Services Books

For those of us who are aging and for our children who need to know how to deal with it (and us), this is a superb reference to every aspect of growing older. It is comprehensive, with a wealth of additional resources; it is infinitely readable; and--best of all--the author understands and addresses the psychological as well as the physiological and logistical problems of aging and dealing with older relatives and friends. It belongs on the shelf next to the dictionary in every home--if, that is, you can put it down long enough to place it on a shelf. Buy one for yourself and one for each of your children--and then tell all your friends about it.

"What I would have given for such a book when I was a caregiver to my aging parents. Each year many people are suddenly cast into the role of decision maker for their older parents. People, like me, who have no clue as to where to start to find the kind of resources their loved ones need. That is where a book like this can be worth its weight in gold. Rhodes steps up to bat with her book just in time to help those people deal with the stress of caregiving more effectively and with more awareness of the pitfalls. Of the many books about aging in my library, it is the best quick-read problem solver.....

So helpful, so much I didn't know, so easy to read, such a needed book, loved it, refer to it constantly. How are we all going to get through all the years of care-giving that are ahead of us Baby Boomers?! You must get prepared, read this book, it will help you, and the other one I loved is ELDER RAGE or Take My Father, Please! That one really made me laugh as I learned so much too, and boy don't we need that!

Help your parents age with grace and safety with the aid of this latest 'Complete Idiot' guide, which offers plenty of facts on how aging affects all qualities of life and which also offers solutions to common challenges. From simple plans on handling health care and money issues to caring for a parent at home and recognizing dangerous health signs, the Complete Idiot's Guide To Caring For Aging Parents provides all the keys to the common challenges facing aging parents and their kids.

"Your book is delightful. We found it to be practical, thorough and easy to read. All in all, a wonderful resource for older adults and their caregivers and families. Thank you for writing it!"

Mary Anne Kelly, Executive Director Southwestern Partnership for Aging

Have recently purchased this book. Started skimming through it and couldn't put it down. There was a party for every occasion and it was all planned out for you. The tips were fantastic. I plan on buying more for gifts. This book will make a great Christmas gift and will definitely be on my shopping list in December. I hope they do another book. It was so easy to follow and I know I will have no disasters at another party.

This book has everything you can think of when it comes to party planning! I got some really cute theme ideas and I love the 'Chips and Tips' throughout the book! Great Resource for anyone! This would be a great gift!

I was very impressed with the numerous party themes and quantity of ideas for each theme. This is planning made easy and I recommend this book to all hosts and hostess -- whether this is your first party or you have been throwing parties for years, this book is perfect for different ideas, more ideas to enhance been-around themes with easy to follow directions, everything to make a party memorable! Great resource for any organization (church, Scouts, philanthropic, etc.) planning social and fundraising events. I have been a professional party planner (family and corporate) for years and love this book! I recommend it highly as one of the best on the market and I personally give these books as gifts.

This book will make you get off your couch and want to party. With the clever ideas, tips on every topic you would not even amagine, and most of all the expert advice for all sorts of celebrations. All the work is done for you all you have to do is pick and choose. Great job to you both for a wonderful book... Dawn Hogan, celebration expert, speaker, author of party planning guides.

Why did it take these guidebook people so long to discover a need for this book? Cambria and Sachs have done a superior job of streamlining the stresses of party giving so that the hostess has a chance of having just as much fun as her guests. Thanks, guys!

To the practitioner: this book aptly shows how the concepts of good management can be applied in one's professional life and unabashedly explains that much of management is common sense (while admitting that common sense isn't very common).
To the lecturer: whether you're teaching freshman or experienced executives this is the book that will get your students interested in the study of management. It is the perfect introduction.
Students love it because it's affordable, short, and easy to read (particularly those who speak English as a second language). Teachers love it because, by presenting a wide succinct, spectrum of fundamentals, it provides an intelligent springboard from which a more in-depth examination can proceed.
Forget all the other 300+ page, hundred-dollar-or-more verbose introductory management texts. The Concise Handbook of Management is the best way to begin your business or management curriculum and/or brush up on your management skills.

This little gem, which graciously (and refreshingly) operates under the concept that less is more, reads like a Cliff Notes on Management. As far as I can tell, it's also one of the very few management books out there that understands and emphasizes the importance of customers - then backs this imperative up in every chapter. In addition, because the entire book is condensed and to the point (none of the chapters is over four or five pages in length), it is very reader friendly. All in all, Jonathan Scott must be one of the most easily understandable authors writing about management today.

I teach at both the (under) graduate and post-graduate levels and have found that students (whatever their age or experience) cannot fully grasp in-depth or abstract management theory without a solid understanding of basic management principles. This book fills that bill. It injects the saturated subject of management with a directness, clarity and conciseness that is difficult to match. Perhaps the reason for this is that the author is not an academic, but rather a professional writer and successful practitioner who managed a number of businesses in several different countries. What a difference application makes. The book's short, anecdote-laden layout, bristling with substantial and timeless research, makes for a quick and easy read and the importance of customer orientation is carried throughout. If I could award ten stars to this nifty and valuable book, I would gladly do so.

Author Jonathan Scott returns the subject of management to its rightful position as a human endeavour, not a mathematical one. Chapter One is the opening salvo, setting the tone by focusing on what management really entails (forget all the academic nonsense you've heard). Scott insists that accountability, hard work, integrity, training and maturity are the keys to business success and pulls no punches in explaining why they are necessary and how they can be acquired. Bravo!

Straight-forward and realistic without being patronizing or pedantic. This is one of the few management books out there that will open your mind, teach you things you didn't already know, force you to re-examine your own management methods and abilities and show you how all the different aspects of management are tied together. I highly recommend it.

Controversial therapies for developmental disabilities is an excellent book that describes a variety of approaches for the treatment of children and adults with developmental disabilities. There are 28 chapters that point out inconsistencies amongst therapies that claim to be effective for treating autism and other disabilities. This book points out in detail the difference between what is pseudoscience and what is science by pointing out important information about therapies such as sensory integration, facilitated communication, and other ineffective treatments. Many of the therapies described in this book are advertised as fun, loving, caring, and able to create relationships between care givers and children, which sounds appealing to parents. These therapies are not science-based rather they are based on intuition, and personal values and opinions. Take sensory integration for example, which lacks evidence that its effective for children with autism or for people with developmental disabilities, however some parents and professionals provide this treatment to individuals based off of claims that are made from other people and from the therapists that used this so called treatment.
Because of such claims uninformed parents spend a lot of time and money on therapies that have not yet been proven to be effective. This book can help such parents avoid potential dangerous treatments for their children. It's unfortunate that there aren't any laws that prohibit the use of treatments that have not been proven to be effective for the treatment of developmental disabilities. I think that it's unethical to provide such "treatments" and this book advocates for people with developmental disabilities about the truth of bogus therapies.
The book also discussed why applied behavior analysis is an effective treatment compared to the other treatments described. It would have been great if the authors provided more information about the evidence for its efficacy in comparison to other methods. Nevertheless, this is an informative book for educators, parents, students and professionals. I enjoyed this book because I have new ways to articulate many of the fads described and provide rationales why it's not an effective treatment for people with disabilities.

As an teacher educator this is a breath of fresh air - common sense and a spotlight on the ridiculous fads in education abound.

Finally, a book that takes an objective view on the current "quick fix" and "miracle" treatments that are seen in developmental disabilities, specifically in autism.

Some notes about the book:

Each of the Editors wrote one or more of the chapters, some were the result of collaboration among the three of us.

Many chapters are both informative and humerous.

One chapter updates the critique of of facilitated communication.

One chapter provides a critique of Positive Behavior Support.

There are several critiques of education and special education.

Many chapters refer to the same fad or pseudo-treatments to illustrate different points, so different perspectives are the result.

I'm using the book in a graduate seminar at Ohio State University, and it seems to be interesting to the students as they work on identifying and studying new fad and unverfied treatments for various developmental disabilities that continue to emerge to tap into the love and frustration of parents of children with disabilities.

Controversial Therapies exposes the ugly, inconvenient truth about sensory integration, auditory integration training, facilitated communication, positive behavior support, and a host of other fads and bogus treatments. Jacobson, Foxx, and Mulick have complied a set of chapters, and written many themselves, that provides all the ammunition that anyone needs to shoot down these wasteful and chronic malignancies that pervade the field of developmental disabilities and especially autism.

I use this text in my ethics course along with Ethics for Behavior Analysts (Bailey & Burch) and find that the combination makes for a great foundation for logical and responsible thinking about important treatment issues in our field.

Jon Bailey
co-author "How to Think Like a Behavior Analyst"

I just ordered another copy of Courage and Contentment because I keep giving mine away. I've read this book cover to cover several times, flipped open to a page or read a chapter that is pertinent to what's going on in my life at the moment. The beauty of it is that Gurumayi's words have never failed to help me change my inner state from negative to peaceful almost instantly. The book is a treasure.

I've been reading spiritual books for over 25 years and I can't think of another book that addresses the Spiritual Journey more directly or more profoundly. I relished reading this book. With "courage and contentment," our life is truly rewarding.

This book's insights are not only profound, but also inspiring. They motivated me and, yes, even empowered me to go deeper. My practices are stronger as a result of reading this powerful little book. What more could I ask? Thank you, Gurumayi!

I have easily read Courage and Contentment over 10 times since I bought it in 2002. Everytime I open this book, I find EXACTLY what it is that I need to learn at that given moment. When a seeker is tuned into the Heart and is truly searching for the Truth within, Gurumayi's words are just the bridge that is needed to take one across the ocean of wordly life into Heaven on Earth. This may sound like an awful lot of praise for a simple book; however, this is not merely a 'simple book'. Although the ideas appear to be simple and the words used are easily understood by all, the writings reveal a deeper level of meaning upon each reading.

I cannot express in words what a gift this book is. I recommend it to anyone who is looking for the Bliss of the Heart; for the innate joy within their very own being. Courage and Contentment is a blessing of a book, and regardless of what faith (or lack thereof) or religious background, I guarantee the reader will benefit from Gurumayi's simple, yet poignant message.

Blessings.

What's really cool about this book in particular is that it has both "long" chapters and "very short" chapters where Gurumayi Chidvilasananda addresses a crucial Teaching in just a few words -- this makes this book very "user-friendly". With this book, I know that I ALWAYS have time to read something no matter how much time I actually have in front of me. Every chapter is life changing, especially the one "This Path is for the Courageous" where she addresses the fears and doubts that spiritual seekers may encounter in the course of their journey of disciplined Yogic practices. I have been studying Religion and Philosophy for quite a number of years now, and I must admit that having read almost all of Gurumayi's books and Muktananda's, I really understand why they are said to be amongst the most authentic and powerful Indian meditation masters of the century (cf. "Encylopedie des Religions, Bayard, Paris). Any sincere seeker should read this book.

I actually heard Gurumayi give the talk that is the title of this book and for the longest time I couldn't put courage and contentment together in a way that I understood, but I know that since hearing her talk and from reading the book and thinking about courage and contentment in all the many ways that the book discusses, I have come to a deeper understanding of courage and contentment. I would say that I am defintely a more contented person, because developing contentment is a priority now. And in many ways I am less fearful. I am in touch with my own courage. It's inside me for sure.

Definitely, reading the book and taking in what Gurumayi says and thinking about it and trying to live as she suggests, has made a tremendous difference for me.

What is remarkable, that I've just realized, is that "Courage and Contentment" really addresses fear and greed, which have run rampant in my life and, from what I can tell, are pretty much the causes of a lot of what's happening in the world today. So I think that Gurumayi, even though she comes from a very old tradition with roots in antiquity, is extremely contemporary and important, especially now.

This is a great book and she's a great writer and speaker.

Rick Ott's Creating Demand is an easy to read marketing book
written for new and seasoned entrepreneurs. This book is not about your marketing, it's the motor that drives your marketing.

My favorite part of this book is where Rick talks about how people are influenced by others when they make decisions. He gives really practical examples in the book about how to connect with people where they are. A great book if you don't know marketing very well. If you do know marketing, Rick Ott says things you have heard, but makes them stand out with clear examples you may not have thought about.

Creating Demand is an excellent book for marketing almost any product or concept. Ott's ideas are clearly expressed and powerfully presented. I checked this book out of the library first, but by the time I reached page 10 and had 12 pages of notes, I knew I needed to buy it! I highly recommend this book, even to someone who doesn't work in marketing for a living. If you have a product, concept, idea, or talent to sell, read this book!

This is an ideal book for anyone who wants to grow their business FASTER

I was so delighted to learn that this book is back in print. It's a classic on the psychology and practicalities of motivating human beings to buy. I refer to this again and again in my writing on marketing. Run and buy it today!

It arrived in a timely fashion and was in good condition. My customer was very pleased.

This book is a must read for anyone who is going on a short term mission trip. It reveals some things that you would never have thought of and helps you to change your thought process to better minister to others. READ this book.

Because of the way I was raised, my ESL training, and my experiences in Africa, it may be that I am actually better at "other world cultures" than the subtle but shattering differences in what the author refers to as "home culture." For me, this book is as much about relationships as it is about serving other cultures.

The author's willingness to expose his own shortcomings on this subject creates a comfortable atmosphere of receptivity rather than one of exhortation. This did not dilute the intensity of my need to change some foundational thought processes. He provides some practical tools to do just that!

I have not finished it yet, but each chapter builds the case for how to be effective in cross cultural settings. I would recommend this book as required reading to all who are going as short-term or long-term missionaries.

I am using Cross-cultural Servanthood as a training tool for sending a surgical team to Mexico. It is excellent for preparing our hearts and minds to serve. It doesn't just tell you to be a servant but it tells you how to be one. I have read many book on short term missions but this book rises to the top as a 'must read' before going on the field. Last year we used Elmer's book Cross-cultural Connections and it too had fresh new insights that challenged our team to think more deeply about the impact we may have in another culture.

"Rowe provides a rich picture not only of a particular group of homeless people, but also of the complicated interactions between the marginalized and those who try to help them." -MDSQ Book News

The preceding reviews and comments were presented to the author with permission from: 1. Deirdre Oakley, Psychiatric Services and 2. Cynthia Karlton, Journal of Addiction and Mental Health.

Crossing the Border makes a noteworthy contribution to the field [of qualitative studies of outreach work.] It should be considered an essential read for everyone- from administrators to those on the front line- working with the most marginalized among the homeless.

"Rowe provides a rich picture not only of a particular group of homeless people, but also of the complicated interactions between the marginalized and those who try to help them." -MDSQ Book News

Having been an outreach worker for roughly six years, I found this book to be surprisingly well written. Too often, books tackling this subject present mere caracatures of the people it talks about, vieweing the subjects more as data or political process than real human beings.

This book presents many different points of views and differing types of outreach workers and the people they seek to help. The homeless are not condescended to nor are the outreach workers glamorized. It is quite factual and quite objective.

I saw myself in some of the types and picked up excellent little reminders about the whole homeless issue and those whose lives it affects. If you are looking for a bit more of the 'human' connection of those who are on the front lines (as opposed to the theorists, the politicians, the directors and others removed from the field), this is a great book toward that end.

A fan of Mamet, I've read all but two of his plays. I've enjoyed every single one and this ranks among my favorite. I recommend it to all play-readers and theater lovers around the globe! Especially Mamet fans! Read it and I promise you won't be able to put it down!

A fan of Mamet, I've read all but two of his plays. I've enjoyed every single one and this ranks among my favorite. I recommend it to all play-readers and theater lovers around the globe! Especially Mamet fans! Read it and I promise you won't be able to put it down!

It's too bad this doesn't get the same recognition that Mamet's other works, esp. Glengarry Glen Ross, Speed-the-Plow, and American Buffalo get. I can only agree with the critic cited on the back who believes that "in time it will take its place among Mamet's major works."

Whereas so many of Mamet's other plays seem to be about the same thing but just given different titles (again, StP, GGR, AB) -- and don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking the "F***ing Master," as David Ives refers to him, but think about it, I'm right! -- The Crypotogram is completely uncharacteristic Mamet. It isn't necessarily doing what Mamet does best i.e. capitalism, but nonetheless, I think it's breathtaking.

The construction of the Cryptogram seems so fragile. As only Mamet can do with language, such a compelling spell is created, and it's undeniably intriguing -- the different worlds of adult language vs. children's language. Who has even given such thought to the idea? The idea that "grownups are speaking in code, and that that code may never be breakable" is established so subtly that at first I thought I missed it, I kept waiting for some more concrete dividing line -- but therein is Mamet's gift. To actually hear the language that Del and Donny speak as an adult, while simultaneously imagining hearing it as John might reveals this "code," and it is somewhat unsettling -- just the idea that such a difference exists. Certainly a clever illustration not only of how language can be interpreted differently, but of language's power in general -- to empower, persuade, dissuade, enlighten, shield, to keep in the dark, to be used as a weapon, or as defense, to conceal, and to reveal.

Perhaps one of Mamet's darkest plays, but well-written (so often a rarity) and full of ideas.

Incidentally, I'm a college student and would love to direct this play for my senior project, except it requires a 9 yr old of extraordinary talent, which seem to be in short supply on college campuses.

Straight dirty, man. Just nasty, mad literary like. Cryptogram is down on that mad intelligence tip, man.

This is a strange, elliptical play. I did not enjoy it as much as some of the other Mamet maniacs here, but I will admit that, in the months since I've read it, I just can't get it out of my head.

A lot of this play exists in the subtext of the language and in Mamet's clever "uses of the knife." Since it is very hard to imagine it off the page, much of the time it seems like nothing is happening. I would like to see the play performed, but I think it is unlikely. Finding a ten-year-old who can pull off such a complicated role is probably too much of a headache for most theater producers.

This play is, yes, different than a Glen Garry or American Buffalo. But it is still full of Mamet. If the maestro floats your boat, go for it.

My Current Pediatric Dx and Tx gets used every day in class. If you are required another book for classes, add this book as a supplament.

Everyone recommended big fat books of pediatrics, with lots of words and little answers. But this book is all you want and need to know about in your pediatrics rotations. With diagnostic essentials, getting through diseases just gets a lot easier, and with therapeutical answers, it just builds good doctors. I specially liked the chapter on antimicrobials and vaccines, so essential in pediatric care. Definitely a must have for a good medical student with lot to learn and too little time (at the end, that's what medicine is all about). All my medschool classmates just wanted to have my book.

This was my reference of choice when I was an intern at a busy major children's hospital. It's comprehensive, not too heavy to lug around, gives you the important details and gives you references as to where to go next for further reading. It's not always enough information when it comes to specific cases. I usually went to UpToDate, PedsinReview or lit searches at that point. I think this is a solid book to have early in your career because it lets you cover the most relevant material in a readable manner. As a second year, I don't go back to Currents as much and mostly go with articles.

this is a well-written, decent source of information that I feel is geared more for medical students than residents. Its purpose is to familiarize the reader with common and well-known conditions and basic treatment definitions, along with basic epidemiology. It is not a one-stop reference for diseases, however, in that it will not go into detail regarding treatment including dosages and often time course of treatment; discussion of pathophysiology is quite limited. it certainly is unnecessary for a medical student to know whether to treat with high-dose vs. regular dose antibiotics, or whether single vs. double coverage for a given infection is more appropriate. but it would be much more helpful to your resident or attending to have such information in a reference book.

this book is an easy read; however, if you are in residency or beyond, i'd humbly suggest skipping this book and going for something along the lines of a Nelson's Textbook of Peidatrics. but if you're looking for a basic definition of diseases, then this book is certainly sufficient.

Designed by experts, and with care; "Current Pediatric Diagnosis & Treatment" is one book that both paediatricians and GPs know too well. It covered every aspect of child's health-care in a way that would arouse envy in other texts. Its superior methodology is one factor that has kept its name above others. The authors of this book deserve tons of commendations. They did a fantastic job. Every chapter of the book speaks for them!
Its illustrations are utterly comprehensive; and the frequency with which its information is updated ensure that only the most current advances in paediatrics are included.
Very welcomed! Books of this quality would ensure that doctors (and medics) will always live upto their respective billings.