D Books

This award winning book presents practical, workable, life changing, concepts. These principles apply to parents who are teaching their children. They are relevant for the young person in high school or college. And for the adult on the threshold of a new stage of life: starting a family, a career move, or in retirement years. Whatever your age you will find the book applicable to your situation.

Parrish reveals secrets to success in the area of relationships, goal setting, and values. He then goes on to offer suggestions for a time line of adult life. He gives specific applications for marriage, family, others, finances, and healthy living. It is a book about making the best choices when wrestling with life's most important decisions.

Parrish quotes from the classic motivational authors. Among his favorites are Og Mandino, Napoleon Hill, Miguel Ruiz, Eckert Tolle, and James Allen. I especially enjoyed his "Lesson in a Nutshell" and "A Few Profound Thoughts" sections.

This is a book that you will want to read, reread, and internalize, and then take intelligent action steps into a successful future.

This book is easy to read, has great principals to guide anyone looking to learn some of life's most important lessons from a truly wonderful, successful and generous man. As a person who loves to read and learn from self help and self improvement books, I rate this one a 10.

I am not sure what planet the previous reviewer is from, (Planet Jealousy perhaps?) my guess is he has a personal issue. I suggest he give the book to someone who will appreciate it, which shouldn't be hard. My feeling is that it makes a great gift for someone getting started in life, so that they can take advantage of its lessons.

Read the rest of the reviews to see what everyone else feels about this book.

Here is another excellent life guide book you may enjoy!

Life's Greatest Lesson: 20 Things That Matter by Hal Urban
www.halurban.com

This is an Owner's Manual for a Happy and Successful Life!!!,

Its timeless message on character education should be read by every child, parent and teacher. It is sure to become a classic.

I have given away at least five copies to family and friends!

It was awarded Best Inspirational Book of the Year 2000 by Writer's Digest Magazine.

I have donated a few select books that have been added to my local Public Library. This is by far the best inspirational and motivational book I have read so far. It contains the wisdom of the ages and essential life truths.

A few of the books I have donated are: HOW TO SUCCEED IN LIFE: Ideas and Principles They Don't Teach in School by Ned Grossman, MASTER SUCCESS: Create a Life of Purpose, Passion, Peace and Prosperity by Bill FitzPatrick, a local author from Natick, MA, FREEDOM FROM FEAR: Learn How to Live Life to the Fullest by Mark Matteson, The story of one man's discovery of simple truths that lead to wealth, joy and peace of mind, and I DARE YOU By William H. Danforth.

I highly recommend Life's Greatest Lessons, as it teaches the wisdom of the ages. This book is so wonderful, that after I finished it, I went back and re-read it again. Periodically, I will reread certain chapters again. I am very select in what I choose to donate to the library. I am donating it to the library so it can benefit the most people possible. This book on character education is a topic not normally taught in schools. It is an "owner's manual for a happy and successful life." It describes in a simple easy to understand manner, common-sense life skills that can be applied immediately to enhance and enrich anyone's life.

I was fortunate enough to receive this book as a gift from my parents (friends of Mr. Parrish). Not only did I find it assisted me in every aspect of my life, but others that I have loaned it to have said the same thing, and have bought their own copies. I honestly believe that this book is a must read for every one, and a wonderful gift.

Ever since Mr. Parrish and his staff "adopted" a 5th grade class at Hester elementary school, my daughter Pearl, one of those 5th graders, has had a white board with a list of goals in her room. As I'd walk in and out of her room, year after year, the list would morph--checkmarks would appear, items would disappear, and interesting new items would appear. This pattern was steadfast as the tide. I was so proud when Mr. Parrish asked Pearl to speak at one of his company's morning meetings. She talked about the "Better World" theory--an idea Mr. Parrish and his staff had shared with Pearl's class. Part of the concept is that one should not blame others for their predicaments, and they should take responsibility for improving their own lives. Just this one concept alone can be life-transforming. But in "If I'd Known Then What I Know Now," Mr. Parrish shares MANY tips that can help you better your life NOW. One irony of this book may be this: it is divided into lessons for different age groups (for example, 7 to 15, 16 to 25, 26 to 40 and so on). It could be hard to get your 17 year old to sit down and read the section of the book that pertains to them, because at that age, they might think they do not need any advice. Yet if they would be open to reading and internalizing the advice, their whole future could be happier!!! I thank Mr. Parrish for sharing goal setting tips with Pearl that have enabled her to chart her life's course. Pearl is only 19, and she's already been to Paris, Amsterdam, Venice, New York, Riverside, Omaha, and had her own TV show! I used to love reading positive-thinking books when I was young, and this book reminded me of those days when all seemed possible. I realized after reading his book that all is STILL possible. Since reading Mr. Parrish's book, I got reacquainted with long lost friends, I've improved at keeping commitments (I want my word to be my "bond"), and I'm reviving some goals I set aside a long time ago. Thanks, Mr. Parrish! -- Debbie Wible (11/17/3)

One of the most essential reference books that every Christian should have in their library. Whether you consider yourself as "gifted" in the prophetic or not, you need this book.

If you've ever had a dream or vision that you didn't understand OR you clearly knew that your dream/vision was from God and you had more questions than answers. This book will help you discover the meaning of the images you've been given.

This wasn't quite what I thought it would be. I had assumed that it would be a dictionary of every possible mental image and dream I had, and it is sorely lacking in that, but what it does give is a lot of well-researched things that are part of church life and Biblical life. Interesting book.

This book is indeed a must-have item as a study tool. I've found it to be very detailed and clearly written. I highly recommend this book to others.

From what I've read and for the purposes that I've had to use it for this book is relevant and very necessary to the spiritually inclined!!!

I think that this book is excellent for people that are called to be prophets and prophetess. This has really helped me to understand my call and why I face some of the things that I have. It also explains the anatomy of it and its origin which makes it excellent.

The Vietnam War produced some of the greatest, yet unsung, heroes in American history, Franklin "Doug" Miller was one of them. This book is not so much an autobiography as it is an oral reflection that makes you feel that you are there as he tells his story, with Miller moving to topic to topic as it occurs to him. And what a great story it is. Miller is sometimes vague on details, not going into how he went from being a PFC in a line company to being assigned to Special Forces. Miller's first combat experience was truly unique, more like a company of mountain men in the far west fighting the Blackfeet than a modern army that we think of in Vietnam. "We're going to go across the river and attack a village, do you want to go along?" His platoon sgt asks.

The book's relaxed style does not distrack from the horrors that combat can be and the titled sub-chapters such as-Silver Star, or Bronze Star are helpful as the reader is fully informed on what actions the author was decorated for. It becomes apparent that decorations in Special Forces were hard to come by. The authors discribe day to day life in the S.O.G. unit and provides some insight into the legendary "Mad-Dog" Shirver. The action in which SSGT Miller earned the Medal Of Honor is told in edge of your seat intensity-I wasn't sure if he would come out alive, even though he was telling the story! It's a story that goes from bad, to worse, to hopeless, to acceptance that all's lost.

After nearly six years in the combat zone Miller starts to get a little battle rattled and is sent home. Forunatly the army helped him recover and as a Sergeant Major became an inspiration to a new generation of soldiers. "Doug" Miller became a Special Forces legend, he deserves to be an American legend. I'm glad that his story has been told.

This book is phenomenal. I have been interested in military history, tradition, battles, operations, and training since I was a young kid and have read many books about this genre. I have to say that this one was the best I have read so far. Frank Miller's adventures are beyond compare. Miller often had luck on his side, but what really mattered was that he was good at gathering intelligence and killing the enemy. He didn't enjoy killing, but he understood that it was either him or them and he did what he had to do without dwelling on it.

This book puts you right on the battlefront and makes you feel part of the brotherhood and loyalty that men share when confronted with life and death. There are many humorous stories scattered in the book of more relaxing times away from battle which Miller shares.

I have to give much praise to the author, Elwood Kureth, because he was able to write about Miller's exploits in a way that really made you identify with Frank Miller. A very well written book and very entertaining.

I'm not opposed to all wars but I was very much against our involvement in Vietnam. I thought then and still think that we should have been helping the other side. I bought this book wanting to hear what combat was like there from a special forces soldier. Fortunately, the book didn't get into the politics but simply told about his life and job, which was to collect intelligence and kill the enemy. His bravery and what he went through is mind boggeling and the descripions of battles are riviting. I stayed up way past my bedtime reading it.

WOW, this is one of the most gripping and moving accounts of personal combat and experiences in Vietnam that I have ever read. I had great difficulty putting this gem down, as it is directly related in first-person and the author does a magnificent job of making you feel as if you're right there alongside the subject of the book (Franklin Miller).

Nothing is held back, and if you've ever served in the military, you'll fall right into step with the narration. Everything is presented in all its gory detail, so if you're a little squeamish, you might want to skim across a few sections. The ending is particularly heart-wrenching, especially the afterword by the author's widow.

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the up-close and personal views of combat in Vietnam.

As Command Chaplain For US Special Operations Command I had the profound honor of presiding at This hero's funeral. During the months before he died, I spent some days at his home in St Petersburg to offer some spiritual care.

Even to the very end he was a man of strength and courage. He had an abiding faith in Christ that comforted him and allowed him to spend his final days encouraging and supporting his children. As we prayed he would ask me to pray for his children first becuase they were his greatest concern.

He gave me a copy of his book which I read immediately. It is an amazing story that captures the true heart of a warrior. It is a "must read."

Chaplain Lee M. Thompson
Colonel, USAF (Ret)

Wow this is the saddest book I have read but also one of the most uplifting. Its good to read a book like this from a man's perspective and does teach us sisters a lesson not to be so judging on brothers who do not have materials things. Linda and William are a couple made for each other, I have not read the first book but will do so and hope a third book will bring us up to date on Williams life, his ex and former mentoree need to their comeuppance in book 3 and William needs to find true life long love again.

The best book I have ever read thus far. I highly recommend anyone who is looking for a very inspirational and life changing book, to purchase this. I think one of the best things about this book is that it is so relatable. Everyone have to endure struggles at some point in their lives and this book definitely provides examples of ways to get through them. Sometimes all it takes is one special person to help you get over that bump in the road. The 2 main characters, William and Linda, met for a reason. Both of them had something that the other needed to help them get through their hard times. Not going to spill the beans because I really want you all to read it for yourselves, but the two of them really went through some things that I could never imagine going through. Actually, their problems made my problems seem small. Anyways, purchase, purchase, purchase. I assure you that you won't regret it. Also, please check out other books that he have written as well.

Affairs of the Heart are perceived differently from various walks of life, from a variety of people, based on their experiences with love and the pains and pleasures of what love and life have to offer. With that being said, please meet William McCall, a sensitive managing law clerk who has the world on a string, in love with the perfect woman, until one day his world is rocked by the ultimate deal-breaker, Infidelity.

Rarely do we get into the heart and mind of a black man and his quest for true love, which proves to be nourishment for a man's soul. He is never portrayed as a delicate creature, with intensity, sincere anxieties and sufferings of the normal human condition.

William Cooper does a wonderful job in portraying a love story that is refreshing, heartfelt and embraces all that encompasses love, and affairs of the heart.

One of the best I've read so far this year.

There's Always a Reason is highly recommended.

Congratulations to this author for daring to show the vulnerability we all possess as people in our quest for true love and happiness.

Yes, there is a reason why I recommend this great book for those who love a good story with well-rounded characters and engaging story. Cooper's latest book continues to display his gifted talents at crafting a story from the male perspective and showing that men feel the pains and heartaches of relationships. There's Always a Reason offers the reader a captivating story that will keep you turning the pages. It offers romance, setbacks, steamy dialogue, wisdom, humor, betrayal, and heartache.

Kudos to William for putting his heart and soul in this book and he takes romance and the readers to a whole new level. I highly recommend There's Always a Reason to everyone who enjoys a well-written, heartfelt story.

After reading the first sentence of this novel i could not put it down,,,page after page of raw emotions, drama, compassionate, and Love!! I will be sharing this book with my family and friends....everyone should experience true Love whether on paper or in Reality! Can't wait for the next one!

~Gracefulone "Avid Reader" (Stone Mountain Ga)

I looked through the book and some items were read. Very informative. This was a book that I would have liked to have when I had my child several years ago. I had purchased this book for my daughter in law to have for her child. She also looked through the book and said WOW! This is good. Yes, I would recommend this book to any new mother.

I received this book as a baby shower gift before my first child was born, and I have to say, it was the most helpful gift I got. There is so much real, helpful information, including detailed guides on when to worry (and how much). A guide like that can do wonders for new parents, especially if you tend to jump right into panic mode at the first sign of trouble. When my pediatrician gave handouts at the end of the well-baby checkups, and many of them were taken directly from this book, I knew it was a winner. My oldest is 11 and it's still my go-to reference. I buy it every time I'm invited to a baby shower - it really is the best gift.

I can't say enough about how great this book is. I give it to all of my expecting friends now. I really like how you can search by symptoms and most of all how it guides you on the seriousness of the symptoms.

This book has been very helpful as a reference book whenever I've had a question about my daughter's health. It is easy to find what you need and is very common sense about such things as fevers and how to treat them. It's a great companion to the "What to expect" book and I find myself turning to this one first now.

I am a RN and have used Dr Schmitt's book for years. I am glad to see a newer edition come out because my other book was all torn up! I currently work phone triage, but have also worked in a Pediatric office and Labor and Delivery. I tell so many new parents to buy this book! I buy it for shower and baby gifts as well. I can't imagine how many unneccessary trips to the ER this book has saved for parents.

And so Asterix meets the Romans. This is the perfect place to start with the series, as it is the first book. Little idiosyncracies are evident. This was before the final forms of the characters were imagined, so you get some variance of what they look like. It's hard to put into words, but they're definitely different.

I don't think it's possible to overestimate how interesting and important this comic strip is. Not only is it extremely entertaining, it's interesting and well drawn. Also, if you care to read a little below the surface, many other things: scathing critique of expansionism, romans, and likely catholics. Also the chief of the Gauls is Vitalstatistix, a nod, I think, to Gamers everywhere. Plus... Here's more hidden meaning.. Put Gaul and Rome together, and what have you got? Game. Of course, the romans lose a certain amount of face... heh. Anyway, I'll add more when I think of it.

Every Asterix rules, doesn't matter which one, it rules!
These things are hilarious, has anyone ever read the French version?

Wonderful. what more can I say. You got to have it.

Thanks to the magic potion of the resident druid, Getafix, Asterix and Obelix triumphantly defend the borders of their village against Caesar's legions, to the legions' great dismay ("I hate those Gauls"). My personal favorite is "Asterix and Cleopatra" where they travel to Egypt to help Getafix's buddy Edifis win an architectural contest between Ceasar and Cleopatra. Oh, and the Sphinx's nose? Obelix did that.

In this graphic novel series there is great storytelling, superb drawing, awful puns, wonderful sound effects (yes, really), and sneakily, insidiously, while you're laughing, you're learning.

Asterix lives in the Gaulish part of the Roman Empire. Doesn't he? Not quite, his village resists the Romans thanks to a magic potion. The Romans want some of this potion for themselves...

"Asterix the Gaul" was the first Asterix comic, published in 1961. Rene Goscinny made the words and Albert Udzero did the pictures. It's a pretty good way to start the series though the sequel "Asterix and the Golden Sickle" (1962) sets up the vibe the other comics enjoy.

I am currently studying for the CWNA exam and I have no other resources. This book helps you understand the concepts in plain language. I started using it with the SQ3R method and I find that I can really retain the concepts offered in this book. The SQ3R method takes a little time but if you really want to learn it for the test combine it with how the information is laid out in this book and you'll get it. Good luck!

This is a great book on Wireless. Tons of detail on RF properties, troubleshooting and things to look for. Aside from being a decent study guide for the exam this book will serve as a handy reference in day to day work as well as research activities.

The book very well organize and easy to follow, however it needs more detail in order to pass the exam.

I read this book after reading the official CWNA Guide from Planet3 Wireless. I was amazed at how easy it was to read considering the depth and breadth of the material presented in the book. Some topics which weren't very clear from the other CWNA book were made much clearer. Even though I haven't taken the exam yet, I have not found a book on WLANs that I could recommend more highly for getting you up to speed as quickly as possible. The fact that the authors supply their email addresses is a HUGE bonus too. The end of chapter questions are especially useful for testing your understanding. In short BUY IT!!

After taking a class given by David Westcott I decided to buy his book. I am so glad I did. I went from working in the wireless field for three years and not being certified to reading his book and two months later becoming a CWNA. This book is just very easy to understand. They use alot of analogies to help you get the point of what they are trying to teach. If you have ever read a Cisco press book you will really appreciate the two David's writing style.

After I purchased this book a co-worker purchased "the other" CWNA book and the rest of my fellow co-workers compared the two and after all the scrutiny they all purchased this one.

If you have ever wanted to become a CWNA or just learn more about wireless technologies this book is definitely for you.

A comprehensive story of a less well known battlefield of World War II. Some confusion over the repetition of numerical regiments, but all-in-all good reading.

Field Marshall Slim was ordered from Iraq to Burma to take command of the front in the upcoming Burma debacle. Under Wavell first, and Auchinlek later, he retreated with the Commonwealth armies into India, and later on led the allied armies into victory against the Japanese forces.
His writing is clear, concise, and he does not spare himself from criticism, Often after describing an order he gave, or wished he had given, he will go on to explain how his plan was a mistake, and how he should have done it instead. This is precious insight on the mind of the commander. In many first person war stories, we are told what happened, but not why, and when errors are committed, there is always a lot of blame sharing. Here it is different. Slim tells you what he did wrong, when, and why. This is refreshing.
He shows great respect for his enemy, and describes the enemy's gallant attacks and heroic defenses with respect and appreciation for the heroism of the Japanese soldier. He does not fail to condemm the Japanese war crimes.
He exhibits great wit in describing the different attitudes of the Indian, Sikh and Gurkha soldiers. In one instance, after a Japanese attack in Inphal, some Gurkhas had been ordered to bury the enemy bodies. One of these wasn't dead yet, so the Gurkha trooper gets ready to cut the enemy's head off with his Kukri knife; a British officer tells him "Don't kill him!", and the Gurkha answers "But sir, we can't bury him alive!" Episodes like this give a great sense of realism and "being there" to the whole story.
The best book I've read to date on the Burma front.

I have always heard that Defeat into Victory - Battling Japan in Burma and India, 1942-1945 by William Slim was an excellent book for military leaders and planners. Despite this, I was resistant to reading this book for several years. Field-Marshal Slim, after all, was a failure. He failed to stop the Japanese advance in Burma and took a shockingly long time to retake Burma.

After finally reading this book, I must admit I was wrong. This book is useful on at least four levels. First, it is a good read on a little known part of World War II. Even if one is knowledgeable about General Stilwell's experience in the China Burma India (CBI) Theater, this highly focused work will provides new and interesting insights on that theater of war. Second, Field-Marshal Slim was forced by circumstances to be very creative is his tactics, techniques, and procedures. It is useful to see how many of these ideas were adopted in modern militaries and how many still might have value. Third, Field-Marshal Slim has some very specific and interesting "lessons learned" spelled out in the last section of his book. Fourth, leadership as applied in combat, in a bizarre multi-cultural environment, and in the disease ridden tropics might be useful for both current military folks and those in business.

It was a surprise to learn about the relatively large number of troops involved in the Burma campaign. Like most Americans, my image is of a few aviation and engineering units and that the bulk of the fighting, to the extent there was any, was done by Chinese units and a handful of "special forces/commando" units. It was insightful to read about the difficulties in mixing the militaries of different nations. The British attempt, largely successful, at outsourcing the fighting to Indian and West African units was meaningful as well.

The use of helicopters and air mobile brigades was one of the many innovations that Field Marshal Slim implemented. The development of riverine forces was also interesting and potentially worth study since the U S Navy has decided to reintroduce such forces based on lessons learned from Iraq.

From page 535 - 551, Field Marshal Slim offers some specific lessons learned based on the Burma campaign. The only area where I think he is less than intellectually honest is his discussion on "Special Forces". Field Marshal Slim rejects the usefulness of special forces, but if one reviews his actual campaign, he seems to be inclined to argue the usefulness of small groups of elite forces that act as enablers of larger amounts of indigenous troops. Likewise, he is adamantly against commando and amphibious troops as "special". His argument is that all troops should be trained to do these types of things though perhaps not to the level that so called special forces are trained to.

Finally, Field Marshal Slim managed to survive in a complex and bizarre multinational environment. It seems as if the United States might be in such situations in the future. Indeed, NATO forces in Afghanistan and Multi-National Forces in Iraq are - while different in detail - much the same in terms of the diplomatic and relationship building that is required of senior military officers.

This is a solid book for a variety of reasons. I highly recommend it.

Field Marshall Slim, Viscount of Burma, never lets us forget that it is the soldiers in the field that win battles: not politicians in their ivory towers, or generals in their bunkers far behind the action. Slim's theory is that politicians give guidelines for the campaign, and generals provide the training and backup so that the soldiers can get on with their business. He should, when possible, not get in the soldiers way.
This is a marvellous account of how the Commonwealth managed to stem the Japanese tide in South-East Asia. The main part of the book describes how he managed to restore morale and discipline in the army that was so humiliatingly defeated in 1943. That part should be compulsory reading at any management school. His solution was simple: he accepted that the defeat was due to faulty planning of the general staff. He then set out to provide training and equipment to the front-line troops. Since he commanded a multi-ethnic international army, he saw that every unit was supplied according to its own special needs. He even put his own staff on half-rations if any field unit lacked provisions - which usually quickly solved the problem!
As few generals and politicians he understood that war is about individuals and small units - they just add up to something bigger.
Slim could really write, the book is full of small anecdotes and self-ironic humour. When he writes about the actions it is af we were really there in the midst of it.
Finally, and most importantly: the book is totally devoid of any racism or demeaning of the enemy, it is incredibly respectful of his own native soldiers and of the Japanese enemy.

Field Marshal Slim's excellent memoire of the fighting against the Japanese in Burma and India during 1942-1945 is remarkable on at least two counts. First, the Allied armies were badly beaten and hustled unceremoniously out of Burma in 1942, yet reorganized in time to defend India and went on to liberate Burma in 1945. This feat was all the more remarkable for being fought over some of the most rugged jungle and mountain terrain in the world, under often horrendous weather conditions, at the distant end of the Allied supply lines. Second, Slim's account is exceptionally candid with respect to his leadership, to include mistakes made (his and others), to his opinions of his allies and opponents, and to the political wrangling that goes on in any coalition military effort.

The China-Burma-India Theater of World War II did not include large numbers of American ground forces, and has therefore been left largely in the shadows of the fighting in Europe and the Pacific theater. However, the Allied forces inflicted a massive military defeat on the Japanese Army under extraordinarily difficult conditions; there is much to learn from the common sense, improvisational approach employed by Slim in planning and organizing his campaigns.

Slim arrived in the theater as a brand new corps commander just at the start of the Japanese invasion. His efforts to cobble together a defense were repeatedly overturned by the relentless Japanese attack and by the scarcity of resources. Slim managed to extract his forces and in successive positions as corps and army commander, rebuilt them into the force that went back into Burma. Slim's account is comprehensive, even exhaustive, describing both the operational-level planning and administrative support and much of the tactical level fighting in the jungles. His high regard for his multi-national army, composed of British, Gurkha, Indian, Chinese, and American forces, and his care for their morale is evident throughout his account.

"Defeat Into Victory" is a long read at over 550 pages; the casual reader may be overwhelmed by the length and level of detail. The student of military art without prior background in the China-Burma-India theater may have some challenge putting Slim's account into proper context. The limited selection of maps are a bit difficult to read but enable the reader to follow the course of the campaigns.

This book is very highly recommended to the student of the military art looking for a very readable account of the Allied campaigns in Burma. Those who persist to the end will be rewarded by Slim's retrospective on the fighting in Burma and the surprisingly modern conclusions he draws from the experience.

reading this book about ten years ago! I could never understand why a MOVIE was not made from this book, quality historical/fiction can sell, no? Fantastic story telling, fantastic period research (Ancient Rome is a serious interest of mine). The story was also very poignant to me b/c the author was able to really bring the characters to life, particularly Eugeni. If you have any interest in how the ancient world worked, or more specifically how the modern world may be viewed by someone from the distant past, GET THIS BOOK!

I was telling someone about this book yesterday and spent the next 24 hours trying to remember the title. It's been nearly 30 years since I read this and the plot and characters stuck with me all this time. It's a great story with vivid scenes that could have been a great movie! Somebody write a screenplay!

This is a super adventure novel. The body of a Roman gladiator is cut of out the ice in the North Sea, and, of course, the gladiator is revived. His experiences in the modern world are wonderfully portrayed.

I loved the part where the gladiator tells a nun that the New Testament apostle James, I believe, was a disgrace. He says something to the effect that he was crucified upside down. Thus, the gladiator unintentionally confirms a Christian belief. I love playing with ideas, and this detail from the novel has stayed with me all these years.

The gladiator also gets in a fight with an Olympic fencer. My advise: Don't fight Roman gladiators.

"The Far Arena" is, quite simply, a magnificent story, which places Richard Sapir among the top ranks of novelist talents. Why this one did not receive greater acclaim is a mystery, because this is a powerful, well-written, even compelling story dealing with ancient Rome. Without spoiling the plot, it is simple enough: by entirely plausible scientific means, a Roman gladiator is revived in the modern age. His flashbacks to life in ancient Rome and his impressions of the modern age are all woven into a compelling plot that moves at lightning speed to a startling and yet wistful conclusion. This is a great story.

Sapir's prose is superb. Many authors have trouble switching from first-person narration to a third-person perspective as Sapir does in this novel, but Sapir does it effortlessly. The storyline never drags. The novel has a wonderful sense of authenticity that causes the ancient Roman Empire to become real to the reader. Sapir's characterizations are excellent as well. Eugeni, the Roman gladiator and the other leading characters all become real people about whom the reader will come to care a great deal. Put simply, there is very little about this novel not to like.

I own two copies of this one and would never part with either--I consider this to be one of the very best novels I have ever read. The discerning reader will want to read and keep this one in his or her personal library.

I've been a bit reluctant to rely on Amazon.com reviews after a few clunkers but thank you, thank you, thank you to the person who put this on a "best of" list. This is not only a great story, about a frozen man, who may or may not be a gladiator from Caracalla's Rome, who is revived in the 20th century, but it's a well written book as well, with lots of historical detail that never overwhelms with triviality. Sapir gives us a Russian doctor, a Nordic nun, a Roman gladiator, and a Texas engineer working for an oil company and brings them together realistically and, more amazingly, in a way that makes you care about every single one. He intercuts their efforts to resuscitate and then communicate with the Roman, with the story of the putative gladiator's life in ancient Rome. Sapir has done his research and created a very moving and fascinating story. Well worth the effort to track a copy down.

As a Workforce Development professional, I have administered a slew of career assessment instruments with varying success. Some of the newer quizzes and questionnaires aim to reveal the Dream Job: that one is best suited for. This job is also most likely to provide high job satisfaction. However, it is often difficult to find a job that fits both models.

Today's trend is to find a person's "calling." This is accomplished through paper and pencil tests like the Keirsey Temperament or Meyers-Briggs, online surveys, and even some effective card-sorting games. Some online measurements reveal one's "work personality" as being closest to a particular Star Trek® or Star Wars® character. These are fun, though a bit gimmicky - and not always correct. In the end, all this "work personality determination" can seem akin to casting horoscopes, while Young Adult Professionals (YAPS, as I call them) prefer something fresher. All these instruments have their due applications, but Ms. Levit's system outshines each one.

In a survey of workers aged approximately 20-39, Levit determined qualities that reveal Work Passions - more likeable and fun than "work personalities." Self-administered and self-scored, the associated quiz can be retaken yearly to determine changes throughout the lifespan (my own test results were spot on). The careers of passion, so to speak, are Adventurer (that's me), Creator (also me), Data Head (me, too), Entrepreneur, Investigator (me), Networker, and Nurturer. As with other quizzes, most users will likely score a "highest three categories" cluster that provides a range of lucrative career choices. Overall, the system is easy and based on facts.

Levit includes actual interviews with workers for clues on how to break into exciting careers that match the Passions, and she provides descriptions and in-depth information about the Top 60 Most Attractive Careers desired by young professionals today. Easy to read and engaging, the text is an exciting journey through a Disneyland type of Career Space Ride. For a neat finish, it all seems very effective.

Every high school and college grad should receive a copy of this book as a gift. This is one of the best books of its kind I have ever read or used. I am recommending it to many people.

Armchair Interviews says: Highly recommended.

As the author points out, a vanishingly small number of us grew up and went to college to work in a vast, impersonal cubicle farm doing work we have no passion for and that has no more than short term utilitarian importance. We didn't set out to be faceless and anonymous worker-bees. Yet, most of us end up in such jobs. There's nothing wrong with paying the bills and funding your life and life's passions outside work. In fact, many people actually enjoy this kind of work because of what it funds at home and at play.

What's wrong is living a life that makes you feel frustrated, trapped, and sinking deeper into a sense of uselessness. Alexandra Levit provides you with a bunch of alternative careers you can at least consider. A wise boss once said to me that we should enjoy 80% of our job and the other 20% is what we get paid for. That seems about right to me. So, if you hate roughly 80% of your job, maybe you well into the area for reconsidering how you spend your time putting bread on your table and a roof over your head.

The first chapter is a self-assessment to help you see what broad category might bring your more satisfaction than the situation that is leading you to seek out this book. After you take the assessment, you will be given advice about which of the seven broad categories may suit you best. The seven categories are The Adventurer, The Creator, The Data Head, The Entrepreneur, The Investigator, The Networker, and The Nurturer. You will notice that these aren't jobs. However, within each category she describes some possible jobs, what those careers are like, and how you go about getting them.

For example, in The Adventurer category you get to look at being a conservationist, documentary photographer, ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher, foreign service officer, news correspondent, oceanographer, outdoor adventure guide, and travel journalist. Each of the categories are similarly broad. You will probably want to look through all of them regardless of what your assessment results are because each job is interesting to contemplate.

Remember, this is a book about getting ideas and leads for new jobs and is not about providing directives for your life. You will get ideas and you might become energized to go look at something completely different from your present path or from what is provided in this book. Even if you decide to stay where you are, reading through this book and considering other things may well help you see your job with new eyes and appreciation.

A good book for anyone of any age considering where to work for your first job, for a career change, or what to do after you have already had a career but aren't ready for the rocking chair or watching daytime soaps.

Reviewed by Craig Matteson, Ann Arbor, MI

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I really enjoyed this book! It clearly broke down dozens of careers in a digestable manner, and it was fun to read. I'm a 20-something who doesn't feel entirely fulfilled in my current job and am using this book as a platform for finding new paths. There are so many interesting jobs that I had never even heard of...it was so fun to read about all the new opportunities!

"Figure out what you love to do, and you'll never go to work a day in your life." Good advice... but how do you do it? I'd say reading "How'd You Score That Gig?" is a great place to start.

For anyone staring blankly at a hard-earned diploma and thinking "What now?" this book is a must-have. With enthusiasm, skill and tremendously thorough research, Levit takes readers on a tour of the coolest jobs for every personality type. Each chapter is full of stories from people who have already figured out a way to do what they love and, thanks to Levit, the secrets of their success are yours to discover. From a personality quiz to step-by-step advice and wisdom on how to land a dream-job, you'll find exactly what you need to kick the post-grad blues.
Get ready, get set, get a gig!

This book was a fun read. I liked it in a superficial kind of way. It features 60 jobs that may be worth pursuing. The author has grouped the 60 jobs in seven of the book's 8 chapters as follows:

1. Self-assessment
2. The adventurer
>>Conservationalist >>Documentary photographer >>ESL teacher
>>Foreign Serviceofficer >>News correspondent >>Oceanographer
>>Outdoor adventure guide >>Travel journalist
3. The creator
>>Actor >>Book author >>Fashion designer
>>Interior designer >>landscape architect >>movie screenwriter
>>Performance musician >>Restaurant chef >>Video game designer
4. The datahead
>>Computational linguist >>Environmental engineer >>Financial advisor
>>Information security specialist >>Meteorologist >>Pharmaceutical scientist
>>Urban planner
5. The entrepreneur
>>Bed-&-breakfast innkeeper >>Blogger >>Boutique owner
>>Event planner >>Health club owner >>Internet-based business owner
>>Inventor >>Pet sitter >>Professional organizer
6. The investigator
>>Antiques dealer >>Art curator >>Classic car restorer
>>Criminologist >>Field archeologist >>Forensic scientist
>>Futurist >>Historian >>Psychology lab assistant
7. The networker
>>Book editor >>Congressional staffer >>Image consultant
>>Lobbyist >>Marketing executive >>Pro sports team manager
>>Speech writer >>Talent agent >>Television producer
>>Wine merchant
8. The nurturer
>>Doula >>Elementary school teacher >>Life coach
>>Nonprofit administrator >>Nutritionist >>Physical therapist
>>Social services caseworker >>zoologist

Chapters 2 though 8 cover occupations that are grouped by the personality type of the person suited for them. For example, someone who is creative (a creator) might want to be a book author or movie screenwriter. See Chapter 3. And the reader is expected to use Chapter 1 to determine which personality type they have. After reading Chapter 1 they can then turn to the chapter that applies to them and skip the rest of the book. In that case, the book can be a very short read.

The author says this book was written to help the reader embark on the journey toward career fulfillment. And the target audience is really smart, ambitious, goal-directed kids. I'm sorry, but the list of jobs featured in this tome for the most part do not seem to match the target audience. And they don't seem to be entry-level jobs that will help someone get on with a career full of fulfullment.

If you are looking for a book that will give you some insight into how to land a job featured in this book, then this book is for you. It is well-written and informative. However, if you are really smart, ambitious, and goal directed, then I suspect you have already planned your career moves long before graduating from college and you will get little from this book. Generally speaking, entry-level jobs are not fulfilling. And a book that provides career advice shouldn't really be advising on particular jobs for new recruits. Instead, it should be advising on CAREER TRACKS that will lead to a fulfilling occupation that can adequately support a worthy lifestyle financially. If the author had done this latter thing, then I would have really liked the book. 4 stars!