Software Books

Born and raised a city girl, I was clearly cheated out of some experiences in my life. Rolland Love gives a view of life that I have never seen in works by other authors. The phraseology used in this book is colorful and paints the scenes and experiences by these boys as only Love can do.

Strange happenings are taking place in the Ozarks. Doc Barnes and his hound Lucky are missing, The Conner Brothers are strange beyond belief and frightening as heck to kids in the area, and Buzzard Thompson has sure enough killed his whole family with a shotgun. Fifteen year old Tommy Benson is determined to face down his fears ...... by going camping with younger brother Dub down at Blue Hole. Blue Hole is where Tommy got bitten last year, 1949, by two cottonmouths when he and Pa and Uncle Ira were camping there. Dub is a real pain in the neck of a 12 year old brother. Tommy and Dub run into the Conner Brothers, manage to locate both Buzzard and Doc Barnes and find Lucky tied to belt of the drowned body of the corpse stuck down in Blue Hole before their frightening campout comes to an end.

Think Mark Twain and a whole lot of Southern humor a la Lewis Grizzard and you have The Blue Hole. Rolland Love has really captured the flavor of 'two not quite adult' brothers out for a campout and the scare of their lives. Reminds me of my own two kids at this age. The Blue Hole is a fast paced, page flipper of a read. Writer Love captures the interest of the reader right from the start, and while this book is listed as Young Adult, it is a 'not to be missed' by those who savored and continue to savor every moment with Tom and Huck and Grizzard's Catfish!

Writer Love fills his pages with engaging characters, absorbing situations and enough mystery and inexplicable to keep the reader engaged. Tommy's worry about finding family friend Doc Barnes is touching. Dub's stumble foot behavior is something every parent who has housed a twelve year old knows and loves. Writer Love has really captured the essence of both striplings as he weaves his tale of two youngsters who know they must rely upon themselves when they are confronted with fearful situations and frightening people. The boys' behavior, reactions and ultimate decisions are so very typical of kids this age.

Excellent Read! Happy to recommend

Reviewed by: molly martin

"To understand Overland Park writer Rolland Love, think Mark Twain." Nick Kowalczyk,
The Kansas City Star.

The Blue Hole is a great book and will make a great movie. Mike Daniel, Director, Burt Reynolds Museum.

The Hannibal Courier Post, the oldest newspaper in Missouri where Mark Twain worked as a printer's devil, published a serialized version of the Blue Hole in it's entirety and the story . received excellent reader response.

Glad to hear a sequel is in the works. I read the Blue Hole to my boys this summer on a gravel bar on Current River, really spooked them for a while! Jim McCarty, Editor - Rural Missouri Magazine http://ruralmissouri.coop/

"Mark Twain would have loved this excellent adventure of two brothers. Doc has disappeared and it's up to Tommy (15) and Dub (12) to go to the Blue Hole and see if they can find him. This is a story about growing up. About facing your fears and standing up to them and about doing the right thing even when everything inside you wants to turn and run. This story has everything. The dreaded Conner brothers, Buzzard Thompson, ghost, snakes, caves, bats and dead bodies everywhere. I thoroughly enjoyed every page of this masterfully constructed story." Jonathan David Masters, Freelance Reviewer

"Rolland, our daughter borrowed her nephew's copy of the Blue Hole last week. She said she read it in one setting, because she couldn't put it down. She said, "Mom, it is so scary. At first I thought this is just too scary for kids to be reading. Then I thought no, it's exactly what kid's love. That scary, makes the hair on your arms stand on end kind of scared. And I saw those boys, Tommy and Dub setting by the fire at night talking. It was so real. I felt I was there."
Didn't I tell you, it's a great book? Must be, since even our daughter agrees with me. "
Take care. Keep writing. Priscilla Maine, author

Rolland Love's tale will appeal to young and old readers alike. The setting is perfect for a mystery story and may seem unreal to some but believe me, it really exists. I have spent much time along the clear rivers, high bluffs and ancient paths that lead to hidden caves in the Ozarks. 'The Blue Hole' brings this area to life as we follow the adventures of two brothers who find danger lurking along the river bank.

This is perhaps Tracy's best audio program. It contains 9 hours on 8 CD's. Listen to it as you commute. Listen often--repeat listening anchors the messages in the mind.
I've been reading, listening, and watching Tracy for 10+ years. He's simply the best in his field. You may find that some of the CD's in the set are more applicable to your situation than others--listen to them, find your niche. If you were to purchase a set of audio CD's through Nightingale Conant, you would spend $70+. This is a fantastic deal! If there is a drawback to this program, it would be that Tracy pushes more expensive programs on track 24 of each CD. If that bothers you, just skip that track.
Over all, Awesome!

The audio of this book is the way to go: For some reason it's not a book that is nearly as interesting to read as to hear. It's valuable material, although much of it you may already know. Still, his good reminders, plus his interesting twists on how to live life each day make this is good purchase.

I've been listening to Brian Tracy for a number of years. I've purchased many of his audio programs and read several of his books. In my opinion, Brian gives you the most information for your money over any other business / motivation speaker out there. There are other good speakers, of course. I also like Tony Robbins, Zig Ziglar, Harvey Mackay, Stephen Covey, and Mark Victor Hansen, as well as classics like Dale Carnegie and Napoleon Hill. But all-in-all, I keep going back and listening to Brian's stuff over-and-over again and find it to be the most practical.

This particular set of "21 Secrets to Success" is kind of a compilation of a number of programs he previously released that you had to buy separately for $20 each. Now you can get them all for pretty much the price of previously buying one. It's a good deal. In fact, I've recommended this program to almost all of the people I work with. The most useful programs in this set are the ones on Productivity, Personal Success and Becoming a Good Manager. Many people might think this is a program just for business people. But really I think this is a great program for helping you get the most out of your life in general. There are some excellent life management skills to be learned here.

The other program of Brian's that I recommend is called "Master Strategies for Higher Achievement". It's available on Amazon also. This program is similar to the "21 Secrets of Success" series but has some different and very useful information. I think they are both worth owning and listening to frequently. I have loaded both programs into my iPod so I can listen to them while jogging. Good stuff. And if you're used to buying Brain's material in other audio formats you know this is a good deal for the amount of information you get.

I recommend this program for anyone who wants to improve their personal and work habits.

The information in this series is well founded and easy to understand. For the money, you cannot beat having this available for listening while driving to work, or at home during workouts, etc. As far as I'm concerned, these 8 CD's are worth twice as much (or more) and still worth the price. Just keep listening to them over and over and let the message continually be beaten into your head... especially if your skull is as thick as mine. I've read dozens of positive thinking books in my life, and this is one of the better ones to have around.

The production is excellant, the sound is very clear, and Brian Tracy's voice, while a little "Mr. Rogersish", is smooth and articulate, but not distracting, or annoying. Well done.

I consider this a "must have" for anyone with a car and a CD player that's interested in improving their life, or performance at work.

I chose this book, because I needed to get some background on BI fairly quickly. It satisfied that need very well. It is quite well-written and some parts read more like a story, which is quite the opposite of the "just the facts, ma'am" approach of Kimball and his associates. (That is not a stab at Kimball. I am a big fan and I believe they have so much to say that they don't really have the space to make it story-like. Kimball has a completely different goal with his books -- but this is not a Kimball-review.)

At the start, the book introduces us to the Director of Imports at a gift and novelty wholesale company. Her initiative of selling a certain item didn't work so well, and we get to know the steps she has taken to analyze the data to find out what happened. Along the way, we are introduced to many Data Warehousing / Business Intelligence (DW/BI) concepts.

After the story, some basic DW/BI terms are explained in more detail. The authors explain quite well where they fit in the process of getting from mounds of static data, to a useable set of data for analytical purposes, which they call the BI Roadmap.

The book contains five case studies of a few pages each, which help fix the process of implementation.

If you know nothing about DW/BI and you quickly need a framework on which to hang whatever knowledge you gain elsewhere, I'd say this is a great start. Also, if you've implemented a DW/BI system and failed, this may help get you back to your roots. However, if you've read a lot of in-depth material and maybe have an implementation or two (successful) under your belt, this will only serve as a relaxing read; you won't gain much new knowledge from it.

I give it 5 stars, because it does what I think it attempts to do. It gives you background knowledge and a framework; it does not attempt to be an encyclopaedic work and desk reference, like Kimball's books are. Therefore it reads in a fraction of the time it would take to read Kimball. If background is what you're looking for, enjoy.

The book was a very easy read. Finised it in one afternoon. Definitely recommended for a novice. However, if you have an understanding of BI, then this book is not for you.

I like the cover. Its orange !!!

First of all, I will have to admit that I am a Microsoft advocate. I like their solutions and I think very highly of what they have to offer with SQL Server and Analysis Services.

This book lays down a good foundation for anyone to follow. It explains the concept of BI, the uses of BI, and the payback of BI. What more do you want.

I have been in charge of an SAP/BW group for a large consumer electronics company for the past 4 years. SAP's architecture for BI is very expensive, inflexible, and limited. Using Microsoft's concepts of BI would be cheaper, very flexible, with much more capabilities.

So, grab this book, read it, then read it again. Install SQL Server 2k. Install Analysis Services (comes with SQL Server 2k) and install SQL Servers Service Packs 1-3).

Then experiement with what they are telling you in this book and you will be amazed at what you can do....and cheaply!!!

Good Luck!

Techies will enjoy learning from real world examples of business intelligence technologies. Business leaders will appreciate how complex technical and business topics are tackled from various perspectives - what is BI, how BI will help your organization, and the most helpful chapter, how to actually identify, start and implement a BI solution.

Only wish the authors had spent a little more time identifying pitfalls, but that is why you hire experts to help you out.

I got this book when it was originally published, and it looks like a 2nd edition never appeared. That doesn't matter, the information in this book still holds up today, written from a programmer's perspective. This book was written before the currently trendy "OO designer" era began, so it offers a clear description of the language features without any flavor-of-the-month misconceptions. If you've read a few C++ books and come away feeling confused, this book will help.

Whew!!

What a relief, a writing style that communicates to the many facets of the day in the life of a real programmer. Your words have been a giant breath of fresh air, and I appreciate your approach to all of your topics.

I have also read your Thinking in ____ books, and you have consistently crafted tools that act as beacons of light in the vast array of literary babble surrounding object oriented analysis and design (OOAD).

As you know there are multiple dimensions that contribute to good software design, and the design goals of any language is to aide in as many of these multiple dimensions as possible.

Many authors have attempted to write books to speak to the multiple dimensions, but your pioneering approach to a more holistic perspective is both refreshing and fills a deep void in the software engineering community. I appreciate your balance between language semantics, usage patterns, levels of abstraction, and your early attention to the methods movement, such as extreme programming.

I place your books on my bookshelf right next to
1. The C++ Programming Language, Bjarne Stroustrup
2. C++ Primer, Stanley Lippman and Josee Lajoie
3. Effective C++, Scott Meyers

I frequently use your books to speak to the psychology of subscribing to the OOAD approach and have found that your approach is more pragmatic than most. This translates into holding a new programmer's interest long enough to ensure that we will follow similar design philosophies earlier in the life cycle of a project.

Thank you for your attention to focus, quality, and insight.

I bought this book as my first C++ book two years ago. Believe me or not, with my solid C backgroud, I felt quite hard reading through the book chapter by chapter. It focuses on inside and out of C++, not a whole lot of OOD concept for a procedure-oriented software developer. Two years later, I am now continuing to explore the C++ world. It makes more sense to me ever than before.

Overall speaking, the pro for this book is that it pretty much covers bolts and nuts of C++; the con is that its sample codes are somewhat cubersome. I would rate it as a reference for experienced readers, not for some novices.

It was my second C++ book after Russion edition of "The C++ Programming Language" by Bjarne Stroustrup, and first programming book in English. I found this book as the best possible. It gives the thorough understanding of ideas and programming technique of C++ and is extremely interesting to read. While it is easier then Stroustrup's book, it covers in depth many advanced topics like C++ Templates. For me, this book is better then the next Eckel's book - "Thinking in C++". The best choice to start and continue with C++ for serious reader.

most chapter's are only 10 pages or less long so you can sit down for 5 minutes read a chapter then come back and read another chapter later as it helps to read a whole chapter at once

where as some books are like 40 pages per chapter and ya need to sit down with a fair bit of time just to read the chapter

Ben Forta's Certified Coldfusion 5 Developer Study Guide will not teach ColdFusion, but will be a review guide that provides helpful pointers for examinees. The book's look will be non-intimidating yet thorough, and will be highly readable in small bite-sized chunks. Each subject will be presented in a clear and direct language, with useful and well explained code examples. Sample questions will accompany each subject, as will references to recommended reading, product documentation, Macromedia course work, and existing ColdFusion books. 432 pp. Intermediate-Advanced user level.

I have been developing with CF for about 4 years now but there were several features I had never used. I purchased this book and within a week got the nerve to take the exam. The book came with a 15% off coupon for the exam so it about paid for itself with that. I passed the exam today and achieved Certified Advanced status. In a word, Outstanding!

The book was helpful, the chapter formats are short and to the point giving you only what you need to pass the, which is good. Just don't rely only on this book...here is a secret, there is a program called cf_buster that is a great test prep that when used in conjuction with this book simulate a certified test environment. I passed my test today.

As with any operating system, it is imperative to have a complete understanding of the intricacies of the workings in order to be the best technician possible. Understanding Routers and the IOS is very important to making sure that they work and work all the time.

This book breaks down the IOS to the basic level and is very complete and the author has made sure that you have every tool at your disposal. From routing and bridging overview to the basic router configuration and components.

There are three chapters devoted specifically to the IOS and the remaining chapters cover topics such as, IP, IPX, APPLETALK, DECNET, VINES routing. Also there is coverage for bridging, frame relay, SRB and DLSW making up another eight chapters.

Completing this book is a 65 page appendix with the commend reference. While this book is tailored to any exam, this book will be very useful for most of the CCNA/CCNP exams.

This book was big help with learning syntax. I've worked on Bay Routers for years, this helped me find my way around. It is good source of info not just answers to exam questions.

Of all the books about Cisco routers this is one that you will want to add to your shelf. It does not focus too much on theory, but it focuses much on the nitty-gritty, the hands on knowledge that you need in the industry. I suggest this book for anyone pursuing a certification or who need any extensive knowledge concerning the configuration of Cisco Routers.

This is the only Cisco router book I've seen that does a good job of actually explaining what something is and how to do it. It answered a lot of my questions. Unless your already an expert, this book is a must.

A good book for high level description of the structure of Sybase System 11. When concerning details, there are many places the explanations are confusing. Pretty often two or more contradiction view of points appear in the same page. Considering the lack of good Sybase books, I would like to give this one a favorable recommendation, but don't expect too much.

This books gives an insight into sybase internals and how to get the best out of your server. The material on locking included in this book is one of the best I have seen so far.

I've got more than 30% improvement in my Server , After reading & use the concept which is describe in this book

Of all the Sybase books that I own (10+) this is the one I look at the most. It is theoretical and practical. Only bad thing I can say about the book is the printing and binding. It is almost 4" thick and wouldn't stay open flat on a bet. The paper is unusually thick and the diagrams look like something from the pre-TeX days that your kid put together with a screen print and Paint. Content is superb. It covers topics in depth that are not covered at all in equally priced books. Only two others come close: the Unleashed book (day to day how to) and the Sugiyama & Roy book (heavy on the theory, light on the real world)

This book is a must have. It uses the dragon book (Compilers: principles, techniques and tools by Aho et.al) as a model but goes a great deal further in its use of examples when explaining the theory. Whenever I had a little trouble understanding the dragon book or wished that more examples were used I turned to Holub's book. The book is extremely well organized. If you want the theory its all there and if you want to just look at code its all there too: thousands of lines of it! After explaining everything you actually get to see how lex and yacc are built (from the ground up) and finally a C compiler. BUY IT NOW!!

This book is more accessible than the Dragon book (Compilers: Principles, Techniques, and Tools) but is less complete. This book presents complete source code for parser generators tools and a C compiler. Even if this book is getting a little bit old and it targets a DOS platform, it should not stop you from acquiring this goldmine of very useful information for anyone interested in compilers for a very reasonable price.

Only a few words. Using this book, I designed a few compilers for testing languages, using Portuguese words and commands. It is yet on the development age, but, without this book it would not be abler at all.

I have had this book for 8 years. It clearly describes compiler theories and examples. It is very useful when I develop very fast parser. (The code generated by lex isn't fast enough.) I am not in the compiler writing business. This book is perfect for me.

I feel as if I am one of the few S/36 programmers left. My company has upgraded to the I5, and I am still supporting S/36 code on it. This book is a terrific reference for integrating CL into existing legacy code and utilizing the extraordinary power of the new machines in old systems. The section on S/36, I believe, was written JUST FOR ME!!! I trusted the book when I bought it, because I have relied on Ted and Ernie throughout my midrange computer career, from S/3 model 10 through the latest "machine to surpass all machines". Thanks to Ted and Ernie!!!

This book is an excellent book even for seasoned veterans on the iSeries. I found at many tips and examples that were very valuable. Ted Holt always manages to keep one step ahead of the game and provide insight into CL, RPG and iSeries in general.

I have been following Ted & Ernies technical articles for years and I would recommend this book to any of my colleagues.
It seems Ted always strives to give the iSeries community his best.

I was sad to hear that Ernie Malaga had passed away.

Thanks to Ted & Ernie...again

This book is well organized, easy to understand, and taught me what I need to know. The utilities CD is a nice touch.

Simple, yet very detailed, lots of code samples and some very useful utilities. As anything from Midrange Computing, slightly overpriced. Get your IT department to pay for it!

I absolutely enjoyed reading the book. This is a book that covers some very advanced topics in a way that it seems so easy to comprehend. I liked the way author uses examples and explains not only the technology but the use of the development tools as well. This is just one the best technical books that I have ever read.

After trying numerous .Net books I found that this one was extremely helpful in getting to know the most important parts of the .Net framework. The book covers a lot of ground, since anything can be a 'component'. The discussion is split into front end, middle tier and back end components. So the scope is big. This book assumes you know .Net, and have played with VS.Net, so don't expect an introductory level text. I think the author does a great job of picking out the most important parts of the .Net framework and demonstrating their practical use in short but useful examples.

I have been disappointed at numerous books that spend ages covering the same ground like introduction to .Net and using windows or web controls, leaving meatier issues untouched. In contrast, Faison treads quickly, and clearly, through major topics in .Net such as (not in order): using windows & web controls, user windows & web controls, Crystal reports, database access & data grids, session management in ASP, security, web services, and so on. Many other areas of the framework are covered in passing; for example a handy section on using the web browser control in .Net.

The discussion of UML in the beginning is a bit fast, particularly the terse presentation of numerous design patterns, but the author's use of UML sequence diagrams through the book is excellent.

My main criticism is that the author tries a bit hard at humor with the quotes before each chapter. Otherwise, it's a great book.

This is a comprehensive book on component-based development (with C#). It's ~1000 pages thick and packed with code and developer information that is well referenced. A bit short on component "packaging" frameworks. This book also complements well Groove development(GDK with .NET)...

Highly recommended for serious software developers.
One of the best books I have read.
Part one is almost biblical to software development process.
This is not just for .NET, the same principles are applicable to Java or Windows developments.
I have good understanding on VC++6.0, but facing VS.NET I feel daunted.
My experiences with the Windows system, MFC class lib and VisualStudio are not much useful.
This book helps a lot. .NET is very rich and deep, so you should not expect
realizing .NET with a signle book. Yet this book is a must on your reading list.