Senses Books

I had to buy a new copy of this book because the one I got for my oldest daughter was worn out! This is my youngest daughters new favorite book! She already knows her colors but she loves the rhyming and animals are always a big hit with her.

We actually own TWO of these books... one for the car and long trips, one for home. It is definitely a favorite!

This is a great book. My 3 yr old daughter loves it! It is the one she asks for over and over.

My 7 month baby girl can't get enough of this book. She loves the rhyming verse and the big color pictures. I definately recommend it!

This is my daughter's favorite book of all time. I read it to her daily. This is definitely a book that all children should have. The colorful animals in the book are fun to look at, while the words are pleasant to read and listen to. Very nice book!

Wendy Mass's A Mango Shaped Space is an enlightening book about a girl with a condition called synesthesia which heightens the senses and "crosses" them, allowing people to taste sounds, see noises, give colors to letters and words, etc. The book is very informational, in fact, it gives the readers several pages of factual information about the condition through the voice of a university researcher. In addition to promoting understanding of a condition that the book says impacts 1 in 500 people, it also deals with the theme of coping with death, the theme of the importance of friendship, and the theme of first love/romance. The ending of the book is satisfactory, and it ends on a positive message. There is little in the book that would be terribly controversial, so it could be used as a classroom accompaniment of a book of similar theme without too much concern.
The information in the book about synesthesia occurs during the main character Mia's first trip to the neurology department at the University of Chicago's medical center. Mia has been to her pediatrician, who referred her to a psychiatrist, who finally referred her to the University. She has kept the secret of her synesthesia for 13 years, until just recently, and is dealing with her peers and family not understanding it. The information that the neurologist, Dr. Jerry Weiss, gives Mia is in depth but easy to understand. It is a good resource for a student with synesthesia, or friends of the student because it not only gives scientific facts about the condition, but also gives a first person account of how it manifests, and what to expect when talking to people about it.
The saddest part of the book deals with the death of Mia's beloved cat, Mango. In the excitement of flirting with a boy, Mia forgets to give Mango a pill that allows him to breathe properly, and accidentally leaves him outside on a rainy night. She deals with the guilt of the thought that her actions caused the death of her pet (who she believes is a reincarnation of her deceased grandfather), but it is later revealed that Mango's health was failing before Mia's forgetfulness was even factored in. The theme is also touched on in the life of Mia's best friend, Jenna, an only child who lost her mother to a terminal illness. Jenna's father is starting to date again, and Jenna is still coping with the death of her mother, a few years prior.
The themes of first romance and importance of friendship are pretty common themes of coming-of-age stories, and are thoughtfully incorporated into the thread of the story. Of two love interests, Mia picks the kind, caring boy, Roger, who helps her deal with the death of Mango, after recently dealing with the death of his own dog.
The writing itself flows nicely through most of the book. Most characters have believable ideas and dialogue, and Mia's family, though quirky, is believable. One character, however, Mia's younger brother Zack, speaks in sarcastic, overly "cool" comebacks. He is written as an eleven-year-old, but his dialogue is reminiscent the overly sophisticated banter of the characters on Dawson's Creek. When Mia asks Zack about his teaching their sister, Beth, about superstitious beliefs, Zack snaps, "Hey, the Voodoo Vixen came to me, not the other way around"(75). The dialogue of Dr. Jerry Weiss is also obviously used to inform the reader. The information, though, isn't tiring or unnecessary, but it does seem pretty obvious to the reader that it is there for a reason.
The book was an entertaining read, and it was easy to feel sympathetic for Mia's character, especially at the death of her cat. I'd recommend this book to 9th grade readers, possibly a lower tier 10th grade reader, or anyone interested in learning about synesthesia. Thematically, it could pair with a classic book with the theme of coping with the death of a loved one.

Seeing shapes and colors when ever you hear sounds would be amazing! But it could get in the way of trying to go through your normal everyday life though. Mia, the main character in the novel A Mango-Shaped Space does. This book, by Wendy Mass, tells you about the little known condition called "synesthesia", as it gives you the point of view of someone who has the condition. This book is great for readers of all ages and genders. It is also a quick read with a surprise ending that could interfere with Mia's "colors"...

By making this a young adult/preteen book, Wendy Mass has almost written herself into a corner (but not really). Mia (the main character) has a voice that is simple and somewhat bland, which is to be expected of someone her age. That she says certain things she says, does others, and acts the way she does only works because she's an eighth grade girl. It makes the story both more realistic, but also a bit simpler and emptier, like it's been watered down. Basically, it makes the story younger and more appropriate for younger readers as well, who will relate to Mia with ease.

Other than that, though, this is an excellent book. Nobody can ignore the originality factor. In an age where many books have extremely similar subject matters, "A Mango-Shaped Space" is both intriguing and fresh. Few people know of synaesthesia's existence and while this will not be the greatest read for older readers (uninterested in the drama of fourteen year old girls), it will not only appeal to teens, but will get them interested and aware.

The characterization is also very good. I liked that everybody was really believable, from Mia's older sister and younger brother, to her parents, to her friends. It was refreshing to find that Mia was not a flawless person (she "cheats" (or, for her, cheats) on a math test). In general, the book is just so readable and the story so interesting, one can't help but get sucked in.

An intriguing story, a casual, easy read, and a really wonderful book for the aforementioned age group. Highly recommended!

This book is an amazing story from start to finish. I just couldn't put it down. And I'm far from a being a kid, at age 49!

Here's what I like about A Mango-Shaped Space by Wendy Mass: The plot is extremely interesting and really, for lack of a better word, new. Mass talks about a condition that most people have never even heard of and she just runs with it.

Here's what I don't like: Mass is at pains throughout the novel to make sure everyone knows her narrator is young. I also have mixed feelings about it winning an award (the Kaplan award I believe) for artistically representing life with a disability.

Here's some information so you can actually understand what I'm going on about: Okay, so the book follows thirteen-year-old Mia. Mia has synesthesia, a neurological condition that allows her to see letters and numbers in color. As the blurb on the back of the book states, Mia named her cat Mango because that is the color of his breathing. That is, you will agree, pretty cool. The action of the story starts when Mia realizes she can no longer keep her condition a secret from her friends and family because it's starting to interfere with her schoolwork. So Mia starts going to doctors and she finally meets people just like her.

So, on one level, this story is about dealing with synesthesia. But it also has a lot more going on. Mia's grandfather has recently died and, as readers will learn, Mango's place in the story is intricately tied to that of Mia's grandfather. At the end of the day, more than being about dealing with a disability (I'm not even sure I like calling synesthesia a disability) A Mango-Shaped Space is about accepting who you are and coping with the harder parts of life.

I read this book back-to-back with Sherman Alexie's The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian so comparisons are inevitable. What I found really interesting is that Alexie's narrator is only a year older than Mia, but the story is clearly appropriate for teens--I'd never give it to a ten year old for instance. Mass' novel, on the other hand, could just as easily be cataloged as a Children's book rather than Young Adult (left to my own devices I think I would do just that). Why? Well, like I said, Mass makes sure we know how young Mia is. Revelations like Mia never previously sitting with a boy at lunch or attending a boy-girl party abound in the narrative--sometimes unnecessarily.

At the same time, the material is just less heavy. The tone is lighter and the characters are a little less developed so that their hurts never quite hit home. I'm not sure if this is a bad thing though--it just makes it clear, while reading, that the book could be appropriate for a younger audience.

I'd definitely give this book a look though. The prose is easy to digest and the story is really interesting. And, surprisingly, the story features a lot of characters who are just as interesting to meet as Mia (with her synesthesia)--Mia's little brother Zach is a particular favorite for this reviewer.

To begin, the entire Amazon experience was great. The product itself was the icing on the cake. Any aspiring pilots, or veterans, should consider this a "must read" publication. It clarifies many misled bits of advice, about flight, and makes knowledge of aircraft easily understood.

This is a wonderful book, it's written for the Student pilot. But, it's a great read for all pilots. It covers the big picture and the little things that you may not think of, or may have forgotten. This book may help the new CFI to teach different techniques to the student pilot.

The book is Bible for understanding principles of flight and airplane handling.

Its real value could be experienced when lessons learned are properly applied in IFR flying.

I am a 110 hour private pilot who just earned his tail wheel endorsement in a 1956 PA-18 Super Cub and "Stick And Rudder" was the best source of information on tail wheel flying that I could find.

In 1944 conventional landing gear (tail wheel) was the predominant landing configuration for general aviation aircraft. Part 5, "Getting Down" deals primarily with landing these types of planes. Specifically chapter 16, "The Landing" (I can't wait to do some more wheel landings after reading it; the
"Plaster It On" section was excellent), and chapter 17, "The Landing
Run," which discusses ground loops. The author refers to tail draggers as "directionally viciously unstable," which any modern pilot who has learned to land in a tricycle gear aircraft will understand intimately once he or she tackles their tail wheel endorsement.

I also found chapters 19 & 20, "The Working Speeds of an Airplane," and "Thin Air" exceedingly thought-provoking. I had read most of "Stick And Rudder" years before getting my private certificate and recently picked it up again to read it in its entirety. It was definitely worth my time and I got a ton more out of it this time around. Perhaps around 100 hours is a good time to read it.

This book is entertaining in many ways: like, if you consider some of the olde-worlde wisdom quaintly phrased, and the author's convictions, sometimes quite erroneous, confidently stated.

It is somewhat useful, as it does give some solid pointers about what to look out for (avoid) and what to do (technique) and what common pilot errors are, including some home-grown practical remedies and prevention.

When the author is writing based on his experience he is insightful, and you will gain a lot from his experience. When the author is trying to educate you on theory he evidently does not understand, he is not dangerous, but may leave you with the wrong idea about how things fly. For example, his vigorous dismissal of the fact that pressure differential between top and bottom surfaces wing causes lift, and his counter assertion that the wing stays up because it pushes the air down, is plain bull. The wings would then need to be at 45 degrees to the plane's longitudinal axis, and the airspeed would need to be humongous if that were true. Also, such a plane would never stall except at low speeds, and would be impossible to stall at high speed :)

The book is cheap. So, as long as you know enough physics to determine that the author does not, you will find value in anecdotal and experienced wisdom.

And, after all, you will own a classic that has fooled generations of pilots into buying it. I did.

Grandchild really enjoyed the book. One of her favorites since not many kids books are about girls.

I purchased this book several months ago for my daughter. She is now nine months old and really enjoys it. Each page is filled with brightly colored objects as well as 3 or 4 different textures to touch. We have another touch and feel book but it doesn't have a story line. On each set of pages, this book has 4-5 sentences describing each of the textured items on those pages and how Violet or her mother use them. I read the sentences and we feel the textures together. Her eyes light up each time we flip to a new page. She absolutely loves this book and I recommend purchasing it for your child.

This is really an awesome book for tactile children. My son loves the book so much that he kisses Violet and her mom on every page they appear. The only concern I have,at least in my 2 editions, is the very last line of the book doesn't make sense. It says, "At Violet's dreaming happy dreams until the morning light." I think this maybe a typographical error. Otherwise, it is a great book for babies and toddlers to explore and to begin a love for reading.

I bought this for my almost 1 yr old granddaughter. She loves it and it has so many things to feel on 1 page.

I have to say that I am only a so-so fan of Baby Einstein products, and novelty books don't usually do it for me. But my one-year-old just LOVES this book. It is far and away her favorite and she wants it over and over at least a dozen times a day. It's already clear to me that she can make associations between the words I am saying and what she is touching at the time, and the variety of feelable surfaces are delightful. The rhymes are cute and just long enough without being too long between page turns for small attention spans. My only criticism would be that the book is quite large and doesn't fit on all bookcase shelves, and it's a little bit heavy for a one-year-old on her wobbly little feet to bring over to me, but she likes it so much, that she manages. Definitely recommended and a cute gift for a one-year-old birthday.

This book provides an easy to read introduction to sensory processing problems in children and how overwhelming these problems can be for the child and the adults in his life. Many terms that professionals use are are introduced and parents will be able to do further research after being exposed to the terms (examples being somatosensory/tactile systems, proprioception, postural gravitational insecurity, space visualization etc). As an Occuaptional Therapist, I found it helpful to compare the activities that I recommend in home programs with what the author recommends. The author provides many suggestions on how to structure the environment and play to help a child with sensory processing. The book does not include general developmental norms such as when the average child begins to dress himself, hop, ride a tricycle, etc. I think it would be helpful for parents to read about how developmental expectations are related to foundational sensory systems in early childhood.

Great book, very very good!!! You must have this one for your resource shelves. Therapists need the inventory for use in practice. What a great communication tool for parents, teachers and others to communicate with therapists. It helps parents to 'talk therapy talk,' just by filling in the inventory. The sensory secret checklist is great too. If you put this one on top of your list, you will recommend it too. Easy reading, with life changing information!!!

I found this to be a wonderful book for parents just entering the world of Sensory Integration Dysfunction. I explains so many of the terms and theories used by Occupational Therapists. However, this truly is an introduction, and not very helpful to anyone who has been working with an OT for any length of time.

This book is a great introduction to sensory integration and how our senses effect our learning. As A professional who works with individuals who have sensory difficulties, I feel that this book would be helpful for new teacher trainings, as an introduction to sensory integration, or as a guide to help individuals (such as parents) who do not work in an education or medically based industry that need to gain a better understanding of sensory integration. All teachers should use these basic techniques in their classrooms; for individuals who are interested in a deeper understanding of sensory integration dysfunction and other related difficulties, perhaps a book with a deeper explanation of the CNS and sensory systems would better suit their needs. Overall, it's a good quick read!

Of everything that I've read this is the best book. Its a fairly quick read. It's broken down into very specific catigories. It gives you warning signs. It tells you how to work on a problem with professionals. It shows you hundreds of ways to work on each specific sensory motor problem. It also helps you to evaluate your own child and explains how certain holes in the learning foundation could quickly lead to learning diviculties later on in life (early grade school). If you feel that there is a problem with your child and you can't put your finger on it - this is the book that will give you invaluable stepping stones.

I read this book when it was first published and was completely taken by it. I entered the US Naval Academy in 1968 (Class of 72)--my plebe year was 1968-1969 (I flunked out a year later, joined the Army, went to Vietnam, returned, finished college then joined the Marine Corps, retiring as a Colonel after 31 years total service). The events and characters in this book were so close to those I'd experienced (to include the setting--I was in 32nd Company, my company officer, Maj Stensland, MUST have been the model for Capt Lenahan) it completely blew me away. Most poignant for me is the part about training for jump school...I participated in that; reading the book was like reading a chapter of my own life. If you want to know what this little bit of history was all about; if you want to "taste" a snapshot of the times...being part of an institute demonized by anti-war sentiment knowing that upon graduation you were going to Vietnam (in my case, never coming to grips with what calculus had to do with fighting NVA) this is the book for you.

I bought this book based on the reviews posted on this website. I too, served for 10 years in the Navy. For some reason, I got very bored with the centralized theme: discipline at the USNA. I'll even admit that I started (and stopped) reading this book several times but I was determined to finish it (like Dean running the wall). The transformation of turning teenagers into military leaders is the purpose of the Academies but why does Webb beat you death with this point. I know there are other plots to the book but everything comes back to the discipline element. Webb's military career is well documented and he does a tremendous job bringing the reader into this environment. His character development in Sense of Honor is very strong. The plots are easy to follow. He satisfactorily brings each to conclusion at the end. I am giving it 3 stars because 1) I finished the book and 2) due to the over emphasizing of discipline. It would be kinda interesting if Webb had to choosen to follow up these characters. He did with Fogarty but what eventually happens to Dean might have made a great sequal. This is a good novel but not a real turner.

I wasn't there in the 60's, but I can tell you it was very accurate for 1985. The are still a few Fogartys running around there. I had a squad leader just like him. This is a very good read. Webb is underappreciated as a writer.

"A Sense of Honor" is classic Webb, and that's a good thing. For those readers unfamiliar with James Webb and his works, he graduated from the Naval Academy, went to Vietnam as a Marine Officer, and eventually used his experiences to write his most famous novel, "Fields of Fire". Both "Fields" and "Sense of Honor" have as central themes the warrior's distaste for the tyranny of guidelines and rules over common sense. Webb excells at creating choatic enviroments, where leadership breaks into difficult choices of judgement and morality, where there are no 'right' answers. In particular, I found 'Sense of Honor' great because of its simple contrast of characters. Fogerty is the poster-boy Annapolis First Classman, and consumate warrior. John Dean is the new 'plebe', subject to the whims of the First Classmen (think of a recruit in a Fraternity). Dean is about grades and class; jumping through whatever hoops he must to simply graduate and continue a civilian life. Fogerty pushes Dean, in the words of 'Sense of Honor', to be 'bigger than himself' - to be a leader sacrificing for his companions, rather than a civlian out for himself. This is all set during the Class of 1968, the summer of the Tet Offensive in Vietnam, in which Annapolis graduates fought, bled, and died. Sacrifice and death were by no means simple abstractions. Anyone interested in leadership, the military life, or simply a great drama would do well to buy this book. It is as relevent to current events as it was back when 'Sense of Honor' was written.

It's been 15 years since I read this book the first time as a Midshipman. While quite a bit has changed in my life since then, I am amazed at how quickly A Sense of Honor took me back to my youthful days at USNA. As I read Webb's story this time, I was amazed at how differently it affected me and how greatful I am for my own experiences and relationships I took from the Academy. They call Annapolis "the great conundrum" because while you are there, all you want to do is get away, but once you graduate, all you want to do is get back, and Webb's story helps to demonstrate why. While the particulars of the story will be more familiar to former Midshipmen, there are terrific lessons to be learned for everyone and I would recommend it without a doubt.

I bought this for my kids but I keep reading it myself. They can read it when I'm done. It is well written and very practical for everybody in today's world. This includes adults as well as kids.

This is a great collection of advice for teenagers, both Buddhist and non-Buddhist. It is relevant in today's world and comes from a place of real humanistic compassion for youth. I'd recommend it to anyone of any age, but especially if you know any teenagers going through tough times or trying to deal with the various issues that come up nowadays. I read a similar book with a Q&A style format by Daisaku Ikeda when I was a teenager and found it very encouraging.

This is the kind of thing adults should read, let alone kids. I'm reading it because I can't stand most organized religions, especially the one I was raised with - Christianity. Too stringent and angry for me and not realistic in everyday life, IMO. This Buddhist philosophy book aimed at kids really tells it like it is. I could relate to much of the advice given to kids and their parents. I also feel that it reflects the wisdom I've gained through the school of hard knocks. For example, the chapter on friends is relevant. You can't change other people's bad behavior or even influence it, all you can do is be the best possible you, have personal integrity and compassion for those who treat you badly. Basically, if someone behaves badly, you don't have to wish them to go to hell, they're already there. Great stuff in this book. All adults in America should read this!

This volume deals in a Q & A format with issues of concern to all young people. Although Daisaku Ikeda is a Buddhist leader, his answers deal with humanity and the wisdom inherent in it rather than with religion -- it is for everyone. As one reads through the book, a common message emerges vividly although never dealt with directly: you are most valuable and precious; find your own voice and use it without fear; find your own self and value it deeply. By the end of the book, the reader finds himself/herself viewing things in a very positive light.

This book is an excellent collection of Buddhist responses to the questions of today's young people. "The Way of Youth" includes topics like building confidence, respecting yourself and others, developing happiness from within, dealing with peer pressure and contributing to a peaceful world. The book is written for a general audience and I believe it appeals to both teens and parents regardless of their religious beliefs. I also highly recommend a book called "Open Your Mind, Open Your Life: A Little Book of Eastern Wisdom" by a young Buddhist author named Taro Gold. Excellent!

I have lived my life by the Feng Shui practices for many years and frequently pick up new books to explore other avenues of my fascinating art.

I found Back to Balance on Amazon and was impressed by what I saw on the web page and ordered the book. I was throughly impressed with the author's interpretation and descriptions throughout the book and feel that the author has a very good sense of Feng Shui and can explain it to the layperson in simple to understand terms.

I found this book to be right on the mark.

Thank You,

Jenny

I am not a Feng Shui Expert, nor did I have any interest in Feng Shui. However, I was at a party over the weekend and noticed this book on the hostesses coffee table and the title intrigued me. I picked it up and began leafing through it. I did not realize that I had spent over an hour off in the corner to myself going through this book until my wife came to retrieve me.

I went out the next morning and bought a copy of the book for myself.

I had always thought Feng Shui was a complex subject and very difficult to understand. I never gave it my credence as I was under the impression that I would have to hire some bohemian woman to come into my home wearing fluffy skirts and spraying incents to get my home into balance. I was mistaken. Just from looking at the back cover of the book and seeing a picture of the Author, I realized my impressions were mistaken.

I found this book very easy to follow, written in simple terms to explain things that were out of my expertise. I enjoyed walking around my home after reading the sections and looking hard at the placement and balance of my home and thinking of ways to improve upon what I already had. I appreciated the author's perspective that I could use what I already had and enhance, altar or decrease as opposed to completely redoing.

Another plus I found with this book was the author's web page and a link to speak/e-mail directly with a professional on the subject for additional questions I had.

I will now keep this book "Back to Balance" on my coffee table for future parties at my home.

- Howard

My sister is what I would call a Feng Shui "Person". She has been trying and trying to explain Feng Shui and its principles to me and I just haven't really given it much credence.

My sister bought me Ms. Fretwell's book and asked that I read it. To be honest, the selling point on the book was that Ms. Fretwell is a local author and I always try to support my fellow Virginians.

However, after reading the book, I can now say "I get it". I am glad I sat down and took the time for something that was important to my sister, but even more surprised as the presentation of Ms. Fretwell's book.

For someone like me, that didn't want to waste their time and was somewhat forced into reading it, this book was perfect for me. The layout and table of contents outlined the approaches and the chapter breaks allowed for me to put the book down and come back at another time without feeling that I had to backtrack through the book to remember where I was.

I would recommend this book to any novice Feng Shui person as its simple and basic approach led me to an understanding of the principles behind this latest craze.

Not that I will ever admit it to my sister, but I did buy some pink lightbulbs for my house.

A TRUELY inspiring, well thought out book that offers a simple approach to what can be a complex and confusing subject.

I enjoyed the book and will recommend it to friends !

Kimmie B

I have to agree with the previous reviews, this is a very good Feng Shui book. As an owner of many Feng Shui books, I found this one very useful, easy to read and understand. I will be using this as my main source for Feng Shui reference.

Thank you for a truely inpirational book !

This book is cute. It has a different texture on each page. I would recommend using it for read-alouds for awhile. Young children may eat or tear off the "feely" parts.

This is great as far as touchy feely books go. There are a variety of textures for baby to explore. But it is very short with a total of five page of text. And the text itself is fine but not very rich.

I really like the "thats not my.." series. All the books are colorful, quick and cute. We also own "thats not my dragon" which I think my son (17 months) likes better than this one but all the books in this series are cute and I would recommend any of them!

this is a very good keep busy book for our 18 month old and when we read it together we do the touchy feely of the different surfaces and look for the mouse...

Our 6 month old loves this book already. She can enjoy the story which is necessarily short and is already reaching for the touchy feely parts on each page. We love reading it to her and seeing her eyes light up when we bring out this book each evening.

Whether you create global advertisements, businesses, or Web sites, you should read this book.

Author Simon Anholt writes about the challenges of creating successful global advertising campaigns. Most companies fail miserably in this department, and he outlines the reasons why. He also provides a model for "smart centralization," which he believes international advertising agencies should follow. This model also makes a great deal of sense for the development and management of global Web sites, which is one reason I enjoyed this book. I also liked how Anholt explained the inherent tension of trying to be both global and local at the same time. Here's an excerpt:

The fundamental challenges of international marketing communications are about preserving the perfect balance between sensitivity to the culture of the brand and sensitivity to the culture of the consumers around the world. If you abandon or relax your grip on the first sensitivity, you end up with fragmentation, loss of identity, and loss of control. Abandon or relax your grip on the second, and you fail to communicate effectively, and fail to build a global brand.

I also liked what he had to say about the importance of translation:

So when the question comes up, why can't we just use English? I always ask this question: do you think that consumers should make the effort to understand us, or should we be making the effort to be understood by them? Are we more interested in being respected, or showing respect?

...indispensable for anyone lured by the mcluhanian concept of the global village. a MUST for those of us who wish to use our powers to do a lot of good. only bummer is the jacket: good idea awfully executed.

This book is common sense in an industry of uncommon confusion. Among many other useful insights the book sheds light on the legacy of international agencies whose neglect of domestic cultures and conventions have led to many campaign failures. This is a must read for any marketing head who has to manage agencies especially if your company is in multiple countries! Read this book before you go ahead with your next campaign.

This book is common sense in an industry of uncommon confusion. Among many other useful insights the book sheds light on the legacy of international agencies whose neglect of domestic cultures and conventions have led to many campaign failures. This is a must read for any marketing head who has to manage agencies especially if your company is in multiple countries! Read this book before you go ahead with your next campaign.

Author Simon Anholt, an international advertising consultant, says that the dangers of globalization can be just as formidable as the opportunities - if you fail to research the culture of your new markets. We've all heard the marketing legends of companies that embarrassed themselves by launching products into foreign markets without checking the translation of their brand names. Anholt retells several of these tales to illustrate the perils that await global firms that don't take culture into account. Meshing advertising and marketing strategy, he presents a systemic approach to cross-border product expansion. We [...] recommend this book not only for its insightful, culturally adaptive marketing methodology, but also for the genuinely entertaining examples that might just make you laugh out loud.