Careers Books

I have several books along these lines, and this is probably one of the easiest to follow. It is a good general overview to the business of acting. The DVD enhances the book as you watch Christina talk with her students about the seven steps; I felt I was right in the class with them. At the end of each step is a brief recap of the key points by Wink Martindale. Thanks to Christina's examples of good and bad photos and resumes, I now know what to do at my next headshot session and I've already redone my resume. I will be taking some classes from The Actor's Edge after I move, and I will definitely be submitting myself to her casting agency!

Co-written by founder and president of "The Acting Edge", one of Hollywood's leading acting schools for 15 years, The 7 Steps To Stardom: How To Become A Working Actor In Movies, TV, And Commercials is an easy-to-use workbook-and-DVD set that gives the practical advice on earning success in the entertainment business. Printed in color with photographs and a number of consumable pages, the workbook covers how to network and find an agent, avoiding scams, taking appropriate headshot photographs, writing an actor's resume, the business side of acting, honing one's acting skills and more. The two-hour DVD is divided into seven lesson segments: You are the Product, Acting Skills, Your Photograph, Your Resume, Your Agent, Your Unions, and Networking. Written in a direct, no-nonsense instructional, The 7 Steps To Stardom is a "must-have" for anyone contemplating or getting started in a profitable career in acting.

Usually, when one is looking for information on what you need to really make it in Hollywood costs a lot of money. This little book with a 2-hour DVD is amazing for what it costs! Sure, the production is a bit cheesy, but the content is amazing.

Now that I have redone my headshot, and worked out my resume, I feel that I am much better prepared to deal with what I will be up against at my next audition.

Thanks Christina!

This book is a very quick read yet its pages contain some very helpful, specific tips to enhance your resume, headshots and acting skills.

I am grateful that Ms. Ferra-Gilmore is willing to share her expersites with up and coming actors.

This book is really well put-together - easy to use. Some of the tips and suggestions may seem like no-brainers, but there are a lot of little things you may not think of when marketing yourself in the entertainment industry. Resumes, agents, your photo, Ferra-Gilmore breaks it all down and gets you to rack your brain for other attributes you can use. A reference/workbook in one, with a two hour DVD.

Here is one more secret. This book is worth way more than its list price.

Anyone, from novice to seasoned pro, interested in earning money making pictures needs this book. I am a serious amateur photographer. I plan to turn my photography into a lucrative hobby when I retire in several years. Thanks to 88 Secrets I will not have to waste time testing what will work. Scott Bourne gives the reader of his book a proven track record to follow.

Buy this book. You will find it invaluable when you put Scott Bourne's recommendations into action.

Making money from photography is everyones dream but a tough goal in reality. This book has helped me define my goals for marketing my photography. As an amateur turning pro this book has been a life saver. Bourne clearly and concisely outlines a variety of methods to market your work. The beauty of the book lies in it's set up. You can pick and choose what you want to use and attack each new obstacle one step at a time. I highly recommend 88 Secrets to anyone interested in turning their dream into a profitable business.

This book does just one thing for a person hoping to derive income from the sale of photographs. It tells you how to sell photographs.

It doesn't tell you anything about equipment, or picture taking, or processing, or even how to run a photography business. It doesn't even take a comprehensive approach to marketing. Instead it provides useful tips on marketing photography, period. Moreover, Bourne doesn't just limit himself to one market, like stock photography. He covers all the markets and if one secret isn't applicable to you, the next one may be right up your alley.

Calling it "88 Secrets" is a misnomer, because many of the ideas contained are simple common sense that someone interested in selling pictures could figure out for him or herself. Secondly, there are far more than 88 secrets because many of sections called secrets contain more than one idea for marketing.

The reader will sometimes say, I knew that, sometimes say, I should have known that, and sometimes say, I never thought of that. But if you read the book and you follow some of the tips, you will increase sales of your pictures. Although the book is quite short, it's also inexpensive and the person willing to follow Bourne's advice will soon amortize the cost of the book. It probably won't put you in direct competition with Art Wolfe, but it will increase your photographic income if you have the will power to follow the tips.

For example, the author discusses a traditional subject, query letters to editors to whom one hopes to sell pictures. He tells you what has to go into a letter if you want to get the editor's attention. He even provides a sample letter.

In the very next paragraph, Bourne discusses something relatively new, e-books and how to go about publishing them. He even suggests software that will ease the work, and even how to structure an e-book. He says photography e-books are most popular if they take a how-to, travel, or adventure approach. "It will be easier to sell an e-book that features pictures of Yellowstone National Park if it is written as a travelogue rather than an attractive Yellowstone picture book."

I've read a few books on marketing pictures and sometimes find reasonable marketing advice buried in the verbiage. Often it's aimed at just one market. Here it's simple and effective. All one has to do is read a secret and follow it. And of course, take a reasonably good picture.

I was thinking this would be a book about places to sell your photography like post cards and bookmarkers or stuff like that. I guess I just didn't look it over enough. It is pretty much just basic stuff about how to run a business in photography. Some I thought were a little simple, like it says you should have a seperate phone for your business. Also, you should tell family members to not use that phone for anything other than business. That would be true of any business be it photography or selling comic books. Some of it is good business practices that many would not think of but I think you could get a book on operating a home business or small business from the library and learn most of this stuff. It is not an expensive book so I'm not going to complain much. I would suggest though that a person that is going to do photography work might think of staying with one or two areas and get books on those. For example, wedding photography and stock photography and learn how to make it in those areas. Go ahead and buy it, if you don't like it you are not out much.

Scott Bourne is an outstanding teacher and successful marketer. The book exemplifies this by being well organized, very readable and packed with valuable information for any photographer wanting to market and sell photographs.

The three divisions of the book are well thought out. As I considered marketing my photos the section on "general secrets" was very helpful. The last two sections provide valuable information on who to contact for sales and all the issues that need to be considered to complete a successful business transaction.

I am a chef educator who teaches several introduction to baking courses at a culinary school. Myself and one of my collegues at another institution were interested in using this book, and the publisher was so friendly and inviting. My peer even got to speak with the author on the phone.
The book is fantastic, by the way...by far the best baking text I have seen to date. It is clear, informative, and complete with beautiful pictures and easy-to-follow instructions.
That is compared to Wayne Gisslen's book, which I and several of my collegues use. His approach utilizes much smoke-and-mirrors, unlike Sokol's text.
This book is a great find for professionals and home chefs alike.

Gail Sokol's textbook is possibly the best book on professional baking on the market today. I, as a home chef, am extremely interested in baking, but was slightly skeptical of this book, as it is geared towards baking students and not home chefs like myself. However, I found my initial trepidation to be unfounded -- this book is amazing!!! Sokol not only dicusses baking, but delves into the chemistry behind baking, explaining why and how a process, such as gluten formation, occurs. I loved it. Also, there is a healthy baking chapter, which is certainly novel. Sokol shows baking as not only an art, but a science that is well worth the world's respect.
The writing is fluid and easily understandable. It was a joy to read, and I understood everything that Sokol discusses within the text. Not meaning to sounds crass, but Sokol is such a good teacher that she could teach a monkey to bake and he could compete in culinary competitions. This is not to poke fun at Sokol's teaching skills, but to further illustrate how good the book and DVD are.
Additionally, I also bought the accompanying DVD series which was well worth the money I paid for it. Wow. No really...WOW. The quality of the DVD is so professional that it easily could be put on the TV Food Network. Watch out, Rachel Ray! Gail Sokol is certainly a rising star in the baking field.
Now, I am certainly not a professional, but as a home chef, I LOVED this book. As a matter of fact, Sokol's text has inspired me to enroll in a local culinary school. I want to become a pastry chef. As well, having looked at culinary schools, I have realised that a baking text already is in use -- it seems to be the most frequently used text in the industry. Well, I do hope these schools take a look at "About Professional Baking," which truly deserves to be used by all begining baking students.
This textbook is a fantastic read for the baker in all of us; it can be seen as either a professional text or as a well-informed guide for the home chef. You do not have to be a culinary expert to enjoy this fantastic book, which is so beautiful (what with the hundreds of glossy photos and the elegant colors) that it might soon be deemed a "pastry bible." Well done, Chef Sokol, and here's hoping to see you on TV soon!!!

This book is very good. It is easy to read and has nice photos. i like the ones in the sauce chapter -- very pretty. I learned alot about healthy baking and chocolate too. I am not a good baker, but this book helped me make yummy desserts and plate them nice too. If I could afford it, I'd send copies to all of my friends for christmas next year. I already bought one for my boyfriend, and he loves it, like i do.

I have been looking for many years for a baking text that explains the chemistry and reasons for the exact measurements required to obtain an excellent cake or bread.
Chef Sokol has answered my questions and more! Her instructions are precise and easy to follow and the illustrations are very well done. I am especially impressed on the section on presentation and plating of her exquisite desserts.
As I was studying the various recipes my mouth was watering in contemplation of creating her wonderful cupcakes and breads.
This book fills, a here to fore, vacant niche in libraries of baking and culinary books, and should be on the shelf of anyone serious about cooking, baking or fine foods. A 5+Star Book

This is one of the best textbooks I have seen as a baking enthusiast. It is clear, informative, and concise, a set of rare qualities when dealing with baking textbooks. Many textbooks on the market right now are verbose, use complicated language, have recipes and formulas that do not work, and are generally unusable by the home chef. This is not the case here. A very nice product.

Linda Gabriel's book speaks of going after what you want by realizing everything you need is inside of you. "Abundance.." gives us a roadmap to find what we were always meant to have. She writes with such clarity and vision. And her voice...what a wonderful idea to include a CD with the book, so that if you start losing your way again, you can pop it in, listen up, and be reminded of why you can make it...do it... have it. Great book.

This is a wonderful book and it's the first time I've ever actually filled in the blanks as I went! The affirmations in the book are truly transformational and Linda has a beautiful way of highlighting issues I thought I'd already dealt with. The quotes and stories are very inspirational. Anyone looking to create abundance in their life is sure to benefit from this book.

I am an avid reader and found this book to be packed full of great information as well as tangible tools that can easily be used and integrated into you daily living. It is very empowering and a fun read. I really really enjoyed it and am planning on including it in my christmas "enlightenment gift baskets"...Open to your receptivity and abundance...buy this book!

Informative, easy to use, well organized ideas that will help you get on the right track with most any area of your life.

what a great way to get a handle on the thoughts that we put ou tinto the world. Easy to understand and so helpful. thank you so much.

This job hunt system is designed to make for a speedy job search which narrows the field and locates the best position in a minimum amount of time. From using lead sources and creating master applications to networking and creating a job where none may exist, this provides important guidelines for serious job-seekers.

This is the book I've been waiting for. No hype, no cheerleading, just a book that shows you how to find your job very quickly. Unemployment is very expensive, and Dr. Ford shows you how to minimize it. I highly recommend this book to anyone who needs that next job yesterday.

This is an excellent job search manual for anyone who wants to get it done right. It takes years of experiences and nets it down to simple, directed steps. If you are looking for a book that is "fluff reduced" this is the book for you. Highly recommend it!!

Bookstall 99 is proud to add "The Accelerated Job Search" to our list of recommended business and professional books. We look at many books, recommend very few, and our reviewers must be in total agreement before we issue our approvals. This book we felt was exceptional in it's use of resources, in-depth research, timliness, and ease of reading. It is the only book on job search we are recommending. Dr. Wayne Ford has done an excellent job in producing a complete text for the job hunter, regardless of the level of experience. He logically lays out a sequential approach to getting organized, setting up an effective strategy, and following proven methods in achieving success. A particularly well thought out book with the reader in mind.

The system and techniques laid out in this book really work. The proof is that it helped me find a very good job in a short amount of time. It gives you the best techniques available step by step. I admit I bought 7 books when I started looking for a job. This is by far the best one. Everything I did improved, from my resume to time management to organizing. I am enthusiastically recommending this book to any and all job hunters.

I have been in business for several years and thought I knew it all. Reading Susan's book was a gentle reminder that there is always more to learn. It was full of very readable and full of simply stated and effective advice. I would completely recommed it to anyone who is thinking of going into business for themselves or to someonewho who has decades of experience in business and thought they new it all (like me). There is something for everyone. Having read the book from cover to cover I now carry in my truck ( I am a contractor)and refer to it on a daily basis, much like an oracle. I can usually find some helpful piece of advice to help me navigate through my day a little more easily. Bravo Susan. We need more books like this.

Unless your parents or older siblings have been entrepreneurs, finding yourself facing the choice of starting a business . . . or being unemployed . . . is a dire situation. Relax! You can rely on Susan Urquhart-Brown's advice to sort your way through the psychological brambles and legal barbs of going solo in a business of your own.

Most people who want to become entrepreneurs have been thinking about the subject for years, taking courses, asking questions and toughening up their spirits for the challenging times ahead. When you reach the jumping off point by accident, as more and more entrepreneurs do, you need a quick baptism in the basics. The Accidental Entrepreneur can help.

The book is actually a series of overlapping brief essays with little lists, quizzes and exercises to help you stretch your wings. As a result, you can dabble here and there to get what you need. If you want to go straight through from the beginning, that's all right, too. It's a brief book, and you should finish in an evening.

I have been helping inexperienced start-up entrepreneurs for many decades. Most of them get stuck in the process. They find some step they need to take which they cannot figure out how to do. The Accidental Entrepreneur contains answers to many of those sticking points: Legal requirements, structure, finding allies, raising money, locating customers, hiring that first employee and finding some balance in your life.

No one source is going to do it all for you. This book will be most helpful to someone who plans to work with a coach or consultant to help go through the steps.

The book's main weakness is that it doesn't address important strategy elements like how to craft a superior business model, design cost advantages, adjust prices to make it easier for customers to buy, and add more value for customers. You'll have to read and learn from other books to help you in those areas.

If you do read the book from cover to cover, you may find some of the repetition a little annoying. But it doesn't hurt to see and think through the basics more than once in the same book.

Because of its general focus and examples from Ms. Urquhart-Brown's consulting business, this book will be of the most help to those who are planning a coaching or consulting business.

Buy and read this book! It will be one of your best initial business investments.

The Accidental Entrepreneur: Practical Wisdom for People Who Never Expected to Work for Themselves, by Susan Urquhart-Brown, brought me into the (finally welcome) realization that yes, I am in business for myself (with the emphasis on business). Having thrashed around in the welter of details surrounding what it means to be a small (in my case, one-person) business for many years, never very hopefully or happily, I now find that this book offers me a roadmap to taking myself seriously (and I can take the journey at my own speed, too). Though I still have a lot to learn, thanks to Urquhart-Brown I've moved from being an "accidental" entrepreneur to an "intentional" entrepreneur. This is the only such book I've encountered, and it's (as the subtitle indicates) practical, accessible, and-above all-doable. I recommend this book to anyone starting out or already on the way to being a successful entrepreneur.

-Naomi Rose, Book Developer, Oakland, CA

There has been a certain mystique surrounding "entrepreneurism".
It has sort of been positioned as something you are - or are not - destined to be. As well, it is more associated with the "started in the garage" -> IPOed on Nasdaq company more than the sole proprietor consultant.

That may be changing. Many folks I know - myself included - entered the workforce out of college with the notion of developing our craft and trading it for a steady paycheck from a company.
We expected to be able to carve out a fulfilling career.
However, in this "global, just-in-time" economy, that premise is not nearly as strong as it once was.

When faced with perpetual job in-security and/or becoming a member of the workforce reduced group, a not insignificant number of folks are opting to start their own business... accidentally.

Typically a small business owner is accomplished at their craft.
That works well when you're employed by a company. But if you are the company, your craft is not your business - your business is your business.
Small business is seldom taught in school - even Business school - and you are certainly not likely to learn it working for a large corporation. If you are a small business owner or a candidate, it is incumbent upon the success of your business to learn and develop small business skills.

The Accidental Entrepreneur does not delve into the theory of business. It is a practical guidebook with tips, tools and exercises that focus on what works and what doesn't work.
Few small business owners start out knowing how to run and grow a business. Many do not even know the questions to ask, much less the answers.

Most of the books out there focus on one particular subject, or are more theory based. This book is very pragmatic and covers the full scope of starting and running a business.

The Accidental Entrepreneur is divided into sections that roughly mimic the phases of a small business:
whether or not being a business owner is right for you,
what you need to do to start a business,
the early business-building phase,
sustaining your business,
taking your business to the next level.

Each chapter is a self-contained subject, easily digestible, pragmatic and actionable. You can read a chapter, you can read an entire section. Whatever is applicable to where you are at on your path.

This book provides an essential roadmap for any small business inspired person.

Having become an "accidental entrepreneur" myself at the age of 40, I've found Susan's book both helpful and encouraging. Statistics tell us that 80% of new businesses cease operations within the first 5 years, but with this book as a guide, readers are sure to buck that trend! It was well-organized and easy to read. The book is divided into short sections that make it easy to skip around and quickly find the practical wisdom promised. The quiz alone was worth the price of the book!

Wow! Tony Beshara's book is a godsend for job-seekers going through the emotional, sometimes defeating process of looking for the right job. Beshara obviously has many years of real world experience at dealing with employers and candidates. This book provides realistic scenarios of how the candidate should prepare for the interview and what they can expect when they walk into the employer's office. Beshara helps you step into the interviewer's shoes and forces you to take a hard look at yourself, your presentation and your experience. He provides dozens of questions that you should ask and be prepared to answer. Concrete, no-nonsense interviewing tips from a pro.

Interviewing is one of the most stressful things a person can do. I have been out of the workforce for 3 years. My children are grown and I decided to go back into the field of Administrative Secretary or Executive Assistant. Something I have always enjoyed and never got bored. Just being off the market for only 3 years, there were so many things that had changed about interviewing and I was extremely nervous about this. Of course all this information was coming from my family and friends. I know they all meant well, but I needed an expert. While searching on Amazon, I came across the book by Tony Beshara, "Acing the Interview." After reading this book, I have never felt the confidence in myself that I feel right now about going on a professional interview. I didn't even feel this relaxed 10 years ago. Tony Beshara's book is absolutely easy reading, down to earth and straight to the core of what you need to know about interviewing. I would recommend this book to anyone that is struggling with the thought of going on an interview, whether you have been out of work awhile or just ready for a change.

Sincerely,

Judy Turner

What a great guide to taking control of the interview in a positive way - when and how to.

How to pick up on key phrases indicating where you stand in the process and how to move yourself from candidate to employee without offending or coming across too aggressive.

Excellent book on when and how to be assertive in a hiring situation where most feel like a helpless victum or rag doll without any control of the process.

More importantly - exactly what to say to get the interviewer on your side and a call to action on your behalf.

WHAT AN EASY BOOK TO READ!
Great writing.

The title Acing the Interview doesn't really describe the breadth of knowledge Tony Beshara communicates in his latest book. If one does not venture to the Table of Contents, the book's cover tagline stating its inclusion of "450 Sample Questions" sounds very much like a dozen other self-help books for job seekers. But make no mistake, Tony is not pandering to the insecurities of those suffering from interview phobia with a warmed over collection of typical interview questions. As in his first book, "The Job Search Solution," Tony wants you to look inside yourself, and to question the common precepts about the job search process. Tony's "questions" include those you ask yourself and those you ask the employer, in addition to the questions asked of you in the interview.

Tony leverages his experience from interviewing more than 24,000 candidates in a 30-year career to make you understand that `acing the interview' is more about the research, planning, and practice you execute before the interview than it is about regurgitating rote answers in the interview.

Acing the Interview is a very strong sophomore performance from the acknowledged King of Recruiters. Those who viewed any of Tony's appearances on the Dr. Phil Show will recognize his conversational tone and sincere passionate concern for matching employers to employees. Not many recruiters can claim more than 6,700 placements in their career. Unlike most authors in this genre, who have very little, if any, real world experience in getting a job - Tony has done it, and is still doing it, every day.

By Marilee Johnson

Interesting book. I jumped on the first job offer after college but was burnt out in less than a year. I like reading and was strolling through Barnes & Nobles when I came across a number of books on how to get a job. I started thinking about changing jobs and ended up going on a few interviews. It was very frustrating. One part of me wanted to just quit and stay at that same lousy job but the rest of me knew I was too young to give up.

Then I saw Dr. Beshara on the Dr. Phil show. Something in his energy and sincerity made me know that what he was saying was true. If he could get that loser Dr. Phil threw at him a job, he could get me one. I bought the Job Search Solution and couldn't put it down.

Have you ever seen those TV shows that reveal how magic tricks are performed? That's what this book is like. There's no rabbit in the hat, the lady really isn't floating in mid air, employers hide behind a bunch of smoke and mirrors. Yet if you look closely, like Tony teaches you, it all makes sense.

It's crazy, but there really is a method to the madness - just as Tony tells you. The key is working your plan and staying motivated.

WARNING: don't skip past his chapters on personal motivation. You may think you're pumped up at first, but finding a good job takes time and you have to stay pumped.

I got a good job. I did interview for a couple of others that seemed even better, but they couldn't get their act together so I think they probably weren't really that good. After reading Dr. Beshara's book it all made sense. Buy this book - it'll be the best career choice you ever made.

This is by far the best overall guide for all college students, but especially graduating high school seniors. I recommend that it be introduced to a student well before applying to college.It is wonderful gift to a student and should be 'required reading' for all parents before sending their children off to college. The format is ideal and the topics discussed are most contemporary for what kids now face their very first semester. This true survival guide will be well appreciated throughout one's college experience.

As a high school guidance counselor since 1995 I have searched for and reviewed most publications that attempt to assist prospective students excel during their college years. This book is one of the most unique I have found. Since it was written by a current student, the approach, perspective and even the vocabulary is in line with today's youth.
I had several students review it for me as well. Their feedback was very positive, especially the "real world" approach to some difficult subjects like dating, drinking, diet and exercise. The advice on leveraging professor's office time and tips to improve study habits were also well received. Our school, a private academy, is giving a copy to each senior as part of their "Get Sarted Packet" upon graduation. Highly recommended to any student graduating this year or in the recent past.

I got a copy of 'Ahead of the Pack' for my son headed to college as a graduation present. He's not a big reader in general, however he did not put it down until it was finished. I asked him about the contents and what he thought. His response was "awesome". The book seems to reach young people where they are in preparation for college and answer many questions for them from a peer, not a old man like me!

As a recent university graduate (2 years in the 'real world'), I can say that I wish this book had been available when I was entering collegiate life. It really helps incomming freshman, and even upper-classmen, avoid many of the seemingly invisible pitfalls of campus life. I gave this book to my cousin who is entering college this fall, and told him to take notes. He wrote me a thankyou note a few weeks later, and said that he thought it was a cheezy gift, but that he read a couple pages, and finished it in a week! Cheezy indeed. anyway, by this for yourself, or someone you know entering college, and you will not be displeased. five stars!

Finally, an author young enough to relate to young adults, yet mature enough to lead them with integrity. Mr. Richardson's moral values shine through as he tackles everything from budgeting to sexual concerns. This book can be read in it's entirety, or in segments, as it's easily divided by topics. This book is an excellent read from the time a High Schooler in in 10th grade, through (at least) their first year in college. What a great gift as High School graduation invitations are rolling in!

Wouldn't it be cool to be the "Turf Czar" described in this book?

David Fischer is an incredibly entertaining writer. I've always wondered how one gets into these types of jobs and this book does just that. I highly recommend it!

This book is perfect for the person who knows that he or she wants a job in sports, but doesn't know exactly where to start. It includes breakdowns of a variety of sports related jobs, as well as hints on how to prepare for the careers and tips a tales from people who have been there. This book is a must own for anyone who is contemplating embarking on a career in sports from athlete to statistician.

David Fischer gives the type of information that anyone who wants to get involved in the world of sports need to know. I was thoroughly delighted

I am a 15 year old who inspires to hvae a job in sports. It gives you great advice on how to get your dream job in sports. I would love to be sports agent and now i know what it takes,the responsibility that comes with it,and how to be sucsessful in that career as well as 50 other sports related jobs

"Basic truths have been recorded in every language for time memorial. The Balancing Act is a consumate study of these basic truths - the philosophies by which we can successfully pattern our lives.
This volume weaves multi-colored threads into a fabric that provides a portal into these masteries and more. At first perusal you may think, "this is familiar." I ask you to dig deeper, for Sharon has eloquently and brilliantly given you a gift - a map - answering every question you could possibly want for a successful life.
Sharon Seivert is an extraordinary author of vanguard vintage. We are most fortunate that she has encompassed complex mysteries into basic truths. You will want to keep this book on your desk at all times."

Sharon Seivert's insightful understanding of the process of emotional growth provides clients with new avenues to deepen their involvement in their own therapy.

I have "The Balancing Act" side-by-side with my "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People." I find this book to be even more insightful than Mr. Covey's in helping me articulate who I am, what my core beliefs are, and how to balance this with the rest of my other elements.... It's like soul music that just reaches into your very being.

Sharon Seivert is a very wise woman who has developed a powerful model that will indeed improve the quality of your relationships to your life, your work, and your community. Using Sharon's simple yet not simplistic assessment tools, you will discover where you are out of balance in your life or your organization, and then learn how to create an alignment of the five elements. Her lessons are comprehensive yet practical and clearly defined. If you are ready to change your life, get this book!

More Americans are talking about seeking balance in their lives. Many of them have actually gone beyond talking and are on the quest. The Balancing Act is one of a number of books that have been written (and will be written) on this topic. Seivert, a business consultant and executive coach, has put together a design that suggests five areas that need to be brought into an appropriate balance for you: Personal Life, Relationships, Leadership, Organizations, and World.

Various chapters of this book are keyed to the five elements; others are presented as being of general interest to the reader. This approach and book organization (the chapters are coded in the table of contents) enables the reader to concentrate, during first or subsequent readings, on those areas of greatest interest. Two appendices and an index provide additional support.

The book is organized into three parts: Finding Your Balance in Life, Relationships, and Work; The Five Elements of Success; and The Whole is Greater than the Sum of its Parts. The first section, pre-chapters, offers almost three dozen pages of introductory material on Finding Your Balance, The Elements of Success, and The Great Ally Inside You. Readers will find a collection of worksheets to engage in some self-analysis before proceeding into the meat of the book.

The text is heavy on spirituality, as opposed to books focused on life activities and common sense advice. Seivert's elements: air, fire, water, and earth are discussed in the context of balancing them in the way you lead your life. If you are receptive to a deep spiritual approach to life, you'll enjoy this book. If you are not engaged by this approach, it will be difficult to connect with this presentation.