5 comments about Freakonomics Rev Ed CD: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything.

1. This book serves a valuable purpose in challenging some of those long held beliefs that are perpetuated in media; and if this is purpose of the authors then I think they have done well. However, I think we need to be careful in accepting some of the statements of Levitt and Dubner as fact in their own right.
   
   Some other reviewers have pointed out that there is a distinct lack of econometric rationale behind the conclusions. Drawing causation arguements (even if ceterus parabus has been observed) without providing so much as a reference to the study is hardly academic, rather an editorial opinion. This is a confusing aspect of the book as there are numerous references to other authors and people of note (especially if their views are supporting) about all manner of topics, but when the actual effect of variables needs to be discussed there is a complete void (so what is the actual % decrease in crime resulting from % changes in abortion rates which may have occured through changes in abortion law?). The non-specific reference to authors et al gives the impression of a well researched academic book, but the core conclusions have no stated and verifiable statistical basis. Would it have been so hard to provide the figure (ceteris paribus) and a reference to the published analysis, if it exists?
   
   It is not that I disagree with any of the statements, it's just that I don't see anything to make me agree with them either. This book could benefit from a few enhancements, such as reference to the actual analysis so that I can verify the results myself. Otherwise this is just a long editorial.
   
   Oh, and one last point, Chapter 6 on names is such a stretch that it threatens the credibility of the whole book, it is really quite rediculous.



2. Well, I felt very enthusiastic as I started reading it. But eventually, the book appeared to have so many flaws, I don't even know where to start.
   
   First of all, it has little or nothing to do with economics. Except, let's say the "humans respond to incentives" premise, which is not new, by any account. And you don't even have to be familiar with Mankiw's famous principles, which, by the way, are not even referenced. Second, I still don't get what is there so extraordinary and creative about Levitt's views. Don't we all understand and doesn't our personal experience prove that when it comes to mercenary objectives, self usually comes first? Haven't you ever had a chance to face a person in charge (including a teacher) who would help you out just to look better and receive some kind of a bonus, be that a praise, or a prize? And you don't even have to go through all of the boring figures and calculations to see that people (including, naturally, sumo fighters) will tend to come to arrangements, where they can give up a short term benefit for the sake of receiving a long term one, or, for what it's worth, a peer's approval.
   
   Not to go into much more detail, I found the book outright boring and way too lengthy. It says the same thing over and over again. In fact, the authors could have made their point on 50 pages at most. At times, the book just felt like a pile of sentences overloaded with some factual statements. And yes, as the introductory part says, there is no leading, unifying theme. Which, in my opinion, did put the whole undertaking at a serious disadvantage.



3. IF LEVITT TITLED HIS BOOK ECONOMICS 101, NO ONE WOULD BUY OR READ IT. HE SHOULD GO BACK & READ ECONOMICS 101, TO REFRESH HIS UNDERSTANDING OF IT.
   FIRST, BLUE CRIME RATE GOES DOWN IN GOOD TIMES (UNDER CLINTON) & GOES UP IN BAD TIMES (UNDER REPUBILCANS). WHITE COLLAR CRIME GOES UP WITH DEREGULATION (UNDER REPUBLICANS). IT DOES DOWN WITH REGULATION & OVERSIGHTS UNDER DEMOCRATS. TO SUGGEST THAT THE INCREASE IN ABORATIONS AMONG MINORITIES CAUSES A DECREASE IN CRIME IS SOME KIND OF JOKE. FUNNY, ONLY TO LEVITT. WHEN YOU JUDGE WHITE COLLAR CRIME, VS BLUE COLLAR CRIME. WHITE COLLAR CRIME WINS HANDS DOWN WITH THE DAMMAGE TO SOCIETY. IT DISTROYES THE INTRASTRUCTURE, CREATING CHAOS IN THE FINANCIAL SECTURE WITH ITS TRICKLE DOWN EFFECT ON THE WORLD ECONOMY & MARKETS. REAGANOMICS & IT'S EXTENSION BUSHONOMICS ARE NOT RANDOM BY CHANCE PLANS. BUT A WELL PLANNED REVISION OF THE WILLIE SUTTON PLAN (ROB BANKS, BECAUSE THAT'S WHERE THE MONEY IS). THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO MILTON FREIDMAN MENTALITY SUCKS.



4. The author has admitted, in print, that he has fabricated data and intentionally misrepresented statistics - especially in the abortion chapter. He justifies it by saying his intentions were good. He admitted this in an interview with Gene Epstein in the book "Econospinning."



5. Interestingly, the book starts off very nicely with catchy questions and a unique perspective in answering them. However, you quickly realize that the author is beating around the bush and comes back to the same question and answers. The authors are prejudiced to begin with and therefore play with numbers and carefully framed sentences to win the reader's vote. In addition, the authors dismiss other works as providing 'little evidence' while providing little/no evidence to their own work.
   
   In short, the book is interesting and insightful but don't take it seriously.

5 comments about Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids about Money¿that the Poor and the Middle Class Do Not! (Rich Dad's).

1. Rich Dad Poor Dad became a best seller as a result of either introducing or reminding the masses of basic financial principals. The storyline is presented in a manner describing this advice from both a successful father figure with little schooling but ample street smarts, and a less successful father with an abundance of education but little financial sense. Given that only a small sector of society generally finds interest among dry financial books, the writing style undoubtedly also had a lot of influence on the success of this book.
   
   Kiyosaki provides an adequate overview of assets versus liabilities and in depth explanation as to why assets with earning capacity are true assets while others that cost money to sustain (such as your home) are not. However, the message could have been given proper justice in a brief essay as opposed to a best selling book. The principle at heart, while true to the bone, is nothing more than what one would arrive at with a simple understanding of bookkeeping and common sense. Kiyosaki provides a lot of cliché with a story about his two Dads to attempt to add depth to the book, but otherwise the book provides little insight except perhaps to those with limited financial aptitude.
   
   Kiyosaki is certainly a master marketer and undoubtedly made millions by marketing his books, so perhaps if there is a silver lining to the book it is that one might discover the genius behind how to market a book by reading Kiyosaki. Otherwise, look to the cliff notes on this book and save your time and money for a book that offers a more comprehensive study on finance.



2. The book has some great ideas, but I get the mental image of a late night infomertial. The basic storyline of the book is a bit far fetched, but there are plenty of ideas about finances and investing to get you thinking.



3. Worth the money for the authors approach about assets and liabilities. His personal story is not very interesting but I like the way he focuses on different types of income. Do not expect a lot of detailed information since most of his "examples" are BS. His wife needed a new car so she just went out and found a property that would give her $500/month cash flow with no money down. Yeah right. All said and done though this book will motivate you and help keep your head in the right mind-frame.
   
   Do not bother buying ANY of the other Rich Dad, Poor Dad books, they are only a re-hash of the information in this one.



4. ... take the definitions of both an ASSET and a LIABILITY.
   
   I read this book the first month it came out when I was a floating on a raft at the Hyatt in Kauai and I was so taken with it, I finished it and reread it a 2nd time. And I was on vacation. The entertaining style of it held my interest. What most held my interest though was his explanations of ASSETS and LIABILITIES. Gosh you know, all my life I was taught to believe my house was an ASSET. Well it is an ASSET - to the bank that holds the mortgage. To me it is a LIABILITY and a Money Pit.
   
   Now it is nice to have a place to sleep at night and it's all mine! I can paint the walls any color I want!! But it sure ain't an ASSET. And I have all the bills to attest to that.
   
   I do recommend the book to everyone. It really is basic accounting for your lifetime & family. Education is education and meaningful education is the name of the game. Somebody else wrote a review that if his grandparents were alive today, well, they would be dead today instead, because they would not be able to navigate the New Paradigm of 'Every Man for Himself'. He's got a point. The world IS changing, right now as you read this. This book is written for the Everyday Man and Woman. Good information to open up your brain and think about how and what you want to do to assure yourself a future.



5. I read this book several years back, and frankly remember very little of it. In a nutshell, the real lesson of the book is that the poor buy necessities (food, clothing, etc.) the middle class buy liabilities (cars, boats, etc.) while the rich buy assets (stocks, bonds, real estate).

5 comments about The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

1. The premise of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is that there are 7 habits which can dramatically improve a person's professional and social life. These habits include: 1. Be proactive. 2. Begin with the end in mind. 3. Put first things first. 4. Think win/win. 5. Seek first to understand, then to be understood. 6. Synergize. 7. Sharpen the saw.
   
   Covey's philosophy of using honest open communication, fairness, integrity and human dignity as a baseline in all relationships is sound powerful advice. The book is well written with excellent insights and wisdom.
   
   The Re-Discovery of Common Sense: A Guide to: The Lost Art of Critical Thinking



2. Nutshell review - This is an excellent book whose lessons and insights can contribute to all aspects of your life. Excellent.



3. We had the privilege of hearing Dr. Covey in person at The University of Michigan when this book was first published. It instantly became one of the most important books we've read and used in our teaching. We give this as a graduation gift to our college students to help them to be effective as they start their new life. Covey is the master of story-telling and bringing his habits to life.
   
   Author, "Trust is Everything: Become the leader others will follow"



4. I actually purchased these cards in error, thinking that they were the book.
   
   When I received it, I was disappointed.
   
   When I read them, I was delighted!!!!
   
   They encourage great focus and act as a boosters at the start of the day - pick up a card, read the back also or just read the front in the extremely pleasant font, and make yourself more effective and generally a better person.
   
   A lot of these points made are quite obviously (although some are a lot more subtle and extremely cleverly presented) but fundamentally, it helps to make you a balanced and better person, which then obviously spills into your personal and business life.
   
   They are the closest thing you will get to a quick fix - where a book requires you to be motivated to focus to read it, these are available at all times - pick one up from your desk before a meeting, browse through one or two while on hold for a phone call - you can only benefit if these ideals and tips sink into your subconscious!



5. I agree with the other commenters who have given this book negative reviews and who appear to be more critical thinkers than the author himself.
   
   This book was clearly written on auto-pilot; it is constructed on a string of cliches and half-conceived insights and analysis. It is entirely clear the author has little to say. The book is an insult to probing, intelligent minds. A total joke!

1 comments about The Art of Influence: Persuading Others Begins With You.

1. With a nod to The Ultimate Gift,The Ultimate Gift (The Ultimate Series #1) Chris writes a book that is very readable and inspirational. He helps us sort out that education, though important, is not ultimate in developing a life of influence.
   
   I quote one of Chris' mentors and mine, Jim Rohn. 7 Strategies for Wealth & Happiness: Power Ideas from America's Foremost Business Philosopher"Your education will get you a job, your self education will make you a fortune".
   
   I hope Chris writes a sequel that will develop more fully the 7 area of excellence mentioned in the book. Each could stand as a book to themselves.
   
   This book will join The Richest Man in BabylonThe Richest Man in Babylon as a standard gift from me to high school, trade school or college graduates.
   
   Congrats to Chris and keep up the good writing!

5 comments about The E-Myth Revisited CD : Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to do about it.

1. Information every small to medium sized business owner must listen to and them implement in order to own their business and stop owning a job.



2. This is THE source for a world class business. Just ask Tony Robbins and many others who have used this wonderful resource to make their business a true business. This will help you sort your thinking and actions of your company into a business from the hobby or monster it may be.



3. E-Myth Revisited was assigned to me as a class reading project. I read slowly, so I purchased the book on CD. The material ties together everything a business student learns in coursework and brings the concepts to life in real-world examples. E-Myth provides very sound advice in a no-nonsense fashion. The reader/author's voice is a little hypnotic, which makes me sleepy, but fortunately I could "rewind" as needed and listen to everthing I missed. I love being able to do little chores while I listen to books, so the format is perfect. I would recommend all business students from any concentration read or listen to E-Myth revisited. Amazon hooked me up amazingly fast so my book report will be on time for sure.



4. This book has a useful message for businesses in the infancy stage: when someone who is good at something wants to start their own business, they will eventually have to STOP doing what they are good at and start building a business -- a very different skill set. I give the book four or five stars for the principles to be gleaned (though I do have some qualms about his insistence on hiring barely adequate people, not the best people, which seems to be in contradiction to "Good to Great," which emphasizes the importance of quality workers doing what they do best).
   
   However, the unabridged version has SO much padding in it, it became grating fairly quickly. Gerber could probably have said what he needed to say over the course of two CDs, not seven. He runs on and on, beating his points to death. I found myself skipping ahead quite a bit. Since it's an audio CD, I might have missed something useful, but I couldn't take the pedantic, overkill I was being subjected to. A typical example: "Jim and Bob own a business together. Sometimes Jim does the books. Sometimes Bob does the books. When Jim doesn't do the books, Bob does. When Bob doesn't do the books, Jim does. When they hired Al, either Bob, Jim, or Al did the books. When Bob or Jim didn't do the books, Al did. When Al or Bob didn't do the books, Jim did." And so on and so forth. It was either skip ahead or crash my car into a wall to end the mental anguish this style of speaking/writing caused.
   
   So, useful info mixed into the dregs. I recommend the abridged version.



5. Do you own a small business? Do you feel burned out, broken, wondering if you ever want to step foot inside your place of business again? If this sounds like you and you haven't purchased this book then you are doing yourself a huge disservice. This book will change the way you view your business and help you to get back on the right track. I listened to only the first CD and the next day revamped my entire business as if someone took the shroud from my eyes.
   
   I highly recommend this book to new business owners through veteran business owners. Rock solid principles that help so many of the wrongs you've made in the past with your business mindset.
   
   WARNING: Not willing or ready to listen and change, don't bother then, you clearly haven't suffered enough...yet!

5 comments about The 4-Hour work Week: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich.

1. This book is yet another motivational 'Rich Dad Poor Dad' ploy, only this time being applied to on-line products. Mr. Ferris strongly advocates outsourcing work overseas. Great! More potential USA work lost to third world countries. And the pay rate for that overseas work really isn't that much different than it is here (has Mr. Ferris checked the current US minimum wage?). And his web-site? Just a big advertisement to buy his book. Just what the US needs, more Wal-Mart capitalism.



2. This is an excellent book which includes many, many details and suggested exercises. My suggestion is to read the book all the way through once, then start working on the exercises, slowly, otherwise it can be a bit too much to really get a handle on. Awesome, so worth the money spent to purchase it.



3. Well-written and actionable, the "Four Hour Workweek" book delivers a step by step process combining a variety of techniques designed to help people make outstanding use of their time.
   
   For fellow 'serial entrepreneurs' like myself, the outsourcing and 'boundary management' tips were particularly useful, including must-read tips for avoiding outsourcing pitfalls (eg time caps on projects and how to select assistants), plus more.
   
   His model is a sound one, on page 185, for developing an info-business plan; though there's much more to it than is covered, it's a great overview and outline of key productivity concepts. I found it impressive that the author was able to articulate many effective productivity-boosting strategies so clearly.
   
   For more, be sure to study Brian Tracy and Dan Kennedy as well. I recommend Brian's "Eat That Frog", and Dan's "No B.S. Time Management for Entrepreneurs" books (along with all their other products, which are essential for success).
   
   Overall, highly recommended; it got me thinking about outsourcing more effectively, plus other actionable ideas, so that alone is well worth reading this for.
   
   -Ken Calhoun



4. That pretty much sums up what this book should have been called. I just can't fathom how so many people have been duped into drinking the kool-aid that young Mr Ferriss expounds so carelessy in his book.
   
   For those of you looking for the 'Cliff Note' version, I'll summarize in 3 points what this book is basically about:
   
   1 - Look for ways to generate passive income (ie, make $$ with little or no work). In Mr. Ferriss' case, it's selling vitamin supplements online...yeah you heard it right.
   
   2 - Make it your life's goal to become a slacker by outsourcing everyday tasks(eg, checking email, paying bills, online shopping, etc). Yes, everyone is as busy and important as Mr Ferris that they need to manage a team of personal assistants in India to check their email, pay bills and shopping online.
   
   3 - Once you become a slacker, look for activities that will give you meaning in life. Young Mr. Ferris has some real gems of wisdom for you ;-)
   
   The 4-Hour Work Week is complete utter waste of time and not worth the paper it's printed on. Check out at the library if you must waste 2-3 hours of your life skimming through the drivel.



5. Interesting, but I think many of the concepts are difficult to apply in corporate America.

5 comments about How to Win Friends & Influence People.

1. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie is a must-read for anyone who desires to put the Golden Rule into everyday use. Through numerous stories and examples, Mr. Carnegie shows how we can truly accomplish the impossible---just by putting others' interests before our own. The book bogs down a little if you try to read through it all at once, so I would recommend breaking it up and just reading a chapter or two at a time. Definitely push through to the end--it's very worth it!



2. Everyone should read this book. There is nothing bad that can come from it. The stories contained are interesting and the concepts are completely simple. In fact, nothing taught here was ever mind blowing or surprising. The surprising part was the self reflection it brought and the desire it created in me to want to adapt concepts from this book I previously felt needless. This is the kind of reading I wish I was forced to read growing up and not books about a bunch of stupid kids on an island that go crazy and fight each other.



3. This book is chock full of practical, common sense advice. Want people to like you? Show you like THEM, smile, be honestly happy to see them, remember their names, be interested in them, listen to them, etc. Want to influence them? Don't argue or tell them they are wrong (even if they are), but honestly emphasize where they are right, compliment them, and start with your areas of agreement. Want to be a leader? Ecourage people, praise them, listen to them, ask them questions. Of course, the examples in this book require us to apply honesty and common sense, and if so, this book is quite helpful. Sadly, too many of us fail to heed the advice in these pages. We can all do better, and this book can help us do so.



4. I read this book decades ago and it changed my life. It's unbelievable and every human being should read it. As I was surfing Amazon looking for another book, I happen to notice it and had to write a review. I have to tell everybody how great this book is. I couldn't just not tell everyone. The author is brilliant! This book is so motivational that it truly changed my life and made me a better human being. There's a section in there about a father and a son, that I'll never forget - it really moved me. Every father should read that section.



5. Why are the simple things so hard to do? As I look back at my past decisions when dealing with people I laugh because I noticed how many situations I could have approached differently. How to Win Friends & Influence People is a must read for everyone and should be taught to kids when they are young so when they get older they'll be able to deal with people in a more civilized and respectful manner.

5 comments about Good to Great CD: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...And Others Don't.

1. The condition of this book was excellent. I recieved it in a very timely manner. If you currently own or are looking to own your own business, this book is invaluable. The concepts are concrete, realistic, and attainable. I highly recommend this book.



2. "Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap... and Others Don't" by Jim Collins was a real eye opener for me.
   
   In this book, Jim Collins, observes 28 companies over the span of 5 years. Over this period of time 11 of the companies make the leap from "Good to Great". The findings in this book were truly eye opening and inspirational. I loved the chapter on Level 5 leadership. Collins starts the chapter using a quote by Harry S. Truman "You can accomplish anything in life, provided that you do not mind who gets the credit". This is the essence of the book.
   
   I also loved that in this book he speaks about how the executives that ignited the transformation for companies that went from good to great, did not figure out how to drive the bus, but how to get the right people on the bus (and the wrong people off) and then they figured out where to drive it.
   
   Another book I really enjoyed reading about transformation is Being Here: Modern Day Tales of Enlightenment. Any person who is looking to grow their business would greatly benefit from reading both these books.



3. Good to Great is a great book for anyone in business. I was amazed at some of the less obvious lessons learned from the years of research as well as the simple truths that seemed obvious after they were revealed.
   I am a small business owner with a professional degree but with no formal business education. It was good to read "research" that was not all stuffy and dry. A particularly strong point for me was the argument for why I should strive to be great and not just "good" or even "mediocre". I am planning on reading Jim Collins' other book, Built to Last.



4. The egoism, hubris, and cold-bloodedness that is sanctioned by this book is frightening. Loyalty becomes the only virtue. If you've worked for an executive who has bought into this, you'll understand how we ended up in Iraq.



5. I bought the book after seeing him on PBS. I must say I am a little diappointed. I was really hoping for some deep insight and inspiration. Instead I read about a bunch of research from newspaper clippings by some 20-something reasearch students who could not run a Quicky-Mart as well as Apu.
   
   Collins has some great concepts Level 5 Leaders and the "Stockdale Principle" and then some things to turn on the eclectic filter as you read.
   
   Find or steal one of Tom Peters books on Excellence - Before you read this

5 comments about The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (Unabridged Audio Program).

1. This is not a listen once, quick fix, instant success miracle audio series. However, it contains great information and "Habits" that, if you can integrate into your life, will vastly improve your effectiveness as a human being. I have listened to this set only a couple of times...I plan on hearing it again, and again, and again. You should do the same.



2. While this is good, it was so wordy with quite a bit of monotone so it was difficult to stay with the audio. I would try the abridged version next time.



3. "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" is the most famous title of Stephen R. Covey, a professor of Brigham Young University where he taught prior to the publication of this best-selling work. The audio version became the first non-fiction audio-book in U.S. publishing history to sell more than one million copies. Covey holds a BS degree in Business Administration from University of Utah in Salt Lake City, an MBA from Harvard University, and a Doctorate of Religious Education (DRE) in Mormon Church History and Doctrine from Brigham Young University. He also holds membership of the Pi Kappa Alpha International Fraternity.
   
   This audio program is mainly about the time management (chapters 1, 2, 3, 7) and interpersonal relationships (chapters 4, 5, 6). The time-management books like "Getting Things Done" by David Allen and "Time Drive" by Gleb Arkhangelsky frequently overlook the importance of interpersonal relationships in the time management.
   
   Many of the ideas and much of the language of "The 7 Habits..." recast the content of the classic 1966 Peter F. Drucker book "The Effective Executive", wherein Drucker wrote: "Effectiveness, in other words, is a habit", and which includes a chapter called "First Things First".
   
   Covey consistently opposes "quick-fix" solutions to life or business problems and insists that changes in paradigm or mindset to align with natural principles provide the "true" source of solutions. The author points out, for example, that the paradigm that produces short-term results in business inevitably leads to an inability to produce results for the long term. He calls this "killing the golden goose". Covey advocates balancing short- and long-term productive capacities as the most effective mindset for the businessperson.



4. If you are looking for what my opinion is (because, of course, this morning you woke up and the first thing you thought was... what is the opinion of Alana Renfro?) the best motivational CDs out there- then stop your Amazon search and purchase the UNABRIDGED Audio Program of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.
   
   Working on the creative side of agencies, corporate businesses and boutique clients, you discover that many creative people do not know how to prioritize what is truly important vs. urgent, begin with the end in mind, or follow-through on set commitments with a trustworthy set of principles and ethics. After all, advertising and marketing can be known for the opposite! Just youtube "ad agency spoof", like "The Truth in Ad Sales" video from the UK or "Truth in Advertising".
   
   My husband is in finances, I am in the creative industry, yet we both are incredibly inspired by this series of CDs. It is applicable to anyone in any industry- you just basically need the interest to better yourself, your business or your personal life. I had read the book previously, my husband had not, yet we both have these CDs in our cars as we drive to and from work and are able to not only learn from Mr. Covey's calming and informative audio, but implement the practices into our personal and professional lives. Also being parents, we've found his insights into families, mission statements, the power of thought and his personal family examples hugely helpful for our children and our perspectives.
   
   As a professional, a wife, a mother, and simply someone who has a drive to better myself and succeed, these Unabridged CDs have changed my life. My husband and I both use the planners, but most importantly- the Unabridged Audio Program of 13 CDs I highly recommend.



5. I have listend to the 3 disc set and now listening to the unabridged set. Do not waste your time and money on the 3 disc set for an initial training. The unabridged set has more information and examples and well worth the extra $. The 3 disc would be good for a reminder, but not for the initial training.

5 comments about The Answer: Grow Any Business, Achieve Financial Freedom, and Live an Extraordinary Life.

1. I have been in the personal development field for over forty years. This is THE best book I have ever read in the field. It is life-transforming.The authors guide us with clear information and tools that anyone can use to guarantee success.
   It's an instant classic on the level of Think and Grow Rich, the all-time best-selling self-help book.
   
   Bruce Tredinnick



2. This is not only a very good read, it is also a excellent source of helpful guidance. A modern day combination of The Power of Positive Thinking, and so many other self help books of the past, this one adds a few new wrinkles that will make the purchase price a mere pitance when compared to the benefits derived from reading this book.



3. Before I get into discussing this book I would like to tell a bit of a personal story relating to this book. It is a story that hopefully might even make the book even more interesting to prospective readers. To relate this story to you will make my review a good bit longer than normal, but please bear with me because this story really does have to do with what's in this book...
   
   Last year I watched the international phenomenon, The Secret, which has swept the globe with its message: "Everything that you have, make or do happens because of your thoughts. Everything that happens to you, whether you wanted it to happen or not, was attracted to you by your subconscious mind. This is known as the Law of Attraction. If you want to have a better life, use the Law of Attraction to your benefit."
   
   What The Secret was putting out there was that we are responsible for our own conditions but we need to align what we want in life with our subconscious before we can truly change.
   
   I took this in as positive thinking, as a "philosophy", so to speak but I decided to give the Law of Attraction a try. But after putting a small amount of effort into its practice by trying to manifest some small things - a second trip to Egypt in the same year, an interview in a newspaper, etc., I found the Law of Attraction to be rather true in my life. Thus with no more guidance than the information in that film I started experimenting with one of my businesses last year, a business that hadn't been faring too well in the recent past. To my joy this business turned around and doubled in size within ten months. I then used the same principles to find my sweetheart and in a matter of weeks I found a wonderful girl, just as I had imagined her to be even before I knew her. And after that I turned my attention to a second business I had in December of 2007 and now it is double the size that it was when I started using these principles.
   
   In the course of all of this I moved to Bangkok, Thailand, from Saigon, Vietnam. In Bangkok I have met many new and very interesting people. One day I was called out of the blue by a friend I hadn't seen in a while. She asked me to come to a showing of The Secret which was being held by a Belgian man named Guy, who was interested in the Law of Attraction. I dropped everything I was doing that Sunday and came to the showing. I came not so much to see the movie again, although that was a side benefit, but I really was interested to meet people who were using these principles in their lives so that I could compare notes and see how this was working in their lives. I was there to offer my experiences and to gain from others. Guy and I with another Belgian, Chris, formed our own monthly meeting group.
   
   But something had always bothered me about The Secret: It wasn't enough. I felt like the information in The Secret was more of an advertisement than a practical way of doing things. I decided to focus on finding a guide, a teacher who could take me further into the nitty gritty of how we should use these principles to improve our lives on a day-to-day basis. I decided to "intend" a teacher to come into my life - a teacher who could show me both a much deeper understanding of what I was doing as well as how to use these principles in a practical way.
   
   Two days after I made the intention of finding my teacher came the e-mail from Norm Goldman of BookPleasures.com. The public relations firm representing John Assaraf and Murray Smith was requesting a review of their new book, The Answer.
   
   Recognizing John Assaraf's name from The Secret immediately, I jumped at the chance to review this book.
   
   Coincidence? Stay with me. My story about this book doesn't end there.
   
   I remembered John Assaraf's name especially for two reasons: First, one of the most poignant scenes in The Secret is when his six year old son finds a five year old vision board in a corrugated moving carton. In explaining to his son the purpose of this vision board John realized that the perfect home he'd wished for five years earlier was exactly the home he was living in at that time! (This amazing and thought provoking story is well covered in both the film and book versions of The Secret as well as in John's book The Answer, so I won't go into great detail about the matter).
   
   The second reason I remembered John Assaraf's name is because it reminded me of a friend who I was trying to reach and had decided some time ago to find out about. At university I had a friend named Marc Assaraf. So the day the advance reading copy of The Answer arrived in my office in Bangkok I checked John and Murray's website for their One Coach business and I e-mailed John asking him whether he would be interested in helping me with any questions I had about the book (he responded that he would). But at the end of the e-mail I asked whether, just by chance, he had ever heard of someone named Marc Assaraf. It turned out that Marc Assaraf was John's own brother!
   
   From my point of view, I could take this situation for a very, very wild coincidence, or I could take it that my receiving John's and Murray's book was a convergence of two intentions that I had clearly stated and wanted the manifestation of. Both answer could not be true.
   
   To make matters even more "coincidental", the very day that I finished reading The Answer I received an e-mail from Chet Holmes inviting me to a conference call with none other than John Assaraf. I opened this e-mail less than one hour after finishing the last page of this amazing book!
   
   Needless to say, this was a conference call that I participated in and gained much from.
   
   The Answer is a well written book that explains exactly how such a "coincidence" occurs. At least in the first half of the book it does.
   
   In the first chapters John Assaraf explains scientifically how your mind and mine are connected to the world through our subconscious and how we can change the poor results we have been getting, whether it be relationships, financial, professional, etc. I really have to admit that when I first opened the book I felt a bit strange reading all about the science behind this. What I was looking for was the quick, practical tips that would help me to better use the principles of the Law of Attraction. (John Assaraf prefers to use "Law of Resonance"). By the middle of the book all of John's painstaking research that he shared made sense - John put all of his findings in so that we'd know exactly the whys of the how to make the changes in our lives. Don't get me wrong, I was not saying that the first part of the book was not interesting. Just the contrary, it was extremely interesting. I didn't see its necessity until later in the book when it all came together and then it all came clear.
   
   John's long-time friend and business partner Murray Smith took the latter part of the book where he gave advice on how to determine where you might be in your business and where you want to go (some of this was covered in John's section of the book, though the two authors were coming from slightly different angles). Murray then gave some excellent tools for both entrepreneurs as well as people who worked for others to be able to use in order to turn their businesses around and to guide the reader on how reach their goals. Both Murray Smith and John Assaraf gave many examples of how their clients had discovered where they had been going wrong and turned their businesses and organizations around. There are also plenty of practical resources in this book for the reader to use immediately.
   
   Trust me. If you want to enrich your life or change something in your business in any meaningful way then read this book. Devour it. Digest it. Once you have read The Answer of course you can draw your own conclusions on what these guys are saying. But I am willing to bet that if you follow their advice you will feel like magic has come into the way you do things. Planning becomes fun and effortless. You will see doors opening for you that before were not just only closed - some of the doors weren't even there! Take it from me: You have nothing to lose and so much to gain by using Murray's and John's advice. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to know how to get more out of their life.



4. This is a phenomenal once-in-a lifetime read that will positively impact your life's trajectory, lending you the tools, resources, and tips you need to become a mega-successful entrepreneur.



5. The Answer: Grow Any Business, Achieve Financial Freedom, and Live an Extraordinary Life A well balanced and crafted book. I have read books now by most the participants of the Secret and I believe that this one is the best. I say this becasue it carries you all the way through without dropping you. It is clear practical and spiritual but not in a flaky way. Buy and enjoy, it has the ingredients to 'do what it says on the tin'. Good information from and by guys who have succeeded and continue to succceed.
   
   Dublin Ireland