Tips Books

I've read a lot of books on self publishing. I decided on self publishing for myself because I didn't want to take 18 months to get a book published, and I didn't want to share the profits if I had to do the marketing anyway.

The problem with these types of self publishing books is that they contain a lot of information on self publishing, but in the marketing chapters the marketing information is skimpy at best.

Another problem I had was that when I looked for information specifically on book marketing, I really couldn't find a whole lot that allowed me to take full advantage of the internet (i.e. getting the word out quickly and automating some of the work.)

What information that was available involved having to travel, or doing tasks that are really time consuming. Because of my schedule and lifestyle, I needed marketing techniques that were fairly easy to do, effective, and could be done at home.

Finding this book is like an answer to a prayer. It does everything I mentioned about and includes plenty of techniques on how to market your book online specifically using Amazon. Since Amazon is the number one bookstore online anyway, it's where you want to go because that's where your customers are.

Sampson includes all of the techniques and even rates them for you so you know which ones are the most effective. It is a fast read (will only take you a couple of hours), and you can begin marketing on Amazon immediately.

What separates the best sellers from those books that are never read is marketing. Although many writers may avoid marketing like the plague, for those of you who don't mind marketing (I don't), this book offers you a viable opportunity to connect with your readers, make more money, and spend less time doing it. Even if you hate marketing, this is a good book for you because it's a great marketing plan for introverts.

Once you've written that book, and you're ready to start promoting, start with this book. It will save you the days and weeks I spent researching to find the right marketing information.

This book will save you time, it will save you money, and it will end any stress you may have over trying to figure out how to market your books and make money from them. Highly recommended.

Jinger Jarrett, Author, Internet Marketing for Free: The GUIDE: Internet Marketing to GO!

Having gone through this book several times, I have gotten several great ideas about selling on Amazon. It was not necessarily something specific the book said, more like 'Oh, and I could do that!, or thats a great idea.'

You may have wondered, what benefit could I possibly get from doing a list or listmania. As a reviewer, I think 'what's the point?' tons of people look at these lists, but hardly anyone says they are helpful?

From an author's perspective though these lists are read by thousand of people, and if you tweak your presentation as the author suggests, that is thousands of potential customers for your book. In addition, if you do not already write reviews, this can also give you much exposure, and if you develop some skill as the author suggests, you can raise your profile.

The multiple book strategy, I found very useful, and the ebook strategy he mentioned is also valuable. If you don't already know about ISBN numbers, hello, then you need to get the book.

How can a new writer have a similar presence to a seasoned writer on an Amazon search?

What are the economics of an ebook versus a regular paperback? Very useful to know.

My personal recommendation to you is study how other authors market themselves, how you notice them as you peruse, and what they do to stand out. Some top reviewers on Amazon are also authors. Look at what they do on their profiles.

If you're like me, you,ll get some inspired ideas of how to use information and strategies in the book. I hope this is helpful to you.

If you were to find this helpful, please click yes.

This book is truly Amazing!
Amazon is some machine these days and this book will give you the tools to be its `Master' and not its `Monkey'.
All aspects of Marketing your book via Amazon (and in some cases beyond) are covered in this easy to read, easy to follow book.
Not only does it coach you through what paths are relevant for you, it also suggest how effective they may be.
A must read on self publishing along, with `Aiming at Amazon' and the legendary `Self Publishing Manual'

Introduced to writing by Chris Baty's NaNoWriMo, I spent three years writing my Airman's Trilogy, all the while trying to determine how to market my work the conventional way. You know, find an agent willing to take you on and shop your stuff at publishing houses. Then along came POD and the tools provided by Amazon.

Amazon introduced CreateSpace, freeing the newbie author of the "conventional way". Sampson's book provides a shining path through the maze of Amazon and picks up after publishing with CreateSpace to educate the author about the selling tools provided Amazon. It's step by step approach is refreshing to the newbie writer of this review.

Fast & Furious Book Promotion

I just finished reading Brent Sampson's Sell Your Book on Amazon and recommend it to any author looking to use Amazon more effectively. The book will help you navigate the sometimes clunky nature of Amazon, show you tactics you may not find on your own and set up the proper mindset. The proper mindset is what I found most useful. I kept thinking of JFK's inaugural speech when he said, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country." Amazon provides its tools and has set up its website to first and foremost sell more books. If an author understands and accepts this fact, then he or she will discover how to use Amazon to help promote their own books.

Here's an example: I'm taking Brent's advice and leaving a review for his book. On this review form, I can link to any Amazon product. Well, of course I'm linking to my book on book promotion. I'm helping Amazon but also helping myself. Now if I didn't have a book of my own, I might link to another author's book. This is the mindset we need to have to use Amazon to promote our books.

Overall, I would say it is a good book for non-sales people to buy. Joe points out many things to think about and makes many good suggestions.

Two things bother me about the book:

- It has numerous typos and grammatical errors. Sometimes I've had to re-read sections to understand what he meant to say.

- There are several contradictions. One example is on page 25. He says: "If they don't return your call, wait two days before calling back." But then 2 sentences later says that you should leave a voice mail stating: "If I don't hear back from you by the end of the day, I'll try back before I leave the office."

Personally, I don't want to buy from a sales person that doesn't do what they say they are going to do, so this is a really poor suggestion and really poor customer service (especially if the person you are calling really does want to talk to you)!

This is a no B.S. book on what it takes to sell by phone.
Whether you're setting appointments or closing the deal by phone it really doesn't matter. This is a hard hitting book.
I like the authors no nonsense approach to selling. They're either a high probability prospect or not.
The book teaches you how to get in and out of calls quickly and find the buyers today. The best on phone sales I've ever read.

Joe Catal has done a great job at debunking some of the myths entailing telemarketing. In his book, aptly named, "Telesales Tips From The Trenches: Secrets Of a Street-Smart Salesman." he provides a no holds barred approach to picking up that infamous phone!

Here's a little secret you may not know. Telemarketing doesn't suck; it's the pending feeling of rejection that sucks! As a new insurance agent you should expect to be rejected a minimum of 100 times a week, and that's if you're doing real well.

I'm a naturally motivated type of guy. You tell me something negative and I'm immediately thinking how I can turn it into a positive. Joe takes a similar approach to how he handles himself on the phone by:

"Averaging 100+ calls per day since 1985 and hearing over 350,000 No's."

Throughout the book Joe provides real life stories (my favorite) and examples about how to write an effective opening; answer objections without sounding superfluous or ignorant; techniques to find hot leads and steal accounts (another one of my favorites), while laying a strong foundation by asking the right question and ASKING for the order when the time is right.

His thoughts about time management and techniques to increase the effectiveness of listening were entertaining and insightful.

"The customer should be talking 75% of the time...NEVER interrupt a person while they're talking."

Raise your hand if you've ever interrupted another person when they were in the middle of talking. Did you feel that awkward moment where you both wait about 2 seconds and speak at the same time? Next time, keep the mouth shut and if you do happen to interrupt, count to 5 in your head.

The material in his book does come off very strong, but I've noticed an increased level of confidence and control after implementing some of this strategies.

In conclusion, some of the material is not worth reading if you cannot control the pricing of your products, nor negotiate said product. However, I do give this book 5 stars and highly recommend you pick up a copy, grab a highlighter and implement some of the material IMMEDIATELY!

I was skeptical about this book, even after I read the reveiws... I went ahead and bought it and I was very pleased with the results. It should be a handbook for anyone doing telesales (Inbound and Outbound). Good for Business owners, who call clients and potential clients (He focuses on that as well). Also great for sales reps who want to increase sales. My sales increased dramatically and my calls were more productive. I think it could even prove effective for sales reps who are not on the phone.

He even goes over how to answer the phone, what to say when someone is out to lunch, and how to get past gatekeepers when making outgoing calls.
It's an easy read, almost a page-turner and interesting too. I want to memorize it and anyone in sales/marketing should... Even a seasoned salesperson.

Don't buy another book about telesales until you have read this one. Trust, it is the only one you will need.

A few things struck me about this book.

1. It teaches you when to say "No" to suspects. I learned from it to be more discerning with whom I am talking. This book tells you how to determine, in minimum of time, if you are talking to someone who can buy from you (even if the other party won't admit that he's not interested or that he doesn't have the authority to buy). Like they say on Wall Street: "fill or kill".

2. It gives you tips to help you establish your authority early in the call. How to deal with various brushoffs (more or less graciously).... When it's better to be direct, or even blunt... It's not just one style of selling, but rather a mix of hard- and soft-sell techniques that can be adapted to the situation.

3. It gives you specific expressions to use. Short sentences that sound natural and go past the initial indifference and suspicion of people... I'm studying it to learn how to keep the flow of conversation so that it doesn't seem contrived, and how to go from one idea to another in a natural way so that I don't sound like a telemarketer.

4. There's indeed no filler. Just lots of ideas about prospecting, presentation and closing. Some may not apply to your work, but you can extract the priciples. I've read this book two times and I open it almost every day. You must read it - now!

This is a great book by two no-nonsense experts in their fields.I just received the book this morning and am already well advanced in my first read :first immediate effect is a great boost to my morale because I feel my game-plan is good and when I use the book I will have an even better one.Not living in North America does not matter : I live in Japan and have already checked that most tips can be adapted to my circumstances by looking up the internet for local equivalents (a site for faxing e-mails for example).Maybe the most agressive techniques need to be localised but the strategy and the suggested execution are world-class.Highly recommended.
Vincent Dabosville, hunting for a CFO position.

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R36AF0PQJCZ40B

I have been looking for a new job for roughly 1 year now. I have tons of expeirence in my field but have no luck in getting a interview let alone getting a job. I originally signed up to receive the first 3 chapters for no charge from signing up at his web site. I have put some of his techniques in use and have gotten a few interviews and 2 job offers so far.

Guerilla Marketing for Job Hunter's stand's out in the thousands of books that you can get in help with a new job. This book gives you ideas to have the edge over every other job seeker out their. In today's tough economy this needs to be done.

i'm not usually one to review books, but this book definitely helped me in my job search... i had been searching for a job in ny for 2.5 months with minimal responses from companies... once i started revamping my cover letters and refocusing my search, i got 8 calls from companies, interviewed well thru 3 final rounds, and so far i'm at 2 offers, working on the 3rd. just try it! fyi - there are a few extreme tactics/suggestions in the book... i didn't follow them, but it gave me an idea on how i could get creative in my own way... totally worth it!

Catchy title ... I'm interested in most anything Jay Levinson authors or co-authors, and he and David Perry put together some very helpful tips.

Just to whet your appetite for the contents ... David points out the skills that won't be 'outsourced,' -- a word we're all familiar with as a cause for much job loss. They are:

- leadership skills,
- project management skills,
- people skills,
- communication skills, and
- sales skills.

And, he's identified jobs he believes won't (or cannot) be outsourced ... jobs in

- energy,
- preventative health care,
- security,
- the military,
- government,
- insurance,
- consumer financial services,
- agriculture, and
- biotech/pharma.

And, he talks about skills employers buy:

- leadership skills
- communication skills
- a bias toward action
- passion for the work
- and a cultural compatibility.

He goes into more detail with more examples of what employers value (e.g., the creation of intellectual wealth, high energy, enduring performance, etc.), and whether or not you agree with this, you'll find what he says to be thought-provoking.

The Value-Based Resume
Although you would expect a review of typical job-hunting venues and tactics -- networking, targeted marketing, newspaper classifieds, job boards, newsgroups, executive search firms, headhunters, temp agencies, friend, neighbors, associates, self-promotion techniques, the use of electronic job alerts, and the use of personal Web sites and/or Blogs, creating a Linked In account ... the use of company information sources and competitive intelligence sources ... and the push to get a clear sense of your goals and transferrable, marketable, relevant skills ... what stood out for me are the examples of 'value-based' resumes. You can do an Internet search with the keywords "value-based resume" and find some fair examples. Just taking the time, after seeing David's examples, to put one together for myself allowed me to rethink how I present myself and what contributions I am making.

In the value-based resume (business values), you focus on your accomplishments or contributions to:

1) increased revenues/profit, or
2) cost savings (direct or indirect), or
3) improved productivity (aka, increased efficiencies).

You might think a values-based focus is a stretch for you and your position, but I recommend you do your best to find something for one of those three. If you can't, you might rethink how you are contributing to the firm today, so you can strengthen your chances of keeping your job tomorrow. These are the three basic values business leaders consider in making changes to improve their companies, and you need to show your contribution or risk layoff. David provides some useful resume examples to help you along.

In addition, I found myself easily writing the more pointed cover letters (as David illustrates in the book), ones that mention my contributions in these value areas and as they relate to the targeted organization that I researched. I have felt more confident, more powerful, and more connected to the purpose of the job opportunity I've pursued, since I know more clearly what I can contribute to the firm, and I've given them what they need to make an objective decision. Obviously, there are other factors to hiring -- or not hiring, or delayed hiring, such as a change of mind due to business downturn, employee referral provided a needed replacement, etc. -- that affect the outcome, but I've felt confident that I've presented myself in the best light, in the meantime.

The other benefit of knowing in detail what you have contributed in any of those three business value areas comes in your face-to-face interviews; you have examples and stories to illustrate your contributions. That make for a more useful and convincing interview. David guides us in the creation of our own storybook(s) that illustrate how we rose to the challenge of a relevant job situation, that we can lead under pressure, can execute a strategy in response, and can be both a team leader and a team captain, as needed.

David also offers and explains in detail 13 (interesting) creative ways to find a job, which are worth considering, such as writing an email chain letter, calling your targeted firm's HR person to get the name of the screening firm they use, writing a case study of the targeted firm within its current industry situation, preparing a competitive analysis of the firm, etc.

If all that I've outlined doesn't stir your interest in getting a hold of this book, I don't know what will ... or perhaps you are independently wealthy and don't need a job.

Hilarious! Just the stories alone are amusing, not to mention the tips (all the things you can use pantyliners for was a trip), and recommendations!
A fun and inspiring read! Makes you want to grab a girlfriend, jump in the car, and go!

I really love this book. I read The Bad Girl's Guide to Getting What You Want first, because based on the title it had more to do with my situation than the other books in the series. I enjoyed it, but I have to say this book is better. Even if, like me, you have no real desire to go on a road trip, this book is hilarious inspiring. It quickly had me excited to pee outdoors, lie about my name, and sneak into empty motel rooms to take a free shower (this coming from a girl who normally obeys speedlimits, pays bills promptly, and is always so polite and tragically walked all over by authority figures). If you're looking for something to inspire your inner wild woman burried under layers and layers of social niceties, and rules about ladylikeness, this is the book.

My freshman year of college I took a trip to New Orleans with my roommate. Her mom lent us her minivan and left this book and a bag of marshmallows on the floor of the car. Six hours in a car had never passed so quickly! This book makes long drives of monotonous highway FUN. I wouldn't say it's a cover-to-cover read. Just pack it with your car snacks and flip through the pages to have some fun. Next time, I'll be sure to add a couple squirt guns to my supplies list.

Funny yet practical ideas on making the most of your trip trip when you just want to get away from the everyday stuff. Where to park overnight to sleep if you have to. How to get out of stuff, like speeding tickets. Where to take a shower or clean up while on the road.

Some stuff I would never be brave enough to try, like egging on a policeman by swigging a NA beer in front of them while you're driving! Why take that chance? We can get ourselves in trouble in lots of other ways besides having to interact with the cops on purpose! Good advise on where to bring your car if you're having car trouble. Funny dress up ideas if you want to exhibit a "road persona". Think Thelma and Louise. Now, if only I had that classic muscle car...

My girlfriend and I saw this book at Borders and had to sit down and check it out. We laughed so hard we nearly got kicked out of the cafe. People were staring. The smart ones came up and asked what we were reading and got their own copy. If you have a wacky sense of humor, this is your book!

I purchased this book as a gift for a friend who has recently taken up quilting because I have found that I constantly use my copy as a reference it is probably the best book to keep on hand..lots of information set out in an easy to read format. cheers and happy quilting... Christine Cooper

I thought this book was ok. It does have a lot of information about quilting terms. It more of a book to look up things you might not understand when you are doing a project. I bought another book at the same time and it is a good book to have with it.

A friend recommended this book -- it is the Quilting Bible, as far as I am concerned. Concise, descriptive. I don't know how I got along without it!

I'm very new to quilting and this was the first book I bought. It has real, "applicable" tips and information that I think even a more experienced quilter could find handy. Everything from what needles to use for hand quilting, how to put on a binding to how to make biscuit quilts. Her instructions are easy to understand and follow as well. I'm using this book constantly as I make my first quilts. I highly recommend it!

Great book for the beginner as well as the expert. It shows detailed information with photos so you get an accurate picture of how to do it. Make those precious gift items that will be treasured for years to come. I ordered the book and gave it away. After my friend showed me what she made I had to go out and get one of my own. It gives such detailed photos that it makes the craft easy and fun. I have made numerous things now and given so many as gifts. I have save so much money by making these things myself and in the long run they mean so much more to the people I give them to. They have told me they will keep them in the family for years to come. If you think you don't have the talent -- don't worry. I thought that too about myself. But, with the easy to follow directions the only talent you need is knowing how to read. Plus, you will enjoy every second and get a real sense of accomplishment with the finished product. Great gift item for that stay-at-home loved one who can't get out. Even for the busy person who thinks they don't have time because this book makes the steps simple to follow. Well worth the money.

This book has lots of good ideas in it.

Well worth the money.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I ordered this book. I was amazed at how well thought out the "hacks" were and the authors take the time to explain the why of the "hack" with plenty of detail. Their handling of the different topics are from the perspective of what they found works well, but they take the time to address alternate viewpoints and the relative merits of each (an example is their handling of the red-dot sight vs Telrad vs Rigel Qwikfinder debate, some very useful information there!).

This is a definite "must have" book for any telescope owner (they handle dobs extremely well in this book), and is the second book you need to buy after choosing a good observing guide.

My wife gave me a decent telescope for Christmas and by luck got one that's pretty good. This book makes some specific recommendations that would have been useful to have read first.

A must have book for anyone getting into astronomy, whether with binoculars or a telescope. It's also a good to buy and read before you buy binoculars or a telescope, as it helps you decide what need to get. I was very impressed with it, and couldn't put it down, which says a lot about a technical book.

Gazing at the night sky is part of our nature. Whether for scientific and/or aesthetic purposes, we humans are fascinated by the enormity and beauty of the heavens.

The authors explain how astronomy gives them an "unchanging framework that places us in context within the universe. We look at the Great Orion Nebula, for example, and realize that the light we see tonight began its journey about 1,550 years ago, when the Roman Empire was in its final days."

This book is a comprehensive (almost 400 pages) guide to getting the most out of your nocturnal viewings. It will be useful for the complete amateur, the hobbyist and even offer some tips for the seasoned astronomer.

Don't be frightened by the word "Hacks" in the title. Like other O'Reilly Hacks books, this is not a compilation of illegal or unethical computer programs. It is a reclaiming of the original meaning of the word "hacks." Before the media started using the term hackers for everyone from mischievous teens to dangerous criminals, a Hacker was someone who used a creative workaround or discovered a more elegant, or quick-and-dirty, solution to a problem.

You probably won't read this book from cover to cover. Depending on where you are starting from and where you want to go, you will find sections that pertain to your interest and experience. Early in the book is a guide to choosing binoculars and telescopes. I like the hack that explains how to measure your "entrance pupil size" using Allen wrenches. This will suggest the optimal telescope for my eyes.

The book also gives tips, guidelines and even etiquette for venturing out alone or with others on an observation trip.

There is some solid information as to how our eyes function in the dark. If you are eager to see stars, you can skip some of this but I found it interesting. Especially the explanation of why all cats are gray in the dark.

After about 100 pages you will get into star identification and cataloging. It begins with the Bayer Catalog, (Johann Bayer published the first comprehensive star atlas in 1603) and then includes more modern catalogs.

The authors provide lists of, say, the 88 modern constellations and include a pronunciation guide so you don't sound like a newbie.
As an "urban observer" (about 8 miles from downtown), I have different equipment needs and techniques than a country dweller. There is a whole section dedicated to Urban Observing Skills.

For the adventurous, there is a game plan to complete a Messier Marathon (seeing and logging all 110 Messier Objects in one night.

Astronomy has long been linked to photography and there are a lot of hacks dealing with taking pictures of the images you observe.

Those who have gone beyond the beginner stage will appreciate all the hacks and modifications you can make to your telescope and other equipment to improve your experience. And the book concludes with hacks to make your PC a better tool in your observations.

This book provides a nice starting point for people interested in the night sky. But it's not a beginner's book. As your skills and interest grow, you will continue to uncover new and useful ideas from this book.

A positively adorable book, from its hilarious and sweet story to the bright illustrations. Great for read-alouds, as kids instantly like the somewhat stuffy police officer and his whimsical dog. Excellent message.

this is the book our 16 month old picks up every morning when he wakes up and wants to read... a great story.

I absolutely LOVE this book...............I have my special copy, and I am 'over 37'........and I also give it to special people in my life. It is delicately beautiful....and....lets us all know that puppies are more human than human beings.....

I use Officer Buckle and Gloria with kindergartners when I teach my humane education classes. I found it well-written because it was "engaging" for the students, keeping the attention of the children as it moved forward to its happy conclusion. The colorful illustrations throughout the book were great for helping communicate the action. I recommend it for pre-K and K children as a way to enhance their love and appreciation of dogs! Donna Forst, M.A., Education Coordinator, Hawaii Dog Foundation

Abbot and Costello, Laurel and Hardy, Gracie and George--one the straight guy, the other the comic! Welcome Officer Buckle and Gloria! They've been around delighting children and grown-ups for 13 years now. Officer Buckle and Gloria.

A local police officer dedicated to the safety of children, Officer Buckle speaks to auditoriums full of kids about rules of safety, then passes four safety hazards without seeing them. The principal herself is breaking several safety rules.

One day Officer Buckle got a partner--a dog. When he gave his safety tips, unbeknownst to Officer Buckle, Gloria was acting out the tips or--mimicking Officer Buckle. The team became a rip-roaring success. Dozens of thank you notes came in the next day--all with a picture of Gloria on it. Soon the two were visiting every school in the county. Finally, the television station decided to film the presentation. Of course, that night when Officer Buckle watches it, he discovers the truth.

The story has a big bang ending with banana pudding in there somewhere. Don't worry, this is a happy children's book and award winner!

The Caldecott Awards are sometimes strange and mysterious. Some years, like 1995, the year of Officer Buckle an Gloria, the winner is an awesome book. Some years, the winner is a great big puzzle.

This book has been super helpful in preparing my husband for boot camp- physically and mentally. The only problem is that we've learned that after the publishing of this book a lot changed in army boot camp. At first my husband was interested in joining the national guard, but in order to go to a boot camp like what is described in this book, he has to choose a different branch of military.

My son will go to marine boot camp in July. I read this first and it was a great help for me to understand what will happen and what he needs to do before he goes. I highly recommend this not only for our "new" military but for their parents as well.

Get this book it has a world of knowledge in it. Are you to call a DS "yes sir or Yes Maam" ? What is a DS hat called? get the book it will HELP you.

This book was packed with info that will benefit anyone interested in going into the militry. My hubby went through boot camp a few years ago and said that all of the info would have made life a little easier then...lol.

This book has helped me in so many ways. I knew nothing about the military before I left for boot camp. Now, I feel I am completely ready. The book has an easy to understand fitness routine and told me what to expect mentally from a drill sergeant, even the other recruits. This book even contains a packing list so I know exactly what to pack for boot camp.
Before I was scared to leave for basic, now I cant wait.

There are a couple of really cute projects, but most of them are very mom-ish. Also, I guess I wrongly assumed the "inspirational tips" were crochet-related. They are not. I probably would not have purchased this book had I known that. I understand some people enjoy the churchy feel-good life lesson stories, but I prefer my craft books dogma-free.

I bought this book with my niece in mind and now my sisters are picking out what they want. Love the projects!!

When I saw the sweater on the cover, I immediately purchased this book. Normally I'll peruse a pattern book in a bookstore and then compare prices, but this was a must have. The rest of the designs are just as fashionable and interesting to complete. Great photographs and clear directions make me wish there were more hours in the day in which to do all the projects I want!

This book contains a great assortment of patterns. I'm working on my first pattern and have my eye on several others to make.

I like the way these patterns are written. The detailed information given is very helpful.

Love the words of encouragement! They were a nice surprise.

I LOVE this book!! The projects are beautiful, the patterns are easy to follow, and the tips are GREAT!! I love the varitey of the items and skill levels; perfect for the beginner and more advanced crocheters! Thank you Mary Jane for such a wonderful book!

Not much to say. I bought this set for my boyfriend for x-mas and he loves it!

Caltech had unbelieveable foresight in knowing how good Feynman would appear to future generations. The teaching techniques are still unbeatable. Worth spending six months reading these.

My background: An engineer with an aspiration to learn more physics.

It has been over 3 years since my last college physics class, and having heard from friends and reading online about these lectures, I finally bought them here instead of spending twice as much at the local bookstore. I own a copy of Serwey's physics book, and the difference between the two is remarkable.

I can read Feynman's book with excitement. He writes or lectures in a way that keeps me engaged with what he has to say, and he also provides excellent examples of interesting cases. For instance, in his treatment of gravitation, he numerically calculates the trajectory of the earth given an initial velocity and position. I knew it was possible to do such a thing, but the fact that he provided a table of numbers and just went ahead with the calculation without skipping the detail brought me great enthusiasm. I don't even remember my astrodynamics book covering the simple calculations of such things from the fundamental principles in such detail.

Aside from the nitty gritty, his reading is enjoyable. I pass out when reading Serwey's book, simply because it isn't written in a very enthusiastic and engaging way.

However, Feynman's lectures are good for refreshing your understanding, not doing problems. I imagine that someone with a copy of Feynman's lectures for the understanding and Serwey's problems and examples for the nitty gritty, who works the problems, will understand physics well enough to continue studying more in-depth subjects on their own. That says a lot about both volumes.

The Feynman Lectures on Physics is a classic that must belong to everyone's library. This edition is very well designed, but the paint in the cover keep getting off into my hands. The cover of my Volume I is already totally ruined. You don't buy a book if you do not intent to read it. Disappointing.

Feynman doesn't just teach physics in these books: he teaches you to think like a physicist should. One complaint I've heard is that there's not enough math in them. "Too many words." (Kinda reminds you of Armadeus.) There are plenty of books that have the math. These books offer insight -- something that is very hard to come by in formal physics education.

The introductory material in Volume 1 is highly quotable. You can get your money's worth right there.

When I started Volume 2, I'd had undergraduate electricity and magnetism and found it dry and boring. After Volume 2, I was so pumped, I wanted to teach the subject.

I read Volume 3 when I was starting graduate quantum mechanics. My first final was oral, two-on-one. The professor had a second prof sit in with him to quiz each student. They opened with a few questions on the uncertainty principle. I started rattling off some of the insights I'd gotten from Volume 3. These guys must not have read it, because they were blown away. They'd ask a question and I'd answer and then follow with a hook to keep them coming back. I spent an hour of the two-hour exam on the uncertainty principle! Talk about getting off on the right foot with a new prof!

These books have been an inspiration to me for the last 40 years. Whether you're a student or a Ph.D. -- and especially if you teach at any level -- you must not be without them. They will improve your understanding of physics, and they'll equip you to better communicate it.

I realize that I've sounded a little over-the-top in this review. If I said less, I'd be understating my honest opinion.

Tim Naff, Ph.D.