I don't normally review business books, but How to Become a Marketing Superstar is so intelligent, practical, and inspiring, I simply couldn't resist giving it a well-deserved plug. It should be required reading for anyone who owns their own business or who participates in corporate life. This book has one overriding strategic purpose: to make your register go "ka-ching." So if you want more cash in your register, click on the "buy this book" button and get the process started. Fox has the rare ability to cut to the chase and say what's important in a concise and powerful way. He demystifies marketing theories, makes them simple to understand, and even more importantly -- doable. Because of this, How to Become a Marketing Superstar fills you with the promise of what is possible if you truly value your customers.

I am usually somewhat jaded by advice books that have rules to follow since all industries and products differ. However, Fox is terrific in developing rules that make sense for all businesses. Fox is a quick read, as I read his book in about two hours. But it was two hours well spent and I have implemented some of his best advice about customers. The best is not all customers are worth keeping. Only the best customers are always right and those are worth devoting the effort to. Fox has many tips that make sense, easily implemented and do produce results.

I think his books are much better than the plethora of theoretical consultant speak books that dominate the market. You may not be a marketing superstar after reading this book but you will be a lot better off. That result is worth the time and modest price for Fox's latest.

I evaluate business and self improvement books very simply. Having completed the book, I ask myself; "am I better for having read it?" Pretty simple, however we've all invested our precious time reading stale ideas and impractical advice. I love Fox's books, because I extract insightful, workable, ideas from them. They are always a quick and productive recipe for sharpening my skills. What more can I ask than to be wiser and inspired at the end of a read? Marketing Superstar might be my favorite, yet. Regardless of your professional endeavor, business is marketing and no one writing today delivers like Fox. He thinks differently than most and yet, his angle, once shared, rings of common sense. If your looking to be great, recognize resources like this one and add it to your quiver.

While reading this book to my 5 year old daughter, she asked me near the end, "Daddy, why are there drops of water coming from your eyes?" The beautiful and touching message of love and healing in this story is one even more appreciated by parents than the young audience for whom the book is designed. This is a Christmas treasure that I look forward to sharing with my children over and over again as they grow. Highly recommended.

This heartwarming story of how a bitter woodcarver let a widow and her 7-year-old son into his life should be a holiday tradition for all. The boy is lovable and encouraging and he nurtures a spark of Christmas/holiday spirit in the woodcarver. This book is guaranteed to leave many eyes misty. It is truly a work of art and a gift for the heart. I love it.

This beautifully illustrated book tells a simple story about how God uses one small boy to bring healing to a hurting soul. It illustrates patience, love, perseverence and gives hope that God can transform grief and hurting into sharing and love. And the message isn't lost on children!

Anne Of The Island is a great book. It is about a girl with dark strawberry-blonde hair. She goes off to college with her friends: Charlie, Gilbert, and Diana. She makes some new friends and one of them, Priscila which is Pris for short, they meet in the graveyard across from the college. She meets many men she thinks she is in love with, including Gilbert, but when the propose to her she finds out she really doesn't love them that much. She even turns down the man of her dreams. So, it is partially a love story. She was adopted when she was young by Marilla. Now they have taken in twins when their mother died and their only relative can't take care of them. The younger one is Davy, who is always asking questions and getting in to mischief. He especially likes to bother his twin sister, Dora. She is always quiet and quite lady-like. They all live on Prince Edward Island in Canada. If you want to know the rest, you can read the book for yourself. Happy reading!

If you like the Anne of Green Gables series this is the best one in the whole thing! Anne of the Island has something for everyone! Anne Shirley leaves the small town of Avonlea to attend Redmond collage.. There the novel introduces you to a character who is extremely funny named Pricella! (Hope I spelled her name right). In this novel Anne falls in love with a fellow school mate, while her long time friend Gilbert Blythe finds a love interest as well! Do they end up together at last? Read the book and find out! This book is definatly for people who liked the movie "Anne of Avonlea". They are without a doubt slightly similar, but the book is definatly better!

I think that this is my favorite Anne book. I have read it over a hundred times to myself and soon I will need to order a new copy. It tells the ongoing story of Anne Shirley and chronicles her adventures in higher education, friendship, love, and of course WRITING! This is not a childrens' book as some might think. It is very easy to read, but it is for people of all ages. Of course, it features the same Gilbert Blythe who we all know and love as Anne's constant admirer and the irredeemably Sloanish Charlie. She also has Priscilla Grant at her side. She also makes a new friend, Phillippa Gordon, who makes Anne's freshman year wonderful and may someday prove to be quite sensible. In the course of the book, Anne will gain friends and admirers as well as continue to matchmake and write (of Course). She will have her share of joy, tears, loss, and love and ultimately set her course for her life beyond the bend in the road. I learned an important life lesson from this book,you never value what you have until you have lost it. I loved the characterization of all the new characters especially Phillipa, I think that we all know someone like her who attracts men without knowing how or wanting to. I can relate to Anne in this book. This book is thoroughly enjoyable and you not regret reading it. If you still want more Anne after reading this book,you should read all of the other Anne books (the next is Anne of Windy Poplars) and the Chronicles of Avonlea(it includes several stories which include Anne in them: The Hurring of Ludovic, The Winning of Lucinda, etc.) I hope that you will love it as much as I did!

I saw my first Marx Brothers film when I was six years old (Duck Soup) and from then on, I was hooked. Groucho was quick, witty, and acerbic, but he didn't draw me right away; Chico was adorable and funny, but he didn't, neither. It was the silent one with the huge eyes, bulb horn, and sweet manner that reeled me in. And it didn't hurt that he played my favorite instrument (discovered when I saw Animal Crackers).

It turns out I was more or less accurate in determining his character. But was he the same off-screen as on? Yep: this book gives that impression. :o)

When I first encountered Harpo Speaks! I knew I'd be in for something interesting when I read (paraphrased from memory), "Some people operate on a conscious and a subconscious. I work on a subconscious and a sub-subconscious.", and "I only have one weakness big enough to write a book about. My weakness is people. Since I never taken the direct route from anywhere to anywhere, I had the opportunity to meet and talk to a lot of people." This book reads like a Who's-Who of the early Twentieth Century, which is nice for whippersnappers like me who were not there.

Harpo as Adolph, son of Minnie. Harpo as brother to Leonard, Julius, Milton, and Herbert. Harpo as husband to Susan and father of Billy, Alex, Minnie, and Jimmy. And finally. Harpo as Harpo. Honk!

Autobiographies are usually enjoyable for one of two reasons. The author can possess an engaging style that piques the reader's interest regardless of the material. On the other hand, the author may have lead such an interesting life that the subject matter is fascinating despite their ability to spin a good yarn. Fortunately, in the case of HARPO SPEAKS! both conditions are satisfied, creating a well-written, intriguing look at one of the more interesting characters of the first half of the Twentieth Century.

Harpo Marx was famous for being the silent clown who never uttered a word during any of the dozen or so Marx Brothers movies. However, his story is quite a fascinating one. I'll admit to being slightly surprised at exactly how engaging the prose style of this book was. Having no idea what he sounded like, even in scripted movie conversation, I was curious as to how he'd come across in print. Fortunately, either he or his co-author, journalist Rowland Barber, was quite good at the art of storytelling. The reader really feels close to the action, as though one were really there. It's a simple and straightforward style, but it's one that is quite effective.

As I mentioned, the events of Harpo's life were extraordinary in themselves. Quite literally a rags-to-riches story about a group of vaudeville brothers who made it very big, this book is excellent at reconstructing those early days when they rarely had enough to eat, but always had a laugh and a game of cards to pass the time. The autobiography goes into great detail about his early childhood, from being literally thrown out of school (from a first floor window) and never returning, to every lousy part-time job that he had. The book spends quite a lot of time detailing the various schemes that Harpo and Chico (at that age, they were often mistaken for twins) had to try to make the largest amount of money possible while doing the smallest amount of work. Each method is equally hilarious, as are the attempts by Harpo to spend, or hide the resulting cash before Chico had a chance to "re-invest" it.

Much of the chronicle of his adolescence and early adult life centers on traveling on the road with his brothers and getting booked into a variety of theatres and clubs. Being on the road meant very little time to oneself, so we get a real sense of the relationship that existed between the members of the Marx family. Although this portion of the book is the most heavily involved in his stage performance, a great deal of time is still spent talking about different ways the Marx Brothers found themselves relaxing between shows. That means that there are a lot of anecdotes about card games, but don't worry -- the stories are wonderful.

The sections dealing with his adult life revolve more around his friends than on the work he was doing with his brothers on the silver screen. Fortunately, Harpo was mixing with some fascinating people, and you hardly miss the lack of discussion about his movie career. His descriptions of the time he spent during the '20s make for fascinating reading. Who would have guessed that Harpo Marx, the clown who ran around in a slashed raincoat, was mixing with intellectual heavyweights such as George Bernard Shaw and Alexander Woolcott? Even after the market crash and the end of that decedent decade, there are numerous amusing anecdotes, my favourite being the occasion that Harpo ended up being a spy for the U.S. Government, smuggling secret documents out of the Soviet Union.

The majority of the final few chapters deal with his wife and children. It's quite obvious that he cared deeply for his family, and one gets the impression that talking about them in this way is his equivalent of showing us his cherished family photographs. While this has the tendency to be slightly tedious in places, Harpo's enthusiasm is contagious. It's fascinating to see him learning lessons from his own childhood and from his children.

HARPO SPEAKS! is quite a recommended read for anyone, whether they're a Marx Brothers fan or not. Harpo's adventures make for wildly entertaining reading. Even during his later years of declining health and diminishing energy, Harpo never stops seeming like a kid who never grew up, yet one who was never childish or petty.

The world has waited to hear Harpo talk, and speculated on what he sounded like. Well, we may never know exactly what he sounded like; that is a closely gaurded secret, which only heightens our intense interest in this funny man. However, we can now know that he actually spoke, that he had more of an intellegent side, albeit it personal, than we could ever imagine.

"Harpo Speaks" is the autobiography of Harpo (Adolph, later changed to Arthur) Marx; one of the origonal Marx Brothers. Harpo opens the dialogue with his childhood, his limited education, and every strange and twisted facet which ultimately led to the creation of "Harpo", including how he acquired his trademark "Gookie"; that strange, yet alluring face he makes by puffing his cheeks and sticking out his tongue. His entire life is revealed, including an episode during World War Two in which he delivered a top secret note that he was told not to read, upon penalty of death. The only thing we don't discover is - what did he really sound like! Well, we will just have to wait for him to do the audio cassette version of "Harpo Speaks"; then our curiousities will be settled.

In preparing our list of Christmas books to share with others, we had to search far and wide on amazon to find this particular book, a paperback edition of the classic Night Before Christmas.

This is the book I've used for years when reading this story to my own children, passing on Tasha Tudor and other illustrators. Why?

Although we can find the same poem and pay a lot more, with award winning illustrators, the illustrations provided by Douglas Gorsline are surely the best. They are quite colorful, and offer details little children love looking into...cats lie sleepily on the window sill, we see an overview of the town, the presents spilling from the open sack are intriguing and plentiful, and Jolly St. Nick is -- well, quite Jolly (as you can see by looking at the cover!)

The story is an "abridged version" - I'm not sure about other parents, but we read this on Christmas Eve, and we only have so much time and energy. Everything we remember from the classic poem by Clement Clarke Moore is in this version.

(From "'Twas the Night Before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse" to "He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,"HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD-NIGHT!" In between we have everything, from the names of the eight tiny reindeer, to a belly that shakes like a bowl full of jelly, including dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, when they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky".

In other words, don't be scared off by 'abridged'!)

Perhaps a hardcover edition might be more appropriate if you're giving a gift (unless you're giving to more than one child), but this book is one of the best offers we've found!

A classic done simply and inexpensively!

I discovered this book 31 years ago, for my daughter and it is still loved by all the family. The illustrations are wonderful, warm, charming and delightful and bring a special meaning to the story. We still read it to all the young children on Christmas Eve and for adults we read the story and pass a grab bag gift every time the word THE is mentioned. It would not be Christmas without this book. It is magical.

This beautiful book was in my family as a hard cover edition for many years and was a Christmas Eve tradition for my four sons when they were growing up. It's poor battered body disappeared some time after the last of my little ones went off into the adult world. I am so delighted to see it back again, though this time as a nicely affordable soft cover. Clement C. Moore's enchanting story poem already provides an atmosphere filled with warmth and joyful expectation and with the addition of Tasha Tudor's quaint, nostalgic water-colors from an antique New England the Christmas magic is complete!
The winter landscapes fill our senses and Tasha's own gray tabby cat and Welsh Corgi welcome us into this charming world.
Tasha's Santa that you will meet in this book has been portrayed as the poem describes him...a right jolly old elf. He's not that much larger than the corgi and his team really consists of eight "tiny" reindeer. His pointy ears and his Eskimo mukluks add to the delightful ambiance of the book. He dances with the toys and with the happy animals and we can truly believe it will be a happy Christmas for all.
I hope this book becomes a Christmas Eve tradition for many, many more families.

I'm glad to see so many favorable reports about The Holy Man, as it is quite possibly my favorite book. This book provides a model for life that is so succinct and simple; and really hits home in a number of ways. When I wasn't laughing, I was squirming a bit, even a couple of dozen reads later.

I have given away more copies of this book than I can count. I highly recommend sitting down and reading through it only a chapter at a time so that you can think about it. It's a quick read, so you'll have plenty of time to read the sequel, The Holy Man's Journey! It's great, too, but the first one is just a treasure.

I travel frequently and always visit my local library to check out video books as entertainment during the trip. Every once in a while I find a real gem. This month's gem is The Holy Man by Susan Trott. It is a vignette of inspirational and funny stories about the happenings of people in modern time who spend weeks or months in line waiting to see the holy man. I plan to order several copies as a gift for friends. Also, I plan to read or listen to Ms. Trott's "Journey" book.

I thoroughly enjoyed the "Canterbury" style of this little book with many big messages. It was never too preachy and always insightful. And even somewhat comical at times. The sad thing was to find myself laughing at some of these poor characters, and realizing I may be like a few of them. If it was only that simple to find everyone "holy"...

Poemcrazy smoothly integrates Susan Wooldridge's personal experiences and observations with wonderful suggestions for writing exercises! As a high school creative writing teacher, I find the book to be particularly useful when I am searching for ways to help me and my students approach familiar subjects from unexpected directions. Poemcrazy also helps get the mental ink flowing when it seems to be running dry. In terms of exercises, Poemcrazy is comparable to, but not quite on par with, Natalie Goldberg's "Writing Down the Bones." Still, even if you don't actually use the exercises, the narrative makes for interesting enough reading on its own.

The title "Poemcrazy" caught my eye at the bookstore, and it has proven to become the most valuabe book on writing I have. Susan Wooldridge enabled me to write more introspective, symbolic poems. I began playfully collecting words, and concentrating for the first time on their music, instead of limiting myself to only their meanings. Following her simple directions and creative activities I began arranging words, finally tossing aside the internal editor that often cripples many a poet. The results were so astounding, so unlike my previous poetry, that I asked myself "Who wrote this?" In fact, the product from one interview activity (Who was I in your dream?) resulted in a poem that I submitted to a literary magazine, and the editor applauded the vivid imagery and rich symbolism. She enthusiastically accepted this poem for publication.

I hope that Susan Wooldridge continues to produce books full of similar exercises that prod the unconscious of the poet. The methods she presents are embraced with as much enthusiasm by the third graders I teach, as by the adults in my writing workshop.

This book is a MUST HAVE!

First let's begin with the cover; alone, it's worth the price of the book. Now the content... many people have bad memories of studying poetry in school, of having to memorize the work of poets they couldn't stand or couldn't relate to. Poemcrazy introduces the fun back into poetry, and its tone is friendly and appealing. Short, digestible chapters end with lessons. It's a wonderful book if you like narrative-type writing books or if you teach a poetry workshop. Or if you simply like great covers. Everyone can use a dose of poetry in their life. Here is dose number one, doled out in sweet, tasty spoonfuls.

The Core Program is a progressive series of stretches and exercizes designed specifically to strengthen key areas on a woman's body: neck, shoulders, abs, lower back, pelvis, hips, knees ankles and feet.

The goals of these exercises are:
1. Strength and Toning, Balance & Alignment
2. Injury Prevention
3. Making Sense of Discomfort (seperating injury pain vs. misalignment pain)
4. Helping Various Injuries (Carpal tunnel, arthritis, etc)

Now, this is not a quick fix weight-loss program. In, fact, weight training is recommended as a complement to the Core Program. So I would not recommend this for anyone looking to just tone up a few problem areas or to lose 10-15 lbs. by summer or is mainly concerned about physical appearance.

Though it can easily be used in conjunction with a program focusing on any of the above (and maybe even produce those results alone!) this is for someone interested in long-term health; someone interested in aligning their body correctly and becoming healthier, more balanced and moving more easily and with more grace as the human body is designed to do. There is a basic, intermediate and "ultimate" program designed to do just that. Anyone who has passing familiarity with any type of bodywork discipline (yoga, martial arts,pilates) will feel right at home and for novices, the exercises are well explained and the pictures help as well.

I highly recommend "The Egoscue Method" by Pete Egoscue for another take on body alignment and mechanics.

When I first got this book, I had high hopes from all the reviews and from reading the first few chapters. The first time I did the workout, however, I was slightly disappointed and thought maybe this isn't for me. Then an amazing thing happened. The next day, after just one workout session, I actually felt a difference! Now I am a believer and recommend this book to everyone. The reason I was mildly disappointed the first time doing the exercises is that they are so easy, I felt like I wasn't "doing" anything. That is one of the great things about this program--it is very relaxing with a lot of gentle stretching and just a few strength building exercises--it is not rigorous, traditional exercise so there is no excuse not to do it as part of your daily routine. In fact, I think you will look forward to your Core exercise time. I will say that the first time I read through the exercise descriptions, it seemed a little overwhelming to be able to remember all of the steps and tips she gives you. But once you start doing the exercises you will realize how simple the movements are. By the second or third time you will be able to complete all the exercises with little more than a glance at the book to see what exercise is next.

Aside from the exercises, the author gives a lot of information about how the body functions, proper postures when sitting, sleeping and lifting objects, and lots of other really useful info. This book is a MUST have.

I was very pleased with the content of this book. I've spent quite a bit of hard-earned money on fitness books and videos that boast of amazing results.

I've tried it all: weights, yoga, pilates, & various forms of cardio workouts, but haven't been able to stay consistant due to time constraints. As a busy women, I usually don't have time to spend on hour plus videos and books with long, complicated instructions. Before this book, I was racking my brain trying to incorporate yoga, pilates, and strength training. I just became stressed out instead.

The Core program mixes some yoga & pilates with strength work, so I experience well being in addition to toned muscles. I also walk regularly, go for a spin on my bike/inline skates, and do some extra yoga. I find this combination fits easily into my schedule; I don't have to stress about when to do it.

In short, I would suggest this book to anyone. Also, for those readers who find Peggy Brill's explanations complicated, I recommend taking a look at Pilates Body by Brooke Siler. Lots of people LOVE this book, but I found it very time consuming; I've owned it for two years and haven't used it much for this reason. Peggy Brill's Core Program is much easier to comprehend, & the participant can't become injured (I think that if someone wants to learn pilates, a certified instructor is the only way to go!)

Finally, here's a book that gives us the tools and wisdom for navigating a career in human resounces. While there are hundreds of management and organization development books or books that describe one aspect of the human resource function, this is the first book I've seen that offers itself as a trusted friend that will help you not only do your job better but also take your career to the top. Coming from Libby Sartain, it's not just theory. She's been there herself every step of the way. Warning. If you're used to the typically formal business book personality, HR From the Heart will come as a shock. Sartain's person-to-person style breaks the mold. Read this book and you'll want to invite her to your house for dinner. In fact, you'll feel as though you already have!

Libby Sartain lives what she writes. She's truly "been there, done that", and now she's finally sharing her hard won expertise with a worldwide audience. Having served valiantly in every HR job from entry level recruiter to Senior VP, she is no academic peering in from the sidelines, but an impassioned, veteran player in the heat of the game. And having built world class HR teams for such top performing organizations as Southwest Airlines and now Yahoo!, she uses real world experiences and stories to vividly illustrate " a day in the life of an HR leader". Don't let the title fool you...this book is not only for HR folks; it's an indispensable guide for any manager in any discipline keen to learn more about the human side of entreprise. This no nonsense coaching playbook is the first ever aimed at "new breed" HR professionals who are business people first and HR practitioners second. It's packed with useful anecdotes, success stories, tips, and "how to do it" advice that's clear, cogent and cost effective. It's especially useful for HR leaders here in Asia who want to become trusted business partners with what Libby calls " a seat at the table", ie., the respect of top management. She shows them, in simple, practical steps, how to apply "best of the best" HR practices in their own rapidly growing organizations. Speaking from the heart, Libby eschews buzzwords...she's terse, tough minded and definitive...she has a clear, unambiguous agenda and she pulls no punches. Reading this is like sitting in with her for a one on one coaching session... and best of all, you can put the game plan into practice straightaway! Underlying the stories and lessons is Libby's passion for her profession, her love of the game, and her warmth, wit and sense of humor that she uses so effectively to bring focus and pespective to to the task of building a world class talent machine.

HR From the Heart is a must read for human resource professionals, and anyone hoping to more effectively lead and manage their organizational talent. In a time where human capital offers perhaps the greatest opportunity for productivity gains within businesses, dealing with our human resources in a strategic, yet personal way is more important than ever. This book provides concrete advice combined with inspiring anecdotes that make it well worth time spent for managers everywhere.

Karen Kern learned a lesson the hard way........The strangershe met at a party asked to walk her home, late at night.....on the way, he brutally beat and raped her in Central Park.......This was Dec., 22, 1962.....a time when families liked to "sweep under the rug" incidents such as this.....no one would even let Karen talk about it....she was told to just "forget it ever happened".....she was also thought to be the one to provoke such behavior! It took Karen 30 years to exact revenge, and Oh, how sweet it is! ... You must read this book for yourself........I guarantee you will stand up and cheer at the end..........and whatever you do, do NOT read the last page first! This story was an emotional roller-coaster, a "stay-up-all-night till it's done" reading!

This compelling novel was difficult to put down once I started it. The characters seemed so real. I felt as if I was actually drawn into the personal events of their lives. That's a feature I consider essential to excellent storytelling. Susan Sloan achieved it masterfully! Read this book! It will be a long time before you forget its awesome surprise ending.

I once asked an "avid" reader to recommend the best book she had ever read and she told me to read Guilt By Association. She wasn't wrong. It became my favorite recommendation to give to others who just want a "plain great read". If you are the type of reader who likes to read the last page first, don't ever do this with a Susan Sloan book. Recently, on a trip to the Carribean, my daughter asked me what book she should read on the beach. Of course I gave her Guilt. I sat next to her as she was finishing it and her first response was, "Oh, My God". She, along with everyone else who has read this book, read the last page over and over again in disbelief. Sloan is a masterful writer who keeps you guessing at every turn and cheering on her victim.