Book Description
The new grand theory of leadership by Ram Charan . . . The breakthrough book that links know-how—the skills of people who know what they are doing— with the personal and psychological traits of the successful leader.
How often have you heard someone with a commanding presence deliver a bold vision that turned out to be nothing more than rhetoric and hot air? All too often we mistake the appearance of leadership for the real deal. Without a doubt, intelligence, vision, and the ability to communicate are important. But something big is missing: the know-how of running a business—the capacity to take it in the right direction, do the right things, make the right decisions, deliver results, and leave the people and the business better off than they were before.
For well over four decades, Ram Charan has been learning in the most visceral way the underlying reasons why leaders succeed and fail. As one of the most influential advisers to top management teams of leading companies around the world, he has had a front-row seat to observe the cause and effect of leadership practices and behaviors.
Ram Charan’s insight into the real content of leadership provides you with the eight fundamental skills needed for success in the twenty-first century:
• Positioning (and, when necessary, repositioning) your business by zeroing in on the central idea that meets customer needs and makes money
• Connecting the dots by pinpointing patterns of external change ahead of others
• Shaping the way people work together by leading the social system of your business
• Judging people by getting to the truth of a person
• Molding high-energy, high-powered, high-ego people into a working team of leaders in which they equal more than the sum of their parts
• Knowing the destination where you want to take your business by developing goals that balance what the business can become with what it can realistically achieve
• Setting laser-sharp priorities that become the road map for meeting your goals
• Dealing creatively and positively with societal pressures that go beyond the economic value creation activities of your business
Know-How is the missing link of leadership. By showing how the eight know-hows link to, interact with, and reinforce personal and psychological traits, Ram Charan provides a holistic and innovative portrait of successful leaders of the twenty-first century.
Customer Reviews:
Some Good Insights.......2007-09-05
This book has some strong insights into identifying the skill set of performers and non-performers. It is also in some ways though too concise in terms of what Charan identifies.
For instance where he defines Tenacity - the drive to search, persist and follow through, but not too long.
I think Tenacity in leadership is terribly important and not something that has a point of stoppage.
I recently read Bob Prosen's "Kiss Theory Good Bye" and found its identification in terms of Crippling Habits that leaders/companies must overcome to be another inspiring book on how leaders and managers can truly empower long-term change in accountability and in terms of a company's bottom line.
Kiss Theory Good Bye: Five Proven Ways to Get Extraordinary Results in Any Company
Eight priorities for success as a CEO.......2007-08-30
Forty-five years of observing businesses and business leaders as a trusted business-advisor lead Ram Charan to conclude that eight areas of know-how are essential to success: Positioning the Business; Pinpointing External Change; Leading the Social System of your Business; Judging People; Molding a Team; Developing goals; Setting Laser-sharp Priorities; Dealing with Societal Pressures. Using relatable examples Charan explains what he means by these areas of know-how and then ends each chapter's discussion with some guidance on how to gather this know-how.
An easy read that may leave you thinking, "He speaks common sense."
This book is recommended for business leaders who want to consider if they are giving the right priorities to their time and energies. Dennis DeWilde, Author of The Performance Connection
Common sense leadership advice.......2007-08-28
This book covers eight leadership principles in a generic way. The author uses the trick of using success cases that sustains his ideas, but neglects the countless other cases that do not fit his theory. Anyhow, it's an easy and worth read.
Use this to clarify thinking.......2007-08-26
The essence of the book is in the way the thoughts are organized and clarified - and the confirmation that many of our thoughts about running a company and who should be in the company are not just intuition.
It is good value for money and provides a good checklist. I think the first chapter sums it sum nicely; the financial essence of running a profitable company are the same, whether a shoe-shop, a pizza place or a consulting company. What makes the difference is the deep know how needed to succeed in the marketplace - and his value is in giving a framework around which a reader can do substantial self-assessment and put in place a good plan for self improvement.
I also think this is really a good read before making critical hires in particular - it allows one to step back a bit from the hurried pace of today's hiring and take a deep look at what is really needed.
If this book can also help prevent entrepreneurs going off into areas where they lack know-how, this alone would be a great outcome.
Good and Specific Ideas.......2007-08-24
"Know-How" provides a number of credible and helpful ideas on building and sustaining a successful organization. I particularly liked his brief comments on why G.M.'s year 2000 onwards push to regain market had failed, and would greatly have valued more material on strategic thinking. The bad news is, like many books, "Know-How" runs out of gas in its latter half - too many vague aspects relying very heavily on difficult-to-evaluate judgement.
Ram begins by asserting that personal attributes (eg. raw intelligence, commanding presence and great communication skills) are just one small slice of the leadership pie, and that their value is greatly diminished without know-how. ("Know-How" also points out that even management genius Jack Welch originally overemphasized personal attributes.) Some key know-how strengths include the ability to creatively and positively respond to societal pressures with significant impact (eg. global warming, fuel economy), and setting laser-sharp priorities aligning resources and actions to accomplish the goals.
Important personal traits include ambition (with integrity and knowledge regarding where to move), drive and tenacity (stick to the plan, but also realize when it is not working), self-confidence (not driven by a desire to be liked and thereby tolerate non-performers), psychological openness, and an appetite for learning.
Positioning is the central idea of one's business, and most will require at change within each decade. Declining revenues/market share are warning signs. Basic positioning question is "Why is what we offer better than the other options available?" Another is "Where can we win?"
New technology often creates a need to reposition - eg. Google's impact on newspaper advertising. This need may be obscured by conflicting signals - eg. a rise in one region's sales. Another example is Blockbuster vs. Internet movie downloads, or IPod vs. music stores. Down the road thinking is essential in these situations, taking competitors' likely actions into account. The political process now has greater impact than ever before, representing another key area for review - eg. societal positions on global warming, fuel economy.
Immelt of G.E. uses "Dream sessions" to assess trends. Invites customer CEOs (and 1-2 associates) in for a 1-2 day session to hear what the participants visualize for up to ten years. External trends, root causes, views from their customers and regulators are considered. Immelt is also likely to ask those CEOs where they think G.E. should put its R&D priorities.
Promoting cooperation among top leaders is another important concern for a CEO. A new CEO observed that Sherwin-Williams' division presentations degenerated into 7-hour general discussions constantly interrupted by questions from other heads. He decided to limit the presentations to one hour, without interruption, and require the audience to submit three questions - of which he would choose the best. Finally, he asked the division heads whether the meeting had benefited them. Considerable improvement resulted.
Ram suggests multiple people participate in the evaluation of leaders. The intent is more probing, balanced judgement. (However, my experience in an organization needing substantial transformation is that the prior culture's leaders are not likely to focus on the right strengths - eg. overvalue "teamwork" vs. results.)
Hiring criteria for new people should focus on 3-4 top issues; using a broad checklist results in selecting so-so performers with broader experience than most. At least some of the new leaders should come from areas expecting new growth - eg. Brazil, China, India (for an international organization), store managers for Home Depot.
As for the G.M. vignette, when Wagoner took over in 2000 its N.A. market share had been slipping for years, particularly due to Toyota and Honda. Cash generation and margins were shrinking and factories were far below capacity. Wagoner decided to regain market share (probably the politically most popular choice, though my review of others is that it is rarely accomplished), and focused on rebates to accomplish this. Market share did go up, but cash and margins fell; its bonds were downgraded to junk status. Reality was that Toyota and Honda have major competitive advantages - shorter cycle times for new models, and fewer models requiring redesign investment. Also, neither were saddled with G.M.'s health care costs, and the operational excellence added an additional boost to margins. Ram suggests that G.M. should instead have killed off unsustainable product lines - eg. Hummer, Saab, and focused on improving results of those remaining.
Book Description
Sex? Social standing? Social justice? With this breakthrough study of the motivational forces behind human behavior, and grounded in the most up-to-date psychological research available, Dr. Steven Reiss explains the 16 desires and values that shape our behavior-and shows how the ways we prioritize them determines our personality.
"Well-explained in lay readers' terms." (Library Journal )
"An exciting new way to think about ourselves, an authoritative, research-based understanding of why we do the things we do." (Ellen Langer, Ph.D., author of Mindfulness)
"Offers valuable insight into such matters as why some interpersonal relationships are enduringly satisfying and others are not." (Professor Richard J. McNally, Harvard University)
"Reiss' system can improve our working relationships and enhance our professional lives." (Ruth Luckasson, J.D., Regents' Professor and Professor of Special Education, University of New Mexico)
Customer Reviews:
a disappointment.......2007-07-13
This book purports to based on high quality research. If so, the author has not made a good comunication job of setting it forth. I found the book superficial. It was also looked through by a true scientist resident here and panned it badly. It's a good idea not well done in my opinion
Great Book.......2007-04-03
This book is great. It explains why I make some of the choices I do and how others are different than me. We make different choices because we have different motivations. Example, I love going to eat at new restaurants with my friends. Not suprisingly I score high in eating, curiosity and social activity.
A breakthrough.......2007-01-16
I am a trainer/consultant with a academic degree in the area of adult-education. My work and "want-to-know drive" do put me in a constant search for the best way in guiding and coaching people; discover the truth about themselves. Reading ...Who am I? The 16 Basic Desires that Motivate our Actions and Define our....by Steven Reiss...was really a eye-opener.
I'm working with the ideas and the people I touch with the insights are baffled at the "thruth" of themselves.
Revolutionary motivational foundation.......2005-08-02
I learned about Maslow's motivational hierarchy decades ago but found it not very useful for determining what an individual would do, particularly in a specific circumstance. This book provided a scientifically-appealing foundation for making that kind of determination. It well explained why I get along better with some people than others and what I can do about improving my relationships with those people with whom I don't seem to fit. After testing myself, spouse, children, and close friends and associates, I believe I better understand both myself and them. I can better predict what they might do and where they are going with their thought processes. I believe this book contains a revolutionary foundation for understanding the motives of people.
Essential reading, but repetitive.......2004-05-04
I have read many books about self help, psychology, and human behavior, and I believe I learned more from this one than from any other book. Reiss's theory is that all human beings are motivated by sixteen basic desires, and your personal prescription for happiness depends on the relative strengths of these desires. He argues that these desires are genetically determined. I believe that the science behind the "Reiss Profile" is sound, unlike the many other similar books that claim to tell you about yourself. The theory of personality originated with William James; Reiss has extended this work and in this book makes his important findings available to the general reader.
My only complaint about this book is that it is very wordy, which is so absolutely typical of self-help books. He presents the theory concisely and clearly, then goes on to apply the theory to many different areas of human behavior. This seems excessively detailed and it makes for tiresome reading, so I skimmed much of the second half of the book. At times the book approaches a catalog in unreadability.
By all means get the book and answer the questions to determine your own desire profile. I believe you will learn more about yourself, more quickly, than you have ever done before.
Average customer rating:
- An Easy, Compelling, Informative Read
- Top notch insites into the field of technology...
- Real experience in a book
- Common Sense over Dogma
- A must for any software developer who is passionate about developing software
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Joel on Software: And on Diverse and Occasionally Related Matters That Will Prove of Interest to Software Developers, Designers, and Managers, and to Those Who, Whether by Good Fortune or Ill Luck, Work with Them in Some Capacity
Joel Spolsky
Manufacturer: Apress
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ASIN: 1590593898 |
Book Description
This is a selection of essays from the author's Web site, http://www.joelonsoftware.com. Joel Spolsky started the web log in March 2000 in order to offer his insights, based on years of experience, on how to improve the world of programming. His extraordinary writing skills, technical knowledge, and caustic wit have made him a programming guru. This log has become infamous among the programming world, and is linked to more than 600 other websites and translated into 30+ languages!
This book covers every imaginable aspect of software programming, from the best way to write code to the best way to design an office in which to write code. The book will relate to all software programmers (Microsoft and Open Source), anyone interested in furthering their knowledge of programming, or anyone trying to manage a programmer. Spolsky will be writing an introduction for the book.
Customer Reviews:
An Easy, Compelling, Informative Read.......2007-09-02
In this book, Mr. Spolsky makes dozens of apt, lucid observations and suggestions about the state of the industry and the practice of software development as it applies to developers, managers and CEOs alike. Don't be discouraged by his occasionally flippant treatment of some issues--whether you agree with him or not, it would be downright foolish to do anything but devour the veritable fountain of knowledge contained within this book. Mr. Spolsky clearly shows an honest and empathetic concern for the health of the software industry and ALL of the people involved in its enrichment.
Top notch insites into the field of technology..........2007-07-05
Though you probably won't agree with everything Joel says about the development and use of software in the technology realm, he presents his viewpoints in a way that will make you think through your argument and come out on the other side with a more thorough understanding on the subject and its role in business.
He presents multiple delicious morsels of knowledge that stem from his professional experience (both good and bad) that make you say "well, duh!! That makes sense." A very easy and enjoyable read.
Real experience in a book.......2007-06-09
I like most the lively style of the book. Reading this kind of excellent stuff reminds me that sometimes there are authors that goes so deep in theory that forgets about reality.
For example, I am not an enthusiast of any operating system but his explanations about Ms Esxel gives quite a lot of light on the subject. Each chapter is a good combination of hands-on experience and easy reading.
...it is only 20$! if it is bad (and I am wrong) you will not loose to much.
Common Sense over Dogma.......2007-04-10
This is a great book for the techie-turned-manager, and for the career manager with an open mind. I can see Joel's philosophy enraging the typlical corporate middle manager who is steeped in "methodologies" and "certified processes". And that's a good thing. Joel takes an empirical approach, describing his experiences, and what he has learned that works or does not work.
Those who disdain wry wit will be frustrated with this book. Those who savor it will feel like they're being taught by one of their own. The writing style is loose and light, and easy to read. If software design documents were written more like this, they'd be far more readable -- and in fact, far more pleasant to write.
One thing to note is that it can often seem like the examples discussed do not apply to your type of organization. To appreciate the author's understanding of that issue, I recommend that you read through chapter twelve, "Five Worlds", early on. You'll see that he does understand the different kinds of organizations and software projects.
This is one of those books that belongs on the "close at hand" shelf of just about anyone in the software business. It empowers the reader to strive for the common sense approach over "heavy iron" dogma in developing a management style and in making decisions. This book makes a great gift for anyone you know who is moving into a software management role, or anyone who is frustrated with "management by tradition" and the status quo.
A must for any software developer who is passionate about developing software.......2007-01-22
I took this book with me on my island holiday and consumed it faster than my cosmopolitan cocktails. Everything in this book rings true and it is a must read for any software developer that cares about improving themselves and others.
Book Description
Created by bestselling author and MIT senior lecturer Peter Senge and a team of educators and organizational change leaders, this new addition to the
Fifth Discipline Resource Book series offers practical advice for educators, administrators, and parents on how to strengthen and rebuild our schools.
Few would argue that schools today are in trouble. The problems are sparking a national debate as educators, school boards, administrators, and parents search for ways to strengthen our school system at all levels, more effectively respond to the rapidly changing world around us, and better educate our children.
Bestselling author Peter Senge and his Fifth Discipline team have written
Schools That Learn because educators—who have made up a sizable percentage of the audience for the popular Fifth Discipline books—have asked for a book that focuses specifically on schools and education, to help reclaim schools even in economically depressed or turbulent districts. One of the great strengths of
Schools That Learn is its description of practices that are meeting success across the country and around the world, as schools attempt to learn, grow, and reinvent themselves using the principles of organizational learning. Featuring articles, case studies, and anecdotes from prominent educators such as Howard Gardner, Jay Forrester, and 1999 U.S. Superintendent of the Year Gerry House, as well as from impassioned teachers, administrators, parents, and students, the book offers a wealth of practical tools, anecdotes, and advice that people can use to help schools (and the classrooms in them and communities around them) learn to learn.
You'll read about schools, for instance, where principals introduce themselves to parents new to the school as "entering a nine-year conversation" about their children's education; where teachers use computer modeling to galvanize student insight into everything from Romeo and Juliet to the extinction of the mammoths; and where teachers' training is not just bureaucratic ritual but an opportunity to recharge and rethink the classroom.
In a fast-changing world where school violence is a growing concern, where standardized tests are applied as simplistic "quick fixes," where rapid advances in science and technology threaten to outpace schools' effectiveness, where the average tenure of a school district superintendent is less than three years, and where students, parents, and teachers feel weighed down by increasing pressures,
Schools That Learn offers much-needed material for the dialogue about the educating of children in the twenty-first century.
Customer Reviews:
Schools should all be learning organizations.......2004-08-07
Senge became famous for his book on learning organizations. In this book, he and his co-authors apply those concepts and ideas specifically to educational institutions. While much of their focus is on K12, the ideas and process are applicable to higher education as well. So many management books are really fads with superficial value, but Senge's books are very practical and valuable. This book in particular demonstrates a great deal of passion on the part of the author's for their topic.
Length appeared overwhelming--but well worth it.......2004-03-14
Having been given the instructions to select a book of vision for a reading group in a graduate class, I didn't expect to choose one of over 500 pages. The length, however, is indicative of the power this book has for changing minds about schools and the way to structure them for learning. I found myself often reading passages aloud to other educators and anyone who would listen. Instead of stifling my curiosity, the book inspired me to dig deeper on the five disciplines. A great book for creating a vision of education that includes schools where students are learning. I may purchase another one to loan out!
A great resource book for educators.......2001-08-31
This is an essential book for anyone interested in education. Its comprehensive coverage gives much background, even at the risk of being distracting when you want to follow-up on the leads to so many interesting source-books and links. Though you are told to dip in anywhere, you must read the first section, esp. "The Industrial Age System of Education" by Senge and "A Primer to the Five Disciplines" (Personal Mastery, Mental Models, Shared Vision, Team Learning and Systems Thinking) (pp. 27-93).
The authors consider this book a "prequel" to their other books about learning organizations (p.7). That's true. Though this is the most recent book, you can start with this one and go on to the others for further depth. Some repetitions may only serve well for mastery.
The whole book is very readable and informative. Concepts are clearly explained. It follows the same excellent editing format as The Fifth Discipline Fieldbook and The Dance of Change.
When you get too enthused by so many ideas and success stories of innovations, heed the advice for "The Strategy of Organizational Change". "Focus on one or two new priorities for change, not twelve. Most school systems are already overwhelmed with change. They don't need a new initiative; they need an approach that consolidates existing initiatives, eliminates "turf battles," and makes it easier for people to work together toward common ends." (p.25)
There are just too many passages that you wish to quote. The book is a treasure mine. However, for those (esp. busy administrators) who find the volume too daunting or verbose (592 pages!) and still want to get a handle on launching into transforming their schools into learning organisations, I would recommend, "Ten Steps to a Learning Organization" and start with the simple questionnaire given there.
Well Researched Current Education for all Student's Success.......2001-03-13
If you are an educator, parent or administrator, this handbook will enable you to obtain the crucial, leading edge knowledge in learning styles, multiple intelligences, personal neuro-physiology that enables one to "know thyself." Self-esteem and self-awareness, cognitive learning, including the necessary skills to make one prepared for "life at 21 years old," are also main considerations when teaching students to capitalize on their individual strenghts and wisdom.
Schools that Learn also emphasizes the importance of mastery, synergizing curricula presented, and authentic assessment vs. basing students knowledge purely on standardized test-taking.
This helpful manual is extremely important for educators, administrators, and parents, to read as it combines the aforementioned information and applies it to "building strengths that will be useful in career decision making."
Finally,Schools that Learn emphasizes the importance of keeping a "spirit-filled" outlook while learning, the extreme helpfulness of a mastermind group, accelerated and lifelong education, and of course giving back what you have learned to the community. This "cause and effect" is often forgotten in busy professtional lives, but truly ensures success for those who "get it."
Helps Design the School of the Future.......2000-11-03
SCHOOLS THAT LEARN is both a visionary and practical guide for how schools must evolve to meet the needs of students in the next 20 years. The use of multiple authors and perspectives mirrors some of the changes our schools must make to meet the needs of a new age. As Professional Development Director at a diverse Jesuit high school in San Francisco, I recommend this book to any educator, K-college. Senge's work will help prepare students for an era requiring a strong traditional academic foundation coupled with the need for creativity, and the social, emotional, and intellectual skills to work in high performing teams needed to rebuild our world.
Book Description
In this book, renowned professional football player and exective speaker Johnnie Johnson will teach you success strategies and critical thinking skills.
Customer Reviews:
This book will help you realize your potential..........2005-10-13
After reading the book 'Says Who?', things that Johnny and I have talked about really came to life for me. I played baseball at the college level, so Johnny and I have many things in common. ...My biggest challenge to this point has been, how do I take the energy and focus that I had as a ball player and bring them over to my career. This book has really opened my eyes and helped me realize the habits and beliefs I had as a player could be refocused into my new career. This book helps you recognize when those bad little negative voices start in and you can then take a step back and re-affirm yourself. This book really has taught me that you can change yourself and the life you live, but you must first change the way you think about yourself. I read this book every morning before I start my day. It is my cup of coffee. I highly recommend this book. It has really opened my eyes and made me see that I can achieve my goals and dreams.
Clear Focus and Direction.......2005-10-12
A book like SAYS WHO? is long overdue. It is full of common sense steps to better enable you to remain focused on your goals, despite your circumstances. There is something to be realized from every chapter. In a few places I felt you were writing a personal book just to me.
Simplistic Waste of Time.......2005-10-11
This book was preachy, simplistic, boring and not helpful. It was neither motivational nor informative but it was a waste of money and my time.
Book Description
We think of disease as our enemy, something we try to eradicate; germs and infections are things we battle. But in this witty, engaging book, evolutionary biologist Marlene Zuk reveals that, in fact, disease is our partner, not our foe, and is responsible for everything from how we look to how we have sex.
Since the earliest days of life on earth, disease has evolved alongside us. Drawing on the latest research and studies, Zuk explains the role of disease in answering a fascinating range of questions such as: Why do men die younger than women? Why does the average male bird not have a penis? Why do we—and lots of other animals—get STDs? How is our obsession with cleanliness making us sicker? And how can parasites sometimes make us well?
Using her own work on sexual selection as well as a sampling of stories from the natural world, Zuk makes us reconsider the fearsome parasite.
Customer Reviews:
Good Subject--Bad Editing.......2007-07-18
I'm giving this book 3 starts because it has some very fascinating content and the nature of the research should be better understood by everyone. We need to know that there is a serious risk to public health at hand due to the wide spread misuse of antibiotics. So read it! It's important! This review is just warning you that it may take some effort.
To Ms. Zuk and her editors: "Read the 'Accidental Mind' by Dr. Linden before you publish your next 'accessible to the public" science book. Note how you can be clear, concise, and still have a sense of humor. I really got the feeling that no one actually read your book through (while paying attention) before it went to press. You can do better."
Riddled with Life.......2007-07-12
Great read!! I grew up in tropical regions of Latin America where parasites were always considered an enemy to be avoided. It wasn't until I read this book that I realized that not only could I NOT avoid them but in fact I NEEDED them for my very existence! This book is suitably researched and scientific to satisfy any skeptic. It is WONDERFULLY humorous throughout. It is informative as can be. Any layman, even without scientific training, will find this book highly informative, fun, and well worth the read. OK, there are a few passages that bog down a bit, but they are few and far between. The rest is just great. I'm giving this one to several people this Christmas.
Disappointing.......2007-06-23
I bought this book after I heard an interview of the author on a late night radio show. The book was very disappointing to me and I must admit I didn't finish it. I think it may have been the constant gushing about Evolution and Darwin that was boring me.
Disease is treated as an enemy to be eradicated - or should it be something more? .......2007-06-09
Disease is treated as an enemy to be eradicated - or should it be something more? Evolutionary biologist Marlene Zuk here argues that disease is our partner, not a foe: it's evolved alongside humans and is actually essential to health. The latest research and some unusual studies explores the role of disease in longevity, evolution, and the animal and insect as well as human worlds, using the author's on work on sexual selection processes to supplement intriguing stories from nature. An excellent survey, RIDDLED WITH LIFE: FRIENDLY WORMS, LADYBUG SEX, AND THE PARASITES THAT MAKE US WHO WE ARE is a pick not just for school holdings but for the general-interest library strong in popular science and health.
Is sex necessary?.......2007-05-28
I can still close my eyes and see Thurber's little cartoon guy slouching dispiritedly past an embracing couple on the park bench, and asking his famous question.
If he knew that most complex organisms evolved into two sexes because of parasites, he would probably have thrown his jacket over his head and screamed.
Marlene Zuk, a professor of biology at the University of California, provides `parasites' as the answer to many evolutionary conundrums, as she brings us face-to-proboscis with some of the natural world's most bizarre adaptations surrounding the continued survival of genomes, including our own.
What causes auto-immune diseases? Why do female peacocks go for males with the fanciest tail feathers? Are some people more accident-prone than others? Why did Debbie Estis Greenspan invent Dr. Doormat?
Are all of these phenomena caused by parasites? `Yes,' according to Professor Zuk.
If you don't believe that parasitized people have more accidents, read the chapter "Bad but Not Weird: The Real Emerging Diseases." Not only might the parasite that causes toxoplasmosis be responsible for a higher automobile accident rate, it might also trigger schizophrenia:
"Children of mothers who were infected with toxoplasmosis during pregnancy show higher levels of mental retardation, brain malformations, and seizures. Ewald and coworkers believe that the reason more people with schizophrenia are born at certain times of year is that their mothers were more likely to have come into contact with cats and their feces."
"Riddled with Life" presents a very clear thesis: evolution is driven by parasitism. It is backed up by fascinating proofs. I read this book while I was a guest at a friend's house, and couldn't help quoting example after example from Dr. Zuk's research.
The probable driver for the evolution of bedbug sex is particularly bizarre...I just hope I don't reincarnate as a lady bedbug.
Read this book and gross out your own friends. You may never be invited to stay over again, thanks to Professor Zuk's unforgettable examples of parasites in action.
Average customer rating:
- Chicken Soup for the ex friend's soul
- Could not put this book down . . . !
- The Crucible of Women's Friendships
- Nurture Your Girlfriends or the Frienship Will Die
- the best collection out there at this time on women's friendships
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The Friend Who Got Away: Twenty Women's True Life Tales of Friendships that Blew Up, Burned Out or Faded Away
Jenny Offill , and
Elissa Schappell
Manufacturer: Doubleday
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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When Friendship Hurts: How to Deal With Friends Who Betray, Abandon, or Wound You
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The Friendship Crisis: Finding, Making, and Keeping Friends When You're Not a Kid Anymore
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Money Changes Everything: Twenty-Two Writers Tackle the Last Taboo with Tales of Sudden Windfalls, Staggering Debts, and Other Surprising Turns of Fortune
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Friendshifts: The Power of Friendship and How It Shapes Our Lives
ASIN: 0385511868
Release Date: 2005-05-17 |
Book Description
Losing a friend can be as painful and as agonizing as a divorce or the end of a love affair, yet it is rarely written about or even discussed. THE FRIEND WHO GOT AWAY is the first book to address this near-universal experience, bringing together the brave, eloquent voices of writers like Francine Prose, Katie Roiphe, Dorothy Allison, Elizabeth Strout, Ann Hood, Diana Abu Jabar, Vivian Gornick, Helen Schulman, and many others. Some write of friends who have drifted away, others of sudden breakups that took them by surprise. Some even celebrate their liberation from unhealthy or destructive relationships. Yet at the heart of each story is the recognition of a loss that will never be forgotten.
From stories about friendships that dissolved when one person revealed a hidden self or moved into a different world, to tales of relationships sabotaged by competition, personal ambition, or careless indifference, THE FRIEND WHO GOT AWAY casts new light on the meaning and nature of women’s friendships. Katie Roiphe writes with regret about the period in her life when even close friends seemed expendable compared to men and sex. Mary Morris reveals how a loan led to the unraveling of a lifelong friendship. Vivian Gornick explores how intellectual differences eroded the bond between once inseparable companions. And two contributors, once best friends, tell both sides of the story that led to their painful breakup.
Written especially for this anthology and touched with humor, sadness, and sometimes anger, these extraordinary pieces simultaneously evoke the uniqueness of each situation and illuminate the universal emotions evoked by the loss of a friend.
Customer Reviews:
Chicken Soup for the ex friend's soul.......2007-01-25
Eh, it was ok.
It's a great topic but I didn't like the way it was done. Even though some of the stories were gripping in their sadness or inevitability, I agree with the reviewer who found the stories largely elitist.
My principal complaint, though, is with the sameness of the writing. I felt like I was reading the same contributor again and again--checking the author bios, they are all professional writers, which assures a quality of narrative but also makes the stories strangely "of a kind." (In this way, the also-introspective "Chicken Soup" books are superior; no matter what the topic a variety of lifestyles--a variety of "voices"--is represented.) If somehow some teachers or pipefitters or cartoonists or singers or somebody other than introspective writers had contributed, it would have been a more interesting title.
Could not put this book down . . . !.......2007-01-04
The topic of the book's collection of essays was especially relevant and important to me personally, having had a few friendships break up over the years. I loved all of the various perspectives from each essay writer from their personal filter of the series of events and issues that contirbuted to the demise of a friendship. I loved the fact that the essays covered a wide range of issues between friends (death, marriage, divorce, money, distance, careers etc.) and representative of various life stages in women's lives (school-aged, teenagers, young adults, 20-something, 30-something and beyond). This book captures the emotionally charged, intense and often complicated relationships that women have with one another. A very worthwhile read for anyone who has been puzzled by a friendship gone awry for one reason or another. Really terrific book, well-written, well-organized and well-conceived.
The Crucible of Women's Friendships.......2006-12-19
This is a wonderful book that most readers will enjoy. I think the vignettes or more illustrative of the vagaries of women's friendships, than, say, a more academic analysis of love, jealousy, betrayal and hurt feelings among friends.
My one and only complaint is that I hope she does a follow up book that looks at the same issue, but one that also includes online "friendships." I think that the increased use of myspace, facebook, and other bbs and online forums also provides fodder for this genre.
Nurture Your Girlfriends or the Frienship Will Die.......2006-06-04
Sometimes we grow apart, or our values radically alter, or the common interests die, whatever the case there are those relationships that whither away but are not a cause of discomfort in sudden run-ins. The ones that are, are sad.
The best piece of advice: NEVER let a man ruin a real love with a beloved girlfriend. Boyfriends are a waste of time compared to a true blue friend.
the best collection out there at this time on women's friendships.......2006-04-22
The best collection of objectively written yet heartfelt stories written by intelligent people. It's about women's secret, unspeakable competitiveness and inability to be truthful and/or tactful enough to stay friends.
I was struck by how nuanced and complicated women's friendships are: helped me see my own failed friendships under the light of inevitability, blamelessness, and hopelessness.
Most of the essays deal head on with the ugliness of competition, and not in a Glamor magazine type of glib way, but in a helpful, analytical yet readable way.
Book Description
Straight talk on how to connect with troubled teens.
"On the evidence of Edgette's new book, she is one of those rare adults who understands adolescents' obsession with all things 'phony.' She writes with chatty authority about what the experience of therapy feels like for teens, mapping the many shoals on which adolescent therapy can founder."—Psychotherapy Networker
Therapists who struggle to be liked, be cool, or say all the right things do not only a disservice to themselves, but also to the teenagers they treat. Adolescent Therapy that Really Works explores unique new ways to approach therapy with this challenging client population. Focusing on building positive, unaffected relationships with teenagers, this book shows therapists how to facilitate conversation that is candid, constructive, and respectful. Originally published in hardcover as Candor, Connection, and Enterprise in Adolescent Therapy.
Customer Reviews:
Boring .......2007-01-10
No real help. Few practical suggestions. Very motivated to read it and try new ideas, but kept falling asleep reading it. Gave up in the middle.
Customer Reviews:
Dearly loved book........2007-08-31
We have had this book for several years and is a favorite in our family. As my children grew and entered jr. high and high school everytime a class required bringing a book from home to read out loud this was the book choosen. It is a book that has been read to and enjoyed by many a toddler being baby sat at our house and, continues to be a well loved book by children and adults alike.
Enjoyable.......2006-05-15
I bought this book for my 1 year old daughter. She's now 3 and the book is still her favourite! She loves opening the flaps and finding familiar animals underneath. The graphics are bright simple, and consistent that I could make up stories about each of them as I go along the book.
We LOVE this book.......2006-01-25
I bought these books (Who's Making That Mess/Smell/Noise) for my then 18 month old son for Christmas. At first we would read the story and lift the flaps to see what was there. Now he loves to look for the semi-hidden yellow duck and white mouse on each page. He also loves to point out the different animals making the smells. This book (and the others) has kept him entertained for a month so far and there is still room to grow. I highly recommend these books.
You don't have to be four........2000-08-21
I have had this book since I was two. When I was small I used to sit on my dad's knee and he would read the book. Then I would open the flaps on the pages, and help dad to make the funny smell noises. Now of course I am more mature than that, and I read the book for my two year old sister. There are two people in the book, Ben and Annabelle, and there are lots of animals making smells. Some are nice smells, but the best ones are the nasty smells, pee-youuu!
Book Description
Surprising Advice from Top Business Minds on What It Really Means to Lead
Leadership requires many attributes besides intelligence and business savvy-courage, character, compassion, and respect are just a few. New managers learn concrete skills in the classroom or on the job, but where do they hone the equally important human values that will guide them through a career that is both successful and meaningful?
In this inspirational book, Daisy Wademan gathers lessons on balancing the personal and professional responsibilities of leadership from faculty members of Harvard Business School. Offering a rare glimpse inside the classrooms in which many of the world's prominent leaders are trained, Remember Who You Are imparts lessons learned not in business, but in life. From the revelations on luck and obligation brought by a terrifying mountain accident to a widowed mother's lesson of respect for people rather than job titles-these unforgettable stories and reflections, shared by renowned contributors from Rosabeth Moss Kanter to HBS Dean Kim Clark, remind us that great leadership is not only about the mind, but the heart.
Addressing the moral, ethical, and personal dilemmas professionals face as they climb the ladder to success, Remember Who You Are will help aspiring leaders everywhere use their time and talents in ways that truly matter.
Customer Reviews:
Heartfelt leadership.......2004-08-18
I was deeply touched by the personal stories expressed in "Remember Who You Are". Each chapter reaffirmed my conscious belief that leaders must lead with their hearts as well as their minds. As someone who never attended college, but have always been blessed in all I do, I have a huge amount of respect for those leaders who still practice the Golden Rule.
Genius!.......2004-07-01
This book is a must read for those interested in the power of thought and introspection. It is an important tome that inspires us to think about what we want in life and how we are all going to get "there." Kudos to Ms. Wademan, she is clearly a star in the making, a most impressive debut.
Food For The Soul.......2004-06-14
This superb collection of inspiring stories is a must-have addition to any collection. You will find yourself going back and rereading many of these tales time and again.
This book has quickly become one of my favourite gifts to give to friends. The stories are not only inspirational, but make you want to take a closer look at your own path in life.
I keep a copy of this book in my spare bedroom (it's the perfect size, if you only have time to read a few short tales at a time), and find that guests who pick this book, end up chatting about the stories throughout the day.
Well Done!
A compilation of simple inspirational messages.......2004-06-03
Great short and simple book. Read the messages which every HBS professor transmits to their students during the last day of class. From real life stories, to amazing metaphors, to inspirational messages, I am happy see a fellow grad had the initiative to put in writing some of those messages with which our professors leave us year in and year out. Inspirational messages don't get any simpler than this - you will truly spend a couple of hours of magnificent inspirational reading from some of the top thinkers in the business world.
A great little book to build on and to share..........2004-05-24
I have had the opportunity over the past few years to participate in an executive and professional non-denominational fellowship facilitated by the former (1980's and 1990's) Chaplain of the San Francisco 49ers. The focus of our meetings is leadership and "doing the right thing." We have used books by Maxwell, Lencioni, and others to draw on for discussion. Daisy Wademan's book will fit right into our program. She has, through her professors, provided us with much to think about and to discuss.
For those want to improve their lives as leaders, form a small group of 6-8 people with peers (but not from the same organization), meet once a week for one hour, and use books like this to center your discussion. This one works well as it is well organized (one professor per session) and very well written. Hopefully, Ms. Wademan will follow in the footsteps of Maxwell, and Lencioni providing us with a stream of books to work with. She is off to a grand start!
Books:
- Lara Croft Tomb Raider Anniversary: Prima Official Game Guide (Prima Official Game Guides)
- Lollipop Lounge
- Looking Awry: An Introduction to Jacques Lacan through Popular Culture (October Books)
- Me, Myself, and Bob: A True Story About God, Dreams, and Talking Vegetables
- Must We Mean What We Say?: A Book of Essays
- Only Make Believe: My Life in Show Business
- Operations Management with Student DVD
- Pictures in My Head
- Power vs. Force: The Hidden Determinants of Human Behavior
- Projected Fears: Horror Films and American Culture
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