Authors Books

Someone once warned me that writing and publishing a book isn't as hard as promoting it. When I first started promoting my own novel, I quickly understood what he meant. How do I go about it? How much should I spend? Where should I focus my energy? Will I even get my novel into the bricks-and-mortar stores when thousands of other new books are also being released? If I can't, what do I do?

I found the answer in an extremely useful guide called PLUG YOUR BOOK by Steve Weber. Weber tells us how to navigate the enormous online opportunities available to all authors whether self-published or traditionally published. Weber discusses the benefits of building your own website, selling on Amazon, blogging and blog tours, plus social networking at places such as MySpace, and a host of other things to assist authors. What I especially like about this book is the amount of how-to detail offered, including e-mail addresses for various resources. As a bonus, Weber offers updated information on his website.

If you're stressing about promotion and don't know how to go about it, then this book is a must-read.

I went through this book a few times and felt I got a good value out of it. Weber does do a nice job of providing some valuable insights on how to promote a book, many were eye-opening to me.

I've found other books a little easier to read, but in all fairness this wasn't bad at all. While I did find the majority of the book helpful and insightful, there were a few chapters in there (blogging), that were perhaps longer than they needed to be.

When it comes specifically in selling your book off of amazon.com, Weber does do a admirable job in explaining the pros and the cons of each promotion, and provides practical advice on which direction might be best for you.

If you're self publishing your book, and you're considering working with amazon.com, this is an inexpensive resource you should have in your library.

JM Tuber
Author of "Being a Starving Artist Sucks", ISBN: 0981622003

I wish Steve had written this book 15 years ago when my first books came out. But better late than never. I have found a path for increasing the number of my books sold. My pubisher is happy, I am happy and I hope Steve writes more on this subject. Follow Steve's advice and watch the books sell.

Way to go Steve!

I wish either I'd known about this book when my book was released OR I had thought all that stuff up by myself.

As there was no way I could have known about everything that's in this book, I'm so glad I found it--or it found me.

The literary world is changing. No longer are publishers taking on the responsibility of marketing and publicizing, unless you have a huge name in the market place. In today's world, with the advent of the internet and its subsequent boom, the internet is the place to advertise. From Amazon (and there's loads of opportunities there) My Space, You Tube, creating your own websites and blogspots, to learning the way around blog tours, the internet is hot stuff.

I'm so glad Steve came along and arranged all the marketing opportunities in his book. This will be an amazing adventure for me to promote my books and discover other authors I'd never have found otherwise.

Good going Steve.

Pat

Plug Your Book is a great tool kit for boosting your book visibility online. It's so practical and simple--easy to adapt your own projects. I've learned a few tricks that I most definitely will use! -- Jackie Lapin, author of The Art of Conscious Creation, How You Can Transform the World
The Art of Conscious Creation: How You Can Transform the World

I have an old copy of this book and love it, but it was bulky to travel with. I love the paper back version of the book and the new updated language. A wonderful companion for my spiritual journey.

I have been studying this book for 6 years and sharing it with others. Oswald Chambers was an exceptional writer, bible scholar, and teacher. This book has given me great insight and direction to walk as a Christian daily.

I highly recommend this book for everyone! The lessons really hit home and are applicable to all lives at all stages.

My Utmost for His Highest is a wonderful classic christian devotional book. I have used it and bought a copy for each of my adult sons for Father's Day.

This is a great daily devotional that points you to scripture and then life application. While I LOVED my older edition of Oswald Chambers, reading it in contemporary language makes my quiet time flow easier because I don't get hung up on Oswald's old english.

I read Dime Piece also by Tracy Brown and I thought it was just ok. But a friend of mine advised me to read White Lines. White Line is an Epic Novel filled with Drama, Love, Violence and Friendship. Tracy Brown is a gifted writer and I applaud her for her hard work while writing this novel. I felt like I knew Jada, because the author provided so much detail when explaining each character. The story is about Jada who grew up in a dysfuctional household with her sister Ava her mother and her abusive step-father. With all the drama in the hood and also within Jada life at home Jada relies on her drugs to zero out what is going on around her. First comes the abuse than drugs than selling her body, Jada's life is a rollercoaster ride of ups & downs. She finds love, money, respect but loses all three in just one night. Jada is once again a victim to drugs and no one to help her. Tracy Brown "White Lines" had me shedding a tear or two with this novel. Buy it if you are looking for a Real-Life sotry that will have you begging for a resolution as if you really know the fictional charaters.

This was the best book that I have read since The Coldest Winter Ever. If you loved that book then you will definately love this one. This is the second book that I have read form Tracy Brown, and I must say she is the truth. This book without a doubt get a A+++.

The story was pertty good. just felt like the author kept repeating herself, but overall good book

All I have to say is go get it and read it, clear ur day..make time just 4 u and this novel...this here book was so very good, it was heartfelt. Go buy it 2day. It's one of my fav's, and Tracy Brown, did her thang. I highly recommend this novel, I thought that I gave a review b4 I did on "Twisted", but this one is good hands down. Without telling u anything this book is worth every penny..trust.

This compelling story centers around the life of Jada Ford, a young girl who is bitter from her mothers unprotective manner towards her and her sister, Ava. Jada enters into the ruthless life of drugs and prostitution, with hopes of numbing the pain she feels about her broken family. She never intended to get involved with crack and cocaine, it started from smoking marijuana with her friends until the marijuana was mixed with cocaine, forming what they called "a woolah". Jada would do anything just to get high. She went from forming a bond with Mr. Charlie, her mother's "sugar daddy" who accpted her drug addiction, to selling her body as a prostitute, to selling crack just to get crack in return. When Jada was arrested, she decided to change her life around and vowed to never return to the reckless life she once indulged in. And that's when she met Born. Born was the man on the streets, the ultimate hustler, who swept Jada off of her feet with his acceptance of her past in hopes that she wouldnt turn back to her wicked ways. He introduced her to the "glamourous life", a life filled with diamonds and furs, nice cars, partying and popping bottles of champagne...compliments of the money he made selling drugs. Jada's life was starting to look up and for once she had someone who loved her unconditionally...or so she thought. Jada got caught up using drugs again, with the help of her friend Sunny. She felt as if she had control of her drug use but in reality her control was slipping away from her, and she vowed to herself and Born to never go back to her addiction, but it was too late. Born soon noticed that Jada was addicted to drugs once again, which was something he just could not tolerate due to him seeing his father's battle with drug addiction until his death. So, Born threw Jada back out on the streets, leaving her to fend for her self once again. Jada's life starts falling apart all over again and she has no one willing to help save her. Sunny is gone. Her mother is gone. Her sister is gone. Born is gone. Will she finally realize that she must learn to save herself and do just that?? You'll have to read to find out!! Tracey Brown shows you the effects of the drug game from every angle: the drug user, the drug pusher, and the victims of both such as the children, the mothers, the fathers, and the friends. One of the best books I have ever read!! Don't get discouraged when you see that this book has 500 pages because you will really be passing up a true bestseller!

Latasha
Vice President of B~more Readers with W.I.S.D.O.M Book Club
Baltimore,Maryland
www.myspace.com/bmorereaderswithwisdom
b_morereaderswithwisdom@yahoo.com

I thought this book was the best book on Vietnam that I have ever read. Its a facinating look into life as a line officer in a front line Marine Infantry batallion during the early part of the war. Caputo holds nothing back when it comes to describing life on the front line and what goes through the minds of these young, too young Marines who fought on the front line. An excellent read and I highly reccomend it.

Its a page turner from start to finish. A very unique view of the war.

I assigned this book to my college students for a closer glimpse of the Vietnam Conflict. I had not read it before, but had done research and study on the subject. I found Caputo's book to be insightful, controversial and thought provoking. He doesn't glamorize the war but explains how it effected soldiers and one of the many reasons it was such a mess. Throughout the book, Caputo shows how the conditions changed the average American teenager into a robotic killer and how their experiences stayed with them. In the end, he speaks against the war, but not in the normal Jane Fonda version of bashing the military and labeling them rapists and baby killer. Caputo talks about how the government was at fault and created the situations that lead to PTSD and other issues for returning soldiers.

A must read to understand the war and its effects on our soldiers.

In keeping with the theme of this Memorial Day weekend, I would like to offer my thoughts on "A Rumor of War," a classic tale of Vietnam. Philip Caputo has crafted one of the most moving and disturbing testaments to the men who fought and died in that far away land. When the book was first published in 1977, the New York Times called it "The troubled conscience of America speaking passionately, truthfully, finally." I became aware of this classic memoir when my friend, Capt. Kyle Kalkwarf, West Point Class of 2002, told me that it was one of the best books about war he had ever read. He recommended that I add it to my reading list. He was right in doing so.

Caputo's recollections of his time as a Marine in Vietnam are filled with anger and sorrow at the misbegotten policies promulgated in Washington and carried out with disastrous results by General Westmorland and his subordinates. The author makes it clear in his introductory remarks how he felt and feels about that war and the impact that it had upon him and his comrades in arms:

"Beyond adding a few more corpses to the weekly body count, none of these encounters achieved anything; none will ever appear in military histories or be studied by cadets at West Point. Still, they changed us and taught us, the men who fought in them; in those obscure skirmishes we learned the old lessons about fear, cowardice, courage, suffering, cruelty and comradeship. Most of all, we learned about death at an age when it is common to think of oneself as immortal. Everyone loses that illusion eventually, but in civilian life it is lost in installments over the years. We lost it all at once, and in the span of months, passed from boyhood through manhood to a premature middle age. The knowledge of death, of the implacable limits placed on a man's existence, severed us from our youth as irrevocably as a surgeon's scissors had once severed us from the womb. And yet, few of us were past twenty-five. We left Vietnam peculiar creatures, with young shoulders that bore rather old heads. . .

This book is partly an attempt to capture something of its [the war's] ambivalent realities. Anyone who fought in Vietnam, if he is honest about himself, will have to admit he enjoyed the compelling attractiveness of combat. It was a peculiar enjoyment because it was mixed with a commensurate pain. Under fire, a man's powers of life heightened in proportion to the proximity of death, so that he felt an elation as extreme as his dread. His senses quickened, and he attained an acuity of consciousness at once pleasurable and excruciating. It was something like the elevated state of awareness induced by drugs. And it could be just as addictive, for it made whatever else life offered in the way of delights or torments see pedestrian." (Pages xv-xvii)

Caputo's last comments in the section just quoted seem to be eerily in keeping with the themes of the stunning films, "The Deer Hunter" and "Apocalypse Now."

In one of the most gripping passages in the book, Caputo recaptures the spectrum of emotions he felt during a helicopter assault - running the gamut from fear to courage:

"A helicopter assault on a hot landing zone creates emotional pressures far more intense than a conventional ground assault. It is the enclosed space, the noise, the speed, and, above all, the sense of total helplessness. There is a certain excitement to it the first time, but after that it is one of the more unpleasant experiences offered by modern war. On the ground, an infantryman has some control over his destiny, or at least the illusion of it. In a helicopter under fire, he hasn't even the illusion. Confronted by the indifferent forces of gravity, ballistics and machinery, he is himself pulled in several directions at once by a range of extreme, conflicting emotions. Claustrophobia plagues him in the small space: the sense of being trapped and powerless in a machine in unbearable, and yet he has to bear it. Bearing it, he begins to feel a blind fury toward the forces that made him powerless, but has to control his fury until he is out of the helicopter and on the ground again. He yearns to be on the ground, but the desire is countered by the danger he knows is there. Yet, he is also attracted by the danger, for he knows he can only overcome his fear by facing it. His blind rage then begins to focus on the men who are the source of the danger - and of his fear. It concentrates inside him, and through some chemistry is transformed into a fierce resolve to fight until the danger ceases to exist. But this resolve, which is sometimes called courage, cannot be separated from the fear that has aroused it. Its very measure is the measure of that fear. It is, in fact, a powerful urge not to be afraid anymore, to rid himself of fear by eliminating the source of it. This inner, emotional war produces tension almost sexual in its intensity. It is too painful to endure for long. All a soldier can think about is the moment when he can escape his impotent confinement and release this tension. All other considerations, the rights and wrongs of what he is doing, the chances for victory or defeat in the battle, the battle's purpose or lack of it, become so absurd as to be less than irrelevant. Nothing matters except the final, critical instant when he leaps out into the violent catharsis he both seeks and dreads." (Pages 277-8)

Caputo's thoughtful and passionate recounting of the growing up that he did in the cauldron of Vietnam added to my understanding of what many of my generation experienced as they fought in Southeast Asia and returned to a country that had grown sick of the fighting. As our nation once again wrestles with combat fatigue and the questions of when to withdraw and how to withdraw from Iraq, I am grateful that this time around - unlike the situation that existed in the late `60's and 70's - even those who oppose the war have not showered those returning from the Gulf with opprobrium. They desire our admiration and our gratitude.

Thanks Kyle, for recommending this book, and for your continuing service to our nation.

Al

Caputo wasn't much of a marine. He started complaining about Vietnam before he arrived. Every page is filled with criticism, cynicism, griping, complaining, and self-serving tripe. He wanted to be a hero, but he didn't have what it took to be anything but a whining wimp. Certainly he writes well. But writing well and living well are entirely different. He doesn't understand honor or duty. Sure the war was politicized, but so is every war. Sure the rules of engagement were stupid, but a soldier serves. Caputo did not serve; rather he whined. Many of us who served in Vietnam believed there were many things that made no sense. But we didn't turn tail and run. We served. For those who want to understand what is was like to be a soldier in Vietnam, read "We Were Soldiers Once... and Young" or "Steel My Soldiers' Hearts". If you want to know what is was like to be useless in Vietnam, read this book.

Vincent Tyler is a remarkable person and poet. He breathes life into what seems to be ordinary words on a page. His writing affirm what sisaths are dying to know.... that there are brothas out there who understand our deepest desire and needs. This book also affirms that it is okay for a man be in touch with his sensual & romantic side and not be considered a whimp. After reading this book and hearing the cd, I have included some of Mr. Tyler's works in a pamper gift basket for my sistah friends. They are truly in for a treat!!!!

This is a wonderful book Vincent has open new doors for us to explore.We now know that men can be as sensual women.If you are looking for a good read this is one but don't let it get away from you because you will want to go back to this one.

VINCENT TYLER HAS DONE A WONDERFUL JOB AS A POET AND WRITER. KEEP UP THE EXCELLENT WORK MR.TYLER ,YOU HAVE GIVEN ALOT OF WOMEN SOME REALLY GOOD ENJOYMENT !!

A Definite must for all women . Get a glass of wine, get in a bubble bath using your favorite scent, settle back and relax and enjoy a sensous journey provided by a live, alive, pleasure fulfilling man. Read what you wish your man would put into words. Its nice to know a man thinks about the pleasure he can give a woman and validates women in their sexuality and beauty. Men should read and learn, their fanatasies can come true by emulating Mr. Tyler

I received your book, "I thought about you today" and your CD "chocolatecoveredcherries",
from my boyfriend Deronti Milam tonight. I could not put it down until I finished the last page. I thought that it was very interesting. On the back cover it states that "this book is for adult women". Men need to read it as well so they can learn what is pleasing to a woman. If more men and women catered to each other needs, there probably would be more committed ralationship in the world today. Keep up the good work and thanks for the autograph.

God Bless

Barbara Walton

After reading Stanek's "The Kingdoms and the Elves" books and "Service of Dragons" books, my kids and I discovered this one. Journey Beyond the Beyond is an entertaining read, not as deep as Mr. Stanek's others, but with a terrific story none-the-less. Huge fun for ages 8 and up especially boys.

This is the first Robert Stanek book I read. Even though several years have passed since then I still remember the characters and pick up the book from time to time to re-read it. Anyone who liked Shrek the movie or books with creepy critters in them is going to love this. I totally enjoyed it and recommend it.

Jake Jr.

My favorites by this author are his Kingdoms and Dragons books. I love the Kingdoms and enjoy reading and re-reading the books. Magic Lands is very different from the other ones, but still fantasy. This is the story of Ray, a 13-year-old village boy who must journey to the place lost and deep. The journey is a rite of passage, and he must undertake it by himself. During the journey he has many strange encounters with the creatures living in the wild areas around his village. This is a hugely fun and fast read!

I thought this book was a good read in general. I liked the storyline and the characters. It's exciting and fast paced. Easy to read and understand. I strongly suggest you read this event-filled journey.

Remember those times as a kid when you picked up a book and got lost in it? Well, this is such a book. I read Journey Beyond the Beyond a few years back and I was immediately drawn in to this truly magical story. This is a thrilling, edge-of-the seat read, even for an adult like me. You'll be swept away in an amazing world and desperately desire to become part of this magical universe.

Robert Stanek writes deftly as he tells the story of 13-year-old Ray who must journey to the place lost and deep to prove to himself and to his people that he is no longer a child. Ray's journey is a rite of passage, a trial that tests Ray's strength and courage. As soon as he sets out from his village he is set upon by Old Bull, a terrifying creature with human characteristics and traits. Old Bull chases and taunts Ray every step of the journey. The journey to the place lost and deep is only the beginning, however, for Ray's dreams--dreams the village elder warned Ray about--are taking him on a much longer, darker path.

The imagery in Stanek's writing about this watery world filled with strange and wonderful creatures is deep and occassionaly dark. You can't help but worry about Ray and his safety as he faces the many perils along his journey. I was equally impressed by the illustrations throughout this over-sized book. The intricately detailed cover illustration shows Ray leaving his home village, leaving behind his friends Isaac, Tall, Ephramme, and Keene. The back cover has a detailed illustration of Ray battling a large bull. Throughout the book there are amazingly detailed illustrations as well.

If you haven't discovered the worlds of Robert Stanek yet, you should. Here's why:

1. His books have imagination. Most books written for adults are seriously lacking in both aspects. His books on the other hand have rich imagery, well-designed plots, and plenty for imagination to feast on.

2. His books have heart. The books have moral, life, and relationship lessons that are meaningful. The characters show courage, bravery, heroism, loyalty, compassion. You don't feel like you're being preached to because the writing is mature and the subjects are approached in a way that is part of the story, part of the world he creates.

3. His books are Fun with a capital F! They're fairly easy reads that you can pick up and completely lose yourself in. They're great escapes from daily life and from "heavy" literature. With series like, The Kingdoms and the Elves, and In the Service of Dragons, the books get better and better as the series progresses.

4. His books are incredibly good. We all need a little magic in our lives, and his books provide that. It's good to feel like a kid again, and for younger readers it's great to find an author that doesn't talk down to his readers. His books are written in a way that is equally adult-friendly and young people-friendly.

Highly recommended reading!

I read this book around '84. In 1988, my uncle Rich, a retired college dean and my fabulous Aunt Cecilia went off to London for a year, American College, I think. I went on a road trip to the UK...England, Scotland, Wales, spent a few days with them, brought my aunt a copy of 84 Charing Cross Road. My uncle didn't get the concept, economist that he was. Letters? Who wants to read someone else's letters? Lurch forward about a month. The end of my road trip, both had read and loved this book. I gave the vid to them when it came out, it's a wonderful movie. They came home, at any gathering my Aunt Cecilia always asked...what are you reading?

84, Charing Cross Road is a delightful collection of letters chronicling the 20-plus years' correspondence between screenwriter Helene Hanff and Frank Doel, bookseller of Marks & Co. It begins with a request in which Helene inquires after a series of books she wants to buy, saying that Barnes & Nobles's sells "marked up, grimy schoolboy" copies of the books she wants (my, how things have changed!), and continues through a friendship between Hanff and Doel in which the two never meet. As their lives grow and change, Hanff and Doel's friendship remains the one constant.

It's a special friendship, and Hanff is sharp-tongued and witty, making her a delightful narrator. I have a feeling that not all of the letters are preserved here in their entirety, but they're reprinted word-for-word, including Hanff's idiosyncratic punctuation--no doubt due to the fact that she typewrote all of her letters, but nonetheless, the letters show Hanff's personality and her rather abrupt way of corresponding.

It's a short book (just about 100 pages), but it's a special book, nonetheless, about a shared love of books. 84, Charing Cross Road is a must-read for any bibliophile. It's too bad that a woman on the subway accidentally tipped soda into my bag and all over my copy of this wonderful book...

I discovered this book on a dusty HS library shelf and as in Ms. Hanff's words, devoured it "all at once" not coming up for air or cigarettes. I also bought the VHS many years ago as soon as it came available. Since then, I've gone on to go out of head for Donne, Quiller-Couch, Austen, and Blake (though not anywhere near Donne!).

What a great movie this story made. I have watched the movie many, many times and have loved it every time. Now, I just had to read the book. The strange thing is that since I know what is going to occur at the end, my eyes become teared which makes the book difficult to read. Of course, that happens at certain moments in the movie as well. What a powerful story!

In less than one hundred pages, Helene Hanff has given her readers a rare and special gift. Here in this delightful little book are the notes she exchanged with the employees of Marks & Co., a used-book store in England. Being fond of the old-fashioned yet still highly personal act of letter writing, and being equally fond of old books and used-book stores, Hanff seemed to have compiled these letters just for me. I doubt there is anyone who can read this book without experiencing a wide range of emotions complete with laughter and tears.

A lifelong letter writer, Helene Hanff studied playwriting at the Theatre Guild. She has written scripts for "The Hallmark Hall of Fame" and for "Ellery Queen." Her other writings include several children's books as well as articles for Harpers and New Yorker magazines.

Living and writing in New York City, Hanff finds herself unsuccessful in finding certain rare or out-of-print editions of books.

"Gentlemen:
Your ad in the Saturday Review of Literature says that you specialize in out-of-print books. The phrase 'antiquarian booksellers' scares me somewhat, as I equate 'antique' with expensive. I am a poor writer with an antiquarian taste in books and all the things I want are impossible to get over here except in very expensive rare editions, or in Barnes & Noble's grimy, marked-up schoolboy copies."

So begins the opening letter dated October 5, 1949, and addressed to Marks & Co. at 84, Charing Cross Road in London. What follows on the pages of this book are the letters Hanff wrote to Marks & Co., and specifically to Frank P. Dole. Also included are the responses to her requests, mostly from Frank P. Dole. Through their twenty-year relationship, the two strangers become in some ways like family. Frank introduces his family to Helene in letters. She corresponds with the family as if they are her own. Knowing that in a time of rationing, certain items are not readily available to the residents of London, she takes great care to ship Christmas and Easter gifts to the store with plenty of eggs and meat for everyone there.

The final entry, dated 1969, brings the relationship between the bookstore, Frank Dole and Hanff full circle. The twenty years between the first and last notes are fondly recalled on the pages of this book.

These short notes, her requests for specific books, the monetary transactions that took place, and the solid relationships that developed allow the present day reader to glimpse a bit of the nostalgic... a gentler time when costs were lower, trust was higher, and people were more willing to be compassionate to complete strangers.

This is a truly delightful little book that has captured my heart. And, by the way, the fact that I discovered it while browsing through my own favorite little used-book store lends a special sort of appeal to it. I treasure the gifts within these pages--the gifts of self, of the written word, and the appreciation for the simpler things in life.

by Lee Ambrose
for Story Circle Book Reviews
reviewing books by, for, and about women

This is the kind of book that you can't put down. As a matter of fact, I read it twice can plan to read it many more. The authors conveyed the go-giving principle in a most excellent way. I have personally given this book out to several people and will continue to do so. The principles outlined in this book apply to both business and personal living. The whole concept of giving is sound and does reap great rewards. I personally have experiences massive success from using what Bob Burg and John David Mann teaches in this book. Would I recommned it? With no question! As a matter of fact, order serveral copies and practice the Go-Giving principle. If more people practiced the 5-Laws to Stratopheric Success; this would be a different world. The good thing is that YOU can change your world by practicing to be a Go-Giver.

I'm not used to finding a business book that I can't put down. The Go-Giver is written is such an easy to read, enjoyable style that I read it in one sitting. I love the simple yet powerful lessons in the book and look for ways to use these ideas in my life. After reading The Go-Giver I shared it with ten colleagues for our next business book club meeting - share it with your friends - they will be grateful you did.

The Go-Giver: A Little Story About a Powerful Business Idea came to me through a strong recommendation from a good friend. The title plays off the Go-Getter attitude normally associated with reaching success in business and in one's personal life, but flips the true measure of success from the act of getting to the art of giving.

A thin book of 126 easy-reading pages, I read this powerful parable in one relatively short sitting outside on the deck of my favourite Starbucks on the planet (the chuckwagon-shaped former-Arby's Starby's on Rt. 66 in Albuquerque, New Mexico USA).

As the book explains, the go-getter is often going in the opposite direction of the Go-Giver. Working harder doesn't lead to success. Win-Win is not the solution. Going Fifty-Fifty is not enough. Rather, conscious and full 100% sharing with others leads to the greatest and happiest success. When on the teeter-totter of life, choose the Giving way.

The book is organized into short storied chapters describing the awakening of Joe, the protagonist. Joe viscerally experiences the Trade Secret and the Five Laws of Stratospheric Success through the kind tutelage of a cast of interconnected successful Go-Givers led by the enigmatic sage Pindar.

The Five Laws of Stratospheric Success shared in The Go-Giver are:

The Law of Value: Your true worth is determined by how much more you give in value than you take in payment.

The Law of Compensation: Your income is determined by how many people you serve and how well you serve them.

The Law of Influence: Your influence is determined by how abundantly you place other people's interests first.

The Law of Authenticity: The most valuable gift you have to offer is yourself.

The Law of Receptivity: The key to effective giving is to stay open to receiving.

You will want to capture the missing depth to each law as told through this fresh and accessible book by adding it to your reading list. Unlike most books, you will be able to finish this book quickly with important value received for your effort.

As Martin Luther King is quoted on the book, "Everybody can be great because anybody can serve." Or, as the book rephrases Dr. King, "Everybody can be successful because anybody can give."

Excellent book! This is a short and quick read with a profound message. It may not help you earn the million bucks your after but it wouldn't hurt and the message works for life as well as business. Well worth the $14 from Amazon.

This is a must read for everyone regardless of your walk of life. This book is more than just another business book, this book will change your life if you apply all five laws in your life. In one word "Outstanding"

Live Limitless,
Ashley Bolivar
[...]

So, I purchased this book and didn't really expect to enjoy it. I loved The Brother's K, but I thought that maybe I was biased towards the book because I'm such a big baseball fan. I have no interest in fishing.
The River Why is not about fishing. It's an exceptionally insightful look at life. Our idols, our loves, everything. I was so impressed by this book and especially by the writing of David James Duncan.

I think one wouldn't pick up this book casually. There'll never be a lot of hype about it and it takes about 100 pages to hook one. And then: oh, it is a good story. Reading a few chapters a time at night before I went to sleep, I was conscious how I came tired to this book as to bed, and left it with new energy - courage? Laughter? A sense of well-being.

What did I learn from this book? On page 227 in the paperback edition, there's the story of Nick which seems to me the book in miniature. A certain quiet is needed to tell a story which depends on the listener. Setting and introduction are essential (that's why the main story takes 100 pages to get going.) We cannot be in a hurry for the story of our lives. It's worth the read.

The best book I have read in years. I would recommend this book to anyone that has a hard time believing in the traditional answers to the questions of life. Great!

Duncan delivers a heart warmingstory about family and love and even a little about fishing. While set in Oregon, near Portland and the coast, I believe that this "why" river might actually be in Northern California. You be the judge. His writing style is imaginative and fluid. I would reccomend this book to anyone who can read.

Even though I hate fishing and have maybe done it once, the first few chapters of this book are humorous and interesting, in particular Bill Bob, Gus' younger brother. Unfortunately, Bill Bob's role is small to almost nonexistent as the book goes on and the author makes him say some pretty idiotic pseudo-philosophical/religious ramblings, such as a long discussion with Gus about how shadows are our guardians.

The book is largely predictable from the beginning until the end and it's almost like a bunch of authors get together to provide the same theme. The overall structure of the book is Gus starts to question life, including death, ultimate meaning, his meaning, and other philosophy 101 questions. And, of course, Gus ends up finding his meaning in the eyes of some backwoods hippie chick and has a religious experience (if you can call it that) while walking home from a long, incredibly drawn out trip down a river following a fish in his line.

I'm sure many people will see this book as being "deep" or "an interesting discussion of blah blah blah", but if you've even remotely dipped your foot in philosophy this book is hardly enlightening. I pushed through the book simply because I got past the half way point, then promptly threw it in the trash when I was done.

To 'stall' is human, to measure divine, is the key message from this book that highlights the tendency of us humans to resist change and thus accept less than perfection from our selves or our organizations. By naming `stalled' performance drivers - tradition holds you back, disbelief of new possibilities based on past experience stops you, misconception of actual facts, perceived unattractiveness of other options, poor communications, bureaucracy or just plain procrastination stalls things - the authors supply motivational materials so the reader will consider their eight-step process for 'stall-busting'.

1. Understand the importance of measuring performance
2. Choose an important process to measure
3. Find best practice for that process
4. Move beyond best practice
5. Imagine the world if perfection of the practice were possible
6. Act on this perfection now
7. Match people and rewards to induce perfection
8. Repeat steps 1 thru 7

As the authors say, most everyone talks about continuous improvement, but talk is not action. If it gets measured, it gets done, the saying goes. For the authors, if it gets measured, it gets improved. I should measure the time taken to read books and write reviews; well, maybe tomorrow.

Dennis DeWilde, author of
"The Performance Connection"

The 2000 Percent Solution is not merely a strategic business thinking book but something more. It is a book that can lead you to find your personal stalls and eliminate them so that free from them, it will be easier to discover and eliminate the organizational stalls. These steps are essential in the effort to apply the author's suggestions for obtaining the 2000 percent solution and finally achieve exponential business success. The book is very comprehensive, it contains sixteen chapters. In the 1-8 chapters the authors explain the various kinds of personal and organizational stalls and propose an effective busting method, while in the rest chapters, there are various techniques for achieving the 2000 percent solution. It a great book!

How fast? Lots of tools to retread wheels of enterprise to increase productivity are in The 2000% Solution. This is not a one read book, but a series of valuable clear disciplines to habituate. Thank God for humor- the spoon full of sugar.

Don Mitchell makes a point, illustration from a wide range of business vignettes threaded with the funny sides of life. The flow of information is linear to me, one point connecting to the next. Some business reads are jumpy and harder for me to follow. I became self employed in 1973, (not knowing the term!) by 1979 hired my first employee. When recognizing I was in `business' I joined the local Chamber of Commerce and began reading business books. Some helped me sleep, not this one!

The 2000% Solution is the first book that has given me a quantum leap thinking process, to think in big significant moves forward. Dr. Mitchell gives simple methods to `do' these processes. One action I took was to chart my actions by the hour for several days to review what I am doing and what actions move me forward. This uncomfortable process is powerful.

Most traditional reads are usually from one person's view of one business or industry. The 2000% Solution malleable big leap `thinking process' alone is worth the read. The value of real stories of real people in real company activities- well - that makes it real to me.

The best thing reading this is FUN- the humor! Some are deliberate jokes and cartoons strengthening points made- then there are the funny real stories happening in business. Many times I laughed out loud. Humor is the no-calorie whipped cream on this delight!

I found this book a great help and have read it several times. It defines in simple terms how to unstall your life and business. It sets out a plan to find and eliminate various types of obstacles or stalls that impede the success in your business or personal life. The book has helped me reorient and remove the obstacles that are a hindress to the exponential growth that is possible within any business. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a way to get out of a rut and start moving forward and upward again

I first read "The 2000 Percent Solution" as part of a course for a Rushmore University doctoral program. It sparked in me the desire and determination to get more "bang for the buck" from my efforts, and provided a clear 8-step guide for doing so.

The guide to creating 2000 Percent solutions essentially helps you to see differently, and acknowledge the reality of your personal and organisational biases. It helps you undertake a wider search than you normally would in the quest for a solution. And it doesn't leave you content with the best solution you may have found, but has you project into the future to "see" what the future best practice is likely to be, and then begin now to implement it.

Applying the authors' ideas to my personal circumstances helped free my mind (an ongoing, never ending process) of a number of personal stalls and led directly to the creation of a management training and consulting company. And in spite of limited capital, the momentum of my take-off amazes acquaintances.

I keep my copy of "The 2000 Percent Solution" in my office, within easy reach, because I intend to read it over and over, to create an upward spiral of exponential gains in my life and work.

The skill of creating 2000 Percent solutions is a valuable one. Combined with the ability to engage in continual business model innovation (as taught in "The Ultimate Competitive Advantage" by Mitchell and Coles), it will guarantee business success long into the future.