Tools Books

Appreciative Inquiry Handbook offers a rich, navigational guide for industries across the spectrum. Appreciative Inquiry Handbook reflects a new paradigm in American and global industry; a must-read for industry leaders!

I think this book is an essential first book on the theory and practical application of the positve appreciative process.It defines the terms, provides the research and background of the process and gives first hand stories of its application in the real world.

Excellent, I was very satisfied with the theoretical explanation as well as the practical guides for solving the change management issues.

The handbook is clearly written and introduces not only a new paradigm in thinking about orgaisational change work it also supports change agents in their endeavour to create sustainable and learning organisations. Great practical materials and tools across the spectrum of AI are designed with a lot of ideas how to apply any AI initiative.
This book is well organized and readable and a must for every OD practicioner and change agent.

This handbook guides you in applying appreciative inquiry methods in a variety of settings. We have had good results conducting two facilitation assignments with "Appreciative Intent".

In our most recent assignment, our client was impressed with the quality and quantity of the information gathered. Additionally, members of the client's leadership were also impressed with the level of participation from some of the more "quiet" people in the organization. The one-on-one questionnaire technique levels the playing field for people with a more introverted personality. Also, if you like applying a "Theory of Constraints" approach to operations you will observe that using the interview/questionnaire approach creates a multi-channel process when brain storming. (i.e. more conversations can be carried on simultaneously, thereby creating a larger stream of information or ideas in less time)

The CD alone is worth the investment!

Sheila Sidney Bender & Mary T. Sise, The Energy of Belief: Psychology's Power Tools to Focus Intention and Release Blocking Beliefs, Fulton, CA: Energy Psychology Press 2007.

This is an excellent book that delivers on the promise in its title, presenting clearly and convincingly the tools and methods that can identify and transform beliefs that block one's progress and satisfaction in life. Sheila Bender and Mary Sise have a very readable style that engages the reader's interest as it explains biological energy fields, blocking beliefs and how to deal with them.

Helpful nuggets that stand out include:

· Energy field perturbations (well known in the numerous therapy traditions as signs of problems), as well as elaters and harmonizers (positive aspects of energy fields);

· Energy field reversals (again, well known in the Energy Psychology) and energetic belief reversals that can block progress;

· Self-testing for energetic belief blocks.

The scripts and diagrams for using the Touch and Breathe method, supplemented with richly illustrated case examples provide a clear understanding of how to apply these methods. This book is warmly recommended to those who are seeking methods for self-healing.

[...]

This book is a must read for both those who are familiar with Energy Psychology techniques and those who are just being introduced to them. It is clearly written with easy to follow instructions, and loaded illustrations demonstrating the techniques. After reading it, I purchased three more copies to loan to my clients. Many have said that they purchased their own copy because the techniques have been so effective. I am recommending this book to everyone I know.

This is the book I have been waiting for - a well written, comprehensive, yet simple, guide to a profound energy psychology technique - Touch And Breathe (TAB). It is the first book I now recommend to those patients who understand how vital it is to take true ownership of their healing. In the early chapters, Sheila Sidney Bender and Mary Sise impart to the reader their deep knowledge of the essential components of TAB:"the meridian gateway,mindfulness,touch, breath,intention and intuition." From then on, they give clear and practical advice on how best to apply this profound healing approach to a wide variety of common debilitating conditions whose roots so often lie within conditioned, false negative beliefs.
Reading this book, and applying its heart-felt advice to our lives, is a truly rewarding experience. I am honored that it has been published as a companion to my own book The Human Antenna: Reading the Language of the Universe in the Songs of Our Cells

The Energy of Belief is an eye-opening and informative read for both professionals and non-professions alike on a powerful energy psychology treatment. Psychologist, Sheila Bender, and Social Worker, Mary Sise, have written an easy to "read, learn and do" book that brings the gentle, energetic power of the Touch-and-Breathe (TAB) treatment approach literally to your finger tips.

The Energy of Belief provides an easy to understand scientific foundation of energy, intention, vibrational frequencies, and fields relative to Eastern and Western medical views as they relate to the concept of mind and mind-body-energy interactions. Thought and beliefs are described as detectible energetic elements that impact our emotional and physical being, which can unknowingly disrupt and block healing treatments despite our best intentions. The authors discuss the relative importance of body polarity, how to assess and correct polarity when needed, and its essential value as a guide in successful treatment.

Bender and Sise provide numerous illustrations, charts, learning exercises, and photos as they outline step-by-step procedures for generic (algorithm) and individualized use of TAB to treat the most common to the most elusive and self-sabotaging issues that challenge our lives. Whether you desire to recover from traumatic experiences or self-defeating habits, this book offers a powerful avenue to address all contributing beliefs that may have served to block your previous efforts to change and heal and offer the best opportunity for success.

If you are new to the area of "Energy Psychology" and meridian-assisted treatments, or have training and experience in TFT and EFT, you will find this book to be a valuable resource and reference regarding content, clarity, and ease of application. Of considerable importance is the protocol for treating positive emotions and beliefs that hook a person into repetitive and self-sabotaging behaviors in order to feel better.

As the originator of the Touch-and-Breathe (TAB) treatment and lead author of Evolving Thought Field Therapy from which this book is derived, I found The Energy of Belief to be a "must have" in understanding and applying energy psychology treatments. Dr. John Diepold www.TFTworldwide.com

In The Energy of Belief readers are taught a wonderful energy psychology method that is related to Thought Field Therapy (TFT) and Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), called TAB. The authors skillfully take readers through the steps to use it on themselves. The authors give information about the history of energy psychology approaches, scientific studies that explain why TAB works and include cases that readers will easily identify with. This book is user friendly and simple to apply to everyday problems or long standing challenges. It belongs on everyone's book shelf.

Gloria Arenson, MFT author of Five Simple Steps to Emotional Healing, A Substance Called Food, Born to Spend, How to Stop Playing the Weighting Game, Freedom at Your Fingertips

This is an excellent book for the novice or the expert. Everything you need to know about making stone tools the way neolithic man did is easily explained using simple very clear language. The author has done an excellent job explaining the methods, history and reasons behind a very fascinating, little known subject. Those who are interested in the history of technology will love this book.

This book is without a doubt, one of the best books I have ever read on flintknapping! The black and white photos and drawings show the exact methods of making stone tools, and how they were probably used by Native Americans.

I bought this as a gift for my husband who is an avid arrowhead collector. He was very impressed!!!

This is another five star pick, a must have if you are learning to flintknap or just studying primitive skills. Full of information for the beginner to expert.

Pick this book up and you'll be able to start flintknapping immediately. This guide is entertaining while being informative.

This is not a "pat yourself on the back you can do it book." Romanus Wolter actually rolls up his sleeves and helps you get on track. I have learned how to create a method that helps me make decisions and his formula for developing an elevator pitch was the first time I was able to bring all my ideas about what I want to do into one cohesive sentence. It seems almost too simple but just follow the chapters and in a very short time you will be talking with the big cats.

From the first step to the last page, this book is compelling. It uniquely grabbed my attention and pulled me forward to a succinct goal, and success script. With daily action steps, I'm on my way to the vision and business that I hadn't been able articulate - and moving much faster than I thought possible. Romanus has opened my eyes and life through his approach. Kick Start Your Success works!

The book is amazing. Following the step by step approach I successfully completed my new business.

I went from thinking I should start my business to knowing I should. Then using the step by step approach I established messages and goals that encouraged others to support me. Getting advise and for free was a real benefit

Thanks Kick Start Guy. I got the Kick in the Pants I needed

It is a joyfull book to read, picks the pace quick and then ask you to do exercises on the spot. I have had experince with this kind of technique and its great to reinforce what you just have learned quickly.

I got this audiobook based on reviews given here, and maybe my expecations were too high, but I am disappointed in this book.

My first complaint is the author read his own book. Sometimes this works, but in this case, his voice failed to convey his ideas with enthusiasm. I recommend the author actually spend some money and get a professional voice actor next time.

The author's key to success is to write down not your goal, but your intent on what your goal will do to benefit other people. I found this to be helpful in preparing my elevator speech to find my dream job (which I have not yet found), but many other goals I found this to be non-productive.

Having a good intent and sharing with others may push me in completing my goals, but if some goals are selfish in nature (winning an award, having self-satisfaction with a personal hobby done well, writing that great novel), sharing whatever good intentions gets me no further along than before. The author's solution is for me to keep 'spinning' my intent until I get help.

A much better book (and audiobook for that matter) is Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy. You want clarity? It is significantly better than Kick Start Your Success.

I know this review is going to be voted as not-helpful by all the author's shills, but I am warning you. This book is definately over-rated.

Good coverage of a broad range of topics. Very easy to understand and perfectly illustrated. Many handy tips that an experienced machinist would already know, but are invaluable for a newbie. Terms not introduced in the text are covered in an extensive glossary. Lathe cutting is more thoroughly covered than milling, but the two are complimentary. I have only two complaints. There is no discussion of gear cutting. Although this might be considered an advanced topic, I think it should have been discussed at least generally. My other issue is with the index, which I found confusing. For example, if you want to know about threading, you need to look under "threading" and also under "lathe, threading". All in all, I found it well worth the price.

This book has literally everything I need on working a lathe. Even the harder questions like cutting curves without a CNC machine are covered. And as a bonus it covers everything else that a home machinist would want to know about mills, grinding, polishing, threads, metallurgy, etc. I am seriously considering returning all my other books on the topic.

After reading some of the other reviews, I was really excited about receiving this book. In short order, I was wondering what all the hoopla was about. I guess "essentials" includes telling you about pliers, and screwdrivers, but to me, that is "Machining for Dummies".

I know about pliers, I know about fasteners. I know that a Bridgeport milling machine costs $8000 dollars. I would like to know what milling machine is recommended for around a grand. Any married guy knows that if he spends $8000 dollars for a milling machine, he better have $8000 to spend on a diamond too!!!

My Lathe is a 9 inch South Bend workshop model A converted from a C model, with a 2.25 HP DC motor and a KBMM controller that I built myself. Lathe cost $185. Tooling cost a hell of a lot more. How many of you out there have a $5000 Clausing?

Heres part of whats missing:

What lathe tooling is recommended. I dont mean what pliers! Channel locks came out 500 years ago!!!

What Drill press is recommended? Absolute necessity, and a hell of a lot cheaper than a bridgeport.

How do you convert a tool running an AC motor to a variable speed DC motor? (Once you have variable speed DC, you will never go back to AC)

4 hack saw blades epoxied together and a slit dowel make a pretty decent 1/8 inch keyway broach.

speedbore paddle bits make pretty cool centering devices.

The best way to part is: Tool upside down, Run Lathe backwards. Sounds Just like frying bacon.

On the plus side, the hardening and annealing section is OK but not worth $44 dollars.

Anybody want to trade this tome for a machinerys handbook, since that is what he keeps referring to? Most of what is in here I read in South Bends antique book "How to run a lathe" Cost: $4.00

Mostly dissapointed.

This book is well written, beautifully illustrated and extremely helpful. Although not my profession, some machine shop work has been a serious hobby for me and I found Machine Shop Essentials to help fill in gaps in my knowledge resulting from a lack of formal training. This book should appeal to enthusiasts and beginning professionals alike. It was a breath of fresh air after having looked at either dated references with photographs of industrial machines or at home shop manuals with very limited information. Having done mostly lathework, I was most interested in learning more about milling and the book "asked" questions that I had in mind and "answered" them, including specific issues regarding the availability and proper use of various cutting bits. The coverage of both lathe and milling basics is far superior to that in three other manuals I purchased (unfortunately) before this one. The diagrams provide a lot of exquisite detail and really compliment the text.

The author's stated purpose in writing this book was to provide a back to basics introduction to machining using small manual machines in a one-of-kind parts and prototyping environment. The author succeeds admirably in meeting his stated purpose. It should be noted that this is a practical treatment giving specific step-by-step procedures needed to create a particular feature using a particular machine tool. Furthermore, it must be kept in mind that what is cost-effective in an industrial setting when production runs are in the thousands or tens of thousands may not be so in a prototyping environment. Mr. Marlow does a great job of concentrating on procedures that can be cost-effective in a one-off environment.

Two notable features of the book in general merit special comment. First, the book is presented in a question and answer format. While this may seem unusual at first, it actually serves the very useful purpose of easily enabling the reader to locate and find information pertinent to a specific machining question. Second, the book uses plentiful line drawings that are absolutely superb. In comparison to the usual photographs, the line drawings used here have one gigantic advantage. Namely, photographs inevitably wind up blurring and obscuring details, some of which may be highly significant. In contrast, the line drawings in this book are models of clarity, usefully illustrating all relevant details. I frankly consider the line drawings in this book to be the best I have ever seen, and they are a major reason for the usefulness of the book.

The first four chapters of the book contain basic introductory material on measurement tools, basic hand tools, filing, sawing, grinding reaming, broaching, and lapping. This is all good, solid, useful stuff. The discussion on broaching, for example, is the best introductory treatment of this I have ever seen. Next, there is a chapter on drilling operations followed by a chapter on threads and threading using taps and dies. Although not encyclopedic in its coverage of various thread standards, the basics are covered thoroughly and again, it must be mentioned that the author uses superb line drawings to convey meaning.

Following the discussion of threading, there are chapters on turning and milling operations in which the author discusses a range of machines representative of those that might be found in a home workshop or a small prototyping operation. In the milling section, for example, Mr. Marlow discusses both the Sherline tabletop mini mill and the Bridgeport. A feature of interest is that the author does not discuss the ubiquitous (and to some, infamous!) mill/drill. I was particularly impressed with the thoroughness of his instructions for operating the Bridgeport mill, and I couldn't help but think that this chapter of the book would be invaluable to a home shop machinist purchasing a used Bridgeport. More than just an instruction manual for the Bridgeport, the book also provides general procedures for producing specific features that translate to any machine of a similar type. Mr. Marlow's discussion of how to mill dovetail slides, for example, is a model of thoroughness and clarity. Although Mr. Marlow does provide some introductory material, he wisely refers the reader to "Machinery's Handbook" and its voluminous tables for many specifics on "feeds and speeds".

The later chapters of the book cover such topics as fastening methods, basic metallurgy, and safety/shop practices. The section on metallurgy, while quite basic, I found particularly useful in helping me remember some of my college courses from long ago. Again, this is all good, solid, useful stuff, and presented at a level (neither too elementary nor too theoretical) that makes it extremely useful at the home machine shop level. I found the final chapter of the book in which Mr. Marlow presents a wide variety of "tricks of the trade" extremely interesting. It contains the sort of practical how-to information that almost never seems to be covered in print.

Finally, there are two appendices, one on sharpening lathe tools and the other providing a list of sources for tools, materials, and supplies. Although I do have two minor misgivings about the lathe tool sharpening appendix discussed in the paragraph immediately below this one, I must admit that Mr. Marlow's two page description of sharpening steel lathe tool bits is by far and away (again, because of the superb line drawings) the most easily understood of any I have ever encountered.

I do find a few minor flaws with the text. Table 8.5 on page 353, for example, has gotten the last two column-headings inverted. That is, the RPM figures listed under 5/8-inch cutters should actually be those listed under 3/8-inch cutters and vice versa. Mr. Marlow achieved near-perfection in his appendix on sharpening steel lathe tool bits, but there are two minor flaws.

The first flaw is as follows: In the line drawings at the top of page 483, he shows "side clearance angle" and "end clearance angle". In the subsequent table of sharpening angles, however, we find neither "side clearance" nor "end clearance". Instead, we find "side relief" and "front relief". Now it is true that the sentence immediately preceding the table: "What are typical rake and clearance (relief) angles for HSS tool bits?" does imply that clearance and relief are synonyms. But, aside from being (perhaps?) hard to catch, that still does not answer the problem. For if we understand that in referring from the table back to the preceding illustrations we are to substitute "clearance" wherever we see "relief" in the table, then we would wind up searching in vain through the illustrations for a depiction of what is meant by the "front clearance". Whilst the meaning may be clear to the experienced or well-read amongst us, this discrepancy is irritating and could be quite confusing to the novice.

The second flaw, and here I realize I am opening up a can of worms, is Mr. Marlow's advice to "dip the tool in coolant frequently to keep it from overheating and annealing".
Now I freely admit that I am not a metallurgical scientist, but I have had opportunity to talk to a number of folks who are. And here is what I have been told. Dipping the tool in coolant is a holdover from the days of sharpening carbon steel tools which do have an annealing temperature low enough to be easily reached in tool grinding. And of course, once the tool is annealed, its hardness is gone, and it is useless for cutting. I am told, however, that the annealing temperature of virtually all HSS alloys is sufficiently high that it will not be approached during a tool grinding operation. So annealing of HSS is not the problem. Apparently what IS the problem is that the HSS tool may develop a series of micro-fractures or cracks when shocked by the sudden dip in coolant from a heated state. Now I have also been told that HSS may develop the micro-fractures from overly aggressive grinding as well, but that this is less likely to occur. So if what I have been told by some folks I know to be quite reputable metallurgical scientists is true, it seems to me that it would make sense to grind less aggressively (this is not an industrial production job, after all) to help avoid unnecessary heat build up and to eschew the use of a coolant dip. Note that if facilities are available to have constant coolant flow over the tip of the tool, the sudden shocking issue would not arise---but such facilities are probably not available to the average reader of this book.

I wish Mr. Marlow had covered two additional topics. First, drilling flat-bottomed holes is a subject that continues to vex. Some sage advice here would have been much appreciated. Second, a chapter on shapers, analogous to that on milling machines, would have been of interest to me. Admittedly, I have not seen a shaper in industrial use for years, but there are many of them still in use in home machining operations, and for those folks who have them, a good modern text would be useful.

I cannot help but comment on the one reviewer who was disappointed that Mr. Marlow did not recommend specific machines. First, I suppose Mr. Marlow's inclusion of Clausing drill presses and lathes as well as Bridgeport milling machines may constitute a recommendation of sorts. Secondly, given the wide variety of new (not to say used!) machine tools available, I don't see how it would be feasible for anyone to review them all and make specific recommendations. Finally, which machine tool is best depends upon a number of factors: budget, space available, intended use, etc. So Mr. Marlow was, in my opinion, wise to adopt the approach he did.

While this book would probably not be of much use to an experienced machinist, it certainly is the best single introduction to manual machine operations for the home shop machinist I have ever seen. It would be nice to see Mr. Marlow turn his attention to two additional topics: motors/variable frequency drives and CNC machining. With regards to the former, I understand that one can do wonders nowadays with VFD's and that the price has come down to make them truly affordable. Yet specific information useable by the non-specialist is hard to come by. Second CNC systems and conversion kits seem to be coming down in price and bringing CNC machining into reach of the small prototype shop/home workshop. If Mr. Marlow could address these two topics with the same precision and clarity he did for manual machine tools with this volume, he would provide a valuable service.

This book has both great teachings and real (not to mention practical!) examples from Kathleen's own life. I tried some of the tools listed and had success. This book is really for anyone, new ager or not, as it offers ways to empower yourself using the gifts you already have. Well worth the purchase price.

Kathleen,
Mahalo> (Thank-You) for this "Higher Knowledge" in sharing "Spiritual" growth and personal "Empowerment". Thus giving us expansion of "Awareness" and connection to the "Universal Spirit" we find ourselves getting in touch with the "Consciousness". Reading these pages have awaken something inside us.
"No Ka Oi" <(your the Best!) when it comes to "Ancient Wisdom" with a "modern application". You are improving the "QUALITY OF LIFE" in which makes us remember "I AM THE LIGHT" we are truely blessed to have walked paths with you.
We give you a "Thumbs UP" with "7" STARS ******* On this Book
Sending Positive energys your way so that you can keep publishing
more books like this one!
ilima & Edwin smiling on a job well done!

I purchased this book for my mom for XMAS but I ended up reading it before she did. Kathleen's adventures in life are absolutely amazing and truly exciting!! Once I picked up the book; I found it very difficult to put it down. It was very easy to read and informative. This book gives you a ton a different tools to use to better your life; and, all around becoming a better "healthier" person. I learned so much from this book. I've used Kathleen's tools and so far, they have worked. Its incredible! For anyone who is "debating" on purchasing this book; stop! Because you won't be sorry!! It is one of the most interesting books I have purchased and can't wait for Kathleen to write another edition!!!!

This was a good read and I found it very helpful for a bad situation I wanted to straighten out. There was a bad situation at work with a supervisor who was just bad news. I used the tools as directed. Within a week this person was fired! I received some long overdue recognition from the boss, an apology and even a hug! What could be better than that! Don't forget to smudge the area after the issue is over and the person is gone. Thanks Kathleen! I can now smile on the way to work!!
Novella

This book is a "must have" for all spiritual seekers. The information is ancient wisdom which is metaphysically based. The author teaches excellent techniques useful for paranormal investigators. The experiential stories are fascinating

The thing that I love about not only this, but but both of Taylors books is that he has a great sense of humor. I tend to think that in real life, Taylor and I would clash rather strongly on some issues, but that's OK. I will buy every book he comes out with (and here is hoping it isn't just these two) simply because the man has a gift for telling stories. I have read tools of the trade probably 25 times since I bought it years ago at a B&N, and I anticipate reading it another 25 times!

I was given this years ago, read it in a week and loved it, then forgot the title when trying to describe it to a friend. It is a shame it is out of print.

Everyone should read this book, and anyone you know who likes to build things should get this for Christmas.

I picked up this book about 6 years ago at a B&N store...and finished reading it in one sitting in my yard. Trust me when I tell you that it is not often when I feel overwhelmed by anything. But this book, with its simple prose, made me gulp several times. Keep in mind that it is not a depressing read. On the contrary, it can be funny as heck at times!

It's a shame that this book is now out of print and likely to become scarce, as I have given it on several occasions and have always received many thanks in return.

The author fills the reader, even a reader with minimal knowledge or interest in carpentry, with a true respect for the tools, their usage, and the history behind them. Not just the history in a greater sense, but also the history these tools have in the author's life.

I'm now reading this book for the third time. I usually like to pick it up when my office job is making me dream of a life building and remodelling houses.

I was a math/chemistry major and have a PhD in Biochemistry. I was looking for a review book to teach my son after being away from Calculus for 30 years. This is the Best Calculus book - Ever!! It is written in plain English as if you had your own personal tutor. There are many many examples of problems solved for you with step by step explanation and some real world examples. This book is must if you are taking Calculus for the first time or reviewing it. This book is Awesome!

This is the best book I found for single variable Calculus. It should cover all or most of the topics from what is offered at school as Calculus 1 and Calculus 2. However, the book does not offer any or much information about Calculus 3, or Multivariable Calculus. However, most calculus help books do not offer much information about multivariable calculus. In addition, this book just came out. Maybe the author is working on or will work on that talks about multivariable caclulus. This book is a definite buy, however. Buy it, it covers all or most of single variable Calculus and is written in very understandable words. I was just writing this review to point out my problems with trying to find a multivariable book.

I am currently in Calculus 2 and have bought and been through countless other supplemental texts on calculus. The most helpful ones that I have gone through are The Calculus Lifesaver (it really is a lifesaver with clear cut text and specific examples and stratgies to accomplish all of your goals), The Humongous Book of Calculus Problems (another wonderful book full of examples and very specific guidance to give you a real idea and way to go about the problem even if you aren't a real math person), and REA Problem Solvers Calculus (a text full of problems and worked out examples). I have tried other books incluting The Calculus Tutoring Book, and the gambit of Schaum books and none of these helped much (unless you already know the math they are talking about). However the three books I have described before (calc. lifesaver, etc.) are the very best I have seen yet and I expect to be getting A's in my Calc. class in very short order.

An outstanding job by the author in explaining the complex subject of Calculus in a simple step by step manner. The narration and graphic detail is impressive. Students of the subject need this book as a supplement to any course textbook because it does a much better job of explaining everything in detail. Many Calculus textbooks are notorious for leaving out details thus leaving many students confused and frustrated. This book is really a gem and deserves the best rating available - five stars.

Before I even start talking about the actual book, let me just tell you that this is a steal. I don't know what the publisher was thinking, but a 750 page, recently published book on Calculus never sells for such a low price. On Amazon it sells for $16, which is a ridiculously low price for this 5 star tome. The average Calculus book is far from cheap, so this excellent guide is a pure bargain. Now, let's talk about the content of the book.

I'm very exigent when it comes to Calculus books and usually like a very formal and rigorous style. Most people don't. Many tend to like accessible books that speak to them in plain English. And this book is marketed as such. This is supposed to be an extra aid, on top of a regular textbook, to make Calculus more accessible. However, it stands on its own, thanks to its comprehensiveness and clarity. If commonly adopted Calculus books puzzle you, or if you are studying on your own, this is the book for you. Every step is clearly explained and it doesn't fail when it comes to covering all the pre-requisites/fundamentals. Thanks to its style and approach, pretty much anyone who's willing to learn, will. I'd even recommend it to high school students who wish to learn more about this subject, because I don't think they would have any trouble following along. The tone is informal, friendly and often even funny, making it one of the least boring math books I've ever read. I highly recommend it to those who are struggling and would like to really understand the subject.

This book serves as an excellent introduction to and/or refresher on valuation techniques. The entire valuation process (primarily DCF) is broken down into a series of steps, each of which gets its own complete chapter. Each chapter is well written and builds on its predecessors.

A particular strength of the book is the authors' reference to Excel functions and which ones are useful in valuation models. This book is not just theory; there are concrete "how to" examples throughout. Once you've finished this book, you can do more than cite valuation theory: you can build valuation models.

One of the best finance books I've ever read.

Simon Benninga's and Oded Sarig's "Corporate Finance: A Valuation Approach" (CFaVA) is one of those secret texts that true insiders cherish while other less efficient or significant works capture limelight.

"CFaVA" is comparable to the McKinsey group authors Koller, Goedhart, Wessels's "Valuation: Measuring and Managing the Value of Companies" and also Aswath Damodaran's "Investment Valuation: Tools and Techniques for Determining the Value of Any Asset" [Full disclosure: I've taught graduate Corporate Valuation with both texts].

Benninga and Sarig's work is excellent because it is lean while not oversimplified. The key chapter of estimating discount rates is the finest one-chapter treatment of the subject I've seen in my career, and should be required reading for any M&A or LBO banker or PE associate. The chapter on valuing by multiples is also useful for relative value and comparative scenarios for deal-makers.

Chapter 12 covers convertible securities, and it would be unfair to say it is bad simply because it is compressed and incomplete (entire libraries have been written on the subject of convertible bond valuation), but also appears out of place in the content of the book until you realize that the random elements of a stock price going forward in time intersect with capital structure choices and enterprise value, so the connection and recursive element of valuation is made at once explicit with an example.

An excellent book that should be well known by a wider audience.

This book does a good job of logically explaining the step-by-step method of corporate valuation. Benninga and Sarig do a good job of focusing on the practical tools of finance. I only wish the DCF examples were less simplistic. A substantial amount of additional work is needed to apply these models to real world firms.

If you are new to corporate finance valuation this book will take you to the next level. Provides step by step instruction on how to value companies. Covers Excel techniques with easy to follow examples. Covers 1 full semester at most business schools.

This book offers a very simple introduction to evaluation of companies prior to investing. The DCF method is primarily used. There is a common thread running through the chapters which makes the book easy to understand. Its not verbose, which adds to its attractiveness. But, the readers should remember that this is only an introduction, and some other advanced book like Copeland's is needed to build upon the ideas presented in the book.

Everything about this amazing guide is RIGHT from it's convenient size to its comprehensive content. If you know what you need to measure, you'll find the right tool for it here and even if you don't know what to measure, it'll tell you. Just fantastic. A treasure. Useful tip. It's a great resource when I need to present complex information visually in a presentation. Use it for inspiration if, like me, you struggle with visualising business concepts

The day after I bought it my boss asked me to build a priority matrix. I didn't bat an eyelash. I went back to my desk and 15 minutes later I emailed him a priority matrix for our project. He had a meeting in the conference room 15 minutes later with the director and partner. They were so impressed with my work. Thanks Memory Jogger II.

The book provided quick tips for facilitation and team building. I like the format which allows for using the book without ruining the pages.

I had to get this for an MBA class I am currently taking. It provides summaries and examples of common business tools in a small package. It's a great reference guide. I didn't do a lot of searching, but for the little searching I did, Amazon had the lowest price.

This book is set up for anyone to have many tools for them to use at anytime. It has flowcharting, public speaking, many diagrams, and several team based exercises to help become better. In the front of the book it has a tool selector, and it takes some of the guess work out of tool selection.This is just one of many great books this company offers. Our copmany uses several of these in our professional training with our clients. This is a really good book for those looking for continuous improvement. The Memory Jogger Plus is an excellent book also and has many great tools and other goodies.