Scott Books

I've read a number of books on innovation, both on a personal and business level. Always looking to find that "edge"... In the book The Innovator's Guide to Growth: Putting Disruptive Innovation to Work by Scott D. Anthony, Mark W. Johnson, Joseph V. Sinfield, and Elizabeth J. Altman, the authors present a methodology for making disruptive innovation part of your company's culture. Along the way, I had my thoughts twisted a bit as to how best to disrupt the standard playing field, while not going head-to-head with the giants right from the beginning...

Contents:
Introduction: Your Guide to Growth; Precursors to Innovation
Part 1 - Identify Opportunities: Identifying Nonconsumers; Identifying Overshot Customers; Identifying Jobs to Be Done
Part 2 - Formulate and Shape Ideas: Developing Disruptive Ideas; Assessing a Strategy's Fit with a Pattern
Part 3 - Build the Business: Mastering Emergent Strategies; Assembling and Managing Project Teams
Part 4 - Build Capabilities: Organizing to Innovate; Innovation Metrics
Conclusion
Appendix - Frequently Asked Questions; Notes; Index; About the Authors

As you can tell from the list of chapters, the authors cover everything from identifying ideas and potential products that would be disruptive clear through to the end where you have a formal organization that can grow and repeat successes in that area. Given their experience in the field, you avoid making mistakes that are all too common and sound correct, but end up being wrong. For instance, companies have a tendency to throw massive amounts of resources and capital behind a new idea or product that will "revolutionize the industry". The problem is that everyone becomes committed to the initial design and plan, and no thought is given to learning and prototyping along the way. The end result is often a product that completely misses the mark in terms of what people want. But by then, so many millions have been sunk into the design that you can't easily go back. The book instead advocates for quick trials and cheap prototypes without large amounts of funding. That forces creativity and smaller experiments, and permits course changes along the way. Only after you get actual feedback do you commit larger resources to it. But by then, you should know the outcome or have a solid idea as to market acceptance.

For me, I was most interested in the first part of the book. The concept of "overshot customers" was one I hadn't heard of in quite those terms. These are the people who don't need or can't use all the high-end performance built into the product(s) being offered, and are actually looking for something far less. To them, "less" becomes "perfect". Why pay for 100% of a product when all you really need is 10% of it? The other 90% is of no use to you. This is also linked to the concept of "nonconsumers". These are the people who don't use your product (or any product being offered) due to constraints of skill, wealth, access, or time. If you can identify these consumers and serve them, you have an entry into the market that can disrupt the incumbents. Finally, I was also intrigued by the concept of "jobs to be done". It's the adage of "people don't buy drills, they buy holes". If you rethink your product as a service that people are hiring you to do, then you can think beyond the boundaries. An example would be the lowly mop. Not much to do differently there. But if you think that people are hiring you (the mop maker) to clean the house, then you look at the product differently. In this case, it led to the Swiffer line of dust mop accessories. Less effort, easier cleanup, and the job is done more quickly. Hence, people "hire" your product as the superior choice. Interesting concepts...

This is a book that deserves to be sitting on the shelf of management in all companies. Actually, it shouldn't be on the shelf. It should be in the briefcases and backpacks being read...

So Geoffrey Moore has the Chasm Companion. Now the field of innovative disruption so clearly identified by Clayton Christensen has its own implementation book. Like anything put out by Innosight, Christensen's consulting company, the book is thorough from end to end. If you read nothing else you must read the Summary and FAQs at the end. I read it in two lengthy sittings. It is a fascinating read that starts out talking to established companies like P&G , Intel and RIM. Then it hits its stride and the implementation guides, examples, templates and resources are useful for every company. Yes even start-ups.

IMHO anyone working in tech should have read and review this book, But I am a fan of Christensen's work , and if everyone followed his ideas, there would be less work for my consulting firm. The book is full of great case studies Swiffer, Wii, Skype, YouTube, Metro newspapers, ITunes, Whitestrips, Adwords, eBay. Some great lines. " Medical device cos commoditze doctors". " Look for people with the right school of experience - What problems could arise? Who has encountered these problems?" "What job is the client needing done? "

I had the good fortune to meet Scott Anthony and some of the co-authors of The Innovator's Guide to Growth at the Front End of Innovation conference last week. This book presents a number of the concepts from the Christensen series (Innovator's Dilemma, Innovator's Solution, etc) in an approachable, step by step methodology for implementation. In that manner, this book and my book (Make us more Innovative: Critical Factors for Innovation Success) are great companions, since The Innovator's Guide is really focused more on the strategic aspects of understanding how to deploy an innovation capability and align those strategies to corporate goals, while Make us more Innovative is written to detail how to build a complete innovation capability. But enough about my book.

I really liked The Innovator's Guide to Growth because it attempts to take all the great concepts about innovation and break them down into an actual guide that an innovator could follow to bring more innovation to his or her company. This book has a lot of good templates, forms and examples to help a nascent innovation leader define the innovation intent and goals and convince the management team to engage in an ongoing program of innovation.

The book is breaks down into five sections: precursors to innovation, identifying opportunities, formulating and shaping ideas, building the business and supporting systems and structures. Key points from each section:

* A firm can't innovate successfully until it's house is in control and a good game plan is in place
* Many innovation opportunities exist in "nonconsumers" (think the unbanked or un-insured) or in situations where products and services "overmeet" the needs of customers (think Southwest in airlines)
* The chapters on identifying ideas spend a significant amount of time on defining the "jobs" that people want to complete - again harking back to Christensen's books and to the concept of Outcome-Driven innovation which has also been popularized by Strategyn.
* Developing and shaping ideas focuses on refining ideas and targeting opportunities using a strategy map borrowed from Blue Ocean strategy and using innovation techniques such as ideation sessions, analogies and internal and external submissions
* I felt the chapter on assembling and managing project teams was fairly strong and identified a number of good points, especially on the interactions between an innovation team and the executive team, and the innovation team and the rest of the organization
* The chapter on innovation metrics should be must reading for any innovation program

This book takes it's primary focus as disruptive innovation and does not spend much, if any time on any other innovations. It does have a broad definition of the outcomes of innovation (products, services and business models) and does note that many times the most disruptive and most defensible innovation is a business model innovation. It is an especially good book for an executive team that needs to understand how to build an innovation capability and set the appropriate expectations.

There are a few quibbles I have with the book, however. The first two thirds of the book are really loaded with good advice, templates and forms and case studies. Somewhere in the late middle of the book, where the book begins to address refining ideas and building the innovation team, the book begins to become more theoretical and less practical. For example, what kinds of people or skill sets are better or worse for an innovation team? Should innovation be a centralized or decentralized capability? What are the best idea generation methods? What should an innovation process or methodology look like? What are the roles and responsibilities within innovation? These questions are addressed obliquely, if at all, and important topics like rewards and recognition and corporate culture are not addressed at all. Perhaps the team assumed these items are already addressed if the firm has decided to become more innovative.

While I have a number of concerns with the book as a practical methodology for deploying an innovation capability, I can wholeheartedly recommend the book, especially the first six chapters which focus on the alignment of innovation to corporate strategy and intent, and chapter eight, which is about building and managing innovation teams. I think that the segue in the middle and last third of the book from practical advice, templates and forms to more theoretical advice may align to the fact that the actual deployment of these programs is subject to many more variables, but I would have expected a bit more detail in the chapters on organizing to innovate. I will point out that chapter ten on innovation metrics, while a bit short, is an excellent overview and mirrors a lot of good advice on building innovation metrics and the expectations around innovation returns.

This book definitely belongs on the shelf of any executive considering an innovation program or initiative, and on the desk of any innovation leader. This is cross-posted from my blog Innovate on Purpose.

As a small business owner I was not sure this book would be relevant for the clientele I serve. I couldn't be more wrong! The book is written in an accessible and easy to understand way, and the strategies are easy to employ. The Innovator's Guide is a book I keep on my desk and refer to again and again. The book contains a wealth of practical tips that I have used to help my business grow! It especially helped us think about how to build the capabilities to innovate more reliably and set management expectations.

I found the entirety of the book practical and applicable, and highly recommend it to any executive or executive team member in both small and large businesses.

Over five hundred pages of Irish stories provide one with great enjoyment. A few anachronisms, like a cyclops forseeing the devastation of the New World, give some stories a distinctively modern flavor, which is not entirely a bad thing since it is the prerogative of every storyteller to add his or her own flavor.

The deus ex machina manner of some heroes' baptisms into the Christian faith would confuse a newcomer, but bear actual roots in Irish history. As Catholicism grew to dominance, baptisms were tacked on to the ends of stories to provide spiritual aedification.

An introduction to this work is sorely needed, since the reader cannot tell how many of the stories are folk stories retold, and how many bear the embellishment of the anthologizer. The historical context from which these stories arose requires further explanation, especially for the Irish diaspora.

In short, not a masterly work, but closer to greatness than mediocrity.

This book is one of a few that I had the most fun readin

This is an excellent book. Michael Scott has made a marvellous job retelling the old stories in a beautiful and accurate style. In this volume you can find the most important traditions of Irish myths.

Micheal Scott has collected a volume of stories that cover the the early bloody begginings of Ireland to the present day (the seventies). The first stories involve various settlers to the young land. As time progresses the Tuthe de Dannan fade into legend and interact with characters in the stories. By the end an American construction company plans to level an ancient fairy fort. Needless to say all hell breaks loose and the book ends. Many of these stores make reference to previous ones. This volume is also a handy reference guide. These stories all flow together to make a fasinating history of Ireland according to myths. The way Micheal has rewritten these stories has made me unable to read other volumes of Irish tales. This book is definitly worth the search. I looked for seven years and just recently found it at Powells Books in Portland, Oregon. I hold this book to be a ruler to which all other stories are measured up to. This short review may be a little one sided but all I can say is that I have nev

Bob Eubanks, best known as host of various versions of the classic game show "The Newlywed Game", playing daily at 9 am on GSN, wrote his memoirs in 2002 titled "It's in the Book, Bob!"

In this book that is a must for game show junkies everywhere, Bob Eubanks tells his own version of his own story from birth, high school, college, radio, concert promotion, and eventually, television.

Each copy is signed by Bob Eubanks himself.

So, in the words of Bob Eubanks, purchase this book. Thanks for playing!

I recently bought this book on this website, adn being the fan of The Newlywed Game that i am, I liked it quite a bit. I thought he was a little bit long winded in one particular chapter, but that is how it goes sometimes. I was disappointed in how little he told about his personal life. He never mentions how he meets his two wives, or when hemarried or anything. I thohgt some of the episodes from the ABC run are still in tact although not been aired in several years. I always say about game shows is that you can't mess with the original-having Paul Rodrigez and Gary Kroger as hosts was a big mistake in my opinion.

This book was a really amazing read. I personally had no idea that Bob Eubanks was anything other than a gameshow host from the 70s. But if you read his book, you'll find that he was not only a well-known host but an instrumental part of many famous muscians lives, including the Beatles, the Beach Boys, Dolly Parton, Merle Haggard and Stevie Wonder. He also talks about many other funny anecdotes that happened between he and Cary Grant, the Rolling Stones, and the guy that Bob Eubanks is apparently always being mistaken for--The Price is Right's Bob Barker. (He also devotes a whole chapter to his troubles with Michael Moore and a chance to hear about the other side of what happened with "Roger and Me.") If you enjoy reading biographies and are interested in rock 'n' roll, television and celebrities, then you'll really enjoy this book.

What about Bob (Eubanks)?

October 3, 2004

BY PAIGE WISER SUN-TIMES COLUMNIST

THIS WEEK'S ARGUMENT: That Bob Eubanks is a pop culture god.

I admit that I requested a review copy of Bob Eubanks' new autobiography for one reason: I wanted to read the inside scoop on the dirtier episodes of "The Newlywed Game."

But now I am ashamed. As I've learned from It's in the Book, Bob! (Benbella, $24.95), one game show does not a man's career make.

I had no idea that Eubanks was instrumental in bringing the Beatles to L.A., or that he founded the first public relations firm for rock groups. He's bad-mouthed Barry Manilow, stood up to Elton John and had a mysterious falling out with Dolly Parton. By the end of the book, I pictured Eubanks as a musical Zelig.

And yet Eubanks has suffered a whopping inferiority complex. He writes, "I couldn't shake the feeling that my life's work could be capsulized as a guy who pushed young couples to answer suggestive questions about their personal lives for the price of a toaster."

In short, he hates ignorant people like me.

So I'd like to remedy the situation, and give some of you a crash course in all things Bob:

*As an L.A. deejay in the '60s, his station attracted groupies. Eubanks writes: "Dick Biondi, who came on board in 1963 to do 9 to midnight, asked me years later if I remembered a long-haired guy who was a lot older than the rest of the kids and used to sit on the steps and hold court." Eubanks didn't remember him. "'His name,' Dick told me, 'was Charlie ... Charlie Manson.'"

*Eubanks used to hang out with Sonny Bono, pre-Cher.

*Eubanks suggested to Brian Wilson's manager-father that the Beach Boys change their name. (The suggestion was ignored.)

*Eubanks guest-starred on the "Ozzie & Harriet" TV series as a bicycle shop owner. Coincidentally, the role was offered just as Ricky Nelson had a new record coming out that Ozzie wanted played on Eubanks' station.

*Eubanks swore by hair stylist Jay Sebring, who pioneered the use of hairspray on men. Sebring was later murdered with Sharon Tate by Charles Manson's gang.

*As a concert promoter, Eubanks made about $1,000 on the Beatles' first concert at the Hollywood Bowl. He'd wised up by the time the Beatles came back to town in 1966 for a concert at Dodgers Stadium. For that event, Eubanks made "a decent profit," but estimates that each of the Beatles made less than $4,000 for the gig. They stopped touring almost immediately thereafter.

*Eubanks once caught Keith Moon smuggling an underage girl backstage in a bass drum case.

*At his first meeting with Merle Haggard, the country star's cigarette ignited the crotch of Eubanks' black-and-white herringbone slacks. His leg was singed, but it didn't discourage Eubanks from going on the road with Haggard for years.

*When he auditioned for zany producer Chuck Barris, Eubanks thought that "The Newlywed Game" was "the dumbest idea for a show I'd ever heard." And those confessions of Barris' dangerous mind? "I will also say that if he was a CIA assassin, then I'm Mary Poppins."

*He was featured in Michael Moore's movie "Roger & Me," and, like many, doesn't have anything nice to say about the filmmaker. Moore interviewed Eubanks in Flint, Mich., for what he was told would be a local TV news story. Eubanks assumed the cameras were off at one point, and told two tasteless jokes. They, of course, made it into the film. Eubanks says that he swore to friends that if he ever happened upon Moore in a men's room, "I would rearrange his dentition." But he's over it now. Really.

*Eubanks was hired for Jessica Simpson's variety show, with an initial offer of $800 that he negotiated up to $7,500. His bit was cut.

That, my friends, is a full life in the entertainment industry.

You're still curious about the dirt, though, aren't you? If you persist in wanting the answer to the "Newlywed" question "Where's the strangest, most unusual place the two of you have ever made whoopee?" -- you'll find it on page 365.

For years, Eubanks told people the infamous episode (where a woman described a part of her body rather than an actual place) never happened -- until someone showed him the clip and proved him wrong. He says that he simply didn't remember it.

And who can blame him?

I purchased this for one of my piano students. He plays one or 2 a week for his lessons because he loves them so much.

this product is a great convenience. It compiles all of Joplins rags in an easy-to-read format with authentic tips for playing each individual piece. It is definitely worth every penny; it's a great addition to any collection. Another interesting thing that this edition includes is the date that the piece was composed. If you want to find some awesome, fun music to play, you can never go wrong with Joplin.

These are the real McCoy, right down to Joplin's own tempo recommendations (the famous "Not too fast" adornes the Peacherine Rag, as in the original). If you want to tackle the master's own works, this is the place to go. Schirmer does a fine job in cataloging these masterpieces, and these are re-engravings of the original scores--crisp, clear and easy to read. This book also contains Joplin's syncopation exercises, helpful in understanding his work.

This is the greatest book I've ever seen on Joplin pieces. These are not for beginners!

Mrs. Montgomery has written an amazing story of survival and courage. With her clear and concise writing style, she has let the strength of the story be her guide - the author tells the story of Scott Remington's horrific accident with a simple clarity that is most impressive - she brings us into the homes of the Remington family and friends and gives us a glimpse of what they all endured after the accident.

Where many authors will throw extraneous adjectives and superlatives at each character or event, Mrs. Montgmery possesses the writing discipline to let Scott Remington's story stand on it's own merits - Well Done !

I look forward to her next book !

Amy Montgomery really brings to life both the suffering and humanity of Scott Remington without ever stooping to pity or cliché as is so often found in these books. The "heart" of Scott's parents, children, and friends, as well as the heartbreak and confusion of his wife are brought to life in a clear and precise voice. The graphic description of Scott's medical condition and therapies balanced against the journal entries kept by his parents and friends bring a real humanity to his story.

The author has put forth a great first effort and created a book well worth reading. I am an avid reader of all different genres, but I will keep an eye out for Amy's sophomore effort.

I was absolutely wrapped in the story. I felt as though I was there with Scott and his loving family and friends. What a wonderful writer.

Amy Montgomery does a great job of capturing the experience of Scott Remington, a logger who suffered a life-changing accident. Close to death, Remington's family and friends immediately form a tight circle of support for him which has only strengthened since the accident. Montgomery provides an intimate look at the physical and emotional challenges faced by Remington and his family.

The writing style is comfortable and enables the reader to quickly identify with all of the people in the book. After a few chapters, the book no longer is about an accident. It is about Remington's character, his capacity to change and his willingness to do so. More importantly, as we see parts of ourselves in the people around him, it is about the ability we all have to become better.

Buy one for you and one for a friend.

this is an awesome product to get if you saw and liked the movie "Kingdom of Heaven". wonderful behind-the-scenes shots. the pics are awesome!!! not to mention the fact that Orlando Bloom, one of my fave actors, is in it!!

If you enjoyed Gladiator you should love Kingdom of Heaven. It has all the thrills and color and then some...and it's far more authentic. This is an epic film filled with color and colorful characters. This book points out the details and should really be inspiring to up and coming film makers. The use of flags and banners is especially strong. I think you'll learn a lot more about the Art of film making from this book, a superb collection. Try it!

The latest entry in the acclaimed "Newmarket Pictorial Moviebook" series, Kingdom Of Heaven: The Ridley Scott Film And The History Behind The Story is the definitive film documentary of "Kingdom of Heaven", the large-scale historical epic about the Crusades that pitted the forces of King Baldwin IV of Jerusalem against the armies of the Saracen general Saladin. Directed by Ridley Scale and starring Orlando Bloom, the commentary is in two major parts: "Kingdoms in the Holy Land: The Crusades and the Film Story" and "Swords and Stones: How Kingdom of Heaven Was Made". This informative guide to the film and its making is enthusiastically recommended for fans of the film, as well as professional, academic, and community library Cinematic Studies reference collections.

I already saw this movie three times. It's sooooo amazing. The book has lots of beautiful pictures and interesting information about the movie.
For everybody who loves the movie, this book is a must have. And of course the screenplay which is coming out in june.

I have been reading Amanda Scotts Knights Templar series since it began with Highland Princess and now after reading the 5th book in the series I am enjoying it as much now as I did in the beginning. Lady Adela is actually a heroine that even though seemingly timid and obedient has a strength and inner steel that truly impressed me. She's been through quite a bit by the time this story starts and then through even more in just the opening chapters and it is all beginning to take a toll on her. She has gotten to a point were she no longer smiles and in her own head she fears that she is going a little crazy. Literally.

Enter the voice in the mist. A man who overhears Adela's despair one night and gives her comfort but no face to put with the voice. Once the voice gets a body and a name the story gets even better as these two well matched personalities battle danger and intrigue side by side.

I enjoyed watching Rob's love and gentle care of Adela bring her back to herself. It was like watching someone restore a beautiful artifact that has been covered in grime. He was calm and endearing in his treatment of her even when she was jumping out of her own skin. Eventually we see her smile return and she gains the courage to fight for herself.

I loved this story and can't wait for Sidony book King Of Storms!!

Knight's Treasure follows Lady Adela Macleod, surely not a great choice for marriage. She was abducted on the steps of the church before her wedding then after the ceremony was rearranged two weeks later (once she'd been rescued by her abductor) things seemed to go OK... except that her husband keeled over and died at the wedding feast celebration a couple of hours later. Adela is normally a quiet and biddable girl, having kept house for her father and been rather a shadow to her louder and livelier sisters but the disasters of her marriages start her on a new path.

After the unexpected death of her husband, Ardelve, Adela is left in a very unfortunate position. She should probably go with Ardelve's body back to the Highlands but she barely knew him, was younger than Ardelve's own son who would have to take her in, and would probably not get on with her step-son's wife as the two would be occupying the same position, mistress of the house. Adela finds that her friends and relatives all seem to know what's best for her but she wants to make her own decisions now, rather than returning to being under her father's thumb.

It's when she's considering her options whilst having a good cry in the dark that she first talks to a mystery man who listens to her and helps her to make up her own mind. He arranges to meet her a second time in the dark where they talk again - he is a friend she can trust, she believes. She also has a pretty good idea of who he is, a Frenchman cousin to her father's fiancée. However she oversees someone plotting the death of a man who helped rescue her from her abduction and tries to intervene and it's at that point that she realises she has stumbled into a big secret and that her mystery helper might end up meaning more to her.

Sir Robert Logan is a Knight Templar entrusted with two secrets when he was young. He doesn't know exactly what these mean but he has a strong suspicion that it may lead him to very important treasure in Scotland, or perhaps something more important. Unfortunately there are other people who want this mystery treasure, including the very powerful Earl of Fife, and even more troublingly these people believe that Adela may know something about it following her abduction. Sir Robert and Adela find themselves having to work together to secure the treasure and to keep safe from the political machinations of the powers in Scotland.

Although billed as a romance this book wasn't particularly romantic. Perhaps this is a more accurate depiction of life in Scotland in the 1790s... pragmatism was far more important than emotion. Our hero and heroine evidently like each other and have some reasonable verbal sparring but this book lacked that certain something which made the romance come out from the printed page. It seemed as if the book focused more on the treasure hunt and although that was interesting it was also rather a foregone conclusion.

The writing style of this book is good with some excellent period detail, much of which showed the difficulties of life in those times. There were some stray Americanisms in speech but generally I felt that the setting was convincing and that the history was accurate. The book is let down a little on characterisation - I didn't feel that I got to know either hero or heroine particularly well and I did feel their love story was rather disappointing. This book would probably appeal more to those who are interested in the history of these times rather than who want to read a straight romance but it's still a worthwhile read.

Originally published for Curled Up With A Good Book, www.curledup.com. © Helen Hancox 2007

Lady Adela Macleod has no luck at the altar. She was abducted from her first wedding. Then her husband died an hour after their second one. Tired of getting advice from everyone and seeking some quiet time, she goes to the roof of the castle where she comes across a man, well actually the voice of a man, who offers her solace. She doesn't know who the man is, but she knows that she is drawn to him, and that she appreciates his words.

Sir Robert Logan is a Templar Knight. He left his family after a fight with them many years ago. Now he has returned, and his family has been killed. He knows that they are dead because of a secret that he is privy to. A secret that might lead to treasure.

When Adela is accused of murdering her husband, Rob steps in to defend her. He knows that she is in danger from people who want to steal the treasure, and the Scottish crown. Together, they must work to thwart the danger, and find love at the same time.

Knight's Treasure is an interesting blend of history, suspense and love. Particularly fascinating for me was the bond between Adela and Rob. Their love was genuine and heartfelt and it warmed my heart to watch it grow, and to see them together. Also fascinating to me was Ms. Scott's use of history, and the way she wove it into the story.

Lovers of historical fiction can't go wrong with Knight's Treasure.

Amelia
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

In 1380 in the Highlands, a masked man with associates rides amidst a wedding party and grabs the bride Adela Macleod before she can exchange "I do" with her much older groom Lord "Pompous" Ardelve Calum Tolmic (see LADY'S CHOICE). However, after her rescue she recovers from her captivity. She marries the kindhearted, older Baron Ardelve at a ceremony hosted by the powerful Sinclairs. Ardelve drinks wine at their wedding party only to collapse and die a victim of poison. Shocked, Adela vows to never marry.

Almost a decade ago, Knight Templar Sir Robert Logan gave up his heritage, which was not hard to do with the way his father and older brother treated him, and perhaps his life to protect a treasure from those who want to use it for evil purposes. Unaware of a Papal agreement with Lord Fife, second in succession to Robert The Bruce's throne, that impacts what he guards, Robert visits his friends the Sinclairs where he meets a grieving Adela. He offers her some minor comfort that leads to a kiss that both know is wrong, but each needs. Still his duty comes before his heart until they merge when his beloved Adela is accused of murdering her spouse.

Readers, who have waited for Adela's saga to be told since her abduction in the previous tale, will feel well rewarded as Amanda Scott provides a fabulous historical romance that sub-genre fans will treasure. The fast-paced story line focuses on Adela, stunned by her loss, her feeling towards Robert, and the accusations. As with LORD OF THE ISLES and HIGHLAND PRINCESS, KNIGHT'S TREASURE is a terrific fourteenth century romantic suspense thriller with sister Sidorny still to follow.

Harriet Klausner

This wonderful book is easy to read, well organized, and full of practical lists to follow. What a great gift for the dad-to-be in your life!

I think most men really want to be a great partner while their wife is expecting, but they just don't know how to do it. This book will give them step by step explanations of all sorts of easy, practical ways to make their partner feel very special and very cherished. Each chapter ends with a quick list of all the suggestions in that chapter - your very own Cliff Notes.

The book has a warm friendly tone with a "you can do it, here's exactly how" tone throughout. This is the book I wish I had had to give to my husband many years ago!

Jan Dahlin Geiger
Get Your Assets in Gear! Smart Money Strategies

I LOVE this book! I can't think of a better gift for expectant parents. Leon Scott Baxter has written a thoughtful, practical guide to loving women during pregnancy. His week-by-week suggestions are priceless. He starts with ideas to celebrate the pregnancy and cope with morning sickness in the first trimester (the queasy months) and continues to romance and pamper during the second trimester (the easy months). But it's the thoughtful suggestions for the last trimester (the uncomfortable months) that prove this is a man who knows what he's talking about. He offers tender ways to share the anticipation of the birth and deal with the physical challenges a woman faces. Any man who will shave her legs when she goes into labor deserves all the love and devotion he'll get in return. Throughout it all, he reminds dads-to-be to help around the house and advises about the level of intimacy that is safe for mom and baby. Leon has thought of everything.

"A Labor with Love" is the book that every pregnant woman must buy for her husband. This well-researched guide really helps the dad-to-be understand what his pregnant partner is experiencing. Topics for men include: how to ease her physical discomforts, having "safe" (for the baby) sex, making her feel beautiful, keeping the romance alive, helping out around the house, and showing her that you want to be a part of the pregnancy. And this book is not just for first-time daddies . . . it even describes how subsequent pregnancies will differ from the first. An especially wonderful section gives the expectant dad practical suggestions for surprising or pampering his wife during every single week of her pregnancy. "A Labor with Love" should be required reading for every father-to-be.

This book is a one of a kind book. It's simple, easy to understand, and definately user friendly. Leon may not be a psychologist, but he might as well be. He is very insightful. His book is priceless for his unique and down to earth ideas. I would suggest it for any pregnant couple.

This is my kind of book. It brought back some great memories for me. in my younger days. What a great story teller. If you like the outdoors and hunting & fishing this is a must read.

An interesting peak into another life style. As a woman, I feel like I'm looking into a man's life, but a life that I can't relate to. I know there are men out there who would love this book. Since I am not a hunter and have no desire to build a cabin - I put the book down. I will definitely send it to a man who loves the great outdoors, hunting, and exploring. It would make a great gift.

I have known Kenny since 1980, although I've only started reading this story I am extremely comfortable with the pace and grace Mr. Bestul uses. Kenny is everything the book says he is a very hard working, deliberate, honest, kind and caring person, without a mean bone in him. I've shared stories and bread with Kenny, and he really is the type of person you would like to know personally. Mary Kay's illustrations are graceful and a pleasure to view alongside this wonderful story.
In my opinion this book is a must for any outdoorsman, or for a quiet read next to a fire. I sincerely hope you enjoy Kenny's story as much as I am.

I have never met Kenny, but after reading this book, it seems as though I have known him most of my life. I grew up on a farm in Winona County in the 50's and 60's hunting and fishing every chance I had. Reading chapter after chapter, from my experiences which are a bit different, but similar, than Kenny's, I relived part of my life again and many of the phrases found in the book jogged my memory nicely. I spent four years at Winona State and did my share of fishing below the dam and wandering around some of the backwaters on the Wisconsin side of the river amid much of the wildlife Kenny encountered. Each almanac chapter, as well as the Rat Tales, are filled with information and feelings that only a true naturalist could convey. This book is a facinating account of a river rat's calendar year and all the beauty and excitement in and around the Mississippi River from one month to the next. A must read for anyone who lives in this area or wishes they did.

We bought this book as a gift for an ardent Atlanta (nee Boston, nee Milwaukee!) Braves fan. We had looked for some time to find an appropriate book, and this was a winner! Mazzone has been linked with Bobby Cox, the Braves manager, for several years and their results together have been recordbreaking. So much of the success of the Braves has had to do with the consistently high level of perfromance of their pitching staff, and Leo Mazzone has been the constant during all that time, despite turnover of the pitchers themselves. It was interesting to hear from the man himself, and the book makes excellent reading for a real baseball fan. It will be interesting to see how long the Braves maintain their pitching excellence, now that Leo Mazzone will be wearing a Baltimore uniform!

While I enjoyed the behind the scenes experience and Leo's candid discussion concerning his past and present pitchers, the book needed more beef. Too good a subject to pass an opportunity to be more in depth. Other than that, very enjoyable book!

Of the many factors influencing the Braves' stupendous run of 13 straight Division Championships, none of it is more prominent than its emphasis on pitching anchored by Leo Mazzone.

"Tales from the Braves Mound" contains anecdotes in Mazzone's career from his pitching days to his forays in the minor leagues and finally to his elevation to pitching coach with Bobby Cox as the manager of the Atlanta Braves.

The anecdotes provide some interesting tidbits such as Maddux's request to give him a mound visit because "it's lonely out there" and even Glavine's reluctance to hit a batter after his teammate was beaned by the opposing pitcher. Also, Mazzone defends his coaching philosophies which include the practice of throwing in between starts, getting the pitcher's input on how long he stays in the game, his aversion to the "wild card" format and emphasis on pitch location rather than raw power. Of course, the good coach in him refuses to dwell on the Braves' postseason failures but instead celebrates the team's successes.

Having said that, I would have liked him to make the book just a little bit longer by rating the current aces (Randy Johnson, Bartolo Colon) and sluggers (Barry Bonds, David Ortiz) and of course another chapter on the post-Maddux, Glavine era would have made the book perfect.

Even if pundits scoff at his team's postseason failures, I do believe real baseball enthusiasts including opposing players and coaches have a healthy respect for his and Cox's ability to mold a staff and in effect a team.

I have been a Brave's fan since the late eighties watching the young guns loose close games by one or two runs, especially in 89 and 90. Scott and Leo team up to give us a highly entertaining behind the scenes look of a decade and more of one of the best pitching staff's in the history of baseball. This book is well written and is a must for any true baseball fan, particularly Brave's fans. Great book Scott and Leo!