Stevens Books

I give it three stars not because it was not good, but simply because it is not great literature. However, it is a ripping great yarn. It's true to the Star Trek spirit. Anyone wanting to slip into a quick read where you already know everyone will have no difficulty reacquainting yourself with the cast of characters.

Like many Trek books there are many loose ends to tie together from TV shows and movies. Having tried my hand at plot development I can tell you how fun that is. Thus we find in book 3 (Avenger) why Sarek never melded with Spock as is traditional with Vulcan fathers and sons. There are other loose ends and the knot-tying is imaginative and believable.

But when it all gets down to it the stories are good. That, along with believable dialog and solid prose, are what make a book worth reading. This has all three. Shatner has done well by Star Trek fans.

I found this story to be quite captivating, and all three books almost inpossible to put down. I read all three, in one sitting each. These books, I must admit are not masterfully written, but are so filled with adventure that the writting just melts away. I geatly recommend this book.

If you are a fan of science fiction or have any intrest in science fiction at all I recomend that you read this series. The story line follows both the movie and TV plots and combines all of the current TV shows into one explosive novel.

Ashes of Eden is my favorite of these 3, such an excellent story I felt that I was watching a Star Trek movie in my mind.... The Return was slow to start, but really picked up and merged Kirk into the Next Generation universe, ended with a bang! Avenger was very cool, and it had some awesome reunitings, the Virogen plague was very interesting. But of all of this, I was surprised at how good of a story-teller Shatner was, he gets into the plots right away without boring the reader with useless details, all that matters it seems with these books are that they are fun, fun, fun!! I am a huge Star Wars fan, but these books are making my Star Trek desire come to life, Shatner needs to get into having these books developed into a film that incorporates The original series, The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager, and the mirror universe (I am currently reading Spectre-It is soooooo cool!)

Get this book, it will take you very little time to read all three stories, I read them all in 6 days, and I usually take a couple of weeks to a month to read just one novel. A+++++++

Like so many original Trekkers, I found the attempt by the "new generations" to kill off the Kirk character thoroughly appalling. Shatner's resurrection of Kirk, while an amusing conflict of interest(!), is a wonderful "take that" that undoes all of the damage. The series is actually really good science fiction adventure which captures the epic spirit of the original TV and film series extremely well. Aspects of "Ashes of Eden" smack of romantic cheese, but once into "Return", we get down to business. There is only one Star Trek captain, and it is Kirk. Long live.

Very good book; however, I ordered the wrong edition so couldn't use it. This was my mistake, not the sellers.

Jack Eller, "Anthropologist, Author, Rationalist," seems to have forgotten some major points in his argument about this book. First, although he correctly points out that the book does an excellent job about doing what it's designed to do - that is sharing about what's going on in the Christian missional realm - he argues that Christianity ought not to be spread at all, and that the whole book is just wrong. He says that "[from] a cross-cultural and anthropological point of view ... [i]t is arrogant, ethnocentric, and culturally destructive to spread a culturally-relative and almost certainly false ideology and belief system where it is not needed or wanted." That's all well and good, but since the book isn't about SHOULD people be missionaries or not, his review is instantly irrelevant. Any review of a book that rants about what the subject matter of the book is not is really not even a true book review - Jack should realize this if he's truly a writer.

Second, being a self proclaimed Rationalist, Jack ought to realize that his own "rational" worldview is also a religion, religion defined as 'a set of beliefs.' This book is most assuredly about the Christian Missionary Experiences of many people across the globe - not an exhaustive apologetic of the Christian faith. If Jack really believes that no one ought to push their beliefs, he should have never published his review in the first place.

Third, people like Jack who tend to think of "Christianity" in terms of "people who do things that I don't like or agree with, and they're always pushing pushing pushing their beliefs on me and others" should take the time to check out some of the many positive things that Christians have done throughout the world. One example is hospitals: both in the US and abroad. Ever notice how many, if not most hospitals involve Christian denominations in the name? For example, here in New York City we have New York Presbyterian and New York Methodist Hospitals which are some of the most sophisticated hosptials in the world. Why do they have Christian denominations in the titles? Because they were founded by Christians who believed that sick people can be helped through medical means. But we never hear about this - it's always "Christians pushing their ways." This book shows how missionaries have helped many across the globe both spiritually AND physically. Jack says that people don't want or need what missionaries have, but nothing could be further from the truth. Christianity properly understood is the most love and human care centered belief system in the world, and this book highlights that well.

This is a book about the theology, history, and strategy for succcessful missions. It includes case studies and many practical advices. The authors are many and good. The book almost is a must if you are going to be a missianary or want to support missions in an effective way. I highly recommend this book.

This book opens your eyes to the theology, history and strategy of missions. It will help you to understand the Bible and your place in this world like never before. You will understand WHY Jesus is the ONLY "way, truth, and life". You will be excited to work and pray to see people brought out of bondage and suffering, and into a life that glorifies God and offers peace, hope, and healing. Be warned - the book changes lives! Even if you cannot take the Persp. course, it is worth it to read the book.

This book was intended to accompany a course of the same title. I know more than a few people who took this course. One guy is a missionary in India; one guy went to work at the US Center for World Missions; another guy is a pastor of a church; others are full-time ministers; I don't know where some of the others are - probably the uttermost parts of the earth. So I always wanted to read the book that broadened the perspectives of so many people.

The book consists of a collection of essays written by scholars, seminary professors, ministers and missionaries. The theme of the book is to explain that the bible describes a Judeo-Christian God who, from the very beginning, had a missionary purpose - to reach the world - to reconcile the entire world to Himself.

When He contacts Abraham, His intention is to bless many nations through Abraham (and his descendents), and the rest of the Bible is the story of the process through which that original goal is accomplished. The book's conclusion is that Christians today are and should be being used by this same God to accomplish this original purpose.

Some of the essays are very technical, examining the original Hebrew texts and their meaning. Other essays offer interesting comments.

One of my original impressions could have got me convicted of white man phobia. Most of the authors (and there are some exceptions) are western white men writing about how western white men must bring their western white message to save the world. But fortunately I got over my phobia and read the actual content of the book, and evidently, so did many others.

I hear comments by Christians in Korea and India and Africa, and often I hear the same phrases used in this book. The Koreans often use the term "unreached peoples" and "people groups" which come right out of this book. This book has influenced people all over the world and has clearly defined and mapped out the objective of Christianity - the Great Commission.

Vlad gets himself into quite a lot of poo owing to his desire to keep his estranged wife Cawti from being executed as a revolutionary.

Before that, though, he makes a deal with his patron goddess of witchcraft, and the two end up being related via the kingdom of Greenaere, some 'work' and possible war.

Vlad ends up on the lam from the Jhereg because he testifies about their goings on to the Empress.

Brust really puts what he's capable of in "Phoenix". He incorporates the suspense of Teckla minus the depressing overtone and the more on unbelievable aspects found in Taltos. And of course you get Loiosh's usual comic relief. It starts off with Vlad being saved by his demon-goddess, Verra (Example of the far-out stuff), and has to shine someone for her. It picks up from there. Brust really took his time on the descriptions and Vlad's thoughtshots, esp. in the segment when he is on Greeanare and hides in the tree. Many parts in the island scenes make you want to read on and on until the unexpected happens. You will be surprised at some of this stuff. It all comes down to an unprecedented climax in which Vlad must make a choice that could cost him his life. I'd call it the best in the series.
*note: this takes place between Teckla and Athyra

There's something about this book that puts it above the first four in the series. I don't know if it was the fact that Brust's writing became better (I didn't really notice anything different) or that Vlad becomes more of a dynamic character, but it was more enjoyable than the others.

We finally get to see Vlad doing some real soul searching about what he does for a living. We also see more of the agony he is experiencing due to the fact that his marriage is falling apart. This makes Vlad a much more three dimensional character and more enjoyable to read. I also liked the fact that, towards the end of the book, we get to know his grandfather a little better. I'd love to see him get a bigger part in a future book.

The adventure and suspense in this book have been turned up since the last one. I found myself unable to put the book down at night. I always wanted to see what happened next. As far as I'm concerned, this is the best book in the series so far.

Each time I get a new installment of the Vlad Taltos series, I can hardly wait to get started, anticipating a fast-paced, clever and completely irreverent ride through a world very like our own, and yet so different from anything we know. _Phoenix_ did not let me down; in fact, this may just be the best book thus far the in series.

Cornered and fighting for his life, Vlad half-heartedly calls upon his goddess, Verra, to save him. Much to his astonishment, she does, and in exchange for the rescue, asked him to perform a task for her. That singular task leads to catastrophe for the entire Empire, which in itself would be bad enough, but events revolving around the Teckla/Easterner revolution seem to have Vlad's life hanging by an unravelling thread. Brust skillfully reveals just enough of the plot to answer one question, while bringing several others to light.

He also allows us a more intimate view of Vlad's inner life, as Vlad more seriously begins to question his profession and its associated ethics. He realizes that he may not, in fact, loathe the Dragaerans as much as he thinks he does, largely because every time he's in trouble, he turns to two of his closest friends, Morrolan and Aliera. These two Dragonlords are such interesting characters, and are always there to back up their short-lived, human friend for reasons that have yet to be fully revealed, I think.

While all of this internal and external chaos is going on, Vlad must also cope with his marriage crashing down all around him, as he tries to save the woman he so desperately loves, but seems to have no use for him anymore. Fortunately, he has Loiosh and Rocza by his side for comfort, and we see a bit more of their respective personalities in this installment, as well as Vlad's Noish-pa, who is a delightful and welcome co-star in the story, rather than a brief cameo as he has been in the past.

It's my understanding that this was intended to be the last Taltos book, and the ending would indicate this as well; however, I am greatly relieved that there are many books after this one, as I would hate to see this series end. There are so many questions to answer, and so many hugely varied directions Brust could take the characters, that it would seem to stave off the boredom some authors have set in after a few books in the same universe. I sincerely hope he continues to produce the series for many years; I would miss his detailed descriptions of flavors, aromas, actions and feelings as he weaves his clever tales. I would miss the subtle (and often overt) cynicism through which Vlad experiences the world that so closely mirrors my own. I would hate not knowing "what happened" to these characters who have become virtual companions in my brain - no no, I'm honestly not insane or completely pathetic, I swear! Brust simply does such a good job of bringing them to life, that they occasionally pop into my head to comment on one thing or another.

[arching eyebrow]

Ok, I can hear you out there, saying "Ooooooh boy, this chick's totally lost it. She needs a big, hot steaming mug of reality, and fast." No really! They're just exceptionally vivid characters! I...hey...wait a minute! What're you doing with that funny white coat? I ... HEY! [struggle, struggle, struggle]

Alright, before these four large men haul me away, just let me say - read this book! Read the series! You won't be disappointed. :-)

In Steven Brust's sixth novel of the Vlad Taltos series, our "hero" (Vlad Taltos) attempts to come to terms with his role as an assassin, his "racism" and his job as a crime-lord. Vlad begins to realize that, perhaps, what he does for a living is wrong. He then confronts his weaknesses head on. Add to this the fact that everyone in the book is trying to kill him and you are in for the ride of your life.

If you want to try something new and you are tired of all the J.R.R. Tolkien clones that make up epic fantasy today, give Steven Brust and the Vlad Taltos novels a shot. This is irreverent "epic" fantasy. And thank goodness for it.

Note: I would start with the first Vlad Taltos novel, Taltos, and continue with Dragon, Yendi, Jhereg, Teckla, Phoenix, Athyra and Orca. That wasn't the order they were written in but it's the order in which they take place.

The book arrived fast, in excellent condition, and as advertised. Julie also promptly answered some questions I had regarding the sale. Great transaction!

As someone who has just started to learn pottery in a class, this book gives detailed information that your teacher may not provide. Even if you are learning by yourself the step by step (very detailed) lessons by themselves gives the beginner good and easy to understand steps for success! Lots of great pictures too.

The text is detailed, but easy to understand and the pictures do an excellent job of reinforcing the concept. I have been throwing for about a year, but reached a point where I was "stuck" and couldn't seem to move forward. After only ONE day of using the techniques in this book, I was able to double the amount of clay I could successfully throw and the results were better than anything I had previously produced. This is the best book there is on throwing.

I bought this book for my wife who had just finished ten weeks of throwing lessons. She read the book and was able to improve her work in just a few practice sessions. She is so pleased with her new knowledge and skill. The fine detail and the pictures of sectioned pots were easy to follow. The accompaning text was clear and the summeries allow for quick reference.

We can only recommend this fine book to anyone that wants to improve their skill.

I bought this book 25 years ago when I started pottery and my well-thumbed copy is an important part of my studio. I'm a Canadian potting in Japan and though most of my students are non-English users, the photographs in this book speak thousands of words. It is laid out logically and the cross-section cuts of the whole process from entering the centered clay to finished work are everything a student or teacher could want in an instructional book. I was very pleasantly surprised to discover it is still available and my student is looking forward to having her own copy.

Get This Book! This book has everything a aspiring lighting designer needs. Shelley clearly shows his thoughts with clear illustrations. The first page is his complete lighting design for a show!!Buy It!

I love this book, a must for any one interested in the running out a show behind a lightboard. Very useful!!! A+

"A Practical Guide to Stage Lighting" is destined to become the definative source of instruction in the field of theatrical lighting. With the books emphasis on the process of light design it gives the reader the tools necessary to create the art. Whether your goal is to become a good stage electrician or a good designer the explainations in this book will allow you to work and communicate quickly and efficiently during that precious time allotted for load-in, hang and focus.

Steve Shelley, by taking a chronological approach to light design, illustarates exactly what goes into a successful design. He defines his terms, explains why he does things, and provides anecdotes and insights that make the book entertaining and easy to read.

The final section of the book on how to focus lights will teach you more about creating and implementing a light design than any other book you have, can or will read.

I would say this is NOT the first book to buy or read for someone wanting to learn stage lighting design. The books does not cover the basic theories.

But - it offers a very good guide to the real-world contraints and demands of lighting. The author give very concrete and useful suggestions and advice. Analysing a complete design ('Hokey') step-by-step is a clever move. It is also the perfect book for those who want learn how to accurately document their designs to last nut and bolt. Even with my 20+ years in lighting and lighting design, I found this book a worthwhile addition to my collection of lighting textbooks.

This is hands-down the best book I've ever read regarding the process of designing and executing a lighting design. Other books do wonderful jobs of discussing instruments and electrical aspects, or how to create a design, but very few discuss the day-to-day paperwork and personal interactions involved in getting that design executed. This book addresses that subject thoroughly, discussing what documents to create, how to schedule time in the theatre, how to work with all the other folks involved in creating a production, and so on. Highly recommended.

If you can only get one book on rabbits, this is the book to get! Considered by many rabbit breeders, exhibitors, owners to be 'THE' book on rabbits. The authors are rabbit owners/breeders themselves and they know whereof they speak. Easy to read and understand, it includes a history of rabbits, genetics, feeding, housing, breeding, medical care, the merits of rabbits as pets, rabbits in therapy, just about anything you would ever need or want to know about rabbits. This book is well worth every penny of the cost. It's a very modest investment when you want to provide the very best for your rabbit, or rabbits, no matter why you have them.

I just checked this book out from the local library and after skimming through it, marking what I want to go back and read in detail, I am convinced that this is a book that I can't be without! This book has TONS of detailed information, including several chapters on the genetics of rabbits. It is the first book that I have found that just doesn't gloss over rabbits as a whole, but actually gets down to the nitty gritty. There's a lot of detailed information about the diseases, how to have a successful rabbitry (if that is your goal), food guidelines, the importance of vitamins, etc. Do yourself a favor: get ahold of this book!

This reference is an excellent source of information in regards to management systems, feeds & feeding, breeding, production, etc. What I find lacking is how little effort seemed to go into the breed illustrations. Rabbits depicted are poorly posed and therefore make a very unsatisfactory representation of the breeds' description. If you can get past that little bump, the book - for its wealth of knowledge is an excellent resource for rabbit breeders or those considering embarking on that adventure.

This reference (notice I didn't say "book") is incredibly valuable for first timers with no animal experience through long time, large scale producers. When I started out with my first pet rabbit, I used the '96 edition all the time for freak-out moments like a crusty ear or just to satisfy my curiosity. Now that I'm almost done with college and ready to start up my own herd again, the 2000 edition proves twice as useful. Make sure you put your name and address on the inside cover!

This is a classic in raising rabbits commercially. Not the latest edition (the 8th edition is the newest), but still very useable. The main difference between this edition and the newest is that there are no color photos. This book contains practical important information on raising rabbits commercially that simply cannot be found elsewhere. Not a how-to book for pet rabbit owners, but a serious manual for producing high quality healthy rabbits in an economical manner. I would not attempt to raise rabbits commercially without this "bible" on the bookshelf.

This is a good book for the prospective real estate investor. I find it useful just for reading, and also for reference.

Buy It! Read It! Keep It! That is my advice to anyone who thinks that they might ever be interested in buying a piece of property. Steven Fisher's book "The Real Estate Investor's Handbook: The Complete Guide for the Individual Investor" is an excellent guide to show you the way through the maze. I think that this is a must have for someone that only plans to buy one property or for the next "Donald Trump" wannabe. Steven has covered a great amount of material in this book that is absolutely dynamite. I recommend this book to one and all.

"The Real Estate Investors Handbook" is a terrific guide for successful investing. The book could be a little overwhelming for a novice, but it is an excellent resource for the serious investor. It offers an in-depth and complete guide to making profits from real estate. The book also stresses the importance of record keeping and provides an assortment of financial forms and letters to be used when dealing with your property. Also included in the book are real-life testimonies from investors telling about their real estate successes and failures.
This book is a necessity for all real estate investors. The tips and helpful hints are an invaluable resource that can be referred to over and over again.

Having been a part-time real estate investor myself, I thoroughly enjoyed reading Steven Fisher's book. Given the large volume of unhelpful books on real estate investing, I am pleased to see so much valuable information in a single book. If you have been, or plan to get, involved in real estate investing, this is the single best book to use.

Fisher covers all of the strategies that make for successful investing: starting with little money, "flipping," mortgages, foreclosures, and REO's. Unlike other books, Fisher also explains the secrets to finding the right properties. Given that property identification is the most common mistake that would-be real estate investors make, this chapter of the book is especially useful.

The book also includes some effective plans for tax advantages and exit strategies. If you want to own and make money from real estate, get this book!

This book provides an outstanding "how to" overview of what to do to get started in real estate investing.

After reading this book my wife and I were able to make our first real estate investment, and actually located an outstanding rental property investment opportunity where the seller is including two years of guaranteed monthly rental income. This is allowing us to start investing now when our cash flow won't free up for this investment opportunity for another nine months.

I applaud the author for writing an intelligent, succinct, readable, upbeat overview of this irksome health issue. Patients who are newly diagnosed or who have not extensively researched the cause of their dry eye problems should definitely purchase this book. That being said, for someone like myself, who has already consulted ophthalmologists, am aware of my diagnosis, and have read numerous web articles on the topic, virtually all of the information was already familiar to me. However, I still unearthed one important nugget of information (that punctal occlusion using a cauterization process is reversible, and may be preferable to punctal plugs) which may be important for my future treatment. That alone was worth the price of the book, since my ophthalmologist had never mentioned this option. The book also contains a handy summary of the confusing variety of OTC eye drops and some good reminders about simple lifestyle changes that can be of great benefit. While any person with dry eye should initially consult an ophthalmologist to obtain a proper diagnosis, I just love books like this because doctors these days have so little time to sit you down and explain all of the strategies and treatment options that can be of benefit. Having this book several years ago would have been very helpful to me; it is a perfect example of why a small investment can sometimes be more worthwhile than a whole string of doctors' appointments.

This is a helpful book to understand dry eye syndrome's causes and management. This very common, painful condition can cause one to feel very alone, but its sufferers are not. Through education and action, discomfort can be reduced or eliminated.

From: www.BasilAndSpice.com
Author & Book Views On A Healthy Life!

Book Review: Reversing Dry Eye Syndrome: Practical Ways to Improve Your Comfort, Vision, and Appearance (Yale University Press, 2007) by Steven L. Maskin, M.D.

Do you have dry eyes? Apparently almost 5 million of us do in the United States. Moderate cases are estimated at 20-30 million people. Common in the over age 50 group--7.8% of women and 4.7% of men are impacted by it. If left untreated, keratoconjunctivitis sicca or dry eye syndrome, can lead to more eye problems, including blindness. Either the tear (lacrimal) glands under the eyelids aren't producing enough tears or the tears themselves are evaporating too quickly because of their composition.

Dr. Steven Maskin, author of Reversing Dry Eye Syndrome, says that dry eye syndrome is painful. Symptoms sometimes begin mildly and progress:

Achy or sore eyes

Redness, inflammation

Scratchy, grainy, gravelly feelings

Feeling of something in the eye

Burning, Stinging

Itching frquently

Contact lens discomfort

Nighttime dryness

Difficulty opening eyes in the morning

Blurred/ Fluctuating sight

Heavy eyes

Watery eyes

Excessive mucus discharge

Sensitivity to light

What are the causes? Researchers aren't quite sure, but some factors play significant roles:

LASIK Surgery

Live in a dry or windy area

Use the computer often

Use the eyes often for work or recreation

Drive long distances often

Smoke or live with someone who does

Use medications for allergies, birth control, or depression

Take hormone replacement therapy

Have had cosmetic eye surgery

Have worn contact lenses for many years

Suffer from specific illnesses: Sjogren's syndrome, diabetes, thyroid disease, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, ocular rosacea.

I've had a little dry eye syndrome periodically due to contact lenses, reading, and computer use, but hadn't really thought that much about it, until my friend had LASIK eye surgery. He is an emergency room physician who loves to scuba dive on his time off. The need to see underwater through a mask, without contact lense worry led to LASIK surgery and a severe case of dry eyes. Using lubricating drops often, the standard treatment in the United States and Europe, his condition slowly improved. Further detection and treatment for severe cases involves drugs, surgery, in-office procedures, and moisture goggles.

What can be done at home? Recent studies indicate that increased consumption of omega-3 fatty acids will improve the situation, possibly by 68% for women. Opt for salmon, tuna, sardines and other cold water fatty fish. Drink more water and reduce your caffeine intake. Caffeine, a diuretic, encourages the body to eliminate water, whereas water hydrates the body. Avoid rubbing the eyes, instead blot them with clean tissue. Last, check in with the allergist, to identify an unknown eye-drying problem.

5 Stars

I'm at the computer all day, sometimes every day. A few months ago, my eyes started hurting, and on occasion would tear excessively.

I did some Internet digging and discovered Maskin's dry eye book. It opened my eyes, so to speak.

The first thing the book confirmed was that I had dry eyes. I also learned about the other syndromes and disorders I could be experiencing; I also discovered which of the over-the-counter drugs I should use --and which to avoid.

The book provided me with a wealth of simple tips I could use immediately to help reduce my dry eye problem. For instance, I lowered the height of my monitor and started taking breaks every 30 minutes. Obvious things, sure, but only after reading about them in the book.

Besides helping me understand more about dry eyes, the book also made me realize I needed to seek out a consultation with an ophthalmologist. (That alone was worth the price of the book).

The writing style is comfortable and easy-to-read, and it's remarkably thorough. I definitely have a better handle on the problem and realize it can be treated.

If you're having any type of eye discomfort -- as you probably do as you're on this page -- I strongly urge you to pick up a copy of Maskin's book.

Finding "Reversing Dry Eye Syndrome" was a Godsend for my eye dilemma. After over a year of treatment with several ophthalmologists, and after trying (time and again to no avail) their recommendations for eye drops, punctual plugs, Restasis and the like, this book was like an oasis in the desert. I even got to the point where I thought I must be imagining my pain and discomfort. After reading this book and realizing there were others like me - as well as the potential for significant improvement of my symptoms - I called Dr. Maskin's office and made the appointment for a consultation. I have just completed two surgical procedures since November and FINALLY, I feel like I have "my old self" back again!! Dr. Maskin is my hero. Thank you for making this a most special Christmas for me!

Some of the information in this book may now be out of fashion and sometimes wrong, it is a great pleasure to read "Scouting for Boys". The ideals defended by B.P.: courage, generosity and compassion are as much a necessity today as they were a hundred years ago, when that book was first published.

The idea of an active, "hands on" education still find its echo in today's most recent education innovations.

Of course, the key message lies in the the initials of the author: Be Prepared!

Excellent book detailing the original , if somewhat dated thoughts , of the founder of the Scout Movement- Sir Robert Baden Powell. A must have read for all interetesed in the movement and it's principles

At the very beginning of the twentieth century, retired General Robert Baden-Powell, the hero of the siege of Mafeking, coalesced his ideas for an organization to train young British boys in scouting for the British Empire. Not a very organized thinker, Baden-Powell borrowed heavily from all sorts of unrelated resources - newspaper articles, military dispatches, fiction, and much more - and produced this, his first book on scouting. Originally published as six separate books, this book brings all of them together, complete with original illustrations.

Now, as might be expected from its roots, this book reflects a lot of the biases and ways of thinking from Edwardian England. But, leaving that aside, this is a fun and interesting book that shows clearly the forms that have stayed with the Boy Scouts movement to this very day. The introduction was written by Elleke Boehmer, a professor of Colonial and Postcolonial literature, and is a fairly predictable deconstruction/analysis of B-P and his movement.

Now, as a newcomer to Scouting (my son is a Tenderfoot) did I find anything useful in this book? I sure did. Robert Baden-Powell was very knowledgeable about the subject, and this book sure shows it. (I never thought of tying my shoes like that!) Of course some of the information is out of date, especially the first-aid information, so it isn't really usable by the boys "as is." But, this is a nice resource, one that shows you where Scouting started.

Oh, and I must say that I actually enjoyed the somewhat jumbled organization of this book. It isn't as scholarly and antiseptic as modern Boy Scout books, and the stories and tales laced throughout make the reading much more fun. Plus, I did find the focus on some subjects, such as logic and deductive reasoning, to be quite interesting. I loved this book, and highly recommend it to you!

I was an Eagle Scout as a boy, and now I'm the founding Scoutmaster of my sons' troop. As such, I was anxious to get a copy of this hard cover version. Baden-Powell's work is a classic and well worth the read. The problem with this edition is the Introduction by Elleke Boehmer. Without it, the book is a 5-star. Ms. Boehmer appears a non-believer. Reading her is like taking a pessimistic art critic along side while viewing an art gallery. Far more benefit (for all concerned) would occur without her input. For each positive she states about BP, she mentions a negative. She also spends just over two pages discussing homosexual tendencies (pp xxxii-xxxiii) within BP's works, something which is out of place in this work. I started to list several quotes, but I think one sums it up best of all from the back cover: "She has never been a scout, but she did once shake hands with Lady Baden-Powell at a jubilee celebration in South Africa." I guess that must make her an expert.

This original text of BP's "Scouting for Boys" is an excellent read. You can skip the introduction, however. The intro is a steaming pile of horse excrement written by someone seething with contempt for BP and the Boy Scout movement. Why it was included with the book is beyond me unless it's to provide bum fodder whilst camping. Remember, a scout is thrifty!

While this book is written for church leaders--any business or nonprofit leader or manager will appreciate the idea-thon of very practical stuff.

With a foreword by John Maxwell and high fives from Andy Stanley and Joel Hunter, this book also gets my five-star rating. The makes-you-want-to-read-it format has 99 chapters, but just 208 total pages. I dare you to scan the chapter titles and then put the book away. It's impossible. Test-drive these chapters: 2) Good Leaders Let Good People Go, 3) Count the Cost Before Hiring a Family Member, 8) If Someone Hasn't Left Your Church Recently, Your Vision Is Probably Too Broad, 19) Staff Ahead of the Growth, 29) Disgruntled Secretaries Drain Dynamic Leaders, and 31) Send Your Bankers Audit Reports and Birthday Cards Every Year.

Chapter 33 is "Sack the No-Huddle Offense." I'm a zealot for the value of weekly staff meetings. Stevens and Morgan correctly point out, "It takes discipline to gather regularly because there's never a good time to pull away from doing ministry to talk about ministry. The fact is, however, these team gatherings will help focus your efforts and allow your ministry to bear more fruit. Additionally you'll have the chance to bring encouragement and accountability to others on your team."

With 99 topics, the authors add quick-reading color commentary to most of the 20 buckets in my book, Mastering The Management Buckets: 20 Critical Competencies for Leading Your Business or Non-profit. Simply Strategic Stuff is good stuff.

Simply Strategic Stuff is by far one of the BEST books in church administration. Tim and Tony are the leaders in providing nuggets of Truth (with a capital "T"!) for church leaders to effectively run a church. How do I know? I am the lead pastor of The Pointe, a United Methodist Congregation, located in Albany, Georgia. Our church began weekly services in March 2006 and has grown in 11 months to an average of over 620 in weekly attendance. Managing a church that has grown so quickly has been a HUGE challenge, but utilizing the principles taught in this book have made all the difference. In fact, our staff is required to read 10 chapters (they are one to two pages each) each week and share how they will use one principle taught in this book in their area of ministry. A must read for every lead pastor and leadership team member. Don't miss out on an AWESOME book!

I've read hundreds of management books for my business consulting practice, but few have had the practical approach as this little book. The ideas are focused on churches, of course, but many of them apply to any organization. And not only are the ideas useful, the book is just plain fun to read. I kept telling my wife, "Here, you have to listen to this one!"

Great book! This is one of the most helpful books I have ever read on church administration.

Very practical and helpful, I will pull it off my shelf often to review and glean insight. It is full of practical wisdom from practitioners who understand effective ministry. Highly recommended.