Training Books

A fun and educational book. Lots of great information that can be used over and over again.

Helpful and down-to-earth author. Finding a bird, housing, breeding, showing, and more! I think this will be a great reference for a beginer to intermediete.

Buy this book and you will know all you need to know about pet bird. You will find your suitable bird and how to make it healthy, happy. This book also teach you how to tame and train your intelligent bird. I love this book very much but if you want to know bird breeding in detail and enjoy beautiful photo, you may disappointed. Lack of color photo make me reduce 1 star when I rated but if you don't care, this book is a good choice for you. In my view, it is best to read if you are beginner in pet bird.

This book has all you need to know about bird care and training. It is very informative and includes many intersesting little tidbits such as useful adresses, a directory of bird parks, and a bird care and training reference card in the front. If you're going to get a bird(or birds!), get this book!

This book is a complete reference guide to your pet bird. The first chapter deals with how to find out if a bird is the right pet for you and teh second chapter insructs the bird buyer how to choose a right cage, how to bring your bird home, what to have in the cage, etc. The next part deals with what you have to complete daily to have a healthy and enjoyable brd, what your bird should eat and how your bird should exercise. The next part is devoted into training and bonding with your bird. part 5 talks about your bird's health while part 6 gives who tricks to teach your bird, famous birds and all about bird shows. In the back of the book are different appendixes. I especially liked all the facts and warnings tucked in little boxes throughout the book. I fantastic, well-organized informative book that every serious bird-owner should own!

Toogood captures the readers attention from the first sentence. In today's business world one in surrounded by dot.com innovators and this book inspires introspection for our own creative potential.

As our working lives increasingly encroach on our home lives, we've come to expect more from our jobs than a paycheck. Like Tom Peters, Granville Toogood inspires us to slough off the cynicism of Dilbert and embrace real creativity in the workplace.

Chapter 7, "The Four Fundamentals of Professional Fulfillment," could serve as the manifesto of a business revolution; it's alone worth the price of the book. But the book offers much more than a call to action -- it also gives practical examples from the lives of some of today's (and yesterday's) most innovative leaders: Steve Jobs, Andy Grove, Charlotte Beers, Martha Stewart, Walt Disney.

As Mr. Toogood exhorts us: "Forget the status quo. Way up and way out. Find some other way to go." This book may not take you there, but it'll get you pointed in the right direction.

This is a fun book, filled with stories well told. Unlike many, overly analytical books on creativity, The Creative Executive walks its own talk. The stories and insights kind of wash over you leaving you with not so much a process on how to be creative (although there are some "process" suggestions in the book) as an intuitive feel about your own creative potential. Very nice.

This volume, like each of Toogood's other books (Articulate Executive and Inspired Executive), is a must-read for the entrepreneur, self-employed, corporate and even the "down-sized" professional. He is a master at weaving anecdotes with common sense to create, once again, "personalized messaging". Get a new highlighter, this one is chock-full of sage counsel!

This book is a straight-talking primer for those of us who have great engineering and technical design skills but need help in our leadership and persuasive skills. We may have a vision, but too often we don't know how to articulate it. This book teaches us how in a breezy style that makes you feel as though Toogood is talking to you over a cup of coffee.

I've rarely seen a more logical approach to selling. It leaves nothing to imagination, making every step in the process clear and explicit. It even expands on Rackham's SPIN sequence. If you're tired of guessing, this book's for you.

TThis book is terrific...It answered many questions I had about sales approach to b2b selling. If you are selling b2b or your product/service has a high value, you will love the tools this book will give you to succeed! It has great examples, and useful exercises to make the material 'stick'. Rob breaks everything down to minute detail, so everything is duplicatable and understandable. I hope to see an audio version sometime in the future. I love the questioning sequences detailed by Rob and his honest and ethical approach to every step in the sales cycle.

This book also teaches you how to use the selling principles in everything else in life from managing employees to bringing up children. I am already beginning to be more pursuasive with my fiance and my boss. I am loving it!!!

Robert Jolles teaches you very SOUND techniques and not hype like Tom Hopkins, Zig Ziglar or Joe Girard. I love the fact that he was a senior sales training consultant at Xerox, which is world-known for its investment in sales research and its training methodologies.

I have been teaching Rob's methods for close to 2 years at the Univ. of Houston. Rob is a genuine person and his methods work...period. Yet, you cannot just read this book and expect it all to sync the first day. You need to practice this....daily to have the impact required.

Clearly defines the steps to making a sale along with the understanding of how and when a customer makes a buying decision. People don't make a large purchase decision until they have a "problem". So if you are selling large ticket items and or programs, then you better understand how to move the decision maker into the "problem" stage. I thought that the author's examples and situations outlined in the book were excellent and really drove home the points he was making. It is an easy read and thoroughly enjoyable!

I am pretty new to the world of sales - a reluctant salesman who has realised that selling is central to success in any relationship based endeavour. What I have been searching for is a sales 'system' - a repeatable process that allows you to 'advise' the client for mutual benefit, rather than simply sell him. And Robert Jolles almost hits the mark. He gives you a sales strategy - a strategy with 8 steps in the selling process, that with a bit of practice will make the sales call more of a consultation.

But, for me, the book contradicted its title somewhat. This is particularly evident where Jolles uses the boxing metaphor for selling (he compares selling to you and your client stepping into the ring for a few rounds) and 'bleeding' your client. Now maybe I'm naive, but I think this is what is totally wrong with the sales profession - I don't think you're ever fighting your client, or should be trying to 'bleed' him or her, or make him hurt.

Now perhaps Jolles was simply trying to make the point that the client needs to be fully aware of the implications of his/her problem etc, but it was the way he says it that shows he doesn't have the customers true interests at heart. And to me,its the philosophy of the sales professional combined with sales effectiveness that is critical to building long-term, mutually benefical client relationships.

I would recommend this book to you - it teaches a sound sales process that is repeatable. But for me it missed that extra something.

I have a 6 month old American Pit Bull and the day I got "Cross" is the day I also started reading this book. Today he is a trust worthy and obedient dog. What Ross does is breaks down how you train the dog and also gives you an insight into why your puppy or dog does what they do. ANYONE who has a dog should read this book.

Dog Obedience Training by Ross Allan is an excellent book for anyone seeking serious advice on training their dog. It is clear, concise and easy to follow with a step by step process outlined for each exercise along with wonderful colour photos demonstrating the correct handling procedure. I have used Ross Allan's training methods on my own two dogs and have achieved the desired results when all other avenues have failed. The years of experience and dedication to dog obedience training by the author have produced what I consider to be the best book available for everyone from beginners to the more advanced dog handler. I have witnessed Ross Allan's methods work time and time again and thoroughly recommend this book to anyone in need of guidance with the training of their canine companion.

This book made me and our puppy "Cross" a great puppy at 6 months and he is an American Pit Bull. At 7 weeks I got "Cross" and the same day I got the book. I started right away with the training Ross tells you about step by step. The hardest part like he tells you is to have yourself stay in tune with what you are doing. If you do....well my dog is great. A playfull, trust worthy dog. If you own a dog - YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK. It makes you and the dog live in harmony.

Thanks Ross

With this book,Ross Allan has proven once again,his expertise in the art of Dog Obedience Training.An easy to read and comprehensive guide to obtaining a great relationship with your Dog as well as valuable information on health and diet. Ross has helped me many times with his knowledge in this field and I recommend this book to anyone wishing a happy and healthy dog.

In 1972 Ross Allan was an Airforce Legend, the best of the best, a Top Gun, Dux in his field, and now this living legend quietly trains dogs in sunny Queensland "only an hour away from where last century this man made Airforce history". It almost sounds like a Hollywood Blockbuster and possibly one day, it might be because Ross Allan is as much part of Australian Airforce history as was William (Bill) Perrett the founding father of the RAAF Police Dog Mustering. This 'man', Ross Allan graced our industry and is without doubt, the best independent dog trainer Australia has ever seen.

Ross Allan's legacy will never again be repeated. Never before has the guts, determination and natural ability of one person been seen in any of Australia's Armed Forces, Police, Corrections, Security, or Customs. This magnificent 'man' has for many years been undersold.

All of Ross Allan's experience, techniques and methodolgy have been captured in his book 'Dog Obedience Training'. This book is the most significant tool you can own if you train dogs! Ross Allan, you are a true Australian icon and the Royal Australian Airforce (RAAF) salutes you, a living legend...... Will you one day return to where it all began?

Your book has given a high profile to the mustering and dog training in this country. You are a true ambassador and master craftsman. Good luck my friend!

I am a female new to the business. I was very nervous to enter the health club industry. The dialog in this book has helped me avoid the drilling of endless questions from customers that I had worried about. Not only did I sell 3 memberships my first week, with the dialog in this book, but I searched the internet for more info on Ron Thatcher and found his workbook! They both have been extremely helpful. I am signed up for one of his upcoming sales seminars!!

I just read fitness, memberships, and money and it is an income producing system that was created to help sales people in the health club industry improve their ability to recruit and enroll new clients. This book was written in a basic form and I learned a lot from it!
I am not a sales person I am a personal trainer and I was looking for a book that could help me implement a fitness program or train a client. Many books may cover the latest and newest when it comes to exercise. These books are great for impressing my clients but when it comes time to make a living, I am looking for a book that gives it to you straight. One that teaches real techniques used by the best closers and producers in the "personal training industry." I was than told about a new book that had all the things this book was missing! "Selling Personal Training" by Ron Thatcher is the book for any serious small club operator or career personal trainer the techniques will lead you down the path of success. I bought the new book at Trafford.com and it covered things that were missing like how to do P.T. Re-signs , How to Work the Floor, The Wall of Fame, The Closeout, Selling Supplementation, Interacting With the Staff ,Giving a Free Gift with Purchase, Confirming Appointments and Cancellations my small personal training studio is booming because of "Selling Personal Training!"

I've been in the business for over 14 years. I've been operating 2 personal training studios for the last several years. I'm now moving back to the club management side of the business again and was looking for a refresher on sales, prospecting etc. The book was well done, but very old school. Lots of cheeesy closing lines, scripts, etc. Lots of the techniques are outdated in the new era of club sales. Pretty "used-carsalesman" like. However, good stuff on forms, tracking, setting up personal planners etc. Don't get me wrong, this is a good book if you're a young buck just getting into club sales... just skip over the closing sections and you'll be ok. If you want a VERY current, highly informative book on working in a club... get "Making Money in the Fitness Business" by Thomas Plummer. That one is 5-stars!

I owne a small ladys only club in las vegas. I was looking for a way to improve my selling ability. this book was my first step to a thriving sales department. I use it on a daily basis to keep my new members coming in! first I used fitness memberships and money then with all my success I bought selling personal training what a great way to make your business grow!!!

erin brown

I learned more about fitness sales while working with Ron for 6 months than my other 10 years in the business combined!!! Ron's system is simple to apply and it works!!! If you want to immediatly increase your sales, buy this book!!!
Chad McCleary - Riviera Country Club and Sport Center

I was looking for a book that was geared for people who want to work out at home and couldn't find anything until I found Home Bodybuilding. The format is based on three steps which are the mental, physical and nutritional. The book also has separate sections for men and women as well as exercises with weights, without weights and even infomercial equipment. I liked the author's straight forward approach which doesn't have any agendas like other books I've read (i.e. like Body For Life which the author of the book is also the founder of the supplement company EAS which is promoted in his book) and he provides lots of good information which works. He is also very motivational and the book is filled with inspiring observations, quotes and affirmations which are helpful. The last part of the book is devoted to the mental aspect of being successful working out at home and while being a bit apprehensive about it at first, I'm a believer now. All in all, a well done book I'd whole heartedly say "get".

I've read the reviews on this site about Home Bodybuilding and have a few observations people may find helpful.

First of all...

1) If a book is rated five stars, look to see if it's rated with just one five star rating or many. Chances are, if there's more than one glowing review, many other people have found the book equally as helpful.

2) When there are negative reviews, check and see how many there are and if there are commonalites between each of them.

I bought this book many months ago along with the Men's Fitness Home Workout book and have found each to have their strengths and weaknesses.

While the Men's Fitness book has more photos and exercises, it lacks much of the periphery elements of the mental components of motivation and just how hard it is for many of us to get started and stay motivated working out--especially at home AND by yourself...HELLO!

I like both both books very much. There must be a reason why amazon.com pairs Home Bodybuilding with the Men's Fitness book. They compliment each other quite well.

Finally, I'd like to give a few observations on what the reviewer "Judge Knott" wrote regarding the Home Bodybuilding book and how this reviewer must not have read the same book I'm looking at right now as I write this review. Specifically:

"There are many exercises shown that can only be done if one has access to expensive, complicated gym machines. (Yo! Isn't this supposed to be for h-o-m-e workouts?)"

If this reviewer would've read the book and understood its purpose, the author Robert Wolff states in clear language that he wants to give readers exercises they can do with freeweights (barbells and dumbbells), without weights (bodyweight only), with machines (if they have those in their home), and even informercial equipment.

"There is a sloppiness and an imprecision in the way many of the exercises are described."

I've got a library full of nutrition, exercise and physiology books and the exercise descriptions and illustrations Wolff uses in Home Bodybuilding match how the others illustrate how the exercises Wolff Describes should be done.

"The whole book is written at a reading level equivalent to that found in "The National Enquirer" or "The New York Post."

I'm reminded of a quote that a 20-plus million copy bestselling author once said, "Don't worry; If you write for the seventh grader, the Ph.D. will understand it too."


"It's also filled with cheerful, peppy, Oprah-like self-help sayings and anecdotes that recall Dale Carnegie in an extremely good mood. They bored and annoyed me."

Look at the other reviews who seem to greatly enjoy this author's writing style. Then click on reviewer Judge Knott's other reviews. For such a scathing review of this book, it was surprising how many of this person's reviews fall into the scope of fine arts and NOT nutrition, fitness or health. Perhaps returning Home Bodybuilding and getting a book on the order of the "New York Metropolitan Ballet of Workouts" might be a better fit?

My purpose is not to deride of belittle the above reviewer. All of us are entitled to our own opinions. However, when coming to this review forum, my only request is that any of us have a fully formed and educated opinion that doesn't selectively omit the good or not so desirable points of any book. That way, we can all learn and be helped by what anyone says--good or bad.

For my money, Home Bodybuilding was money well spent. Thanks for letting me have my two cents worth. Best to all!

I almost quit working out (again) if it weren't for Home Bodybuilding. I have two kids, a full-time job and no time for a gym and I needed to find something that would help me keep in shape. I'm so happy that I found this book.

The book has five parts and they are:
Part I--Getting Started
Part II--Nutrition
Part III--The Basics
Part IV--Body Specific
Part V--The Mind

It is also broken down into giving workouts and advice for women and men (a good thing since I have no desire to have big muscles) and it has lots of good workouts and exercises you can do at home or in the gym.

It seems to cover all the basics by featuring exercises and workouts you can do with barbells, dumbbells, machines, no weights and exercises with just your body and even using infomercial equipment.

Yeah, I admit it. I bought the Total Gym a year ago and after a few months of using it (it now sits in the garage, thank you) it's more like the Total Joke, but that's a whole different review.

Anyway, this book has been really helpful and if anyone is looking for a no non-sense way to get themselves in good shape and do it at home, this is the book I'd recommend.

I like the Men's Fitness book a lot and thought it woould be all I needed for working out at home, but I have to say I was wrong.

While the MF book provided lots of tips and plenty of exercises, it didn't give me the missing pieces I was wanting to help put together an effective home workout program that took into consideration my need for having a thorough exercise, nutrition, AND motivational program.

It's tough for me to go to the gym and even tougher for me to work out by myself and at home. But the Home Bodybuilding book has made it so much easier and enjoyable. It not only gives lots of information about exercise and nutrition, it also convincingly explains the ways of how to get started and stay on a home workout program. It's been those ideas that have helped me reach my goals quicker than I imagined possible.

I'd like to see the author do a follow-up book with more information on home workouts. I've noticed that as I've gotten into to workoing out more, I'm wanting more and different ways to work out.

This book works and is highly recommended.

This book is great for someone who is starting out.
However, I found that the book was lacking in variety of exercise for a person who already knows the basic weight training exercise.

I found that the book did not go into much detail in all the chapters, it was more like a breif summary.

I guarantee after 8 weeks you will be looking for another book that provides a variety of exercises so that you can alternate and stay motivated.

I think this book would be great for 4-H and Pony Club. Its suitable for kids, but great for adults with riding experience, too. This book is one of the few I've read that really does have something for everyone. Great advice, with a personal touch.

Here's a trainer who talks to you, not down to you. I felt like she could be a riding buddy! I could really relate to alot of the stories and I learned alot too. The pictures are really fun and I had to chuckle at some of them, and the anecdotes too! I give this book two hooves up.

This book is chock full of very usable/hands-on advice/information on horse and pony training. Even though I have had my horse at several riding clinics, nobody ever pointed out that my horse was overbitted. By just following the advice on bitting, my horse is now much more responsive and has not balked even once when out trail riding. I have also learned to hold the reins with a much gentler hand. All in all, I feel I have not only helped myself, but I have also helped my horse as well. As another reviewer mentioned, I think every horse should come equipped with this book. Instead of teaching you to train your horse, this book teaches you to understand your horse so that the training becomes a learning/understanding process for both you and your horse.

The Horse's Choice covers horse training from both a horse's perspective and a human's perspective, explaining what motivates your horse's behavior, and how to get him to respond to you using brains and compassion instead of brute strength. With compelling, easily understood examples, The Horse's Choice covers everything from the first-time horse purchase to caring for your horse, establishing training routines, and correcting problem behaviors. Written in an engaging, knowledgeable manner, horse expert Staci Layne Wilson has produced an excellent guide to the compassionate care and training of your horse that you'll want to study from cover to cover. Highly recommended!

He would just laugh and tell you that he was right all along.... Did you know that your problem horse's problem is YOU? Or if not you, then a previous owner or handler. Your horse knows and he is trying to tell you. Staci Layne Wilson also knows, and this is the approach she takes when she explains why a horse has a problem. The good thing with this book is that it not only tells you how to cure a problem - it also explains why the problem arose in the first place and how to avoid that it re-occurs. So, even if you don't have a problem horse at home, this book is a definite must! The book takes its starting point in the natural horsemanship methods. Staci Wilson has studied these methods for years and has found her own method to incorporate them into her training in a way that they are adjusted to fit the kind of horse she's working with. She does this in her book by describing how different kinds of horses need different approaches. All the time throughout the book Staci Wilson considers what will be the most natural thing for the horse to do in a given situation, and she adjusts her training advises accordingly. The book is a must for beginners and intermediate riders, but even if you are experienced like myself, there is something you can use in this book. Things you maybe just hadn't thought of in the first place. The training methods are easy to understand, and more important: Easy to follow as well. Staci Wilson puts a lot of significance into the aspect of safety, which I think is very important. The book also emphasizes that being a good horseman requires a lot of time and work, which is true. Nothing comes from nothing, and as the book says, it's you and your horse who must walk the walk - no trainer can do it for you. But when you read this book the walk won't feel as long and it will be a lot easier because you get to know the basics and how to work your way up from there. A simple thing like the horse's flight instinct is the root of most kinds of problems and Staci tells you why that it is and how to avoid getting yourself or your horse into trouble. And the methods described in this book makes it both fun and interesting to work with your horse! Results show quickly and both of you get something out of the deal and will end up a lot happier. The book is illustrated with great photos and it is very humourously written! I was laughing a lot while I read it - Staci Wilson hits home every time she describes a situation. I read it in one sitting too - you simply cannot put it down! Needless to say I find this book absolutely great.

And for you who also enjoyed the excerpt from Staci Layne Wilson's next novel, The Dance: You can look forward to reading the rest! I've read the whole script (in one sitting as well..) and it continues in the same fun and enthralling style - just even more so!

Morris Taylor has written a book that teaches time-tested strategies for success in a very conversational, easy-to-read style. This book is a treasure trove of wisdom that is essential for any college student, but can also be applied to business and personal life as well. I wish I had this book years ago when I attended college. It is a "must-read" for anyone who wants to achieve success in life!

This book is a perfect example of "good things come in small packages." While short- you could read it in an afternoon - the strategies discussed will greatly benefit you not just during college, but your entire life, if you apply them.

The strategies include essential personal and study habits, and the skills you should acquire to give yourself an edge during and after college life.

Like the author, I wish I had this book in my possession before starting college, and made use of the strategies presented. I wholeheartedly recommend anyone currently enrolled or will be attending college soon to get the book, read it, and apply its lessons... Your college career and life will certainly be more fulfilling.

I am a high school teacher and recently during a break from class, several students noticed "How to Create a Magical College Life" sitting on my desk. They wanted to know what kind of book it was. I simply told them to read the book cover. After each student read the back, I was stunned to see just from them reviewing the back cover how excited and inquisitive they became about the book. I'm sold that this book is a must have for anyone young or old who is serious about being successful in college. Taylor has made this book easy to read with practical, real life examples that everyone can identify with. I especially like his approach to time management, goal setting, and visualization. I highly recommend this book to be apart of every serious students' library.

John Scott
Director of Bands
Henrico High school
Henrico Public Schools

Thank you for your service. It was a great experience to buy from you. I received what I expected -on time and in great conditions.

As a profesor of history at a Big Ten univerity for over thirty-five years I have struggled to help students develop "Strategies for Better Grades, Healthier Relationships and Super-Self- Confidence." It would have been great if Morris's book had been available at the time. While professors and student advisors are well aware of many of the strategies in the book, they have not always been able to present or package them to students in a way that is interesting, fun, and instructive without sounding "preachy."

The book is student-friendly. Morris comes across as a buddy sharing advice over lunch or during a basketball game. Every "freshperson" should have this book and every parent of a new college student should sit down with him or her and go over the strategies in this book. For example, Strategy #1 Know Your College Imperative: "Why do you want to go to college? Why do you want a college degree? What are you willing to do, sacrifice, to put up with in order to do well and graduate on schedule?" These are the key questions students have to ask themselves before they waste their time, their parents' hard-earned money, and the precious time and energy of aging professors such as myself.

Morris presents four ways students can benefit from this strategy by posing several questions including the big one: "What will happen if you do not get your college degree?" Once students seriously ponder this question, they can then proceed to the other strategies, such as: resolve to always accept responsibility for your circumstances, create a personal vision statement, set personal goals, master your time, practice fiscal responsibilty, etc.

As I begin my thirty-sixth year of teaching I can already spot the students who can use this book and professors who can benefit from having students read it. This book should be in every college student's backpack.


Richard W. Thomas, Ph.D
Professor of History
310 Morris Hall
Michigan State University
E.Lansing, Michigan.

The med schl survival guide, its the BEST THING ever!! I got it from a friend like 3 yrs ago. Even my friend in med schl read it several times when he was starting. I've read and REREAD IT like 6x, and i keep going back, its even on my bed right now! I even find myself implementing some stuff there, she says whenever ur going thru any big issue, realize "This too shall pass" I quote" In med schl, as in life, little things can become big" She uses example of breaking up with 1st love, and how it might have seemed like a disaster to u at 1st but it soon passed. She even applies it to 3rd yr, dealing with senior resident from hell, and how guess what next yr u might not even remember his name, so take it in stride!!
Focus on the big picture!!

I carry this book around, its usually in my book bag, and has been past 3yrs, I start med schl in a few days and I go back to it more so now more than ever!!!
She talks about everything from motivation, to dealing with classmates, patients, relationships, gossip, missing classes, dealin with death, to not expecting others to understand, to realizing you made this choice...everything!

This book is a good collection of primarily reminders: stuff you should already know but may forget in the rush to study. It's very lightweight in size and content, broken up into 101 "lessons" that are usually just a couple paragraphs.

So if you need something to read in the bathroom, I would definitely recommend this book while you struggle through Med School.

I am currently a first-year medical student in Texas. Before I started my medical school this August, I was searching for some "survival books." The reason I did that was before I went to college, I got a bunch of books with similar titles such as "The Survival Book for College", "College Freshman Pocket Guide." They proved to be very helpful, so I just wanted to find such a book for medical school.

It turned out that there aren't many options. That's why I bought this one, sadly. My first reaction after I started reading it was: Disappointed. It wasn't what I was looking for. I was looking for something like "this is how you take notes," "this is how you ace the anatomy class," or "this is how to make yourself not afraid of cadavers." This book is COMPLETELY not about this.

But, surprisingly enough, I LIKE this book. Make that "I LOVE it." What's "weirder" is that the more I read the book, the more I love it. I'm not exaggerating. The author didn't pay me so I don't need to lie. This is truly a book of wisdom. I really appreicate the author's wisdom, not in medicine, but in being a decent person and a decent doctor.

This book doesn't give you any specific instructions or tips to shine in medical school. It gives you the "directions." It shows you "how to think" instead of "what to think." You must read it to find out.

At last, I highly highly recommend this book for pre-med students. Why? Because I think it will help a lot for writing your personal statement! I must tell you that I was sick of the personal statement, and by the end of my AMCAS process I virtually depleted all my mental resources. This book would have filled my brain up, but I didn't know it existed at that time.

I received this book before starting my first year of med school, and I have turned to it again and again. It has helped me to maintain a positive outlook and to face new challenges. I highly recommend "The Med School Survival Guide" for all medical students!

This book is a very quick read, but the information it has to offer spans everything from learning how to succeed on the wards to taking care of oneself, physically, spiritually and emotionally. It contains 101 survival tips, backed up with vivid and entertaining personal examples. Jennifer Danek helps assuage the fears that medical students may have upon entering their chosen careers. Her carpe diem attitidue and incredible humanism permeate the book and help future and current physicians learn how to approach their careers and lives with optimism in the face of death, empathy in the face of despair, and courage in the face of challenge.

If you are a competitive skydiver, it's worth picking up. However, there are better books for non-skydivers, like "The Pursuit of Excellence"

Using this book and some other training I was able to gain the tools needed to finish my AFF and do it in style. After failing my level 4 I needed a boost. After reading this and realizing that a lot of what I was going through was normal, and getting my mind in check, I went out and nailed the rest. I've got 12 jumps now and gaining more confidence all the time. Thanks John!!

Bill K.

Excellent book. Applies to all parts of life, not just sports performance. Gives the best explanation of how your thoughts impact your performance that I have ever read.

If you are serious about your skydiving, you must get a hold of this book. I'm sure you heard, or read Jack Jeffries' review of this book, he's right. Skydiving, as are other sports, is a mental game. MORE so than other sports because we only have about a minute of "pratice" time, each time we go up. That is important to remember. The author explains simply the techniques and exercises he uses and teaches to fly with proficiency. You'll breeze through it with his plucky attitude, and personal stories that relate to the ideas he teaches you. You won't be disappointed! And like the title says, it will help you in life as well. Mental training is where it's at. Get into the zone and WIN competitions!

I have been a Parachute Instructor for 38 years and I recomend the book to all my students.