Money Books

The first half of this book is a humorous retelling of Levenson's childhood as the youngest of a large immigrant family in New York in the first quarter of the 20th century. I found this part very entertaining. I laughed and smiled throughout and considered it a very "light" read.

The second half talks about issues of race, children, and education today. It's a little outdated, but I found that most of the things he mentions are true today. He has ideas about child-rearing and education that are not practiced, and should be. This nonfiction book is very humorous, smart, well-written, and has the potential to be influential if enough people are willing to read it.

I came across this book when I was in high school amongst a pile of old books. I ended up rereading it several times. It is an excellent book, extremely funny, and wise. It gives a very good picture of what life was like in the past, when people were much poorer than they are today but before they absorbed what I call the culture of resentment. Levenson's parents were jewish immigrants from the old country. His father worked hard but never made much money. But they were proud and self reliant and the children all grew up to partake of the opportunities in America.

Sam Levenson in person was a small round bespectacled forever- smiling warm human being. He was a great television- star in the early days of the medium and made numerous guest appearances on Ed Sullivan and Johnny Carson shows.
This book tells the story of his growing up as one child in a family of eight in a very very materially poor family. Levenson very early makes it clear that in the really important things, the love of parents, the caring relations between siblings, the warmth and humor and love which pervaded the family, the respect for hard work, the respect for other human beings and real appreciation of them the family was anything but poor.
Levenson writes especially warmly about his mother who kept the whole show running at home, and his father, a hard- working tailor. For Levenson's family education, was the way up and out of poverty. He tells us the story of each of his siblings. He also gives a wonderful picture of another time in America, poorer in some ways but so much richer in others.
Levenson is funny even when he is not trying to be. And this book is just a great great pleasure to read especially in the first narrative part before he provides solutions for 'world- problems' in the second section.
Here are some of the funny things Levenson said through the years. The List is taken from the entry on him in 'Wikipedia'.

"It's so simple to be wise. Just think of something stupid to say and then don't say it."
"Any beast can cry over the misfortunes of its own child. It takes a mensch to weep for others' children."
"It's not the sugar that makes the tea sweet, but the stirring."
"Any kid who has two parents who are interested in him and has a houseful of books isn't poor."
"Insanity is hereditary; you get it from your children."
"I'm going to stop putting things off, starting tomorrow!
"The reason grandparents and grandchildren get along so well is that they have a common enemy."
"You must learn from the mistakes of others. You can't possibly live long enough to make them all yourself."
"It was on my fifth birthday that Papa put his hand on my shoulder and said, 'Remember, my son, if you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm!!'
"I admit that: my wife is outspoken, but by whom?"
"Don't watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going."
"Happiness is a by-product. You cannot pursue it by itself."
"If you want to know how your girl will treat you after marriage, just listen to her talking to her little brother."
"We should not permit prayer to be taken out of the schools; that's the only way most of us got through."
One of the most heimishe mensch that ever doubled as a stand- up- comedian.

Ever felt like not having enough money. Read this once and you will realise that money and happiness are two separate things.

The book makes you laugh while it teaches you lessons in true human psycholgy - specially applied to children.

This book will be old dog eared and cherrished. Your hardest problem will be keeping it for yourself as you will most likely lend it out and lose it along the way. Better to have two of these books. One personal and another for everyone else.

Father Sandro's Money is an intricate story of the LaRosa family who escape from poverty and an abusive priest in Italy to build a new life in the United States. K weaves the fictional story into true historical events with descriptive details. You can almost smell the molasses in the streets of Boston!

Once you start this book, it is almost impossible to put down until you have finished it. You will find yourself cheering on Maria and her family as they overcome obstacles and become successful in their new homeland. A wonderful read, can't believe it is K's first published work. I eagerly anticipate more books from her in the future.

Set back in Italy, in 1910, Maria Avita is taking care of her six children. She often thinks about her husband and two oldest sons who left Italy for America. Joseph wrote letters saying there were great opportunities in America, and he will send for them soon. Well, not soon enough, thought Maria Avita. There were many hardships in Italy. With very little to no money, she had to provide for herself and the children.

Louisa, the oldest girl, had to take care of her siblings, while Maria went into town to get food. There was hardly any kindling to make a fire in the cold damp months of spring. Maria had to get to America faster somehow!

A young priest always made his rounds to the houses everyday to make sure families contributed their meager earnings to the church; which he would collect. He also went to the houses for other reasons. To seek out the young girls and make sure they paid their dues to him also.

But he made a mistake when he went after young Louisa. For when Maria Avita saw Father Sandro on top of her daughter and heard her muffled cries, that was the end of him, and the beginnings of new opportunities for the LaRosa family.

That was only on the first few pages! The rest of the story is how she and Joseph survived in America. There, they started their lives anew together. There were many things that happened over the 30 years they lived in America. Their eight children lived and died through many events; The Molasses Flood, The Spanish Influenza and World War I.

K Spirito tells a wonderful, but very emotional story. I found myself crying at certain points because I was there with the LaRosa's, living through their times of triumph, and times of tragedy.

What a great storyteller!

This is a well-researched story, molding a fictional tale around actual events of an Italian immigrant family's new lease on life in Boston's North End.

It is also well-paced and descriptive, helping to immerse you into the actual scenes of the family's celebration of life, as well as the calamities that befall it, with former ties to its homeland returning to haunt it.

And through it all is Mama LaRosa's guiding hand, praising, scolding, encouraging, soothing ... 'til the very end.

I look forward to viewing this story on the large screen.

What a fantastic book! You need to read this work of art!

This story is about the trials and tribulations of the LaRosa family. You will follow the family from Italy to America. Your heart will ache for Maria as she bids goodbye to her husband and two of her sons.

Experience the joy they must have felt as the two are reunited and start their lives over in the New World. Share in the wonders of their lives and mourn their losses.

You will laugh and cry in this riviting, emotion packed novel. Wow! What a creative woman K Spirito is to have given birth to such an excentric family and to have placed them in actual events in time.

The book was well titled and very fascinating. The research that was done was well noticed. I enjoyed the book for it was one I didn't want to put down it took me a day and a half. In fact I have read it twice. The things that a mother will do for her childred are so true as she has written. How everything came together at the end was great.

This book gives the basic blue print on how to be better stewards over our finances. The author puts a spirtual perspective on how God wants us to use our finances to advance his kingdom, as well as reducing financial worry. God has certainly annointed this man with the wisdom needed concerning this issue.

Written with honesty and humor, the friendly conversational style of this book, makes reading about financial management a pleasure instead of the usual chore of wading through dull facts and figures. The author's perspective on the value of material resources provides a refreshing alternative to the "get all you can" mentality of contemporary American culture. More important than HOW MUCH money you make, have, and spend, he says, is HOW you choose to manage it, for true financial freedom is an attitude, not an amount. He writes of the spiritual responsibility of stewardship of material resources, using them to gain freedom from selfishness by helping others obtain greater freedom. Prioritizing needs, wants, and desires helps guide spending so as to bring optimum satisfaction and enjoyment. Practical steps for the reduction and control of debt are discussed, including many helpful tips for simplifying life and lowering spending. Two chapters are devoted to the principles and strategies of investment. One of the particular strengths of this book is the consideration of personality types in regard to spending, investing, and financial decision making with one's spouse. Recommended for an enjoyable and educational read.

Ray Linder writes a book that is not only interesting and at times humorous but is easily understandable by the lay person. He makes an often dull subject come alive and packs it full of practical advice on putting ones financial house in order and keeping it that way. Ray points out the common traps we all fall into and offers solutions that are "do-able". Acknowledging that conflicts surrounding money are often the greatest sources of friction between husbands and wives, Ray addresses this problem by explaining how different personalities handle money issues in very different ways. While using sound spiritual principles of money management, he also takes into account that we need to enjoy life and encourages making allowance for the things we like to do. I would recommend this book highly to anyone wishing to be free of the constant tyranny finances often play in our lives.

Ray Linder is an author with the background to write such a book. He is a Registered Financial Advisor, has an MBA, worked for IBM and as a financial consultant for some pretty famous people. Ray is also a lecturer who speaks to teach and not to sell. I read his first book and he writes with his reader in mind. This new book does not disappoint. In fact, it takes the next step by including chapters on Personality Types and their spending and saving behaviours. Eye-opening stuff. Here, too, Ray has legitimacy for he is a certified MBTI Personality Type consultant. No one will walk away from this book and not know how to invest and manage not only their investments but also their spending. Ray does something here that I have not seen others do: when he speaks of budgeting, he includes money for SPENDING. Most stress SAVING to the point that one feels guilty when spending. Another great thing is that Ray learned from personal experience that material wealth alone will not bring fulfillment. He,therefore, addresses the spiritual side of money, that having it is a bonus but using it wisely is a joy. You will learn rich lessons for financial strategic planning and for richness in life as well.

The world of Finance has been a subject that is complicated to me so I was wonderfully surprised to find Ray Linder's book not only interesting and understandable but a pleasure to read. I was especially pleased with his references to Scriptures. and "helps" for the different personality types. It was a joy to read and contains a wealth of information to help you to better understand the financial world.

I don't read much,but i have beable to read this book about 5 times and still don't get tired of reading it. it is definetly worth the money. Its an awesome book and you don't get bored reading it. so everyone should read it.

A spine tingling story with lots of twists and turns. Lawson's take on the vampire myth is brilliant. Once you pick it up you can't put it down. A must read for fans of horror and science fact or fiction alike.

I picked up book after some friends told me about it and said I would love it, and they were right. It has action , alittle romance, plot twists, good backstory on the characters, and a good plot opening for the next book. This book is for both people who are big on vampire stories or for people who never read one before.

Martin and Julie must face the everyday dangers of vampirism, while, at the same time, trying to catch the one responsible for taking the formula. What formula, you ask? Only the one that would allow vampires to venture into the sunlight! What a wonderous thing that would be for them. Really! It is action-packed, and keeps you on the edge! You don't want to stop reading! At least, I didn't. I am anxious for a sequel, and I also think this could very well be made into a movie! Wouldn't that be cool? With all the action and conflict, there is a /very/ good chance of that.

Picked this book up because of the cool title. Not your typical vampire story. Far from being Gothic, the story actually revolves around providing a window into the real-life struggles of a man, Martin, who happens to be a vampire falling for a woman, Julie, who is not. Their relationship is tested by the classic fight against evil in the form of vampires who are not bound by Martin's moral code.

The author also gives the reader pleasurable glimpses into how other moral vampires (and not vampires) have managed to carve out a "normal" life for themselves despite the the disease which forces them to embarace the mystery of the night while shunning the warmth of the day.

Great read. Maybe this one will end up on the screen because of all the action.

April 15th is a notorious date for most people. It's one that is filled with either anticipation or trepidation. There's not too much middle ground. With this date as the national tax day, each year we are faced with paying our common uncle his due. In her book, FOR THE LOVE OF MONEY, Shannon Nash sets up to explain the in's and out's of taxes in a clear, yet entertaining manner. She uses practical, real world examples coupled with some of our favorite songs to help demystify an otherwise cloudy topic.

This book leaves no stone unturned - there is something for everyone! Ms. Nash does a fine job in starting with the basics of a federal tax return, the 1040, and explaining the various filing status and eligible deductions. Other items that are covered in the book are various tax topics, such as partnerships, itemized deductions, capital gains and losses as well as IRS Audits, just to name a few.

You'll be doing yourself a disservice if you do not pick up a copy of FOR THE LOVE OF MONEY, even if you're a seasoned tax professional. The topics were covered in an informative manner that was clear yet humorous. The references to songs at times was a bit cumbersome, yet all in all, this was a helpful guide into an otherwise complicated topic. This is the first book I read authored by Ms. Nash, but I will look forward to future reads by this author.

Reviewed by Nedine
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

In this post-Hurricane Katrina world one of the things we should have learned: rainy days will come, so be financially prepared. The 411 gives easy to read instructions on how to be comfortable now and later, and how to survive those rainy days. If you're ready to become a financial success--no matter how much or how little you make--this is the book for you.

Get rich or protech your millions and have fun while doing it... That's what investing and this book are all about. The 411 will take just about all readers (including those who have already been successful) "to the next level". I highly recommend it, especially the expansive Chapter 10: FAQs.

-Steve

Every business owner/entreprenuer should buy this book! It masterfully breaks down some of the most important money matters and tax tools business owners need. Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand, this book gives clear and concise information in an easy to understand and humorous way.

Owner
Reliable Distribution Group, LLC

While other books tend to get wrapped up in technical jargon leaving readers with unanswered questions, this book does the exact opposite. By tapping into the world of music, "For The Love of Money," directly correlates tax terms with melodies and rhythms using old school R&B artists and today's Hip-Hop icons. Navigating through 1040s just got easier thanks to Shannon taking the "how" and "why" approach. And, for those "blessed" folks looking to invest, here's an introductory guide for playing the Wall Street numbers game. This is a fun read. Too bad text books aren't written this way - we'd have a lot more people interested in majoring in finance and business. I definitely recommend this book!!

Wow - this book (and all of the books and study materials created through Crown Ministries) has been so helpful in teaching me God's perspective on money, debt and even business success. I have learned so many valuable lessons that I hadn't ever heard in life before. This book gave me information, direction and insights that have changed my whole way of thinking about money. As an entrepreneur I am now wanting to do my business (and personal finances) God's way instead of my way. I've already seen some pretty huge miracles in my business and I look forward to many more. Our money, possessions and successes are all gifts from God - and once we realize that, and live accordingly I think we can experience greater peace and gain a clearer perspective on how to plan our futures.

I have shared this book with family and friends. It is comprehensive, clear and encouaging in its Biblical approach to financial issues. In an age where debt is out of control, this measured and timeless wisdom is both refreshing and hopeful! I would recommend this book as well as the Crown Financial seminars to everyone that I know.

This book is like all the other financial books but one thing the other financial books don't offer is God's wisdom. I have read a couple financial books but this one I truely enjoyed reading.

This book is simple to understand. It makes people understand the importance of debt-free living and the steps to get debt-free. The book truly teaches God's way of handling money.

This book is geared toward Christians who want a better handle on their finances. Borrowing has become so much a part of the culture that it's easy to buy into the message that debt is normal and necessary. That is not God's plan. God wants his people to be free of bondage to debt. The problem is that so many have dug themselves in so deep, that they can't a see way to escape.

Howard Dayton lays out an easy to follow road map that shows you how to master debt, and begin to save and invest to provide freedom. Freedom that allows you to manage your (actually God's) money in a way that can eliminate stress and have eternal value.

How to escape debt and invest wisely is intimidating for many people. This book is not intimidating. It is clear and simple in its approach. Its credibility comes from an author who has a long track record of helping people manage their finances. The biblical platform for the principles is timeless and effective. Free and Clear is a fine start for the basics of personal finance from God's perspective.

The author became a millionaire as a early teenager, made his second million by sixteen, and defied his background raised by a single parent in the impoverished south side of Chicago as the youngest of five children. His success was tied to attitude, tenacity and a rejection of the common lies about money and success - and GET REAL, GET RICH identifies seven lies and tells how to overcome them in real-world situations. It's an inspirational game plan for success that any general lending audio library needs.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

I have only made it to chapter two and already feel like I am on my way to my first second, and third millions. I recommend this book to anybody who is looking for a real outlook on becomng a millionaire. Coming from one of the poorest neighborhoods in Atlanta I could relate to this author. I look forward to finishing the book.

Well, fellow readers, you've GOT to believe you can get rich if you're ever going to make that dream a reality! HOW do you change your thinking so you can aim for excellence and for success? Farrah Gray can help.

In seven chapters, he deconstructs seven "lies" that may be preventing you from:

--seeing your own potential
--discovering your life's purpose (and therefore your life's work)
--taking action (and getting rich is all about taking action!)

I can't say I agreed with every point the author made. But his advice certainly worked for him! He became successful at an early age, and there's nothing like following the lead of a mentor who's done what you want to do (in this case, get rich).

Read this one for the motivation, for new ideas, for a fresh look at what's been holding you back and what you can do about it.

After reading this book, it's clear that one must plan and execute in order to succeed. Everything Mr. Gray teaches, he constantly stresses that one must take CONSISTENT ACTION towards his or her goals, objectives and dreams.

I found the "7 Lies" interesting, especially the "Hard Work Lie". I think the re-evaluation of "hard work" as a part of success is necessary. Someone once told me that hard work is doing something you dislike in the name of survival. Doing what you love to do as a career should never be "work", but a labor of love that will make you the first in and the last to leave. We should all be SO fortunate to find our Divine Mission.

I was most impressed with Farrah Gray's earlier book (Reallionaire). My daughter knew I was an admirer of Mr. Gray and presented me with "Get Real, Get Rich: Conquer The 7 Lies Blocking You From Success", as one of my birthday presents. Reallionaire was informative, entertaining, and marvelously inspirational. Dr. Gray's life is a cogent reminder that wisdom is not synonymous with a number. Chutzpah is not exemplified by a number. Experience is not contained in a number. Some of the smartest people on this earth are young. Conversely, many of the dumbest people in the world are old.

Get Real, Get Rich: gives the reader more nuts and bolts than Reallionaire. It focuses on how to achieve success in all areas of life ... by telling the reader not just "what" to do but also showing "how" to do it. It is not filled with charts, graphs, and other mundane fillers. Instead, it is packed with lots of down-home-anecdotal information ... for quick, fun, and stimulating reading.

Mr. Gray is spot on when he states: "Too many of us live paycheck to paycheck and pray those compilations of books, CDs, and DVDs will somehow lead us to automatic wealth". He emphasizes throughout the book that everything comes with a price. If you are willing to pay the price, he subsequently shows poignant guidelines for fulfilling one's purpose in life. In one section the reader discovers "wealth potential". This deals with all facets of the individual ... not just his/her bank account.


My favorite part of the book shows all participants how to define, discover, and demystify, their mission in life. It is done by asking everyone to answer three profound questions. I will share one with you: "What comes easy to you but harder to others?" Similar to this question, I found Get Real, Get Rich ... easy to read but difficult to put aside ... until I had read it from cover to cover. I encourage you to do the same.
Reviewed by Reginald V. Johnson, Upper Saddle River, NJ

To majority of people a minimalist lifestyle has little attractiveness because in this day and age we are taught to spend and enjoy our lives through acquiring material things. However, Peter recommends that one may reach a higher level of happiness if one was to spend within its means and maximizing its utility per resource level (in economic terms). Concept of minimalism doesn't mean that you cannot purchase expensive things, but rather buying things within your own means and not wasting any capital on additional items that do not provide similar satisfaction or utility. What a refreshing concept during our current housing and debt crisis!! I highly recommend Appendix G for a brief summary of the main ideas of the book.

The book is a quick read but lingers long afterward in the caverns of your mind. Why? Because too many of us feel like that proverbial hamster. Our wheel is spinning ever faster but we are going nowhere. Fast! How to remedy that situation is not easy. Peter comes up with a variety of ways of thinking about energy, consumption, lifestyle, diet, the whole mish-mash of the thing we call life. He makes you question the notion of a 'good life'. I found the book provocative and engaging. Some of it was humorous. Kudos for weaving Seinfeld into the story! Bottom line: the book is not a panacea. Don't think that was ever its intention. Or pretension. It merely makes one think. And for that I'm grateful to have read it. (full disclosure: I too have met the author)

The book recounts the author (who in full disclosure I know and is how I became aware of the book, but this is an honest review.) has pared down his life considerably, and lives with a lot of things many of us would consider necessities. I don't realistically think his experience will translate to the population at large, and he admits as much.

Those limitations aside, he builds a good case for a minimalist lifestyle not only from a perspective of what is good for the planet, society, but also what is good for the individual. A particular point is our reliance on automobiles and a sedentary life is making us more obese as a nation. He also pulls from a range of sources in historical and contemporary literature to make the case that these are tried and true ideas. Making no claim to being ground breaking, it is a nice summarization of thought in support of a minimalist lifestyle.

The value of "The Happy Minimalist" is not in the descriptive reasons for his lifestyle, but the prescriptive remedies and suggestions he takes from his experience. He provides real usable tips for reducing the impact of your life and on your life that modern age throws us. For instance, what put Lawrence on the path of writing this book was his encounter with a doctor who prescribed medicine for a chronic condition. Upon further studying Lawrence decided that regimen of diet and exercise could correct the situation, something the doctors said was not possible. However months later his condition disappeared. I think this says more about our desire for a quick fix. There are many paths to health, wealth and well being that do not require consumption.

The book's value is another example of what can be done with less without a decline in happiness or quality of life. There are things in the book that will give you a pause and think, and you can't ask for much more than that out of a book.

This is a very timely and thought-provoking book. I read it as a cogently argued philosophy rather than a how-to-manual, although both themes reverberate in different part of this book. At a time when oil and food prices are soaring, medical costs are unthinkably forbidding, and the environment of our beloved Earth in severe stress,nothing could be more refreshing than a carefully laid out thesis for minimalist living and consumption. Lawrence argues convincingly that happiness and the pleasures of life can still be savored while reducing consumption to the barest minimum. Yes it does take a re-orientation of our values and some personal discipline. And no, the economy does not need to come crashing down if everyone adopts a minimalistic lifestyle. This is a must read for singles, young people, married couples and families alike - for everyone who cares about where we are headed.

A thought provoking book that not only asks the question "When is enough, enough?", but poses an answer that is much less than you thought (and with a smile!). Lawrence explores the monetary costs of our lifestyles and the impact on an environment increasingly under stress from an increasing population wanting more.

He provides a detailed account of the various decisions he made, weighing the costs and benefits of every lifestyle choice that we all make: furniture, consumer goods, daily expenditures and so forth. But do we really appreciate the true cost of these items? In a provocative and thought provoking manner, Lawrence seeks to address these questions with his own choices: by having so little he has lots.

I've met Kim and I can almost hear her voice as I read this great book. It truly comes from the heart and her advice and lessons are right on target. It is timely, thorough, easy to read and understand...If you have ever used, spent, earned, invested or saved money, you should own this book.

Kim's new book is a wonderful combination of common sense, organization and teaching from hard learned experiences. The book is like talking with Kim: easy to understand and will motivate you into action. Kim would tell you; do it yourself, you have your best interest at heart.

I really liked this book. I found the material to be comprehensive in nature and very easy to understand. Anyone who will read this book and apply these concepts and advice should be well prepared to be "Family CFO".

As a participant in the Snider Method, I can tell you this is pure Kim. It is well organized, well annotated, and outline summaries are in the back. You can use this book as a manual for organizing your financial life!

This was a wonderful book to read, I would recommend it to everyone. I learned a lot about personal finance, they should teach this stuff in school.

This book is a must read!! If you know anyone that has credit or financial issues, teenagers about to graduate from HS and college age kids-this would be a great gift for any occasion. Kids need to be informed now before they go out and start opening credit accounts they will later regret. They need to be educated on how to establish and maintain a great credit rating. Parents can use this as a guide. Buy it and read it for yourself. I am happy I have this book and look forward to sharing it and all that I have learned from it.

I've read many books on credit and this is one of the better ones. I like the fact that you can read what applies to you if you choose. You don't have to read the entire book from front to back but i'd recommend it for complete understanding.

It's very easy to follow, up-to-date, comprehensive. Highlights- a great chapter on credit scoring and improving your score; a good section on finding a good credit counselor; establishing and re-establishing credit, negotiating with collectors and I liked the tests after each chapter. The only thing I would have like more of is some negotiating tips but overall it's good.

I'd recommend Liz Weston's Your Credit Score as well.

I read this book and was amazed by the amount of information it gave. This author hits every area of credit that people need help with. Everything from credit scores to id theft is covered here and in great detail. It even gives little quizes at the end of each chapter to help you retain the info. The best part is that the chapters are so well segmented that you can just flip to the area you need help with and go from there.

This book by far is the best credit guide out there today. The ones I've read in the past just touch on certain things here and there, but this author really gives you what you need. I'm buying copies for each of my college children. It is highly recommended!

I found this book very helpful and honest. It builds upon knowledge that you may already have on credit repair, and is a great resource for someone just tackling their credit.

This book is definately informative. It not only helps you understand ways to repair your credit, but gives you knowledge of how to make responsible decisions in using credit. It covers every aspect of credit from the major players, credit scores, and how to reestablish and establish credit.