5 comments about 3 Days to a Pharmaceutical Sales Job Interview (4th Edition).

1. The book I would say is good if you are willing go insanely above and beyond the normal realms of getting a job...most of the info. is pretty easy to figure out on your own, but if structure is needed this can be a good guideline. Over all it did not do much for me, but it might work wonders for others.



2. Great book! Very different info than other pharmaceutical books. This book is very straight forward and easy to follow. I recommend it for anyone trying to break into the pharmaceutical business.



3. Didn't get the job, but the book did help me a little during the multiple interviews. The better option is to call a rep and have a sit-down to go over the ins and outs. If you can't find one, go to your local pharmacy, they'll have contact info for you. Good luck!



4. This book about interview of phamaceutical company is very useful for me.
   Thank you for your fast delivery.



5. There is nothing more to say other than this book was AMAZING! I can't believe how in depth and step-by-step it was. Every concern, worry, or question I had prior to reading this was answered directly. I have read it cover to cover and plan to read it again. Excellent advice that really works! I landed a phone interview AND breezed through it thanks to this book. I was called up by the same company who interviewed me by phone (a MAJOR pharmaceutical company) and asked to fill out and fax my application to them immediately! Thanks to this book, I am prepared for a face-to-face interview and am very confident that I will know what to say, how to act, and that I will at the very least, land a second face-to-face interview! You cannot go wrong with purchasing this book if you are serious about landing a pharm. rep. career!

No comments about How We Decide.

5 comments about The Art of Worldly Wisdom (Shambhala Pocket Classics).

1. Usually the beauty of a book like this is that the author has trancended the ego and offers insights from a spiritually elevated place, one to which we can all aspire. "The Art of Worldly Wisdom" at least acknowledges that much of what we want as ordinary humans is to get ahead; make more money, achieve fame, have more friends...basically have more than the next guy.
   
   But the real challenge of life is the possibility of trancendance, the possibility of being something other than ordinary, the possibility of caring about something bigger than oneself. This book is enjoyable in that it tells it like it is, and with the abundance of feel good, sentimental, new-age quackery out there...that's refreshing. But in the final analysis it must be said that this book is nothing other than an eloquent reaction to fear. Listen to this bit of wisdom: "Let someone else take the hit. You will shield yourself from malevolence: sound policy in those who govern. Having someone else take the blame for failure and be the butt of gossip does not spring from a lack of ability, as malice thinks, but from superior skill. Not everything can turn out well, and you can't please everyone. So look for a scapegoat, someone whose own ambition will make him a good target." If that passes for wisdom, then I am the King of Siam reincarnated. I guess this is the supposedly "enlightened" self-interest that masquerades as a philosophy for living well in our culture.

   This guy has never made it out of the "I need" phase of spiritual developement. The book is interesting as a period piece, but Balthazar Gracian lives in a simple and selfish world. Do you?




2. .
   A very small book--literally the size of a credit card, and only half an inch thick--of three-hundred maxims, covering practically all of the wisdom one needs to go through life. Each maxim covering less than a tiny page, often only half. (The size of THIS PARTICULAR EDITION is NOT meant to make one feel cheated of what one paid for. It IS meant to be COMPACT, to carry in the pocket or bag, for frequent reference, in brief quiet moments. There are hardcover versions around.)

   Originally written in Spanish in 1637 by a Jesuit scholar, it has been translated into eight European languages. This one translated by another scholar and literary critic named Joseph Jacobs, who also collected folklores (including English and Celtic fairy tales, as well as the fables of Aesop).
   This particular translation is known to preserve Gracian's epigrammatic style, including his word plays and puns, albeit later updated where necessary due to being unclear and/or dated in grammar and syntax, and revised in comparison with other known English versions.

   In contrast to Machiavelli, who put CRUDE REALITY into words, Gracian is more on the side of a little IDEALISM and NOBILITY in living one's life. Which is not to say he aims for ASPHYXIA; much is given to living a happy life, part of which is giving oneself a break and a breather.

   [NEGATIVE] A few maxims are of limited use for its obviousness--in essence, "sometimes go left, sometimes go right". (Uhm, aren't those ALL of the very choices from which one must pick? And doesn't EVERYBODY ALREADY know that.) The wisdom of everything else in the book in nonetheless undiminished.

   The brevity (not concise; some maxims are translated rather long-windedly) of the maxims does not mean that they are to be read as many in one stretch. After all, the benefits only start when wisdom is absorbed and lived out. Best to read through a dozen at most at a time; re-read and re-read, giving each time to sink into the heart and mind; only then move onto the next dozen or two.

   Quite ENLIGHTENING. Worth keeping one copy of. Or perhaps two--a hardcover edition, too, in one's library, work desk, coffee table or reception room . . . for anyone who might walk in or anyone being made to wait, and who could use the time literally wisely.
   .




3. Excellent book with many useful ideas for living in todays world.
   
   Noblesse Oblige' or Noblus Obligus:
   
   With Honor; Obligation
   
   The Art of Courtly (Noble) Conduct



4. I am afraid many supporters of Gracian will curse me for describing this "classic" as so so! How dare I criticize a Spanish masterpiece once translated by Schopenhauer! However, as a pragmatic self help book lover, I must say that the 300 maxims highly condensed in 171 content pages really do me little good. The maxims written nearly four centuries ago are alright, yet common sense nowadays, though common sense is not that common. Nevertheless, sorry to say that the absence of true core values behind those maxims (at least I cant grasp those, or at most per Maxim 300: In one word, be a saint), and many somehow contradictory maxims (perhaps I just dont understand them deep enough with the less than 100 words of elaboration for each maxim) really cut the value of the book. For sure it would be okay to read one, and re-read, which is necessary. But I am obliged to say that there are plenty of better alternatives to enhance your edge of survival in the world of concrete jungle.



5. These 300 maxims by the disobedient Jesuit of the 17th century are practical rules to live by if you would succeed in human society. While not rising (or sinking) to the level of Machiavellian, it must be stated that pragmatism is the guiding light behind this guide to advancement in life. It's not strictly immoral, and indeed Gracian urges the cultivation of virtue, but it also recognizes the fact that one's success depends on the approbation of a fickle, superficial and jealous humanity which sometimes has to be treated with guile, cunning and artifice when flattery, style and native talent just won't cut it. While the idealist might shrink from the book's subject matter, the realist will smile at its insightfulness.

5 comments about Small Miracles: Extraordinary Coincidences from Everyday Life.

1. A really lovely little book that helps even the worst days.



2. Miracles happen every day. Yitta Halberstam and Judith Leventhal are angels themselves, bringing these fantastic stories to millions of people. Buy and read every single one of their books. Not only are they hard to put down, you won't be able to look at your life with the same eyes ever again!



3. I read SMALL MIRACLES, some years ago. This seems to be the same book, exactly, although, when I ordered it, I thought it was a sequel. I liked it better the first time around, when the anecdotes sounded more "golly-gee-wiz" than they do the second.



4. This is a little treasure chest of wonderful stories that truly are uplifting. I really did enjoy reading this book!



5. I found this unique book of coincidences to be remarkable. While the authors relate it to Jewish principles, giving a moral or rule at the end of each 'episode,' their statements are applicable to those of all faiths.
   There were short, short stories, short stories and those a few pages long. But all showed the positive human spirit that exists in everyone of us if we give ourselves a chance and don't close our minds. Sometimea a bad choice becomes a great move. An ordinary act becomes heroic to those on both sides. And, almost always, WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND. There are no stories of coincidences that backfired, although one can be sure scores of these exist too. But the purpose is to bring joy, hope,
   confidence and more open-mindedness to the readers, with the desire that they will share this with many more. A brilliant person with a promising
   future suddenly gets terminal lung cancer. But the person telling it mentions some small act that was done, often out of common courtesy. And in this case, one of the six items the dying person wanted in his casket was a letter of encouragement from the teacher.
   
   This is a book for teachers, educators and all who desire to be educated.
   I acquired it for $.50 at a flea market booth, after just noticing the
   colorful (but also bland) yellow cover. This is the best $5.00 expenditure
   I've ever made. I'll share my copy with others and have ordered another
   version. Whether you are in the dumps or feeling great, the stories will
   heighten your consciousness and create more appreciation for your present lot. I am fortunate to have found it. Please consider my words. Advice
   is worthless. Words from the heart can be meaningful. My heart speaks.

5 comments about A Passion for the Possible: A Guide to Realizing Your True Potential.

1. This book showed me how to get in touch with my true self. At first reading it made me realize that I needed to take a second look at where I was heading. The author guides one through four sections of personal development , starting by becoming totally aware of everything - - opening up the senses, of smell, of touch, of hearing and listening etc. etc...and it's fun doing the exercises. The next part is looking, at one's life psychologically, and the guidance pertaining to that area of self. When I got to the third section of the book I personally enjoyed the revelation and realization of the part I play in my own life - in being my own heroine, by creating my own myth. And on reaching the fourth part, what a delight to finally acknowledge my true spiritual nature. To me this was a work book of self discovery, very easy to read. I found it to be not only interesting and informative, but also great fun and a pleasure to work with and to grow from, I wanted to share it with everybody I knew ! . Indeed a book which I feel would benefit anyone interested in personal growth..



2. Since the page for this book already contains a description of its topics, I'll skip straight to my opinions. I came away from this book feeling inspired to open up to the world around me...and inside me. Many of the techniques in this book are not wholly original so some readers may be disappointed, but the combination of topics and presentation are very effective and powerful. Nevertheless, this is one of those books which cannot be fully realized without doing the exercises. As a result, how much one gets out of it varies according to how much one puts into it. Don't let that scare you though, because the exercises are not difficult and are enjoyable. I wish the book went a little further, though. There were places where the lack of depth left me wishing for more. That issue aside, reading this book is just the right thing to do if you want to wake up to the world around you, gain some self-realization and, most of all, become a little more passionate to the everyday possibilities available as a human being.



3. Jean Houston can rightly be called the mother of the human potential movement. She has been everywhere every one else has gone, only she was there first. Sadly, her books have not always served her well, she is too complex and always on the move. Her life is a virtual roadmap of personal transformation and the search for our deepest selves. In this small but potent book she does manage the near impossible and distills a lifetime's worth of teaching into an accessible introductory work. While a book is no substitute for actually studying with this master teacher, A Passion for the Possible serves as an inspiring glimpse into the mind and work of Jean Houston.



4. This book is an adventure of the imagination. Houston gives us a design for using the imagination as a tool for personal growth. The book is a workshop for personal development. Houston provides the reader with exercises to develop four realms--sensory, psychological, mythic, and spiritual. This is not a book of concepts and theories but of practical exercises for becoming more of who you are meant to be.



5. I found this work quite disappointing, full of vague, overgeneralized ideas so much a part of new age literature.

5 comments about Working with Emotional Intelligence.

1. In excellent condition. Arrived within stated time frame. Very pleased with all aspects of the purchase.



2. Daniel Goleman encountered many leaders of industry emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence rather than technical expertise in excelling in their respective businesses. It is through his findings that he decided to write Working With Emotion Intelligence. In this book Goleman emphasizes that emotional intelligence is what makes one excel.
   Increasingly organizations are becoming larger and more team oriented, thus being able to work in teams well and effectively is one of the most important skills to have in the work environment. A good manager will be able to get the best talents out of the group. Golemans book examines the changing work environment and the personal qualities that are of importance. The qualities listed are initiative, empathy, adaptability, and persuasiveness.
   The traits that make great leaders are described in detail in the book. Goleman emphasizes high self confidence in leading people is essential to create a more productive work environment. Empathy is an ability that helps leaders in how to approach an individual by sensing what others feel. Empathy serves as a cohesive tool, which allows for effective communication amongst individuals.
   Working With Emotional Intelligence is a great book for anybody interested in learning more about emotional intelligence and its uses in the work place. Daniel Goleman lists the parts of emotional intelligence and describes their use while providing illuminating examples. With the current explosive growth of information, no single individual can have enough knowledge to successfully compete in today's extremely competitive and rapidly changing environment. It is because of this that emotional intelligence is crucial to excel in organizations today. People that work well in teams have a key advantage. Emotional competencies can be learned, by reading this book you will be able to gain knowledge on these emotional competencies and put them to use in your daily life and career.



3. I would give this book no more than 3 stars. The Reader puts you to sleep. The reason I only gave it 2 stars is because Disc 9 belongs to a totally different book. Chapers 40 to 40 something being read by a british woman. I did not get the entire book. Be rest assured I will be returning the item for a full refund or a complete book. Thank you.



4. The whole idea about Emotional Intelligence is appealing and I actually buy it. But the just keeps telling stories after stories of how emotional intelligence is important, how most companies/people/training guides overlook it. The book never talks about how to actually develop emotional intelligence. The book is so incredibly repetitive and lacking any useful content that I am surprised how an intelligent person like Daniel Goleman could have thought of publishing it.
   
   Let me tell you the gist of how to develop emotional intelligence (based on this book and several others):
   
   - The part of brain dealing with emotional intelligence learns by practise/repetition. You cant unlearn an old habit or learn a new one by just thinking about it conceptually.
   - Therefore to develop emotional intelligence, you have to train your mind repetitively.
   - The re-wiring of a habit in your brain happens at the instant when an event occurs that triggers a habit and you react to that event in a different way than you are habitual of doing. By repeating this over and over, your brain will learn the new habit. There are numerous self-help books out there which will create exercises for you to follow in your daily routine so that you can repeatedly apply the new habits you want to learn. But these methods are very slow simply because the number of iterations required to re-wire the brain will require a long time to happen.
   - If you want to change your habits fast, you can use certain meditation techniques. Some of them are more useful than others. A very potent technique is Vipassana meditation. Due to the way you use your brain while doing this meditation, the re-wiring happens very fast.
   
   I do not want to explain this in detail here because:
   1. This is a book review and the space is not enough :)
   2. I am talking from my personal experience.
   3. people usually like to read proofs for such claims. I am not an expert on meditation, nor a neuro-scientist. But I have practised Vipassana and it has given me great results.
   
   So all that I will say is: you heard from me that Vipassana meditation is useful. Go do your own research find out what it is. Try it out. If you understand it, and apply it for a while, most likely you will start observing changes in your life very quickly (within weeks). If it actually benefits you, then accept it. Otherwise its just something you tried. If nothing else, you will atleast have learned a stress-reduction technique.
   
   PS: If you find it absolutely useless, I feel sorry for you. Please dont sue me. :-)



5. Working with emotional intelligence is a landmark book in that when it came out it made the first strong case for how emotional intelligence operates and work and why it's so important to have it. The information linking emotional intelligence to job performance is fascinating. The only place the book falls short is it's a bit outdated and it doesn't provide a lot of how you do it. For that I prefer The Emotional Intelligence Quick Book which just came out a couple of years ago and it's very how you do it focused including an online test that comes with the book and measures your EQ.

5 comments about Mind Manipulation: Ancient and Modern Ninja Techniques.

1. One of the great things about Amazon is the ability to order books that you might feel a bit red-faced about buying in the bookshop.
   I'm sure there are worse examples, but I think this is one such book, a guilty pleasure of dubious value, but quite fun.
   I have to say that this is by no means an authoritative work on mind-manipulation or influence, but it took me back to my teenage years when I read lots of books on martial arts and ninja training, much of it of doubtful value, others based on the actual martial disciplines of the ninja.
   I did like the stories of ancient Japan featured in this book, of legendary warriors such as Miyamoto Musashi, but then the book has significant weaknesses, too, for example the light section on hypnotism.
   It also has some apparently standard NLP techniques that I seem to have read in about five other books, and I could do without.
   This is a very easy to read book, it took a couple of days to read, which is enjoyable but not of great value.
   All-in-all quite fun, but by no means sensational.



2. This book seeks to offer a quick ninjutsu solution to the uninformed. If you're looking for REAL ninjutsu(and I do wish to stress REAL) then search out any book written by Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi.



3. First and foremost, I will warn that the book Black Science is the same exact book as Mind Manipulation with the exception of a different publisher. I made the mistake of ordering both, and the return fees aren't worth it. Amazon.com might need to take a re-look at their packaging deals . . .
   
   Well, this is a book review, so I'll get into reviewing the book. I personally found that Mind Manipulation is an informative read with several excellent viewpoints given by the author. Haha Lung has a creative writing style that everyone can relate to, and the techniques and ideas he focuses on are very much valid. Whether or not these listed techniques were used by the ninja is subject to debate, there are those who argue for both sides. That is however beside the point. This book provides information that may "shed some light" on the motives and actions of the fellow human being, as well as letting us realize some truths about ourselves. It also warns of the regular psychological ploys others may use to take an advantage, and what we can do to watch for and counteract such subtle mental attacks.
   
   Overall this book is very much worth the money, and I am very pleased I purchased it. Is the book 100% perfect? Well, of course not. No book is. A few of the techniques may be a little far-fetched, but this is a tiny percentage of the book, as most of the information is extremely informative and useful. If you're looking for more books on practical psychology that you can apply to your everyday life, I also would reccomend to you the book "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie, as well as "A Book of Five Rings" by Miyamoto Musashi. If you're looking for more books that deal with ninjutsu history and training, both Grandmaster Masaaki Hatsumi and Stephen K. Hayes have excellent books that cater to both the history of the art of Togakure Ryu Ninjutsu as well as its techniques and forms. I would also reccomend that those looking for a better understanding of the meld of psychology and fighting or military command in any form should read "The Art of War" by Sun Tzu.
   
   I give this book two thumbs up. May it be as useful to you as it was me.



4. Wow. I can't believe all the glowing reviews here. This book is a joke people, and I mean that literally. I am a psychologist. I have a Masters degree in experimental psychology, I do research in the area of cognitive science, and I am working on my PhD in decision science. I am NOT saying that the principles and points in this book are wrong and that I know of the correct ones, but rather that there is no such thing as the drivel discussed in this book. Thank goodness. The last thing we need is a bunch of unstable ninja wannabes who can actually manipulate minds. Those who think that the psychological principles in this book are sound haven't a chance of becoming some kind of "psychological manipulator," for their understanding of psychology is so astronomically minute that they can't even recognize that the stuff discussed in this book is pure fiction. I'll give an example: Despite what this book claims, it is simply not true that people glance in certain directions when attempting to recall certain types of memories, or when attempting to generate certain types of thoughts. People do NOT look up and to the right when trying to construct visual images or straight and to the left when trying to remember auditory experiences. This is a psychological folk tale that was generated by Richard Bandler and Robert Dilts, two of the main figures in Neuro Linguistic Programming, which, if you don't know, is a sham. This notion was made popular in the film The Negotiator starring Samuel L. Jackson. Alas, however, it's a bunch of hokum that is not corroborated by research. Try it. It doesn't work. And don't buy this book unless you're just looking for a few solid belly laughs.



5. If you want to understand mind manipulation, this is the book for you. Most of the info in this book gets right down to it. Although a small portion of the content in this book is a little far fetched, most of it is invaluable information. If you ever sit there questioning someone's intent in certain situations, when your gut tells you something is wrong, this book will help you understand exactly what that person is trying to do to you and what their intentions truly are. You will also see, though, that all of us have a little bit of manipulator in us. This book will help you pinpoint who the master manipulators are in your life. Should the situation call for it, it also will show you how to use certain manipulation techniques here and there on others. I have read other books on this subject written by psychologists and I was completely unimpressed. The psychologists who believe that they are knowledgeable through studying books and who have no street smarts, have nothing on Haha Lung!

5 comments about Thank God I....

1. WOW!!! Very inspiring. What a great new way to look at the challenges that come into our lives. Real people sharing their secrets and challenges make this a very powerful book. This is Oprah material for sure! Great Job sharing the power of Gratitude.



2. Unparalled, the Thank God I book series brings together an immense network of authors willing to share their experience so others can reflect on their own thankfulness. By sharing the pain and anguish of their personal tragedy and how gratitude has helped them triumph, each inspirational story has the potential to strike a chord in your heart and touch your soul. It is a thought provoking and moving work that is bound to create new levels of communal experience. The stories demonstrate effectively how counting our blessings has the power to help heal and change lives for the better across the globe.
   
   (Eileen Bodoh-Kalupa is co-author with Katherine Scherer of "Gratitude Works: Open Your Heart to Love."



3. What a great idea; stories of inspiration for every situation! Very similiar to Chicken Soup series, however, the Thank God I topics are more real life and grown up because they inspire all of us to be grateful for everything in our lives, even the seemingly difficult and sometimes overwhelming situations we are faced with. Kudos to the authors who willingly shared their stories in order to inspire others. Kudos to the creator John Castagnini.



4. This book is truly transformational and takes individual's personal struggles to an entirely new level. If you are going through any "traumatic experience," I highly suggest reading this book. Each author takes you on their personal journey of finding universal love and truth and is now actively involved in the world sharing and inspiring other's to their own personal greatness.
   This book will open your heart, body and soul to limits beyond your conscious comprehension.



5. Its a perfect cure of people who needs inspiration in there live , by reading Thank God I it does saves people lives from being a victim to victory .. I do recommend this to the marketplace.. [...]

5 comments about Chicken Soup for the Soul.

1. This is the original Chicken Soup book. It was filled with all kinds of various good true stories.



2. Help sort out life's challenges; this book provides a basis for life's everyday choices and decisions and comfort for times of stress.



3. As CEO Coach, Poet and author of a leadership book that helps leaders unleash their genis, the genius of teams and the genius of corporations, I have found the stories in this book to be inspirational. Story telling preceeds the written word as a form of communication and as I tell my CEO's, is the best way to inspire people. This book is full of masterful stories. Additionally, Mark Victor Hansen and Jack Canfield are doing good work in the world. They help people help themselves. Support them and their work by buying their books. Paul David Walker Unleashing Genius: Leading Yourself, Teams and Corporations



4. I love this book, it's a feel-good book and can be read in short bits and pieces, ideal for someone like me who doesn't get a great deal of spare time.



5. If you haven't read a Chicken Soup book buy one NOW. When you find one that fits your life it is inspirational and comforting to read.
   
   They definitely name this series correctly~It will comfort your soul while your read it.
   
   Bring your Kleenex!
   
   Merna
   
   Pocket of Pearls: A 30-day pocket workbook to start hearing a softer voice inside of you!

5 comments about What About the Big Stuff?.

1. I must admit I'm somewhat biased against "big" self-help authors. However, Richard Carlson knows his (pardon the expression) stuff.
   His recommendations, couched in the language of self-help, derive from solid psychological research.

   Small stuff is defined as whatever won't be important in six months or a year. However, to his credit, and unlike many cheery self-help authors and coaches, Carlson admits that sometimes you can't go home again.

   Some of the chapters offer straightforward, not especially original self-help, but the book is worth the read. The most helpful chapters focus on the need to "beware" a "busy mind." Solutions come from staying calm.

   I concur! Often I find myself telling clients, "Take a break from thinking about this decision," and now I can refer them to Carlson's Big Stuff book.

   You won't find "be happy" platitudes here, and that's a plus.
   Carlson writes well and he's convincing. Even if you've seen some of this before ("shift perspective" "take time to heal"), Carlson gathers these ideas together in a new way. I would recommend this book to anyone who's going through some "big stuff."




2. If Richard Carlson writes something, I'm going to make it a
   point to read it . . . I loved DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF
   and his many books that followed (DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL
   STUFF AT WORK, DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF FOR
   MEN, etc.) . . . his words are simple, yet they make sense . . . and they seem to be written directly to you, as if he were speaking to you on a one-on-one basis.

   His latest, WHAT ABOUT THE BIG STUFF? does just what it promises in the subtitle; i.e., helps you find strength and move forward when the stakes are high . . . the book tackles a range of difficult issues--from illness, death, injury, and
   aging to alcoholism, divorce and financial pressures--but
   does so in a manner that is not preachy . . . I actually felt
   better after reading Carlson's suggestions on handling
   these various situations in a proactive fashion.

   In addition, I liked he got me thinking about how I
   would handle things that might come my way . . . or
   that might be encountered by friends and/or relatives . . . while he doesn't propose glib comebacks, he does give you
   many useful ideas as to responses that might lend comfort
   to those in need of it.

   In reviewing my notes, I'm finding it difficult to choose
   just a few parts to share, which is always a good
   sign . . . but here goes anyway:

   I was sitting with a friend at lunch about ten days after the
   terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon. With
   tears in her eyes, she said, "Did you notice that not a single person on any of the hijacked planes who had the opportunity to make a phone call called their stockbroker?" Far from being facetious, she was making an obvious but very important point. When the stakes are high, only one thing matters: love. No one is concerned about their weight or the way they look. They aren't upset that life isn't perfect. they aren't fretting about high taxes, the liberals or conservatives, previous conflicts, disputes with neighbors, or a lack of parking. They don't care about the rates of return on their investment portfolio. They aren't focused on any of their grievances.
   Indeed, the only thing that matters, when it really matters, is love. The question is, "Why do we treat life as if it doesn't really matter right now?"

   On the flip side, we're more careful to evaluate each situation before saying yes. When asked if you can do something, you should ask yourself two questions. First, "Is this something I have to do?" And second, "Is this something I want to do?" I you don't answer yes to at least one of these questions, you'll probably learn to say no more often. In the process, you'll begin to create more time for those things that really matter. After all, what's "bigger" than time itself?

   One of my favorite descriptions of life is that it's just "one mistake after another with a little time in between." Despite its humor, this is a pretty accurate way of seeing things. If you think about it, its true. We make mistakes, we (hopefully) learn from them; we make adjustments and move on. At some point, there will be another mistake, and so forth. In the meantime, everyone else is going through the same process. Your parents are making mistakes, as are your friends, neighbors, children, coworkers, and everyone else.




3. The book is not complex analysing too many theories, but extremely accurate to some fundamental common core cause of mental dys functionality and emotional pain in the truly important aspects of living. Richard throughout the 40 individual chapters deals with different subjects in each chapter, giving effective advice on commonly fell problems we all experience in our every day life. Often we are in automatic mental mode, which produces problems in our life without our realising consciously. But with a shift in mentality and wisdom we can change our habitual mental actions and experiences to seriously improve our life.
   One subject Richard points out is your thoughts are not an actual reality which simplistically put is obvious, but with an overcrowded mentality of problems which are often over exaggerated to its worst scenario, we hinder our actual mental and personal health, reducing our IQ and ability to help ourselves. I personally felt the benefits of producing a less stressful and crowded mentality immediately, and managed to sustain this through effort, and rereading the book to reaffirm information and changing my habitual mental actions. With a quieter healthier mentality, your true wisdom is able to function, but you have to have confidence in your ability to know the answers without striving too much.
   If you like myself have read many books on the subjects that you are interested in whether this be educational or entertaining, but even though many may be of a high quality, you usually only narrow this down to a few favourites. I personally have read many psychology books over the last 10 years with this being my favourite subject material, and would place this book in my top ten, because it actually expanded my mentality and true improvement to the quality of my life on completion of reading it.
   We are emotional mental creatures, and we often loose our mental health but with the help of books like this, we can broaden your mentality and actions to improve our lifestyle. Simply put, the book does deal with the big important aspects and values of living and helped you stay healthy and clear, trying to help obtain core fulfilment in your life.
   Alan Davidson



4. Thank you Richard for courageously updating your "Small Stuff" book with this book. After reading it I gave it to a friend going through Chemo Therapy.

   There is big stuff in our lives and this book helps us see a light at the end of a seemingly endless tunnel.




5. Richard Carlson was a very special author (he died at a relatively early age, a couple of years ago). He combined a beautiful style of writing with simple wisdom that nourishes the soul.
   
   Best known for his "small stuff" books, this book recognizes that some things in our life are much more than small stuff. Recently, this book jumped off one of my bookshelves and I re-read it. And, I probably read it more carefully because of my recognition that we will have no more books from Richard. I decided that I needed to review this gem.
   
   Those who have enjoyed any of Carlson's "small stuff" books will undoubtedly enjoy this shift into focus. Everything in life is not small stuff, although as Carlson has taught us over the years much of what we see as a big deal is, in the big picture, not really a big deal.
   
   Newcomers to Carlson's writing will hopefully enjoy his ability to take an issue and so gracefully and so effectively share with us a perspective on how to better deal with the issue. He never preaches at us...he just shares his exceptional wisdom in an easy to read conversational style.
   
   I highly recommend this book as a starting point for all those dealing with a truly life changing event, whether divorce, illness, loss of a loved one or whatever. Because he covers the waterfront of big issues, other authors may provide important additional information. But, this is a compassionate starting point.
   
   PS The author is an inspiration, for me, of a person who used his talents to make the world a better place.