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

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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.”

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


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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.”

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

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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.”

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.

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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.”

Book Review: Jesus, My Father, The CIA, and Me: A Memoir. . . of Sorts by Ian Morgan Cron

Jesus, My Father, The CIA, and Me: A Memoir. . . of Sorts by Ian Morgan Cron is a very good read, one of the best books I had the opportunity to read and review.

I chose the book mostly because of its title and of my recent interest in material that tells about the lives of men in service. At one point I decided that the book should be titled Alcohol and Me but then I wouldn't think of reading it because it is not an interesting topic for me.

What I like best about the book is that is is very masterfully written and by the end of the book, I felt that I grew up with the writer. Memories from his childhood were described as if described by a child, vivid and exaggerated as a child would describe the experience.(The chapter on his first communion is so hilarious!)

As the memoir progress from childhood to adulthood, the writing style adapts to the writer's age at the time. Although this is a book on Christianity, it doesn't drown you in churchy language. Instead, the writing is honest and intimate and the writer opens up his life in areas that most would be ashamed to admit to.

I was able to see some of my own questions about life being answered. Questions as a child, even as an adult and father.  I could not forget the chapter that ended with the words, "Love stoops." God's grace described in two words! Some chapters in the book also have humorous anecdotes that carry a heavyweight lesson.

Truly amazing book and a gifted writer.

Highly recommended for men, but also for women.

About the author:
"Ian Morgan Cron writes with astonishing energy and freshness; his metaphors stick fast in the imagination. This is neither a simple memoir of hurt endured, nor a tidy story of reconciliation and resolution. It is - rather like Augustine's Confessions - a testimony to the unfinished business of grace."

- The Most Rev. Dr. Rowan Williams - The Archbishop of Canterbury

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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.”

Book Review: A Place Called Blessing: Where Hurting Ends and Love Begins by Dr. John Trent and Annette Smith

I decided to read A Place Called Blessing: Where Hurting Ends and Love Begins after I read The Blessing by John Trent and Gary Smalley. I was hoping that this would be a companion book or more like a fictionalization of the latter. I was in for a wonderful surprise!

The book is a wonderfully-written story of an orphan and his brothers and the journey that most orphan kids go through from one foster home to another and after they are 'released' when they have come of age.

I particularly like the plot overall and the honesty that is one every page. I have not only been reading a story about an orphaned boy and his journey into adulthood but it was as if I was looking at myself in a mirror with all the experiences I went through. Orphaned or not, every person has gone through experiences that would put us where the main character is and we make our own agreements with ourselves and begin looking at the world with colored lenses. 


The book is a short read and I am really glad to have read it.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a book with a strong spiritual message but does not read like a church material. Also recommended for those working or engaging with 'troubled' kids.

About the authors:
Dr. John Trent is president of StrongFamilies.com and founder of The Institute for the Blessing at Barclay College. John is a sought-after speaker and an award-winning author of more than twenty books, including six books for children. He has been a featured guest on numerous radio and television programs across the country and leads The Blessing Challenge, a joint partnership with Focus on the Family and StrongFamilies.com. John and his wife, Cindy, have been married for more than thirty years and have two grown daughters, Kari and Laura.


Annette Smith is a novelist, nurse, and a master storyteller. Her first book of short stories, The Whispers of Angels, sold more than 100,000 copies. Annette has written four additional volumes of original short stories, two parenting books, and five novels, all set in small towns. Her fourth novel, A Bigger Life, was named by Library Journal as one of the best novels of 2007 and was a finalist in the American Christian Fiction Book Awards.

A life-long Texan, Annette lives in Tyler, Texas with Randy, her husband of thirty-one years, and an affectionate, shaggy mutt named Wally. Annette has worked as a registered nurse in a variety of settings. Her current home-hospice position gives her a unique position in the lives of relative strangers, and she often finds herself bearing solitary witness to intimate, behind-the-scenes situations full of grace and meaning.

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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.”

Book Review: The Blessing by John Trent and Gary Smalley

I found the book a very engaging read. The authors skillfully shares the five elements of Biblical blessing and how it applies in daily life. For most of us who might have felt that we have missed out on the blessing, the book has also provided hope on how to be able to receive the once elusive blessing.

One thing I particularly liked about the book is the way the authors masterfully weaved stories of real people - thereby making the principles more real. The authors have also shared their own experiences of missing out and receiving blessing.

As I was reading the book, there were moments of clarity and some tearful moments as I realized where some aspects of my life and those around me that were results of both experiences of receiving and not receiving the blessing.

Overall, the book has encouraged me to live out the principles and be intentional in blessing others.

Highly recommended for parents. Also recommended for those who feel that they have 'missed out' on something and would want to know how to be blessed.

About the authors:
Gary Smalley is one of he country's best-known authors and speakers on family relationships. He is the award-winning, best-selling author or coauthor of sixteen books, as well as several popular films and videos. The Blessing and The Two Sides of Love have won Gold Medallions, The Language of Love won the Angel Award as the best contribution to family life, and his other titles have received Silver Medallions. His national infomercial Hidden Keys to Loving Relationships has been viewed by television audiences all over the world. Gary and his wife, Norma, have been married for over thirty years and live in Branson, Missouri.

Dr. John Trent is the President of The Center for StrongFamilies and StrongFamilies.com (registered as a 501(c)(3) under the name of "Encouraging Words"). He is a nationally known speaker and award winning author. His recent books include the recently revised and updated million selling book, The Blessing, (An ECPA Gold Medallion Winner) The 2 Degree Difference, The Treasure Tree (a children's book that is also a Gold Medallion Winner)and Chasing Skinny Rabbits.

Dr. Trent released two... Read more at Amazon's John Trent Page 
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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."

Book Review: The Waiting Place: Learning to Appreciate Life's Little Delays by Eileen Button

I found Eileen Button's The Waiting Place to be a very beautifully written collection of essays. At first, I thought that this would be a collection of essays that will show the beauty of 'waiting places' through light-hearted stories about waiting or perhaps something that would show me how to make better use of my time while waiting. I was expecting a formula similar to: I wanted something-I prayed about it-God says wait-I wait-God delivers.

Instead, I am presented with various experiences from her own life, from childhood to the present, when she was in a 'waiting place'. Although some stories are funny, most stories are very intimate. I have felt my heartstrings pulled a lot of times while reading this book and it got me thinking about similar waiting places in my life. I admit choking up at times when she narrates of experiences that I had experienced too.

The book is loosely arranged beginning with experiences from her childhood until the recent past. Although most of the essays are stand-alone, some bigger events called for more than one essay. While all the essays take place chronologically, there is a bigger waiting place behind it, which comes to an end at the last chapter.

Highly recommended to those who feel lost or those who just feel stuck in one of life's many waiting places.

About the author:
Eileen Button is a weekly columnist for The Flint Journal. Her commentaries have also appeared in multiple online and print publications, including Newsweek and Christianity Today. In addition, she is an adjunct professor of Communication at Mott Community College. She lives with her family in Davison, Michigan - a town where she is often stuck in waiting places such as doctors' offices, athletic fields, school auditoriums, and carpool loops. Regardless of the waiting place, she usually has a good book in one hand and a strong cup of coffee in the other.

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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.”

Book Review: The Manga Guide to Relativity by Hideo Nitta, Masafumi Yamamoto and Keita Takatsu

Many years ago, when I was in Japan for business trips, I would often find myself hanging out in bookshops and browsing technical books. Not that I can read entire Japanese books, but I find them very informative with all the illustrations. Looking at illustrations alone and understanding the descriptions are sometimes enough for me.

When I found The Manga Guide to Relativity, my first reaction was that of skepticism. There is no way they can teach relativity thru Manga. Being a fan of Japanese animation, I gave it a try, just for entertainment value.

I was delightfully surprised that the topic of relativity was seamlessly integrated to a humorous story: Japanese humor + Japanese comic + science = a fun and informative read.

What I liked most about the book(comic book) is that it used simple examples to illustrate core principles in Relativity contrary to most Physics books in the market. But of course, not everything can be explained through Manga so there are a couple of pages that has more text but beautifully illustrated nevertheless.

How I wish this book was available when I was taking up my Physics subjects! I am looking forward to read more of the titles in the Manga Series:

The Manga Guide to Databases

The Manga Guide to the Universe

The Manga Guide to Physics

The Manga Guide to Calculus

The Manga Guide to Electricity

The Manga Guide to Statistics

The Manga Guide to Molecular Biology

The Manga Guide to Biochemistry

I highly recommend this book to Manga fans who might want to learn while being entertained the Manga way

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[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: Daddy Dates: Four Daughters, One Clueless Dad, and His Quest to Win Their Hearts: The Road Map for Any Dad to Raise a Strong and Confident Daughter by Greg Wright

About a year ago, I read about a preacher who says, aside from his wife, he also sets weekly dating days for his kids. These days are non-negotiable and he arranges his activities around these scheduled dates. He says that these are opportunities to bond and also teach his kids about life. That’s all he said. No further details.

Then I found this book and I found it to be a refreshing read. It encourages dads to be creative in getting to know their daughters through having dates. Although this idea seems a little bit unconventional, the author presents his case by giving examples and experiences from his own life – being a dad to four daughters.

What I like most about the book is it always encourages the reader to take a look at each daughter as an individual – with different temperaments and preferences. This requires a lot of creativity and focus on the part of dads and also presents the opportunity for moms to help in too, in case dad is so clueless about each daughter.

Another plus point for me is how the author presents his experiences as is. He shares the experiences when everything went well as well as potential messes that any dad could go into. It cautions against dads expecting excellent responses to every date invitation or expectations of great relationships after a few dates. There is also a chapter devoted to dads who don’t live with their daughters, an unfortunate reality in many parts of the world.

I highly recommend this book to dads who have daughters.

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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.”

Book Review: Unleashed: Release the Untamed Faith Within by Erwin Raphael McManus

In Unleashed: Release the Untamed Faith Within, McManus talks about how our faith is much different from what it is supposed to be. Religion has domesticated our faith and we have traded a living faith to one which is safe and secure.

I particularly enjoy the way the McManus weaves Scripture passages and his personal experiences as a dad into the main topic of his book. McManus writes and argues his point it a very engaging way and I am feel drawn to his call of unleashing my faith.

I highly recommend this book to the believer who feels that there is so much more other than the safe environment offered by religion. Also recommended to any parent who lives the dangerous faith but isn't keen on offering the same opportunity to their kids.

About the author:
Erwin Raphael McManus serves as Lead Pastor of Mosaic, a uniquely innovative and international congregation in Los Angeles, California. A national and international strategist and speaker on culture, change, creativity and leadership, Erwin also serves as Distinguished Lecturer and Futurist for Bethel Theological Seminary.

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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.”

Book Review: The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferris

The 4-Hour Workweek is not a time management book but a book on how to 'design' your life so that you will only be working 4 hours every week while achieving the same results.

The book works on the idea that retirement need not to be at the end of our productive life but should be divided into mini-retirements to allow us to enjoy the experiences.

Of course, many of us have two objections: money and time.

In the book, Ferris gives a narrative on how he earned more money while working less hours, take advantage of different buying power of currencies, reduce non-essential busy work and a lot of other things.

The book is presented as a narrative, not a how-to manual nor an impersonal analysis of what Ferris calls 'Lifestyle Design'.

What I enjoyed about the book were: Ferris' humorous writing style, the vast list of useful internet sites and other useful tips. Ferris also has a blog that expands on the ideas in the book and provides updates on new 'experiments'.

Highly recommended for those who are serious about taking mini-retirements or even to those who just want to have more time for meaningful stuff without compromising professional results and financial gain.

About the author:
Timothy Ferriss, called "The Superman of Silicon Valley" by Wired magazine and nominated by Fast Company as one of the "Most Innovative Business People of 2007," is the author of "The 4-Hour Body" and the #1 New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and BusinessWeek best seller "The 4-Hour Workweek," which has been sold in 35 languages. He is a guest lecturer at Princeton University and faculty at Singularity University at NASA Ames Research Center. His blog is one of the most popular in the world (according to Alexa, Technorati): http://www.fourhourblog.com.

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Book Review: Building Wireless Sensor Networks By Robert Faludi

Building Wireless Sensor Networks is just what every wireless sensors enthusiast needs. It provides quick and practical guidance for building your very own wireless sensor networks using Zigbee.

I appreciate the well structured presentation of ideas as well as the very practical approach in creating projects while learning very important concepts. It is like a workbook and laboratory manual in one!

I particularly enjoyed how the author wrote the book in a conversational manner while maintaining the excitement for the reader.

The Appendix at the end of the book is very helpful in encouraging the reader to explore even further.

http://oreilly.com/catalog/9780596807740

About the author:
Robert Faludi is an NYU Professor, SVA professor, and an expert consultant on commercial projects, including large-scale home energy monitoring. His work has appeared in The New York Times, CNet, Good Morning America, and elsewhere. He is a co-creator of the LilyPad XBee wearable radios, and Botanicalls, a system that allows thirsty plants to place phone calls for human help.


[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.”]

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Book review: Failing Forward: Turning Mistakes into Stepping Stones for Success by John Maxwell

In Failing Forward, John Maxwell shows that failure should not necessarily be a showstopper if we are able to manage the emotions.

Each chapter in the book shares a principle plus real-life examples on how apparent failures were turned into successes.

I read this book a long time back when I was starting out a small team and it was very helpful

I recommend this book to anyone who is stuck and would like to move forward again. Also recommended to those who have read it and are stuck again.

About the author:
John C. Maxwell is an internationally recognized leadership expert, speaker, coach, and author who has sold over 19 million books. Dr. Maxwell is the founder of EQUIP and the John Maxwell Company, organizations that have trained more than 5 million leaders worldwide. Every year he speaks to Fortune 500 companies, international government leaders, and organizations as diverse as the United States Military Academy at West Point, the National Football League, and the United Nations. A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Business Week best-selling author, Maxwell has written three books which have each sold more than one million copies: The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, Developing the Leader Within You, and The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader. You can find him at JohnMaxwell.com and follow him at Twitter.com/JohnCMaxwell.
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Book Review: Who Moved My Cheese?: An Amazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life by Spencer Johnson

In Who Moved My Cheese, Spencer Johnson provides insight on how resistance to change brings about certain consequences.

Spenser uses mice and cheese as an analogy to typical human response to change. It's fun and entertaining.

A quick read but includes thought-provoking one-liners that will force the reader to think.

Highly recommended.

About the authors:
Spencer Johnson, M.D., is one of the world's most respected thinkers and beloved authors. Dr. Johnson earned a B.A. degree in Psychology from the University of Southern California, an M.D. degree from the Royal College of Surgeons, and medical clerkships at The Mayo Clinic and Harvard Medical School. More than forty-six million copies of Spencer Johnson's books are in print worldwide in more than forty-seven languages.

Dr. Ken Blanchard is the cofounder and Chief Spiritual Officer of The Ken Blanchard Companies, an international management training and consulting firm that he and his wife, Margie Blanchard, began in 1979 in San Diego, California. In addition to being a renowned speaker and consultant, Ken also spends time as a visiting lecturer at his alma mater, Cornell University, where he is a trustee emeritus of the Board of Trustees.

Ken has received many awards and honors for his contributions in the fields of management, leadership, and speaking. The National Speakers Association awarded him its highest honor, the "Council of Peers Award of Excellence." He was inducted into the HRD Hall of Fame by Training magazine and Lakewood Conferences, and he received the Golden Gavel Award from Toastmasters International. Ken also received The Thought Leadership Award for continued support of work-related learning and performance by ISA--The Association of Learning Providers. Ken has been inducted into Amazon's Hall of Fame as one of the top 25 best-selling authors of all time. The business school at Grand Canyon University bears his name. In addition, Ken teaches students in the Master of Science in Executive Leadership Program at the University of San Diego.

Born in New Jersey and raised in New York, Ken received a master's degree from Colgate University, and a bachelor's and PhD from Cornell University. An avid golfer, Ken belongs to the Loch Lomond Golf Club in Scotland.

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Book Review: How to Lead and Still have a Life by H. Dale Burke

This is different from the other leadership books I have encountered.

It starts with two topics discussing on the core qualities every leader who seeks to be very effective. The next section deals with four topics that are essential to effective leadership. The third section covers two topics on effective execution.

Even though this is a leadership book based upon Christian principles, every topic can easily be integrated to the workplace.

Divided into easy to digest chapters, every leader can apply the principles one chapter at a time. My personal favorite, Chapter 8 Concentration - The Power of Focus, is already well worth the cost of the book.

Highly recommended to new leaders or those leaders who are 'tired'.

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Book review: The Power of a Praying Husband by Stormie Omartian

The book is a guide for husbands on the areas where their wives need prayer. Every chapter begins with a discussion by Stormie on each area while her husband provides a few paragraphs of his own. Each chapter also ends with a prayer that every husband can use as a guide.

Reading through the book for the first time, I began to see my wife in a new light and also realized the importance of praying for my wife. I used to pray for her in general terms, but through the book, I became more sensitive to the areas where she needs my prayers the most.

It's a relationship book and a prayer book in one. A must for every husband's bookshelf.

About the author:
Stormie Omartian is the bestselling author of The Power of a Praying® books (more than 10 million copies sold worldwide), Stormie, Just Enough Light for the Step I’m On, and The Prayer That Changes Everything®. Stormie and her husband, Michael, have been married for 32 years and have three grown children.

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Book review: One Month to Live by Kerry Shook and Chris Shook

I encountered this book at a time when I was having those spiritual wilderness experiences and I was looking for something that would somehow provide perspective on where I was.


Most of the time, without being aware, life simply happens and I begin to ask if this is what life is all about. Life became merely existing and occupying space.

The contents of the book is grouped into four principles with a total of thirty topics, one for each day. Each topic has its tasks that allow the reader to 'live' the day's chapter.

Personally, the most difficult part is to read only one chapter per day. :)

Thought-provoking and truly inspiring! I highly recommend this book to everyone.

About the authors:
Kerry Shook and his wife, Chris, founded Fellowship of The Woodlands in 1993; and since then, the church has grown to 16,380 in average attendance each weekend. Fellowship of The Woodlands, now Woodlands Church, is one church in three locations with its Fellowship campus in The Woodlands outside of Houston, Texas. Winner of the prestigious Church Health Award presented by Saddleback Church, Kerry and his church have been featured in numerous publications and media outlets, and his sermons are televised each week across the country and around the world. Kerry and Chris are the parents of four children.

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Book review: The Way of the Shepherd: 7 Ancient Secrets to Managing Productive People by Kevin Leman and William Pentak

One of the major challenges of new leaders is how to get the confidence and management as quickly as possible.

In The Way of the Shepherd, Leman and Pentak impart sound management principles and practices in the form of a story about an up-and-coming manager learning leadership principles thru tending sheep.

The principles imparted are simple but powerful and after reading the book, I found myself creating a small card that outlines the principles discussed in this small book.

I have given copies of the book to other leaders in my organization and church. I never fail to get positive feedback on the book every time.

I recommend this book to every aspiring leader and to the 'seasoned' leader who needs a fresh perspective on leadership, albeit coming from ancient principles.

About the authors:
Dr. Kevin Leman, an internationally known psychologist, radio and television personality, and speaker, has taught and entertained audiences worldwide with his wit and commonsense psychology. The best-selling and award-winning author has made house calls for hundreds of radio and television programs, including "The View" with Barbara Walters, "The Today Show," "Oprah," CBS's "The Early Show," "Live with Regis Philbin," CNN's "American Morning," and "LIFE Today" with James Robison, and he has served as a contributing family psychologist to "Good Morning America." He is the founder and president of Couples of Promise, an organization designed and committed to helping couples remain happily married. Dr. Leman is also a charter faculty member of iQuestions.com. He has written over 30 best-selling books about marriage and family issues, including "The Birth Order Book" and "Sheet Music: Uncovering the Secrets of Sexual Intimacy in Marriage." Dr. Leman and his wife, Sande, live in Tucson. They have five children.


William Pentak has twenty-two years of proven success in revitalizing under-performing organizations. An author, columnist, pastor, consultant and speaker, he has traveled across the nation delivering keynote addresses and seminars. An MBA from the University of Texas at Austin, William was one of the last hires made by Enron before the company imploded in bankruptcy. He currently works in External Communications at Reliant Energy in Houston, Texas.
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