3 comments about How Full Is Your Bucket? Educator's Edition: Positive Strategies for Work and Life.

1. Great book for those who want to be a positive influence on others. Our entire school staff read the book before the year started.



2. I am currently using this book as part of the professional development of the Resident Assistants that I supervise, who are undergraduate college students who work with many different kinds of people. Although my staff does not always recognize the long-term meaning of this work, I feel that when we discuss the chapters and try to show the connection to daily activities, they are able to understand the meaning of the book.
   
   I would recommend this book for an older crowd, and definitely to be used in a team-building way over the course of time.



3. This is a terrifc introduction to teaching students (and co-workers) to become self-aware individuals. The theory provides us with a concrete method for evaluating our behavior and relating to others. These concepts have been well recieved in my 5th-8th grade classrooms. I read them the picture book version of the "story" as we began discussing working successfully in groups. The benefits are already apparent after only 4 weeks of school. The students have carried this over into all other aspects of the curriculum and hopefully at home and in their communities as well. A must read for all educators and administrators!

5 comments about Cherry Bomb: The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Better Flirt, a Tougher Chick, and a Hotter Girlfriend--and to Living Life Like a Rock Star.

1. This book is definitely a must-have for any "edgy" girl. It has anything from how to be a V.I.P. to applying the smokey-eye makeup. It's absolutely great! It's about time someone wrote a book for us rocker chicks!



2. This book would make a charming gift, but its presence in the "Self Help" section puzzled me. None of the entries is more than a page or two long, and the overall theme contradicts that of the edgy subculture it is marketed to: strong, independent women. The book instead wastes several pages trying to instruct the reader how to sleep with rock stars and what kind of bikini waxing style is preferred by rock stars (no joke). It's like a throwback to the 50's housewife, with heavy eyeliner and lots of leather.
   Honestly, it was like a modified edition of Cosmopolitan magazine, with a snazzier cover, cooler name, and higher price.



3. I'm a 30 something, and this book seemed to be talking to my contemporaries and I. It's hilarious, and I couldn't stop reading it. I like the short little sections, and how it's broken down.
   
   The Absinthe is a must read! Also the bottle service was pretty good.
   
   A few of the chapters (about how to date a rockstar, how to get past a bouncer) were a little cupcake for what I was expecting. I think the people who pick up this book, could have taken a little bit more of a dose of reality than that.



4. I guess the book was all it was meant to be. It related stories from different rock stars, their girlfriends and groupies. Not much substance but some parts were interesting.



5. I ordered this book after hearing bout it in a magazine, I'm so glad I took a chance and bought it's a fun book to read and I would recommend it to any women that is willing to try something new.

5 comments about The Passion Test.

1. I should have read the other negative reviews before buying this book. The Passion Test is nothing more than making a list of 10 things you like and then whittling it down. No insight, no creativity, no help.
   
   One thing is clear: The author's passion is marketing pap to the pseudo-spiritual seekers. Save your money.



2. The Passion Test system of clarifying, prioritizing, deepening and aligning yourself with your dreams and purpose has been like a rocket launch for my life, propelling me forward into higher realms of peace, joy and fulfillment I have never known before. Following every step in the process, "working" and living the principles set forth in this powerful book has freed me to utilize the gifts I was given, and Be the person I was meant to be, on a whole new level. I am a counselor and motivational speaker and the Passion Test system has been a great tool in helping my client break free out of their own boxes and begin to fly! This book is not for everyone, only those who truly want to live a passionate, amazing life!



3. This is a very easy read, with a very simple process that will absolutely help you define yourself. And if you think you have already done that, then this book is even more important for you. Creating clarity is the first step towards achieving anything.
   
   Maybe, just maybe you will be one of the few that can not relate to this book, but is it worth the time and money to determine that for yourself? Absolutely. I have read countless books on success, leadership, spirituality and everything in between, this book is a must for anyone seeking to create more abundance, joy and peace in their lives.



4. *****
   The Passion Test...as a former Life Coach I've been there, done it all...yet, this book had much to offer me. I found it to be fresh, exciting, effective. For those of us into self-improvement and personal growth, The Passion Test is a wonderful, intense tool for achieving maximum transformation at truly minimal cost.
   
   The first half of the book is made up of narrative and powerful personal processes that the reader can do to help her/him discover their passions. The second half of the book consists of interviews with famous people (e.g., Dennis Waitley, Stephen Covey, Debbie Ford) who have followed their passions. The second half was fine, but the first part was incredible for me.
   
   When I re-discovered my passions, I found it made the rest of my life clearer, and thus far more likely that I will have the kind of life I want. This process is one I will look forward to repeating periodically---semi-annually or so. The price of the book is so small---to deliver these processes in a seminar format would cost hundreds of dollars---and would be worth it!
   *****



5. This book receives the award for staying in my possession the shortest time ever. It ended in the rubbish two hours after I received it.
   
   This is Janet's story of how to rip you and thousands of others off. Add to that story minutia and pabulum.
   
   Save your money and read the one star reviews. They are all true. The five star reviews are either from morons or the friends of the authors.

5 comments about The Attraction Distraction: Why the Law of Attraction Isn't Working for You and How to Get Results - FINALLY!.

1. Sonia Miller blends her work as a healer and author to clarify for all of us what detracts and distracts from aligning with our deepest desires, and attracting them into our life. In several simple but powerful chapters she teaches us the way of the mystical shaman. Her steps allow us to pave and know the way. Please add this to your Law of Attraction bookshelf!
   
   Mary Hammond MA LPC
   Diplomate Comprehensive Energy Psychology
   Author, Living Your Soul's Purpose
   Global Healing Press 2008
   onedynamicenergetichealing.org



2. I picked up Sonia M. Miller's "The Attraction Distraction" because I wanted to finally attain that un-manifested desire, but by the time I finished reading the book, I was transformed and so were my desires. I felt free. I felt relief. A much needed relief from longing and yearning... I was finally at peace with myself. This is a different kind of book by a different kind of author. Instead of quenching your thirst with a sip, she shows you the wellspring. Where other teachers and coaches stop, she gently but oh so effectively guides you further. Open the book on any page and you will find something to shift your perspective and stir your heart. Her purpose is not only to help you manifest what you want but to show you that there is more. It's about who you become in the process of manifesting your desire, and her words and exercises aim at the heart of what you are going through on your journey. For example, she speaks of the difference between having a vision versus a goal, of "replacement therapy" when your unyielding "attachment" to something is what hinders you from getting it, and how affirmations are not about repetition but finding ones that are true for you so you truly feel their power in your heart. She uses her life as an example throughout the book and is therefore a compassionate teacher that teaches you to "integrate" your ego and emotions into your life instead of condemning them. If you are willing to take the path of self-discovery, read the book and let her take hold of your hand. You will be so glad you did. I am.



3. Sonia is always very clear and eloquent in her writing, and this book is no exception. It is beautifully written and easy to understand. Sonia has great warmth and humanity -- it shows through on every page, especially when she shares her personal anecdotes. Excellent, inspiring work.
   A book you'll want in your library to refer to always...Marijo



4. Great Book! This book adds additional advice that is left out of most "Law of Attraction" books. The first hand experience shared by the author illustrates the principal of "letting go".



5. For me, Sonia Miller made sense out of the Law of Attraction. Her formula, The Mystics Formula, really works! I have read other books and seen videos, but the Attraction Distraction is DIFFERENT. There is no sales pitch or unrealistic claims, just the truth on how to make the Law of Attraction work for you. I am actually seeing results now. Thanks!

2 comments about Think and Grow Rich.

1. Think and Grow Rich is one of the greatest self-help books ever, back in the original 1937 text. Next to the Bible, this is my favorite book. This book embodies Andrew Carnegie's philosophy of achievement which can help an individual to reach their full potential and achieve their goals. I discovered Think and Grow Rich when I read former world champion and International Boxing Hall of Famer Ken Norton's autobiography entitled Going the Distance. Norton shared in his book that he read Think & Grow Rich and it changed his life. Norton's book states he was prescribed to read Think & Grow Rich after he suffered his first boxing defeat and had to start over. He then went on a fourteen fight winning streak and beat Muhammed Ali for the title.
   
   Also recommended: Everything I Needed to Know About Success, I Learned in the Bible (And So Can You!), Going the Distance : The Ken Norton Story, Think and Grow Rich!: The Original Version, Restored and Revised, The Think and Grow Rich Action Pack, Sports Devotional Bible and Every Man a King.



2. This book helped me to change my life and my thinking when I was an impoverished high school dropout. I can't recommend it highly enough. I have shared it with my audult children and often give copies to my friends.
   
   Diana Estill, author of Driving on the Wrong Side of the Road

5 comments about Fooled by Randomness: The Hidden Role of Chance in Life and in the Markets.

1. One of the most self-congratulatory, didactic books I've ever read. Taleb is a convinced ideologue whose expertise in stock trading has created the conviction that he sees the invisible hand at work.
   
   He constantly reminds the reader that he is writing, restating and recasting sections with a reference to his earlier statements (never trust a writer that quotes himself) while dismissing whole schools of thought by selectively quoting from philosophers to make them look silly and misguided--if you read any philosopher, they will eventually prove themselves silly and misguided. It happens when they take themselves too seriously, which Taleb certainly does.
   
   Overall, his ode to skepticism is well conceived, but very thin. Unfortunately, it seems to be the only idea he ever tested. He makes the frequent mistake of confusing the success of a rigorous analysis for the justification of a philosophy as a guiding system to thought for others.
   
   Ultimately, philosophy is what Taleb suggests science is, taking the ideas of Karl Popper over the top and placing them on an alter, "science is mere speculation, mere formulation of conjecture." Popper was a solid skeptic, while Taleb is a convinced acolyte.



2. This book reads a lot like a self-absorbed blogger's rant, but it is a rant that is highly satisfying to read. Almost all of us have a distant relative or friend who is allegedly a "stock market genius". Taleb argues that it is usually hard to know whether that person is truly skilled or just lucky. He argues that most often trading success is either the result of ones arbitrary trading style happening to jibe with market conditions or a product of exposure to volatility in a way that allows for small regular gains leading eventually to a spectacular blowup.



3. Every once in a while, someone really intelligent focuses his thoughts on the most valuable skill a human can have--how to think. Nassim Taleb has done an admirable job at just that: not telling us what to think--but showing us how to think in ways we can apply to innumerable life situations. I'm talking about what Charlie Munger refers to as "multiple mental models."
   
   The most important ideas explored are those of Popper--the idea of the open society--one in which no theory is known with certainty--only with probability, and theories continually replace one another as more information comes in. Interestingly Taleb continually cites Soros as a famous investor who utilized Popper's ideas, but Warren Buffett, the ultimate realist, if queried, would no doubt acknowledge Popper in influencing his thinking. In contrast to Soros and Buffett would be Bill Miller, an intensely philosophic investor, who recently has classified himself as an optimist--but not a realist. In any case, the methods of thinking propounded by Taleb fit nicely into what Charlie Munger classifies as "mental models"--doubtlessly useful stuff for the introspective, philosophical investor.



4. Some years ago, I had a colleague who organized a Mark 6 pool among friends. They had a database of previous Mark 6 results and from it derived that some numbers were more easily drawn than others. They then collectively bet on such numbers which they believed would have a higher probability of winning. I asked him the basis of his action. He explained that the fact some numbers appeared more frequently was real as proven by the statistics. The reason could be the material of the paint of different colour, the difference in the shape of the numbers painted, or their different position before drawing. Although the factors would be too complex to compute, the results shown in the statistics were sufficient to show the bias. By the time I left the department, the pool was still losing money.
   
   It is not a coincident that the essence of the book is exactly on the same thinking. Taleb points out that human beings always overestimate causality, and we tend to view the world as more explainable than it really is. An example used in the book is the performance of stock and option investors. These investors use sophisticated statistical methods to analyze the performance of the market in the past and predict the future. The information they derived from analyzing the past may adequately explained what happened. However, the performance of the market on the following day has no relevance to the past. It is a Brownian movement which only depends on the factors at present. It is actually more random than expected.
   
   For that matter, people always confuse between randomness and causality. The book gives an illustration on the two corresponding sides of such thoughts:
   Randomness v Determinism
   Probability v Certainty
   Belief v Knowledge
   Coincident v Law
   Forecast v Prophecy
   Lucky idiot v Skilled investor
   Survivorship bias v Market out-performance
   Stochastic variable v Deterministic variable
   Noise v Signal
   
   It is not surprising that such thinking would attract objection from the skilled investors. There are a lot of comments on this book defending the reliability and almost certainty of statistical analysis and prediction of market movements. However, from the market performance in recent months, I tend to believe that the market is much more random than we thought.
   
   Since human being developed self-consciousness, or the soul if one likes to call it, we always wonder why things happened. This quest for reasons has also developed into the religion delusion. This innate property of the human mind makes it easy for us to attach reasons, whatever they are, to nearly everything. Thus we are easily fooled by the randomness of nature, which is now beginning to be recognized in modern science such as evolution biology and quantum physics. For the ordinary people, it is useful to reflect on the randomness misconceptions discussed in the book.
   
   There is a survivorship bias in many statistical data we gather. We see the winners and try to learn from them, while forgetting the huge number of losers. The case study used in the book is the survey of the earning ability of the stock and option traders. While a lot of data on the traders in business can be gathered, the survey is actually gathering only the data from the survivors. Data on many traders who lost money and dropped out in the previous years are all ignored. Thus the statistics is unreliable. Let's say we want to survey among government executive officers on how the university graduates adapt to government work. We are only surveying the survivors of the government recruitment. University graduates who do not make it are all missed. If we conduct a survey in an online forum on the habit of people using computer, we are only surveying those surviving in the forum. Such statistics need to be qualified on their target participants. However, there is a misconception that survey with survivorship bias can be applied universally.
   
   Many probabilities have skewed distributions. Many real life situations do not have a 50% probability like the two sides of a coin, but have unusual and counter-intuitive distributions. People can often be fooled by the fact that they won a bet 50 times and think that they will win next time with absolute certainty. Taleb opines that some aggressive stock and option traders eat like chickens and go to the bathroom like elephants. They earn a steady small income from selling the stocks and options, but when a disaster happens they lose a fortune. They are fooled by the randomness of the market which is hidden from them.
   
   There is the story of black swan on probability, on which Taleb eventually wrote another book. Swans in Europe are white. People may take numerous observations to prove that swans are white. So a fact is established that all swans must be white, and the probability is 100%. However, it only takes one twist in the DNA to turn one swan black and the probability is re-written. In fact, black swans are found in Australasia. The impact of the highly improbable is severe. The more improbable it is, the harder the impact when it happens. Another joke on the false improbability is when Taleb observes an old man everyday to see if he is still alive. For eighty years, there have been about 30,000 observations and the old man is still alive. With such a large number of observations, he could conclude that this old man must be a superman who is highly improbable to die. By the track record, he may even live forever. But it only takes one death to turn the probability to zero. The truly scary thing is that the black swan could be a random event. That means it is capable of happening any time to turn a high probability totally upside down.



5. This book is definitely one of the best books ever...I claim to be a mathematician somewhat having gained straight A's in pure and applied mathematics and advanced mathematics with (a boring) engineering degree at a number of UK univerisities, and after years of dabbling in options trading and having experienced first hand; Black Monday (black swan?), the Asian Economic Crisis, living in the epicentre of SARS (lucky to avoid it), and being in this market whilst we have one of the greatest financial crisis ever since the great depression..this book in my opinion is a real diamond and i reckon Taleb is a genius. I agree with his logic and found his book so good I just could not put it down.. I would recommend this book to anyone trying to find "direction in life"(there is none cos it may be random) or those who are going thru major change in life, or simply those who are bored with life and need another " angle"...I agree totally with his analysis of noise vs market movements, and his view of how so many people misunderstand probablility and statistics...and yes I do have an MBA and did find the degree useless...this book "probably" would have been more useful in my career for sure! brilliant book!! Well done!

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 The Attractor Factor: 5 Easy Steps for Creating Wealth (or Anything Else) from the Inside Out.

1. I have read many books about the Law of Attraction, and thought I was doing everything exactly as suggested to manifest my life at the summit. Yet, the results were not what I was visualizing. The attractorfactor helped me get clear on what I was and wasn't doing. What I love about this book is Joe shares real feelings and real struggles that I could relate to, and it helped me find feelings I have been surpressing. Once found, they have been easy to release. Getting me closer and closer to inner peace, freedom and abundance. Thank you Joe, for putting it all out there. This is a book I will read again...and soon. Note to Joe: You don't need all of the testimonials at the beginning, We bought the book, let us start reading it sooner.



2. This is yet another well written book by Dr. Joe Vitale. The book provides the reader with great insights in which to explore and think over. Great reading for anyone wanting more out of their lives!



3. I learned so much, thanks Joe!!! Keep 'em coming!!! the Attractor Factor in fact did teach me to create wealth and success! So easy - you just have to read the book and then implement it.



4. This book takes you where most of us have never been. If your read this book keep an open mind and absorb what you read, grasp what is being taught, and you will come away with a new outlook on not only your own life but life as a part of a larger entity. Don Scott



5. I couldn't even get through 1 CD his voice was sooooooo boring.... Very disappointed. I call this one FALSE ADVERTISING. It wasn't worth one dime of what I paid for it.

1 comments about Get a Life That Doesn't Suck: 10 Surefire Ways to Live Life and Love the Ride.

1. Just reading this book brought me great joy!
   
   Michelle's concepts are explained in straight forward every-day talk with frankness and a whole lot of humor. The book is intelligent, compassionate and confirmed many things I've discovered as I've journeyed on my own life's path. DeAngelis provides meaningful tools in every chapter. Unlike many "self-help" books I've read, she also provides real-life examples and scenarios for each tool, instead of leaving the reader wondering "how does this really work?" Part One's JQ Quiz and the 2nd JQ Quiz (phone a friend!) are eye opening and thought provoking and certainly "suck" you in to find more out about The 10 Life-Changing Ahas in Part Two. I loved this book. Reading it, I felt like I was having a lunch conversation with the author and she was just laying it all out in simple no-bull terms without patronizing me. She's given me a new angle and new perspective on how to handle my own challenges, but even more, how to deal with the people around me who believe their lives TRULY SUCK every minute of every day. Easy to read, easy to comprehend, easy to start living a life that doesn't suck. I recommend reading and keeping a copy for your own bookshelf as a reminder of how great life can be, and buying a copy for every whiner in your life!!

5 comments about The One Thing You Need to Know: ... About Great Managing, Great Leading, and Sustained Individual Success.

1. How long should it take you to tell someone the ONE thing they need to know? A whole book? Mr. Buckingham is a promoter - a salesman. Nothing wrong with that but you are not going to achieve enlightenment by reading it. This is just a generation X Zig Zigler. Don't be pathetic and think that a self-help book is going to change your life. That only comes through reflection and personal growth. So, now for free I am going to tell you the one thing you need to know AND I am even going to give you two versions of it:
   
   Version One: Jesus "Do into others what you would have others do into you."
   Version Two: Hillel "What is hateful to you do not do to your fellow man."
   
   There are other versions.
   
   It is called the Ethic of Reciprocity. All else is commentary. Now go study.



2. Every book holds a promise. This one holds 3 and keeps 4. Not a bad score.
   The book shares with you the secrets of individual success, management, leadership, and successful relationships. Yes, you could wish Marcus threw in the secret of eternal youth - but, I guess, he is still working on it. Good luck, Marcus! Your audience awaits!



3. I found Marcus Buckingham's wisdom about great management and leadership to be right on. Having worked in an environment that focused on people's weaknesses as an area for growth, this book was refreshing and pointed to the importance of developing talent and strengths. The examples are about well established people and very intriguing to study.



4. The title is misleading...it's not one thing, it's many...and the many things the author cites are rehashed wisdom and experience, though he does present them in a succinct way. This book is for management junkies, not serious people looking for practical strategies to improve their and their team's performance. This is one more example of the superficial competition to fill your bookshelves with passed on wisdom. Better to roll up your sleeves and just DO IT!



5. The 3 things that 'stuck':
   1) As a Manager: Celebrate uniqueness
   2) As a Leader: Call on needs we all share
   3) Sustained Success: Cut out activities that don't feed you - pull from strength!