i was given this book over 15 years ago. it has become my "bible" for basic skills. we refer to this book at least once a week for advice and instruction - and always manage to find what we're looking for! it does more than touch on subjects! you get in-depth instructions with pictures to guide you through such things as building a foundation and canning your own garden goods. my copy is well-worn from much use! i treasure this book and all the things i've learned from it. for those out there who wish to live more self-sufficiently, you must have this book.

If I could only have one reference book on simple skills for country living this is the one I'd pick. It has how-to-do-it narratives with a multitude of color illustrations, diagrams, and photos. The authors have endeavored to show how previous generations built their homes, produced and stored their food, clothed and entertained themselves without our high-technology gadgets. While each section may not be more than a page or two about a particular skill or task, it is replete with references to books and resources which can be turned to for detailed instruction. This will whet anyone's appetite for becoming a homesteader - even if it's only in your armchair. This is the kind of book kids (and grown-ups) love to read.

A primer on self-reliance and rural skills, this is a large-format book of 456 pages lavishly illustrated with photographs and drawings, about half in full color. Here are 57 subjects, many with subsets, as in gardening, which includes information on soil, cultivation methods, making and using a greenhouse, and specific information on many veggies, herbs, fruits. Some presentations are simplistic, like telling you how to find and evaluate a farm or can produce in only four pages. Building and using a smokehouse gets one page. Using dairy products butters ten pages. Woodworking and furniture making nail down thirty pages. Build and decorate a house and the chairs, tables, beds to furnish it. Build a springhouse, a dam, a well, a water system. Grow vegetables, fruits, grains. Raise bees, fish, chickens, ducks, geese, rabbits, hogs, sheep, goats, cows, horses. Make cheese, maple syrup, beer, wine, bread, soap, candles, baskets. Cook with wood. Spin yarn, use natural dyes, make cloth, quilts, rugs, hammocks. Learn tanning and leather work, tinsmithing, blacksmithing, toolmaking. Celebrate harvest and holidays with traditional decorations, recipes, toys, games, dances. Learn camping, hiking, fishing, canoeing, snowshoeing, skiing. Whew! This book will keep you happily occupied for several decades.

I've got a lot of BBQ books, maybe 40 or 50, and I would have to say this one has moved to the top of my list! Its got it all over the others. This book has "the vibe" its got soul, funk, rock and roll and some of the best damn barbecue recipes you'll ever come across. I'll have to settle for having to recreate the recipes as I am nowhere near this juke joint (but I am putting it on my BBQ Mecca list!)but just flipping thru the pages of this gaw-jus book I get a feeling like I can hear the music, smell the 'que and meet the characters that inhabit this place. Who says Dinosaurs are extinct! Chow time! Get cookin' get smokin! This is one 'Saur that Roars!

I was a little worried at first that this would be a book from the Dinosaur, but not necessarily containing the actual recipes you eat in the restaurant. Fear not, this book is the real deal.

It has most of the dishes they serve at the Dino' - from the cornbread, pulled pork, ribs and peanut butter pie to mojito chicken and steak with chimchurri sauce. Throw in the rubs, sauces, and marinades and you've got everything to make some outstanding food.

To top it off it has some great tips for cooking. You can tell that John Stage is a stickler for getting things done right. And then the writing and photography really take you there.

Yeah, I'm from Syracuse, but the book still stands out from my 80+ cookbooks.

The Dinosaur is probably my favorite restaurant. Unfortunately, I don't live in Syracuse anymore, so I can't always feed the need for their fabulous food. I just got their cookbook, and have had the chance to try only one recipe - the cajun corn. It was dead-to-rights just like what they serve at the Dino. If that's any indication of how close the recipes are to the real thing, I can't wait to try more recipes! This book also offers terrific tips to grillers. If you know someone who loves to grill, this is a great book for them!

An absolutly great read. I've been a horseman for 27 years and have to say that I have never found a better,more common sense approach to horsemanship. We always have something new to learn when it comes to our horses and Mark give us a lot to think about. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves their horse.

I have long been a fan of natural horsemanship, and have read John Lyons, Pat Parelli, Monty Roberts. I learned a lot from each, but always felt that something was missing. Enter Mark Rashid. Rather than profess that we should be alphas (harsh, dominating leaders), he argues for a passive leadership where respect is gained from consistency and kindness, and so true partnership becomes possible. This book is wonderful to read for pleasure (I devoured it in 2 days), and also has very practical insights into common problems. My relationship with my horses is already the better for it. So much for the other books on my shelf--I won't be referring back to them again!

"A Good Horse Is Never a Bad Color" is like a manual put into story form. In my opinion this makes it entertaining, and you can retain the information easily. The methods Mark uses are not through force or fear but rather through a way
that allows the horses to respond positively with their own free will.

Although it's not a literary masterpiece, RANDOM ACTS OF BADNESS is an enjoyable read. It's too bad that this book cannot be required reading for all young people, especially those who may consider venturing into drug experimentation. It is truly amazing that Danny Bonaduce is alive today! He tells his story without making any excuses nor blaming others. After reading this, I respect the guy and admire his strength and more-recent altruism. If nothing else, you'll believe in fate; Danny's marriage is a prime example.

I read Mr. Bonaduce's book from cover-to-cover in a single night. I knew him vaguely in Los Angeles, in 1980-something (I really don't remember those years too well), via mutual friends, and he was a wild, messed-up [person] -just like everybody else back then and there, in Hollywood...a lovely, wild, fun place, much like Sodom and Gomorrah must have been before they put in the mini-malls. The delightful thing about Danny Bonaduce is that he is, and has always been, purely Danny Bonaduce, without excuses. It's not "The Partridge Family" movie; it's Danny Bonaduce being honest, and funny, and always accepting the fact that he had been a f..k- up at one time in his life...okay, many times in his life. He doesn't blame his family, his up-bringing, or his "child-stardom"...that would be too easy of a way out-Danny Bonaduce doesn't do anything easy, or simply, even if it may have seemed like the easy way at the time. ...then you get bored with it, or find someone who gets bored with you when you are that way. Mr. Bonaduce got lucky-he found someone who loved him enough to make him love himself. I've never met his wife, Gretchen, but, after reading his book, and hearing him speak of her, I'm fairly certain she is one of those few angels who have found their way to earth.

Crux of review: Mr. Bonaduce doesn't take that now-boring route of blaming his problems on his childhood, his "too-early" success, or being afflicted by some mysterious inherent disease-he just tells it like it is, pure and simple. Mr. Bonaduce merely admits that he was an a__hole for a long time, and that now he's better. He cured himself-with a little help from his friends...mainly, his best friend, his wife. We've all read the ... tear-jerkers, and have seen the "former child-stars in AA" specials, and, frankly, it becomes a little tiresome...really gets to be a bit too much to ask you to weep for someone making [more dollars] a year, ..., when most of the country is still cooking up new versions of spam-casserole and wondering if that long-distance call to mom last week may just put you over budget. It's nice, for a change, to hear an honest story about a man who isn't afraid to tell us he is just human, and remind us that we all make mistakes sometimes, and that we can overcome those mistakes, even without the benefit of gazillion dollar rehab centers and scandal magazines that set out to shame you, or at least attempt to, just for a few extra sales points. Mr. Bonaduce didn't have to tell his story to the world, but he did-maybe it's just the entertainer in him, always willing to please his public and give them what they want. Maybe he will help a lot of people who went through what he did, and many are still going through it. No matter how you want to define it, Danny Bonaduce gives you a good read, without apologies, and with apologies. He's a complex man, and he gives you the simplicity of pure truth. He's no longer "Danny Partridge". He's Danny Bonaduce, the grown-up man, and the star he always was-you can take that on both a professional and personal level-either way, he's a star. Good luck, Dan, if you should ever read this, and thanks.

Donn Kean

I'm not going to lie, I don't read very often (for pleasure.) When I saw that Danny Bonaduce had come out with a "Tell All" book I had to read it. It was laugh out loud funny! I love this guy! It is an over 400 pages long of just plain DANNY being himself! If you think you heard it all about him, you probly have. It is just more entertaining hearing it from himself. This also a story of a changed man who got married and grew the hell up.

I even found out by reading chapter 33. "Detroit: Oh, Yea! I was there for a While," that he lived a mile from my house where I lived all my life. He talks about living in Bloomfield Hills. I didn't know this when I bumped into him in Los Angeles a few months prior. I would have said "Hey neighbor!" No, but if I do bump into him again, it will be tempting. I found out that Danny bad mouthed Detroit whenever he got the chance on his radio show. I just want to say I fully agree with you Danny, I hate this fricken city too. The only good thing is Eminem and the auto industry. Oh, and lets not forget your radio show when it were broadcast here.

Keep doing what you do. Everyone who read this book (look at the great comments) appreciates you. You make "The Other Half" a great series. It is worth it to get up at 11:00AM, when I don't have to just to watch it.

I found this book to be fascinating as well as informative,well written,and easy to read. I am glad that Mr.Benedict not only had the courage and determination to take control of his life but,also I admire his selflessness in writing about his personal experiences so that we may benefit by his example and alter our lifestyles. Mr.Benedict may have been a kamikase cowboy, but after reading his book,I view him more as a modern day Indiana Jones with a machete,cutting a swath through the jungle of the Medical Establishment for us to follow.I thoroughly enjoyed TALES OF A KAMIKASE COWBOY and highly recommend it.YO,DIRK! KEEP WRITING WILL YA!

I read this great book a # of years ago and have re-read it several times. I also gave copies to and lent my copy to a few friends and also to my Dad and my brother. I am 35 years old and of all the books I've read and have learned from over the years only 2 of them have been what I'd consider life changing. This is one of them. I began a whole new direction and journey after reading this book. It's gutsy and honest and I feel very fortunate to have found it. Thank god William Dufty encouraged Dirk to write his story and in so doing come out of the "tofu closet" I am eagerly waiting for the publicaton of Dirk's next book "Dig Deep, Puppy in Bottom...Notes from a Dangerous Wordsmith" ( I'm not sure if I want to read it because I've enjoyed reading Dirk's other books so much or because I want to know what the hell that wacky title is all about.) Keep on a rocking Cowboy and thank you for your honest insights.

Dirk Benedict has produced one of the few books of our time that speaks the truth about life, health (both physical and spiritual ), and survival. How one man's story from his beginnings as a Montana farm boy, to television actor in the rough and tumble arena of "show business" has affected so many ( and so positively ) is heartwarming to say the least. Mr. Benedict's views on health have received many "blasts" from the medical community. The so called "experts" that said it could not be done.....that one man could not possibly cure himself of a life-threatening condition....those experts need only to look upon Mr. Benedict and all those who believe in the philosophy of "taking charge" of your own personal health and spirit, to know that ideed it is possible. Mr. Benedict's book "Confessions of a Kamikaze Cowboy" is a must read for those of us who know deep down ( and despite what the "experts" say ) that there truly IS a better way to self healing and preservation, a way to lasting health and happiness. Not only is Mr. Benedict's book a guide to all these things, he has opened his life up for the reader, with all it's intimate moments and personal feelings and reflections. For that, one can only tip their hat to a man who, in the public eye, has bared his very soul to millions. And paid the price. For those of you who have not read this wonderful book, please do yourself a HUGE favor and pick it up. I promise you a purchase that will grant you a lifetime of health and happiness. Every penny well spent.

"Portraits of Success: 9 Keys to Sustaining Value in Any Business" by James Olan Hutcheson is just another "how to succeed at business" book. I wish its value was more than that, but it isn't. It is neither passionate nor any more informative than its competitors.

In the business books I have read recently, I found this one lacks the authority and substance I found in others. William Pollard's "Soul of the Firm" has the authority, as he took ServiceMaster to a new level. "Values of the Game" by Bill Bradley was worth the read because of Bradley's unique metaphorical look at life. "Leadership" by Rudolph Giuliani has power because of what Giuliani has gone through. "Portraits," however, has a flaccid tone to it. I felt as if it was researched information regurgitated into book form. I felt like I was reading the kind of book which gets sold after a corporate sales seminar.

The book, as seen in the subtitle, can be boiled down to nine major points. In each, Hutcheson retells stories of business success and failures, from security company founder Richard Wackenhut to Yankees owner George Steinbrenner.

Action items accompany each chapter, and herein lay the book's greatest value. Hutcheson provides a topic sentence to lead the mini-lesson, but weakly completes the thesis in the following paragraphs.

The redundancy of subject matter mixed with a bland presentation has me suggesting to you to look elsewhere. It was not edited tightly enough to build the necessary tension and excitement. Overall, "Portraits of Success: 9 Keys to Sustaining Value in Any Business" lacks the poignancy I have come to expect from professional advancement books.

Anthony Trendl

There are many other books now in print which also claim to offer all manner of business "keys" or "secrets." What sets this book apart from most of them is not easily explained but I now attempt to do so. Hutcheson draws upon a wealth of real-world business experience, first during the years when he went to work part-time as a telemarketer at Olin Mills, Inc. (which his grandfather founded), eventually heading the Olin Mills Portrait Studios; and then after he left Olin Mills to found his own company, ReGENERATION Partners. The range and depth of his practical experience in the business are thus extensive. The nine "Keys" Hutcheson shares in this book are based on personal experience, not theory. What also differentiates this book from most others I've read is Hutcheson's consistent emphasis on both human value and human potentiality. He understands full well that one of the greatest challenges decision-makers now face in their organizations (regardless of size or nature) is to help ordinary people produce extraordinary results... and do so in collaboration with others. Hence the importance of respect for human dignity in any workplace. Hence the importance of a manager's faith in human potentiality. Throughout his book, Hutcheson affirms that respect and faith in no uncertain terms.

With regard to the nine "Keys" themselves, no news there. They could just as easily be seven (Covey) or 21 (Maxwell). Everyone is in favor of building companies that last, believes that companies need effective leadership, that a meritocracy is preferable to anarchy, etc. Of course, Hutcheson makes no claim that his "Keys" are "Secrets." Again, what sets his book apart from so many others is the meticulous care with which he presents and discusses the "Keys" in terms of achieving and then sustaining maximum value in an organization. Because there is a continuity to his thought processes when developing his ideas, the chapters should be read in sequence.

With regard to the "Portraits," Hutcheson "paints" several. Those I found of greatest value are of Legend Airlines (which illustrates the power of "fable") and Southwest Airlines (which illustrates the importance of "traditions, myths, and shared beliefs"); also, those of the New York Yankees, Dell Computer, and Katz's Deli. (Katz's Deli? Yes. Read Chapter 7 in which Hutcheson explains why it is imperative to "give the next generation room to grow.") Frankly, I was surprised to encounter a discussion of Dennis Rodman in Chapter 2. What's he doing in this book? Hutcheson explains why. He tells his own "business story" in the Preface and then concludes the book with "Closing Reflections." The tone and style of the narrative throughout made this reader feel that I was engaged with Hutcheson in a personal, albeit one-way conversation. (So many other business books seem to be an anthology of graduate school lectures.) Credit Hutcheson with having a caring personality as well as a sense of humor.

Who will derive the greatest benefit from this book? Certainly decision-makers in who need to increase and sustain the value of their organizations. Also founders of family-owned businesses who have an urgent need for assistance with succession planning while growing the business. Also those in charge of business units and even departments within large organizations if the operations for which these executives are responsible are underperforming (i.e. not adding sufficient value to the parent).

Finally, I highly recommend this book to those who have recently embarked on a business career. Why? Because it will be to their great advantage to understand the importance of what I call "value-adding effort," of what Napoleon Hill once referred to as "going the extra mile." When each of our three sons and then our daughter embarked on a business career, I offered only two pieces of advice: "Love whatever you do to earn a living" and 'Become indispensable to your employer." I wish Hutcheson's book had been available to them then. Countless others will be grateful that it is available to them now.

This is a difficult book to categorize - on one level it's a framework for business (or personal) success, on another it's an account of one man's personal observations and astute conclusions. Above all, it's lucid and remarkably well written. At the core it's about building self-esteem in yourself and others, and how to develop your most important assets - your people.

I like the way Mr. Hutcheson immediately draws you into his life and the forces and personalities which influenced him from an early age. He clearly explains what the book is about and why he wrote it, weaving in story telling, analysis and definite purpose. He continues by laying out the nine keys to sustaining value, which are actually guidelines that can be used in business or in personal endeavors. Each key is empirically supported, is illustrated and reinforced by portraits of success, and is laid out as a set of action items which clearly show how to use the key.

My first pass through the book was fast and left me with the impression that much of it was common sense. A more careful reading, however, showed that what seems like common sense if actually the author's ability to articulate insights gained through a lifetime as an executive who worked his way up in a family business, and his later observations as a consultant. I was so impressed with what I read that I gave a copy to my boss (I work for a privately held company based in India), and he was as impressed as I with the advice given and the clear outline for implementing it. It's about leadership, doing the right things for the right reasons, and how to build and maintain a distinctive culture.

This is a down-to-Earth book that imparts excellent advice and the insights behind the advice. It is inspirational, yet practical, and is true to its title with respect to providing nine keys to sustaining business value.

If you have any curiosity about the world of the schizophrenic mental patient and about mental hospitals, this book is a must read. Lori Schiller does an excellent job of describing that world in much descriptive detail as she experienced it during the 1980s. And she chronicles her descent into deeper and deeper illness and then her amazing recovery after she is placed on the dangerous drug, Clozapine. I could have used a scene or two with dialogue, but as a true personal account, the book is good even so. Lori Schiller's loving parents had the money or perhaps the insurance coverage to sustain her for years in private hosptals. One needs to note that for every Lori Schiller who amazingly recovers from schizophrenia, there are thousands of hopeless patients on back wards of state hospital who, unlike her, will never recover and will never be able to write about their worlds. Lori is a miracle-child in every way.

This is a beautifully written book about a woman's battle with schizophrenia. She begins by describing her descent into the illness and the confusion she experienced. Somehow Lori Schiller manages to describe her experiences with the illness so that you can always see the person inside the mental illness. This is not an easy feat but invaluable for professionals in the field. The most moving scene, to me, was her description of being in a psychiatric hospital and hearing a baby crying. She was frantic because no one would help the baby-yet the baby wasn't real. This is what mental illness is like and why it is such a painful experience. My favorite part of the book was that she reaches a point where she is successfully living with schizophrenia. Too often we forget that people can live with this illness. Not everyone is forever doomed to a halfway house or psychiatric hospital. This is a book every mental health professional should read, especially if you are considering work with the mentally ill.

when i first heard about this book several years ago, i could not wait to get my hands on it. the story attracted me as it is my own story. and i was not to be disappointed. never before had i read a book that so expressively described my own illness. since it first came out, i have read it many times. this book is honest and direct and tells our story as it needs to be heard, for lori gives the true and painful portrayal of how a psychotic brain manifests itself through behavior. i was glad that she told so forthrightly of her experiences in the hospital. it is because of such honesty that people like us can learn to tell our own stories and demystify society's understanding of mental illness, particularly schizophrenia. through this telling the unfair stigma that has been placed upon us is exonerated. i also liked that the people in her life told their stories as well, for an illness such as this affects all involved. i am grateful to lori and amanda for helping me to gain insight into my own illness and understand better what my family and those closest to me have endured and still endure. i highly recommend this book to anyone interested in gaining an honest understanding of mental illness and the impact on the individual and their loved ones.

This book is a must have for anyone interested in Tiki or kitsch art. Describing themselves as "urban archaeologists" seeking remnants of Tiki culture, the authors provide a fun and informative look at this vanishing art form. The book does an acceptable job presenting the evolutionary history of Tiki, from the 1920s to the present. Key events, such as the establishment of Trader Vic's, and the Kon Tiki craze of the late 40s, are looked at in further detail. There is also a good look at the "artifacts" of Tiki art and architecture throughout the United States. The book is packed with color photos of Tiki mugs, matchbooks, buildings, and much more.

However, the book does lean a bit too much towards making the book eye candy. The Book of Tiki uses intense colors, and ultra-hip page compositions that make it difficult to read (typically Taschen, but I still found it distracting). Also, a consolidation of information would have made it easier to reference, such as a table differentiating the different "Trader" Tiki businesses. Also, some of the text ("Exotica and the Tiki style were denounced as contrived rituals of the imperialist establishment at the same time that the Vietnam war developed into and ugly mistake, with native huts and palm trees burning on TV."), had me wondering if they were being tounge-in-cheek, or were actually serious.

Nevertheless, this book is the current bible for Tiki aficionados, and is well worth having on your bookshelf.

What a fabulous book! The definitive book on tiki culture! I can't imagine that anyelse could ever surpass the excellent work done by Sven Kirsten. This book is truly a joy. I'll often rush through a new book but I took my time with this beauty. Entertaining, absorbing and stylish, it's just as much fun to merely look at as it is to read it. Each page is an adventure. I was impressed by the scope of the book - it deals with not just restaurants but with motels, apartment buildings, home entertaining, etc. Sven Kirsten also profiles the major innovators and originators of tiki culture. The best part is that the book is presented (tongue in cheek) as a guide to the urban archaeologist, interested in uncovering the remmnants and traces of the now-extinct tiki culture.

A must-have book!

I just glanced through this book at a local bookstore and was in heaven. It's priced much lower here on Amazon, so buying it on-line is the way to go. Actually, I was a bit envious as this is the definitive book I would write on Tiki culture if I could. The history, factors, collectibles and magic of Tiki are covered in tremendous detail. Amazing illustrations, photos, trivia, historical notes and more await all fans of Tiki culture. I would say that Kirsten's book delves further into Tiki culture than any book this Tiki collector has ever seen. Simply a must buy for anyone who loves Tiki culture, or anyone looking to discover the magic of this "lost" time. I'm buying 2 copies--one for my friend and one for me.

I've owned this book for a few years now, and like my caption says, it never gets old.

In this golfer's book you will find instruction, philosophy, and history - all woven masterfully together in the form of stories. Whether it's the lengthly section where Harvey gives his thoughts in the grip, or the extremely terse paragraph explaining why he never joined the tour, Penick uses the right words at the right times.

I've read it several times and often take it with me on long trips. It's broken into several very short segments, sometimes two or three on a page, sometimes two or three pages. This means you can always pick it up, read a quick snipit, and walk away from it.

Lastly, I've found that whenever my golf game is struggling, I read this book and it always somehow gets back on track. I don't know if it's from the lucid instruction or the comforting philosophy, but either way this book has become an integral part of my golf regimen.

Reading this book is like talking to a professional. The answers you need are right there. I read alot about golf as it has become my passion in the past year. This book is amazing. Harvey brings the game to life and makes it easy to understand. He explains so many aspects of the game that it is amazing it is a "Little Red Book" and not a Huge Red Book. Definately worth reading for any golf enthusiast.

The book I had just read could be considered a novel but is more ani instructional-novel on one of the greatest golf teachers who ever lived. The man's name is Harvey Penick. The book he wrote is called;"Harvey Penickcs Little Red Book." The main theme of the story is mmainly to tell about the golfing and teaching life of Harvey Penick. Harvey Penick had a little red book where he would write down the notes on what is changing or progressing in a students golf game. Harvey would also write down his golf tips in his book. Harvey had a series of books. This bok is one of many books he wrote. Harvey Penick wrote another book called,"The Game For a Lifetime." That book he could not complete because he passed away before he could. Tom Kite one of his best friends took over and finished the book for him. He just used the knowledge he had gained from Mr. Penick. I couldn't tell you the whole story because alot of it is on the teaching of golf. What I can tell you are the little things such as, Harvey had a son named Tinsley, and a wife named Helen. Harvey was born in Austin,Texas.Harvey was the head pro at the Austin Country Club. He worked there until 1975 and held the job for fifty years. After that his son had taken over his position.Harvey, after he retired, decided to hang around the country club and teach whoever wanted to be taught about golf. I don't want to give away all the aspects about Harvey Penick. If you would like to know more on this amazing man you'll have to read his book for yourself. The book is only about 180 pages long. I would definitly say this is one of the best books I have ever read.Iliked because I got so much out of it. This book helped me a lot with my golf gaame and taught me about one of the greartest teachers ever. I would definitly recommend this book to others. The only thing is, if you don't play golf or have nothing to do with golf you might not enjoy it.

This book changed my life completely especially on time management and setting priorities including annual goals and objectives.

It is easy to read, practical and lists easily and clearly on how to work on improving yourself. You will be amazed at the resuts proven ideas. Till today, I still believe in the adage, "Ask Lakein's Question" whenever you are not sure on what would be the next best course of action and priority.

How to Get Control of Your Time and Your Life is, perhaps, the best book on time management ever written. It does not waste your time but gets right to the point. You must establish SMART (specific, measurable, achieveable, related/relevant, and time framed) goals for yourself and then prioritize them using Lakein's A/C system. "A" goals are the most important to you and you must plan on spending 80% of your time to achieve them. "C" goals (TV, lawn care, shopping, etc.) are the place where most people "waste" their lives and spend 80% of their time. This ratio must be reversed, according to Lakein.

He would agree with e.e. cummings that "To be nobody but yourself in a world that is night and day trying to make you just like everybody else means to fight the hardest fight any human being can fight, and never stop fighting." Once we have set goals that utilize our unique talents and abilities, we will have the will power and determination to do the work necessary to achieve them.

To accomplish our goals Lakein recommends that we make a daily "to do" list and always start with "A's," not "C's." Most of our time is spent working harder on things that don't matter. We may be efficient, but Lakein suggests that our goal is to do what matters most and become effective. "Work smarter, not harder" is the mantra he wants us to repeat and couple that saying with his last piece of advice --"Do it now."

Stick your finger into this small book and any page you hit will have wise words to put into action. Learning comes from daily practice and developing habits that "put first things first," taken from Stephen Covey's best seller, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People -- also recommended is Covey's fine book on effective living appropriately titled First Things First.

Rarely has a book that costs so little paid such rich dividends. You won't be disappointed.

When I got the book, I was somewhat sceptical that a book could teach me what I already knew. (Make lists of to-do items etc) But this book is really amazing. It will tell you how you end up wasting time and what to do about it in a positive way. I would like to mention a couple of ideas that I found in this book: a) No matter how silly, do something related to work with a high pay-off. b) Effectiveness (doing the important things) should be preferred over efficiency (Doing something of not much importance very well)

I read this book every week and have got an additional copy to carry in my bag always to get these excellent ideas entrenched in my head.