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Adam Books sorted by Average customer review: high to low .

Adam
Cooking from Quilt Country : Hearty Recipes from Amish and Mennonite Kitchens
Published in Hardcover by Clarkson Potter (1988-02-13)
Author: Marcia Adams
List price: $32.50
New price: $29.94
Used price: $3.70
Collectible price: $32.50

Average review score:

Terrific Cookbook!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-07-29
The recipes are hearty and filling, taste and look great too. My husband raves each time something new comes from this book!

Perfect, easy recipes,
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-31
What can I say I'm perpetually busy with three small boys and cooking always seems to allude me culminating in constant eating out.

I have several cookbooks, either the kids won't eat the recipes I make, they taste awful, or it's to expensive with all the ingredients.

This book is an absolute jem for the mother who needs to be able to fix a simple meal, quickly, and without all the ingredient fuss. Most of the recipes in here call for flour, butter, oil, lard, sugar. You know your basic staples.

My kids love these recipes. The apples I made in brown sugar, fantastic. Tastes just like Cracker Barrels. I also like the fact that when your cooking this way the preservatives are at a absolute minimum, which is great.

For those of you who commented on how healthy this book is please look into your history books or pictures of your grandparents. You can't find the fat person. I've been to several countries and America is by far the fattest. The other countries all lacked skim milk, low fat this, fat free this, and corn syrup in everything.

I am by the way overweight and haven't gained a pound from this book. Moderation my dear. I've actually lost weight. Great book, I highly recommend.

98% relaible
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2005-12-04
book received in great shape and took less then four days to receive

--Very enjoyable--
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2006-04-20
COOKING FROM QUILT COUNTRY is a pleasure to read. The title comes from the fact that Amish and Mennonite people are famous for their quilt making skills.

This book gives a little background of the Mennonite and Amish sects and how they came into existence. The roots of the two groups originated with the Protestant Reformation and the Swiss Anabaptist movement. The leader was a Dutch priest by the name of Menno Simons.

This very informative book is filled with wonderful recipes and many photographs. Because the Mennonites and Amish have traditionally been farmers, they're also known for their wonderful foods. There are recipes for everyone here, but I was especially interested in the different vegetable dishes that are presented.


Cooking From Quilt Country is perfection
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2005-08-02
Cooking From Quilt Country is by far the best cookbook (and I have many) that I have ever seen. Whether you want to lose weight or gain weight , recipies can be adapted for your own use and taste . Best of all, recipies can be done "by the book itself". I would honestly say this could be the only cookbook one woulld ever need and definitely would make a lovely gift!

Adam
An August Adams Adventure: House of Wolves
Published in Hardcover by Thomas Nelson (2008-08-12)
Author: Matt Bronleewe
List price: $24.99
New price: $5.00
Used price: $6.25

Average review score:

A Real Page Turner!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-16
I started this book one night before bedtime and read well into the night. The next night I did the same. On the third day I found my mind often wandering to the story line wondering how it was going to end. My family wanted to go to a bookstore that evening (before bedtime) so while they browsed I picked up a store copy of the book and finished it right at closing time! I finally got a good nights sleep! If you haven't read "Illuminated" yet, start with it and "House of Wolves" will make better sense. Just make sure you are well rested before you begin!

loved it!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-04
I thought this was a great adventure book that reminded me of Indiana Jones. I really enjoyed the plot twists and the engaging characters. I love that I didn't know the ending until I had actually read it! I wish I had read the first book in this series but it did not affect my understanding of House of Wolves. I fully intend on reading this whole series by Matt Bronleewe.

Mystery, Danger, Intrigue
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-16
Matt Bronleewe's second novel, House of Wolves, combines mystery, danger and intrigue in a fast-paced story with action on every page. Like other novels of this genre, the plot pulls from history and Bronleewe cleverly incorporates assorted facts, myths and legends into an entertaining story.

The cast of characters carries over from his first novel, Illuminated. August Adam is a rare-book dealer and one such book, The Gospels of Henry the Lion, is at the center of the action in House of Wolves. August is in possession of the rare book but he is not the only one who wants it. And others pursuing it stop at nothing in their attempt to get it.

August's father, son, and ex-wife get involved early in the story and even without having read the first novel of the series, it was easy to pick up on the relationships between these people. They are not without problems but their interpersonal issues do not detract from the story line. They find ways to work together and survive.

The evil characters are drawn from a secret society, the Black Vehm, a vigilante society formed in the thirteenth century to protect themselves from marauders in the lawless territory between the Rhine and the Weser rivers in Westphalia, Germany. It became a merciless and violent society and was eventually outlawed. It supposedly came to an end when the Nazis fell in the Third Reich. Bronleewe brings them to life in modern day activity where their goal is to obtain ancient relics and rare artifacts and he reveals they are planning to take over the world by implementing a grand scheme.

Lukas, a member of this secret society, gives an interesting account of how he became a member. "Lukas had always wanted to belong to a secret society. For some reason, they didn't exactly advertise their whereabouts. But an online friend of his had had an idea: Have you tried joining the Belegarth Medieval Combat Society?" What follows is a fascinating description of Lukas's journey from joining a mock-combat society that entertained during sports intermissions to being tapped for a deadly society who directed all of its efforts to implementing their world take-over plan.

Bronleewe makes excellent use of contrast and the location swings from a record-breaking heat wave in New York City to the frigid underground of the Antarctic. Much like National Treasure, clues, maps and mishaps keep the reader swiftly moving from page to page. Readers who are looking for escapist entertainment will find it in this adventure.

The story takes place in just a few days and therefore the problem and puzzle solving happen a little too quickly for me. In the scene where they are figuring out the meaning of the map, August notes, "There are three flags with poles--which we are setting aside for right now--and thirteen flags without." "That's half the alphabet," Charlie said." The nine-year-old proceeds to unravel the secret of the map. The reader is advised to suspend his or her logic and simply accept this scenario on face value.

Overall, I appreciated that the violence was relatively tidy and the text was free from profanity. Younger readers who love adventure stories will be as intrigued by this story as adults who enjoy suspense fiction.


Paula Buermele is a reviewer for BookPleasures and the author of "The Dream Catcher Tour."

Watch out Indiana Jones
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-14
Be prepared to enter August Adams' world of non-stop action, heartfelt adventure filled with intrigue, suspense, humor and love. And, not necessarily in that order. Beware -- once you pick this book up and start reading, you will lose all track of time and forget anything you had scheduled that day. I have to admit that I was a little less than excited about reading this book when I looked at the cover. 'House of Wolves' - I really didn't want to read about wolves or blood! I'm very happy to report that there is lots of action, fighting, gun fights, bloodshed and bad guys acting really bad...but nothing is extremely graphic. I loved it!!

August Adams is one likeable guy who reminds me of an Indiana Jones-type character. Adams is a man totally into his work, who loves books and really enjoys the challenge of chasing down rare antiques. That's his specialty, rare antique books. He gets into the most unpredictable situations while researching the locations of these rare books, and then guarding them once they are found. I loved August's quick wit and sense of humor (like Indiana Jones). And just like in the National Treasure movies, relics have to be found in order to chase down the treasure. In August's case, the books are the treasure.

In 'House of Wolves', August Adams isn't looking for an adventure. But the action and adventure grab him as he is watching his son, Charlie, as his ex-wife goes out with her new fiancé to pick out rings. He couldn't believe she was doing that! He felt it was a little bit soon, but he couldn't think about that right now; he had Charlie to think about.

August Adam's father sends him the greatest birthday present (or so he thought it was at the time), in the mail. He thinks it's from his father, but there's no card with it. Who else would send him such a rare find? While August is admiring the great condition of the book, he starts to feel sick to his stomach when he realizes exactly what book this is. He knows his father, Cleveland, shouldn't have it and he can't imagine what his father did to get this book. Why did his Cleveland send it to him? This can't be good. August doesn't have to wait long to get answers to his questions. A "secret society" soon discovers that Mr. August Adams is in possession of the book they want, and they will stop at nothing to get it. August will have to thank his dad for sending such unbelievable trouble his way - after he stops some guy from killing him and Charlie!... and so the adventure begins in "House of Wolves.

Just when you think August is in the clear, something else happens. But, it may not necessarily happen to him. I was intrigued by the many interesting characters in this book, and so much was happening, but it all tied together. This book is definately a page-turner! I loved never knowing what to expect with each chapter I read. This book was so refreshing because it is not a formula style book.

There is a special bonus at the end of this book in the author notes. Here the author tells the reader which parts of the story are real and which parts he added to make the story work. Not only did Matt reveal which events are factual, but he also tells which relics are real. Wow! Since I'm not a history buff, I wasn't aware that some of the events depicted in the 'House of Wolves' were real. It was quite amazing. I have to say I love learning about history this way!

You will definitely want to check out 'Illuminated' (the first book in this series) where you will learn how August Adams became the book hunter. I know you'll enjoy all the adventures he got himself into before 'House of Wolves'. The third book called 'The Deadly Hours', is to be on bookshelves August 2009, mark your calendar - I know I have.

Nora St.Laurent -Book Club Servant Leader
www.psalm516.blogspot.com

Matt still needs writing classes
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-12
I ground through the first pages of Illuminated and gave up. By accident I picked up Matt's next book and started reading. Good grief! I'll give him credit for creating exciting story lines and fascinating scenarios, but the minute by minute action sequences and dialog is still ridiculous and unbelievable. For instance, August knows he's being pursued by "Death's errand boy", but the next time we check inwith August, he's having a flashback to a very hot day at a Yankees game, then we segue into Charlies ability to remember details, then we're running from a killer, and August hoists Charlie up on his shoulders, the better to see into the crowd. Isn't he worried about the killer, maybe having a gun?

A little later April is trapped in a sinking car, fires a gun into a bullet-proof window, to no avail. Even though the glass doesn't break, she still pounds on it with her fists. Then ponders how people can know that drowning is a peaceful death.

Unbelievable, ridiculous and unreadable.

Adam
Killer Brands: Create and Market a Brand That Will Annihilate the Competition
Published in Paperback by Adams Media (2007-04-12)
Author: Frank Lane
List price: $14.95
New price: $2.49
Used price: $2.38

Average review score:

Lane's Gateway
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-11-17
Mr. Lane:

I am at page 180 of your book, Killer Brands. I had to write to let you know how the book has affected me. The Prostestant reformer, Martin Luther, described himself as finding a "gateway to Heaven" after he finally understood the phrase "righteousness from God" in Romans 1:16-17.

He said the whole of Scripture took on a new meaning for him from that point on.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not preaching the Bible here. What I am saying is Killer Brands has opened up to me a "gateway to category leadership."

I have been reading the book for a few months now, and just yesterday finally "got it".

Your five principles of choice, expectation, focus, alignment and linkage have given the discipline of branding a whole new meaning to me.

In fact, I will be taking, per the instructions of your book, these principles to heart and using them to create Killer Brands in my area.

Thank you for sharing such an incredible amount of practical advice, knowledge, and experience.

James Dominguez

A must read for entrepreneurs.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-10
"Killer Brands" provides very interesting case studies, but more importantly, great advice. Rather than overwhelm the reader, the book empowers you to take control of your brand. After reading this book, you will be far more prepared to move your product to the next level and will be excited about the work required. There is potential for big return for a minimal investment of money and time.

Genius!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-27
Few have the ability to panoramically explain and teach with clear focus expert brand marketing techniques like Frank Lane. Filled with keen insight this valuable work concentrates on examples of proven techniques from the past and present. I commend this work to all business leaders who want to increase their understanding, while simultaneously gleaning deep truths, that will challenge you to brand marketing greatness. This practical guide is filled with many years of wisdom and understanding and with focused application will deliver extraordinary, "Killer Brand," results in this vast and changing world we call the marketplace. You will truly do yourself and your business a favor by reading this book! I am so impressed with this book that I am on the third reading of it! I have purchased five copies to give to my Marketing Director, General Manager and friends.

Mason F. Pacini/President
Rain Clan, L. L. C.

Killer Book!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-03
Killer Brands is a great read. It is well written. The principles are applicaple to a broad range of personal and professional objectives. I am using the book to lead my team at work through re-branding. I am so impressed with the book that I have purchased ten copies to give away to friends and key business contacts.

- John Greaves, CPP
Georgia Power

Everything You Need to Know About Successful Marketing...and Then Some!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-22
I waited for years for Frank to write this book. I first met him in 1982 when I left my position of Senior VP and Creative Director of a major international ad agency to pursue a new product idea I had developed. I was recommended to Frank who had just formed Peachtree Creek Consulting Group. But instead of launching my idea, we became partners in Peachtree Creek and worked together on a multitude of projects for Fortune 500 companies, large financial institutions and technology companies.

I left the group in 1988 to start my own advertising creative service with clients that included GMC, Gold Bond, Ban Antiperspirant, Icy Hot, Dexatrim, Wells Fargo Bank, Thomson Electronics, HammerMill, No Nonsense and BullFrog, the sunblock that Frank had co-created.

I have used and worked successfully with every principle that Frank outlines in this wonderful, easily read, marketing "bible". In addition to being one of the most instinctively brilliant marketing gurus I have ever known, he unselfishly shares his thinking in a clear, easy to understand fashion.

This book is a must read for anyone who markets a product, large or small.

Adam
The 100 Year Lifestyle: Dr. Plasker's Breakthrough Solution for Living Your Best Life - Every Day of Your Life!
Published in Hardcover by Adams Media (2007-02-01)
Author: Eric Plasker
List price: $19.95
New price: $4.16
Used price: $3.79

Average review score:

Balance Your Life
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-03
Dr Plasker shows you, in a very easy to read format, how to live a long, healthy, active lifestyle. This is about looking at the different parts of your life and taking active steps to balance, strengthen, and use those different parts to create a fun life that will keep you healthy, physically, financially, and emotionally for 100 years and beyond. Read the book and have a great life!

GREAT BOOK!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-06
I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Plasker at the 1st annual DCS Jam and the book is a must for anyone who wants to be in on the 100 year lifestyle. This is also a great read for your patients!

Early Warning A Good One
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-08
Dr Erik Plasker's Book is a great read for anyone looking to take stock of their life. The main message revolves around the fact that many of us will live to be 100 and beyond, so we may as well start preparing for this increased longevity that not many of us have planned for.
"What changes would you make today, if you knew you would live to be 100?"
Health, finances, relationships, career, social, and more are looked at in this book.
What will we do with this advanced warning our ancestors didn't get?

Life changing
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-06
This book is life changing! Realizing that we have all this time to accomplish things in life is an awesome feeling. I loved the comparison of cris care vs. self care. If people realized this and started practicing this we would have a healthier nation. I have personally given out over a hundred copies of this book and everyone for Christmas will be getting a copy!

Best book I've ever read!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-04
I've given this book to more than 100 people. They are changing their lives from stopping smoking and loosing weight, to starting exercise. The people that take the message of the 100 year lifestyle to heart are playing harder and living a higher quality of life. Thank you Dr. Plasker for allowing me the privilege of helping so many people through your wonderful book.

Adam
The 101 Habits Of Highly Successful Screenwriters: Insider's Secrets from Hollywood's Top Writers
Published in Paperback by Adams Media (2001-10-01)
Author: Karl Iglesias
List price: $12.95
New price: $4.98
Used price: $3.30

Average review score:

Motivating, Inspiring, Informative
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-11
This book was very helpful. As someone who currently has no "mentor" so to speak in the film industry, this book has acted as my temporary guide. It addresses many problems screenwriters go through, as well as warning people of the pitfalls that many aspiring screenwriters fall into. Highly recommended.

BUY IT!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-05
I own several screenwriting books and consider this one to be in the top 3 (McKee and Vogler being the other 2). The reason is because this is one of the few screenwriting books with information coming straight from successful screenwriters. This is key, because through their insights you can better understand how they work, think, and live. And this ultimately affects your writing positively because a lot of the uncertainties during the writing process are discussed. It won't teach you about structure etc, but it contains information that to me was equally vital: how to think as a successful screenwriter.

If you read only one book on screen writing, read this one
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-18
In real estate they discuss the three "L's" Location, location, location. This is the three "W's" Write, Write and Write more. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to write a screen play.

A Must Read
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-14
This is a must read for anyone who aspires to be a screen writer. Any wannabe writer has their own personal favorite blogs, a blog that helps inspire, motivate and teach them. This book is almost a best of those blogs from successful writers whose movies they have written have actually BEEN PRODUCED.
The one main theme of this book is just write and write and write because you love writing and not because you want the Hollywood celebrity lifestyle. Great writing will open a lot of doors for one and most importantly, keep that door open.
In my opinion, I like to study and and read how successful writers from all genres got their first break, their work ethic and how most importantly they work through writer's block and rejection. Again, Karl Iglesias' book does that successfully.

The truth you need to hear before pursuing your dreams
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2006-04-10
I was lucky enough to meet Mr. Iglesias at the Screenwriting Expo. He knows his craft, he loves the business. And he's brutally honest in conveying the realistic odds of breaking into Hollywood. While no one ever says it's easy, he can tell you just how hard. This book is a must read for any aspiring screenwriter. Interviewing some of the greatest screenwriters, they all are forthcoming in telling their own tales of struggle, achievement, success, and most of them, frustration.

This book may be geared toward all screenwriters, however it succeeds in leaps and bounds, by telling the realistic truth any up-and-coming screenwriter needs to hear. Too often people are putting together a script hoping to win the lotttery, sell it for mid-six figures, and not taking the time to understand that the money should never be the motivating factor of writing any script. And if that's your only motivation, you'll never succeed in making your dream come true. This book reminds those of us that do it for a different reason, what that reason is. It's the love of writing. Anything else, any other reason, is simply a waste of time and energy.

Mr. Iglesias lays it out in plain view, through interview after interview, just how much of an uphill battle it is get someone to simply give your script a look, and even then, chances of your selling it are slim. Nicholas Kazan once spoke at a seminar. He told them to go turn in their registration forms and go home. He then told them that if any of them seriously entertained that advice, they would never make it. It's all about challenge and it's all about sacrifice. This book will help you realize how important both of those things are.

Adam
Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich
Published in Hardcover by Harcourt Children's Books (2006-09-01)
Author: Adam Rex
List price: $16.00
New price: $6.81
Used price: $1.10
Collectible price: $45.00

Average review score:

great entertainment
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-06
I checked this book out of the library and it came with a cassette so that is my one disappointment that this was only the book. My 5 year old son loves this and we had to listen to and read it for several weeks in a row. Halloween is his favorite holiday and to put humor into the ghouls was quite fun for him.

Clever and funny
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-18
Very clever book of poems. My two daughters (6 and 9) giggled at the funny vocabulary. The illustrations are are cool and inventive. Every movie monster must be in there somewhere. We liked the son of Dracula drawn as Charlie Brown. Adults will like this one too.

I LOVED Frankenstein Makes A Sandwich--I'm 42!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-03
Frankenstein Makes A Sandwich is a funny, upbeat, down-to-earth wonderful book about monsters, food, and day to day issues like hunger, hygiene, being respectful to others (the Open Letter to Wolfman from his dog is HILARIOUS!!), and everyday stuff like fear of the dentist. The poetry is easy and unforced, funny and a wonderful experience. I hope Rex Adams writes and illustrates more and more and more. I'll be waiting!! 5 stars!!

Adam Rex is a genius!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-11-30
I love this book. For the past two years, I've read it aloud to my elementary school library classes prior to Halloween. They beg for it. The poetry is so well syncopated, and the rhyming is near perfect. The humor is mature, so I have to explain many of the poems, but a lot of it the kids understand without explanation. They can really identify with the torment of having a song stuck in your mind that keeps going on and on, as happens to the poor Phantom of the Opera when he gets "It's a Small World After All" stuck in his head. And they understand why offering a toothpick to Count Dracula to pick his teeth makes him nervous because it resembles a sharp stake. I love this book so much that I bought it this year for my 54-year old brother for his birthday. Unlike the song "It's a Small World After All," the sophistication of these poems will keep them fresh for many, many, many Halloweens to come. If you're a poetry buff who appreciates a humorous twist on the classic scary characters, do NOT pass this book by.

Scary Illustrations
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2007-11-14
Nice prose, but the illustrations, other than Frankenstein's, are rather frightening for young children. I bought this book for my grandchildren, ages 4 and 6, after having only seen the Frankenstein illustration and was disappointed when I opened the book to see the other very dark and frightening pictures throughout the book. I don't recommend this book for children under the age of 8.

Adam
Orphan: A True Story of Abandonment, Abuse, and Redemption
Published in Paperback by Adams Media Corporation (2000-11-15)
Author: Roger Dean Kiser
List price: $10.95
New price: $1.64
Used price: $1.64

Average review score:

I read it straight through without stopping.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-05-31
I must have said "Oh my Goodness" or it's equivalent at least 10 times throughout this book. Once I started reading it I couldn't put it down and read it straight through without stopping for any reason. It took me one hour. This is a horrifying book. It appalles me that anything like what happened to this boy could happen to anyone, let alone tons of kids in orphanages. I'm glad things are a little better now a days but we still have more work to do. This book is NOT for children and only select teens who are ready for something as horrifying and sickening as this story.

I commend Roger for living through what he did, I probably would have just given up.

Adopted by the world!
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2002-12-28
Orphan is a testament to good triumphing over evil and how one boy grew up to be adopted by the world. Author Roger Dean Kiser is a 54 year old, happily married father and grandfather who now calls Brunswick, Georgia home, but he once was a beautiful child longing for love and attention, a hug or a pat on the back; a prayer or a kiss goodnight. Things too many of us take for granted.

Little Roger also had beautiful eyes and wonderfully original ears that made him truly unique. Unfortunately he didn't know that and no one ever told him when he needed to hear it the most. What he did hear and on a daily basis was that he was unwanted, unloved, crazy and wouldn't amount to anything. That's pretty much what every child raised in the orphanage in Jacksonville Florida was told. But because of Roger's wilful spirit, uncommon wit and boundless curiosity, his guardians punished him with particularly cruel and unusual punishments. In a nutshell, they tortured him.

From beatings for trying to free butterflies to being forced to eat a personal letter that Kiser found that was hidden from him under the head matron's bed, there was no rhyme or reason to the punishments. Yet, within Roger's small frame of reference, this behavior seemed normal. And instead of spouting 'poor me', the young boy kept searching for, if not love, small doses of recognition, kindness and compassion.

Like so many children lost in the system, Roger had to find his own way to freedom. Although Orphan promises us he eventually does (no doubt, there will be a follow-up memoir) Kiser mostly deals with his years at the orphanage and ends with his experiences in Juvenile Hall at the age of 13.

I'm a tough cookie, but tears definitely dotted the pages of my copy of this memoir. I also heard myself laugh. Kiser has a way with words and knows how to spin his tales for maximum effect. Besides the obvious joy at his surviving such a brutal childhood, I suggest Kiser's gift is short story telling. The book is actually made up of short stories in chapter form. Because they are chronologically laid out, the result is a success.

Orphan was a roller coaster ride with all the expected hills and bumps you would expect, but a few less bumps would have made for a more satisfying story. Human nature, I guess. We want, no, we need to know people we care about are all right. And care about Roger you will. Reading Orphan, I wished that I could have entered Roger's little world, hug him, and tell him he was beautiful and that God loved him even when everyone around him didn't! The most satisfying part of reading Orphan is the knowledge that in writing his memoir, Roger Dean Kiser, Sr., has been rewarded ten-fold, with large doses of recognition, kindness and compassion. He deserves it

Heartbreaking but triumphant!
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2002-01-25
I had read some of Roger Dean Kiser's work on Heartwarmer's. Reading about his entire childhood in this book filled me with such a deep sadness. I can't imagine enduring the kind of physical and emotional torment that he grew up with. Roger is such a fine example of the triumph of the human spirit. It amazes me that after surviving his childhood that he could become a loving husband, father and grandfather. He's not filled with hate, rather he's determined to wake us up to prevent more children from suffering the same abuse. We can all learn a very important lesson from his life.

Excellent read but a few minor quibbles...
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2001-07-06
In the style of A Child Called It (the bestseller by Dave Peltzer), Orphan is told from the viewpoint of a child who endured nearly unspeakable horrors in a Florida orphanage and somehow emerged, spirit intact, to not only survive but tell his story with unflinchable honesty. The book is divided into three sections: Before, During and After,with the majority of the book (the During section) devoted to memories of the orphanage. With no one to love him and with repeated beatings, abuse and pain to love forward to, I find it miraculous that the author, Roger Dean Kiser, Sr, actually managed to make a life for himself after enduring the indignities of orphanage life. His memoir reveals in vivid detail how orphans were seen as societal rejects and throwaways and treated as objects, not people. While he was often beaten severely till he passed out, Kiser emphasizes that "it is not the physical pain that endangers orphans the most. It is the mental pain caused by stress from years and years of being neglected, pushed aside, disregarded, unloved and made to feel undeserving..." While I'd recommend this book as an eye-opening, even inspiring, read, I do wish there had been more detail in the After section of this book, the part that dealt with Kiser's life after he left the orphanage. This section seems rushed and abbreviated and there is little explanation of the life he made for himself as an adult - or how he got the courage to rise above his painful past to do so. He notes in the book's introduction that he has a wife, son and daughter-in-law and yet he doesn't note how he met his wife, how she felt about his past and if it affected his present life. After learning so much about his early life in the orphanage, I was left with plenty of unanswered questions like: How does a person who suffers so many blows to his self-esteen find the confidence to make a new life? Did he/does he suffer from painful flashbacks or memories today? Would he describe himself as happy or at peace now?

FIVE (5) GOLDEN STARS
Helpful Votes: 8 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2001-07-17
I have read many non-fiction books in the course of my life. This is the only book that has actually made me cry, and I am not exactly sure why. I am not talking about the crying of normal tears. I am speaking of the type of tears that (slowly) glass over the eye until a tear falls out onto the page. You stop for a just a moment and realize that your hand is now covering your mouth, and a almost whimpering sound is now coming from deep in your throat. If there was ever a book written that makes the reader feel that they are the child that is actually being abused; This is the one!

Adam
22 Keys to Creating a Meaningful Workplace
Published in Paperback by Adams Media Corporation (2002-05)
Author: Tom Terez
List price: $14.95
New price: $4.93
Used price: $4.99

Average review score:

Practical Advice
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2002-02-26
I recommend Terez's 22 Keys for all business professionals. Terez uses practical examples to bring forth important points to the reader. (Humor included!) The book has a human touch as voices of hundreds of folks from all walks of work life reach out as they share their experiences.

You will walk away with practical examples and useful advice.

22 Keys To Creating a Meaningful Workplace
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2002-02-15
Without question, the work at the American Red Cross, where I work everyday, is MEANINGFUL! Meaningful work, though, is inclusive.....ALL jobs...volunteer and paid are meaningful and have great value. Tom Terez's 22 Keys To a Meaningful Workplace is a powerful reminder of how hard we must work to keep talented people engaged...even at the American Red Cross!

It is great reading, provides helpful skill building and is a great reference for the keys to being delighted at work!

High Fiber Content
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2002-03-18
22 Keys is much more than an interesting book about building a meaningful workplace. It is a practical guide for creating the kind of environment we all wish for. While many books talk about how "nice" it is to have meaning at work, this book has practical excercises for transforming the workforce to one that both improves productivity and retains the best employees. You don't just read the book and put it away, but actually use it to make tangible improvements. Tom's research was fascinating, and he writes in in a style everyone will appreciate. Thanks for all the actual ideas that have made a difference Tom!

The Key to Success
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2002-02-22
22 Keys To Creating A Meaningful Workplace has changed the way our company does business. Period. These simple, common sense keys open the door to a new level of committment, service and pride for our team. We've been so pleased with the results in our workplace, we have featured the book in our company newsletter, which is distributed to over 11,000 professionals in Canada. Simplicity is the key to action and change!

Highly Recommended for Bosses and Workers
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2002-08-01
This book was a delightful surprise. I expected to read yet another business book directed solely toward owners, executives, and managers. This specialized audience will gain quite a lot from this book, but so will "ordinary employees." 22 Keys is an Everyman's book, written in a tone that encourages focused initiative by all sorts of readers. Not only does this approach add value to the book, it makes it much more salable in bulk to companies interested in changing their work environment.

Corporate culture has been defined as "what it feels like to work here." Terez has captured what people are looking for in today's work environment in his exploration of what it takes to create a meaningful workplace. Before going any further, it's important to list the 22 Keys. As you read this list, pause at each one and think about how it relates to your personal situation. Purpose, Direction, Relevance, Validation, Respect, Equality, Informality, Flexibility, Ownership, Challenge, Invention, Support, Personal Development, Dialogue, Relationship Building, Service, Acknowledgement, Oneness, Self-Identity, Fit, Balance, and Worth.

Each key is presented in a chapter heavily seasoned with vignettes that hold the reader's attention. Not all the stories have happy endings, making this book even more valuable. It's not a quick-and-easy-guide-to-Nirvana, but is a realistic presentation. Questions challenge the reader's thinking and, hopefully, stimulate behavior. Actions by others are described to build a sense of confidence that the reader can also do these things and make a difference.

The book has a number of features that increase its readability and usefulness. Reality checks at the end of each chapter focus the reader's attention. Did you get the message? Quotations, liberally sprinkled throughout the book, stimulate thought. I felt the author could have done with a few less quotes, but that's a very minor issue. One of the pages I turned down (there were many) marks a quote by Albert Einstein: "Not everything that can be counted counts, but not everything that counts can be counted." When we're all looking to measure our performance, yet at the same time achieve life-work balance, the quote is meaningful. Ah! Meaningful. The objective of the book: well-achieved. The action plans will help you get started to make a difference in your organization.

This book will be around for a while. It fits comfortably with what needs to be done in the world of work-in the private sector, in government, in non-profits, in education. If it isn't on your shelf yet, now is the time to get a copy, read it, and share it. I read the hardcover edition.

Adam
Adam & Andy
Published in Paperback by Bookazine Company (2003-10)
Author: James Asal
List price: $9.95
Used price: $30.00

Average review score:

refreshing
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-07-04
The only flaw I find in this volume is that it is too thin.

As for the rest we have an artist with a personal, essential drawing style depicting with humour the very "normal" life of a very "normal" long term gay couple. Adam and Andy are just adorable, funny, fun loving, witty and honest.
Mr Asal has created two full rounded characters and manages a very wry humour out of everyday situations.

There is no explicit sex. This volume can be safely read by teenagers too.

I love this book-need I say more
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2005-08-09
James Asal's comic genius has given us ADAM AND ANDY. It is about two gay men in a long term relationship and now marriage. It is simply irrisistable. James is a sweet and kind guy too.

5 stars for a gay classic
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2005-07-16
I love gay comic strips. I love Adam and Andy because it is just like what a real gay couple are like. Thank you for creating a book and strip that helps gay people have pride in themselves.

James Asal is a genius
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2005-07-07
Mr. Asal I heartily recommend your book. You are a genius and we your fans love you. God bless.

A colossal talent-James Asal
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2005-06-28
Oy vey! James Asal's Adam And Andy is too cool! I love it! Buy it please.

Adam
Eating the Big Fish: How Challenger Brands Can Compete Against Brand Leaders
Published in Hardcover by Wiley (2008-12-15)
Author: Adam Morgan
List price: $29.95
New price: $19.77

Average review score:

Break your own balls
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-29
This book is about breaking through into a world where you don't accept number two status but you focus every element of your business into being the best of your own category.

Don't accept that this book is just for marketing executives, it should be read by everyone in business to comprehend how crucial it is to change your way of thinking. The entire book is summed up on page 264, where there is a clear four stage process outlined visually. The book is full of stories to illuminate Morgan's theories and outlines 'think tank' processes in order for your business no matter how big or small to 'break with your immediate past' and forge a new way of doing things.

Brilliant book that changed the way I approached business and marketing. I'd not have the drive and success without it.

fantastic read
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-07-21
This book did great things for my understanding of a challenger brands greatest strengths and strategies. Not to turn this into a forum, I have a few questions though: Does anyone know more about Adam Morgan? Did he work for TBWA? Any other agencies? What was his discipline? Any info would help.

Demolish the 3-piece suits that stand in your way
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2005-08-09
I don't know how to explain the insightful ideas I have taken from this book.

I have read tens of books on branding and how to gain a competitive advantage, yet none were as ground breaking as "Eating the Big Fish".

While others will tell you "what" marketing approaches they used...this one explains the "why".

I got my copy almost free using a coupon from UnderTag.com

Insightful!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2004-06-09
Author Adam Morgan went hunting for the second most successful brands. He sought commonalities among them to develop guidelines for those who are challenging the number one brands in their fields. In other words, if you are coming into the battle in the number two slot, here's your strategy for winning the marketing wars. Morgan is very adept at breaking things down into precise action steps. Witty and engaging, he offers a detailed analysis of the current consumer attitude about brands plus strategies you can use to market your second or third rank brand. We recommend this compilation of competitive ideas to those who want to boost their "Challenger" brands.

one of the best marketing books available
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2005-08-31
I own (oooooh) probably between 80 and 100 books on marketing, some are obligatory read for my masters in marketing, some are handpicked in stores and on amazon and I stand by the title of my review. What can you take out from this book: YOU CAN compete with big brands, there are attitudes and ways of running your business that can knock down the goliath in your industry, and this book explains how, giving numerous examples from various industries. Only negative, if I can call it that, is author's writing style, which was rather hard for me, but then again, I am croatian, so it could be my english, not mr Morgan's :). A MUST!! have.


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