Jones Books

You are hooked by the second page and can't turn the rest of them fast enough. The "Innocent Never Knew" has it all ~ fast paced plot, political conspiracy, haunting relationships, victims, heros among killers, and you can't forget the dog! What more could you want...unless it is more books from this author? Intelligent without pretentiousness. Personal without fluff. This smart read is not only a must read, but a must add to your library!

Exciting, exciting, and exciting. The authors ability to keep me turning pages was refreshing. I will read anything availble by this writer. It is a thin line between fiction & non-fiction.
Perhaps there is no line? Excellent!!!!!

Mark Danielson has injected us squarely into the thrill department yet again with his latest offering, The Innocent Never Knew! From the opening pages he manages to draw you into the web of a plausible conspiracy of truly chilling proportions. This once again is a book that can't be put down until the very last page is digested, and even then, the thought-provoking it engenders persists long after. He certainly raises some valid questions about potential real-world situations, and I hope he continues to parlay this persistence and ultimate search for truth into his upcoming works.

A bold, provocative read dealing with covert operations, government conspiracy, and political murder. Anyone following the mysterious 1996 death of Clinton's Secretary of Commerce Ron Brown will be mesmerized by this book. Highly recommended.

Skilled, suspenseful writing at its best...Mark Danielson has taken government conspiracy to a new level. Insights and parallels to the Ron Brown crash propel this book...defining characters ~ those who will stop at nothing to get what they want and those who become victims, one way or another. From an insider's prospective, Danielson gives us the goods and delivers a heck of a story. Mesmerizing and fast, you're through it before you know it.

In the crowded space of personal investment books, this one distinguishes itself with some unconventional and intriguing advice. Here are some highlights I found eye-opening:

- Rebalancing is a bad idea! Rebalancing back to your 'target allocations' is effectively making a contrarian 'bet' that some assets have become overvalued and others undervalued. Such a bet against the market doesn't fit with the EMH.
- Small/value tilt isn't worth it; Midcap growth may be better! This was a shocker, as almost every asset allocation book out there advises tilting toward small/value, in keeping with the Fama/French research. But if you believe that overall market risk is the only kind worth taking, then the only 'tilt' worth making is toward asset classes with high correlation to the market and higher volatility than the market (e.g., higher 'beta'). Which, as it turns out, is Midcap growth! (and smallcap growth too, to a lesser extent)
- REITS, emerging markets, commodities -- not worth it. Again, some surprising advice. Emerging markets aren't well correlated with the overall market, so why bother with higher expenses when you can get your beta elsewhere? Ditto for REITs, which are really 1) a sector bet 2) a sector which is implicitly included in equities (all companies own real estate) and 3) a sector you're already overexposed to if you own a home. Finally, commodities -- I hardly need convincing there -- they're not a return-generating asset class at all.

So what should you focus on? Expenses, for one! The author makes a powerful case for choosing your asset classes with full awareness of the expenses of each. Again, get your beta the cheapest way you can, even if it means dropping an asset class. The foregone diversification benefit pales in comparison to the difference in expenses, in most cases. The author demonstrates this numerically.

Bottom line: this is probably the smartest book I've read in personal investing space. Although it's left me with plenty of questions to ponder, the final advice given is hard to beat.

This book is authored by the chief investment officer of the web-based "Financial Engines" service. I have used "Financial Engines" in the past and wondered how they came up with their recommendations ... this book increases my respect for the service. The book appears to be written for the "intelligent layman" audience -- not an academic work but definitely requiring effort to get through. There's a tremendous amount of material on asset allocation, at a depth I have never seen before. It is devoid of math, but it still treats topics at considerable depth. Not a "pop lite" investment book. Professionals reviewing their 401k plans will benefit from it, as well as financial planners who want to deepen their knowledge of asset allocation methods for their clients.

We have used Financial Engines for tracking and planning since the initial article about it in Wall Street Journal many years ago. This book explains very clearly about how their data-based system actually works and the statistical information they use to make their recommendations. Very clear writing style and easy to read in several gulps. I have bought extra copies for my kids to use.

This book was well written and easy to read.

The author makes the case that we would need about 1500 years of stock market return data to be able to predict stock market returns within +/- 1% with high confidence. Since we only have about 100 years of reliable data, we can predict within +/- 4% of the long term historical average. Over long 25 year time periods, stock market returns can vary by a factor of 6X or 6 times.

The author discusses the current world asset allocation of about 63:37 stocks:bonds. Interestingly enough, this is not far from the age old pension plan asset allocation of 60:40. The ratio of U.S. to foreign stocks is also about 60:40.

This author has a different opinion about periodically rebalancing a portfolio. He says rebalancing is really a market timing bet.........because you are betting against the consensus of market participants when the market asset allocation changes. He recommends rebalancing to changes in the over-all market allocation versus to a fixed stock:bond asset allocation ratio.

While conducting research for Financial Engines, they found that investors preferred having risk expressed in dollars versus percentages or sigma.

The author correctly focuses on using funds with low expenses, and he says most mutual funds have total expenses over 2% per year. He recommends adjusting your asset allocation around low expense funds...........if you are in a 401K with very limited choices. His work suggests that not investing in an asset class only costs you about 0.5% in return. If it costs you more than 1% in additional fees to get into a new asset class, then skip this asset class.

The author suggests having a maximum of 10% invested in REITs. He argues that if you own your home, you probably have no need for REITs as a separate investment.

The author also argues that commodities have a 0% expected return, so skip this asset class.

Over-all, this book is easy to read with very sound advice for investors.


Index Mutual Funds: How to Simplify Your Financial Life and Beat the Pro's
The Richest Man in Babylon
Bogle on Mutual Funds: New Perspectives for the Intelligent Investor
The Millionaire Next Door
The Four Pillars of Investing: Lessons for Building a Winning Portfolio
A Random Walk Down Wall Street: The Time-Tested Strategy for Successful Investing, Ninth Edition
The Coffeehouse Investor: How to Build Wealth, Ignore Wall Street, and Get On With Your Life
The Bogleheads' Guide to Investing

This is a great book for anyone who wants to gain confidence in making their own investment decisions or anyone who just wants to be able to have a smarter discussion with their financial planner.

Jones very effectively demystifies the rules of investing and stays focused on "what you need to know" to manage a retirement account or other personal investment account for the long term. He avoids chapters full of finance terms and discussion of investments that most of us shouldn't be investing in anyway. Instead, you get an engaging, smart book that you can read in a weekend that almost feels like sitting across the table and getting advice. He covers the subjects in just the right amount of depth-- you won't be left scratching your head, or feeling like you've once again been told "the rules" about things like diversification, but still don't know exactly what to do.

You'll finish this book and feel a lot more confident about your money and have a much better perspective on market headlines. Would highly recommend this read.

I think It All Began... When Jesus Gave Me Sneakerswas an intense but easy to read book that explained the wonder of God in terms anyone can get. I have a new outlook on God now. He is everywhere and in everything. This author has an intense child like faith and excitment for the Lord ever since he made himself real to her. She never let go of that. It is obvious that He is still the God who makes his presence known in wonderful ways. That didn't go away with the old testiment. I recommend this. Would make a nice gift for someone in your life who needs to know God.

Do you know what the voice of God sounds like? Would you like to hear Him speak to you in every circumstance of life - from the seemingly trivial to the truly important? Do you want to experience miracles in your everyday life? In her delightful book, "It All Began... When Jesus Gave Me Sneakers," Carrie Lynn Jones doesn't just tell you how to do these things; she does something much better. By sharing her heart, Carrie demonstrates to the reader how one can have a walk with the Lord that is both intimate and extraordinary.

Carrie has the God given ability to express a childlike wonder and awe for the things of the Spirit. Her book had me chuckling one minute while tears were welling up in my eyes the next.

This small volume can be read in one sitting, but you might want to go back and read the individual stories again, savoring each one, and meditating on the lessons that are profound in their simplicity. I promise that reading this book will increase your faith, encourage your spirit, and inspire you in your walk with the Lord.

I learned a lot from this small book. The God of the Old Testament is alive today! He hasn't changed. He is still mighty, awesome, indescribable. He still does miracles today! In fact, He longs to do signs and wonders in your life. He will make Himself real to you in breath-taking ways; He yearns to exhaust you with mind-blowing, thrilling, all-encompassing acts of love on a scale you cannot comprehend.

This book will give you a glimpse into just how big our God is. He is bigger than you could ever fathom; this book will give you chills up your spine and an excited hunger for more and more and more of Jesus.

Ms. Jones shares how Jesus became real to her during a troubled childhood and has remained so throughout her life. The best part of this book is that it leads the reader to discover how he can have the same vibrant, eternal relationship with Jesus.

It is honest. It is sweet. One cannot deny the true stories that are passionately declared. You will begin to look back on your own life and re-examine those little "coincidences" that you have forgotten about, and suddenly see the Savior standing next to each one.

My daughter checked this book out of her school library and we both fell in love with it. I'm actually writing this review because I was hoping to buy Jake on Amazon (rather than "forget" to return it to the school library! :) The book is about the training of puppy Jake to be a hunting dog. You see how Jake fits into the established relationship between the owner and his older lab who is ready to "retire."

The prose is simple but not simplistic, and the process of seeing Jake grow up and fill a place in his owner's heart is touching without being maudlin. It's directed at children, and my daughter had no trouble reading it at 2nd grade, although it is longer than most books directed at early readers.

I think anyone who loves dogs would enjoy this book, but if you're a lab lover, this will quickly be a favorite.

Thank you for having this book. It is out of print and my daughter really enjoys it. It came to me in perfect condition.

this book was a great read for all ages! it had heart warming photo graphs. i checked this book out of the library and i had to tear myself away at the due date!

A rewarding and wonderful book of tales that will touch anyone who loves dogs. Every tale will touch you with memories of a labrador retriever you once had or bring you closer to your labrador pal that you now share your heart with. A must gift for anyone who owns a labrador retriever!

The story and the photos will touch the hearts of all readers. The puppy, Jake, with his older labrador doggy pal make great reading for all. It is filled with excellent photos to complement the story.

This is a magnificently illustrated book. It is not specific to any bible story, but rather a poem about Jesus. Pieces are taken from throughout scripture, and woven into the book. The focus is on true God, true Word, and true Savior.

The illustrations alone make it worth a purchase, just as art. The book is very simple, so even very young children can enjoy hearing about Christ.

The author's beautiful, soothing, inclusive words and the illustrator's incredible pictures inspire our family. Our children's minister is going to read this to the children at Easter. This is the best picture-book rendition of the Gospel for children that I've seen--and it's good reading for adults, too!

The way in which Hehenberger depicts the theology that Bozutti-Jones so eloquently writes is stunning and highly thought provoking - lots of hidden meaning in the beautiful and colorful art. I highly recommend this book for both children and adults!

My not-quite-four-year-old daughter and I just love this book. The words and pictures are wonderfully moving and well-matched, and the important message is one that is hard to find in religious books for children. I will seek out more books by this author and illustrator.

This book is not only beautiful because the art is stunning -- bright, colorful, and amazing -- but because the telling of the good news of God's love in Jesus Christ is solid and true. I have rarely come across a better presentation of the essence of the Triune God and of all that God is about. "I will not let you be anything but holy, good and free," says God, over and over in the book, as Scripture's story of God's interaction with humanity is told, clearly and succinctly. This book is wonderful for all ages.

Mr. Callo is an excellent writer who analyzes Jones' carrer with many of the special insights of a naval officer. Dealing with his men, tactics in battle and the interface between the navy and the political bosses. Quite a contrast to Evan Thomas' portrayal of Jones attacks on England in a political context.

I enjoyed this book. Admiral Callo presented a balanced history that placed the strategic, operational and tactical achievements of John Paul Jones' career in perspective. Admiral Callo, for example, discusses both the strengths and weaknesses of Jones' naval leadership, the fortitious circumstances of the tactical victory over the HMS Serapis (i.e. the role of chance and friction in war), the effect of tactical wins against the British in the larger strategic context of the American Revolution, and the joint operations involving the Russian fleet actions at the Liman of the Dnieper. All said, Admiral Callo avoids the hero-worship of some writers, providing a solidly researched, well-written biography of John Paul Jones' life. I recommend this book for Soldiers, Sailors, Airman and Marines - all members of the Armed Forces should know something about the life of an important patriot who established many traditions for the sea service.

Callo's book, many of the other recent historical novels of the same period, helped me better understand the difficulties faced by our new nation and it's leaders. John Paul Jones, like his peers Franklin, Jefferson and Washington, was not a hero but rather became one because of the challenges he faced both on the sea and in the politics of the new nation. The values and traditions we still follow today are well described and as a retired Navy Officer I better understand the origins of our Navy and Jones' contributions. I strongly recommend this book.

Rear Admiral Joseph F. Callo, USNR (Ret.) presents John Paul Jones: America's First Sea Warrior, a biography that eschews both the blind idolization of past accounts and the inaccurately deconstructionist present accounts of Jones' amazing life. Scrutinizing both the well-known aspects of Jones' life, such as his stunning military victories and his tireless advocacy of naval power, and lesser-known aspects such as his relationship with civilian leaders like Benjamin Franklin, which in turn set precedents for a fledgling nation's concept of civilian control of the military. A glossary and an index round out this even-handed and meticulously accurate examination of Jones' life and legacy.

John Paul Jones was a most interesting character, filled with contradictions. He was a fighting captain of the nascent American Navy. He had the foresight to look at the future of America as a world power. At the same time he was a difficult man. He was difficult to put up with if he were your friend, he was disparaging of the poor performance of his fellow captains, he was self-promoting to an extreme. But he was not one you wanted to have an an opponent in battle. His failings prevented him from reaching high rank, among them was his relationship with women. He never married and was accused from time to time of rape, molesting a ten year old girl and numerous affairs with married women. He died in Paris, 45 years old.

This book, written by a Navy Admiral is perhaps the most carefully researched, most balanced of the biographies of John Paul Jones. It has neither the adoration, nor the snide condemnation of some other recent biographies.

My dad worked as a lifeguard when Jones Beach opened in the early thirties and my two brothers, Bob and Don, and I were second generation guards. Having worked at Field 6 with George Marth and Jay Lieberfarb, I can attest that this book is a great piece of nostalgia. The writer, John Hanc, captures the soul of an earlier, simpler America when mom and dad took the kids to the beach for the day and we made sand castles which were then washed away with the incoming tide.

Great book! I've been going to Jones Beach for 50 years and I did not know this stuff! The pictures were great also. A must read for those who have beach memories

It's a fascinating history of a place I've enjoyed for more than sixty years. I recommend it to anyone who's had this wonderful beach as a special destination...either now or in years gone past.

I gave the book to my husband for Father's Day. We both grew up on Long Island and Jones Beach is a part of our past. The book is the greatest, complete with history, old photos of the past. I recommend it to anyone who wants to bring a piece of their past, into the present.

Growing up on Long Island we went to Jones Beach all the time. We would go early in the day, have supper, swim in the pool and travel sandily home. The pictures are wonderful. So much I did not know about the park. Enjoyed it immensely.

I even enjoyed listening to the funny antics of Junie B. She will never bore me or my kids.

My Son is in the 2nd Grade and is a good reader. They introduced Junie B. Jones in his reading class and he really thought the stories were funny. I bought some books and on a whim bought the audio cassettes, I let the boys listen to it at bedtime and it is so great to hear the laughter coming from their room. They have listened to the tapes about a hundred times and I highly recommend them for parents. I was pleased to see my 3 year old enjoys them as well. I am going to buy the whole collection. It does encourage them to read because I see them following along with the books they have from school.

Me and my sister listen to a Junie B. Jones story tape every night. I really like the one where Junie B. Jones is a party animal. And Junie B. Jones is not a crook. They're both a thousand percent five stars! I like how Lana Quintal reads it. She really sounds like a kindergarten girl.

These books are terrific for kids in a wide range of ages--mine are 3, 5, and 8, and they all love them (they are over the head of the 3-year-old, but he's still mesmerized). Amazingly, the audiobooks are even better than the print versions. Lana Quintal, whose child-like voice seems a little grating at first, stands up incredibly well to repeat (and repeat and repeat) listening. She gets the tone just right. My kids are happy listening to these tapes in the car even on those long journeys that are usually occasion for hours of complaining. Worth gold! We have a few of the cassette collections, and although they are all great, this one is probably the best.

My 4 year old and 6 year old want to listen to Junie B. Jones tapes every night and while on car trips. They started with an audiotape and soon were asking us to read all 16 books from the library. Very fun stories for kids and grownups alike. Barbara Parks has a wonderful sense of humor.

I always love Froud's faery artwork. You just can't go wrong. The first time I got this calendar was a few years ago, and I've been hooked since.

lady cottington's pressed fairies are perfect accessories for any fairy lover, not to mention those who find the fairies pesky little gnats that need squishing!

Lady Cottington's Pressed Fairy wall calendar is fantastic!
The original book was so intriguing I have to have the calendar eash year!

I don't get this calendar every year because I have to limit the funds I spend on my fairy obsession. However, the cover of this one very much appealed to me, and I am not disappointed with the interior. Like other "Pressed Fairy" collectibles, the art is beautiful, though humorous and quirky, and not for kids. I like to collect many different fairy items. The ones that appeal to me most are the unique ones, like this. I am less prone to go for the very commercial fairy franchise stuff. This is for true fairy lovers because it is true fairy art.
Lady Cottington's Pressed Fairy Letters Upright Desk Set

As always, this calander brings enchantment to my computer room. I have been purchasing this calander for 5 years. To say the least, I am not disappointed:-) Just love it!

When I read this for the first time, I said "I've read this before....". Then I realized it's very much in the style of William Least Heat Moon. Good for laying on a hill, watching the clouds, listening to the birds and animals.... and that's just what the book is!

As often happens in Washington, DC, I got inside information. The author (my eighth grade history teacher) tipped me off about his book, before it was available. I got to read a "galley" I think it is called, and felt even more like an insider. It's exciting when a friend publishes a book, and when that friend telegraphs, with the sound in his voice, that this one might be something special. Steve knows. I read the hardback copy as soon as I got it. Growing up in Colorado gave me some appreciation of this majestic place to the East, which I now plan to visit for the first time. Stephen Jones has woven history, geography several sciences into a literary work of art, that can provide great inspiration, even to the uninitiated. His images are vivid, whether he is describing the hard-scrabble personalities that live there or the spirit-ghosts of Native Americans that have long since perished. His treatments of the landforms and myriad species of animals that dwell in the Nebraska Sandhills, are characteristically perfect. He has written a couple of other nature books, including one with his photos, called the Shortgrass Prairie.What many do not know about Steve is that he was diagnosed with a back problem before he undertook his arduous weeks long trips, the several hundred miles East. He would not want me to mention this, Steve is a low key guy. But his courage is, well, another story. I hope everyone who loves nature, and our vanishing wild places will read this book and be inspired and dream and go there.

Mr. Jone's admiration, appreciation and concern for this very special ecosystem shines through this lovely book. In it, he intertwines Native American myth, Plains history and well researched scientific data into a cohesive and readable overview of the Sandhills of Nebraska.

Through his eyes, we visit and experience a landscape of beauty, solitute, history and rich wildlife. It is, in turns, thought provoking, humourous, enlightening, yet never preachy. Steve is most respectful of the current private owners of these lands, and integrates their ongoing stewardship into well reasoned suggestions to insure the long-term integrity of this fecund habitat for posterity.

The Last Prairie: A Sandhills Journal is an astonishing blend of nature, myth, and love of the land--richly textured with wry wit and something very close to wisdom. It's so deeply rooted in love and its own particular landscape that it transcends locality and becomes universal. In other words, it's a classic, akin to Annie Dillard's Pilgrim at Tinker Creek. Writing, details, and a sensibility to treasure.

Stephen Jones notes in the book that the Sand Hills of Nebraska make up one of the few "dark spots" on those wall posters featuring a satellite view of the United States at night. It is, truly, a wide open space, and he does the landscape great justice with his evident love for the land, its wildlife, its people and history.

For those who think Nebraska is simply home to a football team and endless acres of corn, "The Last Prairie" should open some eyes.

Jones is a prose poet. He makes the Sand Hills live and breathe right there on the page. An excellent, deeply-felt homage to one of America's little-known (thankfully?)great natural treasures.