J Books

I enjoyed reading Margaret Wheatley's book, "Turning to One Another: Simple Conversations to Restore Hope to the Future". This book is easy to read, applicable and possibly life-changing.

Read this book with a group of your friends, or neighbors, or with a group of the willing. The opening premise simply states: "I believe we can change the world, if we start listening to one another again. Simple, truthful conversation where we each have a chance to speak, we each feel heard and we each listen well." The book encourages us to actually listen to each other, to different perspectives, to our own perspective, with the aim that we are better off when we have genuine connections with others. One of the best parts of the book is "A Prayer for Children" by Ina. J. Hughes; the poem is poignant, humorous and intriguing.

So simple, and yet such a fresh way of looking at life, leadership, community and conversation. I learned a ton from this book, very helpful in specific situations I am involved in. It teaches me how to become an ever better listener.

Margaret has created such a powerful book on conversation, learning, and change. I can not imagine a more powerful book telling stories that can transform how we work, play, and learn together. This is a life changing read and one that I highly recommend. And even more importantly, in such a turbulent time, keeping in conversation with others may be the only thing that helps us hold this world together. Therefore, do not only read the book, but put into action conversations that can change the world.

Margaret Wheatley's Turning to One Another: Simple Conversations to Restore Hope to the Future is one of the most important books I've read.

It is based on the incredibly simple premise that growth, real growth begins with two people having a conversation.

Part 1 discusses a range of subjects: Wheatley's views on conversation and listening, including the importance of staying with conversations that sometimes get "messy" to reveal deeper truths and commonalities; her belief in the importance of being surprised and even shocked by the person(s) with whom she converses, versus seeking people who agree with her, affirm her thoughts, or where the conversation follows either a predictable course, or safe outcomes; the belief that differences between people can lead to deeper commonalities and greater closeness.

Quite frankly, there are simply too many gems of wisdom and insight in this book to do more than recall a handful that particularly struck me.

Part 2 is very short, restating some fundamental principles or concepts explained in greater detail in Part 1.

Part 3 is a list and explanation of 10 possible conversation openers.

This is not per se a "how to" book, as if there is "one way" either to converse, listen or relate to another person. Quite the opposite. She talks, for example, of the reality that various people can have a seemingly unlimited number of interpretations and reactions to a given event to stress (implied) that what matters is the process, the act of conversing and relating.

Wheatley's book is about possibilities, the possibilities that everyone possesses in terms of relating to one another, personal growth, healing oneself and restoring hope in the future, compared to the fragmentation, isolation, pressures of day-to-day life, the impersonality of technology, etc.

It is an exciting book to read, a book that virtually anyone can benefit from no matter where they are in their lives. It is, fundamentally, a gift that those of us fortunate to read this book should be grateful Margaret Wheatley wanted to share.

Val is my favorite type of crook. The crook we know, love, and probably have been burned by in the past but something about him - call it gritty, unrepentant charm - has us rooting for him to get away with it anyway. Val seems to be a guy who is getting into something that has been waiting for him his whole life with the full understanding that you can't look over both shoulders at the same time. I'd definitely like to read more of this.

From the very first sentence, there is something addictive about Frank Pisano's tale of Val and his life in Coney Island. His writing is neat and crisp, and he has the ability to hook you from the first page. Engrossing--by the end of the chapter, Valentino's Lament leaves you with hungry eyes, wanting more!

I was intrigued by the first sentence: "The Indians came to Coney Island on the first day of summer." And when I got to "It wasn't until awhile later I found out the Indians had come to Coney Island to kill Petey", I was hooked.

Frank Pisano sets his scenes vividly but doesn't bog down the story with superfluous detail. So far, with its sharp writing and colorful characters Valentino's Lament is a very entertaining read. I'm looking forward to the rest of the book.

I got a kick out of the beginning and I want to follow Valentino up and down the boardwalk. The writing is sharp and the characters got my attention. I'm looking forward to the rest.

Pisano's straight-forward and gritty approach to writing is refreshing and captivating. He has invented an intriguing main character in a setting that only a handful could successfully capture on paper. Simply put, Pisano has a way with words and has left this reader wanting more.

This is a lovely book with simple, thoughtful passages for the days leading up to Christmas. The passages evoke feelings of centeredness, peace and calm similar to awakening to a beautiful, fresh snowfall.

Good reading from a variety of excellent, trusted writers...Nouwen, Bonhoeffer, Manning, etc. all offer reflections on the Advent/Christmas season that will make you go deeper...

Personally, I struggle with reading during this time of year due to busy schedule but I have found this daily digest a perfect way to enhance my Advent season of waiting...

This book features a wide array of Christmas messages--old and new. This book will inspire you and make you think about the true meaning of Christmas. This book also makes a GREAT gift.

Also recommended:
Christmas Gifts, Christmas Voices--heartbreaking yet inspiring
A Stranger for Christmas--a warm and cosy story for the holidays

Like a kid counting down the days until Christmas, I took a spiritual journey by reading the days until Christmas. My guide, Watch for the
light. Cheaper than a real journey...no stops for gas , no waiting in line. Pop open the book's cover and begin to read. Some funny stories, some poetry, some known authors and some not so well known, all leading the way to Christmas. When Christmas comes, you will be ready.

I love that this series, including "Bread and Wine:Readings for Lent and Easter," because it challeneges our complacent culture-dictated experience of Advent and Easter. This is not a feel-good book, it is a faith-building book. Be prepared to be shaken up and for God to meet you in a new way.

I bought copies for my friends and family. Everyone loved it!

The diversity of authors come together in surprising unity. This broadened my perspective and made me want to find books written by the individual authors. I also loved that the authors are from all points in history and geography. An experience like this is what all of us in the US need.

This book is amazingly well written and goes from the basics of strategy to more complex subjects such as game theory. But the best of it is not the wide variety of strategy subjects or the amount of real world examples it uses but the integration between chapters. One can easily read this book at once or skip to chapters that are more interesting to him/her.

I consider this book essential for MBA students, management consultants and managers in general. Excellent choice!

I am working on a strategic analysis report for my company, and this book is very helpful in synthesizing the mainstream strategy theories in the market to bridge the gap between theory and practice. I found the explanation of the usefulness of game theory satisfying but still not much breakthrough on defining a universal framework for formulating strategies even though much attempts on putting together all the theory. Hence, the practical usefulness is still limited. I would say, as another review suggests, Mastering Strategy providing a more practical treatment of overviewing the subject. Nonetheless, Wharton on Dynamic is definitely a good guide to have for bridging theories to practices.

Both editors are marketing professors at The Wharton School (University of Pennsylvania), which is the world's leading business school (BusinessWeek and Financial Times). George Day is well-known for his market-driven strategy, while David Reibstein is one of the leading scholars in the field of competitive marketing strategy. The book is split in 4 parts, each consisting of 3-to-5 stand-alone chapters.

Part I - Understanding Advantages in a Changing Competitive Environment - discusses competitive arenas, competitor analysis, and competitive advantage. The first two chapters expand largely on Michael Porter's (Harvard Business School) frameworks, whereby the other two chapters introduce approaches to include policy and technology trends into the strategic planning process.

The aim of Part II - Anticipating Competitors' Actions - is to get inside the heads of competitors. Chapters 5 and 6 explain the possible use of the game theory within competitive strate!gy and strategic decision making. Chapter 7 builds on these chapters to integrate the economic frame (chapter 5), the behavioral frame (chapter 6), with an coevolution frame. The final chapters of this part introduce frameworks and approaches to understanding competitor response and competitive relationships.

Part III - Formulating Dynamic Competitive Strategies - builds on the first two parts and introduces approaches to designing strategies. It introduces reactive strategies, preemptive strategies, signaling opportunities and uses, competitive positioning, and antitrust constraints (which is increasingly important to companies).

In Part IV - Choosing Among Alternative Competitive Strategies - the three chapters introduce methods and frameworks for choosing the right strategy. Chapter 15, in which conjoint analysis is combined with scenario analysis, is perhaps the most complicated chapter of the book. Part IV also introduces the possibilities to use simulation !tests for analyzing and testing strategies.

Although this book is named "Wharton on Dynamic Competitive Strategy", there are various chapters from other academic institutions. Each chapter is an excellent piece of work and can be read on a stand-alone basis. For beginners in the strategic field I recommend chapters 1 and 2 highly. The book is written in business US-English.

This is one of the volumes which comprise a series published by John Wiley & Sons. It was edited by George S. Day and David J. Reibstein with Robert E. Gunther. As they explain in their Introduction, "This book proposes a process for developing dynamic competitive strategies: Assess the context of competitive moves and advantages, understand the potential moves and mind-sets of competitors, formulate strategies, and test these strategies before making irreversible moves in the market." The material is carefully organized within Four Parts:

"Understanding Advantages in a Changing Competitive Environment" (Chapters 1-4): The contributors assert that any approach to competitive strategy must begin with "an understanding of the definition of arenas, sources of advantages, and the forces of change." Hence the provision of tools and insights to increase the reader's understanding of the nature of advantages and how they can change in dynamic competitive environments.

"Anticipating Competitors' Actions" (Chapters 5-9): In these chapters, the contributors rigorously examine a number of challenges from a variety of perspectives, including game theory, behavioral theory, and the view of coevolution. I especially appreciate the insights into the choices and mental models of rivals because they can help readers to anticipate competitors' responses to a given strategy. This is covered in great depth and with uncommon clarity by Venkataraman, Chen, and MacMillan in Chapter 8.

"Formulating Dynamic Competitive Strategies" (Chapters 10-14): This section examines a variety of important factors that should be considered when developing competitive strategies, including reactions, preemptions, signaling, commitment. And antitrust constraints. "While there are many other issues to consider in formulating strategy, these are among the most important considerations in developing dynamic strategies."

"Choosing Among Alternative Competitive Strategies" (Chapters 15-17): For me, the most interesting and valuable section but only because of the other three which precede it. Chapters 1-14 create a context, a frame-of-reference within which all of the essential components are identified, explained, and correlated. Now in this final section, the contributors succeed brilliantly when examining and cross-ranking alternative competitive strategies.

More a quibble than a complaint, I wish the editors had provided one more chapter, perhaps identified as "Conclusion," in which they review central themes and reiterate key points concerning the formulation and implementation of a "dynamic competitive strategy." That said, I think this volume (by no means an "easy read") will generously reward careful readers.

To George S. Day, David J. Reibstein, and Robert E. Gunther, I offer a dynamic "Bravo!"

Those who share my high regard for it are urged to check out Lawrence G. Hrebiniak's Making Strategy Work: Leading Effective Execution and Change, Michael E. Porter`s Competitive Strategy: Techniques for Analyzing Industries and Competitors and Competitive Advantage: Creating and Sustaining Superior Performance, Kellogg on Strategy: Concepts, Tools, and Frameworks for Practitioners co-authored by Daniel Dranove and Sonia Marciano, and Mastering Strategy: The Complete MBA Companion in Strategy produced by a collaboration which involved the University of Chicago, INSEAD, University of Michigan Business School, SAID Business School, and Financial Times's Editors.

A well-chosen set of essays is compiled, based on a 4-level framework: i)Analyze the competitive environment, ii)Anticipate competitor's actions & reactions, iii) Formulate Dynamic Strategies, iv) Choose among alternative strategies. 'Wharton on Dynamic Competitive Strategy' provides a great way to update one's strategy knowledge; but I find 'Mastering Strategy: The Complete MBA Companion in Strategy' by Financial Times Editors to be a better book with greater depth and broader spectrum.

This was the next selection for my military history book club. It's a little on the old side, originally copyrighted in `73, but it's a well written book and obviously a labor of love. The author was not a professional historian, that is to say he was not a professor of history, but in many ways this is probably a plus. What he was as a professional was a journalist, publisher, and editor. Hence the readability and quality of the book.

The notes to the chapters are somewhat modest but written in a very conversational style adding useful information about the resources used. Although many of these are actually secondary sources or collections with comments on primary sources, the author uses them judiciously and critically.

Divided into chapters simply given as Roman numerals, I found it sometimes confusing as what the topic was to be until I'd read the sections under the heading. For instance Chapter I is actually a brief characterization of central participants, mostly those on the American side of the issue, while Chapter II presents the British point of view, especially that of the King and his primary counselors. I can certainly see why the vague headings were applied, however. The story requires many back tracks to explain events as they occurred, particularly in the prodromal phase of the war. Letting go of my need to attack a book in a cut and dried fashion, I found it much easier to read and to enjoy.

The very readable narrative style of the book literally carries one from chapter to chapter like a mystery or adventure story. Without the need to categorize his material or to drive the reader from point A to point B in a pedagogical manner, the book takes on the personality of a first hand account, which makes it much more personal and intense for the reader. The people aren't just static figures performing on the stage of history, they lived on the brink of disaster for years, some of them died miserably, others lost everything they owned, others were discouraged and defected, etc. Remember, they didn't know what the outcome would be as we do.

The book is much better balanced than the traditional story one got in high school about the American Revolution. The British, while definitely myopic in the policies directed at the colonies, definitely had legitimate reason for their irritation with them. Certainly it's obvious that much might have been gained, or at least great loss of life and fortune might have been prevented, had some finesse been applied to the situation rather than the stubborn and prejudicial approaches that were. That this was impossible given the time, the culture and the history of the people on both sides is pretty obvious from the book, and the "what if they had..." approach to the history of the period is mostly 20-20 hindsight and totally impossible given the reality of the period. If nothing else, the book definitely reveals that, although the outcome was not predestined, in fact anything but, the event itself, the Revolution itself, was. Replayed, the specific events probably would not have been the same, perhaps not even with the same individual personalities or even the same outcome, but the War itself, given the critical factors of the time, probably would have.

A superb and readable volume

While I tend to read books on military history, I have not read much about the American Revolution. Thus I picked up this book to fill in gaps in my research. I found this book to be a wonderful work describing the American Revolution from its origins through Washington's brilliant winter campaign at Trenton and Princeton.

Before covering the battles named in the title, Ketcham provides a solid summary of the origins of the war, discusses some of the politics and difficulties both sides faced. His discription of the conflict between not just the armies, but the citizenry was very interesting. The book describes the sad cycle of violence and revenge between Tory and Patriot as armies moved back and forth. For me it put the revolution in a new light.

The discussion of military operations begins with the campaign in NewYork. It is covered quickly, but in sufficient detail to understand the action. This is important because it sets the scene to understand the reasons for the titled battles, Trenton and Princeton. The book really shines in this coverage. I was entralled with the text and speed through it. It was a wonder to me that after the disasterous New York campaign Washington was able to keep his army together and perform a series of brilliant maneuvers that just completely stymied the British forces. After reading this book I have a new found respect for Washington as a military leader. He is frequently dismissed as a general, but I now think that his leadership in this campaign should rank with the greatest.

I found this book to be very memorable, and probably worth rereading at a later date. I recommend it for any one interested in learning about this period of the American Revolution, especially if you do not have a great deal of background in the subject.

Richard Ketchum does a masterful job of capturing the details and personalities that drove the American Revolution to its sometimes inexplicable conclusion. He spends time exploring the minds and temperments of key English characters such as King George III, Lord Frederick North, Edmund Blake and takes the time to explain the rationale for the war beyond the tired adages of "No taxation withourt representation" or "The intolerable acts" etc.

His discussion of the multiple missed opportunities for reconciliation by the British authorities is revealing. His examination of Washington's continual losses during 1776 and how the Americans were pushed all the way from New York to Pennsylvania sets up the the desparate plight faced by Washington in December 1776.

Ketchum examines the personality and character strengths and flaws of Johann Rall, the Hessian commander at Trenton to help explain how the Continentals pulled off their first victory of the war. He also describes decisions by the generals and their subordinate commanders on both sides that caused the fortunes or misfortunes we are familiar with all the way from Boston to N.Y. to New Jersey during that momentous year.

Ketchum's writing style is very contemporary, entertaining, magnetic and credible. As you read you can just imagine the Hollywood movie that should be made from his version of the decisions, personalities and events of 1776. His maps add immeasurably to the understaning of events and are integral to the enjoyment of this book.

Mr. Ketchum as an historian writing about the American Revolutionary War ranks among the best. His base of knowledge is broad and deep and his books read easily. If you want to learn about the major battles in New Jersy in 1776/1777, this book is a must.

David McCullough's 1776 was excellent, but Ketchum's Winter Soldiers is even better. This is the finest kind of narrative history. The mounting tally of disappointments after New York and the near despair of the Continentals as they retreated into Pennsylvannia is expertly captured in painful detail. The later descriptions of the long, cold night marches and harrowing battles at Trenton and Princeton made me feel the extreme fatigue, but elation, those men must have felt.
This is mythic ground, but told in a straight forward manner which allows the men and their actions to show us what great accomplishments these were and helps us to understand why these stories have been treasured by generations of Americans.

I loved this book. Andrew Murray is a prolific writer and I learn so much from his books. The format of this book is lesson by lesson, step by step. He leads his readers into a complete understanding of the Holy Spirit and how important he is in our life. The Holy Spirit is our teacher, our comforter, our guide into our walk with truth. This book helps us get beyond the surface of religious attitude and deeper into living and loving our walk with GOD. He shows us how to deepen our knowing of GOD and our directly communicating with him giving us a relationship with our Father, our Savior, and with Jesus' and GOD's Spirit that lives within us. I give this book a 5 star review and believe every Christian needs to read and uses these lessons to enrich our closeness with GOD.

Perhaps if I knew the life story behind the author I cold rate this book higher. He authored over 240 books and in this one he takes a very authoritative tone. Yet he cites not a single example, from personal experience, to back up his bold claims about the power of prayer. If, in the course of time, I come to learn that Murray actually realized in his own life the power of prayer he insists is available to every believer, I will come back and revise my ranking for this work.

I have been reading this book by Andrew Murray, in several different editions, since 1981. I read it over and over each year. Each reading brings a new discovery in Murray's wonderful epistle on prayer.

this is good stuff with a mix of some exegetical insight and of course his own personal experiences with prayer, it gave my faith a boost in that i have greater confidence in seeing God answer prayers.

"With Christ in the School of Prayer ..." is a wonderful classic to read and enjoy.

Don't let the second part of the title put you off ... this is a book for everyone. Really.

If this weren't only the second book I've read on the Holy Spirit, I'd say it's the best such book I've ever read. It's even better than Dr. Billy Graham's book on the Holy Spirit, which says more on who the Holy Spirit is and what He does but less on how to have Him fully in your life. I learned a great deal from reading this, and so would you.

I have watched Dr. Stanley on television a few times, but I have never read any of his books. The book reads much the way he speaks.

The book gives a brief overview of what it means to live a Spirit filled life. It also provides some examples from Dr. Stanley's life. Finally, it gives some details as to how to open yourself up to living the Spirit filled life.

This book was easy to read and understand. The book explains many of the scriptures that speak about Spirit filled living. It also uses stories and events from Dr. Stanley's life to demonstrate the scripture meaning. There is also a chapter about Spiritual gifts.

The key is simply to recognize that all believers have the Holy Spirit living within them. Once you realize and understand and accept this, you will know what to look for and to listen for to be in obedience to the will of God.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking to initiate or to further their study of a Spirit filled life.

Really gives a greater understanding of the Holy Spirit. I love how Mr. Stanley provides verses along with what he is writing about. Reading the book was like a huge epiphany, it really clarified alot of things for me. I think it is a "must read" book.

This book is an excellent read! It is both informative and practical as Dr. Stanley walks you through his personal discovery of the Holy Spirit in his own Christian experience. In his trademark conversational style, he helps you to understand why an understanding of the Holy Spirit is perhaps the most important component of your Christian walk, second only to receiving salvation itself. Dr. Stanley provides plenty of scriptural support and uses excellent analogies. He gives many actual, albeit safe, disclosures from from his own life. You almost get the sense that you are having a personal one-on-one conversation with him. One of the things that I really liked is that at the end of the each chapter, he gave a list of resources that a person could go to for additional information, as well as a list of thought provoking "think about it" questions. Those questions make this an excellent book for a small group discussion or personal reflection.

Learning to walk with Christ is the adventure of a lifetime! It is, indeed, the reason we were made, and makes our lives full of purpose! To know Him intimately involved in each day makes even the trials that come have meaning, realizing that good can come from all that is allowed to touch us. It gives us hope and comfort knowing He is with us at ALL times, guiding and making the way for us, even when we cannot see anything except what is right in front of our eyes. Knowing He has all things under His control gives peace and comfort. He sustains and encourages, because He loves us more dearly than we can imagine and wants only good to come from even the adversities. Growing more deeply into Him, becoming completely dependent as children, makes us ripe for His best use of our lives, as others see Him shine through us. There must be more of Him and less of us. This book has changed my life and led to more answered prayer than I ever dreamed possible, even supernatural interventions that only He could have arranged or accomplished. Thus, I now have intimate stories of my Savior, Who leads me beside the still waters, even through the storms of life. That, and I am presently disabled from a series of traumas, but at peace, knowing I am in the center of His will for my life, surrendered to His Plan.

Great book about learning Word 97 annoyances. Complete coverage of these annoyances is followed by using VBA/Word as a solution to Word 97 annoyances. Very good introduction to VBA/Word. This book belongs on your bookshelf!
My only complaint is that the book should be bigger.

This is a fantastic book, and I would consider it essential to anyone who gets fustrated by Word's tendency to try to help you when you least want any help. Unfortunately the book is now about 3 years old, so some of the information in it no longer applies to Word 2000. You more or less have to determine which portions of the book are out-of-date and skip them. If Woody updates the book, I would buy it immediately.

...Why can't the decisions, rules and controls be mine? Having read this book, I now understand that defaults and standards aren't necessarily the last word. Helpful hints and shortcuts will make life easier for everyone. whether you only ever use word to dash off a letter or you regularly produce complex documants and tables. With a writing style of amiable sarcasm, Woody Leonhard has obviously learned his lessons the hard way. Don't make the same mistake - buy this book!

The chapter on Word macro viruses alone is by far the best treatment of the subject that I've seen anywhere.

This book gives a good explanation on Word 97 and how to use it. Ranging from general windows settings to visual basic for applications (VBA) users from almost any level can find useful advise in this book. Written in an enjoyable style it is an easy read for anyone with interest for word 97. Together with Bill Camarda's 'Using Microsoft Word 97' from QUE for reference/addition you should be able to create some fancy documents.

Peter Elbow has chapter after chapter techniques to get you through the writing process from start to finish. He helps you to create your most powerful writing. Whether you write fiction or non-fiction, are a beginner or seasoned writer, this book is a "must have" in your writing library.

Elbow is the known authority for writing techniques and this book is a classic. Easy to read and understand, Elbow creates a world where writing is not only important but rewarding. I have tried many of the suggestions and after years of frustration with writing papers, I have found tools that are very useful.Best of all, Elbow is so excited about the writing process, I actually look forward to sitting down and getting started.

The Institute I am currently taking a writing course through, encourages the students to collect other points of view toward achieving our goal. I learned of this book from my neighbor who also took a writing course. I am enjoying the use of it very much. Thank you.

I first came across Writing with Power in our university library when I was starting my thesis in my final year of my Architeture Degree in 1991.
Up to then, my essay writing or writing generally - was lousy!!!!. So I was looking for a book which may help me.
Well what a surprise.
Peters suggested that writing be broken into 2 stages -
1. writing of ideas,
and then
2. editing

This new process provided for me , a creative person , a breakthough in a how to write that was contrary to how I had been taught to write ( writing and editing at the same time) which quite frankly didn't work for me.

Now armed with this more creative process, I was able to write and draw my thesis, graduated with 2nd class honours - much better that barely passing.
I reckon this ought to be a basis text book introduced to all students, at any level of schooling.

Now that I have found this book available on the web, after 15 years, I going to get myself a copy -Thanks Amazon and Peter.
ps didn't help my english though.

At one time, writing was slow and awkward for me. My college assignments forced me to write, but each essay and paper was an excruciating ordeal. Peter Elbow's book, recommended by one of my professors, turned my writing life around.

Writing With Power explains how the writing process works (and why it sometimes doesn't work). With those insights in hand, and using Peter Elbow's simple techniques, I began to write faster, more often, and less fearfully. And now, years later, I'm a full-time professional writer -- something that would have been unimaginable before I read Writing With Power.

There are many thorough reviews of this excellent text, so I won't repeat their content here. I'd like to make just two additional comments:

1. This was by FAR my students' favorite book and the others I used are top notch ESL texts.

2. I have one small quibble: this book uses many "typical" college student situations which seem to focus a good deal on "hot" girls, drinking and the like. For some conservative cultures, this emphasis makes for awkward teaching and it certainly seems to reinforce the all too common idea that Americans are rather moral-less.

However, I worked around these issues easily enough and am grateful to have had this fine resource available.

I first came across this book at borders and while i was looking for the slangman series, i decided to take a look at this book and i just couldn't put it down. Not only is it applicable to high school and college students, it puts the idioms in a context which makes the user understand it's usage for future purposes. I wish i'd seen this book when i first came here as an exchange student.
I think it'll be a great gift for that friend of yours who's visiting the country or here on an exchange program. It's a little pricy but i think it's worth the price. If you are learning english, try to learn the idiomatic expressions to improve your overall communication.

Haven't you ever wondered why it's so difficult to understand a conversation between native speakers or a movie in its original language version? Don't you think it has something to do with the way you were taught the language?
I'm French. I've been teaching English to high school students for over 20 years now, and yet it's the first time I've come across a textbook which emphasises on every day language in such an efficient and enjoyable way!
Edward J. Francis manages to browse a great number of idiomatic expressions through sixteen lively dialogues related to true life situations. Various exercises help us memorize the idioms which we can then use to express our own experiences and feelings. At the end of the book you can find a very useful glossary including all the idioms and vocabulary covered in the dialogues, as well as a list of websites related to the topics discussed in each of the chapters. Discover about the history of fireworks, visit America's national parks or book a room in a bed and breakfast inn for the weekend! This book urges you to travel!

I highly recommend "A Year in the Life of an ESL Student" to advanced high school students or any adult who intends to travel to an English speaking country, as well as to people who, like me, want to brush up on their conversational English!
So just kick back and have a great time reading Edward J. Francis' book! It's "two thumbs up!"

I am an English teacher in Japan and I was looking for a book that had a lot of useful, everyday English for my students that covered material not usually taught in the language schools. After searching many book stores I still had no book to use for my students. I really thought I was going to have to write my own book. Then, one of my students came to me with this book. I was amazed that she was the one who came across such a good book. I felt like one of my friends won the lottery. After flipping through a few pages I knew I had to order it. I ordered it that night and use it almost exclusively for our lessons. The students love the content. The exercises are fun, simple, yet effective in helping students retain the new material. The layout is perfect, particularly if you need to make a copy from the copy machine when you are in a pinch for material needed in an unexpected class. The choice of content in this book is excellent. My lessons with this book now give the students a lot more useful English phrases to speak like a native English speaker, and understand a lot of idioms Americans use.

Among the many difficulties faced by English as a Second Language learners is our seemingly random used of words and phrases to express ideas. Our idioms are opaque (chicken out, spare tire), slang changes before the dictionary can catch up (wimp, freak out), and many words are rarely used, except in a specific circumstance (bawling, hilarious).
What is the poor ESL learner to do?
Edward J. Francis has come to the rescue with A Year in the Life of an ESL Student - Idioms and Vocabulary You Can't Live Without. (Trafford)
Following Andre, a student from Switzerland, through 16 chapters of activities ranging from suntanning on the beach to catching a movie, the 300-page text is filled with dialogues, definitions, crosswords and cloze activities, not to mention comprehension and discussion questions. Everything is well laid out and easy to read. There are web sites listed for each chapter, answer keys and an extensive glossary with definitions and page references. All that is missing is a CD recording of the conversations.
This book would make an ideal extension resource for the Advanced ESL class.