5 comments about Fabulosity: What It Is & How to Get It.

1. Since watching her show, 'Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane" on the Style Network, I've become an avid fan of the self-styled, self-proclaimed diva. In the spirit of all things fabulous, I decided to purchase the book thinking it would be as fun and as over-the-top as its spirited author. I was not disappointed. With that said, the book, which the author hopes will serve as a self-help manual-- one that gets you in touch with your inner diva (Be yourself but be a slave to fashion as well.) -- is far too self serving for Simmons, an owner of a clothing/style empire. The message is possibly damaging to her young urban audience who need more lessons on the important of education and the delay of gratification than what shoes go with what purse.



2. Well, first off, I had always been captivated by Kimora, and figured if anyone knows about being fabulous and could teach us a thing or two, it would be her. But after a couple chapters into the book, I felt that this was more about her out to clearly promote a certain image of herself, one apart from Russell, that she wants us all to have for some reason.... (grooming us for the ensuing divorce from him?).
   She carefully monitored her words through this,& repeatedly pounded an image she wanted to project of having "already made it big" in her teenage years WAAAY before her marriage to Russell Simmons. Oddly, the only reference of a modeling year that she refers to several times in the book was ..."when she was 13" . She made sure to try and appear to keep it real by injecting some experiences of human vulnerablity, and gave a few small glimpses (detailed descriptions) of her monied world, but spent much time referring back and repeating about this "great and extensive European $50k-a week modeling career" she supposedly had through high school, and how she learned to: live on her own in France, smartly taking control of her finances, conduct herself in business, and handle life's lessons...all at the age of 13! Hardly believable. Then looking at the provided photos in the book, I found it very curious that there was only 1 of her (pre-Russell Simmons) modeling years, a United Colors of Benneton ad, where she looks like an average pug-nosed teenager. So I Googled about 50 pages of Images for her and still found NOTHING of any modeling photos of her in that decade before marrying him. It seemed clear that her real objective for writing the book was to convince everyone that she had "made it" way before Russell Simmons came into her life, which I dont think anyone really cares (nor believes). I'm sure she was beautiful and fabby when they met, and Russell married her and elevated her into his monied life...so what?
   Now, I am interested and intrigued in the opulence of the rich & famous like anyone else, and I love to hear the anecdotes of the successsful, but Kimora just doesnt appear to really have any real depth from life's lessons to offer us, in that she went from being basically a teenager to marrying Russell. Its easier to be beautiful and fabby with lots of money, and obviously any of her hardships were always easily overcome with their money. She didnt present anything that showed real blood sweat and tears about her life, or any profundity. I would have rather have just read the truth from her and been intrigued by the power of money to solve problems, and the fun it can bring to a girl's life. Russell would probably have given us something with much more redeeming value if HE wrote the book!
   With the Baby Phat business, I'm sure she certainly must have gone through the guts of up-starting a business, but once again, the obstacles hurdled and the resolutions implemented took money to get through, (which she had, and which she did successfully), and so nothing inspiring there. Basically after reading completely through the book, I got the impression that she was still rather immature and a still-self absorbed game playing girly-girl for one now in her mid 30's. There ARE some good, inspiring quotes that she includes from other celebrities, like: "The thing women have yet to learn is no one gives you power, you just take it"(Roseanne Barr). These made me want to read books by THOSE people. Overall, I came away feeling that Kimora is highly calculative and probably thinks most of her readers were pretty easy to manipulate. There was some amusing things in there, but she doesnt really give of herself genuinely. If anyone, I think this book is best suited for early 20-somethings, who want to learn how to present a certain image, and possibly maximize their potential opportunities in the business world, or if you just want to become more intrigued by Kimora's self-promotion. Not really for a more matured (not talking 'old' here)audience that is already comfortable in their own skin, but are just looking for some profundity and inspiration for an elevated "image makeover" out of the soccer-mom lifestyle.



3. This book definitely reminds us of some good advices we typically tend to forget. It can in fact help you gain some confidence. It's also pleasant and easy to read.
   Nevertheless, I think that it would have been much nicer in a more concise form as, right now, it's really a "girly girly" book, which rather promotes its author, more than anything else.



4. Not much to say, but "fabulosity" is what it is! Kimora, thank you for contributing to society in many positive ways! Readers: Buy it and review it for yourself.



5. I sincerely enjoyed this book! I've read many books on the subject of how to build brands and businesses, but Kimora gave me exactly what I was looking for! She gave details on what it takes to brand a SUCCESSFUL company and I'm clear that successful branding starts with myself.
   
   If you're in the entertainment industry, this book is a must read for women who need that extra FLARE!
   
   Great novel Kimora! You're my new mentor!
   
   thecartelpublications.com

No comments about Who Would You Be Without Your Story?: Dialogues with Byron Katie.

5 comments about The Emotional Intelligence Quick Book.

1. A great book with very useful information for everyday life. It can be extremely useful if implemented into your life. Highly recommend!



2. Wow! Emotional intelligence really packs a punch! It is an amazing skill set that has a tremendous impact upon what we do and say each day. I learned a lot from this book about how emotional intelligence works and also how I can improve and use it to my advantage. The online test that comes with the book is outstanding! Very informative and such a nice addition to provide with a book.
   
   I came across this book when I read Squawk!: How to Stop Making Noise and Start Getting Results by the same author. I enjoyed Squawk! a lot (it's about leadership) and really see the connection to emotional intelligence. They are very complimentary and both very helpful books. Highly recommended!



3. This is a special book. In addition to illustrating how emotional intelligence works and why it is important, it showed me how I can identify my emotions accurately in the moment and respond to them more effectively. The techniques are quite easy to apply, and I am already managing the destructive emotions better. A must read for people who are looking to get ahead at work and/or get along better with a spouse or loved ones.



4. I'm a big fan of the Dalai Lama and noticed that he liked this book and wrote a blurb for it. So, I gave it a try and got a lot out of it. It's a very practical book that shows you how to understand and manage your emotions, how to read other people, and how to connect better with those you care about and those you work with. It's the kind of book you go back to and reference after you read it. Highly recommended.



5. I was given this book in a training program and, to be perfectly honest, I don't normally read the books they give us. My company does a great deal of leadership training, and sometimes it's just too much as we're in the financial industry (the better part of it!) and working hard these days. Anyhow, this book sucked me right in. The anecdotes and stories are powerful illustrations of emotional intelligence at work. The book teaches you what EQ is and then it shows you emotional intelligence in action in the real world. This is quite motivating, and it's nice because the book follows with strategies you can use to increase your emotional intelligence and a test you take online that shows you what your EQ is, what your strengths are, and what you need to work on.

5 comments about How to Win Friends & Influence People.

1. No wonder this is a classic. It is a good reminder of all the things you inherently know, but forget as a normal part of daily life. Immediately upon starting to read it, the way I was dealing with people changed - and business improved quickly! Obviously, a book that should be read over and over. One of the best!



2. This book will make you a million bucks just like it has me if you follow the very simple rules for relating to people.



3. How reading a single book can change your life!
   
   It's true, when I was 16 years old I (like many others I have now found out since then) read my first book about business. I was drawn to it in a small, old fashioned book shop that's no longer in business. At the time I didn't really know any entrepreneurs or people that ran their own business and I had no mentor to point me in the right direction. The book simply "spoke" to me and I grabbed it and bought it.
   
   Weird stuff. Especially as at the time I was a quiet, shy sort of a guy but in my heart I had a burning ambition - I just didn't realise it yet!
   
   The books name was "How to Win Friends and Influence People" - You must have heard of it I am sure but I hadn't at the time and I would say that `personal development' was not the juggernaut it is today.
   
   It changed my life (for the better) - it gave me confidence in general and more importantly it lit a small flame to start my own business that grew and grew until I did just that two years later at 18 years old.
   
   So what you may say, plenty of people have done that! Well it was quite a shift for me, my father only ever worked for 2 companies his whole life and I was expected to go into a life long job myself in biotechnology or something similar - certainly not to waste my `brains' on cleaning offices and cars!!
   
   The book made me change me outlook on life completely - it made me `think' that I could do anything I put my mind to doing and it also gave the courage to get over my shyness at key moments in my life.
   
   It was the start of life long reading habit (before that I couldn't be bothered with reading and we had very few books in my house as a kid) - even to this day 20+ years later I still go and get a few books on a topic if I want to learn something new.
   
   Also, I have adopted the strength to face all my fears `head-on' since then - when i felt anxious about public speaking I got a few books and tapes and learnt until I was pretty good at it, the same for selling, marketing, finance, hr, technology, programming, manufacturing, teaching, training and on and on.
   
   I became curious about other people and looked for the `good' in them and I feared nothing and no-one. I strived for my goals and I achieved them all.
   
   I am trying to illustrate the power of the written word along with a great (if a little dated) book. Also, I want to reiterate the power of personal development as a whole. Today many run down the idea of personal development and it's many offspring.
   
   Personal development is just like this book - you should read and learn and then apply the principles that you believe in to your life.
   
   You must take action on the one's you believe in and you must apply your own moral standards and integrity to anything you learn from others.
   
   For my part I have read this book many times and bought a few copies as well as the tapes, now CDs, it's time for a refresher for me and i urge you to listen to them if you haven't already.



4. A lot of it is common sense, but things we tend to forget. Book came in great condition and came quickly.



5. How to Win Friends and Influence People is a rare self-improvement book because it was first published way back in 1936, and it still remains one of the most popular books out there. It's basically a handbook for understanding people and relating to them effectively. Some of the advice is absolutely basic and absolutely the types of things we are easy to forgot. By putting behaviors such as refraining from criticism, expressing sincere appreciation, smiling, and remembering names front of mind, it's truly amazing to see how it transforms the way that people respond to you. Anyone will benefit from this book, but those that will benefit the most are otherwise competent individuals who are less than successful because they lack people skills.
   
   The other outstanding book on the topic that I highly recommend is The Emotional Intelligence Quick Book

5 comments about Tuned In: Uncover the Extraordinary Opportunities That Lead to Business Breakthroughs.

1. Remove the examples from the book, and you have for the most part a collection of already known high level concepts without much depth. Granted, marketing does not have to be complicated and it should not be, but creating innovative products requires more than concepts. For example, the first step in the authors' Tuned-in "process" is "Find unresolved problems". OK, good point, but I knew that and you probably did know that too! How do I do it? The authors's advice: "ask the customers"! But I knew that too. Tell me more. "Ask your non-customers". Wow,I would never have thought of that. Tell me more. "Go to trade shows" say the authors. I knew that too. Tell me more. "Ask open questions", "Keep an open mind", etc. say the authors. At the end of this chapter and of most chapters, I fell frustrated of not learning approaches or tips I have not heard about before and of not learning more how to do it.
   
   At the end of Chapter 4, I was going to drop the book, but the examples kept me going. There are at least 50 examples of Tuned-in companies from Disneyland to the Maganavox remote control that locates itself to the ubiquitous iPod. These examples are interesting by themselves. They are spread through the book to illustrate each step and to validate the entire tuned-in "process".
   
   I keep putting process in between quotes because what the authors present is not really a process. It is more a framework. In addition, it seems that not one of the examples was actually the result of applying the authors' framework under their guidance. So the whole edifice is an after-the-fact analysis of successful innovations that serves to justify the author's framework. I would have liked to see at least one example of a product that the authors actually helped develop.
   
   The book itself is an example of the framework the authors propose, and in particular of "Step 5: Articulate Powerful Ideas". This chapter develops the idea of establishing "memorable concepts that speak to the problems the customers have". The authors here eat their own dog food, and it is clear that they spent time thinking about how they should name that book and what memorable concepts they should articulate it in. "Tuned-in" is a sgood and simple concept that is repeated over and over throughout the book so that it sticks in your mind. There is an other one that is used over and over; it is "resonators" to designate successful products that resonate with customers.
   
   In summary, the value of this book is probably in this Chapter 5. At least it is for me. We typically underestimate that the least number of words a concept can be described in, the more powerful it is. "Tuned in" is a useful concept to keep in mind to designate that idea that we need to be "tuned in" to the market and the customer. But you will need many other books and workshops to know how to do it. But, that's what the authors' core business is: delivering seminars! No doubt that they will have demand.



2. I've been through the seminars on Practical Product Management delivered through the authors' firm (Pragmatic Marketing). As a CTO it was an eye-opener to see an approach to Product Management that meshed with the concepts of Agile Development in the software field. The two disciplines work well together to create software products that resonate with customers.
   
   This book is not so much breaking new ground, but distilling years of learning into a simple introductory form for folks who might be interested in moving from an inside-out/command-and-control view of the market. It makes a strong empirical business case for doing things differently.
   
   Highly recommended if you're starting a business, launching a new business unit or product line, or simple want to spark growth in existing efforts. You might even learn which existing efforts are not tuned-in and pull back on their funding so you can invest in products and services that the market wants.



3. This straight-talking book is a great addition to any entrepreneur's bookshelf. When positioning a company or a product - or a candidate for public office, there are several rules to follow, among them: Who is your customer? What is important to your customer? And how does your service or product meet the "perceived" needs of your customer? The key words are "perceived needs." You must know what your customer is buying and why, and what they want to buy. You also need to know what they are not buying - and why. It's all about establishing authentic connections, or as Myers, Stull and Scott say, how we tell our buyer that we've solved their problems - so that they listen to what we have to say, buy our products or services, or vote for us. (The reviewer is author of two books:Personal Publicity Planner: A Guide to Marketing YOU and Top Cops: Profiles of Women in Command.)



4. This book is a must read for all entrepreneurs and their marketing department. If you're lucky enough to read this book before developing your business plan, you're going to benefit greatly. This book really helped our team dig at how we were developing and marketing our application and our business.
   
   The examples of the book are unique and interesting, supporting the entire premise. Perhaps the best feature of the book is that it can easily be used as a checklist for your company, your product or your service. This book must be purchased by you and must be read by your staff.



5. Great Book!! Your own personal opinion is irrelevant no matter what situation you are in. You can accomplish more than you've ever imagined in your personal and professional life by observing and listening to others and what they want. And whether it's right or wrong, let it go. Just give them what they want and the paybacks will come. This book is another great spin on the principles of Dale Carnegie.

5 comments about Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office: 101 Unconscious Mistakes Women Make That Sabotage Their Careers.

1. Every woman should read this book. The assessment gives you a starting point and you won't need to read every page...just those that apply. Everything else is a bonus. I swear! The material will enlighten you and stick with you years after you've read it. Practice will make it stick. I've given this book as gifts. Even if you are not ready to apply yourself to practice, just recognizing how you are perceived is worth it. Buy this book and read it today! It's not about becoming an overachieving "B" and man hater; it's about learning to play the game.



2. I use this book all the time in my life leadership coaching with women whether they work in corporations or they're entrepreneurs because for women to succeed anywhere they have to grow to overcome their own self-limiting behaviors and beliefs.
   
   What I love about this book is how clearly the 101 mistakes are organized under 7 broad areas. I am not big on quizzes because they often stop at only giving information. That is not the case here. Instead the author has created a quiz that very easily identifies and ranks an individual woman's 7 areas from strong to weak. Then once a woman identifies the two or three areas she's weakest she can read the chapters and further focus in on which of the mistakes she makes. The coaching tips and simple exercises at the end of each mistake support practice and self-improvement.
   
   Every time I've used this quiz with clients they have benefited from the clarity and direction. This is one of the best thought out and useful books for self-employed women, managers and executives I have ever seen or used. To step up as leaders of their lives women must get to know and change self-defeating behaviors. Nice Girls can help get them started.
   
   [...]



3. As a father of two toddler daughters, I read Dr. Frankel's book to open my mind to ways I could avoid instilling in them unhelpful behaviors. I found a well thought out list of workable suggestions focussed mostly on a few central topics - better communication and ways to play "the game" without merely adopting behaviors typical to men. This book does not make judgments about how the business world operates mainly according to historically male behavior. Rather, it focuses on how to work within this world without changing who you are.
   
   Some of the suggestions were definitely simplistic ("have a firm handshake") while others were more involved (defining your "personal brand" and promoting it to others). Mostly they were common sense business tactics and strategies for self marketing that one could find in countless business self-help books. Indeed, I found several helpful suggestions that I felt were applicable to myself. Overall, much of the advice could have been pulled from a bigger picture course for men and women on how to interact more effectively in the workplace.
   
   In Dr. Frankel's book this information is obviously presented from a woman's perspective. She states in the first pages of the book that not all points will apply to any one person, that the way to use the book is to select those behaviors that are the biggest hindrances to the reader's advancement and then follow her advice to change those behaviors. She makes an attempt not to suggest women act like men, but rather "quit bein' a girl".
   
   The tone can sometimes feel condescending which will be off-putting to some readers, but if one looks past this there is a range of good advice covering many topics. Dr. Frankel's frequent use of anecdotes from her consulting career serves to make the book readable without feeling like a textbook or list of action items.
   
   I believe many women would find this book helpful in identifying and modifying behavior that is giving others the wrong impression of who they are or even masking their true capabilities. Men, too, can find new ways to understand women's behavior and hopefully achieve greater communication through that understanding. As a father I feel more aware of some things to focus on or avoid as I raise my daughters. This book will not feel useful to everyone, but for those who approach it with an open mind it can provide new insight into business relationships between the sexes.



4. I hadn't realized just how many things I was doing on a daily basis that were keeping me from acheiving my full potential at work. Some things in this book applied to me, others did not, but I have learned what I have been doing that is holding me back from moving forward at work and am working on changing those bad habits. A MUST READ for every professional woman.



5. Nice girls dont get the corner office is a big corner of negativity. If you want to feel aweful just give this CD a listen. Lois Frankel put me to sleep. She sounds like the the unseen teacher in the charlie brown series. "Mistake number 6854984742 dont pick your nose the board room...wah wah wah." Terrible. Dont waste your money. Try Tom Hopkins advanced sales survival training CD#2 hilarious, uplifting and helpful to all.

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 Happier: Learn the Secrets to Daily Joy and Lasting Fulfillment.

1. I bought this book hoping for a primer on positive psychology. Instead, I got a self-help book which told me pretty much nothing new. A couple of the meditations in the last section were interesting, but overall this book was fairly disappointing.
   
   Also, that whole bit about referring to happiness as the "ultimate currency?" The first time the author mentioned it, it was so stupid and corny I wanted to cry. The fact that it was mentioned again on practically every page from that point on really didn't help.
   
   One good thing though - the author does spend a decent amount of time talking about Czikzhentmihalyi's concept of "flow," which everyone really should get familiar with at some point. It's nice to see it there, but it still doesn't justify buying this book.



2. I bought this set of 4 cds to listen to on a long road trip, thinking to catch up on the latest popular course at Harvard. We really couldn't listen to them all--it was just too platitudinous and uninteresting. Sometimes people work hard for a goal and then discover that when they attain it they aren't joyous. Pure hedonism can't make you happy, though there are times when a little hedonism is a good thing. Think about the times when you were happy. What were they like? How about meditating a little every day? We were too bored to go on. Probably the point of the book could have been made in one lecture-length cd, but stretching it out to 4 didn't help, so if there is a 'secret' revealed in #4 we missed it.



3. This book certainly introduces some central concepts which I found illuminating and useful. There are quite a few exercises ("time-ins") which everyone should do at some point in their life, if not regularily. I found some of these to be better than others whilst a few appeared to be there just for the sake of filling up space.
   
   The writing itself is a little self-helpy which is something I couldn't quite get over. I would've liked to have more hard data and information to challenge me in my thinking around the topic. Much of the book is also repetative and I felt it was at times patronising.
   
   It took a bit of concentration to get over the writing but once I focused on the topic at hand, I found the information quite illuminating.
   
   All in all however, if you can get over the writing and into the crux of the topic, I think it's a very useful book and definitely worthy of a good read. Some of the exercises and meditations are useful and are things I would encourage any person to at least try.



4. This book is a wonderful confirmation of my 77 years on earth. I have given three copies to my psychology compatriates. The basis for happiness is located inside and as with humor, wonder and curiosity fed by our contained energy part. So watch the drains (also in others). Thanks to the author I have freed myself even more from the jealousy of others.
   Pieter G. Kuipers,
   Sneek, The Netherlands



5. I really enjoyed this book. It was easy to read while on the go with short opportunities to read a few pages. I found the can-do perspective empowering. Basically the author tells you that being happy is in your control and depends on what you choose to do and how you perceive things. There are lots of exercises to do along the way that I hope to go back and incorporate into my life and some I hope to make a ritual, like composing a gratitude list once a day.

5 comments about The Law of Success In Sixteen Lessons by Napoleon Hill (Complete, Unabridged).

1. This book is truly a Bible for success, and is full of amazing concepts.
   
   Now you can listen in your car or MP3 player!
   
   This is the ONLY true unabridged audio edition of this book available in the world. This MP3 CDs utilizes the original, unabridged text, thus capturing the entire essence of this all time motivational Classic.
   
   Listen to the sweet sound of success



2. In reguards to the comment about this book being too long: First, this book (the original which is the 16 lessons version) was out about 10 yrs before "think and grow rich". Second, and more importantly, the depth of this book is essential to living life the way you want to live it. Not just because you want a few good ideas in your head for a couple days only to be forgotten a month later.
   For example, what lasts longer: a puddle of water, or an ocean? Of course an ocean. A puddle dries up quickly because it has limited substance. On the other hand, an ocean withstands the droughts.
   This is a book for the person who is truly dedicated to the next level. A level of true achievement and freedom the "downers" in life. If your just looking for an interesting read, than purchase think and grow rich.



3. I ordered this book for my son who is IB Student. It is one of 3 on his summer reading list. We were unable to get it at the library so my wife located and ordered on Amazon. The book is in great condition and my son is already half through it. It was accompanied by a nice note from the seller. We are really happy with this purchase.



4. My book arrived quickly and in impeccable condition. I would definitely purchase from this seller again.



5. This highly touted book did not appeal to me at all. The lessons are depressing, overbearing, and contained too much negative information for me. Each "lesson" leads me to feel that I will never be able to turn my circumstances around, and I get upset just thinking about picking it up and resuming reading it. The "lessons" are just too harsh, too time consuming, too much work, requiring time and focus that a busy career woman just does not have. Obviously written by a man, for men. Maybe I'm just not ready for it. Not one of the "successful" people mentioned in the book by the author is a female!!! Go figure!

5 comments about The Secret Gratitude Book.

1. I use this book as a daily journal for writing what I am greatful for as well as future goals and aspirations. It's an excellent companion to "The Secret."



2. The Secret Gratitude Book is essential to anyone living The Secret life. I highly recommend it.



3. I respect all of my fellow reviewers here on amazon - even if some of their views may be a little skewed - but I had "challenges" with David Hooper's review of this particular journal. To me, it really isn't the "most powerful book on gratitude". And even though he explains why it is, I just can't help but think that the most powerful book on gratitude that you will ever own is the one you create yourself.
   
   No doubt about it. This book is beautiful. It's filled with quotes from the book, the Secret, and it's small enough to take with you anywhere you go...but I prefer the little leather bound journal I bought at Costco for $12.95. In it I not only include quotes from the book, The Secret, I also include quotes from others that I resonate with whether it be Ralph Waldo Emerson or Henry David Tyler - the man who delivers my bottled water - because I believe at our very core, each one of us is a fount of wisdom, inspiration, and beauty and Truth is so much with us, that we often forget that it is often disguised as "unlikely sources".
   
   In short, I try and make this particular journal MY journal from start to finish. I will even include pictures from magazines that I find particularly inspiring. Most of all, I write in my own language about the Law of Attraction and the "future me" I am even now evolving into. I create "scripts" that I rehearse and practice and attempt to act out. I figure that I am acting anyway, so I might as well act what I want to be.
   
   I have nothing against Rhonda Byrne or The Secret. I loved her movie and created a workshop around it and I formed two study groups based on her book. The challenge I have with this particular item is that in a way, it still belongs to Rhonda Byrne. She has included quotes that resonated with her. Everything is geared toward her and what she feels are "key points" in remembering and they may very well be but do you resonate...do you gravitate...do your vibrations align with the content she has included or do you vibrate with something other?
   
   Am I making sense here?
   Do you understand what I am trying to get at?
   
   I have hundreds upon hundreds of books with various parts of the book underscored and highlighted and encircled with arrows and stars but until I put those words into my own language and make them my own, they do not belong to me. I must embody them, experiment with them, apply them, speak of them...I MUST BECOME THEM...and when I do, I will remember a part of me that always was. I am no longer attempting to make something happen, I am letting what ALREADY is, be.
   
   That's the challenge with the Secret. People are trying to be wealthy, healthy, and successful instead of remembering that they already are WEALTH, they already are HEALTH, they already are SUCCESS and FUlFILLMENT and BEAUTY and TRUTH. But I guarantee if you start creating your own journal and embodying that which you truly desire, those desires will come forth for the simple and wonderful reason, you already are that which you desire.
   
   Again, I'm not knocking the product. I'm not knocking the reviewers who found this useful. I'm not knocking you if you decide you're going to make this purchase. I'm just giving you a few suggestions of things you just might be remembering as true.
   
   After reading this review, burn it from your mind...burn it from your sight...and from those ashes, just BE the information you wish to convey. Do that now with all the things that seem to give you inspiration, hope, and joy because in a very real way, the only reason why you gravitated toward this review and those books is because YOU gave them life in the first place.
   
   Whatever you decide to do, just know that Love, Light, and Laughter are ALWAYS on your side.
   
   Peace & Blessings,
   john, 'the Light Coach'



4. This is the companion book to The Secret which I thought was a great idea. As an exercise you write down all the things you are grateful for and this is such a warming experience. However, in the book, Living The Secret Everyday: My Secret Workbookthat to me is a follow-up to The Secret also gives you a journal at the end of the book to write what you are grateful for and anything else. But this is a beautiful journal.



5. Having read The Secret and enjoying it I bought this book. Basically, it is a journal to write down what you are grateful for. It is designed beautifully and has inspired me to write down these things and rereading what I have read warms me. The book serves its purpose. Another book that also has a journal and which served my purpose as an interactive workbook with so many exercises to choose from is Living The Secret Everyday: My Secret Workbook. A wonderful read.