4 comments about 1001 Solved Engineering Fundamentals Problems, 3rd ed..

1. This is the book to study in preparation for the EIT exams.



2. This book for the most part is good for studying and the problems cover many areas related to the exam. However, this is the 3rd edition for which an errata does not yet exist. Having been studying with this book for several weeks now, it is LITTERED with errors. I would NOT recommend buying this book until a full errata is available. Buy the 2nd edition and view the errata online. We spent hours trying to figure out problems that were done incorrectly. Units don't work out, wrong numbers used, etc. Big time waster and it is hard to have confidence in learning from this book when it has this many errors.



3. Well written, questions are similar in scope and difficulty to actual FE exam questions. Does not cover discipline specific exam questions (civil, mechanical, etc.) No actual practice tests, but good questions and solutions.



4. I've been out of school for ever. I studied for 6 months and failed. I changed my studying strategy after that. Instead of going back and studying the subjects from ground-up, I did almost all of the practice problems in this book twice! Except for differential equations (skipped that section entirely). I think you still need the ground-up knowledge but don't over do it if you've been out of school for a while. Get this book and work problem after problem. Most of the questions on the exam didn't scare me because they were very similar to the problems in this book. Now I'm moving on to the P.E.!
   
   Con: I'm not the sharpest guy by far but I did find some errors in the book which were not published. So I'm sure there are more that I didn't find.
   
   Pro: It's about half the size of the FE Review Manual, Rapid Preperation for the General Exam 2nd Edition, so you can take it with you anywhere.
   
   I also recommend the above mentioned review manual and the FE/EIT Sample Exam, 2nd Edition. These three books got me through the exam.
   I used the HP33s and just programmed the vectors, which helped me out with a couple of questions. (every point counts!) The only other thing useful was the statistics which is already pre-programmed.
   
   Good Luck!!!

5 comments about Building Tomorrow's Talent: A Practitioner's Guide to Talent Management and Succession Planning.

1. The collaborative work of human resource specialists Matthew Gay and Doris Sims, "Building Tomorrow's Talent: A Practitioner's Guide To Talent Management And Succession Planning" is a superbly organized and articulately presented compendium of practical advice, ideas, tips, techniques, and planning tools designed to create and implement processes for the accurate assessment of a leadership team within any sized business organization from newly launched entrepreneurial enterprises to established multinational corporations. "Building Tomorrow's Talent" features numerous checklists, 'FAQ' sections, charts, slide presentation ideas, and an applicable project planning template adaptable to any business organization. Of special note is the 'to tell or not to tell' question with respect to high potential notification decisions. "Building Tomorrow's Talent" is a unique and highly recommended instructional reference for anyone charged with the responsibility of developing and managing the human resources of a business operation of any size or scope.



2. I purchased this book in preparation for several Talent Reviews that I was due to plan and facilitate within my organization. To say the least, it was a tremendously helpful and useful resource every step of the way. Not only did it provide me step-by-step guidance on preparing all the details of my sessions, but the checklists and templates were instrumental in helping me facilitate effective and meaningful discussions for my clients.
   
   I am now using this book to help me in preparing next steps following the Talent Reviews to ensure momentum is not lost. And once again, I am delighted by the insight and practical tools the book offers to support me in this process.
   
   My favorite part of this book is its "just-in-time" nature. I have read it on planes, in the office, at home and at stop lights on my way to work. In fact, I've even had it by my side in the actual Talent Review discussions in case I need to refer to it during breaks.
   
   I highly recommend this book to anyone involved with Talent Management and Succession Planning in their organization. It offers new insights, as well as reinforces concepts and ideas you've heard before, and packages it all in a practitioner-friendly way to ensure effective application.



3. This book is an outstanding resource for any HR Business Partner and any business leader who understands the importance of identifying and building individual and organizational capability. The book contains very practical ideas and suggestions that will help an organization build maturity in talent management and succession planning. This is one of those books that all HR practitioners in HR Business Partner or Organizational Development roles should have!



4. Thanks to Doris and Matt for their great work! I found this book especially helpful in two areas: a) addressing key issues an organization should think about relative to its readiness for a succession planning process; and b) the detail on the talent review meeting process. I also like the "Terms and Definitions" section since many different terms within organizations are used to describe this process. My only wish is that the book spent more time discussing what should happen during the year (between talent review meetings).



5. This is a great practical implementation guide for HR Practitioner. For every steps in setting up a talent management and succession management process in the organisation, it provides factors to questions, management decisions to be made and points to take note of. A great resource.

5 comments about Federal Contracting Made Easy, 3rd Edition.

1. Scott Stanberry shows you just how easy it is to contract for the government. Some contractors take one look at the government spec's and throw up their hands. Government spec's aren't as hard as they look. This book will take you step by step through the process of bidding government contracts. Once you get use to the paper work, which this book shows you some of, you have it made. Read this book and go out and make your fortune in government contracting.
   
   Larry Hobson- government contractor for over 30 years



2. Very informative and a useful tool for anyone interested in selling to the federal government.



3. Currently a member of the Federal Acquisition workforce, I see this book covers the gamut, as we know it. Particularly impressive is its coverage of GSA. GSA is a prime Federal market research tool. This can give prospective contractors an idea of what government organizations regularly buy, and government contacts for soliciting business.
   
   As an insider, there does still exist widespread indirect nepotism; cronyism; military who roll into contracts, and other versions of same (so much so that various government bodies such as Government Accounting Office handle contests of unfair play), so the better you know the rules of the game, the better your chances of getting in and getting your fair play of public funds. Government is pro small business; however, you have to slog thru bureaucracy, and that means having the information to even get started and what to do. The driving force is supposed to be acquiring the "best value" for public funds for a requirement. This book can be a map to help you on your journey to propose how you can get the job done. If you know where you want to go, pick up this map, and get the edge to get there.



4. This book has really terrific info on all the red tape you'll have to cut to make it as a government contractor!



5. Having had several months of government contracting experience prior to reading, I found that this book covers its bases very well, explains all necessary concepts clearly (elaborating where necessary and with precise examples), and solidifies the structural framework of how contracting works. I would definitely not group this book with the "--- for Dummies" books, which are often vague and leave you lingering with questions. Written from the ground up; great as a fundamentals book for the seasoned contractor or as a starting block for those considering/beginning in the field. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

5 comments about Go Put Your Strengths to Work: 6 Powerful Steps to Achieve Outstanding Performance.

1. Nutshell review - This book is a "6 step guide" on how to apply your strengths in work and life. But actually it's a just spin-off to milk the concept written in "Now, Discover Your Strengths" by the same author. Bottom line message = build and work on your strengths, not your weaknesses.



2. Marcus Buckingham is brilliant! His research-profound! As a professional workplace trainer, I use this book and insist that my clients purchase copies for their management teams before I conduct their trainings. Yesterday's "Human Resources" is today's "Talent Management" and employment engagement! Another must-have is the previous book "Now, Discover Your Strengths" by Marcus Buckingham.



3. I like the condition of the book delivered to me, it was no hype just real good quality. Thanks for displaying integrity without grity,lol.



4. This is an excellent book by Marcus Buckingham! I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and the case study he uses throughout the book really reinforces all of the key concepts. The journal pages in the back of the book (or you can download them off his site) are helpful in assisting you to identify which work activities strengthen you and which work activities weaken you. He shows, through case examples, how to minimize the activities that weaken you so that you spend most of your time on work where your strengths shine.



5. This book can help you put a plan into place that you can follow to be successful. If you have trouble motivating or keeping on track, this book will help you do that. Marcus helps you discover what your strengths are so that you can focus on your strengths which in turn will help you be successful.

5 comments about Andy & Me: Crisis And Transformation On The Lean Journey.

1. I have read a few business improvement novels in the past few years, but this one blew me away. I picked it up and was halfway through the book before I was forced to put it down by some prior engagements. It had a wealth of information that someone eager to learn could consume and digest without trouble, as well as a story line that kept me interested and willing to keep flipping through pages. I highly recommend this literature to anyone interested in manufacturing, lean initiatives, or reading.
   
   I wouldn't recommend this book to Amazon, because rather than buying the next book I'm probably just going to re-read this one.



2. As soon as I had finished this book, I reread it - to get the most out of the material presented. It is the best written lean business novel I have seen (though I also like "Who's Counting" by Jerry Solomon - available on Amazon.com). The book launches straight into the lean journey and presents the issues and challenges well. It is a good introductory read to help you get to grips with the ideas. My problem with it is that it doesn't go into any detail. There is no explanation of how the culture is changed to support involvement on problem solving; or how to do 5S, or kaizen; or how to map the value stream. But it provides a great overview and it is upbeat in tone - great for getting your energy up on the start of the lean journey, or to refresh your spirits when problems arise. Easy to read on the train or plane too. Recommended.
   
   The author, Pascal Dennis, also wrote "Lean Production Simplified" a very clear plain English guide to lean principles and processes.



3. YES read "Andy & Me" for a quick overview and high-level understanding of the LEAN process. The book will not tell you how to create the LEAN process but will give you a basic understanding to build on and insight into the questions you may need to ask for your particular situation.



4. I had hoped this book would provide more detail on TPS, but it is very light on any detail and glosses over many points. After you have read The Goal and are use to its style of teaching manufacturing principles in the context of a novel, this book leaves you feeling really disappointed.



5. This book took about an hour and a half to read, and while quick, it wasn't worth the effort. The LEAN portion of the book was vague with little explanation, the characters were shallow and unrealistic, and the details in the book were pretty pointless for the most part. While it wasn't terribly written, it seemed very rushed and I gained little to nothing from having read it. A textbook would have been more informative, and a true novel would have been more interesting. Save your time and don't bother with this one.

5 comments about Get Rich With Options: Four Winning Strategies Straight from the Exchange Floor (Agora Series).

1. I consider this a great book, but only gave it three stars because it is very very basic. There were plenty of little nuggets of information within the book, and since it is written in a very easy to read manner, which some find annoying but not me, it's easy to get these nuggets. There are really only two problems: 1. The author was a professional commodities trader, and as such, most of his examples are commodities, which are obviously much different than regular stock. I wish there were more examples with regular stocks, indexes, or ETFs. 2. The strategies are explained in a very basic manner. While one could easily write a book on ratio spreads by itself, I feel the author could have gotten much more in-depth with explaining the four strategies, how to manage them during the trade, mitigating risk, how to "counter play" when the underlying moves against you, etc. Overall, I think the book is a worthwhile read, but I'd try and get a used version instead of putting down the $$$ for a new book.



2. If you know nothing about options, this is not a terrible place to start. But if you already know what a naked put is, you won't learn much here. The "Get Rich" title should have warned me away, but the jacket was convincing.



3. As others have noted, Mr. Lowell provides a basic explanation of options and of five of his pet option strategies. It's fine as far as it goes, but he fails to deliver on the book's most important promise, right there in the title: Get "Rich" with Options. Honestly, after the title, there is never a single mention in this book, not one, that anyone trading options in the way directed by the author will become "rich." The title is clearly a misrepresentation.
   
   The five option strategies explained by Mr. Lowell are said to have "allowed [him] to be successful over the years" and that they can "potentially increas[e] your wealth" and they have "given [the author] the most success in the markets" and even that they have "greatly rewarded" him and "allowed [him] the opportunity to succeed."
   
   Okay, so what? I purchased the book to see how to get "rich" with options. Once past the title, the author never says that he, himself, is rich, let alone that the five option strategies can make us rich.
   
   Moreover, all of the option strategies explained by Mr. Lowell are hedging and sale strategies with very little discussion of how, under the best of circumstances, these strategies will do more than provide some additional income. But make anyone "rich"? I highly doubt that selling strategies will cut it to make us "rich."
   
   Once again, to sell books, an author has misrepresented the substance of what he presents. No affirmative representations about his own wealth. No brokerage account statements revealing the wealth generating properties of these strategies. No third party (like a CPA) certification that he has made millions or, at least, hundreds of thousands, of dollars, which are now in his bank account, by using these trading strategies. Truth be told, there is no coherent explanation about using these strategies individually or in concert to make yourself rich.
   
   There is an explanation of the strategy, for sure. But, honestly, experienced option traders already understand this. There is, sometimes, a very rudimentary explanation of a vague counter-tactic when a trade goes bad, but nothing specific enough for his defniend audience ("the average, everyday investor" who, prior to reading the book, had no idea these option strategies existed, see page x) to actually use as protection from a busted trade.
   
   For example, many covered option sellers understand that your covered trades will, over time, tend to sweep out surging shares from your account (as your shares on very successful buy-writes will be assigned) and cause your "dogs" to linger. Sure, you kept the premium from the sale, but several of these inevitable down drafts, usually caused by a whole-market downturn, may have wiped out much of your gains from covered option sales over the past years. Yet, there is no serious discussion of this risk and how to avoid it on the way to using this technique to, presumably, get rich.
   
   Disappointing in the extreme. As I've said in other reviews, I'm sick of these authors touting "get rich," but not providing proof positive to us, the readers who shelled out the money for the book, that the technique worked, at least enough to get the author rich, if not anyone else.



4. This is a down to earth guide on how to make money with four option strategies that will work for most people most of the time. For a novice a single trade will more than pay for the cost of the book.



5. Geared towards new option traders, and those that want to move beyond buying out of the money short term options. The author presents his favorite trading strategies (vertical credit spreads, naked puts, covered calls, deep in the money call options, and ratio spreads-- bread and butter stuff, but unfortunately while informative, new option traders can't use this book alone to trade successfully. I would have preferred that the author give his when, what, where, why, and how to guide; along with his trading results using these well known conservative strategies.

5 comments about Get More Referrals Now!.

1. I decided to review the library's copy before I bought it and I could not get enough info out of it! I found myself taking notes and almost writing in the library's copy! I rushed and bought the book. Now it's covered in pink and yellow highlighter. I feel like I'm back in college preparing for an exam -- except this time, my studying is going to directly contribute to my bank account! Truly valuable!



2. Referrals now is an excellent book that explains how to obtain more business by asking for referrals. Most friends and existing clients are more than willing to recommend your product or sevices if you just ask for it. Sales people sometimes view asking for referrals as a sign of weakness or problems in the business. This is not true.
   
   If you want to build up a business very quickly without a lot of overhead, this is the best method. It would be adviseable to first read the book "Masters of Networking" by Ivan R. Misner. Referral business has a lot to do with networking, so you must be ready to do favors for other people who help you out. Forgetting to help somebody else who has helped you will be very detrimental to your business.
   
   Just asking somebody for a referral is not really good enough but asking the person for a personal introduction increases your chances dramatically for closing the deal.
   
   Don't read the book all in one go. Read a chapter, think about how you can apply it, write down what you think is best for you and experiment with it.



3. 
   This is a wonderful book. It is very well written and an easy read. Furthermore, it is full of great content. I highly recommend you take a look at the online listing of this book's Table of Contents and see for yourself what specifically is covered.
   
   This book reminds us to not look too far astray for customers or clients. It's easier to cultivate an existing customer for a new sale than to convince a non-customer to buy from you. And it's easier to have a satisfied customer convince a non-customer to buy from you than you doing it yourself.
   
   Focusing on getting referrals is probably the least expensive way to build a customer-base and sales. Keep in mind that there are at least two methodologies to getting referrals. One is the do-good-work for your customers and clients and to get them to refer you to their family and friends. The other is B2B where you get other businesses that compliment yours to refer work to you. You can pay a referral fee or send them an equal amount of referrals.
   
   Some people are not comfortable with using referrals to build their customer-base. But then some people are not comfortable being self-employed either. If you are one of those people who want to be successful at being self-employed, then take advantage of referrals as much as possible. And a good way to start is probably by getting this book and reading it cover to cover. 5 stars!



4. This book helped me get referrals when I was operating my own business. As the author of Don't Wait Get in S.H.A.P.E. - Drop Fat Fast and Get Fit Quick this book allowed me to attract people to purchase my services and help me sell my book. This book is awesome.



5. I've read and shared many ideas in this book with my colleagues. Worth the money.

5 comments about LEGAL OFF SHORE TAX HAVENS: How Take Legal Advantage of the IRS Code and Pay Less in Taxes.

1. While many view taxes as unavoidable in a civilized society, Jesse Schmitt, author of Legal Offshore Tax Havens brings the dream of tax-free living within reach. In this thoroughly researched guide, Schmitt carefully reveals the tax-free living potential of numerous locations such as the U.S., Canada and the U.K. including all the countries, continents and islands in between.
   
   This text serves as a manual for anyone legally looking to minimize or eliminate his or her personal and business tax burden. Schmitt even describes the ideal candidate for this venture and closely reveals the advantages and disadvantages of taking such an action. He clearly defines the difference between tax evasion and tax avoidance in terms of their legality and the penalties for not playing by the rules.
   
   The author scrutinizes each potential tax haven based on political, economical, cultural and physical climate. Designed to be the starting point of your research, this manual provides many suggestions and additional contacts to further your investigation.
   
   Whether you are looking to travel, establish a foreign business, retire, invest or leave the suffocating pressure of your home country's tax policies behind, Legal Offshore Tax Havens offers solutions and advice that insures the transition takes place successfully.



2. If your idea of the American Dream involves working at the same place, scraping by for 40 years, and retiring with a heavily taxed fixed income, do not read this book. However, if you feel taxes are unfairly blocking your ability to amass wealth, or if you plan on working in a foreign country anytime soon, you must read Legal Offshore Tax Havens by Jesse Schmitt
   
   With astounding knowledge of tax laws in nations most Americans don't even know exist, Schmitt provides information for individuals seeking tax relief. Before addressing specific tax havens, Schmitt gives an overview explaining what tax havens are, their benefits and risks, and common misconceptions. He also comments on various global investments, including real estate, capital investment, and offshore banking.
   
   The author contends Legal Offshore Tax Havens was written for those who work and live in a foreign country or for those who make money globally with no intention of leaving the U.S. However, with the exception of a very useful section on taking advantage of the IRS's Foreign Income Exclusion Deduction, most of the book deals with becoming a foreign resident or ex-patriot.
   
   Regardless of your personal feelings about taxes (I'm guessing you don't like paying them either), Legal Offshore Tax Havens will make you a more informed (non) taxpayer.



3. Jesse A. Schmitt wastes no time in launching an opening salvo meant to grab the reader's attention: "...Nearly one third of the income from our jobs goes to taxes. In the average lifetime of an average worker, he or she can expect to pay literally hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxes..." Not exactly the stuff dreams are made of, but thanks to his book "Legal Offshore Tax Havens", you can put yourself on the fast track to keeping more of what you earn while at the same time keeping the Government's paws out of your back pocket.
   
   Let's face it, Uncle Sam is not going to go out of his way to show you how to legally not pay taxes or keep your money in offshore tax havens. In fact, the very concept of offshore bank accounts and tax havens lends itself more to the very rich than it does to the hard-working man or woman on which this country was built. I was thrilled to discover that is simply not true. Schmitt tosses that notion right out the window and does a superb job of demonstrating that you don't have to be Howard Hughes to benefit from the principals outlined in "Legal Offshore Tax Havens."
   
   Schmitt explains in easy-to-understand terms the concept of the "offshore account" or "tax haven:" which refers to a simpler time when a loophole in the US tax code allowed income being held outside of the country's boundaries as tax exempt. Said loophole is now a thing of the past. These days "offshore accounts" refer to holding your income in another country. Easier said than done perhaps, as the key to obtaining an offshore account or tax haven -- recounts Schmitt -- demands that you obtain dual citizenship in one of the listed "tax haven" countries listed in chapters 8-11.
   
   Having said that, let me say that Legal Offshore Tax Havens maps out a common sense strategy for keeping your money safe. Like any worthwhile venture, placing yours money in an offshore account or tax haven country requires a commitment on the part of the reader, in addition to patience and legal expertise of a lawyer or accountant to read the fine print.
   
   Well written and easy to digest. If you ever fancied the idea of keeping your hard-earned money stashed away in a foreign country this'll is the book that will take you there. "Complete" in very sense of the word, Legal Offshore Tax Havens comes armed with everything you need for your journey: points-of-contact, phone numbers and directions. The only thing missing is a passport.
   
   I applaud Jesse A. Schmitt for presenting the facts and not just filling page after page with generic information. An important resource - a thorough read of Legal Offshore Havens will certainly help you discover a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. I know it did for me!



4. An increasing number of Americans are convinced our country isn't a safe haven for investments or storing money - and they are using offshore tax havens around the world to stash cash. LEGAL OFFSHORE TAX HAVENS will appeal to any general-interest lending library with its tips on how to protect money and remain legal in the process. Chapters cover specific areas and their pros and cons and are written with lay readers in mind.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch



5. Millions of Americans spend their lives working to make an honest living only to see a large percentage of their earnings go to taxes. The funding used to operate this nation's programs may in some ways be admirable, the fact remains that many of those dependent on such programs spend their lives taking contributions instead of bettering themselves to put the pressure off of the everyday worker's pockets. Being overtaxed has in part been responsible for the lack of extra money used for our own healthcare, trust, mortgage payments, or savings. Some people work over 30 years with dreams of retiring in a place that they own, traveling or moving abroad, or simply having the funds to take care of their family in times of need. Legal Offshore Tax Havens: How to Take LEGAL Advantage of the IRS Code and Pay Less in Taxes gives you an in-depth look at the advantages and disadvantages of legal offshore tax havens.
   
   
   This book clues you in on the specifics of offshore tax havens including its history, the risks involved, and the types of offshore investments that are relevant to you. It is important to know the qualifications needed, along with loopholes, and the various aspects of income. Be sure about your life plans as well as the country you live in, for this process is critical. A chapter is also devoted to global investing, which can be very profitable and advantageous because it would be another source of income. This book includes detail sections on reliable tax havens in the form of island escapes. You can learn about the various programs in other countries, and additionally how to utilize what the place has to offer for your advantages in taxes or business investments.
   For those who want to get away from the heavy burdens of taxation, Legal Offshore Tax Havens is an ideal tool for you to read and take the next steps toward a different life.

5 comments about The Theory of Investment Value (Fraser Publishing Library) (Contrary Opinion Library).

1. Helpful book for a Fundamental Value Investor since it layed the groundwork on DCF methodology (1934). Helped me to understand how the DCF or Dividend Discount Model was derived but a good undderstanding of economics is required to follow the author's concept. The two case studies are a bit dry but very interesting both from a historic and Value Investing perspective.



2. The Theory of Investment Value is clearly an important work, as reflected in Benjamin Graham's citations to it and the prevalence of the dividend discount model in valuing stocks. The theories expounded in this book are of particular import to those to seek to by stock at a value less than the intrinsic value of a company as they determine it to be.
   
   The book itself initially appears intimidating, as there are a lot of mathematical equations, but in reality, the math is nothing more than simple algebra, mostly different models related to computing dividend values going forward.
   
   I found the book to be an interesting read, but it is highly theoretical in nature. The central theme of the book is that stocks are worth the present value of their dividends, paid in perpetuity. It does not discuss earnings manipulation, effect of dilution, securities with superior or inferior claim to payment, etc. Moreover, as Graham points out in Security Analysis, companies that have a high return on invested capital would be well advised to reinvest their profits, while less successful companies would be better off paying higher dividends (relative to book value). This would, of course, tend to make the practical application Williams' theory somewhat complicated, insofar as it makes computing future dividends more difficult.
   
   Readers looking for a more practical guide to valuing stocks might be better served reading Securities Analysis by Benjamin Graham, or any number of more "practical" books related to stock market analysis, particularly as those analyzing financial statements to determine the intrinsic value of a company. Some readers might also find "The Aggressive Conservative Investor" by Marty Whitman and Martin Shubik to be a good read for a competing view, since the authors of that book take the position that, with respect to non-controlling shareholders, a company's stock is worth the net after-tax cash that they expect to realize in the future, whether from dividends, liquidating events, etc. However, if a reader is truly interested in obtaining an understand of how dividends affect stock prices, the book is a worthy read.



3. This is probably one of the oldest, if not the first, serious academic works on valuation. The coverage is highly theoretical compared to the more practical valuation books of today (dividends are used instead of free cash flow, continuous time is used instead of discrete time, and "cookie cutter" product cycle scenarios are presented instead of more complex business forecasting).
   
   The real value of this dissertation-turned-book though is its general insights. Although Warren Buffett doesn't tout this book as often as Graham's "Intelligent Investor", you will find that he utilizes the insights from this book almost as frequently.
   
   Robert Stephenson-Padron
   MSc student (economics & finance)
   University of Navarra, Spain



4. This is an excellent copy of an investment classic. VERY happy with the seller, the shipping and packaging were superb. Thanks again!



5. A fantastic accomplishment. All investors should study this book to learn the real value of a stock.

1 comments about How Did You Do It, Truett?.

1. Wonderful book about a wonderful man and company! Very practical and understanding, anyone in business would do well to read this book!