K Books

Mr. Gunning has done it again!
Having studied under Phil Gunning and knowing the dept of his expertise this book brought to life real world experiences in a classroom like setting. As a DBA I found the Chapter#8 on "Tuning Buffer Pools" and Chapter #9 "The Optimizer" to be of great help to me personally. This book is a great reference material for any DBA faced with the challenge of daily performance. I was excited to read Mr. Gunning's explanation of the `Utilities" incorporated in DB2 V9. I would recommend this book for any DBA or DBM who needs an in-depth understanding of developing and monitoring DB2 V9.
DeWayne Stansell DBA

This is a great book for developers because covers pureXML and other features and great to for DBAs the chapter on monitoring is a must have when you are in trouble with your database

Just keep in mind that this book is focues on the LUW(Linux, Unix and Windows) version of DB2, I say this because a friend of mine bought for using with z/OS by mistake.

I bought this book because I needed to get up to speed real fast on using the new XML data type and Developer Workbench, and Chapter 2, 3, 4, and 5 contained everything I needed to get started. I also liked the Chapter on the Optimizer and Monitoring and Performance. A good reference.

This book is a must have for anyone who develops application code or administers DB2 databases on the windows/unix/linux platform.

The chapter on understand the DB2 optimizer is required reading because it provides deep insight into how DB2 will go about getting the data out of your relational database. Understanding this is fundamental for performance in your application.

The chapters on monitoring and peformance tuning are also very insightful and relay the authors years of experience in a very straight forward manner. Using the methods described in this book makes it easy to put procedures in place to track the performance of your database over time, and to spot problems before they start.

This book is a "must have".

Mr. Gunning's expertise provided the information I needed about the newest version of DB2. Service Oriented Architecture, in Chapter 6, and XML, in Chapter 9, were clearly written and understandable.

If you are reading my Ramayana series, then I gently urge and request you to please not buy the UK or US editions, even if they're available at bargain prices. Which they probably are, since the publishers there have more or less put the books out of print, due to a lack of interest by non-Indian readers.

The Indian editions are the definitive editions of my work, containing a lengthy Introduction by me titled 'Retelling the Ramayana', which provides an essential perspective on the work, the final versions of all the books--including some small but significant changes, particularly in some book endings--no glossary, thank God, and are generally the best-edited, designed and published versions, in my opinion at least. In short, they're the Author's Preferred Edition, particularly the new hardcover omnibus editions, which represent the story in the way I had originally intended and are truly sumptuous to hold (and behold). Also, significantly, they aren't packaged as 'Fantasy' or 'SF' like the firang ones, which is a ridiculously transparent attempt at cashing in on the commercial success of the fantasy genre a la LoTR and Harry Potter. Please, people, my Ramayana series is a retelling of an epic, and that's exactly what it should be called, 'Epic'. I'd venture to call it 'Itihasa', but even Mythology, which is the label Penguin uses for the books here in India, is acceptable. But certainly not Fantasy as in one of the ubiquitous Tolkien rip-offs that are churned out in droves by western publishers, or even SF, both genres that can sometimes be wonderful in their own right, but are totally inappropriate in the context of an epic that pre-dates Tolkien by some thousands of years, and the entire tradition of western literature as well!

Frankly, I feel so strongly about this that I'd even go so far as to say, if you can't get the Indian editions, then don't read the books! That's why I'm currently in the process of re-acquiring the rights to the US and UK editions and they will soon be out of print everywhere but India. Which is how it ought to be: this is a quintessentially Indian story, written by a contemporary Indian for other contemporary Indians to read. And the Indian editions are really the only way to go.

Ashok K. Banker
[...]

It's good to see the great epics of Ancient India entering into popular culture through such efforts as this. Thank you Ashok for popularising this superb literature. I too (as Krishna Dharma) have made a similar attempt with both this and Mahabharata. These are the most wonderful books imaginable, not just for their tremendous stories, but especially for their spiritual messages, so uplifting and deeply satisfying. Although it is understandable that Ashok has presented his books as fiction, it must be remembered that Ramayana (and Mahabharata) are actual histories to adherents of Hinduism. Of course, many accretions, interpolations and alterations have crept into the texts over the millenia they have been recounted, but still the basic narratives are held as factual by followers of Vedic culture, with both Rama and Krishna being worshipped as full manifestations of the Supreme Lord.

Anyway, five stars to Ashok for bringing this timeless tale to a whole new audience. I hope they are inspired to find out more about the sublime nature and activities of both Rama and Krishna.

God, Ashok Banker is good! His novels are so amazing, it just too much to describe! Number three sports many important events that originally take place in the myth, like the marriage of Sita and Rama, the encounter between Rama and Parashurama, the exile of Rama, Lakshmana and Sita, and the first meeting with the sly Surphanaka. The characters, every single one of them, is fleshed-out to the extent that you can relate with any of them. The conclusion is just awesome, leaving you ready to devour the next book.

Ashok left us stunned by the end of the Siege of Mithila, with the loss of Raama and Lakshmana's supernatural powers, a vast destruction of the demons and it almost seemed that this book would be an anti-climax.

However, Ashok has not belied our faith in his craft and the master craftsman that he is, conjures such a spellbinding book - that we are transported to the incidents themselves. This book is a turning point in the quest, the epic that is the Raamayana and though there are conclusions to questions raised in the previous 2 books - there are completely new questions that come into play.

We see the taunting lines of fate that take our characters where they need to be. We feel for them, we laugh for them, cry for them, feel terror and rebuke - but most of all love them and live them.

To list out the incidents flashing across different places would be too many, and mar the enjoyment of the readers. All I can say is that this book is packed with action, emotion and drama worthy of the epic.

Each character is given new dimensions and especially the women in this book are quite stupendous - displaying all the traits from jealousy to lust, desperation, strength, love, devotion and power - they define the character of the epic and the times.

There are many scenes in this book that draw choked emotions and make you understand who Rama really is. Again, the book ends on a note of such suspense that you cannot wait to lay your hands on the next one.

I am currently re-re-reading Demons of Chitrakut by Ashok K Banker and wanted to post this review of the same. Well I actually read Ashok’s Ramayana series over and over again, sometimes just a few chapters here and there or some incident or some interesting story of some character…because the books are really good and are so different from other re-tellings of the Ramayana and one would have never read the Ramayana in this style ever before and ofcourse the Ramayana itself is such a timeless and wonderful epic.

Like the previous two books, this one does not fail to hold you captive! Infact for once being held captive is a nice idea. You just don’t want this book to get over!

This 3rd book resumes immediately where Siege of Mithila left us…at the very exciting attack of the demons. The book goes on to describe Rama’s wedding with Sita and the interaction between Rama and Parashurama (one of my favourites).

This is the book in which Rama, Sita and Lakshmana are sent into exile thanks to the manipulated Kaikeyi’s demands of the two boons that were promised to her by Dasaratha. Manthara’s evil ways are finally revealed and she is banished from the Kingdom. Rama, Sita and Lakshmana go to Dandaka-van and a broken hearted Maharaja Dasaratha passes away with Rama’s name on his lips. We then read about Rama’s adventures in the forests with Guha, chief of the hunters and his meeting with Sabari, the tribal woman. It is after her that the Ayyappa temple hill is named Sabarimala in Kerala, and incidently after which I am named!

Rama, Sita and Lakshmana finally settle down at the beautiful and calm Chitrakut hill for their long fourteen year exile, but its not all peace and quiet…

Ashok takes the liberty of adding scenes and incidents to his re-telling (for that is what it is - a re-telling and not a translation), and he does so in a way that supports the central story and he manages to add a lot of background details and descriptions that literally let the reader experience the Ramayana, in Ashok’s own special, wonderful way.

It really sets the mood for further books of the series and is one of my favourite books in the series. A very action packed book with lots of interesting incidents and a definite must read and must have book.

Basado en los datos y situaciones reales contadas en este libro se realizó uno de los más grandes filmes de Akira kurosawa.
Un gran libro una gran historia

Dersu is a very moving story that gave rise to a wonderful movie. The book deserved the film. The film did elegant justice to the book. Akira Kurosawa knew fine material when he found it, and this is prime. It has nature, adventure, survival, the clash of cultures made more profound by a deep and beautiful friendship between representatives of those cultures. Really, though, it is too beautiful for politically correct description. Read it. Give it to your kids to read. It will improve everybody's outlook on life.

Having read this book many years after first seeing the movie Dersu Usala by Kurosawa, I found it thoroughly engaging. It is a chronicle of Arseniev's mapping journeys through parts of Manchuria around the turn of the twentieth century and of his friendship with Dersu. It is told with meticulous attention to the detail of the environment, with many small simple drawings from his journal, and with real love and respect for Dersu himself and his ideas. I was struck by the accuracy of Kurosawa's portrayal of the story and didn't expect the two versions to be so very close.

The movie has been one of my favourites for years and now Arsiniev's book sits right beside it. They are both classics in that you wouldn't change a word or scene of them. The book and movie are treasures and are very highly recommended.

A very thoughtful well written book which is particularly timely now even though it was written 100 years ago.

This is really a fascinating book from several perspectives. A natural history and anthropological look at a time and place unfamiliar to most Americans.

Destined For Salvation is like a cup of cold water on a hot day for those of us thirsty to understand Christian Universalism. Rev. Fristad's book is easy to read, and includes many modern day references to helpful insights, particularly how the co-dependency of the traditional church perpetuates the doctrine of eternal hell. Many who have quietly believed in their hearts that Jesus is the Savior of all people will find great comfort in the pages of this book. I recommend it highly to anyone seeking a closer walk with Christ that affirms the worth and dignity of all God's children.

A well written book. Makes a good case for the unconditional love of God. I have a few other books to read on this topic yet, but this is definitely on my list to give to others.

DESTINED FOR SALVATION: God's Promise to Save Everyone

by Rev. Kalen Fristad



Rev. Fristad is a dedicated Universalist who writes about Christian Universalism in a logical and loving fashion. The strength of his book comes from his twenty-seven years' experience as a United Methodist minister in communicating to parishioners rather than to academics. He feels so intensely about the need to spread the Good News of Universal Salvation to everyone that, in the tradition of St. Paul and John Murray, he has been traveling around the country in a mobile home speaking to groups from various denominations. When he was recently in Houston, I had the privilege of hearing him speak and conversing with him.



Interestingly, he begins his book by presenting the scriptures that are commonly sited as raising questions about Universal Salvation. After dealing with these questions, he moves on to a sampling of major verses supporting Universal Salvation. Additional Universalist proof-texts are scattered throughout. Next, he deals with Judgment and the fact that all punishment is "to make the wrong-doer a right-doer". Rev. Fristad sites Biblical verses stating that God's love is eternal and that God does not give up on us, even in Hell. He notes that after Jesus' crucifixion, Jesus went to Hell to bring out "all the people who in former times did not obey" (I Peter 3:18-20, 4:6). He adds that modern-day near-death experiencers report that such rescues are still occurring. Rev. Fristad says that God is more gracious than the best of we human parents and that God is always waiting for us to come home --- not only Here but in the Hereafter. Rev. Fristad uses M. Scott Peck's developmental theory of four stages of spiritual growth to illustrate how humans at different stages of development view God. He notes that people at Stage II (formal/institutional level) are the ones most likely to oppose Universalism. Those who oppose Universalism are sometimes doing so because of the theological lens through which they view Biblical verses, but more often their opposition is based on wanting to be in God's exclusive club. (This problem is as old as Jesus' disciples jockeying for position in the Kingdom of God.) Next, the history of Universalism is presented from the 2nd Century to the present. The final chapter deals with how the traditional message of Christian exclusivity alienates people from God. The book ends with an Appendix on how to spread the word of Universal Salvation.



This easily readable and well-organized book is a "must" for any Universalist and a source of comfort for all traditional Christians who have agonized over the fate of their non-Christian loved ones.


This article originally appeared in the UNIVERSALIST HERALD, May/June, Vol.156, No.3.

Suppose there was a rural tribe in the farthest reaches of the world who had never seen a Bible, been visited by a missionary, or even heard of the name of Jesus Christ. Would a loving God condemn such people to an eternity of agonizing punishment for what basically amounted to an ignorance of his existance? In thousands of (well-meaning) Evangelical Churches across America, the shocking answer to that question would be a "Yes". Fortunately, their ARE Christians who feel quite differently!...While I have always been a voracious reader of spiritual/Christian books, over the last few years I have taken an specific interest in learning about Universalist Christian theology. How my personal faith journey lead me to embrace Universalism is a long story that I don't have the space to recount here, but let me just say I feel blessed to have discovered this small, growing (but still largely misunderstood) faith movement. Luckily for me, during the period when my interest began growing, several new books on Universal Salvation hit the market - and I have now taken the time to read most of them. What's interesting is that each of these books has a slighlty different approach to Universalist Christianity (sometimes also refered to as 'Universal reconciliation' or 'the wider hope'), and therefore each seems geared towards a different niche audience...Theologian Thomas Talbott's "The Inescapable Love of God" is probably the most exhaustive and scholarly work in this field, and makes it's case based heavily on theological minutia, philosophy, and Church history. Minister/writer David Lowes Watson's "God Does Not Foreclose" deals mostly with discipleship, and contends that Universlaism is the way forward for the modern Church. Randy Klassen's "What Does the Bible Really Say About Hell?" argues convincingly that the mainstream Church (throughout history) has greatly distorted the Biblical texts on hell, judgement, and salvation. And Quaker pastors Phillip Gulley & James Mullholland ("If Grace is True") argue from a humanistic, common sense standpoint (although, based on some of the reviews here on Amazon, a few of the duo's non-traditional ideas, well apart from their Universalism, have proven problematic for more conservative readers)...However, of all the works I have read, I believe that the one that works best as an introduction to the basic tenets of Christian Universalism would be THIS book; Rev. Kalen Fristad's "DESTINED FOR SALVATION". Fristad is a United Methodist minister who travels the country in a van, speaking in any church or public place that will have him. He does this, in his own words, "to spread the message of God's unlimited love and salvation". He is the founder of the Iowa-based 'Destined for Salvation Ministries', and wrote this namesake book to (again, in his own words); "Let the world in on a secret that the Church has kept away from most people for the last 1,400 years...that God will eventually save every person". In just 160 pages, Fristad lays out all of the basic teachings of (and arguments in favor of) Universal Reconcilation, and does so in a way that is clear, consice, and not weighed-down by the type of theological jargon that can make other books a bit too 'dry' for the average layman reader. In one of the book's masterstrokes, Fristad begins his discussion, right in chapter one, by answering and rebutting all of the common objections and "clobber passages" often used against Universalists. His rebuttals are thorough, convincing, and never demeaning to those who would disagree. This then allows the reader to leave some of their preconcieved notions at the door and focus on the evidence at hand. Fristad then builds a strong case based around familiar New Testament texts (quoting heavily from the teachings of Jesus and the epistles of Paul), examples from early church history (including writings from Origen, Tertullian, & Clement), and the most basic tenents of orthodox Christian theology (God's undying love for every person, God's merciful nature, God's omnipotence, etc.) I particularly found the sections about the early-Church to be facsinating. Although many Modern Evangelicals (including Billy Graham) are quick to label Univeralism as heresy, the facts show that the 'salvation of all mankind' was one of the most predominant and well-documented beliefs of the first 500 years of the Christian faith! Fristad also tells how the teaching of Universal Reconciliation was surpressed & banished (often by force) when militaristic emperors such as Justinian & Constintine (heavily influenced by the vengence-based theolgy of Augustine) gained control of the Church in the 6th century. Also fascinating is the information on how poor translations (from ancient Greek into modern English) of only a few key words in the NT have lead to many of the modern misunderstandings about the true nature of Hell, judgement, and damnation (although it must be said that this particular subject is given far more in-depth coverage in Randy Klassen's "What Does the Bible Really Say About Hell?") While some Fundamentalist critics contend that Universalists do not take judgement seriously enough, I doubt they would still feel that way if they took the time to read Rev. Fristad's thoughtful take on the subject. (I would counter that it is the Fundamentalists, who flippantly consign entire races & religions to hopeless eternal suffering, who don't take God's judgement all that seriously!) In fact, towards the end of the book, Fristad devotes a chapter to the question; "Why do some Christians cling so tightly to the idea of eternal damnation?" While I don't have the space here to do his answer any justice, I will just say that any person who has tried to spread the good news of Universal reconcilation, only to recieve a negative, angry responses from fellow-Christians, will find some great food-for-thought in his insights! Actually, the book closes with a chapter on how Universalist-believers can do a better job of spreading the news of God's unlimited love and salvation, even in a World that isn't always willing to listen!...All in all, I believe that Rev. Fristad has created a book that shows quite powerfully that Universal Reconciliation is not simply "wishful thinking", but is a historical Christian position built upon a sound theological foundation. If you are one who is undecieded and curious about Universal Salvation, then this book will provide you with a solid understanding of the subject. If you are already a Universalist, then you will no doubt find your views validated (and even deepened) by Fristad's excellent presentation. Finally, if you are one of those who rejects the idea that God will save all people, (or even thinks all we Universalist-types are crackpots!), I would challenge you to read this book anyway. Will it change your mind???...Perhaps it will, perhaps it won't....But either way, at least you'll hear the case for Universalism presented honestly & completely by a professing Universalist author. The fact is, there is a lot of false information about Universalism to be found in various Evangelical publications & websites. So, if you want to judge the validity of Christian Univeralism, please at least make that judgement based on what Universalists REALLY believe!...Well, thanks for taking the time to read this review, and blessings to all in the name of Jesus Christ, "the saviour of ALL men, especially those who believe" (1 Timothy 4:10)

Destined For Salvation is a well written, thoughtful, convincing book about Christian Universalism, the belief that God will eventually save all people through Jesus Christ. There are many books available on this subject, but Kalen Fristad's is one of the best because it is easy to read and suitable for a general Christian audience.

Fristad does more than simply quote verses from the Bible that support universal salvation. He explains how the key themes of scripture point toward a universalist interpretation of the Gospel, and he is fair in recognizing that not all Bible verses seem to support universalism. He also discusses the many negative effects of belief in eternal damnation and argues that belief in universal salvation has a positive effect on the way we live and treat each other.

One of the best ideas in this book is that salvation is about spiritual growth, an eternal process of growing into God's likeness, not just one moment of going down to the altar and professing a religious doctrine about Jesus. Another book that I highly recommend which more fully develops this theme is Christian Universalism by Eric Stetson.

I would give Destined For Salvation to anyone as an introduction to the Christian teaching of universal salvation. Definitely one of the top books about Christian Universalism!

I agree, this book needs to be re-issued. The copy I keep belonged to my mother, and it was my favorite growing up. I think its an excellent book, it discusses delicate social issues while stil staying child-appropriate.

I first recieved this book as a gift when I was 10 or 11. The cover was beautiful; green with a red caravan on the front. It was then called Diddakoi. I have just finished rereading it myself and reading it to my children. This book should be considered a children's classic. It is a must read for my friend's children.

Like the other reviewer, The Diddakoi has been my favorite book well into adulthood. And, like other great children's literature can, it truly did help form my ideas of right and wrong, of who I wanted (and didn't want) to be, and gave me insight into the realities and the joys of human nature. Reprint it, somebody!

I first read the diddakoi as an adult and reccommend it highly to any reader who insists on good writing. The message is important NOW, especially with current emphasis on teaching tolerance to young people and learning to control feelings of anger, hate, and prejudice. It is such a charming story.

It is with great sadness that I see my favorite book of all time out of print. I wanted to give it as a gift to all my nieces as they enter school. This is a wonderful story of overcoming being different and how cruel and loving human spirit can be. The people who love the little gypsy girl all come together and make a family proving that family is not just blood, but love. The most heartwarming story of my reading. Again, please someone reprint this moving story

"Peter Senge broke the mindset-barrier and showed how systems thinking and system change are essential to support individual development. The strength of TPS, however, is that it measures personal development in the context of organizational development. This highly interactive process creates the foundation for dynamic change where everyone can benefit from constant learning and improvement. Dr. Rampersad's brilliance lies in bringing Peter Senge's ideas of system-symbiosis into alignment with ideas of personal ambition, vision and mission. When leaders can accurately measure true performance - low, average or outstanding - it is possible for the ideal to become a reality" - Professor George A. Kohlrieser, IMD, Switzerland

" ...man kann des öfteren eine Diskrepanz zwischen der Intensität bei der Verfolgung der Organisationsziele und der Art beobachten, mit der die individuellen Ziele der Führungskräfte in einem Unternehmen erkannt und behandelt werden. Total Performance Scorecard füllt diese Lücke mit einem Komplettsystem aus , das die Individuelle- und die Unternehmens-Scorecard sowie den kontinuierlichen Verbesserungsprozesse mit dem individuellen Lernprozess verbindet. Wenn Sie nach einem praxisnahen Werkzeugkasten zur Verbesserung des Unternehmenserfolgs suchen, so sind Sie mit diesem Workshop und dem zugrunde liegende Buch fündig geworden" Professor Philip Anderson, INSEAD, Frankreich

"Diesen buch sollten alle Führungskräfte besuchen. ...das zugrundeliegende Buch sollte von allen Führungskräften gelesenen werden, die sich mit der Organisationsverbesserung und -veränderungen befassen. Durch die Erweiterungen und die Integration der Konzepte der Balanced Scorecard, des Total Quality Management, des Performancemanagement und des Kompetenzmanagement in einen gemeinsam, umfassendes Konzept ,- das Total Performance Scorecard genannt wird - gibt uns Dr. Rampersad eine Vorlage zur Schaffung einer lernenden Organisation, in der er sich der persönliche Erfolg der Führungskräfte und der Erfolg der Organisation gegenseitig befruchten." - Professor Cornelis A. de Kluyver, Dean of Peter F. Drucker Graduate School of Management, Claremont Graduate University, Califrornia

"Hubert Rampersad hat eine unwahrscheinliche Menge verschiedener Managementkonzepten aufeinander abgestimmt... Das Buch "Die Total Performance Scorecard" dient als praktisches Handbuch mit zahlreichen Übungen und Abbildungen." - Dorothy A.Leonard, Professor of Business-Administration, Harvard BusinessSchool, Boston

Äußerst systematisch aufgebaut, entwickelt Hubert Rampersad in einer stimulierenden und praxisnahen Sprache ein integriertes Managementsystem auf der gedanklichen Basis mehrerer erfolgreicher und äußerst aktueller Managementkonzepte, wie dem der Balanced Scorecard, dem des Total Quality Managements, des Wissens-, Kompetenz- und Performancemangements, des Changemanagements sowie dem der lernenden Organisation." - Professor Dr. Christian Schuchardt, Professor für BWL und Internationales Management an der School of International Business der Hochschule Bremen

Book arrived in the nick of time. Brand new! Although, I can't blame the C grade that I received on the book, I will say it helped me stay average. Thanks a bunch! Science is so not my thing!

My kids love this Science book. It is very interesting, there are lots of pictures.

I have been using "Earth Science" by Tarbuck and Lutgens both at the high school and college level for 15 years. I think that iotr one of the best available.

This book was a wonderful resource for my Earth Science class. It has many colorful pictures, and great explanations.

This book was worth buying, easy to read. If you would like to purchase this book you can contact me through email.

I'm tired of the hoopla about diversity. So when my colleague at work loaned me this book and encouraged me to read it, I did so reluctantly. In hindsight, I have to say I like the way the author got me involved from the beginning. She asks the reader to assume the role of a CEO whose company is in trouble. She wants to take me on a "journey" to help me understand how diversity can help turn my company around. I found that just a little hokey. But by business imperative #10, I was surprised at how the "journey" concept really had worked. I liked the idea that I actually did turn my company around and that it was selected as one of Fortune's most admired companies. That was clever on the part of the author. The reader is provided with lots of statistics on population trends and emerging market trends. It was almost too much, but the author certainly makes her point that the world's complexion is changing. That did get my attention. Although the statistics may have gotten a little exhaustive, her summary highlights at the end of each chapter are a great idea. Crib notes for executives, or anyone else, who don't want to take the time to read the entire book. She makes the important facts easy to retrieve. I thought the best chapters had to do with creativity and the war for talent. There was really some good stuff in there.The author's style is very direct and matter-of-fact, a plus for this subject which often gets emotionalized or overly philosophical for my taste. So, overall, I would say that this was a good read about a subject that was not of real interest to me, at least until now. I would recommend it highly to managers and human resource professionals.

This is one of the better books I've read on diversity. As the author states, there has been a lot written about why diversity is the right thing to do - why it's the politically correct thing to do. But when diversity is positioned that way, it still feels like affirmative action. It's still a focus on numbers. It's still lip service by companies that are concerned about legal liabilities. What Henry does is take a much more pragmatic approach. She focuses on the positive, bottom line, results businesses can realize when they leverage diversity. This book really underscores how diversity can be a competitive advantage. The author delves into the changing demographics. Her statistics are great, showing us that the workforce of tomorrow is increasingly diverse. So is the customer base. I didn't realize that the purchasing power of minorities here in the U.S. has grown so substantially. Henry reminds us that they are increasingly selective as well in terms of which companies they'll choose to buy goods and services from. I really liked her examples of marketing gaffes made by companies who fail to take the diversity of their customers into account. As the author points out, these blunders are examples of opportunities lost and costs to the company that come right off the bottom line. I'm impressed by the research, facts and statistics that the author compiles. Her bibliography and recommended resources are quite impressive. This is a really compelling call to action for businesses trying to compete in the global economy. I now understand what the author means by diversity is a "global necessity" whose time has come. The author argues with good back-up data that diversity needs to be embraced by organizations and no longer merely tolerated.

This is one of the better books I've read on diversity. As the author states, there has been a lot written about why diversity is the right thing to do - why it's the politically correct thing to do. But when diversity is positioned that way, it still feels like affirmative action. It's still a focus on numbers. It's still lip service by companies that are concerned about legal liabilities. What Henry does is take a much more pragmatic approach. She focuses on the positive, bottom line, results businesses can realize when they leverage diversity. This book really underscores how diversity can be a competitive advantage. The author delves into the changing demographics. Her statistics are great, showing us that the workforce of tomorrow is increasingly diverse. So is the customer base. I didn't realize that the purchasing power of minorities here in the U.S. has grown so substantially. Henry reminds us that they are increasingly selective as well in terms of which companies they'll choose to buy goods and services from. I really liked her examples of marketing gaffes made by companies who fail to take the diversity of their customers into account. As the author points out, these blunders are examples of opportunities lost and costs to the company that come right off the bottom line. I'm impressed by the research, facts and statistics that the author compiles. Her bibliography and recommended resources are quite impressive. This is a really compelling call to action for businesses trying to compete in the global economy. I now understand what the author means by diversity is a "global necessity" whose time has come. The author argues with good back-up data that diversity needs to be embraced by organizations and no longer merely tolerated.

This book is a bargain for anybody who's involved in diversity in the workplace. Pamela Henry has written the BEST argument I've ever read on why organizations need to start treating diversity seriously and incorporating it as a business strategy. She does so by discussing ten business "imperatives," which range from demographics, globalization and the war for talent, to business competencies like recruitment, retention, creativity and productivity. The author has done a lot of research. She also incorporates vignettes about her diversity experiences in Corporate America, sharing stories that really give the reader great insight into the advantages and challenges that diversity in the workplace offers. But that's not the best part of the book. The best is the second part in which Henry includes strategies, tactics, tools and metrics to launch and sustain a diversity initiative. She includes her 9-S model she's developed to give organizations a framework from which to plan and launch a diversity initiative. She includes great metrics and tools to ensure organizational accountability. The diversity scorecard is comprehensive. She even includes a cultural audit that is one of the best I've seen. Her insights into what skills and competencies leaders must acquire in order to create an inclusive culture that values all differences is really on target. So are her strategies and tactics for recruiting a diverse pipeline. This book needs to be read and utilized by companies that are serious about making a commitment to diversity and an inclusive culture. It's the best bargain going at $...

This book has everything a person interested in the field of diversity would want and it's very comprehensive. First, it has probably the best business case for diversity I've ever read. I really liked the fact that the author stuck to the bottom line implications of diversity and didn't stray into the philosophical or moral issues surrounding diversity. She really tells companies how they can leverage diversity to increase their profits. Second, the author's style is very straightforward. She supplements her arguments with facts and current statistics, and not leaps of faith. If you look at the end notes, you will see just how much research has gone into writing this book, which really adds to its credibility. Her chapter on the war for talent was especially compelling. She tells us that the shortage of skilled, technical labor is increasing. Worse, the U.S. is producing far fewer engineers needed to narrow this gap than many Asian and European competitors. The data the author presents is both convincing and scary at the same time. The numerous examples of costly mistakes companies have made by not understanding the cultures of the customers they were trying to sell to is interesting reading. It serves as a call to action for companies doing business in the global economy. The author does a good job of outlining the cost benefits of hiring right the first time. Replacement and retraining costs come right off the bottom line. Since the emerging workforce is increasingly diverse, her insights on how to source and recruit diverse talent are valuable. I also liked the chapter on creativity and how diversity creates greater bandwidth in experiences and perspectives that makes for better problem-solving and innovation. The author likens diversity to the "DNA" of creativity. Having no diversity at the table, she warns, is missing an opportunity to arrive at the "most elegant" solution. The tools that she includes in the second part of the book are awesome. Like I said, this is a great resource book for anyone interested in starting or managing a diversity program.

A DIVISION OF THE SPOILS by Paul Scott is the last book in his series known as the Raj Quartet. The four books are classics, that have been read and will continue to be read centuries from now as readers attempt to understand what happened during the last days of the British Raj in India. I read history but I am also a great fan of well written historical fiction and these books are extremely well written historical fiction. Having read them, I am much more enlightened about the struggles which continue today betweem Hindu and Muslim.

Many of the characters from the earlier books converge in DIVISION, and the book introduces a new character, Guy Perron, who is a Chillingborough-Cambridge educated historian whose "period" and place are mid-19th Century India. Guy's character is used to tie up all the loose ends.

After arriving in India as a British army sergeant (he has elected not become an officer although his education and class clearly warrent it), Guy has the misfortune to be "chosen" by the recently-promoted-to-LtCol. and very wicked Ronald Merrick as his aide-de-camp. Merrick is still riddled with class envy, and sees in Guy an excellent opportunity to abuse someone he despises. Fortunately, Guy is able to escape from Merrick through the graces of his Aunt Charlotte who pulls strings to have him released from the army.

Fortunately for Guy, he doesn't escape Merrick before he meets Sarah Layton. Their story is told in this fourth volume and certain elements of the tale bring to mind the earlier story of Hari Kumar and Daphne Manners. In fact, it is through Guy's meeting of Merrick, Sarah, and another Chillingburrian, Nigel Rowan (who interviewed Hari Kumar in prison) that he becomes interested in the events at Mayapore in 1942 and the subsequent consequences for all involved.

As with other great classics, in DIVISION things do not always evolve as the reader would have wished. This book is very realistic -- sorrow and joy are mixed. In JEWEL IN THE CROWN, the first book in the series, Lady Chatterjee says she does not want to go to a heaven that excludes joy and sorrow because being human requires one to feel joy and sorrow.

Perhaps it is because humans can experience sorrow they are capable of experiencing joy. In the end, the reader discovers Hari Kumar's fate and the identity of Philoctetes as well as the difference between Dharma and Karma. This is a powerful series and a fabulous ending to the tale.

The Raj Quartet comes to its spectacular conclusion with "A Division of the Spoils." Of the four books, I perhaps enjoyed this one the most. The main character (Guy Perron) is observant, funny, and human, so he's easy to like. He is a complete opposite of the story's antagonist, Ronald Merrick. The scenes in which they must work together (Perron is a sergeant and Merrick his officer) are some of the best. I could hardly put this book down and finished it in just a few days.

Please do not let the length of this series dissuade you from reading it! The books are all very compelling and well-written. If you like historical fiction, they are very much worth your time. I would recommend you watch the mini-series (I rented it from Netflix), read the 4 books, and then watch the mini again. You'll get quite a bit out of it that way.

Enjoy!

Anyone reading the reviews for the previous 3 books, knows I have struggled to read these series. However, Scott absolutely redeemed himself with this final book.

The first book focused on the British occupation of India during WWII and introduced us to the "Manners" case - the only interesting bit in a book that had long waffly passages describing India. Who needs to read a history book? This book would have done it... The 2nd book focused more on the "Layton's" and was much more readable as it was the changing India as seen through the eyes of a few key characters. The 3rd book was a boring repetition of the 2nd book and this last book, about the end of the British occupation and WWII was just brilliant!

Like his much more enjoyable 2nd book, this one is told almost exclusively through the eyes of key characters we met in previous books - and it introduces us to the rakish charm of Guy Perron. I always remember Charles Dance's interpretation of Guy Perron in the BBC series making a strong impression on me, but I found the character in the book even more engaging.

This last book in the series was absolutely stunning and made persevering through the whole series somewhat worth it. I say somewhat, because it has been a real trial getting through the denser parts of Books I and III and I wouldn't push this series on anyone, even though the last book is a literary accomplishment.

I try to think if this book is readable without having read the previous books, and although I suspect it is (Scott continues to go back over vast chunks of history from someone else's point of view), it would be a shallow interpretation without the reader gaining all the knowledge from the first 3 books.

This book is just as impressive as the three others of the Raj Quartet. Once again, the cast of interesting characters is huge; the atmosphere of the time is brilliantly captured and the variety of scenes/plots is well mastered. The book is instructive and yet enormously entertaining. The Raj Quartet is one of the most rewarding pieces of literature I have ever read.

The four volumes of the Raj Quartet overlap and complement one another, while at the same time forwarding the main storyline of the slow twilight of the British ascendancy in India, always with the rape of a white girl by Indian men as the central lodestone everpresent in the background, the nightmare which is seldom mentioned but which none can drive from their minds. Events occur, are discussed, witnessed as newspaper reports, court documents, interviews, vague recollections from years later, or perceived directly by the main characters. Then the next volume will take two or three steps back into previous events, and these same events will be perceived from another angle, perhaps only as a vague report heard far away across the Indian plain, or witnessed directly by another character, or discussed in detail long after their occurrence over drinks on a verandah. This may at times seem like rehashing, indeed as one reads the four volumes one will be subjected to the account of the rape in the Bibighar Gardens many times over; but what will also become apparent is that additional details, sometimes minor variations in interpretation and sometimes crucial facts, are being added slowly to the events discussed, as though the window to the past were being progressively wiped cleaner and cleaner with successive strokes of Scott's pen. In this way he draws the picture of the last days of the Raj not in a conventional linear fashion, but recursively, and from multiple angles. One gets the clear impression of life in India during the first half of the 20th century as similar in nature: Fragmented, multifaceted, largely dependent upon perspective and experience and never perceived whole or all at once.

Book 4 is the tour-de-force of the series, the longest and the one that covers the greatest distance, emotionally and chronologically. Into the Laytons' social set come Nigel Rowan, an officer in the political branch whom we have met before in Book 2 interrogating Hari Kumar some years after his imprisonment, and Guy Perron, a sergeant in the intelligence service who is "chosen" against his will by Ronald Merrick to serve in his unit. Merrick seems deliberately to surround himself with people who dislike him: Guy Perron, Sarah Layton, and before them Daphne Manners and Hari Kumar. Rowan and Perron, incidentally, are former schoolmates of Kumar's at the posh Chillingborough Academy in England. And they're not the only ones: The British in India seem constantly reminded that Kumar symbolizes the insoluble problem of India's Britishness. He's too British for the Indians and too Indian for the British. Perron is an excellent guide through the final days of the Raj, stolid and proper yet inwardly seething with intellectual outrage. An explosive yet sombre climax in 1947 details the very end of the British presence in India, the beginnings of the Hindu-Muslim riots throughout the country, and gives an expansive sense of just how far one has come from the small town of Mayapore and the darkly deserted Bibighar Gardens.

After receiving an early-retirement offer from my employer, I diligently went about reviewing my options. I was not sure whether to take a company annuity or a lump sum from my pension fund. I was not certain about how to handle my 401k. In defense of my company, they offered informational seminars however the best information has been this book. I would recommend, actually I would highly recommend this book for any employee thinking about changing jobs or retiring. This is a great-easy to read resource.

Don't Get Caught With Your Pants Down is survival guide, true to form. With all of the teacher layoffs in California supposedly looming on the horizon, I definitely recommend it for all who could be affected and or already have been affected by a layoff. This book is perfect for currently employed who want to get a jump on retirement and for those who would like to learn about investing and how to do it properly; god, it is such a great book, with so many uses I could talk about them all day but unfortunately I have to sum it up in 1000 words or less. Bottom line, read it, use it and don't get caught with your pants down, I didnt!!!

I haven't let this book stray too far from my side since my employer (major airline) offered me an early retirement. Very helpful!

The cover and title of this book are certainly reflective of its contents. No fluff straight to the point. When I put this book down, I came away with the feeling, "everything is going to be okay"!The author provides some great commentary as to "why" employees do not have the same job security our grandparents enjoyed. I would say this book was written for the average person looking for general information about Rollover IRA's, good/bad retirement investments, wills and trusts etc. Alternate publications may be more appropriate if you need complex estate or retirement planning strategies. Bottom line: My stomach was not in knots after reading this book. Highly recommended!

Don't Get Caught With Your Pants Down is a wonderful crash course for the layman on investments, long-term health care insurance, wills, trusts and IRA's. I enjoyed the tips on selecting an investment advisor and how to determine the fees you really pay to have a bank, brokerage firm, or mutual fund company when they assist you with your affairs. Other books I have read about investments & retirement tend to be real yawners, not this one! This book answered all my questions. As a bonus it is filled with some great one-liners, and is a pleasure to read. Buy it!