5 comments about Character Is Destiny: Inspiring Stories Every Young Person Should Know and Every Adult Should Remember (Modern Library Classics).

1. This is a great book of heroes, especially for kids 10-16. I am reading them to my 10 year old son. You wouldn't want to go much younger, because McCain does deal with incredible hardships some of these people went through, some of which younger kids just wouldn't understand. It's well written, and it consistently comes back to the value of having honor. Kids need more of this. And by the way, this is a great read for adults too--really inspirational.



2. Very good book. His selections tell much about John McCain. My thoughts about him are now very, very high. He wrote the best I have ever read about Pat Tillman. His death was so sad I did not want to read more about him, but what John said was touching. He said, Sojourner Truth, she taught us how to be Americans. I read several books about Winston Churchill and John Wooden, but learned new great thoughts & information about both and many others.
   
   His Father, at the end of the day would stand at the north end of the base he was at, alone, looking toward where his son was prisoner of war. He admired wooden a lot, John McCain regretted missing many of his great games. {Our putrid media loves to show another candidate trying to play basketball, (badly) and bowling a 37. How does an adult bowl a 37?}. John McCain wasn't able to polish his basketball game and not even watch a game while he was keeping us free, when he was not free.
   
   Great book for all adults. Great book to help children grow to be great, happy adults.



3. Long car ride. 4 kids. Hey, let's torture the kids with John McCain... we packed along the iPods and gadgets, and figured WE (the adults) would listen to this while the kids ignored it.
   
   We popped in the first disc of the audio CD. After about 5 minutes, I thought, "there's just no way I can listen to this through the whole state of Utah!" McCain's voice is pretty monotone. Enough to put someone to sleep. Except, that after a little while, I realized I was listening to what Senator McCain was SAYING, listening to the story. The stories contained are very interesting.
   
   Eventually, my 7yr old son and 10 yr old daughter were engrossed in these stories.
   
   I also have a stronger opinion of Senator McCain after some of his musings. When he spoke of Pat Tillman, McCain says, "I wish I had known him. I wish I had known him all of his life." There were many comments like this that made you sure that Senator McCain really gave a hoot about the subjects of his stories.
   
   Whether you are a Republican, or other -- this is quite a read/listen. it you have any emotions, you will probably cry at times. You will cringe and feel for these heroes.
   
   BUY THIS! You won't be disappointed.



4. John McCain's book is well written and provides individualized examples of people who exemplify the important characteristics he's written about including: honesty(Thomas More),loyalty (Sir Ernest Shackleton)- who also could have easily been chosen as a model of leadership also,citizenship(Pat Tillman),cooperation(John Wooden),generosity(Osceola McCarty) - a truly inspiring story, and many others. This is a great book for anyone, particularly for younger people who are forming their characters. It would also make an excellent gift book. I've given it to a few people already.
   
   This is not a political book. It's simply a super compendium of character. It's for anyone. It is disturbing to note some of the "argumentum ad hominem" directed against McCain in the review comments, which may be suitable to a political forum, but seem inappropriate in this one. It would be a shame for that to keep someone from buying this very worthwhile book. McCain probably won't get my vote for President, but he surely has it for this book.



5. There is something wrong with this guy and let me tell you what it is - deceit, August 17, 2008
   By Xuan Loc 1967-69 - See all my reviews
   
   Character is Destiny
   
   McCain likes to illustrate his moral fibre by referring to his five years as a prisoner-of-war in Vietnam. And to demonstrate his commitment to family values, the 71-year-old former US Navy pilot pays warm tribute to his beautiful blonde wife, Cindy, with whom he has four children.
   
   But there is another Mrs McCain who casts a ghostly shadow over the Senator's presidential campaign.
   
   She is seldom seen and rarely written about, despite being mother to McCain's three eldest children.
   
   And yet, had events turned out differently, it would be she, rather than Cindy, who would be vying to be First Lady. She is McCain's first wife, Carol, who was a famous beauty and a successful swimwear model when they married in 1965.
   
   She was the woman McCain dreamed of during his long incarceration and torture in Vietnam's infamous `Hanoi Hilton' prison and the woman who faithfully stayed at home looking after the children and waiting anxiously for news.
   
   But when McCain returned to America in 1973 to a fanfare of publicity and a handshake from Richard Nixon, he discovered his wife had been disfigured in a terrible car crash three years earlier.
   
   Her car had skidded on icy roads into a telegraph pole on Christmas Eve, 1969. Her pelvis and one arm were shattered by the impact and she suffered massive internal injuries.
   
   When Carol was discharged from hospital after six months of life-saving surgery, the prognosis was bleak.
   
   In order to save her legs, surgeons had been forced to cut away huge sections of shattered bone, taking with it her tall, willowy figure. She was confined to a wheelchair and was forced to use a catheter.
   
   Through sheer hard work, Carol learned to walk again. But when John McCain came home from Vietnam, she had gained a lot of weight and bore little resemblance to her old self.
   
   Today, she stands at just 5ft4in and still walks awkwardly, with a pronounced limp. Her body is held together by screws and metal plates and, at 70, her face is worn by wrinkles that speak of decades of silent suffering.
   
   For nearly 30 years, Carol has maintained a dignified silence about the accident, McCain and their divorce.
   
   But last week at the bungalow where she now lives at Virginia Beach, a faded seaside resort 200 miles south of Washington, she told The Mail on Sunday how McCain divorced her in 1980 and married Cindy, 18 years his junior and the heir to an Arizona brewing fortune, just one month later.
   
   Carol insists she remains on good terms with her ex-husband, who agreed as part of their divorce settlement to pay her medical costs for life. `I have no bitterness,'she says.
   
   `My accident is well recorded. I had 23 operations, I am five inches shorter than I used to be and I was in hospital for six months. It was just awful, but it wasn't the reason for my divorce.
   
   `My marriage ended because John McCain didn't want to be 40, he wanted to be 25. You know that happens...it just does.'
   
   Some of McCain's acquaintances are less forgiving, however. They portray the politician as a self-centred womaniser who effectively abandoned his crippled wife to `play the field'.
   
   They accuse him of finally settling on Cindy, a former rodeo beauty queen, for financial reasons.
   
   McCain was then earning little more than £25,000 a year as a naval officer, while his new father-in-law, Jim Hensley, was a multi-millionaire who had impeccable political connections.
   
   He first met Carol in the Fifties while he was at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis. He was a privileged, but rebellious scion of one of America's most distinguished military dynasties - his father and grandfather were both admirals.
   
   But setting out to have a good time, the young McCain hung out with a group of young officers who called themselves the `Bad Bunch'.
   
   His primary interest was women and his conquests ranged from a knife-wielding floozy nicknamed `Marie, the Flame of Florida' to a tobacco heiress.
   
   Carol fell into his fast-living world by accident. She escaped a poor upbringing in Philadelphia to become a successful model, married an Annapolis classmate of McCain's and had two children - Douglas and Andrew - before renewing what one acquaintance calls `an old flirtation' with McCain.
   
   (EDITOR'S NOTE: MCCAIN: Character is Destiny!!
   
   It seems clear she was bowled over by McCain's attention at a time when he was becoming bored with his playboy lifestyle.
   
   `He was 28 and ready to settle down and he loved Carol's children,' recalled another Annapolis graduate, Robert Timberg, who wrote The Nightingale's Song, a bestselling biography of McCain and four other graduates of the academy.
   
   The couple married and McCain adopted Carol's sons. Their daughter, Sidney, was born a year later, but domesticity was clearly beginning to bore McCain - the couple were regarded as `fixtures on the party circuit' before McCain requested combat duty in Vietnam at the end of 1966.
   
   When McCain - his hair turned prematurely white and his body reduced to little more than a skeleton - was released in March 1973, he told reporters he was overjoyed to see Carol again.
   
   But friends say privately he was `appalled' by the change in her appearance. At first, though, he was kind, assuring her: `I don't look so good myself. It's fine.'
   
   `I thought, of course, we would live happily ever after,' says Carol. But as a war hero, McCain was moving in ever-more elevated circles.
   
   But already the McCains' marriage had begun to fray. `John started carousing and running around with women,' said Robert Timberg.
   
   McCain has acknowledged that he had girlfriends during this time, without going into details. Some friends blame his dissatisfaction with Carol, but others give some credence to her theory of a mid-life crisis.
   
   He was also fiercely ambitious, but it was clear he would never become an admiral like his illustrious father and grandfather and his thoughts were turning to politics.
   
   In 1979 - while still married to Carol - he met Cindy at a cocktail party in Hawaii.
   
   Over the next six months he pursued her, flying around the country to see her.
   
   Then he began to push to end his marriage.
   
   Carol and her children were devastated. `It was a complete surprise,' says Nancy Reynolds, a former Reagan aide.
   
   `They never displayed any difficulties between themselves. I know the Reagans were quite shocked because they loved and respected both Carol and John.'
   
   Another friend added: `Carol didn't fight him. She felt her infirmity made her an impediment to him. She justified his actions because of all he had gone through. She used to say, "He just wants to make up for lost time."'
   
   Indeed, to many in their circle the saddest part of the break-up was Carol's decision to resign herself to losing a man she says she still adores.
   
   Friends confirm she has remained friends with McCain and backed him in all his campaigns. `He was very generous to her in the divorce but of course he could afford to be, since he was marrying Cindy,' one observed.
   
   McCain transferred the Florida beach house to Carol and gave her the right to live in their jointly-owned townhouse in the Washington suburb of Alexandria.
   
   He also agreed to pay her alimony and child support.
   
   A former neighbour says she subsequently sold up in Florida and Washington and moved in 2003 to Virginia Beach. He said: `My impression was that she found the new place easier to manage as she still has some difficulties walking.'
   
   Meanwhile McCain moved to Arizona with his new bride immediately after their 1980 marriage.
   
   There, his new father-in-law gave him a job and introduced him to local businessmen and political powerbrokers who would smooth his passage to Washington via the House of Representatives and Senate.
   
   And yet despite his popularity as a politician, there are those who won't forget his treatment of his first wife.
   
   Ted Sampley, who fought with US Special Forces in Vietnam and is now a leading campaigner for veterans' rights, said: `I have been following John McCain's career for nearly 20 years.
   
   I know him personally. There is something wrong with this guy and let me tell you what it is - deceit.
   
   `When he came home and saw that Carol was not the beauty he left behind, he started running around on her almost right away. Everybody around him knew it.
   
   `Eventually he met Cindy and she was young and beautiful and very wealthy.
   
   At that point McCain just dumped Carol for something he thought was better.
   
   EDITOR'S NOTE: Character is Destiny!!
   
   `This is a guy who makes such a big deal about his character. He has no character. He is a fake. If there was any character in that first marriage, it all belonged to Carol.'
   
   EDITOR'S NOTE: Character is Destiny!!
   
   One old friend of the McCains said: `Carol always insists she is not bitter, but I think that's a defense mechanism.
   
   She also feels deeply in his debt because in return for her agreement to a divorce, he promised to pay for her medical care for the rest of her life.'
   
   EDITOR'S NOTE: Cindy's Daddy's money. Just imagine the agreement his lawyers would have prepared to keep Carol quiet for the rest of her life.
   
   Character is Destiny!!
   
   Carol remained resolutely loyal as McCain's political star rose. She says she agreed to talk to The Mail on Sunday only because she wanted to publicise her support for the man who abandoned her.
   
   Indeed, the old Mercedes that she uses to run errands displays both a disabled badge and a sticker encouraging people to vote for her ex-husband. `He's a good guy,' she assured us. `We are still good friends. He is the best man for president.'
   
   But Ross Perot, who paid her medical bills all those years ago, now believes that both Carol McCain and the American people have been taken in by a man who is unusually slick and cruel - even by the standards of modern politics.
   
   `McCain is the classic opportunist. He's always reaching for attention and glory,' he said.
   
   `After he came home, Carol walked with a limp.
   
   So he threw her over for a poster girl with big money from Arizona. And the rest is history.'
   
   EDITOR'S NOTE: Character is Destiny!!

5 comments about Unlimited Power : The New Science Of Personal Achievement.

1. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book "Unlimited Power". I am reading the book again and I have already successfully used some of the concepts and ideas. This certainly is not a book that you read just once but the insightful and useful information needs to be read again and again until it really sticks. In fact, one benefits a lot by practising what is being suggested say for 3 -4 weeks and see the results for yourself. Then maintain the new useful habit.
   
   Anthony Robbins encapsulates the best personal development strategies and combines it with NLP to create quick change. This book will improve your entire life from reaching goals to rapport with others. "Unlimited Power" gives the utmost concepts on achievement, given by a very successful author, in a clear and easy to understand and follow style. I was very impressed with the ideas and information contained inside it which are very practical and powerful.
   
   However, the book can only provide guidance and it's up to the reader to put into practice the advice and wisdom of this motivational guru.
   It is overall an interesting book to read. This book is recommended as it has the potential to highly motivate, stimulate and help you focus your mind on meeting your goals.



2. Everyone on earth, needs to read this book.
   
   A lot of NLP tactics are used in this book, but hey whatever gets the job done.
   
   What I've learned through this book:
   - how to change my physiology to change my current state of emotions
   - how to better manage my emotions and time
   - how to build rapport with others
   - to really know and understand what I want
   - new techniques on how to completely delete bad thoughts
   - so much other stuff!
   
   your gonna love this book, it's basically just you that's helping you and in the end who else is gonna help.



3. This was a great, great book. I have resisted reading his stuff for quite a while because his ventures are so commercialized and he still has a bit of that infomercial stigma in my head - but I was completely wrong. This book was gold. Great for beginners, great for the experienced.
   
   About half the book is basic material that I was well acquainted with - goals, health, motivation, etc. Although I did get a few new viewpoints. The real benefit to me was the introduction to Neuro Linguistic Programming, or at least Tony's flavor of it. It was so effective, I was able to put it into use while only about halfway through the book. My wife and I were stuck waiting for our son in a dentist's office that had the air at about 60 degrees and I was able to program myself into feeling warm - the chillbumps went away, my skin warmed up - even my wife (who thought the whole thing was hokey) admitted it worked.
   
   This is not a one time read, but a manual to be often revisited.



4. I guess what amazes me about this book is Tony hits cords that we have but we dont play, or uses muscles that we have but never use. We have the capacities with in us, he just shows you how to maximize the benefit of using these instruments. I not only bought this book but his tapes sets as well and by me personally taking action I have change the way I view others, myself and how I connect the two to be influential making a difference in the lives of those I know. However, you need to be willing to change the book wont do it for you.



5. This is a great book that helps us to improve our personal and profesional life. The author uses NLP principies.

5 comments about New Psycho-Cybernetics.

1. I had the original a while back, moved, lost my copy and wanted to explore the book again. I bought the new psycho-cybernetics and am greatly disappointed with it. It tries to be too much, almost like they've tried to add several unrelated "books" of unrelated info to psycho-cybernetics. There are stories and additional paragraphs of information that you're not quite sure what to do with and it clouds the original ideas. Anyone can make a book longer with lots of extra info but a nicely summarized and boiled down series of thoughts is difficult to do so get the original because that's what it is; I just ordered the original again and will leave this "updated" copy in the hotel I'm staying in right now.



2. Have you ever wondered why all those other self improvemet books sound alike? The messages in Malz's book mirror so many other authors yet, he was before their time. The breakdown of self evaluation then logical steps towards your vision of success make lots of sense. This is an essential piece to anyone's collection of self help books.



3. This is the book that you read once then go back and study chapter by chapter with a highlighter to mark it up. Definitely not a once read and put on the shelf. It has a lot to offer anyone who studies it. Reading it once, unless you have a photographic memory, just will not do it for you at all. A must study for improvement of self, motivation, goals and just plain being better at what you want to be. Even use the information and lessons learned on children, co-workers, friends, relatives and everyone you come in contact with (in a positive not manipulative manner). This is the kind of book that you review often to improve all those relationships you have--especially with yourself. Just get the book and study study study.!! Worth much more than the change you pay for it.



4. This is a good update of a classic book. I enjoyed what Dan Kennedy brought to the table, especially the exercises.
   
   Maxwell Maltz wasn't just some slick guy who tried to make money with this stuff-- he was a plastic surgeon who really got the material, saw the need to spread it to more people, and made it his job to do so. That's what makes this one so great...he got it!
   
   If you can, I suggest getting copies of some of his audio. In fact, I believe this book was made into an audio for Nightingale. I know Dan Kennedy did one on the subject, which has some of Maxwell Maltz's material included in it. Between this book and that course, you'll have a good foundation to build on.



5. The new Psycho-Cybernetics by Dr. Maxwell Maltz and Dan Kennedy is a great tool for improving and developing your life to achieve your own self created goals. The book teaches you to harness your subconscious mind to continually work for you in bringing your goals to reality. You will learn how to positively create the self-image you want for yourself.
   If you conscientiously apply the techniques outlined in this book you will be amazed at the big self you will become. Don't miss out.
   Joseph K. Brady-Amoon, M.P.A.

5 comments about Reading People: How to Understand People and Predict Their Behavior--Anytime, Anyplace.

1. There is no significant insight to this author's offering other than right and wrong means nothing in the legal process-and of course, you can make money from a legal travesty-buyers should'nt waste their money-I did



2. I'm a "human behavior junkie" so I read all of these types of books, This one is not too bad. It for sure has some interesting insights. I much prefer Lieberman's YOU CAN READ ANYONE. That book is very practical, and as is his style, not filled with any fluff or psycho-nonsense.



3. You might want to read the last 3 chapters first if you are looking to find the more useful info about READING PEOPLE. The author covers her tracks well by often mentioning that there is no guarantee in reading people. Let's say it's not an exact science. She does give good basic insight if you are YOUNGER. If you are an older person then there is not too much can be added to your repertoire.
   
   For the cost conscious: get this one used and you can find which category of reader you fall into more economically. This is a book that can't do you harm or waste your time. Who knows - you might learn something about people. Get it.



4. I have enjoyed reading this book very much. I am somewhat disappointed with some of the reviews. This book is like a text book; you're going to have to re-read the book several times with each time picking up something that you missed. You must next apply what you read and then re-read the book to interpret your findings.
   
   I have found the book very useful in understanding people around me. I have applied the lessons in this book to my work to help me interpret actions by people including my boss. It has at times helped me to understand the hidden meaning past events of other people's actions with me and others.
   
   It is not a quick read. Do not expect to be able to in "5-minutes" learn the secret meaning of people's actions. It is a good book that deserves several re-reads.



5. After reading this book, I realize the complexity of the art of reading people. There are many factors to consider. This book is not meant for a surface reading. But, it brings to the forefront the observations one should take in before making a judgment call on anyone. It is also helpful as a self exam. You start to pay attention to your own conversations and interactions with others no matter where you are.

5 comments about All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.

1. Robert Fulgram's book, All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten is now more than 15 years old and has been updated in a new version. The book became an instant classic with its wise statements and gentle humor. The essence of the book is the following set of statements:
   Share everything.
   Play fair.
   Don't hit people.
   Put things back where you found them.
   Clean up your own mess.
   Don't take things that aren't yours.
   Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.
   Wash your hands before you eat.
   Flush.
   Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
   Live a balanced life - learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some.
   Take a nap every afternoon.
   When you go out in the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands and stick together.
   Be aware of wonder. Remember the little seed in the Styrofoam cup: the roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or why, but we are all like that.
   Goldfish and hamsters and white mice and even the little seed in the Styrofoam cup - they all die. So do we.
   And then remember the Dick-and-Jane books and the first word you learned - the biggest word of all - LOOK.
   We learned most of these ideas as children, but as adults we often forget or discard them as no longer relevant. Yet they remain as the truly important things in life. The trick is not only to remember them but also to use them in an adult context. Maybe we can't take a nap in the afternoon any more, but we can relax and get sufficient rest so that we can work efficiently; we know better than to hit people, but political and personal violence is still a major part of life in the United States. Living a balanced life is something many adults have difficulty achieving. My own advice is to post this list someplace where you can see it every day. And it wouldn't hurt to read this small volume over and over again.
   
   I rate this book at 5 stars. The other reviews seem for the most part to be either 5 or 1 stars. The negative reviewers miss, in my view, the main point of the book--that simple things are the most important and simple ways of saying things are the best means of communication.



2. This book kindly brings us back to the basics of life and shows us to 'keep it simple' once again. His thoughts and writing skills kept me engaged while teaching me a refreshing perspective that I once had learned.
   
   Great addition to any readers loves!
   
   Merna Throne
   Pocket of Pearls: A 30-day pocket workbook to start hearing a softer voice inside of you!



3. This book contains all the lessons we need to know to lead a successful life. It is a reminder that we learned long ago the lessons we need in Kindergarten to be successful at whatever endeavor we choose. I recently used those lessons with my high school graduating seniors. It is worth repeating because I feel we have forgotten the lessons. Arthur L. Williams Ph.D. Principal Ann Arbor Huron High School.



4. An easy and touching read. great stories that warm the soul. made me want to share the book with those i love.



5. Adorable! I mean, with a title like that, how could I NOT get this book? Even though some of the stories didn't apply to me, they were still great to read, and there were tons that did apply and just gave me that warm happy feeling. Everyone should read this book, this is what true inspiration is :D One thing though, it seems that at the beginning, there was some of the Kindergarten-ness, but then, it lost it. What happened? Those were my favorite parts, the connections, and then they died and the book lost a lot of its charm. Sadness. Still, cool read, I'm probably going to post it back for swapping so someone else can enjoy it, too!

5 comments about Don't Bite the Hook: Finding Freedom from Anger, Resentment, and Other Destructive Emotions.

1. This is an advisory not a review. The content of these three CD's is excellent. When Pema speaks there is a continual popping-clicking sound which is not present when Robert Walker the reader speaks. This indicates to me a defect in the original recording, perhaps in her attached microphone. I'm surprised these weren't picked up by the sound technicians and the noises eliminated during the recording. These odd sounds exist through the entire recording and for me were disconcerting.
   Listening to Pema speak I was getting annoyed by the strange crackling sounds when I realized she was discussing "bourgeois suffering"--those minor things that irritate all of us, traffic jams, rude people, not getting your correct seat in an airplane, etc. I laughed and finished all three CD's, crackling sounds and all. If odd noises like this bother you, be forewarned.



2. Pema Chodron explains the Buddhist philosophy in this as well as her many other CDs in a clear, relevant manner with just the right touch of humor relating to the human condition. She has mastered the philosophy, yet her modesty lets the listener know that she has been where we listeners often are. Easier to absorb than reading, for me, and a lot more fun. A great way to clear the mind at night when trying to get negative thoughts out of my head and helpful to prepare for sleep. I actually fall asleep with the headphones on and hope that perhaps my subconscious is learning her explanations of various instructions. Super for the novice or the more advanced student.



3. Good practical advice that allows you to get to know yourself. This CD helps you to practice spiritual principles in our daily lives. Loved it!



4. This recording is ok. I had not heard Pema speak before and she does have an engaging speakers voice. I was disappointed however as I did not realize this recording is mostly about interpreting verses from Shantideva's writings. I wanted more practical advice (from a buddhist perspective) on how to deal with anger. I don't believe this recording provided that. Would I buy it again knowing what I know now? No, there is not a lot of substance to it.



5. Do you find yourself caught in maybe a lifetime of negative reactions to certain events, people, or addictive behaviors in certain situations? Do you find it almost impossible to control yourself from reacting negatively to certain relatives, TV shows, or politicians? Have you ever bought something just because you felt like it was something you should buy, or it was "you," and then gotten it home and felt sick because you didn't need it or shouldn't have spent the money? Who hasn't? Pema Chodron's easy to understand discourse can help you get beyond these self-destructive behaviors in no time. The freedom and peace that lies outside of living in reaction is your reward for listening to this teaching. There is nothing here that will contradict any religious beliefs you may hold, but if more churches, for example, were teaching what she offers here in this simple and straightforward way, utterly without judgment, I think they would find their Sunday attendance would increase significantly. Pema Chodron is entirely sympathetic to the human condition, and rather than condemn it, she helps us clearly identify the behaviors that keep us from living in lovingkindness and joy. I recommend all her books and tapes highly, but if you can only get one to start with, start here.

5 comments about Chasing Daylight: Seize the Power of Every Moment.

1. McManus has an easy to read style that draws you in. Though carpe diem (seize the day) is the main theme this does not reflect a frantic pace but rather developing a discipline of making deliberate choices that give life to your dreams and what God has called you to do. Using a moment in Johnathan's life when he did seize the day by taking the initiative in the face of uncertainty. I will warn you that this is a battle story and was difficult for some church members to find value in studying. Jonathan used his influence inspite of the risks, to advance and leave a mark that served God's will. McMannus writes that all of Jonathan's choices required action and a willingness to awaken those who are in many ways just sleep walking through life. Our church bought the book for our small group leaders as well as the companion DVD and study guide. They were generally well received.



2. A good read, motivational. It is a little rambling for my preference, the author seems to say the same thing many different ways ie take action, just do something for the kingdom of God etc. It gives overall good advice for believers in Jesus Christ but I wouldn't treat the book as a book on theology. The personal stories the author gives are excellent and are the most motivating part of the book.



3. I loved this book. I would read it in the mornings while eating breakfast and it was a great start to the day. Erwin McManus is very passionate about his faith and he is very effective in trying to convey that passion. So many of his personal stories that he tells made just say "Wow." And then I realized how so many small things we do, the little leaps of faith that we take, can have such huge rewards and make so many differences in people's lives that do not know Christ. This book is definitely a call to action for the individual and also for the church as a whole. Let's be a generation that seeks to help the lost, the poor, the broken. Let's be a generation that puts other needs before our own. Great message!
   
   I would agree with another reviewer that things get repeated a lot throughout, probably because the whole book was based around the story of Jonathan and the Philistines. Could have been shorter, but still, an excellent read and highly recommended.



4. Chasing Daylight is the kick in the rear a lot of us need. Go after your passions with confidence and don't look back.
   
   McManus is an inspiration and by telling the story of Jonathan he gives us an example of someone living boldly because they can not live any other way. That is the life I want to lead.



5. This book is awesome! McManus really inspires you to look at every second that goes by in life, and seize those divine moments because they can really impact someone's life, as well as your own. I HIGHLY recommend this book!!!

3 comments about The Impulse Factor: Why Some of Us Play It Safe and Others Risk It All.

1. I read a piece in Marie Claire about this book and had to buy a copy. It's really great! In short, the premise of the book is to help you understand why some people tend to play it safe and others tend to risk it all, including:
   
   ~ Risk-taking is chemical. 25% of people have a mutated gene that causes a dopamine deficit that makes them seek thrills. Whether it's a new job, skydiving, or choosing a risky mate, these thrills make impulsive people feel good.
   
   ~ There is a strong link between impulsivity and ADHD. Essentially, ADHD is a disorder that makes you dopamine hungry and you follow you impulses to make up for the dopamine deficit.
   
   ~ Love makes us all thrill junkies. When people fall in love their dopamine level spikes and serotonin drops.
   
   ~ Impulsivity is good for professional success. The most cautious workers receive the fewest promotions, report the lowest job performance and make the least money.
   
   The book includes a code to go online and take The Impulse Factor test that tells you how impulsive you are, and whether you might be one of the 25% that have the mutation. Cool book!



2. Nothing more I can add here that hasn't been said already in reader reviews and published reviews, this is a must read. Do yourself a favor and get a copy of this book!



3. This book changed how I see and think about the world around me. Tasler's character studies and anecdotes will remind you of people you know and make you laugh.
   
   The book gives you a code to take the online Impulse Factor test and see whether you're a risk manager or a potential seeker. I was surprised at how my results turned out and it has allowed me to become much more self aware as I grow my business.
   
   Very fun read!

5 comments about The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Personal Workbook.

1. A very interesting and practical workbook, but possession of the 7 Habits book itself is necessary to really appreciate the exercises.



2. When I first read the 7th Habits of Highly Effective People I was amazed at how a slight shift in your thought process can make a huge shift in paradigms. When I saw that there was a workbook to compliment the text I quickly ordered it. I have found this workbook to be an effective way to put the lessons learned in the text to work for you. I am very please with purchase. This is an effective learning toll and highly recommend it to others.



3. There is nothing in this wonderful book that is enlightening but it makes the reader quicly realize that management and leadership are achievable by anyone who cares to master them.



4. The kindle version of this workbook is not worth buying because a lot of the book is comprised of tables and graphs which aren't readable with the kindle. I thought the kindle version would be workable in the sense you could actually write your entries in a separate notebook and just read the questions, but the missing table and graph content was a deal breaker for me.



5. I am so glad I got this to accompany the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. It is not just a reiterate what the book said. It really makes you stop and think about the questions, how you handled a situation and what you could have done different. I am taking this to heart not just reading, but really making a change.

5 comments about Are You Ready!: To Take Charge, Lose Weight, Get in Shape, and Change Your Life Forever.

1. The author assembled a fairly comprehensive guide on
   how to get fit and stay that way. He begins the
   presentation with an explanation of the psychological
   dimensions of fitness. The book notes that change is
   hard. Self-respect is paramount. Daily reinforcement and
   renewal is necessary . Above all, people should learn to
   relax in order to avoid the dangers of dieting. i.e. binges
   
   Confidence-building and setting realistic goals are
   conditions precedent to success. Emotional eating should be
   shunned. For instance, mental hunger should not be supplanted
   with food.
   
   The dietary dimensions have been addressed for
   participants. i.e.
   The author cites sample protein foods; such as,
   lean meat and soybeans. Examples of complex carbs
   are whole grains, fruits and veggies. Examples of
   simple carbs are white bread, cereal and sweets.
   Low fat dairy should be consumed instead of whole milk.
   Olive oil, canola oil and nuts are examples of good
   fats to consume according to the author. Salmon, tuna,
   cod, top sirloin grades,tofu and low fat milk round out
   the protein group.
   
   Dieters should journalize their meals initially to be
   cognizant of what is eaten daily. The author addressed
   a series of model exercises for participants. i.e.
   
   o push-ups
   o abs crunches utilizing the giant ball
   o side plank exercises
   o sumo squats
   o the weighted squat
   o the hyper-extension on the ball
   
   Overall, the book includes many essential
   elements for losing weight and maintaining good health.
   The presentation is vital for people of every age.



2. I never recieved my book from the seller i also sent her an e mail and didn't get a reply so i cancelled my order



3. I picked this Diet book up because I need to lose a few L B's.
   
   I thought Bob Harper would talk about how the "Biggest Losers" lost 20 lbs per week. He didn't really talk about that. I have my doubts that "The Biggest Loser" TV show is real. See this site: http://elitefatrunner.blogspot.com
   
   It is a good fitness book. Nice common sense stuff and workout routines. Nothing new but it is a good book. Organized well. I think Bob is a good trainer and likes what he does.
   
   If you like him on the TV show you'll like this book.



4. Bob Harper is so motivating. I love Bob's approach on weight loss or getting in shape. Excellent excellent read!!! I learned a lot from Bob just by reading his book and following his advice. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for the guidance needed to lose weight or get in shape. Bob's book was just what I needed to make me want to keep going and to stay healthy.



5. This book written by Bob Harper is one in a million. The book, from start to finish, gives you the tools to begin your weight-loss journey. For me, I was already part way there before reading the book. It allowed me to push that much further. Bob is motivational, inspirational and compassionate. He is an amazing person who has helped me to `change my life forever'.