Q and A Books

No review- just a comment about a review that said that "it's sad that homeschoolers' parents are keeping them out of school to shelter them from evil..."

As a homeschooler, I had to let you know that sheltering from evil is NOT the reason we homeschool! There is a myriad of awesome educational, personal, spirtitual, emotional, developmental, etc. benefits to homeschooling that have nothing to do with that.

Although homeschooled kids are not in school being an influence there, many of them are out in the "real" world during those school hours of the day influencing many people- while being prepared at home to be the influence you talk of a little later in life once a sure foundation is laid.

Two respected leaders in the Christian community present Max Q: Developing Students Of Influence, a guide especially for Christian parents and teachers that covers six core principles to help one's children and students thrive in spite of the greatest external pressures, and spread the message of Christ to their peers. Chapters also address the importance of understanding the lasting power of influence as well as its limitations. Motivational, and drawing heavily on the wisdom of scripture as well as practical advice and experience, Max Q is highly recommended for anyone concerned about passing on their cherished values to the next generation.

Okay, let me start off by saying The Seven Checkpoints is one of the best books I have ever read about youth ministry. I used the concepts and ideas all the time. I read that book in about three days and gleaned so much from it. So, I was very excited to start reading Max Q. At first, because of a mishap with a not so bright phone operator at Harvest, I received the Student Journal in the mail. I leafed through it but didn't take a lot of time with it. Then finally my leader's hardback copy arrived from Amazon.

The concept of the book is that our students are at critical mass everyday in their world. They are under huge pressure all the time. We need to prepare them for the world. We need to help them understand how they can be people of influence to the world around them. The book speaks of how our students can be the light in the dark world of their schools and work places.

I agree completely with the theory of this book. I believe that our youth ministries need to be preparing our students for the opportunity to affect the real world. I think one of the hardest parts of being a Youth Pastor at my current church is that we have such a large home schooled group of teens (51% of our total group are home schooled) that they just don't know any non-Christians. I have heard that come from them every time we speak about evangelism. That concept makes me sad. It is as though the parents in our congregation, in an effort to shield their children from evil, have removed them as influencers in the world. This book encourages wisely handled friendships with non-Christians. It presupposes that if we have prepared our students for the "real world" then they can become influences on their non-believing peers.

There is caution given by the authors that students need to be careful to be sure they are always doing the influencing. It also encourages us as leaders to remind students of grace if they fail. I think Stanley and Hall are right on in their assessment of the need for Christian students to be making a lasting impact on the spiritual life of their friends.

Where I think the book is weak is in the area of how that works out practically. I think that time and time again they go back to the point that students should be doing this without offering situations where they can actually be living out this concept. It gives some hows but I think in all it had to say, the book of about 225 pages was way too long. I found it very repetitive. Again, I agree with the concepts but felt like they offered me a challenge without helping me to see how to obtain the goal.

I have discussed the concepts of the book with my Senior High Guys Small Group and we agree the need is there. I have encouraged them to be on their toes and remember they are always representing Christ. The book was a great reminder of that concept. I just wish it would have spent less time on proving the need for such relationships and more time on how I can help my students live that life out in a practical way.

Curriculum Evaluation: Max Q

Maximum Quotient: It is the point in time when a rocket's speed is the highest and air pressure is at its extreme. It is what young Christians feel during their teenage years. Pulling from many years of successful youth ministry, Stanley and Hall introduce youth leaders to a new realm of youth ministry through this dynamic new plan. This life-changing book helps students learn how to influence their peers-both saved and unsaved-without being negatively influenced themselves.
Max Q, written by Andy Stanley and Stuart Hall, has been an encouragement to read! These authors have paved the way to some of the most relevant and inspiring youth materials that is out! Along with Seven Checkpoint, Max Q is a must read for any youth leader (volunteer to full time leader). After picking up Max Q, I couldn't put it down! The reader will learn about: A Ministry of Influence, Jesus & Influence, Maximum Dynamic Pressure, Setting Standards, Establishing Priorities, Maintaining Accountability, Unconditional Acceptance, Sustaining Influence, Using Leverage, and Partnering with Parents. These are very simple but thought wrenching topics that all youth pastors need to be refreshed on.
The book is a must to read when diving into the Max Q world. It spans over just two parts, The Truth about Influence and The Principles. These two chapters are filled to the brim with insightful material that will keep ones' pen highlighting and making notes! Many respected youth leaders such as, Louie Giglio, Chad Childress, Doug Fields and Matt Brinkley have endorsed the reading of this particular resource.

Along with the hardback book entitled, Max Q, comes a valuable resource that is in a form of a 9 week curriculum pack- The Max Q Student Journal.
Recognizing the pitfalls of postmodern student life, the Max Q Student Journal gives students a real and relevant way to stay strong in their Christian faith. With thought-provoking questions, the basic "Max Q" principles, and space for journaling, this book will prepare students to handle temptation and live the life of a true witness. As students learn to live out their faith without compromise during high-stress times, they will find new doors for peer evangelism opening before them. Students of today long to make a difference-in order to do that they need something true, something real, something called Max Q.
After picking up this material and thumbing through it, I found a wealth of material that is needed in the life of a teenager! I believe students, with the help of this book, will do more than merely withstand the pressures around them. They will be a powerful force for good among their friends. The curriculum is designed to help students discover what is means to become spiritually influential and to provide them with the tools needed to begin that process. One of the main goals is to shift their thinking from traditional concepts of evangelism (knocking on doors, inviting people to big events) to what is a more biblical concept: disciplism ("disciple" with an "ism") (pg.5 Student Journal).
The journal is divided, similar to the book, in two parts. Each day has a Q Text, a Q Test, and a Q Point. The Q Text begins with a passage of scripture that will guide the reader through the meaning of the daily verse. Questions follow to apply and dive deep into thinking through the verse for that day. The Q Test, is comprised of two or three critical questions based on the thoughts presented in the Q Text. These questions are crafted to create tension in the readers heart and mind. The Q Point, are several paragraphs for information and insight designed to help the student understand, personalize, and apply the principles of influence they are discovering.
This curriculum represents a launch pad into the life of God designed for the student. It is designed to impact a life of knowing him and making him known to a lost world.

I agree with all of the other reviews on this page; Oliver North certainly was not in Vietnam very long, but his co-author David Roth certainly represents well the time he did spend as a Marine platoon leader. The accounts are vivid and help to portray Marine combat infantrymen experiences in I-Corps. The book did help me to format my story of flying UH-1D helicopters in the Mekong Delta; I liked the set-up of the chapters and untilized this aspect. I wasn't too interested in the Christianity thing North gets into on his return trip; it certainly is true that this is what has anchored his life--but this is not much of a Vietnam vet story. It still is on my bookshelf, however, for the reasons expressed below by the other reviewers.

i read this book while doing research on ptsd. as an unrepentent left-wing, hippie, i am quite certain that a lot of people will not read this book because of north's political views. they are making a mistake. this book is very healing. it made me cry several times.

this books takes the reader into the heart of the war in I corps in 1968...it seems a lifetime ago--and yet, for many, it is as real as yesterday. we are, as north points out, a nation in need of healing over the vietnam war. too many people still suffer from ptsd as a consequence of it. they have traumatized their own children.... and society as a whole is poorer for the loss of these individuals.

we owe it to ourselves to understand the war and what happened there--no matter what our own political belief system is. this book goes a long way towards that goal. it also gives practical advice on how we, as decent caring humans, can, without a political agenda, help the people we bombed the s--- out of for 10 years. people who do not, amazingly, hate us for it.

READ IT!!!!

This book is one that gives a view into experiences many of us will never face. Oliver North had a short tour in Vietnam but it definitely left him with many long lasting memories.
In this book we read North's personal impressions of what it was like to fight in the Vietnam War and he gives us the reasons why he thinks we failed there.
In 1993 Oliver North decided to go back to the country where he fought and finish his mission. Instead of going in a stance of war he went as an agent of peace to bring support, hope and reconciliation.
Oliver North shares with us his views as a born again Christian. He is driven by the teachings of Jesus Christ who calls us to, "Love our enemies." Oliver North does just that. He is driven to bring help to this hurting nation, shackled by a crumbling system of communism.
Oliver North visited Hospitals and Orphanages both hurting and dilapitated. He helped lead the way in bringing aid to these people. It is nice to see North, a professing Christian taking his life in Christ seriously and really going out and showing love to others.
This book is full of unique observations and inspiring actions. It was an enjoyable and quick read.

As a former U.S. Marine and a Viet Nam veteran, I was apprehensive about Col. North's book, expecting him to only tell about his return trip. I was pleasantly surprised that he confides in the reader his thoughts and actions while he was involved in combat situations during the war.In doing so, he allows the reader to share in his experiences, and also explains why it was necessary for him to return. He puts it quite plainly why the United States lost the war in Viet Nam.

I loved this book. it gives so much info

I am looking to get some anabolic steroids, I was wondering if you could educatedly suggest which of the many are the absolute most efficient. Whilst considering that, does the substance "Stazanol"(or something to that effect) match up against anabolic roids? Really appreciate your time.

Good descriptions of different anabolic, diuretics, ergogenic and estrogen blocking drugs. However no info on cycling is given.

this is a very good handbook on mexican anabolics. it explains what each available pharmaceutical can do, the average cost to the consumer (not counting what the bastards markups are), and includes pictures of what the real gear should look like. negative: no assisstance in cycling info, but you should be able to get that on the net. if you do your shopping in mexico this book will be very helpful. steer clear of the russian d-bol.

If one is interested in understanding the times in which we live prophetically and biblically, this book is an excellent and comprehensive resource. Robert Stearns speaks from his over 20 years of experience growing in intimate knowledge of Israel, her people, and their role in the kingdom of God. He challenges us as Christians to look beyond the obvious role (of Jesus coming again to Jerusalem) and to see them as God sees them as His children still receiving the blessings of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

God wants to prepare the way for the future for us. There is coming a change to the church and God wants us to change or get out of the way so others can change into their destiny.

Recommend for all those that want to change so God can bring His Kingdom to earth.

Robert Stearns believes the Church will embark on a new role as it wends its way through the first decades of a new millennia. He notes that Western society is desperately searching for meaning beyond the material, and views the church as being poised to fill this need with spiritual truths. In Prepare The Way, Stearns charges that no only is that change coming, it is already upon us. He encourages Christians to embrace this change and to understand what God is doing, and how to be alight in a spiritually darkened and needy world. Prepare The Way is demanding, motivating, penetrating reading that will reward and encourage the reader to help the Christian community prepare for, and meet, the challenges of our new era.

Robert Stearns has written a wonderful book about the ways in which today's church is changing, and the ways in which it still needs to change. He writes in a manner that makes it very difficult not to be excited about the times we are living in as Christians. It should give all believers much hope and joy. The "What Now?" section at the end of every chapter is a very nice touch. It lets the reader see how one might apply the reading to one's life, as an individual, or as part of a group. Having read the book, I feel the title, "Prepare the Way", is not just a commandment, but more of a simple statement. The Lord WILL prepare the way, with or without us, but how much better is it to be a part of the master plan, rather than to just sit on the sidelines, comfortable in our own salvation, watching from a distance?

I happened upon this book in a bookstore in my town one day, and just adore it. I am an engineer, and I buy this book for every friend/family member that is expecting a child. It's whimsical and fun and educational--we all can learn something we don't know!

If I could travel back in time 30 years and have a library of David Schwartz books, I'd be one happy kid! My kids love his work, and so do I!

A former biologist, elementary school teacher, and journalist, Schwartz knows how to present complicated information in a straighforward and accessible manner. He and artist Kim Doner have put together a wonderful companion to their earlier book, G is for Googol. Q is for Quark is engaging and fun for strong independent readers of all ages. Each letter of the alphabet introduces a different scientific term. E is for element, O is for Occam's Razor, and Q is for Quark, of course! I highly recommend this book for any science minded kid.

This is a commendable effort to introduce children to general science (not just physics, as the title might imply), but there are minor flaws.

In SI units, the degree sign should not be used with celsius. In Light, a prism is described as a 3-sided piece of glass (5 sides or more). If you go up 8 white keys from C you come to D, not C. An object is said to be red because it reflects only red light (pigment makers wish that were true, but it isn't). The air column in a woodwind vibrates only under closed holes. (What happens in cross fingering? Don't the vibrations extend into the room?) And I wish text weren't printed over dark illustrations!

An excellent peak at science for both children and adults. Although rather simplistic, it does a good job explaining basic science concepts. I specially liked the parts on T for Think, where the author explains how scientists use the Scientific Method as a tool for testing observations, making inferences and weed out erroneous beliefs; and O for Occam's Razor, again as of useful tool for reasoning. I sure hope there is a sequel.

Only one observation: The publishers should have chosen a more portable book format (paperback) so you can take it anywhere and either enjoy it by yourself or share it with someone else.

AC.CHB

This book is good after you have study from the Saunders Comprehensive. It states this in the book (to be use after the Saunders Comprehensive).
Worth the money.

Saunders has two books out that I am aware of. This one and a Comprehensive review. The comprehensive review goes into more detail and has more questions for your money. This book is good, but I have found that most of these questions are in the comprehensive book as well.

This book helped me pass the NCLEX-PN last summer. I highly recommend it. Great because you don't have to flip back and forth for the answers and rationales. LOVE IT! The disc is full of excellent questions,too.

I wish they made one for NCLEX-RN.

This is a great review book for the LPN exam. The format is very easy to use, and I love the fact that you do not have to search through the book, or flip to the back to find the answers and rationals as they are on the same page as the question. The information is up-to-date, and the rationals are informative and helpful.

I borrowed this book's first version and liked it very much. Since I can't find the first version anywhere, I have to buy this new version. I wanted to buy at Amazon in order to save my time driving to bookstore, plus it is cheaper here. I was worried if this book has the sections I need which were in first version. This --Search inside this book-- is superb!! At first, I did not realize it has the whole "contents" list. Then I realized if I click on "next", it will show you the complete "contents". I saw the chapter that I need and ready to buy it. Very happy with this feature--Search inside this book. There is no doubt this book is superb for QA engineer.

I am a software developer that had to create an automated performance web testing system. This book (along with two others) provided my with a good overview on best practices for creating my "Internet Macros" for performance web testing.

Great book - everything you need to know about web testing

This is more than a minor update of the first edition of this highly regarded book - it's a major rewrite with added material on mobile web testing.

As in the earlier book, this one clearly shows the differences between traditional testing and web testing, which will provide QA professionals who are moving from older environments into web-based systems an orientation and direction. For new QA professionals the chapters on software testing basics, networking and web application components provide a solid foundation. The chapter on mobile web application platforms is unique to this book, and adds true value. Other core material includes test planning, and a sample application and test plan to add realistic scenarios to the material.

Web-specific test advice encompasses UI, functional, server-side, database, help, installation, compatibility, security and performance testing. These cover all facets of the test process and associated procedures in a web-centric environment. Additional chapters include using test scripts, testing mobile web applications, and web testing tools.

While the core content is on the mark and accurate, the appendices are as invaluable. These include a test plan template, weekly status report template, error analysis checklist (with error examples), UI test-case design guidelines (common keyboard navigation/shortcut matrix and mouse action matrix web), test-case design guideline: input boundary and validation matrix, display compatibility test matrix, and browser/OS configuration matrix.

If you test web systems this is the most complete book you can read, and it is destined to attain the same 'classic' status as the first edition.

I have collected a library of books on critical thinking, but this is by far the best. It is comprehensive and intellectually honest, yet very readable. I bought it, started looking through it, and wound up reading it completely in that one sitting. It's rare to find such a scholarly book so compelling!

The book is easy to read and moderately informative but useless as a textbook for a course in critical thinking. About a third of it is just incomprehensible because of the "folksy" writing style. Ex: Ch 4 opens, "Reasoning is often taken to be the hallmark of the human species. Colloquially, reasoning tells us 'what follows what.'" That's the best definition of reasoning you're going to get in that chapter! Errors of reasoning are rampant throughout the book. The first chapter opens with a barrage of statistics to show that CT is not adequately taught.Ex: You will live into your '70's so what do you need to know to be prosperous (as if all knowledge for the entire future needs to be acquired today.) The book is riddled with wrong definitions and erroneous information. The chapter on hypothesis testing is especially egregious in that regard. There are few references later than 1991 (in the 3d edition). Finally, the chapters do not speak to each other: There are completely unrelated chapters on memory, logic, and probability theory, for example. The book might be useful in a course on rhetoric or communications, but critical thinking it is not. The chapter on analysis of arguments is the one good one, but it doesn't redeem this... paperback.

I felt I had to answer the 2 irresponsible reviews above. This is an excellent introduction to critical thinking. It is thoughtful clear, and enjoyable to read. Each chapter contains puzzle-like, challenging exercises which reinforce the lessons. It is easy to improve your thinking skills by reading this book and working through the exercises.

I felt I had to answer the 2 irresponsible reviews above. This is an excellent introduction to critical thinking. It is thoughtful clear, and enjoyable to read. Each chapter contains puzzle-like, challenging exercises which reinforce the lessons. It is easy to improve your thinking skills by reading this book and working through the exercises.

I bought this book on the wildly enthusiastic endorsement of it by a medals dealer (who just happens to specialize in one of the entries). While I agree this book is good for the hobby and is not a bad effort; owning it is not a wholly satisfying experience.
First the good stuff: The authors have done a fine job of compiling the list of 100 different medals and tokens representative of a broad spectrum from the mundane to the sublime. They also did a generally good job with the background essays on their selections because they are easy to read and sometimes informative. Cross reference numbers from numbering systems found in various books that have catalogued the items are supplied, as are population estimates and some then current pricing information. The presentation and layout of the book are also outstanding. Actually, the book is a pleasure to look at because the full color reproductions are excellent and the layout is top notch.
In fact, I like almost everything about the book so why only three stars?
This is a three star book because while it is very likable, it really isn't lovable. This is because the editors didn't give us enough of the kind of information that makes a thing the 'Greatest'. Just throwing together a collection of 100 different examples within a genre because a survey of experts tells one to isn't reason enough, in my opinion.
The book misses the kind of background stories that caused the collectors, writers and dealers to love them enough to vote them as '100 Greatest'. For instance, I too love the Higley Coppers found on pps. 14-15. I think they are cute and cuddly but I want to know why Samuel Higley was compelled to mint his own coins, for God's sake. What about the coin shortage at the time; how they were used; was there any competing specie circulating at the time? Or take entry No. 47, 'George H. Lovett's Nod to Coin Collectors' which is a fine entry but no mention is made of the Lovett family's long and illustrious relationship to the medallic arts which is doubtless why the medal was voted on the list.
This book misses the inside information that personalizes what are otherwise just objects. Granted, many of the book's entries are beautiful works of art, but mere beauty is not enough to carry a project such as this. Rest assured that the world teems with beautifully struck medals, aesthetically pleasing medals but this doesn't necessarily make them deserving of greatness.
Also this book is Made in China. One day China may produce high quality art books but today is not that day. As a book collector it is of utmost importance that art books such as this are produced with the best of values from the best of materials and this book, sadly, was not.
Just three stars, my friends, but I do agree with the reviewers below this is a great library book.

This book is a wonderful collection of KEY MEDALS and TOKENSs. With beautiful pictures, this books tells the story of the medal or token featured as the Top 100 by a select group of Numismatic Experts on the subject. Fun to read; fun to see what medals and tokens made the Top 100 list.

I liked the book so much, I even bought a copy for my local library... JAS

Libraries catering to collectors as well as any interested in the history of American medals must have this oversized, lavish survey of rarities in the medal and token world, which explores the U.S.'s first coinage, medals and tokens and includes a foreword by numismatics Russ Rulau and David Alexander. Full page, large-sized color photos of coins and metals provide extraordinary, exceptional detail making this a 'must' reference for any library catering to coin collectors or American history buffs.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

Upon diagnosis of my pc I wanted a source that would clearly describe the disease and its various treatment options. Here is a lucid, compact, authoritative presentation, recommended by my urologist, that provides an excellent beginning for those wanting to understand what lies ahead. The text is supplemented by illustrations and matrix-tables that chart advantages and disadvantages, plus side effects of therapies and drugs. Discusses possible complications, social effects and includes a glossary of terms that will be new to you. The fifth star is lacking only due to the fact that pc treatments are developing quite rapidly so combination therapies and robotic-laparoscopic surgery are not discussed here though that is common to books on pc published prior to 2005. While I have used several other sources, including the internet, I keep coming back to this one for quick reference.

This book is well written in easily understandable terms. We first saw it in the waiting room at the Drs. office. It covers all levels of prostate cancer and is a good reference book for how the prostate works. Highly recommended.

I was recently diagnosed as having prostate cancer. I am 63 years old/young. Very depressing. (not that I am 63, but that I have cancer;>)) I had/have no symtoms. I went for an annual physical and my PSA was high. My urologist loaned me this book. It answered all of my questions about prostate cancer. I realize that this book isn't the last on the subject, but it is a great help to me. It is very objecvtive. NO BS! That is all that I care about. I don't want sugar coating at this point. I will certainly read some other publications before I make a decision as to what procedure I will undergo. But, I would recommend this book to any man who has any questions about the disease and which route that he may want to take. The most important questions are about impotence and incontinence. It explains it all. It goes into procedures and much more. Not a feel good book, but it will help you to make your decisions.