Interesting and at times entertaining "business novel", which presents TOC (Theory of Constraints) in an easy to swallow format. The goal of a business - which is to make money - is broken down in three components (Increase throughput; Reduce inventory; Decrease operating expenses), and the implementation tackled one by one. Along the way flaws of conventional accounting and business practices are exposed (efficiency, cost), and better measurements introduced. I was expecting a plug for time driven ABC (Activity Based Costing), but that didn't happen. Icing on the cake are the last few chapters dealing with fundamental leadership questions (What to change?; What to change to?; How to cause change?). The big emphasis throughout is to get to the right questions to ask to address the root cause of each problem that is presented.Get more detail about The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement.
The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement Buy Now
The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1) Order Now
It's been years since I've read a kid's novels, and now I remember why I like them so much. This series is fabulous! I am so impressed with Rick's creativity, the way he has transported the Greek Gods and their myths into the modern age. He has created fine characters in Percy, Annabeth, and Grove, and reveals information about parentage and what's what in wonderful detail. The story unrolls in a way that keeps one captivated, and the book is full of action.
I'm on the second book now, The Sea of Monsters, and it's every bit as good as the first. I'll read the whole series. Well done, Rick! Thank you for these wonderful books. I am so much enjoying them. They may not have been intended for adults, but hey, awesome read for us too.Get more detail about The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1).
Voyager (Outlander) Decide Now
This is the first time that I have purchased a hard cover book from Amazon. The book looks like it was never read. The cover was perfect, and there were no mars on the bookGet more detail about Voyager (Outlander).
The Giver Right now
I first read this book five years ago, and just re-read it. It has a profound and emotional quality---and in parts is a great metaphor for the terrible psychological conformity of our society and world, and for the power and intensity and specialness of one who challenges that conformity by thinking outside the box. That is the strength of the book, and here Lois Lowry shows her creative genius as a writer. So many times she subtly and deftly spun a sentence or two that brought the community she portrayed into the most vivid, realistic life.
But some parts of the book left me questioning---and wanting more. Allow me to list two:
1) Weak ending. Without giving away too much information, I felt it lacked the power and immediacy of the first half of the book. I felt the same way when I read the book five years ago--and part of how I remember the weakness of the ending is that I couldn't remember it at all! I remembered the beginning---plot and themes---so well. The end just gets murky and semi-irrelevant, like she lost her focus.
2) Too much reliance on magic. When the Giver starts transmitting memories to Jonas in magical fashion, the book loses its strength of reality. Lowry did not need to jump into magic to make her point, and I felt this weakened her point---and the potential strength she could have accomplished.
So overall I felt the first half or so of the book was utter genius, and I think little could be added to improve it. Not so with the second half, and especially the last third...Get more detail about The Giver.
Lowest Price The Very Hungry Caterpillar: Giant hardcover edition
It's just a lovely book with lovely pictures
it's a great book also for those starting to read.
all my nieces and nephews love this book. very popularGet more detail about The Very Hungry Caterpillar: Giant hardcover edition.
Low Price The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey
We haven't gotten into reading these yet, but my
grandson is anxious, after looking at the two books,
to get started!!
They are nice sized, easy to handle, nice print..
...very inviting.
Get more detail about The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey.
Save Harold and the Purple Crayon 50th Anniversary Edition (Purple Crayon Books)
This book is about a boy Harold, who did not want to go to bed yet, went for a purple crayon enabled adventure, and finally safely got home and fell asleep, and the purple crayone dropped on the floor. My son is four and half and I wish I bought this book earlier. He likes reading, and he likes drawing. Within a few days, he was able to tell the entire story word by word, and very soon started making his own stories with himself being "Harold", walking in the sunlight instead of moonlight, flying above clouds and ride hot air balloons; he would draw many things in the book, and outside the book; he carries a blue or purple in his hands around and would announce "drop it on the floor" before any of his activities - sitting down at the table to have dinner, sitting on the couch to watch TV, and certainly before going to sleep in the bed. I also bought him the DVD (Harold and the purple crayone the complete series in year 2004) and the book coming into animation was of the highest fun and education value in all of my previous purchases for him.Get more detail about Harold and the Purple Crayon 50th Anniversary Edition (Purple Crayon Books).
Discount Tuesdays with Morrie
If you have not read this book, you do not know what you are missing. It is a true story of a man dying of ALS disease and how he conquers each fear to the end. Beautifully written because it is straightforward. Nothing fake. Just two guys talking about general topics of life and searching for the answers. I even bought a copy for my mom. Never miss out on a book like this that can give you perspective and teach forgiveness. I loved it. It made me more humble.Get more detail about Tuesdays with Morrie.
Cheapest Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (in Simplified Chinese)
I had to post a review; in so many of the entries I've read for this series of Harry Potter audio books, the reviewer comments on the plot line of the specific book, not the product itself. Allow me to share my thoughts. Being a fan of the series to begin with, perhaps I'm a little biased, but the listening experience offers a way to enjoy the story like no other. Jim Dale has to be, hands down, the best reader I have ever had the pleasure of hearing. He is so incredibly talented at recreating each of the characters' voices, personalities and emotions, after just a short time the listener can forget she is listening to just one person. Listening to the audio book also allows me to enjoy the story in various settings where the actual book just would not be practical; during a long commute, at work, running errands (mp3), cleaning, walks, etc. The audio book can offer a relaxing experience as well; Dale's voice is soothing, and you don't have to worry about eye strain - after a long day of staring at a computer, sometimes I prefer to just let my eyes rest. I highly, highly recommend the entire series via audio book - start with the first one; you won't be disappointed. Get more detail about Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (in Simplified Chinese).
Cheap Sent (Missing)
Great second story-the history from the 15th century was very well done. Exciting to the end.Get more detail about Sent (Missing).
Buying The Mysterious Benedict Society
What a terrific mystery! It's also a great book to read out loud to kids. It kept my two kids (age 8 and 10) and myself on the edge of our seats. This author really knows how to hook an audience (and I'm a tough one to hook). There were many unexpected twists and turns that made it difficult to predict what would happen next. The main characters are nice, likeable kids (unlike stories where kids come off as brats, or adults as idiots) that undertake a grand adventure to save humanity. Great character development as well. Along the way characters struggle with their internal desires to just take the easy way out, to sacrifice the good of the whole for their own comfort. I could not think of a way to improve this story. It's a nice change from the dragon/magic-filled fantasy genre. My older daughter thought it was better then Harry Potter (the books). I have already gifted this book to one of the teachers at her school, and am just looking for excuses to buy and give away a dozen more. Get more detail about The Mysterious Benedict Society.
Buy Julie Andrews' Collection of Poems, Songs, and Lullabies
After getting some sad news last night, I headed out to the local Barnes and Noble Bookstore in Roseville at 9pm at night, with the full intention of purchasing this book. I was enthralled by what I had heard about it and just wanted to read it. I purchased it and headed home....excited about curling up with a warm blanket with a new book by one of my favorite actors and singers...Miss Julie Andrews. I have read Julie's memoir "Home" and absolutely loved it so I was excited to read her latest book...Julie did not disappoint!
This book is fabulous. Yes it is a "children's book" but as a woman in my thirties, I can tell you that I enjoyed reading this book as much as I imagine any child would enjoy it. It is a book that both children and adults can enjoy. The illustrations are lustrious...the poetry and song lyrics welcoming and comforting. By the time I was finished reading it, I felt like I had been taken on a wonderful journey and really felt a comfort and peacefulness, even after such a hard day that I had.
So, for anyone wanting to read a wonderful book, I highly suggest this book. Whether you are a child or a child at heart, you will enjoy the journey and you too will feel encouraged and uplifted by the selection of poems and song lyrics in this book. Julie Andrews is an amazing and gifted writer. I have to say this book is definitely one of my "favorite things!"Get more detail about Julie Andrews' Collection of Poems, Songs, and Lullabies.
Purchase The Purpose Driven? Life Pastors.com: What on Earth Am I Here For? (Purpose Driven Life)
I'm disappointed in this book because I thought it was Satire, but it turns out the author was trying to be serious. I mean with chapter names like "You are not an accident", "Seeing life from god's view", "What makes God smile?" and "Thinking like a servant"--I'm surely not the only one to assume this. Since this is meant to be non-fiction, it just means the author is rather delusional and arrogant.
Anyway, I can't say "good for you" if you found purpose in this book because of the content and because finding purpose is too vague, people who join cults or terrorist organizations find "purpose" in their new ideology.Get more detail about The Purpose Driven? Life Pastors.com: What on Earth Am I Here For? (Purpose Driven Life).
Order The Shadow of the Wind
This book is keeping me from getting enough sleep and it's very hard to get out of bed to go to work in the morning! Great writing, very evocative, wonderful characters and just scary enough to give me chills but not nightmares. Read it if you like knowing and living with intriguing characters, beautiful settings and twisty turny story lines. Beware of the seductive power of this book and the urge to read just one more chapter- it should come with a sleep deprivation warning!Get more detail about The Shadow of the Wind.
Shop For Hunted (House of Night Novels)
Couldn't put it down. Even have a 16 year old that can't get enough of this series. Better than Twilight!!!!Get more detail about Hunted (House of Night Novels).
Dragonfly in Amber (Outlander)
This second novel in the Outlander series follows a different format from the first. When this book opens it is definitely not what you expect. We move to the year of 1968: twenty years after Claire returns from the 18th century. This book serves as a piece of the puzzle: at the beginning you know what happens in the end (that Claire comes back to the present) but you do not know why. This book explains what happened in the 18th century during the Stuart uprising that brought Claire back.
Diana Gabaldon is an excellent writer. Her use of minor characters from the first novel impressed me; these characters took on a greater importance in the second novel. She did a good job of intertwining all the characters lives. Some characters are connected in ways that you do not expect.
However, this book can become frustrating because of the constant references to war, kings, princes, etc. I mean to say that it can get confusing with all the names of royalty. I encourage you to push through it though because it gets better. Even if you don't enjoy the battle scenes and the Stuart uprising still read the book! It's definitely worth it.
Diana Gabaldon keeps you guessing till the last page! The ending is definitely not what you expect. I found myself shocked and surprised at various points in the book. There is a depth and richness to Jamie and Claire's love that astounded me while reading. Gabaldon does an excellent job of showing their true love for one other. I would definitely recommend continuing the series if you loved Outlander.
Get more detail about Dragonfly in Amber (Outlander).
Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes (Baby Board Books) Review
Cute book. Very colorful and interactive. My 14 month old likes it a lot, not to mention it's a good price. Get more detail about Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes (Baby Board Books).
I am a Genius of Unspeakable Evil and I Want to be Your Class President Top Quality
In I AM A GENIUS OF UNSPEAKABLE EVIL AND I WANT TO BE YOUR CLASS PRESIDENT, Josh Lieb has created an inverted gestaltic world inhabited exclusively by the one dimensional drones that may in fact represent reality. Behind this facade of inanity lies some real creative genius, the "genius" of the title, a seventh grader named Oliver Watson. In Oliver, Lieb has borrowed liberally from other sources of the enfant terrible: the golden haired uni-mind children from the film, VILLAGE OF THE DAMNED, the monstrous seven year old Anthony from the TWILIGHT ZONE episode who has become ruler of his world, and even from Piggy in LORD OF THE FLIES. There is a tendency for adult readers to gloss over the premise that a ten year old fat boy could rule the world by proxy. After all, the saying that one might be the power behind the throne is well-established and even sincerely believed by many. The problem though lies less in the convoluted mind of Oliver but more in the collective minds of the assumed audience. Given that the picture on the dust jacket is a sliced in half photo of a pudgy pre-pubescent youth, it is not likely that many adults will look within. It is more reasonable to assume that the reader will be a middle school student whose notions of good and evil and the Way That The World Works are still largely unformed and uninformed. Such a reader will look at Oliver as more or less a kid like him or herself, more a difference of degree than in kind. The reality is more prosaic and harder to spot. Oliver may look like your run of the mill goofy kid, but he no more is like that than an edible toadstool is a poisonous one. Oliver speaks in the kidspeak of his age when addressing his family and peers, but the moment that he speaks to his adult flunky, Lionel Sheldrake, his vocabulary and tonal inflections assume Olympean proportions. And therein lies the paradox of the book. Children who read this book must maintain a double perspective on Oliver. When he speaks to Lionel, he grows metaphorically speaking, to be the very adult institution that the book so clearly lampoons. It is only when he communicates with his peers and family that he shrinks and becomes more accessible. Since most of the book deals with the nitty gritty of life as a picked on class clown by schoolyard bullies of various stripes, a youthful reader may fast forward the adult conversation with Sheldrake and focus on the monumental insecurities of middle school angst that Oliver can whisk away in a heartbeat. Further, Lieb provides some humorous variations on scholarly footnotes that may impel readers to pick up as if by linguistic osmosis the very critical reading skills and cultural literacy that educators complain is so lacking in our curriculums.
This is not a plot driven novel. The drive to be class president is the only plot glue holding the strands together. The focus is on the world view of a boy who sees his universe through the mutated senses of a genetic freak of nature, and it is his perceptions that set the tone of a world weary adolescent who, like some shrunken Alexander, complains that he has no more worlds to conquer other than to be class president. I recommend this book but with the proviso that a well-read parent may wish to chat with that parent's child about the surprisingly adult themes that are intertwined with the seeming childishness of a boy who is far more than he seems.
Get more detail about I am a Genius of Unspeakable Evil and I Want to be Your Class President.
British Children's Trade Paperback - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Vol 7) This instant
This was a great conclusion to the series. There were many plot turns and unexpected revelations. The author managed to tie up the loose end pretty well. I can see now that the movie will be very little like the book. The movies seem to be taking the killing out of the stories and since this book starts off from the start with Voldemort trying to kill Harry, I am sure they will re-write most of the plot line. They left out the maiming of George in the last book so I would guess they will leave out the killing of Fred. It was great to see Percy come back to the family. I think there was an attempt at redemption for Draco, I think it was more about the redemption of his mother and how the love for another person could change a person's heart. Over all I enjoyed the book and the series. I still wish the author would release the books in eBook format.Get more detail about British Children's Trade Paperback - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Vol 7).
Goodnight Moon Best Quality
My son doesn't like this book and he usually loves books, I tried reading it to him at around 1 year and waited a few months before introducing it to him again. He doesn't seem to care for the illustrations or story line and I have to admit it's rather boring....Get more detail about Goodnight Moon.
The Battle of the Labyrinth (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 4) Get it now!
This is a great book for teenagers. It has an exciting plot that takes unusual turns. It has terrific characters, some noble, some funny, some wierd. It has some violence, as you would expect of a book with the word "battle" as its' middle name, but it is nerver over done nor put in unecessarily. And no sex. I hate to doom it by saying I (a parent) approve of it, but I certainly do. Well written and literate, it is a book I would recommend unhesitatingly to any teen or tween that loves to read. Oh yes, one thing: start with book one: the minute you get involved with the Olympians you'll want to read them all anyway. You might as well read them in order.Get more detail about The Battle of the Labyrinth (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 4).
Blood Promise (Vampire Academy, Book 4) Buy Now
I've read all of Mead's books - each has such a unique take on life and such strong charaters that they are hard to put down. I'm always grumpy in the days after finishing one of her books, because few other books pull me in as hers do.
I read Blood Promise over about a week, which is rare as usually I devour her books. But something in this one moved a bit slower and more methodically than in her others - probably because she portrayed Rose's grief and mixed emotions so well that unfortunately, I felt the fog and sadness she felt. The book moved slower than her others, but it was every bit as good.
Rose went to find Dimitri, to kill his Strigoi incarnation as she knew he would have wanted. On her way, she ended up staying with Dimitri's family, and was accepted into their lives as his widow. After realizing that however welcoming his family has been, she needs to find Dimitri himself, she takes her courage in her hands and goes off to find him.
When she succeeds, nothing is as she expected, and Rose finds out some new things about Strigoi which lead us nicely into the next book's plot.
If you've read the others, then you don't need me to tell you to pick this one up - it's as good as the others, even if the pacing is a bit different. I can't wait for the next one.Get more detail about Blood Promise (Vampire Academy, Book 4).
1-2-3 Magic : Effective Discipline for Children 2-12 Order Now
I use this discipline strategy for both of my children. The name of the game is consistency. If you count to 3, give them a time-out - EVERYTIME. I rarely have to get to 3. My children usually stop as soon as they hear #1. If they are tired and things are crazy, sometime I get to #2. I give them time-outs the length of their age (girl 4 and boy 3).Get more detail about 1-2-3 Magic : Effective Discipline for Children 2-12.
The Graveyard Book CD Decide Now
Neil Gaiman's latest is supposedly written for the teenager set, but is a great read for adults too. It's both an adventure and coming-of-age story about a young boy who is adopted and protected by the resident spirits of a cemetery. While there is an element of "Harry Potter" in this, (orphaned lad, the fight between good and evil,) the beautifully sparse language of Neil Gaiman tells the tale in a more stripped down and succinct fashion - leaving it to the reader's imagination to fill in the details. The book manages to be suspenseful and humorous at the same time (as when describing the graveyard residents with their epitaphs: "Miss Letitia Borrows, spinster, Who Did No Harm to No Man all the Dais of Her Life. Reader, Can You Say Lykewise?"). The name of the main character is "Nobody" - the achievment of the book is the reader ends up caring for and wondering about the future of "Nobody."Get more detail about The Graveyard Book CD.
The Graveyard Book (Thorndike Press Large Print Literacy Bridge Series) Right now
Neil Gaiman's latest is supposedly written for the teenager set, but is a great read for adults too. It's both an adventure and coming-of-age story about a young boy who is adopted and protected by the resident spirits of a cemetery. While there is an element of "Harry Potter" in this, (orphaned lad, the fight between good and evil,) the beautifully sparse language of Neil Gaiman tells the tale in a more stripped down and succinct fashion - leaving it to the reader's imagination to fill in the details. The book manages to be suspenseful and humorous at the same time (as when describing the graveyard residents with their epitaphs: "Miss Letitia Borrows, spinster, Who Did No Harm to No Man all the Dais of Her Life. Reader, Can You Say Lykewise?"). The name of the main character is "Nobody" - the achievment of the book is the reader ends up caring for and wondering about the future of "Nobody."Get more detail about The Graveyard Book (Thorndike Press Large Print Literacy Bridge Series).
Lowest Price Treasure Island 2
When a foul-tempered old sailor, takes up residence at his parents' inn, young Jim Hawkins little realizes that the man is on the run. But, when the Captain dies with a group of pirates closing in, Jim ends up with a map to a huge pirate treasure in his hands. Now, together with Dr. Livesey and Squire Trelawney, the three find themselves a ship, and set out to find this marvelous treasure island. But there's dirty work afoot, and it will take all of Jim pluck and daring if he is going to win through to the treasure...or even just to stay alive!
Well, I have seen a number of movies based on this true classic of Western literature, but I have finally read the original story. As for me, I found it to be quite entertaining - filled with lots of danger and daring-do. I have read a lot of late 19th/early 20th century boy's book, and this one is the king of the genre. No yucky romance, indeed, little in the way of females at all. It's muscular fiction, of the sort that boys have read for many generations.
I must say that I really liked Mr. Stevenson's portrayal of the pirate life - trying to maintain order and discipline amongst a violent and highly-individualized crew, and so forth. I found the book to be very realistic, and all the more entertaining for that.
This is a great book, one that has stood the test of time and truly deserves to be called a classic. I highly recommend this book to all boys, and all men who are boys at heart! (And, to all girls who like muscular fiction!)Get more detail about Treasure Island 2.
Low Price Return to the Hundred Acre Wood (Winnie-The-Pooh Collection)
Phew! I can breathe easy. "Return to the Hundred Acre Wood" is delightfully in step with the original Pooh books by A. A. Milne. I believe Milne would be delighted to see his work carried on in a fashion so true to his own.
As a mother of three I have grown to love the Pooh books in adulthood while sharing them with my children. Our family favorites have been "Winnie the Pooh in the Hundred Acre Wood" and "The World of Christopher Robin."
I must admit I was worried about the introduction of a new character invented by someone other than Milne, but Lottie seems to fit with our cherished old friends as though she were always meant to join them. Even though Lottie is a wonderful new addition, it is really the return of our favorite time tested characters with their delightful funny charm that makes this new book so great.
Mark Burgess did a wonderful job creating classic beautiful illustrations for the book. The only qualm I would make about them is that Roo looks like a squirrel instead of a kangaroo. Kanga is drawn perfectly as a Kangaroo, so I'm not quite sure why Roo is illustrated so strangely. This made me crazy throughout the book and it took quite a bit of work to convince my kids that these pictures truly were of Roo.
All in all the book is wonderful and I'm so happy to now own it. I know it is one of those that will be read over and over in my home through the years. Thank you to David Benedictus, and Mark Burgess, for remaining so true to the original works of Milne, and thank you to all those at Pooh properties who allowed this book to happen.
Return to the Hundred Acre Wood is the perfect addition to the libraries of all Pooh fans!
To read more of this review including a few of my favorite humorous scenes and quotes from the book visit:
[...]Get more detail about Return to the Hundred Acre Wood (Winnie-The-Pooh Collection).
Save 20,000 LEAGUES UND SEA (Step-up adventures)
It's just a remake-get at the library, the real thing or support a current author...Get more detail about 20,000 LEAGUES UND SEA (Step-up adventures).
