Consultants Books

I keep my tiny Wine Wallet Wizard in my purse and use it constantly as a reference for planning dinner parties & ordering from the menu when I dine out. I have enjoyed wine for years, but just recently discovered that a wine tastes so much better when I combine certain foods with it. I drink all eight wine varieties included on the wizard, so I find it incredibly useful. This year I gave them as holiday gifts to all of my wine drinking friends along with a bottle of wine. Everyone loved them!

A remarkable book. It has made me a better advisor and I have bought copies for several people we engage as consultants. I wish they could have read it years ago. It is packed with wise advice on how to give better advice and to make your advice more likely to be accepted.

This man was one of the great track & field coaches of his time. His book provides good information for the beginning athlete, communicated in a simple, easily understood manner. The book is brief, however it touches on the full spectrum of basic techniques and considerations for a track & field athlete. It is particularly useful for high school level runners. As one of his athletes during his last years as a coach at Oregon State University, I treasure the copy of this book that I purchased years ago.

Excellent Biography of Dr. Deming. For all fanatics of quality as me, is an "experience" to read this book. I knew that Dr. Deming was in Chile, my country, in 1971!

If you are interested in mountain climbing, and have not read this book, run right out and purchase it. The same is true, if you are a fan of non-fiction adventure stories where man is struggling for survival. This story tells of the disastrous events on Mount Everest in May of 1996, when eight people died in one storm while trying to summit. If you are thinking of reading only one book on this subject, then this is the book for you. The telling of the events that spelled out death for some, and life for others, is a first hand narration by Jon Krakauer, who was on the mountain to write a magazine article when the tragic events took place. You will not only learn about the events of 1996, but you will also learn how mountain climbing has become a profitable business, where clients pay large sums of money to have a chance to get to the top. In some case this guided climbing can help someone's dream that may have otherwise been impossible, come true. Still, in some cases there are clients who just shouldn't be attempting such a climb. I was surprised to come to an understanding that the mountain may actually become crowded, with lines of climbers waiting to traverse some tricky areas of the climb. Krakauer's analysis of the events, and his telling of the story reads like a novel. Although I knew basically how the story would end, even before beginning the book, I still found it to be a page-turner.

I saw the Frontline documentary "Storm over Everest" by David Brashears which features interviews with several of the individuals mentioned in the book. You definitely get two different perspectives when watching the documentary and reading this book, but both accounts are riveting. I found myself pulling for the characters throughout the book, and I was exhausted when I finished.

In May 1996, a rogue storm killed nine climbers on Mount Everest, several of them from an expedition led by Rob Hall of New Zealand, the others from an expedition led by American Scott Fischer. Hall and Fischer were themselves counted among the victims. One of the survivors from Hall's expedition was John Krakauer, a writer from Outside Magazine, who had volunteered to go on the expedition to research and write a story on the commercialization of Everest.

Krakauer was no inexperienced novice, having been a climber for over 30 years at the time of the expedition, and that is part of what makes his telling of the story particularly compelling. He had the background and personal experience necessary to write the story in a way that someone who had never climbed a mountain could not. And he was there when the disaster happened, observing with a writer's eye for details.

I have never had any desire to climb a mountain, nor any real knowledge of mountain climbing, despite living near some of the most-climbed peaks in the Pacific Northwest - Mount Rainier and Mount Hood. I didn't pay much attention to the Everest disaster at the time, and all I remembered hearing before reading Krakauer's book was that some guy was able to call his wife on the phone from the top of Everest right before he died. Perhaps it was my recent unexplained interest in disaster stories that led me to Into Thin Air a few weeks ago, twelve years after the Everest disaster.

In the author's note at the end of the book, Krakauer writes, "My intent ... was to tell what happened on the mountain as accurately and honestly as possible, and to do it in a sensitive and respectful manner." Krakauer succeeds in this admirably. There are no "bad guys" in this book, just real human beings who did the best they could in unexpected and calamitous circumstances. The book is not about blame, but about understanding what happened.

Albeit through Krakauer's eyes, we get to know many of the climbers from Hall's and Fischer's expeditions as they prepare to ascend the mountain: a postal worker making his second attempt at Everest, an attorney who had climbed six of the Seven Summits, a pathologist, a publisher who had attempted Everest three times, an anesthesiologist, a cardiologist, a 47-year old Japanese woman, a female "millionaire socialite-cum-climber," among others. Most of the climbers had had at least some high-altitude climbing experience. We also get to know the leaders and guides for both expeditions, most of whom were very experienced climbers. These were expeditions that should have succeeded.

The immediacy of Krakauer's writing, as he relives every day, every hour, and sometimes every minute of the experience, conveys the hard work involved in climbing to the peak of Everest and the desire that drove the climbers on, until a sudden turn in the weather left them struggling to stay alive in a hostile environment where they only had themselves to depend upon.

No one seemed aware of the approaching storm. Some bad decisions were made. Mistakes and more bad decisions were made by men and women weakened both physically and mentally by the elements. In the end, some of the most experienced people failed to survive, while other less experienced people miraculously did.

This is a true and tragic story that's not easily forgotten, especially by Krakauer, who ends his introduction to the book by confessing, "I was a party to the death of good people, which is something that is apt to remain on my conscience for a very long time." This is a story Krakauer had to tell in the way that only he could, and I for one am glad he shared it with us.

Into Thin Air, the second of Krakauer's self-described three books to date on fringe elements of society, is about the mountaineering tragedy on Mt. Everest in May, 1996. He was with one of the teams on the mountain at the time for an article he was writing for Outside magazine.

In general, the story is about people who, for reasons known only to them, subject themselves to very extreme, sometimes-not-survivable weather and altitude conditions in the interets of having "climbed" the mountain (many truly climb, some of whom are able to summit; some pay significant amounts of money for what can perhaps best be called "taken," sometimes to the peak). More specifically, the book is about the numerous teams on the mountain at the time and the extraordinary difficulties encountered, some due to the limited training of paying customers, many due to the sheer number of people trying to get up and back down within the same period, all exacerbated by the weather conditions. A very tragic story ... several talented, courageous climbers died in the process and others had life-altering injuries.

Many books have been written on the events (Boukreev, Breashears, Viesturs, and others), but to my knowledge this was the first. It is well-written and, in many ways, reads like you would expect - by a talented professional writer who witnessed a truly devastating situation first-hand and who, at the time, wasn't anywhere near "over it." Highly recommended, whether or not you have any interest in mountain climbing.

This book is a true story. As such, it is amazing that men and women still will try to climb this mountain to the peak. Dangerous conditions come from everywhere, lack of oxygen, weather, and the mountain itself. Plus I must mention the climbers, some of which, are not prepared for this ascent. Have some tissues handy.
This book is well written. It tells a story of triump and tragedy and of human error and its consequences. You must read it for yourself.
GREAT SUMMER READ, or anytime.

This book brings an important period during WWII to life with stories that paint the horror that existed during this time and location of the war.

As a student of World War II, I had heard of the infamous Bataan Death March, the occupation of the Philippines, and MacArthur's departure & subsequent return years later. The particulars of those POWs, however, were not as well-known to me. Like most people born after the last Great War, I was unaware of this particular story about the group of Cabanatuan survivors and their subsequent rescue by the Rangers. What I read was simply stunning in scope and detail.

First, let me praise Hampton Sides here for his amazing writing style and the true honor he gives to those involved in his stirring and touching tale. His writing style is easy to follow and read, but not overly simplistic. Intelligent, but attainable, I think would be most accurate. He does not patronize the reader, but logically and thoroughly tells the stories of those involved with this moment in history. From the civilians in Manila, to the Japanese invaders, to the early defenders who fell, to the returning soldiers who risked their lives for others, no detail is left unnoticed and all sides are presented with the objective view of a true historian. From the early tragedies and horrors of war (especially in the Pacific), to the heroism and triumph of 1945, everything is laid out for the audience to absorb and no stone is left unturned. A quick read, though, the pages seem to fly by and one is left feeling wiser and a bit patriotic for the experience.

Regarding the actual story, we follow the story of war in the Pacific, beginning with the hours-after-Pearl-Harbor attack on the Philippines and the surrender four months later of approximately 80,000 American and Filipino soldiers. From the original defenders of the Bataan peninsula, to the murdered POWs at Palawan, to Kreuger's Rangers, we follow this history of this volatile area during one of its most volatile times. After a group of POWs are murdered by the Japanese, the American command is worried that the farther the lines push inland, the more likely it will be that a similar fate will befall other groups of prisoners. A raid is devised and executed over the span of five days in late January 1945. If you are a student of this era, or history in general, you may already know the outcome and some of the details. I can say, though, that you likely have never known the details that Hampton Sides brings to the table. Moreover, the story should never be forgotten and is worth reading time and time again.

This was one of two principle sources for the movie, "The Great Raid," with Benjamin Bratt and James Franco. Having seen the movie as well, you will find the translation from the book to be astonishingly accurate, which is what makes for a most exciting and entertaining movie. (The love story was added for additional effect, but it does not detract from the historical angle of the movie). While the movie is a quick version of this page in U.S. Military history, you will find the book far more interesting in the end, with more intrigue, drama, action, heroism and ultimate victory. I cannot recommend enough learning more about this story or in Hampton Sides amazing way of telling it.

This is most likely a book for a fairly narrow audience - specifically those with an interest in WWII, or in military history in general. But it is well done and might appeal to a wider group than I imagine. It is written in a direct, descriptive style interwoven with quotes or observations from the participants - prisoners, rangers, Filipino guerillas - that provide a context with the ring of historical fact.

The raid on the Cabanatuan POW camp is a story of one of the very rare instances of a military mission where planning, effort, coincidence and luck combined such that almost everything went exactly right. One hundred twenty American Army Rangers assaulted a fortified camp garrisoned by several hundred Japanese combat troops and rescued over 500 POW's, losing only two soldiers during the engagement. Simultaneously, Filipino guerillas provided a blocking action against the arrival of 1,000 reinforcements only one mile away.

Alternating chapters deliver the progression of the raid - approach, planning, coordination with the local guerillas, the assault, and the return - interspersed with descriptive background such as the fall of Bataan, the Death March, conditions and developments within the POW camp, and the Japanese plan to exterminate all the POW's in the face of the American invasion to recapture the Philippine islands.

The narrative is not dry or dull; the author's prose is colorful and he provides an appropriate but not overwhelming level of detail - the strength and weaponry of the opposing forces, the layout of the camp, the details of the tactical plan itself and some of the individual actions during the attack.

As an aside, the motion picture, The Great Raid, with Benjamin Bratt and James Franco, is very true to the book and has taken very few dramatic liberties. The rescue assault sequence is a fairly brief, but compelling piece of combat action with a terrific atmosphere of sights and sounds and a driving sense of urgency, without any extraneous gore.

Very well balanced historical content with the grip of a great novel. The opening pages grab you and you won't want to put it down. The author brings to light untold or quietly forgotten stories each worthy of their own book. I have recommended this book to a number of nonhistorical readers and all were captivated and have passed it on as well. Readers will also want to check out a similar venue, Last Stand of Tin Can Sailors. Great stuff of a dying era.

Read this in college a few years back. It is a good book for readers just looking for an intense story of bravery, hardship, depravity, sadness, etc. Just a very moving book, not too mired in the details. Just keeps moving, which is good for us who know little about WWII.

"We're the battleing bastards of Battaan,no momma, no papa, no uncle sam...and nobody gives a damn". I still remember the entire thing, and that was like 4 years ago.

Just get it. It's a great read.

I admit, the idea is very origonal, yet Dean Koontz (who I'm shocked had anything to do with this book) could have made this book so much better. I've read many of his novels and this is by far the worst.
The more I read the more outlandish the story got, and I found myself laughing at the end when Johnathon was running from the cops with a baby monster creature hanging half attached to the inside of his belly, as he was giving birth to it.
I did however think the storyline of the retarded boy who could only move through a series of imaginary crossword boxes was cool, but I will probably not be reading the next one. I dont even think he's going to finish the series anyway. It was scheduled to come out like 2 years ago.
Dean Koontz has always been one of my favorite authors. I just hope he's not losing his luster for writing.

This book is amazing on so many levels. It takes the traditional Frankenstein story and weaves a modern tale of secrets, deception, and corruption hidden under a thin veneer of high society. It is creepy how probable some of the things in this book are. It is a sad tale, but it pulls you in and won't let go. I would recommend this book for anyone with a healthily inquisitive mind and a bit of empathy.

I'm sure I am one of a select few that do not appreciate a story that develops great characters and great sub-plots and then ends abruptly. It's almost as though the author got bored and quit - Zero resolution on anything. It doesn't leave me wanting more because I know the same feeling of "What the Hell?" will be waiting for me in the next book.

I love Koontz' work. There it is, sorry if you don't, but put some nail-bitingly great writing together with a guy who loves dogs, and I am hooked.

This series is among his best works and I am eagerly awaiting the release of the third book in December 08 - I recently re-read the first two (on my new kindle ;) and it just made me want the third installment even more.

Great story telling, funny moments and totally believe-able repartee between the characters. Put that all together with an obvious working knowledge of the setting and you have all the makings of a superb series.

Bravo once again!

This is one of the best books I have ever read. Read this book and meet Randall 6.

Too much fashion jargon and could be easier to navigate through, this book would benefit greatly from a glossary and index. Nice illustrations. My copy had some pages repeated, but nothing was missing. I liked the specific suggestions on where to shop, what's indispensable in a woman's wardrobe, and what to toss.

very helpful book. i wish i had it long ago. i would have avoided useless purchases.

Kendall Farr is one of the best stylists in the business. The chapter on tailoring is excellent. How many of us have passed up a great article of clothing just because it didn't fit perfectly? She mentions classic, timeless but modern looks throughout the book. I like her wide range of designer recommendations for each body type, and no, they're not ALL super expensive. Now I NEVER waste time shopping for clothes I know won't look right on me. I bought this book in 2004, when first published, and still review it regularly. It should be on every woman's bookshelf.

This terrific book changed the way I think about clothing fit, and what I should be wearing and buying. It's the most useful fashion/clothing book I own, and probably a good purchase for many women. The ideas are timeless, but still immediately applicable for a variety of women, budgets, sizes, and style preferences. I highly recommend it. I had come to Amazon just to buy the Lucky shopping guide, and bought this in addition to the Lucky book because of all the positive reviews -- I'm so glad I did, because this is the book I like better of the two!

Reading this book is like listening to a big sister tell you the things that you really need to know, but no one else is saying. She'll tell you when to get rid of things, when to rethink them, and how to choose what will flatter you. I've had my stylish moments before, but now I know what exactly made them work, and how to create a look that is my own. Thank you Kendall for putting pen to paper on behalf of American womene everwhere.

I bought this book because I had used it previously in my employment years ago.
It's a great argument solver, and there are no questions asked when you "quote" from the book. Haven't found anything it doesn't solve if you are willing to check it out.

An updated version of the classic way in which to run any disorganized meeting.

This will help you get organized, but be advised, there is a lot of nuance to parlimentary procedure that you probably don't need for your local rotary club meeting.

If you are intereted in parlimentary procedure, or need a lot of detail this book is great.

If you are looking for a quick read to get your group organized, you might want to use "Robert's Rules in Plain English" as a quick-read, Cliff Notes-style companion.

Its good, but a little confusing for a newbie to parlimartry procedure. There seem to be a couple of references to tables that I've not located yet.

I was elected board member of an organization and then realized I had to live up to my word.

This book will have you going through those board meeting formalities like a seasoned pro.

There is a short version of this book that I highly recommend if you are not the type that likes to read, and it will get you through everything just fine too.

This volume is the full easy to research version of Robert's Rules when being precise is important. However, it is more than is needed for smaller organizations so, immediately after I received this, I ordered Robert's Rules of Order newly revised In Brief and it covers anything I need at this time.

Alan's work here is a masterpiece that no consultant should miss. You will read and review it again and again. it will make you rich.

The Renaissance Soul: Life Design for People with Too Many Passions to Pick Just One One of the things I find most fascinating about consulting is that I can be working with one type of company on one type of issue this month and another with a different issue next month. "But don't you have to be an expert in one field and consult on that?" people ask me. And yes, there are many consultants who do just that, specializing in just one field. However, for those of us who prefer variety and combination over concentrating on just one thing, Alan's book has the perfect answer. With the approach and skill sets he describes so well here, we can be an expert in the field of consulting! I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to focus on the generic process of providing this service rather than on one particular field.

I have a very successful consulting practice and reference this book on a regular basis. It's a great reminder of the foundational things you never want to stray from. And, it has some great tips that when put in play, make things happen. For my $20 investment, I've realized thousands in new and additional business.

I was impressed by the few first pages in the book. But as you read along there is very little added.
In my humble opinion the book becomes quite self centric to mister Weiss. If you have access to a lot of top level CEOs and you need somebody to tell you you should charge them fat fees which would exceed "normal" hourly rates, then this book is for you, but then again why would you be after a book like this in that situation.
Sure there are good lines here and there, but overall for me it was not too much fun reading. It is quite US centric and many parts are on the edge of being childish, see chapters on technology for example.
This is the last Weiss book I'll buy.

I am very happy that I found and studied this book when I did. After a few years of consulting this book helped make my business more successful, confirmed ideas that took years to develop and gave a clear plan of action and procedures.

If i may borrow from Alan...
"I am constantly amazed at how stupid I was two weeks ago"