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Book reviews for "Alfandary-Alexander,_Mark" sorted by average review score:

Building Storage Networks
Published in Paperback by McGraw-Hill Osborne Media (22 May, 2001)
Authors: Marc Farley and Mark Farley
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Very Complete Reference Book. More than need be.
Building Storage Networks is a very complete reference into storage. This book covers it all. If you know nothing about storage, by the time you get through the 590 pages you will have a complete knowledge of storage.

The 'Blueprint' section is somewhat confusing, especially if you are not storage savvy. I have been building storage systems for several years now and had to read the blueprints several times to fully understand them. They could have been done better.

Overall the book is good reference material, but it was not what I was expecting. To me, it appears the author started out with good intentions, but could not decide what 'extra' information could/should be left out. He could have just summarized some topics. There are numerous books on RAID, SCSI, etc that the author should have just referenced at the end of each chapter. This would have cut the size of book down considerably.

Building Storage Networks
The storage industry is colliding with the networking industry. And while the collision is providing lots of opportunity for both industries, it's also leaving much confusion in its wake. For example, What's the difference between SAN and NAS? What is the role of Fibre Channel? How does Ethernet fit into storage networks?

I found that Marc Farley's Building Storage Networks provides answers to these questions. The book is written for IT administrators, and covers such additional topics as network I/O, RAID, and network backup.

The book is half resource manual and half textbook, meaning that certain topics can be looked up in the index--like a resource manual. At the same time, the book can be read like a textbook, with the reader moving from point to point without becoming completely baffled by jargon.

I would say that anyone interested in building and maintaining storage networks should read this book.

Mike Downing, Editor, Mass Storage News

Building Storage Networks
Every storage, SAN, and NAS executive, engineer, marketeer, sales person, administrator, Wall Street analyst, and investor should read this book. It is easy to read and comprehend while conveying remarkable depth of knowledge. The reader need not have a EE degree to understand how this technology works and is applied. The illustrations are crisp, clear, and easy to follow. Marc Farley cuts through the market hype and clearly articulates the facts about storage networking. "Building Storage Networks" is an outstanding resource for both the novice and the expert. I strongly recommend this book!


We Heard the Angels of Madness
Published in Paperback by Quill (June, 1992)
Author: Lisa & Diane Berger
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A bizarre depiction of Bipolar Illness
As a longtime sufferer of Bipolar Illness, I found this account overly dramatic and somewhat misleading. First, Mark (the patient) is depicted as a pampered, privileged son of a doting, schizophrenigenic mother and a cold, unfeeling father. These superfluous characterizations make it difficult for the reader to curry any sympathy for any of them. Secondly, the presentation of his illness is uncharacteristic of most cases of Bipolar Illness. He clearly suffers severe delusions and hallucinations, but any periods of depression or manic excitement are practically non-existent. The book presents the illness more as a thought disorder than as an affective one. While there frequently is some overlap, this case presents more like schizophrenia. Lastly, the commentary by the mother is so sentimental as to be sappy. While the informational content is somewhat informative and entertaining, I would not choose this book as an authoritative source on Bipolar Illness.

Terrific and informative account of bipolar disorder!
This account will ring true for any mother who has gone through similar circumstances, and bring tears to many eyes. But, like the story of Patty Duke and Dr. Kay Jamison, it gives hope to all who accept the fact that they have the illness and must stay on their medication. Life can still go on and be a fulfilling one.

This is a must-read book for people affected by bipolar dis
This book tells the story of a young man who suffers from bipolar disorder, and how the illness affects his life and the lives of everyone around him. It is narrated by his mother, with his recalled thoughts entered throughout. As a person with bipolar disorder myself, I found it hit very close to home.An excellent read for anyone affected by manic-depression, and for those friends and family who surround them.


Bushido: A Modern Adaptation of the Ancient Code of the Samurai
Published in Paperback by 1stBooks Library (July, 2000)
Author: Mark Edward Cody
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Bushido by Mark E. Cody
Very interesting book filled with a vast amount of information. Regardless of your degree of interest in the martial arts, you should find this to be a fascinating book which addresses many of todays issues and values as well as providing an extensive background and historical information on warrior and Eastern philosophies.

Excellent Book ~
The relevance of this book touches all aspects of our lives as well as providing us with a phenomenal amount of information concerning Bushido and the modern adaptations of ancient philosophies to our current world events and life itself. By incorporating a unique sense of humor with a multitude of creative and pertinent analogies, the author is able to impart extensive research in a most appealing manner. It is quite obvious that he is a very experienced professional in the fields of both studying and teaching not only the spiritual and physical aspects of the Way of the Warrior, but also Kali, Karate/Jujutsu, Kenjutsu and Wado Ryu. Cody poses a unique perspective on the applications of Christian values and many of the ancient philosophies on the ever changing development of our personal potential. Through the process of exploring and creating our destiny, we see how our life's path ultimately affects not only our future, but the future of our nation. As he so aptly states, "When Body and Mind become as one, moved by a Spirit which is attuned to the Will of the Creator, all things are possible. The man of Discipline is invincible."

An EXCELLENT blend of Christian philosophy and Zen ethos
I purchased "Bushido" by Cody on the advice of a friend, and found it to be a very well written, and even better researched guide for the modern christian trying to live in world sorely lacking in morals and strengths. The book helped me to understand the essential fortitudes inherent in the Christian spirit, these fortitudes having been eclipsed by technology and soulless government. By reconciling Eastern thought and Western ethics, "Bushido" serves to guide the modern day samurai to the path of righteousness without being tedious and dull. I recommend that anyone who has a christian spirit and a warriors heart get this book and keep it along side his C.S. Lewis and his New Testament.


The Fruit of Stone
Published in Hardcover by Riverhead Books (August, 2002)
Author: Mark Spragg
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toooo bad
I have read Mark spragg, his non-fiction, is a work of art. He should stick to non-fiction. This book is so bad and so unbelivable, there are no words to discribe. Save your money. Or read Where Rivers Change direction a truly magical book.

Fine, rich novel defines contemporary Westerners
In his 2nd book and first novel, Fruit of Stone, Mark Spragg continues to use his considerable skills to define the men, women and the landscape of the West with a narrative that takes the reader on an unusual quest filled with unexpected twists and rich returns. .

Spragg, a writer with a keen awareness of word sentence balance is also an extraordinary storyteller. The characters in this book are vividly, boldly, and yet tenderly drawn. They captivate the reader. Each character is well developed and clearly defined with the exception of the woman who motivates the central action of the novel, the quest; she is ephemeral, sylph-like, enigmatic, and thus fascinating. She lures, beckons and frustrates both the reader and the protagonist. Gretchen carries Milton in her book bag, but it is the poet John Keats' ballad "Belle Dame sans Merci" which best describes her. She is the beautiful woman without mercy.

In the current literary landscape littered with drugstore cowboys, Mark Spragg's, McEban stands out as the genuine article as we follow him and his best friend Bennett through the mountains and plains of Wyoming and Montana, back to Wyoming and into Nebraska, an illusive Gretchen ever alluring, ever beckoning,

In the loneliness of the harsh plains and the high mountains of Wyoming the ability to trust a friend can and often does determine the survival of an individual. Spragg's cleanly drawn protagonist, rancher McEban and his best friend Bennett enjoy such a relationship.

This is a fine, rich western novel. It would be a mistake to dismiss Mark Spragg as merely a regional writer. His characters speak for the West as William Faulkner's speak for the South.

A pleasure
I was sent the uncorrected proof by the publisher and read the book out of curiosity. I finished it this morning, and will be re-reading it starting tonight...this time with a pencil to make notes in the gutter and margins. Spragg has written a wonderful novel. It had a hold of me from the first page and didn't want to let me go even after the last.


Get Clark Smart: The Ultimate Guide to Getting Rich From America's Money-Saving Expert
Published in Digital by Hyperion ()
Authors: Clark Howard and Mark Meltzer
Amazon base price: $9.95
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A good overview of many consumer issues...
There are about 72 different topics discussed in this book from buying a house and car, to identity thief and timeshares. Each topic is 3 or 4 pages long and this is an easy book to read. If one topic doesn't interest you you can skip over it to the next. Also this book can be used as a reference book. the author apparently has a radio call in show where he answers consumer questions. I have never heard the show apparently its not carried in our area. So I had no preconceived notions about the author before reading the book. The subtitle to the book is the "ultimate guide to getting rich from America's money saving expert." Clark Howard may be the country's money saving expert, but this book is not a guide to getting rich. The subtitle is misleading and ironic since the author is crusading against the misleadings of consumers by various companies. The information contained in the book is worth while, but the book is not a getting rich book. There are plenty of web sites listed in the book and if one topic was of particular interest to you, further reasearch would be needed.
There are many money savings tips in the book, but I didn't count them to see if there were "hundreds" as the book's cover claims. The book is very informative, covers many diverse topics and is worth the price of less than $12 on Amazon.com, but I felt that the subtitle and cover claims are over the top.
Overall its a 3.5

Great Advice!
Clark Howard gives excellent and detailed advice on many financial topics, from saving money with daily expenses to investing long-term. It's definately accessible to the average consumer as well.

My only complaint is that the book is not organized in a way that makes it easy to read through front-to-back. Rather, it's sort of a quick reference on a large number of topics with little or no transition between topics. But if that's what you're looking for, it does its job well!

I'm Clark Savvy...well getting there :)
I've been a loyal fan of clark's web site for a little over 7 months when I decided to be proactive in my debts. With Clark's inspiration and helpful advice, I am able to not only get out of debt within a short time, but save money and be able to become secure. This book reiterated those points and holds your hand to make smart decisions for the future. If you want a get rich quick book, this is not it. This book is for level headed people who want to live a life of comfort within reason of their income. A great and easy read, I read it one night. I couldn't put it down.


Labyrinth
Published in Mass Market Paperback by Pocket Books (01 July, 2003)
Author: Mark Sullivan
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A Non-Stop Thriller With Emotional Impact
A rock with unique properties is found on the moon. World renowned cave explorer, Tom Burke, and his daughter Cricket, begin the subterranean expedition of a lifetime. And a group of maximum security prisoners escapes incarceration.

When this volatile mix of circumstances collides, the father and daughter are forced to lead the deranged convicts on a harrowing journey into the bowels of the earth.

On the surface, Whitney Burke, wife and mother of the kidnapped pair, is left no choice but to face her worst fear. As the only available person qualified to navigate the monstrous cave system known as the Labyrinth, she must lead a team of U.S. marshals into the cave in an attempt to save her family.

Little does she know that the government considers her life and the lives of her family as secondary in importance to retrieving the lost moon stone which they believe is hidden in the cave. Shattered by nightmares of a caving accident that took the life of a friend, Whitney struggles for strength, and then re-enters the dark pit where she swore she would never again set foot.

Tom and Cricket suffer abuse at the hands of the convicts but are determined to wear their captors down in the unforgivable environment of the cave. Tom is puzzled by what might be a hidden agenda held by the prison guard who assisted in the escape and kidnapping. But before he can make any sense of it he finds himself separated from Cricket. He realizes that it will take all of his skill and knowledge of the cave to reunite with his daughter before time runs out.

Meanwhile, Cricket is alone with a psychopathic killer with a history of strangling his victims with his bare hands. And Whitney, with her dwindling escort of U.S. marshals is forced deeper and deeper into the cave, even as the waters from a hundred year storm rise to unprecedented levels and threaten to trap them all.

THE MOONSTONE CHRONICLES
In spite of several cliches that have been used in many books before, Mark Sullivan makes them work for him and us in the cleverly constructed "Labyrinth." A maze of complex plot twists and stirring action scenes, the novel chronicles what happens when a precious moon rock is hidden by a deranged physicist who killed his mentor to prevent him from claiming its discovery. Suffice to say, what goes on in the caves is a wild ride, indeed. It's a very cinematic novel, one that would probably be easier to digest if it were a movie. Much of the cave description becomes redundant, and sometimes the actions of some of the heroes borders on stupidity. But the characters have their strengths, especially those of Damian Finnerty, the dedicated marshal; Chester, the brilliant but tubby 19 year old who really solves many of the mysteries; and Cricket, the resourceful 14 year old who becomes a real woman during the crisis. (Physically as well as metaphorically---which is one of the original plot devices Sullivan uses). It's almost a Matt Reilly book in that the action is pretty consistent, although far from the cataclysmic action that adorns Reilly's books.
A good read, though, with plenty to keep you occupied.
RECOMMENDED.

powerful tale that winks at the movie industry
In 2004 at the University of Tennessee, internationally renowned physicist Dr. MacPherson notices the findings that an assistant Gregor obtains with a moon rock specimen. An elated MacPherson claims the results that show rock 66095 contains strong superconductivity traits as his own. He boasts how he will receive the Novel prize for the work. A stunned Gregor kills the professor. Gregor is convicted of the crime, but not before he hides the rock inside Labyrinth Cave, Kentucky.

Three years later NASA hires Tom Burke and his daughter Cricket to escort them into Labyrinth Cave to find the missing rock. His wife Whitney suffers nightmares and though internationally famous refuses to enter the cave where last year her assistant died while she barely escaped.

However, Gregor escapes with some fellow prisoners and heads to Labyrinth Cave to collect the rock that will make him rich and famous. He and his associates capture the Burkes and the NASA team inside the cave. Only Whitney can lead a rescue party, but she has not entered any cavern since the nightmare occurred, but the stakes are the two people she loves most.

At times LABYRINTH seems more like a Hollywood thriller than a novel, but Mark T. Sullivan cleverly augments the plot with a personal crisis and an incredible underworld panorama. The story line is loaded with action on a global scale and on an individual level as the world is in trouble if Gregor regains the rock while Whitney battles herself. Mr. Sullivan provides a powerful tale that winks at the movie industry, which works fine for this novel.

Harriet Klausner


Metaphors We Live by
Published in Paperback by University of Chicago Press (Trd) (April, 2003)
Authors: George Lakoff and Mark Johnson
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Metaphors we think by.
Metaphor is usually seen as an aspect of words, a linguistic trick we use to increase the effect of our words. Lakoff sets out to show that metaphors are a fundamental part of our thought processes whenever we try to think abstractly. His book does not provide a rigorous scientific proof, but it does present a lot of evidence in favor of the thesis. However, a full treatment of the issue would take a much thicker and less readable book than this one.

Lakoff gives examples from life for various metaphors, for example, TIME IS MONEY (or TIME IS A VALUABLE COMMODITY), and shows how we use these metaphors in our everyday thoughts and actions ("Spending time", "wasting time", "saving time", etc). He shows how many different ideas can be expressed with simlar metaphors, ie HAPPINESS IS UP / SADNESS IS DOWN, HEALTH IS UP / SICKNESS IS DOWN, and so on.

Lakoff sets forth his case clearly and coherently, and with some of his examples, quite entertainingly. If you want some insight into how we think, buy this book.

A Revolutionary Insight
If we talk about relationships we might say: "She was in the driver's seat" but we "reached a fork in the road" and now we're "on the rocks" and we may "go our separate ways." Lakoff and Johnson point out that each of these expression uses some version of a metaphor that "Love is a Journey" -- where the journey may be by boat, by car, or walking. Metaphors like these are not special poetic creations, but are part of the day to day way we talk and think about relationships. In the same way, prices "go up", people "get close", the future is "down the road" and cognitive scientists "defend" their "positions." Metaphors like these are not simply a playful use of words. They are part of the way that we think.

This is some of Lakoff and Johnson's fascinating description of the pervasive role of metaphor in human cognition. To this reader, it has all the hallmarks of a great scientific discovery: it is original, profound, simple, and obviously true. For this reason alone, the book deserves five stars.

However, the book fails to give it's marvelous subject the treatment it deserves. The writing, while clear and full of common sense, is often uneven. The organization is lopsided -- much of the book is devoted to attacking straw men and and hand waving attempts to expand their discovery into some kind of murky philosphical revolution. This is confusing, easy to criticize, and a waste of time. Worst of all, they blunt the greatest weapon of any truly great idea: its simplicity.

If Lakoff and Johnson really want to start a revolution they should take a lesson from the master: Darwin. His Origin of Species presented only the things he could prove: his evidence and his discovery. Lakoff and Johnson would have included a critique of the Bible.

A Revolutionary Idea
If we talk about relationships we might say: "She was in the driver's seat" but we "reached a fork in the road" and now we're "on the rocks" and we may "go our separate ways." Lakoff and Johnson point out that each of these expression uses some version of a metaphor that "Love is a Journey" -- where the journey may be by boat, by car, or walking. Metaphors like these are not special poetic creations, but are part of the day to day way we talk and think about relationships. In the same way, prices "go up", people "get close", the future is "down the road" and cognitive scientists "defend" their "positions." Metaphors like these are not simply a playful use of words. They are part of the way that we think.

This is some of Lakoff and Johnson's fascinating description of the pervasive role of metaphor in human cognition. To this reader, it has all the hallmarks of a great scientific discovery: it is original, profound, simple, and obviously true. For this reason alone, the book deserves five stars.

However, the book fails to give it's marvelous subject the treatment it deserves. The writing, while clear and full of common sense, is often uneven. The organization is lopsided -- much of the book is devoted to attacking straw men and and hand waving attempts to expand their discovery into some kind of murky philosphical revolution. This is confusing, easy to criticize, and a waste of time. Worst of all, they blunt the greatest weapon of any truly great idea: its simplicity. If Lakoff and Johnson really want to start a revolution they should take a lesson from the master: Darwin. His Origin of Species presented only the things he could prove: his evidence and his discovery. Lakoff and Johnson would have included a critique of the Bible.


Sleepyhead
Published in Hardcover by William Morrow (09 July, 2002)
Author: Mark Billingham
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A fantastic read.
As a devoted reader of the murder mystery/serial killer/ spooky and gruesome crime fiction genre, I only recently learned of this author, and dove right into Sleepyhead. Without reservation, I view this as one of the best books of this genre ever written - it could hold its own among the titans, and stacks up favorably even to the incomparable Ruth Rendell. The device of having the patient-in-coma speak directly to the reader is horrifying and, in my mind, completely unique. Who among us DOESN'T have a fear of exactly that: being trapped, with a completely sane mind, inside a body that doesn't work at all? What would that feel like?
When I learned that Billingham was a standup comic, I could hardly believe it. What must his comedy be like? I wish I knew.
I can truly say that I sat down with this book and did not get up until I had finished it. And it is not a piece of froth that one can easily breeze through - it was just that riveting. I'm now on to Scaredy Cat, Billingham's second book.

Very impressive first novel
This is, quite simply, possibly one of the best debut novels in recent years. It is slightly more assured and tightly plotted than Mo Hayder's Birdman (although its nowhere near as good as her second book, "the Treatment"). Its more well written than Denise Mina's Garnethill. Its far less complicated than John Connolly's Every Dead Thing. and more sparesely written than Boston teran's God is A Bullet.

In short, it signposts amazing talent.

The plot is great...its really original, and very compelling. shadows of a motive are given all the way throughout the book, WHAT the killer wants, and a hint or two about why he wants, but Billingham doesnt fully discolse the killers motivations until the end. And the killer himself is chilling...what he seeks to do to his victims is horrifying.

The plot is well paced, and the characters are drawn very well. Tom Thorne is a likeable, very human man, dirven by failures from his past. (Arent they all.) An able hero, his intelligence is high, but when no one listens to him when he tells them who he thinks the killer is, he is at a loss for what to do, and pursues his enquiries doggedly, despite the marked disbelief of others.

His relationship with Anne Coburn is great, freshens up the material and adds a really interesting subplot. The reader roots for the two characters to suceed in their relationship, such do we care about and like them.

The plotting is tight, and the book subtly turns its way towards a great conclusion.

I can't wait to read "Scaredy Cat."

Likeable characters, great dialogue
Sleepyhead, a serial killer/rogue cop novel gives a new twist on the old plot. The killings are accidental! This particular brand of nut doesn't want his victims dead, he just wants to induce a stroke so that his victim ends up completely aware mentally and unable to move a single muscle. Locked-in syndrome.

As is typical, our cop hero is haunted by mistakes of cases past gone. He likes to drink, sometimes too much, though he has given up cigarrettes, and that is at least original. Our villian is brilliant and knows it, also typical. Still, there is a lot that isn't typical in this story. Our copper ends up falling for a woman who is fortyish and less than perfect, and all may not end up happily ever after. Allison, a victim of the locked-in sydrome, contributes her 'thoughts' on the subject at the beginning of every chapter, thoughts which are often hysterical and very welcome to the reader in need of a laugh.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone who enjoys the crime novel sort of thing. Between the suspense of the hero and villian catting around with each other, there is a lot of dark humor in this novel to keep things fun. Best of all, I was actually surprised at the ending, something that rarely happens these days for me. That alone was worth the purchase price alone.


The Homeric Epics and the Gospel of Mark
Published in Hardcover by Yale Univ Pr (May, 2000)
Author: Dennis R. MacDonald
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Hurrah for Homer
I've not actually read the book--I've heard the lecture. I and several students in a small Northwest part-time seminary program listened as Dr. MacDonald spun the seminal ideas for this work prior to its' going to press. Many students felt Dr. MacDonald was speaking pure herasy, as "stupified" seems to think. Others, myself included, were amazed and intrigued at the comparisons between Homer and Mark's texts and the notion that Mark used a common literary method to express what has been referred to as the greatest story ever told. Many in our program, the Northwest House of Theological Studies, were concerned that accepting a Homeric origin for the Markan story (the gospel used by Matthew and Luke in writing their gospels) meant accepting a secular and not "holy" origin. Not so. If anything, the notion that Mark, a person undoubtedly educated in authorship via the Greek method--via reading and emulating Homer, made the Jesus message of salvation emerge from within common literary style is more miraculous. It is more intriguing than accepting a supernatural explanation. I applaud the notions in this book and highly recommend it--though not for the faint of theological heart. Be prepared to have your notions of Biblical origin and inerrancy expanded to the corners of your known universe. Hurrah for Homer!

Unbelievably good literary detective work!
This book will clearly change the study of Mark forever. The structure of the gospel becomes clear: a "man of power" who is concealing his power from the bad guys (just like Odysseus returned to Ithaca). Walking on water -- right out of the Odyssey. And when Jesus is taken -- who is that mysterious follower in the linen cloak who runs away naked? Where did HE come from? MacDonald traces this to an emulation of the Elpenor character from the Odyssey -- and it may seem a bit far-fetched, but it's a heck of a lot better than anything else we have.

This mysterious "naked man" was dropped by the other Synoptic gospels, but it is possible that he led directly to the amazing stuff which Morton Smith discovered in his historic manuscript discovery, described in "The Secret Gospel."

Mark improves on Homer, of course. He is aiming to present a BETTER man than Odysseus. So where Odysseus kills the bad guys, in Mark the bad guys kill Jesus. But of course Jesus has the last laugh, and rises from the dead as the immortal Son of God.

It's all very dramatic, but it's all about miracle-working and it is all apparently a made-up story. Since Mark is basically our only source for the life of Jesus, um, what's left??

Mark hits a Homer!
and so does MacDonald. This book will either change your perception of the gospel story or further bolster your faith in it. Those who can will read it and weigh it for the content and not for what it does to the Christian myth.

A note to those unfamiliar with Mr. J.P. Holding... he attacks anything that doesn't fit his preconceived ideas of Christianity and his "review" here is classic "Robert Turkel" (his real name).

The idea that "Mark" used content from the Odyssey and the Iliad to help him create his gospel is a relatively new (several years) idea but clearly, there is no doubt of it. One great example of mimesis (although not specifically Homeric) is when MacDonald exposes the source behind Jesus renaming James and John to the "Sons of Thunder". In Antiquity, the mythical twins, Castor and Polydeuces, were referred to as the sons of Zeus or boys of Zeus and we all remember that Zeus was a god of thunder. These twins were often depicted on coins, art, etc. as being on the left and right of a deity and they always were seen as a team and mostly referred to as "Castor and Polydeuces" in that order. What did James and John ask Jesus in Mark?

Mark 36 And He said to them, "What do you want Me to do for you?" 37 They said to Him, "Grant that we may sit, one on Your right and one on Your left, in Your glory."

Also, in Mark, James and John are referred to as "James and John" always in that order except for once. Of course, without reading the book and more detailed analysis, one could dismiss this as mere coincidence. Read this book! It is not coincidence.

This idea is going to change Biblical scholarship and explode the myth that the gospels are historically reliable.


The Millionaire's Secrets: Life Lessons in Wisdom and Wealth
Published in Hardcover by Simon & Schuster (March, 1996)
Author: Mark Fisher
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Average review score:

Interesting story about the same old topic.
I was disappointed because I have read this before in many different formats. This book does have a romance which is an unusual twist. I would not recommend it for a self-help book because this message is out there and has been for decades. Tommy Newberry's books are excellent as are Robert Kiyosaki's and they show you the steps to take.

A millionaire shares more secrets...
This book is a continuation of Mark Fisher's best-seller "The Instant Millionaire. It reads in a similar style, but is less surreal than the first book.

In fact, "Millionaire's Secrets" includes some romantic love, some (all-important) Real World challenges for the young millionaire and even a bit of skulduggery, Hollywood style.

If you're going to read this book, read "Instant Millionaire" first. "Millionaire's Secrets", while covering many similar topics, lacks the all- important Six Year Formula laid out in "Instant" and, therefore there is a proper order that this material should be discovered in.

To be quite honest, when I began applying the principles laid out in Fisher's books, I got the strongest results early on. I had some intriguing 'glimpses' that were utterly bewitching. I can't be more specific, because it's hard to put those experiences into words.

I will definitely persevere with this path, despite the sporadic hit-and-miss results.

I strongly recommend "Secrets of the Rainmaker" (Success Without Stress) to accompany the Fisher Millionaire books. "Rainmaker", written by Chin Ning Chu, covers similar topics again, but it does so with a more scientific approach, helping you understand what is actually going on (within you) while you do your concentration and meditation exercises.

Mark Fisher's books are enjoyable to read, making it clear that, until you have your mind in proper shape, nothing good will start to happen.

It must be said that the premise of "Millionaire's Secrets" is less believable than "Instant Millionaire", but if you can get it to work for you, then by all means. I read the book in one sitting - around 5 hours, give or take, and will no doubt refer back to it frequently.

The book ends on a mysterious note, suggesting there'll be more to come. Perhaps there's another book already, one I'm not familiar with.

The bottom line is: read Fisher's books. I found "Rainmaker" to answer a lot of questions I had, fitting in neatly with the Millionaire titles, and I am glad there are many books around of similar subject matter. Obviously it creates repetition, but readers of Mark Fisher books should know by now just how good repetition can be for you!

You've nothing to lose. Read this book. It flows well, is entertaining and is much easier to wade through than many other personal development, / goal setting / prosperity consciousness books.

Let's face it, a LOT of people seem to relate closely to the young struggling hopeful who is detailed in this book. I suspect you may be one of them yourself!

However, those flashes

A story of hope and ecouragement
This is the story of John, a lost soul in a dilbert episode from hell. What John discovers is not only Love, Happiness and Money; but that each is interchangeable. The book reads as a fable and will grasp any reader who ever worked in a thankless big city job. I couldn't help but draw comparisons to Jay McInerney's insightful 80's novel "Bright Lights Big City." This book had that edge.

I've read many self help books on finance and was able to triple my income in 5 years. Money is a strange intangable / tangable. Simmiliar to how light is a photon and exhibits properties of waves and particles simultanously.

I became engrossed in this book and finnished it off in two nights.

Enjoy!


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