Reed Books

This book uses the model of having short essays by or about certain speakers and their advice. Each essay focuses on a given subject and they're roughly grouped together.

What this turns into is a very useful book where little is wasted - each essay is useful in its own way, and if there's something you can't use, it doesn't dominate the book.

The advice itself is pure gold - practacal, spelled out, and focused. In fact, even if you're not a speaker, or only tangentally interested in speaking as part of a career, this book has a lot of good and solid business and personal advice. Once you read it, it's worth noting good advice for anyone else you know, because a lot of it applies to any situation.

If there's a flaw, its that many of the essays are rah-rah types, pretty much what you'd expect from and about speakers. So I'd cut it some slack.

Definitely a worthwhile read for any one even remotely involved in speaking.

Reviewed by Dr. Michael Philliber for RebeccasReads (7/08)

The mechanics of becoming a successful Professional Speaker can be a bit daunting. Cathleen Fillmore has laid out an easy-to-follow set of plans to profitably negotiate those mechanics in her 166 page paperback titled "The Six-Figure Speaker: Formula for a Six-Figure Income as a Professional Speaker." In this book Fillmore assumes the reader has already mastered the ability to speak in public, and focuses her energies on how to break into the professional speaker market.

The practicality of "The Six-Figure Speaker" begins at page 1 and flows all the way to the end. Several chapters lay out various game plans for generating speaking engagements. Other chapters explain the ins and outs of speaker bureaus and agents. Some tackle the pros and cons of bringing on staff members, and when it might be unnecessary and when productive. A couple of chapters lay out ideas on how to divide your time between speech preparation, presentation and generating leads. Other topics cover building websites, what to look for in contracts, and how to be a long-term winner with speaker bureaus and program organizers. Fillmore also includes chapters that are written by flourishing professional speakers who describe their own methods of achievement.

Though the material sometimes gets a bit monotonous, some themes are repeated in several chapters, overall this is a great how-to book on becoming a winning certified speaker. If you're looking for ideas on how to break into the speaker market, succeed and come through it alive and thriving then "The Six-Figure Speaker" is the book for you.

The product was actually more than I expected. The initial review noted it would be helpful for the business aspect not so much the 'prep' for speaking and they are right. I needed a reference to excel and this is it.
Thanks,
Dr. Craig Jacobus

In her new book "The Six Figure Speaker" Cathleen Fillmore writes with a remarkable depth and range of expertise in the area of professional speaking. She offers the reader a formula for success using interviews, through coaching, and using working models from top-earning speakers. Fillmore shares stories taken from her own successful and exciting career. She speaks from her own experience and from lessons learned through her own mistakes. She explains how to turn an occasional disaster into a workable solution.

The valuable advice Cathleen gives the reader on building and maintaining prospect data is practical and workable. She provides comprehensive information on how to develop a fee structure, as well as providing a wealth of information on writing and negotiating a contract. Packed with insights into how to establish a pricing strategy, the book also provides inside knowledge unique to the industry.

Fillmore includes a formula for revamping marketing strategies. She offers tips on public relations, and gives ideas for creating and selling products. Her coaching approach gives the reader hands on suggestions for building effective websites, and the importance of referrals. From her widespread contacts and her own personal observations Cathleen takes the reader behind the scenes to point out the changes taking place within the convention planning industry and new goals being reached for by industry leadership and management.

Cathleen Fillmore is an incredible resource for the serious minded speaker at any stage of their career. Both established professional speakers and those just starting out will find the book motivating and highly informative.

Fillmore challenges the reader to move to new levels of effectiveness by changing their thought patterns to those that will produce action. She encourages the reader to make "changing people's lives" a part of their personal mission statement. This can be done by inspiring greatness, and sharing personal gifts and talents with others. "The Six Figure Speaker" is a crash course on how to make big money as a professional speaker.

To be totally honest I thought this book was going to be a total rip-off of Jane Atkinson's book The Wealthy Speaker. The cover, etc. looked a little too similar to me. I thought I'd order it to check it out to be sure and I'm THRILLED I did.

Are you a speaker just starting out or a seasoned pro? I'm sure if you are in either group you'll enjoy this book. She covers putting your one sheet together, dealing with bureaus, etc. It's NOT a copy of Jane's book and a wonderful addition to any speaker's library. Jane's book offers more of a step by step plan to get from where you are to being the "Wealthy Speaker" but, I think Cathleen offers a lot of other useful information that's not in Jane's book. From websites to one sheets, bureaus to referrals, repeat clients to getting new clients, it's ALL in here. As another reviewer wrote "it has nothing to do with how to project your voice, how to organize a speech, or how to overcome shyness. " I do think it's a book that was designed for people that are already in the business BUT... I think it's also for those even thinking about getting into the business. Be the end of this book you'll know what a ride you are in for, how the business works, etc. It's good to have a jump start.

This book is VERY under-priced. Buy it NOW before Cathleen comes to her senses and charges what it's really worth.

It's time to read this book again with my highlighter in hand.

John Pullum
Corporate Entertainer, Motivational Keynote Speaker
www.John-Pullum.com

REVIEW OF "TESTED FAITH: THE POWER OF MIND OVER CANCER"
REVIEWER: Anthony Brumble, from Arima /TRINIDAD & TOBAGO, 05Sep01.
"This book amply defines and elucidates the author's epic struggles, challenges, and renewed faith in God, family, and friends as she relentlessly fought and won the battle over cancer. As a milestone or masterpiece of faith, this book has enough to contribute to the life and understanding of lovers of drama, good literature, culture, human psychology, medical science, and sheer spirituality. The claims, assertions, and facts presented by the author have opened a door for medical research into the link between psychological and emotional forces and their relationship to the possible causes and cures as they relate to the spectrum of cancer.
Whether or not you are afflicted with cancer, you need to read this book. I am reasonably convinced that you will be surprisingly rewarded."

Tested Faith: The Power Of Mind Over Cancer is the personal story of Yvonne Williams and her psychological and physical struggles with, and eventual victory over, three primary cancers. Yvonne shares with the reader her candid, inspiring story of self-treatment for these life threatening illnesses. Very highly recommended, life-enhancing, health recovering, emotionally inspiring reading for anyone suffering from any kind of serious illness, Tested Faith specifically addresses dealing with stressful behaviors that contribute to cancer and the tools for making effective lifestyle changes.

Yvonne's powerful faith is seen on each and every page as she walks along discussing her fears and determining how her faith can help her fight this disease.

She writes of her joys and love for herself and all those around her and other steps to bring her to a successful outcome.

A delightful person in trouble and how she handled each step with reinforced faith to overcome each and every obstacle. Very uplifting - read for yourself.

In Tested Faith: Power of Mind Over Cancer the author invites you, the reader, to embark with her upon a life-transforming journey. Stay receptive throughout this unique journey and you'll be afforded the rare priviledge of vicariously fighting a heroic battle against cancer.

The author bares her heart and soul with sincerity and conviction as you accompany her on her emotional roller coaster.

Her unshakeable faith made her victorious over three primary cancers - formidable, vicious enemies of life to which a person of lesser faith would have surely succumbed.

You'll be right there, along with her loving family, rooting for her as she garners her stength and courage following such a devastating assault upon her body.

Astonished, you'll witness her transformation from fear to hope; from doubt to certainty; from self-neglect to self-love; from materialism to spirituality; from victim to victor.

You feel her physical pain and suffering; her anxieties; her isolation and her heartrending travail to the edge of the abyss.

As you approach the end of this emotional journey, you'll look back and reflect, with deep appreciation, upon a life-affirming experience in which faith triumphed.

And there you are at the of this memorial journey, celebrating a victor over cancer - a courageous woman, loving, caring and generous. A smile of delight lights up your face as she strides, with confident steps, towards a healthy, happy and productive life.

The Faith and Determination shown by the author in this struggle against cancer is inspiring and engaging. The honesty of the emotional struggle, both her own and her family's, kept me engaged and committed with her. The strength of Yvonne's faith and her belief that she would get better is a lesson for all of us in many struggles, be they physical, psychological, emotional or spirtual. The growth in faith starting with Yvonne's early years with her grandparents is truly inspiring.

Violet's Vision is a message of inspiration that is both delightful and thought provoking to read. Living true to our essence is something within us, and while I conscientiously make an effort to remain true, this book really helped remind me and inspire me. I highly recommend this book to anyone who aspires to liberate their personal power and manifest their highest visions.

If you are looking for a book to bring a child or friend out of a place of low activity and feeling defeated or to inspire them by giving them a gentle nugde and offering them a real and simple strategy to move on, this is it. Violet's story engages the reader in her dilema and you are caught up immediately in how she will discover her way to solving it. Easy to read, a great bedtime story for any age (adults too). You'll want to read it more than once.

Violet's Vision is an excellent message for connecting to your own personal life purpose. People of any age including children and adults will be blessed by reading this book. Author Fran Fisher is an excellent author and life coach. The words of the Violet's Vision are inspiring and the illustrations by Fran's grandchildren are beautiful. A great way to carry on the legacy.

This is a wonderful story of an angel who rediscovers the meaning of her existence by helping others see their own. The beautiful drawings by the author's grandchildren enhance the message that the writing so simply delivers. This is a great book to have as a reminder to persist with your own vision --- and when you want to snuggle up with your wee loved one and share an inspiring tale for them to live by.

I like it - it brought forth good emotions.. and after reading the book.. I might grab Violet by the hand along with my calendar and say... Let's take a look ahead together.. and make some dates...

In this collection of essays and articles, John Shelton Reed tackles the zeitgeist of the South. He goes about it with an academician's skill that enables enlightened humor and sound argument while avoiding cheesy, low-grade cliche.

Reed emphasizes the importance of cultural/regional distinction. He acknowledges that the South, like any other region, has its problems; however, when it comes to culture, it rules the world. In a country becoming more and more like the James McMurtry song "I'm Not From Here, I Just Live Here," this distinctiveness is more important than most people think; therefore, Reed takes great pride in it.

If you live in the South, Reed will articulate things you've always felt and will give you an appreciation for what makes your homeland unique. If you're from somewhere else, perhaps you'll gain a new understanding of what makes Southerners tick. But whoever you are, I think you'll like this book and I highly recommend it.

This book cannot be recommended too highly to anyone with the slightest interest in the South. It is, in every sense, a delight to read and will easily withstand repeated readings.

This is the third of John Shelton Reed's books that I have read and its style sits somewhere between that of "1001 Things Everyone Should Know About the South" and "My Tears Spoiled My Aim". The book comprises a collection of dispatches culled from Reed's contributions to newspapers, journals and magazines between 1979-1990. Most of these are 1,000-1,500 words long. The book begins with observations on two of his favorite themes, Southern identity and the New South, before moving on to Southern culture, food, politics and religion. Reed is a favorably prejudiced but acute observer of Southern manners, quirks, oddities and behaviour.

The dispatches are written to entertain and don't disappoint. I found plenty at which to laugh out loud. However, this is not to say that Reed is not surreptitiously engaged in a secret mission to raise his readers' awareness of the character and virtues of things Southern. There's plenty enough here even to make a Yankee laugh - especially some of his more elliptical humor. I particularly liked his comment on Ted Kennedy: "For my part, I rather like the fellow. He's certainly the closest thing to a good old boy that Massachussetts will ever produce - which isn't to say that he ought to be president, merely that I think he'd make a pretty good drinking buddy as long as somebody else did the driving."

Reed is exceptionally good at capturing the spirit or the essence of something and making it seem familiar to you. I have never visited Bob Jones University but, in just over three pages, Reed made me feel I knew what kind of place it was. He does the same for a number of Southern characters and institutions.

Reed is a gifted cultural interpreter who appraches his topics with respect, affection and good humor. It's tempting to say that Reed is a popularizer but that belies his considerable writing talents. Whilst everything is written in an engaging style, Reed makes few concessions to his readership - he delights in his use of language and deploys an extensive vocabularly that would make some of my students reach for their dictionaries.

All in all this book is an unqualified delight. Go buy it now - you won't be disappointed.

Mr. Reed sure can write. I don't always agree with him; to turn around what he says about Steve Earle, Reed's politics are suspect. And more importantly how can he believe that Randy Travis is better than Earle and Dwight Yoakam? Still even when I didn't agree with the book I enjoyed reading it. The essays on country music and Ted Kennedy are worth the price of the book by themselves. Best of all it's wonderful to see someone defending my home region who isn't a confederate flag waving idiot.

I've long been a fan of John Shelton Reed's "Letter from the Lower Right" in Chronicles magazine, and gave very high marks to "1,001 Things Everyone Should Know About the South," which he wrote with his wife. But for some reason, I had never made an effort to track down and read any of the collections of his essays. I see now what a mistake that was. I wish I'd read this back when it was new.

It was some consolation to find that the articles and essays here assembled were definitely worth the wait. Reed is a very funny writer, but he's not a "humorist" or humor writer in the sense of, say, Dave Barry or even (to move outside the region) P.J. O'Rourke. You'll definitely get a laugh out of many of these pieces, but you'll also find them deeply informative. Reed is, after all, a serious researcher and thinker, and the two indisputable facts that define his writing -- that he loves the South, and he *knows* the South -- feed off one another.

Granted, many of the essays here are more than a little dated (some date back to the Carter Administration), and I'd love to know how things have changed in the thirteen, fifteen, or almost twenty-five years since some of them were written. But that's no doubt just one more reason to track down Reed's more recent collections.

Southerners, including expatriates, will nod knowingly at much of what Reed says, and will get a kick out of seeing themselves depicted so accurately in print. I hope they'll also take to heart his commitment to preserving many of the things -- from culture to accent -- that make the South truly distinctive. Folks from other parts of the country will find that Reed has not only made that sometimes-puzzling region a little easier to understand, but has made the trip a remarkably pleasant one.

When I took Sociology of the South under Dr. Reed at the University of North Carolina, he immediately won the respect of everyone who heard him speak, by virtue of the mix of humor and humble generosity with which he offered up quite a prodigious wealth of knowledge, and because of his graceful personal style. These qualities are evident in his writing.

Now that I live in gritty Gotham, and am faced daily with a culture amazingly alien to the one in which I was raised below the Mason-Dixon, I think every day of the issues he explored in his class (and in his books). He has done depthy and earnest sociological study of issues which plague the minds of Southerners and people who know them: Why Are Country Lyrics So Sad? Why Are Cheating Husbands More Likely To Get Shot Down South? What Exactly Is A 'Southerner,' and Why Won't They Shut Up About That Old War? (and) What, Exactly, Is The Big Deal With Kudzu? I highly recommend this book, as well as My Tears Spoiled My Aim.

Thank you Eileen for this wonderful book. The expressions were very vivid and eye-opening and the photos captured the essence of the expressions given. Keep the spirit flowing dear sister.

Based on a deliciously simple concept, Ms. Williams Sabry's "Wishes in Black & White" serves as a compelling repository of real human insight. This thought-provoking gem makes a wonderfully appropriate gift for any and all driven to promote unity in our world today.

Two words that describe both the author and her extraordinary book. I had the privilege of meeting Eileen two years ago while she was working on Wishes in Black & White. Eileen's determination to understand race relations in this country and to help each of us understand those thoughts and feelings are aptly conveyed in this book. This is one of the most important books you will ever read! Thank you, Eileen, for being a stakeholder in the well being of America.

Based on a deliciously simple concept, Ms. Williams Sabry's "Wishes in Black & White" serves as a compelling repository of real human insight. This thought-provoking gem makes a wonderfully appropriate gift for any and all driven to promote unity in our world today.

Avoiding the extreme views that tend to exacerbate racial problems in the U.S., Ms. Williams Sabry has gone to the middle with her question about what it would take to end racism. The respondents views and thoughts show that the gap CAN be bridged and even hints at how it can be done. The photograpy is absolutely masterful in bringing out the character and humanity of each individual.

The author is to be congratulated on both the idea and its implementation in the pages of this book.

Amazing. Censored information that would send the patriarchy's male supremacist house of cards blowin in the wind. Well written, well-researched and well-documented. Should be required reading for every homo and GYNO sapien. As i suspected, women were the first artists, the first linguists, the first scribes, "tamed" fire, the first architects and as strong as many men -- they just don't have the "lust for violence" and thus, the "might as right" principal has come to rule us, and ruin us.

I knew Evelyn Reed while she was writing this book. She took years, she examined everything published on the subject, she questioned what she had thought, and she corresponded with scientists and activists all over the world. This book is not just the political opinions of a veteran revolutionist and a feminist activist for decades, but a serious work of science. Most of the history of humanity, patriarchy did not rule. Relations between men and women and children were different. This history is needed so we can see how we can make changes that can fundamentally improve the relations between women and men, through socialist revolution and the ending of this society's sexism.

While this book is not always available on Amazon, it is always available from BooksfromPathfinder, an Amazon Z store that you can get to by clicking on New and Used further up this page!

Why is society so cruel? It seems to be self-defeating. Why doesn't the war of the sexes ever end? In no other species do the two sexes battle against each other.

In this book we learn that things weren't always this way. In fact, for most of human history women were the heads of the extended family. Oppression and exploitation are recent inventions.

So, the moral of this story is one of hope. The knowledge that female inferiority today is not biologically determined, that women were once the organizers and leaders of social life, should heighten the self-confidence of all who aspire for equality and justice. If humankind was capable of remaking itself once, and based on that has advanced dramatically in a limited sense of creating material culture, then we can remake ourselves again and found a culture that enriches all aspects of everyone's lives. But this time the redesign will have to be conscious and conscientious, the beginning of a humane human history in which all participate on an equal basis. Such is the future that socialism and communism promise for us.

Anthropologists will have serious reservations on the second chapter of this book, which deals with cannibalism. Anthropologists and students of gender studies of all orientations now doubt the assertion that humanity had a cannibalistic stage in our past. Whether or not one accepts Reed's evidence on this score, the rest of the argument remains solid: the overwhelming part of human history is herstory.

As a companion to this volume, be sure to read Origin of Family, State and Private Property, by Engels. Written a century earlier, it put forward the theory of our matriarchal heritage. Women's Evolution compiled anthropology's evidence that many still do not care to publish even some thirty years later.

One of the most common arguments used against progressive and revolutionary social movements is that "you can't change human nature." This is particularly the case when the subject of male and female roles comes up. Men are supposedly bound by their genetic makeup to be the stronger, dominant sex. Women are allegedly destined by biology to be the weaker sex. If you are looking for evidence against this argument, look no further. Evelyn Reed, who was a feminist, socialist and anthropologist, provides a mountain of evidence about early human societies, which shows that, without a doubt, women have not always been subordinate to men. In painstaking, shocking and sometimes even humorous detail, she reconstructs the prehistoric matriarchal societies that spanned the globe thousands of years ago. She draws on myths, anthropological studies of modern-day "primitive" peoples, and even Greek dramas to show that it took a long and bloody period of evolution for the "father-family" to develop and for women to become subordinated to men. I particularly like her chapter on women's "productive record," which shows that women, because of their cooperative social organization, invented human civilization, including farming, industry and even the use of fire.

Reed's book is essential reading for anyone, particularly women, looking to gain a greater understanding of the origin or women's oppression. Reed was a lifelong student of anthropology and her scientific and materialist explanation of the pivotal role women have played in the development of humanity are necessary tools for anyone seeking to change the status of women for the better. The book is imbued with this. Though a serious work of scholorship, it is foremost a book for fighters. It stands along side Frederick Engel's, "Origin of the Family, Private Property and the State" in this regard.

Reed traces the development of human societies, with particular attention to the role of women, from the early matriarchal clans of hunters and gatherers, to the growth of agriculture, to the rise of the first states and beyond. Her defense of the matriarchal nature of the early clans devastates the many defenders of the idea that society was always patriarchal and women are doomed to being the second sex. It also lays waste the idea that men are "by nature" oppressors of women. It is a welcome antidote to the many "spiritual" works on women as well as the psuedo scientific defenders of women's oppression.

The book is important for any student of human history. Among it's particular contributions:The explanation of the incest taboos as originating in taboos on cannibalism; the role of women in the development of agriculture; the significance of human sacrifice and why it ended (this section is particularly useful for students of Meso-American history); the evolution of lineage and kinship groupings prior to and after the formation of the first city states; the role of the state and private property in cementing the dominance of men and the patriarchy, etc. Her defense of both the evolutionary and comparative methods of anthropology, and her consistant materialism make the book a part of an important ongoing debate in scientific circles. A debate which is interesting to any reader looking for an explanation of why society is organized the way it is.

The book is a serious scientific work and takes work to read, though it is fascinating work. Her other books, "Problems of Women's Liberation" and "Sexism and Science" are useful introductions to some of the concepts explored here.

Women's Evolution is necessary reading for any student of anthropology. It is ignored by most anthropologists who have made their careers as defenders of the status quo and for the same reasons have ignored Engels, Lewis Henry Morgan, Bachofen and others. Though they often polemicize against them and their ideas. Reed wrote the book as a fighter for women's rights and an anti-capitalist, the work is dedicated to young feminists.

Sara Burns makes the world of medical transcription come alive to those unfamiliar with the field and creates a "chum-hood", if you will, to those of us who share experience in the field, to the point of pure nodding hilarity in which we can identify with common experiences.

Her book is an absolute delight to read. As a medical transcriptionist for almost 20 years, I feel she blends a perfect recipe of information, heaping cupfuls of wit and humor, and plenty of wisdom from her 29 years of experience. She offers everything from practical advice for not only the prospective or new transcriptionist but also wisdom to benefit the seasoned transcriptionist that adds spice to a job you already love. Many times, this book is just plain fun that will have you laughing out loud.

I absolutely loved her chapter, "You Might be a Transcriptionist if ... ," which had me cackling to the point of my tummy almost hurting, and I found myself filling in the blanks with my own experiences on the job. It would be fun for all of us MTs to send Mrs. Burns our "You might be's" so she could be the beneficiary of the same types of wonderful hoots she provided the reader. What an absolutely clever and fun chapter. Quite a change from some of the usual material on the subject of medical transcription, which tends to be on the rather dry and serious side, making one wonder if the field of medical transcription is devoid of individuals with an ounce of personality. Certainly, Sara debunks that speculation and offers her charmingly infectious personality. She draws you into her world and lets you know enough about her own life story that just fills you with a desire to sit with her in a couple of cozy chairs, sipping tea, and asking her to share more stories about herself and this interesting profession.

Funny thing is, working at home, we don't always have another transcriptionist friend ready at hand to talk to. Reading Sara's book was like having a luncheon with her, sharing the ups and downs of the job, the hysterical things that happen, helpful hints, pros and cons ... you name it, she covered it. She essentially became my mate for the duration of the book. I also so appreciated hearing some of her faux pas, gaining comfort from the fact that even a seasoned transcriptionist makes mistakes. Goodness, when you are an independent contractor, you are your own worst critic, so knowing that even the mature transcriptionist makes a mistake here and there, is able to laugh about it, and then move on is ever so comforting. Even the cartoons were a hoot because she nailed every aspect of being a home-based transcriptionist.

My conclusion: We transcriptions have needed a book like this. Sara Burns has filled the void. Many of us are fun, we love our job, and it is far from boring. I definitely would recommend this to those looking into the field and those new to the field, as there is much sound advice given from a woman with vast experience. Additionally, this is a book I would highly recommend to the seasoned transcriptionist who will find themselves smiling and laughing throughout as we can identify with every aspect of what she shares and even gain some helpful tips and new perspectives on our profession. It is simply a refreshing book. Finally, I even think physicians would benefit a great deal from reading her book as they could gain an understanding of what we have to deal with as a transcriptionist, might even laugh at themselves, and might even gain a greater appreciation for those of us who work so hard to make them sound their best.

So, two thumbs up for Sara. Get this book. You not only won't be disappointed, but you will be glad you did because you will have had so much fun ... it's not just a "how to" but a wonderful story that unfolds in the process. Enjoy!

The previous reviews give an excellent description Sara Burns' book, so I will not repeat what they have to say as I agree with their reviews and praise. I have been in the field for many years and found Sara's book to be a wonderful compellation of wisdom, humor, practical advice, and refreshing honesty, written in a lighthearted, easy, and witty style. I enjoyed Sara's book from start to finish and was sad to turn the last page. I found myself nodding in agreement and smiling with understanding at the humerous, frustrating, and fulfilling moments that she describes so well. With so many years of experience, Sara's insights and practical suggestions will be invaluable to someone considering medical transcription and will provide a good understanding of all aspects of this field. She has a way with words that will hold your attention, whether you are someone looking to get into the field or have worked in the medical field for years. I highly recommend her book - read it slowly and enjoy it!

I absolutely love this book. I was so happy with it that I ordered 3 more for my transcriptionist friends. I find myself constantly quoting something from the book while I am at work. I also have a better understanding of how my doctors feel some days by the time they get to the office. I was amazed at the similarities that we transcriptionists have. We are certainly not alone in our love for our work and in our frustrations that we have at times.

Reviewed by Leslie Granier for Reader Views (4/08)

"You're a Medical What?!" is a compilation of anecdotes written about things author Sara Burns has experienced in her twenty-nine years as a medical transcriptionist. Her passion and love for her chosen career resonate throughout the book, However, she is upfront with the reader about aspects of her job that are not as glamorous. Burns states that she wrote the book for three distinct groups: veteran transcriptionists, those considering a career as a transcriptionist, and "any inquisitive individual who happens upon this book." All three groups can appreciate the book and gain important knowledge. However, people with backgrounds in the medical field or those who are familiar with medical terminology will be able to better identify with her stories.

Burns offers helpful tips for those interested in seeking a career in medical transcription. She also discusses where the profession is headed for the future and how vastly it may differ from its present state. She provides good advice for those trying to decide between working at home and working in a traditional office setting. (These tips are helpful for anyone considering working at home, regardless of his or her profession.) She challenges the reader to ponder if he or she has enough self-motivation to remain focused and complete the work on time. Another important item to consider is whether a particular person can work well alone or if interaction with other people is needed.

The author uses humor to depict the job of a medical transcriptionist. She includes some cute cartoons, but the best part is her takeoff of Jeff Foxworthy's "you might be a redneck" routine. She devotes an entire chapter to her "you might be a medical transcriptionist" theme, including such quips as, "If every time you sit in a chair you automatically feel for the foot pedal with your foot, you might be a medical transcriptionist."

This is a fun and well-written book. Sara Burns does an excellent job of recounting her life-experiences so the reader can easily relate to many of the situations. She includes humor to entertain and keep the audience interested. In addition, she serves as sort of a mentor for people considering making medical transcription their career.

Reviewed by Lynn Bee for RebeccasReads (3/08)

Sara Burns has spent 29 years as a medical transcriptionist and is writing to share her expertise. Much of her advice as a home-based independent contractor will be helpful to those in other professions as well. Her experiences taking her show on the road --spending a year living and working in Kauai -- may well inspire home-based workers in many fields.

Burns wrote the book for three distinct audiences. She says that experienced medical transcriptionists will smile and share in her reminiscences.

She hopes to give newbies a clear picture of what they are up against. While sharing some very good advice, she admits that the field is in constant change and acknowledges that many areas of the profession have changed drastically since her earlier stints in hospitals and clinics.

She also aims to inform the curious about the duties and importance of MTs. While the cover promises spicy anecdotes, the text is general and often repetitive. "Discover which famous person was a flirtatious rascal in the recovery room," teases the back cover. This item is at the tail end of the book and no names are named.

The author does provide some solid guidance about those television ads that promise you a life of ease and great financial gains when you take their class to earn a degree in her field. She is adamant: it just doesn't happen that way.

Burns has an impressive work history and obviously loves her chosen field, but I would not recommend "You're a Medical What!?!" to the casual reader. This book for the serious reader.

Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (1/07)

Motivational speaker and author Michael Giudicissi has written "Changing Lives" to inspire us to live our lives with passion and to challenge us to make more of ourselves. He had been at both ends of the spectrum of having a meaningful life and chose to stop living life as a victim and started living it as a champion. This book is only 91 pages. It is broken up into twenty-one short, concise chapters. It is also written in two parts. The first part covers "Choices" and the second part covers "The Power of Goals."

For the most part, we make decisions and put ourselves in situations where things happen to us. When we start calling our own shots and step outside of the victim role, where we hold other people responsible for our problems, we become in control of our life. Feeding your spirit and your soul and being good to yourself is what brings you true happiness and makes you more effective at making the people around you happy. Focusing on other people usually is a waste of effort, and that time could be better spent focusing on our own growth. To transform ourselves, we also have to be prepared to let go of the past. We also have to decide what parts of ourselves that we are going to give up to make room for the new self. There are three areas of our lives that we need to keep in balance. These are the relationship area, personal area, and career area.

"Changing Lives" has given me a lot of food for thought about how I want to live. I read it in one day, but I plan on going back and reading a chapter a day to really allow me to process what was written. I feel very motivated about making positive changes in my life. I am signed up for my first marathon in July. Before I read Giudicissi's motivational words, I have said, "I am going to try to do a marathon in July." Now that I have finished his book, I am saying, "I will be doing a marathon in July!" Changing my words has actually made me feel stronger and more motivated about what I am going to do. I highly recommend "Changing Lives" for people who have decided that they are ready to make some positive changes in their lives. It is definitely a keeper.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking to take their life to the next level. Too often we sit back and let life happen. After reading this book there is no way you can let life pass you by. It is easy to read and gives you an easy to follow plan for achieving your goals. It has inspired me and I know it will inspire you also.

As an executive you have to always deal with changing situations. Constant change is not really a bad thing but it can often cause you to lose site of your goals. This book helps you formulate ways to still reach your goals no matter the path you take. The read is not exclusively "how to" self help book, rather it is a combination of "how to" and a collection of stories that encurage you to draw your own conclusions which helps you to draw a path that suits you to achieve your own personal or proffesional goals.

Changing Lives was written by a former highschool classmate of mine, and I read it because I was curious as to what he'd been up to for the last 20 years or so. I quickly became engrossed, and intrigued. Could these simple steps really work for me? I've never been into that New Age, self-help stuff, but this was different. I recently began homeschooling my children, so I had a real goal in mind when I began Michael's plan. I can honestly say that within days, I began to have more confidence in myself and my ability to teach my children. I was on a roll! Just these few simple ideas took away my hesitancy and doubt. I was fortunate to attend one of his seminars and now apply his 'Power of Goals' plan to so many areas. And if you are an athlete, this is the book for you! I was amazed how Michael transformed himself from the kid I knew into an Ironman Triathlete. Pure inspiration! So buy it, read it, use the ideas and PASS IT ON!

I am not someone who spends too much time in the self-help section of bookstores... I don't see the value in the mantra-driven psycho-babble crap that is so readily available...

However, I picked up a copy of Changing Lives. Mainly because the cover caught my eye. Before I knew it, I was on page 30, and had to buy the book. I have read it three times. It is always inspirational, and always helps me tap my potential.

Beautiful book for the price. It made a very nice Christmas gift. I wanted to keep it for myself and I'm sorry I didn't order more!!

When it comes to food and drink, the photographs look tastier than the real thing, but not in Ben Reed's book, Cool Cocktails. The drinks look better when you make them and are very good! I definitley would recommed this book for anyone who loves to have cocktail parties. Your guests will keep coming back. I would tell them to bring their own glass as a gift....and you could serve them a variety of drinks....it is a great book for the person that has no idea how to make cool cocktails.

A beautifully photographed and laid out book that has some wonderfully good recipes. This book is so "pretty" you'll want to display it. I had this one out on my coffee table for a while. It is a lovely thin hardback that fits on top of any other books that you may already have on your table. The main downside that I may mention though, is that this book is more modern, "trendy" cocktails. If looking for more of a traditional cocktail book I would advise the quirky book "Atomic Cocktails" or the out-of-print classic by Linda Doerser (still available in some Z-shops or E-bay) called "The Cocktail Bible." I was surprised this book didn't list a receipe for a Cosmopolitan. This would make a good gift for any couple you know that entertains a lot or someone getting married who doesn't already have a nice library of libation books going.

Bought it for my sister-in-law as a birthday gift to go with some snazzy cocktail glasses and a pitcher. Plenty of beautiful pictures that might temp you into being an alcoholic! Well, maybe more adventurous in trying many of the obscure liquors out there.

Hey, so just looking at the pictures just makes me want to get trashed. And it is very easy to, as author Ben Reed gives you the necessary steps to making these delectable drinks. The pictures alone make the book worthwhile. And even though mine don't look like that, none of my guests ever care, because its whats IN the drink, not what's on the OUTside of it. So, thanks Will for the pictures. And thanks to you Benny, for being a great bartender. A great book, highly recommended.

Fabulous is the word! I think I look at this book at least 10 times, and everytime brought me something I didn't see the previous times, because my eyes weren't wide enough to see all the details! If you loved, I mean really love country, you will love this book. It will become a good reference for good ideas for your kitchen.
I think it is one of my favorite book in my whole collection of books! Give me some more like this one and I will surely buy them!
Margot
Quebec city, Canada

This is one of the most beautiful books I own. Not cutesy-country, but warm, genuine, earthy places where you'd love to spend time. I reread this about twice a year.

The photography in this magazine-sized paperback is "yummy" It is very easy to see onesself sitting at any of the kitchens photographed, reading a great book, with a warm fire in the hearth. You can dream through such styles of kitchens as: American, French, Spanish, Italian, or English. There are specific chapter devoted to the hearth, ranges and stoves, sinks and drainers, tables and chairs, as well as storage. If that weren't enough, the back of the book offers soup, spreads, stews, rice, pasta, etc. recipes!! And if you want your food in your dream kitchen to be healthy, the last section is about the kitchen garden. What more could one ask except that this book be longer with MORE photos!

I bought this book in the early 1990's, therefore, I'm almost sure that the copyright on this book (ie: 2007) is for the "reprint" of this original 1990's book.

Still, in the 1990's this book was ahead of it's time, so if you are interested in a nice picture book of beautiful country kitchens, this is a nice book for your library. In my opinion, this is not really a "how to" kitchen remodeling book, but rather, a book with wonderfully photographed ideas for your country-style kitchen. The ideas are classic and hold up well , even in 2007.

Beautiful book, great ideas for anyone who wants to create a country feel in their kitchen. Photographs are absolutely lovely.