Meyer Books

Very readable. Concise. A great overview. Given the price, a great value.

Certification seekers: If you have a lot of real-world experience this will be useful in pointing out what you haven't had to deal with but will be on the test. Those taking classes to prepare will find this a much more pleasant review than slogging through the Microsoft Press book again. Useful for those taking the 70-215 test as well, as the 70-218 rehashes many concepts begun in 70-215.

Possible improvements:
If the CD tests were expanded/enhanced, value would be even greater.
In the text: Need more "On the Test" mentions.

Great coverage of a new topic. I read this book. Took one transcender. Passed the test. I like the book because it's all meat and no potatoes. It was easy to read and edited very well. My first Passport book and I enjoyed it very much. I usually use the red and blue Syngress books, but I think I found another favorite.

This book is easy to read; excellent writing style, not boring at all. It contains a good summarize of important concepts for pass and understand the 70-218 Microsoft test, but CAN NOT BE your one resource. You'll need another book for 218 or have strong knowledge and "hands on" experience working on Windows2000.

Recommended book for use with this: MS-PRESS Book 2nd Edition.

There are certification books and manuals designed to cover the exam beyond the objectives and then there is those books whose purpose is to hammer home the finer points of the exam, this I one of those books.

Cutting down the material to cover the most important facets of the exam while ensuring the objective are met is what we have in this manual. Overall the author has given you a handy reference manual. Keep in mind that this book is a supplement to studying and you will need other books.

The book is setup in a manner that covers each objective from beginning to end. Each chapter has a study time frame to set a guide for you, although you can take as much time as need in the areas you are having trouble with.

Throughout the book there is exam tips and notes as well as review questions at the end of each chapter, which should give you a good handle on the exam. Also included is a cdrom with more question to practice with. What the author has done is taken the reader straight to the exam point, without sacrificing content.

I discovered Somerset Maugham about 10 years ago. I had ignored his works before that because my brain reacts in a not-so-polite way to books in the "classics" section: it goes into REM mode.

I was pleasantly surprised to enjoy his works, although there were parts that were somewhat disturbing and many of his short stories seem to have a similar plot.

This biography has helped me understand where the writer was coming from. Sadly, now I am a bit more disturbed about the human being behind the writer. But since I am a reader, it is the writer whom I can judge.

Why four instead of five stars? Because of some repetitions, without which I would have had saved some time, maybe to re-read "The Moon and Sixpence".

Jeffrey Meyers is a prolific biographer of literary figures whose books are hit-and-miss - while never less than professional, they are sometimes excellent and sometimes disappointing, depending on the rapport that Meyers has with his subject. But they are always marked by his remarkable industry and erudition. I've enjoyed most of them very much, and his last book, on George Orwell, was excellent.

I'm delighted to say that his new book on W. Somerset Maugham is just as good. It's possible that Meyers feels a rapport with Maugham because, like his subject, Meyers is fantastically prolific and not given his due by the intelligentsia. Whatever the reason, this is an excellent biography of an underrated writer, and immediately becomes the standard life of its subject.

Maugham was a very fertile writer and, like anyone who writes a lot, his production is uneven. Some of his books -- "Of Human Bondage" and "Cakes and Ale" come to mind -- will live as long as any English novels of the last century. Others, such as his historical novel about Machiavelli, "Then and Now," which Edmund Wilson used to unfairly trash his entire body of work in a 1946 New Yorker review, will most likely be forgotten. But Maugham wrote brilliantly in virtually every genre, from the essay to the spy story (his "Ashenden" had a noticeable influence on Ian Fleming's creation James Bond) to the travel book to plays (he once had four plays on the West End at once -- a feat that's been seldom duplicated) to the novel and short story, and the best of his work will live. Meyers illuminates his life with understanding and tact, and avoids (or at least does his best to downplay) the prurient detail so indulged in by other, more sensational biographers (Ted Morgan leaps to mind).

So if you're at all intrigued by the most successful author of his time, or if you're already a fan of his work and would like a sympathetic (yet not uncritical) look at his life, I would highly recommend Jeffrey Meyers new biography. And I can't wait to see which author he tackles next.

Maugham is one of the best authors of the 20th C. and Mr. Meyers not only does an excellent job summing up his life but a notable job analyzing his works. Through this meandering work we are able to learn much about Maugham as a person (some of which I did not care to know as it shattered my image of him) and about his private life. The book alo does an excellent job charcterising [...]. All in all a worthwhile book.

Over the years W. Somerset Maugham has become one of if not my favorite author. His Novels, plays and short stories capture his time and social circumstances perfectly. He is the consumate Edwardian writer.
Jeffrey Meyer has produced a great biography that combines well researched details of Mauham's personal life with analysis of his work from various periods of his long and prolific career.
This is a wonderful biography, that fully immerses the reader in the world of Maugham as a writer and a man who had obvious shortcomings but yet emerges from this as a sympathetic character. There is much here for the fan of Maugham that will illuminate some of his better known characterizations as being based on individuals in his life.
Overall I found this to be a highly readable and very enjoyable literary biography and I will be sure to check out more of Meyers' work as well as revisit some of Maugham's as a result of having read this.

It's fun to read a book when you recognize street names, landmarks, and small towns. This was hard to put down. What great comparisons are made between the 1890's and present day Hamilton County. Well done!!

I love to read, I read a book a week and I know when I've got something wonderful. Kurt Meyer made his characters very real. You actually felt what the people in the book felt. When a writer can make you laugh out loud when you are alone, that is a good writer. Why this young man does not have this book available in bookstores everwhere, I just don't understand. I would love to see this become a triligy!

Normally I am not a fan of science fiction or a lover of history so I didn't expect to be so taken with the story of a small town history teacher who slipped into another era. The author conveyed his interest in Victorian architecture without becoming pedantic and made the time warp seem almost believable. It was particularly rewarding that the ending of the story was not entirely predictable. The author successfully brought out the advantages and disadvantages of life in both time periods though it was easy to see where his preference lies.

I'm from Indianapolis and initially purchased the book because it centered around Noblesville, a community north of Indy. I thought it would be fun to read a book with some familiar sites I could identify with. Kurt Meyer surprised me with an interesting story that I couldn't put down. I highly recommend this book and purchased more copies to give as gifts.

I admit it wasn't love at first sight when this book was chosen as our book club book. I couldn't imagine that I would find this "history" book at all entertaining...but by the fifth chapter, I'd fallen head over heels in love!! In love with the characters, in love with the storyline, in love with the setting and yes, even in love with the history! I have a renewed appreciation for the town I was born in and where my grandparents still live. It was fascinating reading about the places that are familiar to me and about some of the history of it. Although, the story is fiction, the setting is not and because of that, this book was REAL.

I have to echo Rick Friedman's praise of Leuchtenburg's book. This is a wonderful survey of places where the past has come alive for some of the top names in the field of American history. From the Grand Canyon to cyberspace to Graceland, these short essays convey a sense of the "spirit" of a place--like Montgomery, Alabama, and Fenway Park in Boston--and how it has affected the author and connected him/her to the past. For some, like David Hackett Fischer, it is a sense of history still alive, while for others, David Kennedy, for example, it is how the events that took "place" at a particular location had far-reaching effects. Each essay in American Places is well-written and if I have one complaint it's that there aren't more of them.

Anyone interested in American history and how history effects place and vice versa should pick up this volume. Like Mr. Friedman, I received my copy as a gift and am glad I did.

Think of your favorite history professor in college. Imagine having the luxury to ask, "What single place across the country resonates the most with you in terms of history?" And, then, not only go there with that person as your personal guide but be permitted to repeat the process 27 more times with some of the finest teachers in America!

That's what this book does in just over 350 pages.

From small towns you have never heard of to Gettysburg, Monticello, and the New York Giants' Polo Grounds. Brief narratives, written by notable historians, describe not only where but why such places are special to them.

I had given a friend who likes to travel a copy of Charles Kuralt's book, written shortly after he retired from CBS, about the 12 best places Kurault wished to spend one month each in for an entire year. And which month of the year was best to be there. Everyone has their own Top Twelve list, of course. But it was nice to see the country from Kurault's perspective.

In return for the Kurault book, my friend surprised me with a literary gift of his own the next time he was in my neck of the woods. It was this book--American Places, Encounters with History. What a delight! The writers have a special knack for making their favorite places come alive.

Each essay is no more than 10-12 pages. The perfect ticket to some of the best ideas for future trips you'll want to take as soon as you finish the book.

Almost all the writers, not all, mentioned Black people and slavery in their stories, and some Jews and Indians. Some of them used the word White as if it were a dirty word. These writers seem to be all liberals who want to prove that they aren't racists. And how many Blacks are going to read this book? Unless it's required reading in school. To me, these stories were a subtle bashing of people whom they think are racist in their thinking and actions. I would not have bought the book if I had known all this racial...was in it.

They were going to kill the conservative right wing. - Pizza Huts, hamburger stands, no school past 14, Protestant, German, Martin Luther, Lord's Prayer, early Sunday worship- They own Pizza Hut. It all went down at my church. More and more people can't afford to live in today's world. Know your race- don't fill your face. It's awesome.

I read this book as a class project. I found it was very accurate description with the author's account of the way of life of the Amish. It is a nonfiction book, but she added some "fictional" characters to show the reader how it would be like as an "Amish person." It made the reading interesting to have these characters in the story. It made you wonder--What did Sam Belier decide to do? Will he stay Amish? I think so. At least that is my conclusion from reading the book. He likes a girl in the story, so this makes sense. He also likes to farm. If an Amish person didn't like to farm or like the girls, he might be tempted to leave their life. But then he would be shunned for life. So, why leave? IF they don't leave, they will be part of their community and respected still.

I thought the book was well organized--putting the chapters into parts of their life from Farming, to Church life, and to marriage. Their life cycle may seem boring, but the Amish do have fun sometimes like at "Singings" and things like that. They just take life a little more seriously. Their life is ruled by the Ordung (rules) of their CHurch. Sometimes the ORdung is different in different districts. There are some Amish who are more "wild" (called "Beachy Amish"). While most districts just have more stirct vs. milder rules. However, even if a person wants to leave one district for another--then they may be shunned. That is why it is hard for me to imagine anyone wanting to "convert" to Amish. I think it is very rare.

Author Carolyn Meyer grew up in Lewistown Pennsylvania, and had a lifelong fascination with her Amish neighbors; this book is the fruit of her years of studying the Amish. The book takes Ms. Meyer's considerable knowledge about the Amish, and puts it into the form of a narrative of life in the Amish community. In it, we follow a year in the life of the (fictional) Beiler family, as they live their lives, go to school, worship, work their farms, and observe the rituals that cover everything from birth to death.

This is a really nice book, one that doesn't just talk about the Amish, but actually puts the facts into the context of real life. If you have a younger reader who is interested in the Amish, or even an older reader (such as myself), then you should get this book. I highly recommend it!

When I was younger and openly challenged the misguided optimism that America would ever become a integrated society, I was viewed as bizzare and as a black racist. Mr. Meyer shows that White America has and continues to reject integration. Most of it is passive. However it has been ocassionaly violent. My parents' white neighbor next door moved out 6 weeks after my family moved in. Mr. Meyer points out it is the middle class Blacks who bear the brunt of this rejection. For any reader who wants to know why Louis Farrakhan and other Black Militants have a large appeal they need to read this book. Black Nationalism is the hate that hate produced and continues to nourish.

Stephen Meyer has identified a shining example of the complexity that is the American psyche. Told in a compelling weave of human drama and statistical truths, Next Door was difficult to put down.

The very ideals that validated the enormous suffering and loss of the U.S. Civil War are torn asunder with the subsequent isolation and residential subjugation of the newly "freed" in Northern society.

From misguided, misinformed Federal housing schemes and restrictive local ordinances in the name of peace to outright violence and lynch mob mentality, Mr. Meyer paints a clear and disturbing portrait of American hypocrisy.

A challenging work that is as much good reading as a good reference, Next Door is a must for any informed discussion on the housing plight of blacks in America.

Meyer's book clearly illustrates that, as far as race-relations are concerned, a solution may not necessarily be in the near future. By explaining and expounding on the instances and ramifications surrounding race issues and their effects on fair (or unfair as the case stands) housing, the reader is forced to consider where he stands in the grander schemes of prejudice and racism. As a historical tool, as well as a teaching guide, this book is both informative and revealing. Perhaps more importantly however, As Long As... forces one to examine their own attitudes towards blacks. It forces the reader to ask the question : In spite of current rhetoric, have things really changed? And the even bigger question of: Would it really bother me to have blacks living in my neighborhood? My guess is that most people would be glad that no one has to know their truthful answer. Very worthwhile and informative.

This is certainly the best book I found on the modelling and managing of risk for funds-of-funds in private equity. It contains a lot of hints on the currently evolving literature on PE funds-of-funds and describes a complete and integrated approach on how to measure, monitor and manage values and associated risks.

Beyond being the perfect starting point to learn more about this growing market segment, it also provides a lot of input to the practitioner who up to now has not been aware of pragmatic & efficient risk and rating (scoring) models for such funds. While some of the newer papers from academics rather aimed at details or were sometimes exaggeratly sophisticated, this books combines best-practice from theory and practice.

Well done!

I always enjoy reading books on the venture industry written by professionals with practical expereince because the others are usually do not add much insight. However, not all industry experts write insightful books, but this is an exception. However, the price is a bit steep for less than 400 pages.

I would have given this book the highest rating but "The Startup Company Bible for Entrepreneurs" is the best book in my opinion. It is not only for entrepreneurs but VCs and anyone else who wants to gain an in-depth understanding of te venture capital industry and process. It may even be too advanced for some entrepreneurs but if you want to understand and do it right, look no further! Be warned: its 600 pages

These two books would go great together because they are both advanced and very insightful, unlike most of the other books on the subject.

Mssrs. Meyer and Mathonet have produced a valuable resource for building and managing a portfolio of venture capital and private equity funds. The book demystifies private equity investing, and presents a quantitative and qualitative approach to the fund selection process. It has been a key resource in the development of our fund, and we reference it often. This book is great for institutional investors, and should be on the shelf of academics as well.

As a college band director, we continually look for ways to improve the manner in which our student leaders approach their responsibilities. In looking for a guest speaker for our pre-season camp, this book was recommended as a great resource. We decided to purchase copies for all the student leaders. At the pre-season camp, we worked through some of the fundamental concepts in the beginning of the book and concluded with the five pillars of leadership. When our last session ended (10:00PM) some of the leaders said that they were going back to their rooms to work on goals for the remainder of the week. With guidance (a speaker) this is a great tool for college students ready to begin a career. After all, they are our future leaders and the tools gained from this book can make them more effective leaders and, for the companies in which they lead, can produce, as Mr.Meyer says, "a maximun multiplication of effort" from those that they lead. We highly recommed this book.

Most leadership books tell you how you should lead...without giving you the tools. This book is an exception. Meyer, Houze and Slechta tell you exactly what to do and when...without guesswork. Their concepts aren't theories...they've applied them in real-world situations and circumstances.

I suppose what impressed me most is the idea of a Servant's Heart - putting your team members and their well-being ahead of personal or organizational profit. If more American business leaders had a Servant's Heart, we wouldn't have to deal with apathy and indifference in the workplace. Bridging the Leadership Gap is an extraordinary book.

Most leadership books tell you how you should lead...without giving you the tools. This book is an exception. Meyer, Houze and Slechta tell you exactly what to do and when...without guesswork. Their concepts aren't theories...they've applied them in real-world situations and circumstances.

I suppose what impressed me most is the idea of a Servant's Heart - putting your team members and their well-being ahead of personal or organizational profit. If more American business leaders had a Servant's Heart, we wouldn't have to deal with apathy and indifference in the workplace. Bridging the Leadership Gap is an extraordinary book.

Callie has heard all the stories about stepmothers. She is well aware of the evil ways of these women due to hearing all about Cinderella, Hansel and Gretel and Snow White. Now, gulp, she will have one of her own, and her Dad is going out of town in his truck. She will have to stay with her new family.

Pam, the stepmother, doesn't look evil, or even sound that way, but Callie knows it is only a matter of time before she will be locked in the attic, forced to clean the fireplace and be fed poison. It doesn't help that her older, possibly wicked, stepsister resents having to share her room with the little girl.

Armchair Interviews says: This is a sweet story about separating reality from fairy tales. The book would be fun for children in primary grades, especially those in a blended family.

Title: . Callie and the Stepmother

Absorbing Read ..... Recommended ... 5 stars

The Review
Callie and the Stepmother opens as Callie is hugging her dad goodbye. Dad drives a truck, and Callie must stay home with her new stepmother Pam. Everyone knows stepmothers are evil and do bad things when your dad is away. To make matters even worse Callie also has a new fourteen-year-old stepsister. To make matters even worse again Andrea doesn't like Callie and doesn't want to share her room with Callie. Callie knows it is going to be a long two days before dad returns.

Callie and the Stepmother is writer Meyers' first children's chapter book. The work is an outgrowth of the writers' bedtime stories she made up for her son when he was younger. The book offers a list of illustrations, table of contents and chapters meant to be enjoyed by middle grade readers. The tale will lend itself to use as a `read to' for the younger set, while vocabulary used is within the reading scope of most 9 - 12 year olds. Illustrations provided by artist Rose Gauss set the written word off to perfection.

The misconception children often harbor regarding what is real and what is storybook is often blurred at best. Meyers' Callie and the Stepmother takes those misconceptions, adds a likeable little girl Callie, a patient stepmother and a typical older step sibling and manages to meld them all into an interesting, entertaining, readable work.

Excellent resource reading suggestion for the child therapists shelf, the home pleasure reading library, the blended home library, home school and classroom reading corner.

This is a book I would use in my own classroom for a unit on family, understanding and working through fear and misunderstand.

Enjoyed the read, happy to recommend.

Reviewed by: molly martin

20+ years California classroom teacher

My 7-year-old daughter and I really loved this book even though we aren't from a blended family. The author really captured how a young child thinks. The way Callie draws her fears from the fairy tales she loves is both touching and realistic. The resolution is also satisfying without being sticky sweet. This is a great book to talk with your child about fears, feelings and the differences between what happens in stories and the real world. Highly recommended!

An excellent book with clear, well explained diagrams and photographs. The book takes you through the full procedure for tailoring women's jackets, skirts and pants

I found this book and the men's wear companion to be extremely informative and one of the best guides around for learning how to create a tailored garment using the traditional techniques as opposed to the "speed" tailoring that is so popular. I was disappointed that the women's book did include pants. Everyone is not going to buy both books. A basic pair of women's trousers could have been included. I was also surprised that neither book included topcoats or raincoats with zip/button-out linings. They are not just long jackets; there are differences in construction techniques. I also think that there should have been a little more clarification of some things. For instance, it took me a while to realize that silk-finished thread was actually Mettler's silk-finish cotton thread and not a type of silk thread. Minor gripes in comparison to the knowledge to be gained therein by those who want to make couture-quality garments.

I bought Classic Tailoring Techniques: A Construction Guide for Men's Wear first. It's great. The text teaches you how to make beautifully tailored garments. I wanted to see those techniques specifically for women's jackets, trousers, and skirts so I bought this edition. Except for the section on pants and skirts, the text is identical in both books. The sections on women's pants and skirts is like anything you'd find in a commercial pattern instruction sheet - nothing special at all. Couture techniques for making beautifully tailored pants for women are not described or even hinted at in this book. Actually, it's not the fault of the author -- tailoring techniques are actually designed for men's clothing. Couture techniques are essentially for women's clothing. If you want to learn to make tailored jackets (men's or women's), either book gives the same instructions. For tailored trousers, use the men's book. For women's skirts, see Couture Sewing Techniques by Claire B. Shaeffer. (Actually, Claire Shaeffer's Vogue patterns for jackets and trousers are probably a better purchase than this book.)