5 comments about Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking.

1. Forgive my poor English. I would like to quote a passage on "Competing on analytics by Davenport and Harris" which wrote what I failed to express. Enjoy!
   
   "It's ironic that a book praising intuition would arise and become popular just when many organisations are relying heavily on analytics, but then perhaps that's part of its romantic appeal. It is fun and persuasive, but it doesnt make clear that intuition is only appropriate under what circumstances. The author is undoubtedly correct, for example, that human beings evolved a capability to make accurate and quick decisions about each other's personality and intentions, and it's rare for formal analysis to do that as well. Yet even the author argues that intuitions is a good guide to action only when it's backed by many years of expertise. Any many of the author's examples of intuition are only possible because of years of analytical research in the background, such as Dr. John Gottsman's rapid and seemingly intutitive judgements of whether a married couple he observes will stay together. He's only able to make such assessment because he observed and statistically analyzed thousands of hours of videotaped intactions by couples. It's also clear that decision makers have to use intuition when they have no data and must make a very rapid decision - as in the author's example of police officers deciding whether to shot a suspect." pg13-14



2. For me, this book was a good collection of stories, that hold some useful idea in them. And that is really exciting. But, unfortunately, as it was said above, Gladwell fails to bring the general idea (at least until the few paragraphs at the end of the book) and usually whiffle between those short stories. What's good - he gives you some ideas of what you might want to explore more seriously later.



3. This review will be brief, but decisive. Like the "blink" - the book's namesake.
   
   blink - refers to the first few seconds (really two seconds) or less - moments really - in which split-second decisions are made. Often life and death decisions. Often decisions which are - by their nature - most often based on preconceptions, prejudice, prejudgment, or ingrained - evolved - subconscious beliefs, stereotypes, and conditioning.
   
   The book, through several cases or examples, explores split-second decision making. Decision making when you are pressed. Decision making under great uncertainty - where all the facts are not known and you don't have time to get to know them. Decision making when you don't have time to reason - or to consciously really thinks out.
   
   It is about how time constraints impact decisions. How they impact the quality of the decisions.
   
   Where all you really have is your "intuition". Which is often right, but is also often wrong.
   
   Through a case study-type analysis, Malcolm Gladwell, a brilliant thinker and writer - an original and ground breaking thinker - explores the issues related to these split-second or less than split-second decisions.
   
   If are interested in learning about the brain, decisions, and human psychology and sociology, then I highly recommend this book. If you are not interested in any of the foregoing, but want to see a brilliant thinker and writer in action (Malcolm Gladwell), then I urge you to buy and read "blink".



4. 
   
   Malcolm Gladwell is a "gatekeeper." In his book, Blink, he opens the gate to a room of self-discovery - a room that allows the reader, perhaps for the first time, to realize that our actions and judgments often are not as "objective" as we might think. Mr. Gladwell, through a series of examples and stories, explains that we each have our own "programming" - dare I say "prejudices" - about how we (and the cultures we grow up in) judge and respond to things we "see" and "know to be true".
   
   He also says there are other more benign, untainted impressions that come to us in the "blink" of an eye. About these untainted impressions he says: "We don't know where our first impressions come from or precisely what they mean, so we don't always appreciate their fragility." Implicitly he suggests that we also don't realize how powerful our "programming" is to potentially override and taint those benign and fragile first impressions.
   
   Mr. Gladwell provides examples of what some people have done to preserve their "blink" experiences and offset their "pre-programming" - a fun read - I recommend it.
   
   As I was reading through the book, I was reminded of two other books (both of which I highly recommend) by Ariel and Shya Kane. In Working on Yourself Doesn't Work: A Book About Instantaneous Transformation and Being Here: Modern Day Tales of Enlightenment, the authors include discussions of human mechanical behaviors - behaviors we absorb from our families and cultures at an early age. They point out that we are mostly unaware of these mechanics and until we become aware of them, they can influence and even "control" our behavior and life choices - very eye-opening and easy to read as well!
   
   All three of these books are well worth reading - enjoy!



5. Started out really liking it, but it suddenly started feeling suspiciously like a self-help book. I'm not crazy into that.

5 comments about A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future.

1. One of the greatest sources of worthwhile reading is my former economics professor. Periodically, a book will arrive at my house with his latest recommendation. Having not failed in his ability to impress, A Whole New Mind definitely stands out above the rest. Going beyond the everyday business hype and hum drum inspirational model, Daniel Pink sends readers on a journey into a new way of thinking and learning.
   
   Pink divides the book into two primary parts, with the first essentially an introduction and argument on how and why industry is moving away from left to right-brain thinking and into what he calls the Conceptual Age. A sound argument is positioned on three primary motives: abundance, Asia & automation. Basically, we live in a time of plenty where machines can do almost anything and any leftover knowledge work can be sourced in Asia for a dramatic cost savings.
   
   Completing part one, I was convinced that we were in fact moving into a new age. And, I was a little unnerved about the value of my MBA as a commodity in this period. It appeared that I was going to have to adapt or fail miserably.
   
   In part two of Whole New Mind, Pink lays out a pallet of skills to exercise and refine the right side of the brain. These skills, which he categorizes as senses, include design, story, symphony, empathy, play and meaning. A much quicker read, this section of the book incorporates basic descriptions of each "sense" and a portfolio of exercises and recommendations. The portfolios are fairly comprehensive considering the thin nature of the book, but it's presented in a way that allows you to pick and choose based on your interests and the amount of time you have. As for me, I've still got the book parked by my computer and check out a recommended link every now and then when I need a break or have a few extra minutes. As a very left-brained individual to start, I've actually enjoyed challenging myself while at the same time increasing my marketability in this future world.
   
   What Thomas Friedman cited as his favorite business book is actually worth the investment in time. Pink's Whole New Mind is truly an experience that will get you thinking beyond the norm and into something progressive and dynamic that is evolving in front of us each and every day.



2. I really enjoyed this book. It was referred to me by a "coach" to help me expand my comfort zone.
   I would recommend it highly.



3. I lived to see the coming of the space age and the flight to the moon. Because we found ourselves behind the Russians and sorely lacking in trained engineers we began to push college education and the "knowledge trades."
   
   We have flourished technically as a result. Computers and the internet magnified that and many of us scrambled to get into those leading edge industries because that's where the future lay!
   
   That time is all but past and a new age is ushering in. By that I certainly don't mean that the computer age is over - far from it. But we pay engineers from India and other Asian places, fifteen thousand dollars a year to do what Americans want many tens of thousands of dollars to do. The last time you called for computer tech support - did you talk to an American or to someone in Bombay, Inida?
   
   This is not a book about New Age philosophy or any of that sort of thing. The author will make three fantasic points and arguments (which I don't want to give away here), which show that we have reached the peak of that era, and he shows that these trades WILL NOT be the hot trades of the future.
   
   So if you're thinking about making sure that little Mary or Johnny has a career in the knowledge industries in their future, think again!
   
   The book will show you that being a lawyer, accountant, or software engineer are NOT the best trades for the future.
   
   There are not too many books that can actually change the outlook of your mind, but this is certainly one of them. It is very convincingly argued.
   
   The first part of the book tells you why the old paradigm will not serve us well for the future.
   
   The second part of the book tells you what skills you will need to develop and gives some ideas and exercise to facilitate their development.
   
   I heartily recommend this book.



4. Teachers, business owners, corporate bosses will ruminate about Dan Pink's book for years to come. As a high school English teacher, I was thrilled to find teaching ideas and useful websites to use in the classroom. Pink tells us to think in a whole new way--in a right-brain way. He explains how we have been functioning in a left-brain, high tech, information age and now it's time to find ways to be comfortable and productive with all that information. By emphasizing, design, play, meaning, empathy, story, symphony--Pink's so-called six senses--we can have professional and personal happiness and success. For instance, in Pink's chapter about design, he explains that design is a way of creating solutions and that each of us employs it each day. In order to enjoy home or work, give it something it didn't know it was lacking--a new color a rearrangement. I have done this in the classroom by creating a seascape and and soothing colors. Pink concludes that good design brings us pleasure. Reading Dan Pink's book will do the same.



5. This is not a critique on how this book was written; nor, on whether or not I agree with the theories and methods discussed - with an open mind, it all makes sense to me. What I will say is that Mr. Pink does a very good job at both going into exhaustive detail and summarizes topics into layman terms for everyone's benefit (overall good read and flow). I am 31 years and am concerned about oil prices, the housing crisis and the off-shoring of countless positions to cheaper labor overseas; Mr. Pink offers his richly researched thesis' on how we, as Western's, will maintain competitiveness in our evolving global economy and career landscape. In addition to the analysis the author provides, there are also many other resources cited to aid in your High-Touch journey. Open your mind, expand your thoughts and act.

5 comments about Finding Your Own North Star: Claiming the Life You Were Meant to Live.

1. Anything Martha Beck writes is fabulous but this classic, one of her earliest, is still my favorite. Beck is funny and smart and offers real wisdom on how to craft that ultimate life for yourself. There is much self-esteem building going on in Finding Your own North Star from dealing with emotions, saying "yes" and "no" and dealing with fear effectively. For a Beck sampling, pick up a copy of O: The Oprah Magazine. Beck writes a monthly column which is hands-down of the best features in the magazine.



2. This book provides a roadmap in times of stress and change, when we're on that road to somewhere but we just aren't sure where it'll end up. We can make it through, and the path chosen is all up to us. Beck provides insight and exercises how to get there, for each individual's own journey. There are moments of "death" in life, whether it's triggered by an actual physical death of someone we love, a life altering event or even the last child leaving the "nest," we change and grow and our life becomes something different than what it was before. Beck helps us develop a plan for the next step in our lives.



3. This book is less expensive than seeing a therapist, and in my case, just as effective for solving the "what am i supposed to do with my life?" puzzle. Written with a sense of humor, and effective tools for getting to know the *real* you, I highly recommend this book for anyone feeling lost, hopeless, and searching for answers.



4. Joanne Scaglione, Author: Living The Secret Everyday: My Secret Workbook
   Loved this book. In an easy-to-read writing style Ms Beck does a beautiful job of showing the reader that no matter where he/she is he/she can get to wherever he/she wants. A joyful and abundant life is awaiting for you if you stay focused and don't limit yourself by limiting thoughts we've grown up with or society has taught us.Excellent tips, strategies and exercises.



5. I am in the process of working with a professional coach and she recommended this book. I have found it to be very helpful in guiding me to deeply reflect on what I REALLY want as opposed to what I think I should want. Martha Beck is very funny. She provides exercises to stimulate thinking and move forward. Hooray!

5 comments about The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

1. The Seven Habits of Highly Successful People is definitely one of the better self-help / improvement books on the market. All the information contained in the book is quite accurate and pertinent. With other self-help books I've read, some of the information has proved useful while a lot of it is rather superfluous, as if included simply to 'pad out' the book.
   
   That is not the case with this classic book. A must read for all looking to improve themselves and their lives.
   
   Real Life Dramas - Volume One
   
   Darren G. Burton



2. 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



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



4. 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"



5. 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 comments about Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity.

1. This book has helped me so much! I have read it once and am starting to work my way through it again, because it's easy to read but takes real discipline to implement. I am by nature highly disorganized--my desk is perennially piled high and deep, and bills may be found anywhere in my house.
   
   By taking the first steps towards implementing this I've already become more confident in my ability to manage the almost overwhelming amount of responsibilities and tasks that multiply like bunnies.
   
   I think the subtitle is a little bit of exaggerated advertising..."Stress-free" is probably unattainable for most of us; but this book WILL help you lower your stress levels quite a bit if you have trouble managing all your responsibilities, and if you put it into action.
   
   It's chock full of fun and wise quotes, which keep it interesting. And David Allen gives some excellent advice that can improve your personal quality of life and any organization's culture. I recommend it for leaders, managers, and anyone who's naturally not super organized.



2. Any information on being more organised and reducing stress in our lives is worth reading. Even people who are generally organised will gain benefits fom this book. We all have areas of our lives that could be more productive, less cluttered and more stress-free. Definitely worth a read.
   
   Real Life Dramas - Volume One
   
   Darren G. Burton



3. This book was practical and useful for me at home. I love the "tricks" that Allen teaches in this book and have been using them for about two weeks. I am doing the things I always knew I should be doing. Having it all out of my head has made a big difference for me. I have used many other systems and have kept the big picture parts of those systems because Allen says this system is about the nitty-gritty, actually getting things done, but you still need the big picture tools.
   
   I am starting a new job and I feel as though my life is organized enough NOT to have to worry about what I am leaving undone. After 7 years of full time school, I had 4 garbage bags of paper in my overstuffed file drawer. Now, I remember the lesson, if you have it but can't find it, what's the point of having it? This helps me to know what to keep and what to toss. It is a worthwhile investment even if you only use a few of the tricks that he teaches to increase your organization.



4. I got this book at the same time as Getting Organized: Improving Focus, Organization and Productivity in the hope that one or both would help me tame my crazy life as a middle manager in a software company. Both books have something to offer - in my review of Getting Organized, I suggested skimming or reading several books and articles and taking the best suggestions from each.
   
   While "Getting Organized" takes a Cliff's Notes approach with two-page chapters that take about two or three minutes each to digest, Getting Things Done goes more in depth, almost to a fault. I found that the first few chapters of Getting Things Done were much better written than the other book, and also stayed more technology-neutral, leaving it to the reader to decide whether to use paper files, day planners, PDAs, or list management software.
   
   As others have written, the "processing stuff" flowchart that appears early on (page 32) is worthy of being printed, framed and sat on your desk for daily reference. It's the best summary I've seen of the different types of input items we all deal with and the choices we can and should make when dealing with them.
   
   There's also a lot of meaty stuff that encourages you to think about your work habits and how you segment your time: Right now, am I categorizing input items or am I working on individual items? What's my energy level and mood right now and how should that affect what I do next? Do I have five minutes free or a solid hour?
   
   I'm still developing my system, but essentially I use a combination of list management software (the excellent Remember the Milk) and email/calendaring (Gmail and Outlook) to keep track of things. I have one list per major area of responsibility ("Home - Finance", "Home - Medical", "Work - Management", "Work - Project xx", etc.) and I add things to the lists as I think of them. The author of the other book (Getting Organized) kind of pooh-poohs making huge to-do lists, but personally I agree with David Allen that getting that stuff out of your mind and into a list management system is key to being able to relax and pick what area to work next. You don't have to ever *do* every list item - in fact, trying to "finish" all your lists just isn't possible and the last list item is always "die a peaceful death" - but you should at least brainstorm it out once to clear your head. Usually the first time you do this you end up with 200 or so items - that's ok.
   
   Now that I have my lists created, I make sure to spend some time each morning deciding not which items to complete that day, but which list(s) to focus on. I might block out a solid hour using Outlook to work on management or HR items, and another hour to catch up on email. When that "meeting with myself" pops up, I just go to the related list and grab the top priority item from the list - that way no area of focus gets starved.
   
   I also like Allen's rule about Doing It Now if it takes two minutes or less, but I'd add the caveat that it's possible (for me at least) to find enough two-minute tasks to fill a whole day. So I would time-box it: spend 30 minutes doing as many 2-minute items as you can, then do something bigger.
   
   I haven't finished the book yet, as I've already found plenty of things to try and am finding success, but that's ok. If you buy this don't feel duty-bound to read every last word the first week. Just learn, assimilate, test, repeat.
   
   Good stuff overall.



5. I bought this book after read some remarks in the Internet and magazines. Part I is the best one, where you get to know the basics and concepts about GTD. Part 2 is how the author does implement these basics and concepts in his day-by-day. Not for everyone. Part 3, just skip it. I wouldn't tell a friend to buy the book.

5 comments about Quantum Wellness: A Practical and Spiritual Guide to Health and Happiness.

1. A guide to finding happiness is within this book. Very easy read, logical and inspirational. I enjoyed and recommend it higly along with another book on this similar subject of creating the life you always wanted, Living The Secret Everyday: My Secret Workbook.



2. The author has some very good points of view as to why one shouldln't eat meat and the importance of a plant based diet. The 21 day cleansing wasn't difficult to do and there are good references in the back of the book for other books, some of which I purchased and will review at a later date.



3. If you saw the interview on Oprah - you can save yourself reading the book. Much a do about nothing - nothing unique or original, all info from likes of dr oz, dr weil etc.
   my advice would be take the money for the book and spend it on a healing lunch! Read the rest of the self help info on the net or watch oprah.



4. I am loving this book. She inspires you to begin making small changes in your lifestyle. Her approach is to "lean into" wellness one step at a time. How many people have quit a diet or workout routine because the change was too drastic? This is a great guide book for becoming healthy.



5. The book is a bit more fluffy than I had hoped. I was looking for more concrete iteas. LOVE the recipes & food chapters - very good.

5 comments about The Essential Laws of Fearless Living: Find the Power to Never Feel Powerless Again.

1. I must say upfront that I have not yet read this book, but I was perusing the reviews to get a feel for it. Everything I read ABOUT the book in the reviews leads me to conclude that the author is rephrasing basic Buddhism, stripped of the religious aspects that some cultures have glommed on to the original, very useful and secular teachings. This may make it more palatable to those of various faiths who would otherwise avoid it if it were labeled "Buddhism," and the author may be a great teacher and his book worthy of reading, but it does not sound like he's saying anything that hasn't been taught for the past 2,500 years. Has anyone here, who has a knowledge of Buddhism, got a different opinion on the book?



2. Check out for yourself, the reviews are infomercials.
   The book is not bad but is bad organized and the style a bit too pompous.



3. After reading the great reviews on this book, I was eager to read it and eager to find a resource that I can pass on to others. I have enjoyed working on learning how to control my thoughts and thus my attitude and my energy and I know it has revolutionized how I live my life. I'm always looking for good books to recommend to others so they can "get it" and really get to live the life of their dreams.
   
   This book is not one that I'd recommend to others who are trying to figure out the "how to" of living an amazing life. This book preaches to the choir, really speaking to those who are already living powerful lives. The book is esoteric and loaded with wisdom, but mostly lacking in any real details that would help someone comprehend how to implement this in their life.
   
   The book has a number of interesting stories, but that's all they all. I often was left wondering, "OK, so now how does someone use that story in their own life?" An example from page 13 is quite typical: "Do the moment-to-moment work of dropping anything that wants to drag you down, and Truth itself will see to it that you rise." That's the end of the paragraph and the end of the section. Nice and esoteric, but not very helpful to most people in my opinion.
   
   I debated whether to give this book 2 stars or 3 stars and finally decided on 3 stars because the content is OK, just not particularly helpful to someone who doesn't already grasp most of it.
   
   Jan Dahlin Geiger, Atlanta, GA Get Your Assets in Gear! Smart Money Strategies



4. This book clearly deals with an important issue that strips us of our power... fear.When we truly feel powerful and fear doesn't get in our way; our potential to succeed and get that life we want is limitless.
   Living The Secret Everyday: My Secret Workbook is another book that beautifully points this out as it shows the reader how to get all that you want by cleansing yourself of limiting negative feelings and bringing joy into your life. This is the essence to empowerment. Read both of these books!



5. Finley combines new writings, his audio albums and previously written essays in this collection of 41 essays. His stated intent in the introduction is to "gently lead the reader in step-by-step sections into higher levels of self-understanding. I'm not certain this mission was accomplished with me. While I found some terrific insights and anecdotes to support them - I found too many sections obtuse (difficult to comprehend: not clear or precise in thought or expression), repetitive and circular in thinking. For crisp thinking and guidance with metaphysics, I found Eckhart Tolle, Wayne Dyer, Chopra, Don Miguel Ruiz - to be more effective.
   
   I would have rated this book a 2 but for the well thought out insights below:
   
   1) Nothing that resists life can hope to learn from it
   
   2) Not wanting our negative states actually nourishes them.
   
   3)Real learning requires surrender
   
   4)The proof of the horse is in the ride. If the ride is punishing or meandering, we're in the wrong carriage. This royal power to discern dark horses from light ones is already ours; but to wield it, there is a key, a secret step that must be taken. This higher power to choose what will carry us and what won't - is only as powerful as our willingness to come to a special kind of psychic pause, an inner halt. By working to momentarily anchor ourselves in the present moment, we bring our own thoughts and feelings in the Light of consciousness to see them for what they are.
   
   5) Wouldn't it be nice to be able to reach down inside of ourselves, grab hold of the controls of our own consciousness, and pull ourselves up. To quietly watch that would-be mountain of a problem, whatever it is, pass by harmlessly below us, even as we reach ever-higher and happier skies. We can learn to do this. Such power is not a pipe dream; ours is the ability to take conscious control of our spiritual altitude...this is why we must work in every moment to remain inwardly awake -to be aware of our attitude toward our life as its unfolds before and around us: so that whenever we find a negative attitude in ourselves, some form of dark thought or feeling trying to drag us down - we don't say "I" to it. In a manner of speaking, we pull up and away from it...to go higher begins with choosing to be higher.
   
   6)See that the size of the discouragement you feel is directly proportional to the size of your insistence that life conform to your demands.
   
   7)We want to first come awake to whatever activity is running through own our mind, and then simply quietly, take a single step back from our own thoughts. We watch our own thinking - its movement and character - instead of allowing ourselves to be drawn onto its stage and into its drama.

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

1. I bought this book when I was trying to find a business that could best use my talent. Mr. Ferriss was referred to in Sun-Sentinel newspaper in Florida. I was at Borders when I was reading the newspaper article, and I bought the book right there and then.
   
   I have read many motivational books by many famous writers, but this one by far, the most practical one. I have not yet tried the method(s) written in his book. But it is all common sense that if you don't try, how would you know? It is a pity that many of us (in the US) sitting in the comfort of mediocrity while the rest of the world is seeking improving their life by finding a "niche". Work 4 hours a week sounds like a "niche" to many of over worked people here in the US. Guess what the Indians and Chinese people do? They work hard, finding "niches", and become rich. And then they acquire the wealth of the world, so the NR in China need only work 4 hours a week or less. Why can't we do that, and what is wrong with that?
   I am a Chinese, and have been in the US for close to 20 years. I have worked hard, still in search of a niche that will enable me work 4 hours a week or LESS! I have not found it yet, but I am continuing to look for it...this book serves as another tool to realize my dream. Perhaps Mr. Ferriss had better education, perhaps he has higher IQ, perhaps he had better luck, and the bottom line is, he got to where most of us want to be and should be!
   I resent those who preaching that "you have to work hard to make money", NO, I want to work smart!!!!! Work hard enables me live from pay check to pay check, perhaps Mr. Ferriss' book will give me some wisdom. I don't know, but it certainly gives me more hope than the rest of the naysayers. Please, the naysayers, if you have the luxury to work only 4 hours a week, would you still criticize what this book try to convey? Do less, accomplish more will make the world a much more pleasant place to live. At least will make people feeling less grouchy! Thank you Mr. Ferriss for giving us the tips! I love the book, confident will generate positive result for me!
   To the rest of the naysayers, please be real, work 4 hours a week sounds like just what you need!



2. Never before have I been so compelled to write a review--not just because of the overwhelming amount of cynicism that has been spewed about the number of 5-star reviews on this book, but because it is actually a REALLY good read. I listened to the 7-CD audio version of this book in my mobile library aka my car and I was enlightened on my 2 hour daily commute to and from work. As young as Tim is, he seems to have grasped the concept of accomplishing everything that you could ever want to do. There is a certain fearlessness and sense of urgency that arrives after reading this book that the reader will either have to embrace or reject. Embracing will lead to inevitable success; while rejection will lead to more of the same--50 hour weeks, information overload, and retirement at 65. There are a few of things that I picked up from this book that make it worth its weight in gold.
   
   -Dreamlining: This was something that I did my own way before reading the book, but done Tim's way has had a huge impact on the way I view things in life. Figuring out how much your dream life costs and making it happen one peice at a time.
   
   -Mini-retirement: The idea of working until you are old, tired, and rich is beyond played out. Living for the now, and better planning so that you can have everything and do everything that you want is much more upbeat and even (dare I say) logical.
   
   -Time Management: The basis of this premise in the book is simple. Stop letting other people waste your time. it belongs to you and you should protect it at all costs, and free it whenever possible.
   
   Without giving away any of the book in detail, I can not say anything more helpful than BUY this book. It has changed my world, and the world of others that i have recommended it to. There is nothing superficial about it. It is an honest and detailed account of a young person that has capitalized on the understanding of time management and where our businesses are headed. The principles can be applied to those that work for others and those that work for themselves. That is my review. I definitely recommend the audio version for iPodders, and heavy commuters. This review was not paid for by Tim Ferris.



3. Many people will read this book, think it's great, maybe give it some afterthought and go back to their lives. Others will scoff at it and say it's trash. Well, I'm writing this review strictly to set the record straight. Ferriss gives us tools. Tools that we can use to create a different, more interesting life. I bought this book in June of 2007, and I'm writing this review, now July, 2008, from Oaxaca, Mexico, where I'm renting a villa with a spectacular mountain view for an entire month. No, I'm not rich. The trip cost $1200 for the rental, plus about $2400 for the airfare. I'm working full time while I am here (except for the odd day off or so)so as not to waste my PTO. What is technologically making this possible for me is my laptop, a good IP phone (a commercial one), and most importantly, a solid internet connection, which is available in most third world countries these days.
   
   A year ago, when I first read this book, this trip would not have been possible. I was able to follow some of his thoughts and virtualize my job. Of course, not everyone will be able to do this...I get that...but it's more than just a fleeting possibility for most than many seem to think.
   
   If nothing else, it's a quick, easy read, and can show you what is possible. The rest, if you have the imagination and will to make it happen, are up to you.



4. Trust me, I wouldn't have any trouble letting a money machine run on autopilot, as the bulk of this book is dedicated to explaining.



5. The author creates an awareness within you and makes you reach out for creating and working on your goals in an approach which feels very achievable. I would recommend everyone to read this book. If not anything else, it at least helps to motivate you!
   
   Once again, it is a must read!

5 comments about Change Your Brain, Change Your Life: The Breakthrough Program for Conquering Anxiety, Depression, Obsessiveness, Anger, and Impulsiveness.

1. Dr. Amen is the real deal. He's passionate, articulate and deeply committed to the betterment of lives. I've owned this book for a number of years and believe me when I say I have more than a few books on the brain, wellness and personal improvement in every area... and Change Your Brain, Change Your LIFE is by far the most tattered, dog eared, referenced book on the shelves. I've read it over and over and referenced it many more times than that.
   
   As an expert in nutrition and fitness who is keenly concerned and interested in the connection between mind and body I've learned volumes from this book about the correlation between what you eat, how you think, your energy, your mood, etc... in fact I've levered much of this science to help in the creation of my Premium Nutrition Shake, Full Strength and in my nutrition guidelines for energy that you'll find in Strength for Life: The Fitness Plan for the Rest of Your Life.
   
   If you struggle with focus, have wondered if you have ADD, could use more energy or just feel like you're less "on" than you could be, don't walk... RUN to get this book and read it cover to cover, now. It's brilliant and a lifetime resource!
   



2. Dr. Amen's book is more than a catalog of brain scans. Yes, it has brain scans and some pretty scary ones at that. But the scans are a way to show problems in brain functioning in concrete terms. We can then recognize how anxiety, depression, OCD and even anger can influence the brain.
   
   Thankfully Dr. Amen doesn't just stop here by showing us the problem. He presents many interesting solutions from breathing, visualization, meditation and hypnosis. This is the best part of the book: Dr. Amen offers alternative therapies that can change our brain patterns and we can see the effect of these treatments also in scans.
   
   This is an awesome book! Even better with "Nexus" by Deborah Morrison & Arvind Singh which looks at the journey of Logan Andrews through depression and finding spiritual healing at a spiritual retreat. "Nexus" nicely compliments Dr. Amen's book in offering an experiential journey of people overcoming personal pain.
   
   Both books are a must read for anyone looking to transform their life!



3. This is an excellent book. I'm only halfway through it presently and it is the best of its type I have ever read. Anyone interested in human behavior should read Change Your Brain Change your Life.



4. This was a worthwhile read, but I would recommend Thinking Your Way to Better Health by Dr. Andrew Goliszek, which in my opinion offers a wealth of new information on how to use the mind-body connection for health and self-healing.



5. The information on brain function was easy to understand, and interesting. The exercise prescriptions and self-tests were very helpful. Excellent book.

5 comments about The Last Lecture.

1. Very moving and insightful with excellent advice for young people and how we should live our lives.
   
   Evern though he is dying, he doesn't dwell on his condition. He focuses on life and uses examples from his life in giving advice on living a good life.



2. This is a great book. I've purchased four to give as gifts and one for myself. I've highlighted my own. Great story of a man and the way he chooses to face his death.



3. I read this in 2 days, it is really good. He has done an excellent self review of what values are important to have in personal success. The first 128 pages are a summary and explanation of his excellent lecture online plus further insights. The last pages 129-198 are about "how to live your life" and can be reread and enjoyed many times over. Wonderful insights to personal happiness and good parenting. Great book, keeper for the personal bookshelf. KMRN



4. I had watched the video and the book is as good at the video was. It is written just as Randy spoke in the lecture. A very easy read. What an inspirational story. Highly recommend the book to anyone.



5. This is a must read for all generations. Don't hesitate thinking that it is a negative book that will bring you down. Randy's story and lecture will be one of the most inspirational books that you will ever read. It is a fairly quick read that you will review over and over again.