Beast . . . .” Not only does his history of covering the show become easily seen, but his writing experience, too, is quickly revealed.
I loved the information on how the judges were initially selected, how Ryan Seacrest found his niche, how decisions about what songs were sung were made, various contestants views of the whole process (especially the exhausting rehearsals), and how the various aspects of the show came to be—the decisions that had to be made as well as the influences on those making the decisions. Even the decisions about how to handle the voting because of the different time zones in this country was interesting to read.
One thing I wished from first opening this book, is that the chapter titles were more descriptive of what was included in the various chapters. Some are obvious like “Creator,” but “Lightbulbs,” “Enter the Dragon,” “Pop Goes the Idol,” “The Crossing,” “Showtime,” “Once Upon a Time,” “The Exile,” “Goliah,” “Divas,” “Simon vs. Simon,” “The Anti-Christ,” “Detente,” “Ponyhawk,” “The Bubble,” Twilight of the Valkyries,” “The Pastor,” “Tweak House, “Leaving Idol,” and “The End of the Day.” Most of these titles reveal nothing, and if a reader was interested in reading just a portion of the book (knowing little before delving into it), how would he or she know where to look from just these chapter titles alone?
This book isn’t for everyone of course. Many will find it boring. Many will have no reference base for the material. Many, on the other hand, are likely to find it entertaining (as I did) and enjoy the insights and information.
American Idol: The untold story can be purchased at Amazon.
Monday, July 16, 2012
The heart of simple living: 7 paths to a better life
By Wanda Urbanska
http://www.amazon.com/Heart-Simple-Living-Paths-Better/dp/1440204519
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
I did not know Wanda Urbanska, have little background regarding the whole “simple living” idea, and do not live (nor desire to live) the “simple life” by any stretch of the imagination. Then why did I select this book to review, you might wonder?
First, I enjoy discovering new things. I thought there was a chance that my mind would be opened to a new revelation, a fresh insight, or even a vibrant point of view. Maybe, too, there would be room in the “simple living” panorama, for a small little bush like myself!
Second, Urbanska is the author or coauthor of eight books, is the host/producer of a syndicated public television series, possesses an attractive publishing record (The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, Mother Earth News, American Libraries, and Natural Home), and is a graduate of Harvard University. I actually thought she might have something to say.
Third, I thought that in the discussions of her topics, she might offer some new insights or suggestions. She covers such topics as financial independence, work, housing happiness, homemaking, kitchen and garden work, as well as community living.
For someone just starting out in life—with very little real-life experience—this might be a convenient place to begin discovering what life is all about. Also, for someone who has done little or no reading on any of these subjects, this book might serve as a primer to get you started. It covers the basics.
I was quite disappointed overall. I found Urbanska had little new to say. Her ideas have been well (thoroughly) discussed in other places — as well as in newspaper and magazine articles. This book has been drawn from other popular books as well as websites that anyone can quickly find. Also, it has been drawn from Urbanska’s wealth of common knowledge. Most of these ideas are simple, and one would discover them quickly from one’s daily experiences.
If all you are looking for is a delightful read, this is a good book. If you want depth, you won’t find it here. If you want to avoid your own common sense (or add only minimally to it!), this would be a good resource as well. I found the book rather trite and unnecessary.
The heart of simple living: 7 paths to a better life can be purchased at Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Heart-Simple-Living-Paths-Better/dp/1440204519
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
I did not know Wanda Urbanska, have little background regarding the whole “simple living” idea, and do not live (nor desire to live) the “simple life” by any stretch of the imagination. Then why did I select this book to review, you might wonder?
First, I enjoy discovering new things. I thought there was a chance that my mind would be opened to a new revelation, a fresh insight, or even a vibrant point of view. Maybe, too, there would be room in the “simple living” panorama, for a small little bush like myself!
Second, Urbanska is the author or coauthor of eight books, is the host/producer of a syndicated public television series, possesses an attractive publishing record (The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, Mother Earth News, American Libraries, and Natural Home), and is a graduate of Harvard University. I actually thought she might have something to say.
Third, I thought that in the discussions of her topics, she might offer some new insights or suggestions. She covers such topics as financial independence, work, housing happiness, homemaking, kitchen and garden work, as well as community living.
For someone just starting out in life—with very little real-life experience—this might be a convenient place to begin discovering what life is all about. Also, for someone who has done little or no reading on any of these subjects, this book might serve as a primer to get you started. It covers the basics.
I was quite disappointed overall. I found Urbanska had little new to say. Her ideas have been well (thoroughly) discussed in other places — as well as in newspaper and magazine articles. This book has been drawn from other popular books as well as websites that anyone can quickly find. Also, it has been drawn from Urbanska’s wealth of common knowledge. Most of these ideas are simple, and one would discover them quickly from one’s daily experiences.
If all you are looking for is a delightful read, this is a good book. If you want depth, you won’t find it here. If you want to avoid your own common sense (or add only minimally to it!), this would be a good resource as well. I found the book rather trite and unnecessary.
The heart of simple living: 7 paths to a better life can be purchased at Amazon.
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