Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Book Review: The 13th Tribe (An Immortal Files Novel) by Robert Liparulo

When I first heard about The 13th Tribe by Robert Laparulo, I was very intrigued with the storyline.

The book is about a group of people during the time of Moses. They were part of the group that worshipped the Golden Calf and were then cursed and separated from the rest of Israel and were then informally called the Thirteenth Tribe.


The first chapters immediately captured my attention with all the action and hi-tech gadgets involved. Close to the middle of the book, it became inward looking as the reader gets a glimpse of every major character’s struggles and then the latter third of the book was all action.

What I liked about the book is that it is able to weave stories of the tribe members as well as those they came in contact with in a very fluid manner. I also like that the author writes in a way that it becomes very current. For example, instead of saying gaming console, the author directly writes Xbox. Instead of old fiction TV series, he writes The Highlander.

The one which I like most about the book is the very vivid images that any reader could visualize when it comes to the fighting scenes.

Since this is Christian fiction, any reader would expect references to God or Jesus. The author only wrote what was relevant and does not swamp the reader with overwhelming Biblical references. I truly liked how the author merged action with the internal spiritual and moral struggles every major character is going through.

Full of twists and turns, definitely movie material that any James Bond fan would like. Highly recommended for Sci-fi fans.



From the author:(via Amazon.com)


I've been writing since before I could drive. Short stories, investigative exposes, celebrity profiles, editorials, business columns, radio dramas, screenplays--you name it. For the last few years, I've focused on novels. I'm the author of the thrillers "Comes a Horseman," "Germ," "Deadfall," "Deadlock," "The 13th Tribe," and the young adult series Dreamhouse Kings--"House of Dark Shadows," "Watcher in the Woods," "Gatekeepers," "Timescape," "Whirlwind," and "Frenzy."
Several of my books have been sold or optioned by Hollywood producers. All of them are in various stages of production. I'm also working on an original screenplay with Andrew Davis (director of "The Fugitive" and "The Guardian). I wrote the screenplay for Ted Dekker's "Blessed Child." My short story "Kill Zone" appears in the James Patterson-edited anthology "Thriller," and my essay on Thomas Perry's "The Butcher's Boy" can… Read more


Book review rating:


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Book Review: LED Lighting: A Primer to Lighting the Future by Sal Cangeloso

LED Lighting: A Primer to Lighting the Future by Sal Cangeloso is a very good primer to the world of LED lighting.

It begins with a chapter on key feature of LED lights in an attempt to win you over.

The book is structured very well but has too few illustrations for my taste. The information it carries is very thorough but may turn off non techies.

Although I am an electronics engineer and am very interested in green technologies, I felt that the primer was not very successful in keeping me interested. Perhaps this is what primers are for and my expectations were misplaced.

Recommended for those seeking a thorough but short reference about LED lighting. Not recommended for non-techies.

About the author:
Sal Cangeloso is a life-long technology enthusiast who founded computer hardware site XYZcomputing.com in 2003. In 2007, he started working for Geek.com. He now runs Geek.com and ExtremeTech.com. Sal is an inquisitive guy who loves computers, cameras, and pretty much anything electronic. via Amazon.com

[Disclaimer: I got this book for free as part of the Oreilly blogger review program I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."] 

Book review rating:

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Book Review: Love, Sex, and Happily Ever After: Preparing for a Marriage That Goes the Distance by Craig Groeschel


I found Love, Sex, and Happily Ever After: Preparing for a Marriage That Goes the Distance by Craig Groeschel a good read for singles who are seriously contemplating of getting married - whether dating or engaged, even those who are still waiting on that one person to marry. 

The book is packed with Biblical references regarding relationships that are intended to progress into marriage. 

I like how the book is organized chronologically with regards to finding the right person to marry. I also like how the author set aside one chapter each for the husband and wife to highlight the differences between men and women. 

What I like most is that the author ends the book with a chapter on habits that strengthen marriages and finally closing with a chapter on covenant marriages. Highly recommended for singles though the second half of the book is very relevant even to those who are already married.

 


About the author:
Craig Groeschel is the founding and senior pastor of LifeChurch.tv, recently ranked the nation’s second largest church. By 2010, LifeChurch.tv was hosting more than eighty services at fourteen campuses. Craig and his wife, Amy, share a passion to lead people to become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. They live with their six children near Edmond, Oklahoma. 

via amazon

Book review rating:

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Book Review: I Am Second: Real Stories. Changing Lives. by Doug Bender and Dave Sterrett

I came across the I am Second website when I did a  video search on one of my favorite film makers. The site featured real(and mostly famous) people on video sharing about their lives and how God changed them.

The site (and eventually the book) comes from the premise that God is first and the self is second, and shares to the world real stories from a number of people with real struggles that anyone can relate with.

The book I Am Second: Real Stories. Changing Lives. is another way of presenting the stories to people who want a print version of the online videos. 

The book contains a collection of stories that are well-written but basically using the same words that the people on the video are saying. Each story is presented as if it was written by the persons themselves and adds depth to the stories as it gives a narrative which the online video lacks.

Highly recommended to those who love the online videos.

About the authors:
Doug Bender is an I Am Second writer and small groups coach. He spends his time developing many of the small group tools found at iamsecond.com and coaching churches, organizations, and individuals to use I Am Second groups to share the message of Jesus with their friends and family. He also works with I Am Second’s parent organization, e3 Partners, as a church planter in countries like Ethiopia and Indonesia. Doug is married to Catherine and has a one-year-old baby, Bethany. 

Dave Sterrett is a speaker, missionary, and ambassador for I Am Second. Dave also serves as an adjunct professor of New Testament, Philosophy, and Apologetics at Liberty University. He is the author or coauthor of several books, including Why Trust Jesus?, “O” God, and the three-part novella series coauthored with Josh McDowell, The Coffeehouse Chronicles. 

via amazon

Book review rating:

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Net Galley as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Friday, July 6, 2012

Book Review: In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day: How to Survive and Thrive When Opportunity Roars (Paperback) by Mark Batterson

In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day: How to Survive and Thrive When Opportunity Roars (Paperback) by Mark Batterson is one very inspiring read.  


The book is inspired by the Biblical character, Benaiah, who chased and killed a lion into a pit on a snowy day. This is rather crazy but eventually the author shows why it is not.


In the who course of the book, I am always drawn back to think of the author's words, "What if the life you really want, and the future God wants for you, is hiding right now in your biggest problem, your worst failure…your greatest fear?" 


I am then able to recall many of what I called at first as problems but were actually opportunities. Some are even what are called God-ordained opportunities!


Like in The Circle Maker, the author is able to create that vivid imagery of the scenes through his words.


Truly inspiring! 


Recommended to those who have encountered many problems but too often find themselves running away.


About the author:(via Amazon.com)


Mark Batterson serves as the lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D. C. Recognized as 'one of America's 25 most innovative churches,' NCC is one church with seven locations. Mark's blog (www.markbatterson.com) and webcast (www.theaterchurch.com) also reach a virtual congregation around the world. Mark is the author of several bestselling books, including In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day. He and his wife, Lora, live on Capitol Hill with their three children. You can follow Mark on Twitter: @markbatterson


Book review rating:


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Saturday, June 30, 2012

Book Review: Rapid Problem Solving with Post-It Notes by David Straker

Rapid Problem Solving with Post-It Notes by David Straker is one of the those books that had been on my wishlist for quite a while.

The book is quite handy, very concise and so easy to understand.

The author presents six simple ways to approach problem solving using Post-it® Note. What I like about the book most is that it is very clear on what the tools are, how they are used and when to use them. The examples used are also very clear and appropriate.


As someone who leads innovation teams, product improvement teams, product development and cost engineering teams, these tools are very helpful.


Highly recommended for those who work in teams.

About the author:
David Straker, MS, is a quality consultant with Hewlett packard, UK, where he researches, writes, teaches and consults on business methods. His previous experience includes teaching, managing, engineering and marketing. This is his third book. via amazon

Book review rating:

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Book Review: Life's Golden Ticket: An Inspirational Novel by Brendon Burchard

Life's Golden Ticket: An Inspirational Novel by Brendon Burchard, is one of the best books I had the opportunity to read and review. It is one of those rare titles that I have wanted to read in one sitting but was not able to because I had to go to sleep.

The story begins with a man who hears the news that his wife, missing for forty days, was found and is now in the ICU. Thus begins the adventure to the circus...

While reading the book, I could not help but compare it to the lessons that you learn in most self-help books. But then again, important lessons in life are worth retelling, if only for us to really get it.

I enjoyed reading the book as it offered a fresh backdrop to what seemed to be an overly crowded self-help book market. Labeling is as an inspirational novel though, is misleading.

Highly recommended for everyone who enjoy reading lessons packaged as fiction.

About the authors:(via Amazon.com)

Brendon Burchard was blessed to receive life's golden ticket -- a second chance -- ten years ago after surviving a car accident in a third-world country. Since then, he has dedicated his life to helping individuals, teams, and organizations create and master change. As a prominent life coach, leadership speaker, and change management consultant, his clients have included Fortune 500 companies, startups, nonprofits, universities, and thousands of individuals in seminars across the country. He is also a regular guest on national television and radio programs and an active volunteer for several nonprofit organizations. Brendon donates a portion of the proceeds from the sale of Life's Golden Ticket to Kiwanis International, Junior Achievement, and the YMCA. He lives in northern California but still calls Montana, where he grew up, home.

Prior to writing Life's Golden Ticket and launching his coaching and speaking career, Brendon was a change management consultant at Accenture, where his clients included JC Penney, eBay, Best Buy, Nordstrom, Levi's, Gateway, and Federal Mogul. His first book was The Student Leadership Guide. Brendon's signature events are Life's Golden Ticket seminars and his College Success Bootcamp. Learn more at www.LifesGoldenTicket.com


Book review rating:


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Saturday, March 31, 2012

Book Review: Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent

Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent is a very good read, one of the best books I had the opportunity to read and review.


What I like best about the book is that is is very masterfully written in the way it described what the family went though and the revelations that came after the experience. Although the author is a pastor, the book did not come as preachy nor theology heavy and references to Scriptures are just appropriate.

The author is very open in sharing his struggles during the time when their son, Colton, was sick. He is also very candid about the various instances when Colton would 'explain' things to him in simple words that would surprise him.

If there is one thing that stuck out for me, it was when Colton explained that Jesus died "on the cross so we could go see His Dad."

Highly recommended for everyone.

About the authors:(via Amazon.com)

Todd Burpo is pastor of Crossroads Wesleyan, a wrestling coach, a volunteer fireman, and he operates a garage door company with his wife, Sonja, who is also a children’s minister, busy pastor’s wife, and mom. Colton, now an active 11-year-old, has an older sister Cassie and a younger brother Colby. The family lives in Imperial, Nebraska.

Lynn Vincent is the New York Times best-selling writer of Same Kind of Different as Me and Going Rogue: An American Life. The author or co-author of nine books, Vincent is a senior writer for WORLD magazine and a lecturer in writing at the King’s College in New York City. She lives in San Diego, California.

Book review rating:


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Book Review: Cool Tools in the Kitchen by Kevin Kelly and Steven Leckart

Being a wannabee chef, I found Cool Tools in the Kitchen by Kevin Kelly and Steven Leckart a fun and informative read.

The book is like a catalog of kitchen gadgets. The only difference is that the book contains candid reviews on the tool and in now way sounded like sales pitches.

The book provides a good sampling of kitchen tools for every kitchen challenge like handling hot items, handling liquids, cutting, etc.  Beautifully illustrated, it also contains links to related material and links to where the items can be bought.

Highly recommended for those who cook.



[Disclaimer: I got this book for free as part of the Oreilly blogger review program I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."] 


Book review rating:

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Book Review: Rich Dad, Poor Dad: : What The Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! by Robert Kiyosaki

Rich Dad, Poor Dad: : What The Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! by Robert Kiyosaki is one of the first books I have read regarding personal finance. This was way back in 2003.

The book is based mostly on what the author learned from his 'rich dad', (who was really a friend's dad) about money and personal finance.

What Kiyosaki shares about money and wealth will run counter to what most of us were taught and from what other money/wealth experts propose.

Some ideas that have struck me:
  • Education may have been the reason why some people are poor
  • Some things we believe are assets, are not
  • Income does not necessarily determine wealth
  • Credit is not necessarily bad
  • Working hard vs. working smart
This book has a significant following among network marketeers and real estate brokers but some ideas have been helpful in improving my Financial IQ and has encouraged me to apply some of his ideas to my financial life.
I have bought one more books by him, Rich Dad's CASHFLOW Quadrant: Rich Dad's Guide to Financial Freedom and  participated in Cash Flow 101 games.

Highly recommended for those involved in direct selling and real estate, recommended for those wanting a fresh perspective on money, wealth and personal finance.

About the author:
Robert Kiyosaki, author of Rich Dad Poor Dad - the international runaway bestseller that has held a top spot on the New York Times bestsellers list for over six years - is an investor, entrepreneur and educator whose perspectives on money and investing fly in the face of conventional wisdom. He has, virtually single-handedly, challenged and changed the way tens of millions, around the world, think about money.In communicating his point of view on why 'old' advice - get a good job, save money, get out of debt, invest for the long term, and diversify - is 'bad' (both obsolete and flawed) advice, Robert has earned a reputation for straight talk, irreverence and courage. via amazon

Book review rating:

Friday, January 6, 2012

Book Review: Think Rich, Yuppies! by Sha Nacino and Trace Trajano

Think Rich, Yuppies! by Sha Nacino and Trace Trajano is a refreshing take on personal finance and mostly written for those who just entered the corporate world and have discovered the 'freedom' afforded to them by credit cards.

The tone of the book is upbeat and very sincere as the Nacino speaks  of her own experiences in going into debt and sharing what happened that helped her get out of the situation. Trajano offers tips on increasing your earnings and savings in order to get a seven figure bank account.

I particularly like it that the book is very practical, not heavy on finance terminologies and has a very encouraging tone. There are also some mention of events or people that could serve as starting points for the reader's journey towards financial freedom.

I highly recommend this book to young professionals(also to anyone who is struggling with debts) and needs a practical guide of getting out of debt.

For more: http://facebook.com/seminarphilippines

Book review rating:



Monday, January 2, 2012

Book Review: The Circle Maker: Praying Circles Around Your Biggest Dreams and Greatest Fears by Mark Batterson

I found The Circle Maker: Praying Circles Around Your Biggest Dreams and Greatest Fears by Mark Batterson a very good read.

It begins with a story about a biblical character named Honi  who prayed to God for rain and eventually saved a generation of Jews - the generation before Jesus. Before he prayed, he created a circle on the sand with his staff, hence the title of the book.

The book is full of gems and I had made a lot of notes for myself. There are lots of examples from the Bible, other than that of Honi. What I like most about the book is the real-life examples, many from the author's life, which inspired me to take a second look at my own prayer life.

Can't wait when the print copy is available at my local bookstore!


Truly amazing book and a gifted writer.

Highly recommended for people who dream big!

About the author:
Mark Batterson serves as the lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D. C. Recognized as 'one of America's 25 most innovative churches,' NCC is one church with seven locations. Mark's blog (www.markbatterson.com) and webcast (www.theaterchurch.com) also reach a virtual congregation around the world. Mark is the author of several bestselling books, including In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day. He and his wife, Lora, live on Capitol Hill with their three children. You can follow Mark on Twitter: @markbatterson

Book review rating:


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Net Galley as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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