The Five Keys is a very interesting book. It's written a bit differently. I found it very useful in several ways. First, in its simplicity. I now use these five key factors in the research that I conduct. "The keys" is a very good framework to help me make decisions on various investment opportunities while taking on different perspectives. The book also provides powerful clues to finding great investment ideas by using ordinary publications such as Barron's or the Wall Street Journal. Third, I really enjoyed stepping inside the mind of a Wall Street guy. I felt as if I was the one working on Wall Street and having to answer tough questions myself! A little bit of drama was good (particularly in chapter one). Fourth, the author makes a strong case as to why no single valuation tool (such as P/E ratios) is superior to others when considering an investment. Lastly, the book was a short read and very inviting.

I am a portfolio manager and I've worked with Dennis Jean-Jacques. I am very happy to see him assemble these lessons from the great investors in a simple framework. My. Jean-Jacques did a great job giving all the credit to those superb investors like Peter Lynch, Michael Price, Warren Buffett, Benjamin Graham, etc. While Mr. Jean-Jacques does not claim to be (or compare himself with) great investors in the book, he makes a solid case that the lessons of the great ones are still useful and valid today. He then goes on to simplify the lessons into these 5-key lessons as he calls it (like Ben Graham's "Margin of Safety" principle) by explaining each "key" from the vantage point of an investment analyst. That is one of the most important benefits from the book - how value analysts analyze companies starting from a company's annual report on down. After reading this book, I have gained a deeper appreciation of how the mind of a value investor works (or should work). This is not a portfolio manager's book. It is simply a solid book written from the perspective of a solid business analyst. It will be a great addition to your library.

Mr. Jean-Jacques has distinguished himself as "one of the greats" in the value investing world. Putting himself in a class w/ Buffet, Mr. Jean-Jacques has navigated the volatile world of stock market investing. He explains how not to get caught up in technical analysis or other silly investment techniques. He offers readers a golden opportunity on how he drove the investment process at Mutual Series and helped trained many of the investment professionals there, not to mention the absolute fortune he has made his investors over the years. Some people claim they are great investors, Mr. Jean-Jacques has the muscle to prove he rightfully deserves a spot in the Value Investors Hall of Fame.

Startling in its intelligence, moral power, and sheer beauty, this text is a treasure for both the seasoned wise and the passionate young. Lusseyran was a man of rare talent and courage; his untimely death in 1971 saw the loss of one of Earth's freest and wisest souls. May our children and our children's children have the privilege of reading his remarkable story.

This book was recommended to me in 1970 by Marshall McLuhan. He was greatly impressed by this book, as was I. Lusseyran's experience with the human voice was particularly intriguing. I tried to contact him at the university, but he had left. Does anyone know what happened to him?

Upon becoming blind at 8 years of age, Jacques Lusseyran discovered a deep inner joy that henceforth illuminated his entire life and never left him, not even in the horror and despair of Buchenwald. He was a daring, courageous French Resistance fighter who taught people not just to see but also to experience that life beyond all life and that joy that surpasses all human understanding. Even the evil of Nazism sweeping throughout France could not dim this ever-shining light. Jacques lived life to the fullest every moment of his waking hours with an enthusiasm that is astonishing, energizing, and almost unbelievable. To read this book is discover anew that light which the darkness has never been able to extinguish.

A tale of human foolishness and supernatural evil in the form of a beautiful love story. What a novel idea, especially for the eighteenth century. The devil is found in an obscure but fitting role in this surprisingly entertaining book. He has many faces; all deceiving and different; all equally wretched and evil. This book captures some of his essence. Excellent, and to be read again.

A book not to be ignored, this stands as a perfect example of what a book can achieve: beauty, clarity, truth, and the ability to mirror the world we live in while creating a fantastic tale.

The story unfolds in luminous, poetic writing that is a total joy to read, and in the end leaves the reader fully satisfied, yet still longing for more. A book to be read again and again. Wonderful.

this is a master work that is very important if we are to understand ourselves as well as the world in which we live. A fascinating read for the newcomer to such fiction, as well as the seasoned pro. A book to be enjoyed as much as it is to be studyed. Poetic, sad, and often very illuminating, "the devil in love" belongs to that league of literature that works on every level. Not to be ignored.

For those of us who bungle at the keyboard and can always use more guidance, this book offers a great start in understanding Chopin's music. Probably the most difficult piece to play in public is Chopin Ballade No. 4, and Chopin offers some incredible insight into how he wanted it played. As you know, the music notation on the sheet cannot cover every intention of the composer, much like writing cannot capture everything, but most of what we want to say. This book supplements your understanding of the music. I would not be surprised if your great piano teacher pulls material out of this book in order to advise you on how to play Chopin.

This book is wonderful for understanding Chopin's philosophies on technique and musicianship. One important thing you learn in reading this book, however, is that the piano has changed dramatically since Chopin's time. My main reason for reading this book was to gain valuable information about how to improve my technique for playing Chopin. Although I definitely learned a lot by reading this book, the issues relating to Chopin's advice about technique are unfortunately not as relevant on pianos today as I was hoping. In short, it's a great read, but will not solve all your Chopin technique problems.

This is an excellent and well documented work. Anyone who tries to play Chopin or has an amibition to do so, should read this. It goes straight to the heart of Chopins entire musical philisophy, and gives not only insight into the artist himself, but solid and sound advice on practicing, technique, and interpretation. Strongly recommended.

This is a great book for anyone who loves nostalgia and the way the old parks used to be. For those of us who grew up in the area and who have treasured memories of Kennywood, this is like having a family album around the house.

This is the essential book for avid lovers of the park, visitors, or anyone. Pittsburghers especialy will like the old pictures and references to the days of old.

Any coaster enthusiest, history buff, or Pittsburgher will love this book. The pictures of the old rides, coasters, and swimming pool bring back fond memories of warm summer nights and afternoon thrills. A little dated since a lot has happened at Kennywood after 1982, but its a perfect companion for Jacques new book.

Jacques' experience as a blind person living through, and participating in, the French resistance was amazing to follow with him through his autobiography; I find no fault in what he presented. I did, however, feel that something was missing from it. There was a painful depth that I knew had to exist within Jacques somewhere that I did not see. What he did do is tell us how beautific the experience was (generally) of being blind for him; he went to great lenght in the first half of the book to let you know that he did not really suffer from his loss; that it was not really a loss to him but actually a lovely thing. I do not doubt that this was true for Jacques but it seemed a bit too sweet for me. Perhaps this is because of my own experiences with loss in my life I wanted to be with someone that expressed more psychological dimension.

Again, no fault to this story; it was well presented and I am glad that I read it; the man was remarkable. It's just something to keep in mind about reading someone's life experience and if you are looking for how someone dealt with the pain of their loss, their struggles with daily life, this book does not go very far toward giving you much of a picture because he did not express much about it at all related to his blindness.

Harper Collins just came out with their list of the 100 best spiritual books of the 20th Century. Yes, another list, but this one intrigued me enough to want to sample the books on the list. And that is how Icame across this remarkable book. Jacques Lusseyran was blinded in an accident at the age of 8, yet was a major force in the French Resistance during World War II, was betrayed and spent time in a Concentration Camp.This is NOT anotherholocaust memoir. Insteadit is an odd, inspiring, beautifully and simply written story, detailinghow one man lived a full spiritual life despite blindness and the presence of great evil. Blindness was not a "handicap" to Lusseyran, instead he reacted to the world in amazing ways. It was a mysticism born out ofcircumstances, not theology. Few books can overwhelm the cynic in me.For a time, this one did.I have sent this book to friends and relatives, who were as surprised and moved as I was. And There Is Light may change you.

This is one of the most incredible books I have ever read! Lusseyran describes and reflects everything inside myself that I never thought I could find in anyone else. He is brilliant! If I could meet anyone who ever walked this planet, Lusseyran would definately be who I'd meet. He has become a role model.

I'm not a little kid, just one heavily into middle age. I
enjoy books with great illustrations. This one is fun...
absolutely delightful! I love the ghosts with binoculars and
MacGhost is marvelous. Kids of all ages will find themselves
smiling as they read.

My 3 year old and I happened upon this book at the library. We have checked it out continually ever since while waiting for out copy to arrive. She has memorized the words to this book and to "The Ghost's Dinner". It's a fun book that I enjoy as much as she does.

So does my daughter, who is 2 years old. This is a delightful, cute comedy of errors and mishaps that ends in a happy discovery for this marvelously inept family of ghosts. If you like Scotland or Nessie you'll love this book.

Angkor: Cities and Temples by Claude Jacques, et al undoubtedly presents one of the most enchanting illustrative descriptions of Khmer architectural design and history I've ever seen. The photos are crisp and clean and the printing quality is first class. However, the text, translated from French, is overly technical and lacks a sense of cohesiveness, which would have otherwise made it easier to percieve the "big picture" concerning the period of Angkor.

I had always wanted to visit the Angkor temples.And I was looking for some good books on Angkor. When I saw this book, I immediately bought it inspite of its price. The text is crisp and illuminating. And the photographs are the best I have seen of Angkor. They are so real and dramatic that you feel right there. The only drawback with this book is its size. It is mammoth, making it a reference guide rather than a guide you can bring with you on your travel to Angkor. Nevertheless, only in this book has justice been done to the magnificent temples of Angkor. If there is only one book you buy this year, make it this one.

Angkor Cities And Temples is perhaps one of the most beautiful books I have ever had the pleasure of owning. Everything about it beckons the reader to remain absorbed in its pages. The text by Claude Jacques is erudite, well-written, and very well translated. The photography by Michael Freeman is astonishingly good. Not only by virtue of his technical skills, which are considerable, but because he handles the art and architecture of the monuments with a tremendous sensitivity to detail and a glorious feel for the way in which light interacts dramatically with stone. Together, the flowing text and luminous colour images provide a wondrous exposure to an ancient world of great sophistication and profound aesthetic development.

"Dessert Circus" is the companion cookbook to Jacques Torres' television series, filled with step-by-step instructions and photos to help you recreate all his delicacies at home. After flipping through the book, I had my doubts.

Every recipe I tried was delicious. My favorite recipe has to be his "Chocolate Cornflakes". Delicious and fun to make.

Things I noticed about these recipes: They seem designed for parties and less for home cooking. Yields were large, with servings for 8 seeming to be the magic number. If you want to impress, you'll love this book. There is a fair amount ingredients that may be hard to find.

To recreate many of the recipes listed will require: time, talent, and a little prayer to pull off. This is not to say that the results aren't worth it. Desserts like the impressive "Nougatine Basket with Fruit Sorbets" (three diamonds) can be accomplished, you simply have to take your time and be prepared.

If you've ever looked at an issue of "Chocolatier" or "Pastry: Art & Design" magazines, you have a good idea of what you'll be in for with this cookbook. Cooks looking for a challenge will find plenty of recipes to choose from.

From a rainbow of sorbets served on a chocolate artists "palette" complete with chocolate "paintbrushes", through to the strawberry and raspberry Fraisier Cake beautifully presented with layers of fresh strawberries, Jacques' highly original desserts win me over each time I open this book, and my guests each time I serve one of his creations.

The directions are clearly written, and every dessert recipe is accompanied with a finished photograph, and quite a few feature step by step pictures aswell. Jacques dedicates the first chapter solely to equipment and ingredients, plus a glossary of all terms used throughout the book. The second chapter covers basic or ingredient recipes, such as the perfect puff pastry and homemade chocolate sauce. He also shows you how to prepare my personal favorite, chocolate sculptures. You can also adapt these sculptures, turning just one of the pieces into an amazing garnish.

I highly recommend this and the second volume by Torres, "Dessert Circus at Home".

I have Jacques Torres first book and I plan on buying his second. I watch his show on TV and find his book a great buy. If you love desserts I highly recommend his book.

Well, I must have said that I bought this book mainly because of Jacques Torres. However, after reading through the book as well as baking some of the desserts in the book. I must have said that this is one of the best dessert books that won't disappoint any reader. The dessert comes out and tastes as good as the look of it. The crust of my pie is flaky. The sauces taste great. Even though some of the reviewers said that it is too basic, I think that basic is all there is to a great dessert. Once you have learned the basic, you can adapt the recipe to make something spatacular.

Cooking and baking is one of my passions and so it goes that watching cooking shows on TV instead of movies is the norm in my TV room. Jacques became one of my favorite chefs the moment I began watching his show during FoodTV's Chocolate week in February. I found myself watching with child-like delight as I watched him pour chocolate on the counter and into molds, making chocolate making look like child's play so I knew I had to order his books.

Desert Circus at Home is my favorite baking book. The recipies are fun and easy, ranging from simple basics to fairly complex.
Buy this book and I'll bet you'll have all the pages covered with chocolate finger prints in no time at all because you will want to make all the recipies as soon as you open the pages. The recipies are foolproof if you have any experience in the kitchen at all.

Despite the proliferation of photos of a professionally coiffed jacques Torres, this is not another ego book by a professional chef. This book is filled with wonderful recipes specifically selected because they are well-suited to the home cook. They range from fairly complex but doable creations to simple tips on how to improve common desserts. The instructions are easy to follow, and Torres is an entertaining and helpful author. Many of the recipes are designed to appeal to children, a real plus for parents who cook.