2 comments about Magic in Practice - Introducing Medical NLP: the Art and Science of Language in Healing and Health.

1. I recommend people buy this and give it to their doctor!
   This book is great! It's not just for medical professionals, but a great primer for using NLP!



2. The book speaks for itself. And Richard Bandler gives a glowing endorsement to boot! That being written... Use this book. Carry it with you. Read and read again, stat! It combines the best of the best and makes it easy to access immediately. Good show gentleman and thank you.
   
   After you have read this review and ordered Magic In Practice, please go to: Richard Bandler's Guide to Personal Change: Neuro-linguistic Programming for Everybody and Richard BandlerÆs Guide to Trance-formations: Hypnosis for Everybody and pre-order these books. And be on the lookout for new Personal Enhancement CD's!!!

5 comments about The Unfair Advantage: Sell with NLP!.

1. Excelent book for those who are in sales and sales management. Easy read, practical advice with practice exercises. I taught my employees the techniques from the book, their sales went up. I strongly recommend it to everybody!



2. NLP will help you sell, and it may close a particular sale. It won't work everywhere with everyone. In my opinion, while it has some value, the zealots have overhyped NLP. "The Unfair Advantage: Sell with NLP!" has a weak binding, so that pages literally falls from the book as you turn them.



3. The fact that you are reading my review shows me your interest in a balanced and honest viewpoint on how well THE UNFAIR ADVANTAGE will work for you. However, let me honestly tell you it will only be relevant to you, if you decide that increasing your sales and making more money is important to you. If so, I strongly feel that this book will help you if not for any other reason than myself, and other TOP-PERFORMERS use the "unfair advantage" to increase our sales. Now, if you choose to order the UNFAIR ADVANTAGE will have an easy to follow road-map for success, the only problem is all the paperwork you will have to process as a result of, your sales will increase. This is the easiest way to put NLP to work for you without the confusion and in depth psycology that others in the field of NLP provide. I've read everything by everyone about NLP and Duane Lakin's Unfair Advantage has proven to be most beneficial, easiest to understand, sure-fire method of acheiving success so quickly, it may even surprise you!



4. As an executive coach and sales trainer I found this book quite interesting. I am into NLP and my coaching practice was built on using those techniques, as does part of my sales seminars.
   
   As I was reading through the book I found it lacking in NLP aspects, it utilizes only a smallaspect of what could be used. It almost seemed like the "workbook" or the introduction to the seminars that he offers (in the back of the book seemed like there was more to it. Overall this book is informative and for those that are not familiar with some of the aspects that NLP offers then this is a good read. Even though it deals primarily with interaction and presumes that you have the ability to talk to or meet with your client, there are some aspects that can be used while writing sales letters.
   
   I do belive that with a combination of other books about NLP this is a very good purchase. I personally read the Pshycology of persuasion, by Kevin Hogan (not an NLP book), immidiatly after reading this book. The combination between the two books made for some interesting thoughts to be triggered.
   
   If you are looking to learn about NLP in depth this isn't the right book for you. If you are looking to understand a small aspect of NLP and how you can utilize it to increase your business, then go for it and enjoy the read. There are very good pointers in this book that you will benefit from.



5. I have read many book s that deal with the subject of NLP. Most I have read give you great theoretical information on the practice of NLP, but this is the first book I have read that actually provides excercises for practicing the techniques. This book is not an in depth review of NLP but it is a practical workbook that will improve your skill in specific areas. I would recomend this book to anyone who needs to be more pursuasive.

4 comments about Sourcebook of Magic: A Comprehensive Guide to NLP Change Patterns.

1. Those of you who missed the 1st edition of this excellent book, there is now a second chance to pick up this modern classic.
   
   The premise of the work is that many NLP books are available that contain, within extensive "padding", only a few patterns, some books just one or two. Hall achieves his goal of separating the wheat from the chaff admirably with all the objectivity of a Haynes car manual leaving this pragmatic work refreshingly academic yet accessible. Like a cookbook it is reference driven allowing the practitioner access to these powerful patterns without the contingency of having to wade into battle against the author's literary aspirations.
   
   What are these patterns?
   Most of these patterns are primarily action orientated, simple exercises to be run through step by step with regard to specific ends. The other few are, more fundamentally, explanations of NLP assumptions, such as the principle of well formed outcomes.
   
   Hall begins by introducing the reader to an overview of NLP and levels-of-processing that is indispensable, as within the instructions to the patterns he falls back on a few technical concepts with out further explanation, such as "test and future pace".
   
   Then we come the patterns themselves, organised roughly according to their level of processing, the book allows you to easily select a pattern for your goal. Included patterns are; collapsing anchors, resolving internal conflict, chaining states, becoming intentionally compelled, responding to criticism, healthy eating, spinning icons.....
   
   The second edition adds to the first; some simplification of the procedures and a little more detail as to the cognitive / behavioural mechanisms used in the patterns, and a deserved revision of the introduction. In the first (and second) edition Hall asserts that there may be as many as 200 distinct patterns and surely some that haven't been invented (or should that be discovered?) yet. So I was expecting some new patterns in the 2nd ed. but it's the original 77.
   I don't know how I would start to define the distinction of a unique pattern (as opposed to a variant) anyway. I find it unlikely that at a computational - cognitive level there are 200 modes of action, so it's safe to assume the all of the building blocks are here for you. Hall hints that, a list of patterns touted as "exhaustive", would promote dogma and stagnate inventive development, through his legitimate assertion that all the patterns are largely prototypical and are easily extended and adapted.
   
   Without being overly complex, this book is dense.



2. I find this book immensely helpful as a resource for the 77 NLP Patterns, and also because of the NLP introduction at the beginning.
   L.M.Hall outlines the different levels at which we process information highlighting the truth about sub-modalities. He then goes on to describe, "The Mechanism of Change" and how the magic works.
   With each pattern he provides an explanation of when to use it and precisely how.
   An excellent resource for those who, like me, need all the patterns in one book.



3. I bought this book recently, and even working on the first pattern, I noticed a significant mental shift, when I ran the pattern through my own neurology. I have used that pattern many times, and just feel very calm. It could also be called the Law of Attraction pattern.
   
   A complaint of many NLP books is that they are difficult to read or the concepts are difficult to grasp. I can assure that this book is not difficult to follow, if you have a basic grasp of NLP. I highly recommend it.
   
   If you were to find this review helpful, please click yes.



4. A sourcebook that has daily implications. Used and read on a daily basis. I dont think you will outgrow the concepts available for you to try it on yourself and anybody else.
   
   Each element is relevant and challenging, complete in its description and yet flexible enough for you to experiment. I plan to have it as a constant companion.

5 comments about NLP at Work, Second Edition: How to Model What Works in Business to Make It Work for You (People Skills for Professionals).

1. Neuro linguistic programming, which sounds like a diabolical technique straight out of A Clockwork Orange, is actually a relatively straightforward method of paying attention to the verbal and non-verbal messages that people constantly emit. By noting the inflection, body language and eye movements of others, you can glean a better understanding of what they are really thinking. Conversely, by controlling the signals that you send, you can make sure that people are getting the right message. With the caveat that many elements of NLP are straight out of Communications 101, we from getAbstract recommend this book to anyone in business whose communications skills could use an upgrade.



2. The author has touch on many a NLP techniques and has not talked enough about them to enable the reader to learn those techniques.



3. Oh dear. I thought long and hard about whether I should write a review on this book.
   
   Clearly work has gone into writing it and I did pay quite a few dollars for it, so I really wish it had been good.
   
   But no, I have to be honest, I think it has done more to turn me off the subject of NLP than even the most skeptical write-ups on the subject.
   
   I was looking for a book that would give me a proper guide to NLP skills I could use in the workplace or business.
   
   This neither explained properly or simply the NLP skills, nor their application in business.
   
   It did make an attempt, but it did the worst possible thing it could - it bored the hell out of me.
   
   To say that NLP is meant to be software for your brain, the science and practice of human excellence and is said to be as potentially limitless as the imagination itself, this book bored my socks off.
   
   Sorry, but I found it so dry and dull.
   
   None of the techniques, theories, etc, seemed to be very practical or hang together, it just seems to go from one subject to another with no accumulation of value or learning, which is ironic because that is what NLP is meant to be about.
   
   I'm no expert, but I can tell you that one of the first books I ever read on NLP doesn't go into all the dull as dishwater complexities that this book does, but it has 100 times the value. That book is Change Your Life in Seven Days by Paul McKenna (see my review). It doesn't actually even mention NLP but contains all the useful techniques without the dullness of this work, and it's much cheaper, too, with a free recorded guided mind reprogramming session which is the true power of NLP in action.
   
   Back to this book - it seems to have little application in business and is pushing a bright and frothy agenda. Well business isn't all like that. Alot of the time it's tough stuff and I can't see anything here helping even remotely.
   
   Yes, I know all that stuff about mirroring and matching the language and gestures of the other person, but really, unless you are extremely quick, the transactions between people are so subtle that you are not exactly likely to get some negotiation breakthrough of massive proportions by the means described here.
   
   I have since discovered a number of books that are much more effective in outlining persuasion/negotation and communication techniques in business and blow this book out of the water.
   
   As I say, it put me off NLP for some time. However, from other books I have seen some merit in the subject and I still have some interest in it.
   
   I have checked out a book on Amazon called Introducing NLP and have only read the searchable pages online.
   
   However, those few pages seemed to give more clear and compact info than the first 250 pages of NLP at work.
   
   Even the subject matter in NLP at Work is just poorly applied to business. Modelling is apparently just copying what someone else does to get the same effect. Well I learnt how to do that at school, and it's not that revolutionary a concept.
   
   And meta-messages. What is the overall message a business is trying to give? This is not a meta-message. This is known as corporate image/identity and again is not a revolutionary concept.
   
   If you need tips from this book on it, in the very brief way it is mentioned, then you are probably sunk already.
   
   The only slightly redeeming part is that the section on anchoring is reasonably well described.
   
   However, I think this book needs to decide what it is trying to be.
   
   If you want to give a business person, who is fresh to the subject, the tools of NLP to use in a business setting, you have to come from a business perspective.
   
   That perspective is a practical one. One that doesn't have time to trawl through all the hokey-pokey that is dragged through here.
   
   After all, NLP is meant to be about what works. And this book sure doesn't work for me!



4. I find this book an excellent introduction to the field of Neuro-Linguistic Programming. While there are a few other good introductory level books, this one is specific to the work context and for many people this is the best place to start improving your communication skills. Most challenges in the work place arise as a result of ineffective communication. Improvements in this area can lead to greater job satisfaction and more opportunities for advancement. Sue Knight writes in an easy to read style that will be accessible to all readers. I had purchased the first edition, but this newest edition has so much additional information that I purchased a second copy.



5. Every business person who has not been exposed to NLP should, as a minimum, be familiar with this easy to read book and its concepts.
   
   They would be very surprised that the situations they struggle with on a daily basis, are merely sequences that can change as easily as changing your mind.

5 comments about Finding True Magic: Transpersonal Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy/NLP.

1. Submitted for Leona Moran, reviewer:
   Finding True Magic is an exceptional resource for therapists, a guide for individuals, and the textbook for a comprehensive hypnotherapy training course. The second edition of this fine text is elegant; the author's perspectives and techniques clear and accessible.
   
   Jack Elias writes in the genre of Daniel Goleman, Jon Kabat-Zinn and Mark Epstein: brilliant, passionate thinkers with a genius for interpreting and applying Eastern thought for the benefit of Westerners in the helping professions and those seeking to bring illumination to the dilemmas of their personal lives. He draws upon the experience of continuous study during his entire adult life with some of the major teachers of Eastern philosophy who have come to the West. These teachings have been deepened and integrated by his own meditation practice and in 18 years as a counselor, hypnotherapist, and teacher.
   
   Gifted writers somehow infuse their work with their own voices. Elias' voice is clear, touching and compelling in these pages, enlivening the text with passion for the material and revealing the depth of his own rigorous honesty and contemplation of the ideas he presents. Direct, articulate and poetic, his writing invites the reader - whether experienced therapist or lay person - to embark upon a journey toward awakening.
   
   True Magic, in Elias' perspective, can be found in the basic goodness of each individual. Grounded in uncompromising, and unsentimental faith in the presence and function of innate basic goodness, he assembles a wealth of practical techniques that make the magic of healing profoundly inspiring and understandable. He makes simple observations and then describes how they can profoundly transform and empower the therapeutic process and personal growth. For example, he states "Hypnotic processes are redundant...because we are always already in trance," and, "we think we live in the world, but we live in our minds." He then proceeds to give the reader a working understanding of these points
   
   Elias emphasizes that therapy and self inquiry must be based on the assumption that even problem behaviors, attitudes or emotional pain have behind them an innate pure intent of achieving wholeness and balance. The role of the therapist - and the intent of the book - are to redirect awareness and energy to dissolve habitual patterns fueled by negative emotions that maintain physical, mental and emotional pain. The therapist is the facilitator of a natural healing process rather than a controller "doing" hypnosis to a client in trance.
   
   Some of the most immediately useful elements are a wide variety of original scripts that can be used by students and therapists in traditional trance work or by individuals as a basis for healing meditation or journaling. Each script reflects the use of relaxation, healing imagery, and application of newly discovered inner resources that lead to ecologically sound, lasting solutions. The solutions and newly recognized resources which emerge spontaneously from the unconscious can be claimed as evidence of the individual's own inner strength and healing power. Solutions -and the ability to generate creative healing solutions - become permanent resources for future growth. Script topics range from self hypnosis for deep, healing relaxation, to regression and past life therapy, resolving inner conflicts, pain relief, exploring the human relationship to archetypal energies, and many others..
   
   All of the work - text, instructions, examples and scripts incorporate and teach the arts of hypnotic communication: trance induction techniques, deep relaxation, pacing and leading, neuro-linguistic processes, vivid use of metaphor, imagery and more. The whole approach relies on the natural way the mind perceives, interprets, stores, processes and retrieves sensory information to quickly resolve problems such as phobias, trauma relief, motivation and performance enhancement.
   
   The goal of all these techniques is to accomplish brief therapy that is based in natural mind/body healing capacities that are powerful, deep and transformative. Finding True Magic is a resource that makes this liberating kind of work possible for therapists of a variety of persuasions. It provides unforgettable insights about the role of the helper and illuminates the path of personal growth.



2. I'm on my second read of Finding True Magic and am finding it remarkable. A must-have for clinicians or anyone who wishes to explore, accept and honor who we truly are.



3. Get this book. Read it several times. Take a class with Jack Elias.
   
   I'm a Hypnotherapist and NLP Practitioner. I consider this book one of the cornerstones of my library - it is a textbook you can refer to over and over again. In fact, it is so densely packed with information, if you're anything like me you will *need* to read it over and over again to get everything out of it.
   
   There are so many books out there, let me tell you why this book is different. Instead of being a "how-to" book about techniques, it is more of a "why" book about the human mind. Although this book contains techniques and scripts and explanations, underneath all that is a discourse about why people think they have "problems" in the first place. By reading this book you will discover that the "problem" your client thinks he or she has is simply a "trance state." You do not need to hypnotize anyone - they have already hypnotized themselves. I found many other books and trainings taught me to replace these "negative trances" with more "positive trances." This book, however, invites you to "wake up" from trances altogether and realize the profound effect you are having on your world by the way you observe it. Because of this, it is both a "beginner" and an "advanced" text.
   
   I learned lots of techniques in other hypnotherapy and NLP trainings - but I didn't know what to do when my techniques "didn't work" with one particular client or another. After reading this book and taking Jack's class, I no longer have to rely on techniques. I can simply deal with whatever emerges.
   
   This is the textbook for Jack's class, and although it is a great teaching tool by itself I do not think I would have gleaned as much from it by myself. I highly recommend Jack's live trainings, if you can take one you should. I don't know what else to say except I have taken 4 different hypnosis/NLP training classes and Jack's was one of the very best if not the best one. Not only did I learn techniques, I learned about the true nature of the mind!
   
   --Paul Skavland, CHT



4. I have had some email contact with the author. He provides certification classes in Hypnotherapy in Seattle, which seem to usually require a 2 week period. The Transpersonal slant is quite interesting!



5. There's a lot here and Elias certainly knows his stuff. If you haven't experienced the foundational hypnosis work of Dave Elman, you'll have a hard time finding a better advocate than Jack Elias.
   
   When it comes to the transpersonal part, Elias certainly throws his hodgepodge of Vedantic Spirituality, Tibetan Buddhist mental constructs, Psychosynthesis, Astrology, Archetypal psychology, past life regression and a little bit of NLP into the mix. The actual hypnosis work is technically excellent and well explained. I just don't find the philosophical underpinnings particularly well tied together.
   
   Having worked with hypnotherapy for 20 years I can say that Elias know his stuff. If you want your hypnosis with a new age slant, here it is. If you want Buddhist based practices look elsewhere. This is directive hypnosis not mindfulness meditation.

5 comments about Presenting Magically: Transforming Your Stage Presence with NLP.

1. Some context: I've debated, acted in plays and done presentations in various forms all my life and won awards consistently. I've also read 100+ books on speaking/presenting/influencing such as influence by cialdini, art of rhetoric by aristotle, nlp books, dale carnegie.
   
   However, this book is by far the best book i've ever read on presenting.
   
   There are priceless ideas and exercises in here for
   1) Managing how you feel.
   2) Managing the audience's state i.e. how they feel.
   3) Keeping different types of people involved i.e. people with different representational systems (visual, kinesthetic, etc.) and different attitudes (why do this, how do we do this, etc.)
   4) A great structure for presentations.
   5) Energy Level
   6) Developing rapport with the audience.
   7) Going into a state which is ideal for presenting.
   8) Using open ended stories (open loops) to increase audience's curiosity etc.
   9) Reading the audience
   
   Do read this book - it's a piece of art. And it'll definitely help you get much much better results and have more fun when presenting and interacting with people.



2. This book was recommended to me by a friend and I shall be indebted to that person the rest of my life. As a professional presenter I constantly need to review my delivery techniques and look for ways to add impact for my audience. This book turned out to be an amazing assest in that regard.
   I tried two techniques right after finishing the book and was amazed at their efficacy. I try to add one more during each presentation. If your serious about improving your ability to relate to groups (or individuals for that matter) buy and use this book. It is indeed magic.



3. This is an excellent book. Probably the only one you'll need if you want to know about NLP and want to be a good presenter at the work or church. The book has plenty exercises and it is well written with just enough pictures, small chapters and deep subject with clear and concise explanation. I give it 5 stars, and I have read it many times and never get tired of reading it.



4. Do not listen to naysayers. This book delivers what it promises. This book transends college text books and move you into the realm to really powerful presentation. If you are truly looking to improve your presentation skills, then get this book.



5. This book is a tough read, but has some very valuable information. The front side of the book is laborious to read and doesn't share a lot of new insights into presenting. But, if you can get through the core of the book, the backside has some hidden gems. Maybe a second time through would bring the front of the book more into perspective. Overall, as American Idol Randy Jackson says, "It was just alright."

5 comments about Foundations of Statistical Natural Language Processing.

1. Compared to the slightly overrated Jurafsky and Martin's classic, this book aims less targets but hits them all more precisely, completely and satisfactory for the reader. That is, just to give you an idea on what to expect, instead of attacking 200 problems on 2 pages each, this book attacks only 40 problems on 10 pages each.
   
   So, read the TOC before you buy the book: if you find your topics there, you're done, you are saved, buy it and be happy. In contrast, you can buy Jurafsky's book without caring to read the TOC: your problem is likely to be mentioned there but it's quite unlikely to be detailed enough to satisfy you.
   
   Some introductory chapters take too much space and some advanced topics are missing. But the book is actually named "Foundations of..." so it seems to deliver precisely what it promisses, which is a precious and rare accomplishment by itself. I recommend this book.



2. Only buy this book if you want a very technical book about this subject. I bought this book because I was generally interested in this research field... and I never read it. If you are a researcher or a student studying this field, then this might be a good book. Otherwise, there are books that you will probably enjoy more.



3. this is an import pre-req to any research/inquiry into this field.



4. I have never received anything so quick buying off the internet. Few days and I had the book in my hand. I was pleasantly surprised.



5. This is a good book for people who are interested in computational linguists, machine
   learning experts who are looking for new application domains and in general for someone who wants an introduction to statistical computational linguistics.
   
   The book is self contained and very well written. It treats most of the general statistical approaches to language processing such as language models, smoothing, etc.. in an excellent, but introductory manner. The book is a good start for any one looking to enter statistical nlp, however for advanced readers who would like to see the cutting edge of statistical computational linguistics they should look somewhere else.

No comments about Meta-Magick: The Book of ATEM: Achieving New States of Consciousness Through NLP, Neuroscience and Ritual.

5 comments about Develop Your NLP Skills (3rd edition).

1. I like this book.
   
   The book contain a perfect intro into NLP. Provide a lot of important informations, interesting text, easy readable content.
   Four stars, just because, I think this book is just for beginners. If you are going to buy your 6th book about NLP and you are working with NLP a long time already, this will be just another one and you will be probably not able to absorb a lot of new informations.
   For NLP "starters" this may really be the best book.
   I also appericiate as one of reviewers here that its the book brevity.



2. This book is fine for those who want to get an overview of some of the NLP concepts quickly. Serious readers of NLP will find this superficial. If you really want to learn NLP and apply it in your day to day life, you will be better off reading other NLP books which explain these much more in depth.



3. Once again, I've fallen for the old "froth & bubble". This book is far too short to give you a sustantial insight into how these processes work - and how to practically apply them. In my opinion it is far too brief and too general. It seems that it may be more useful for students of the subject who need a "quick reference" book.
   Apart from these quibbles it is well written.



4. Duh, should someone explain to the previous pair that BOOK reviews are meant to be about the book that is on sale rather than bitching because the book wasn't what they thought it OUGHT to be about?
   
   Ive bought three copies of this book over the last ten years, one from each edition and believe it or not I didnt do that because its frothy or shallow.
   
   I also agree with Andy Smiths review. Ive read quite a few books on NLP and Ive seen several which have good things to say but spend too much time getting them said. And some like 'Neurolinguistic Programming for Dummies' which would have been a whole lot better if they hadnt been published at all.
   
   I like this book because I agree with Andy Smith that it packs a lot of information in to a pretty small space and without losing the important details. IMO its a great introduction to NLP and a useful reference book after that. Who else takes time to explain the presuppositions for instance? They arent covered in this much detail in any of the other NLP books I've read. Samething on the eye accessing cues. Andrew Bradbury doesnt just tell us what they are he shows how they work with the three main thinking modes (visual auditary and kinesthetic) and tells us how we can get the best rapport with someone in each mode. Great stuff for interviewers sales people and just about everyone else I should think.
   
   So I would recommend this book to anyone who has a beginners interest in NLP. IMO its worth every cent.



5. I've noticed that this book has regularly appeared high up in the specialist subject lists for "memory improvement" and "presentations".
   
   At the risk of losing a few readers I feel, therefore, that it is only fair to point out that this book says nothing about improving one's memory [ as far as I remember ;) ], and has only one chapter on presentation skills.
   
   For presentation skills I have another complete book on the subject, in the same series, called "Successful Presentation Skills."
   
   For memory skills I'd recommend checking out books by Tony Buzan and Dominic O'Brien.
   
   Happy reading
   
   Andy Bradbury

5 comments about NLP: The New Technology of Achievement.

1. Unlike some books and cd's about NLP, this cd does not promote it as some kind of magical cure all. NLP is presented for what it is, a useful and practical means of changing the way we think and associate things in our brains. Its our internal feedback and associations that feeds our fears and limits our thinking. NLP, is one way of overwriting the circuits in our brains with new and more helpful circuits. This is a no Bull, practical program.



2. This book has it all, as a new NLP enquirer, I loved this book because it gave me the basics all in one book...Must have starter book for beginers or the curious.



3. I like this book. It's easier to follow than my first venture into NLP, which was Anthony Robbins's 'Ultimate Power.' It's not that UP is a bad book--it's very inspirational to be honest--but I think what Robbbins is giving you in UP is how NLP worked for him.
   
   This book is structured better, offers many more exercises, and generally is a more enjoyable read (the more you reflect on your behavioral patterns, the more you understand yourself, and the more you appreciate this book). Also, it doesn't offer the absurd advice on nutrition that Robbins's book does.
   
   I highly recommend this book to anyone who thinks NLP might be for them.



4. I am giving this book two stars- but I begrudge it the second one. It has to be two because it DOES contain the information I bought it for. But I wish I could in good conscience give it one single star- or fewer- because on nearly every page, there's something that makes me want to reach through the book and slap the writers.
   
   I don't enjoy books that effuse with frothy enthusiasm so trillingly that it undercuts the information it's supposed to deliver. And I don't enjoy books where the authors seem to be addressing me and my curiosity about the topic in a sugary voice as if I am a Kindergartner.
   
   So I am not enjoying this book. At all.
   
   I wish that before I'd purchased this book I'd seen the dedication page. It reads: "Dedicated to the joyful heart and soaring spirit of every child reaching for a greater world, especially in yourself."
   
   Now, friends- I sincerely hope your heart is joyful and that your spirit soars. But that sugary prose in the dedication would have tipped me off about what was ahead- and I'd have run for the hills. To get to the information, you have to deal with the authors achingly precious hopes for this book to change your life.
   
   Ever have a cappucino that was all foam with only a little sip of coffee at the bottom of the cup? Remember how you raised the paper cup to your lips and there wasn't anything to swig? Remember the sense that you'd just been ripped off?
   
   Yeah. It's a lot like that.
   
   If you like non-fiction delivered to you like a bed-time story, maybe you'll like this book. But if not-- don't buy this book. Run very fast to the next selection.
   
   If I can stop even one person from buying this book, it was worth my time to write this review.



5. This is a great book on how to improve your performance in any area of your life. I've only just started applying some of the ideas and already I notice that I am able to focus better when I study and dragging myself out of bed in the morning is not as difficult as it once was.