Thomas Books

This book arrived in great shape and in a very timely manner. Like all his books, Stanley writes so the average person can understand fully.

This book is helpful and wonderful in reminding us that God is in control of every situation. The photography throughout the book, which was done by the author, is also a beautiful reminder of God's magnificence in the world. The book is easy, quick reading but still has a powerful, profound message to deliver. I recommend this book for everyone.

The whole theory of God is in control of every single thing amazes me. Is He is control of the abortionist hand as he rips the baby from the womb? Free will is a part of this world. So I suppose most would say when someone dies at an early age the old adage of "well, it must have been Gods will" tell that to that persons children, that will really help out in their relationship with God. People wake up, quit giving credit to God for things that we as humans have goofed up ourselves. Everything that happens doesn't mean it is Gods will just because it happened and He didn't stop it. Was it His will for the abortion law to pass? No, because that would go against His word, but it did pass didn't it? So what happened? We as children of the most high God have a responsibility to utilize the weapons of warfare He left us such as His and The Holy Spirit. We need to rise up and come against such tragedies in prayer and stop giving God credit for bad things in our lives. Satan is the one who comes to kill steal and destroy....Not God. Read john 10:10 satan and God are not co-conspirators working togethor to refine our character and teach us lessons etc read eph 4:11 If God is in total absolute control of every little thing, then He's not doing such a great job is He? This world is full of a lot of bad things and I refuse to believe God is up and heaven and is controlling the shooter and he kills kids in a school...makes no sense. Anyway I would recommend reading the b ook :God is not your problem" by Billy Joe Daughtery It addresses many things such as the sovereignty of God etc amazing book in my opinion...

This is a wonderful book that just opens up some insight into the reality of our relationship with God. He is so great and yes in the end He really does have all control if we just allow it

Rover1 asks in his/her review if " God is in control of the abortionists hand as he rips the baby from the womb". The way he/she structured the question reminds me of the old Groucho Marx joke " have you stopped beating your wife?" It is a "no-win" question, and reveals Rover's misunderstanding of Christian theology.. If you say "yes", then God becomes an accomplice to murder(abortion). If you say "no", then God has no control. The question should be: Is it within God's will that the abortionist be given the opportunity to abort the baby?' This places the guilt on the proper shoulders ( the abortionist's) , but still recognizes God's omniscience/omnipotence. God does not want the abortionist to do it, but gives him the free will to make that choice. Of course, the abortionist must answer for his evil actions later, but that's a whole different theological topic.
Hope this clears up Rover's bad theology.

Norm could have done a better job with the writing, but it has GREAT pictures

I purchased 3 books from Amazon.com yesterday. Luckily, I met Norm at a remote today for which he graciously and personally signed all 3 copies.

1 book is going to my younger brother who is in Iraq fighting for Our Country - He'll love his signed copy.

1 is for my father-in-law... I know this lifelong Cowboy fan will love to relive the memories of this team through the pages of Norms book.

Of course I will love my copy here in N. Texas - Thanks Norm!!!

This was a gift for a Dallas Cowboys fan who is over 70 years old, and
he loved it! The best birthday present i bought for my father yet.
He really enjoyed the book.

This book is a 'must' for the die-hard fan of America's Team... the Dallas Cowboys!

One of the greatest Cowboys history books I have read. Amazing pictures and very informative. Lots of information that even a die-hard Cowboy fan doesn't know. A very entertaining read.

A swashbuckling drama from the best-selling author of Isle of Swords and The Door Within Trilogy, Wayne Thomas Batson. A long line of the evilest men in history, The Merchants, have funded and planned the worst catastrophes in the world... it's time to for them to strike again. The legendary blood-thirsty pirate Bartholomew Thorne has convinced a group of technologically advanced heathen Vikings to help him burn London. It's up to Cat, struggling with his terrible past, and Declan Ross's crew of extremely entertaining pirates to stop them. Add a hurricane, Greek-fire, a particularly nasty group of Berserkers, a gullible king, and a strange, bald lad named Hopper, and you've got the best book since Isle of Swords! For anybody who likes bang-bang action and plenty of pirates. ARG!

I was told to read this by my friend. The sequel I have found is yet another great installment in this series, as I have also read Isle of Swords. We find our self again privy to the thoughts of Cat and on the high seas riding along with him. I was curious what Batson might throw at us this time. A mix of beautiful locals and colorful characters another winner. I recommend this book for anyone preteen or older.
there we go

Mr. Batson did an absolute brillant job on this novel. After reading Isle of swords, I promised myself I would take my time to read Isle of Fire; to make it last longer. Any way I ended up reading twice in three days ; )

This book is amazingly good, and picks up really well from Isle of Swords, first in the series. I laughed often, but still sat on the edge of my seat more than once. It's filled with pirates, sea-faring adventure, a bit of treasure, and more than one intense battle scene. It's appropriate for kids perhaps 10+, but only because one or two people die, there is no language or other worse vulgar parts. A most intriguing book, 5 stars!

First, don't ruin the ending of the first story; build on it instead. Second, don't repeat the plot of the first story; do something different. Third, allow your characters to grow and change, but do NOT make the likable characters unlikable. (THEY are a big reason fans want to revisit to your world.) Fourth, make THIS ending even more satisfying than the first. Finally, if the first story was suspenseful, make this one MORE suspenseful by cranking it up a notch...

or three...

or ten.

While Disney failed to follow this advice with THEIR "piratey" sequels: Pirates of the Caribbean - Dead Man's Chest and Pirates of the Caribbean - At World's End, Mr. Batson did not make the same mistake with his sequel to the marvelous Isle of Swords.

The ripples kicked in motion by Declan Ross' only possible choice at the beginning of the first novel have not subsided; if anything, they've grown stronger, reaching all the way to Europe now. Declan Ross and his surviving crew are now engaged in pirate hunting, offering remaining pirates a choice: join and receive a share of treasure or die. But he's doing it without Cat, the amnesiac son of the presumed dead monster of a pirate, Bartholomew Thorne, and his own daughter Anne, who are helping the mysterious warrior monks of the first novel hunt another man of great evil: The Merchant, who can supply any would be evil doer with anything necessary... for a price. Meanwhile Bartholomew Thorne (yes, he's alive) is pursuing his own plans for revenge with the help of some recently rediscovered and EXTREMELY deadly kinsmen. Finally, Commodore Blake is mysteriously recalled to England where his wife hopes to uncover the secret her father took to the grave.

How does all this tie together into a horrific threat our heroes have no apparent hope of defeating but nevertheless must try?

Why, read it and see!

I couldn't find any negatives this time. Perhaps Mr. Batson's humor is growing on me for I rather enjoyed the comical misunderstanding when Captain Ross thinks Cat is asking for Anne's hand in marriage and when the French crew of the Le Vichy demonstrates unusual determination in surrendering. I even found the contrast of dark blue letters on light blue paper more readable than brown on brown.

I suppose some will whine about the whiffs of deus ex machina in certain events, but in a fictional world that assumes the truth of the Bible, are hints of the hidden hand of God so out of line?

Not in my opinion.

I bought this small ZIPPERED bible about two years ago. It still looks new even after hopping over five countries and sitting in my side pockets on a daily basis while I work and paint. It'd be cool if O'Neil, Body Glove, or Rib Curl manufactures come up with a water-resistant zipper so I can surf with it too.

If you want accuracy of translation AND readability then GET THIS BIBLE.
It fits into a shirt pocket easily and you have HIS word with you anywhere you go. You'll be amazed how much more often you read it when it is with you.

In my experience, this could be the best Bible to share His Word with. Rather than reaching for a huge black giant print Bible that literally "thumps" into your hand, this tiny little Bible (that I find very easy to read with bifocals and 50 year old eyes) just is NOT intimidating to someone showing an initial interst in God's Word. The most likely response becomes, "Is that the entire Bible? Can it really be that small?" Suddenly, the Holy Bible seems a lot less intimidating to a potental new Christian. Their next response will likely be, "Can I see it?" ...and there is the true value and the simple wonder of this nicely made little Bible. I guarantee you'll feel wonderful when you see someone take His Word into their hands for perhaps the very first time and when they do, filled with curiosity and free of any intimidation, its a very good thing. I truly believe that there is a special power when someone is willing (and even wanting) to take a Bible into their own hands. That's also a wonderful time to give it away, so buy several of these tiny yet Powerful Bibles.

Whatever happened to zippered Bibles? They were so common when I was a little kid (and I had/have one). They are so practical because they protect so well. I was delighted to find the NASB Updated translation in a zipper version. It travels in my briefcase where a regular Bible would get its edges all messed up. I would've been happy with a simulated leather cover for this use, but the bonded leather is okay. Small print, but I can read it easily without my bifocals. As for the translation, either you want the most accurate or you don't. I'm no genius but I don't need a 'readable' Bible--this one reads just fine for me. I have been an owner of the 'old' NASB and rarely can I tell the difference between the two. Highly recommended for a Bible on the go!

I was looking for the right Bible to be able to stick in my pocket and take with me anywhere. This one is great. It zips up to protect the pages, the cover is durable, and it's just the right size (for what I wanted to do with it).

I purchased this book and it was in the quality the seller indicated and my husband and I loved the book.

I love all of Robert Witlow's books and this one was excellent!

Robert Whitlow's second in this series of two books, Life Support and Life Everlasting,grabbed this reader's attention in such a way that I completed the book in one day. The story was captivating and the spiritual message throughout the book was inspiring. I will be looking for more books like this one.

This book was truly awesome. In the first book Life Support, I enjoyed the story and the characters. This book was so riveting I could not put it down. I stayed up late every night because I never found a spot slow enough to put it down. Now I'm catching up on my sleep. The characters and story have stayed with me and I look forward to finding more gems from Robert Whitlow.

Whitlow is a master at peeling back the secrets and layers of Southern settings and characters. After one of his best books, "Life Support," I was thrilled to see a sequel. To be honest, though, I wasn't sure what material he had to work with. Others may disagree, but I loved the open-ended conclusion of "Life Support."

Once again, we are pulled into the psychotic world of Rena, a woman living with guilts and secrets. She begins seeing mysterious visions, and unwinds before our eyes. Whitlow portrays her with perfection. Along the way, Alex, her lawyer, begins to look for ways to disengage herself from this nightmarish client, while also looking for ways to build a deeper relationship with Ted Morgan, a Christian music minister. Their relationship goes through ups and downs, but they are drawn closer as the troubles of Rena's past loom larger.

The ending provides some satisfying emotional moments, even if a few of the mystery aspects are wrapped up a bit quickly. Although the book didn't hold the same sway over me as the first in the Santee Series, it's definitely a must for Whitlow fans.

I read The Living Great Lakes at least two or three years ago and subsequently gave my copy to a client relocating from New Jersey to Michigan. I just bought my second copy to re-read and add back to my permanent library. This book is an enormous pleasure trip from beginning to end. The author lives and breathes the Great Lakes. As someone who was born and bred along the lakeshore of West Michigan, I can tell he really "gets" the soul of the dunes and the lakes and how vital, how beautiful, and how important our Great Lakes are in our lives. A huge thumbs up!

As a displaced Michigander, I am often amazed that westerners are almost completely unfamiliar with the Great Lakes. This book would be best enjoyed by those familiar with the region. But even the less familiar will enjoy the gripping adventure found in the many anecdotes offered here. I am on my second read and can't believe how much I had forgotten from my first read. There are stories that will nearly bring you to tears (the near disaster on the day of the Edmund Fitz sinking) and some that will simply amaze. This should be required reading for all school children from this region. Those less fortunate who live elsewhere will still enjoy the enlightening read. And while it certainly encourages protection of the lakes, I didn't find it preachy. It is a very objective book and doesn't dwell too much on the environment.

If there is a better book on the great lakes I haven't found it.

An enthusiastic outdoorsman, Dennis has written a comprehensive book on the Great Lakes from the perspective of personal experience, scientific data and historical background. He describes the area in its early pristine beauty, from the Indian tribes to the first European settlers and the dawning of industrialization that almost destroyed this natural preserve of geology, flora, fauna and indigenous species. With attention to the tales of the past, Dennis writes of the gradual evolution of natural beauty into a vast resource for lumber, farm products, shipping and related industries, including the influx of a population that has grown around opportunity, all imbued with the awesome grandeur of these vast bodies of water.

On a four-week voyage through the Great Lakes, Dennis views the area from the water, as opposed to his many travels along the shorelines, the exhausting, but fulfilling days on board filled with the lore of the sea, new friendships make while sailing and the eccentric individuals met along the way. Couched in contemporary terms, the author speaks of the past with reverence, his love of history enhanced by regional details, tales of shipwrecks and the personal observations of a man with great reverence for the bounty of this immense body of water and those who live on the miles of coastline that make up the Great Lakes. History is tangible in Dennis's work, impossible to ignore as the men navigate from one lake to another, reminded daily of the pitfalls of ignoring nature and the pleasures of communing with the elements.

The comprehensive chapters cover: Lake Michigan, from land and water; the Straights of Mackinac; Lake Superior, canoeing, the early voyagers, surviving storms; Lake Huron, Georgian Bay and the wilderness; St. Claire River; Lake Ontario, the Erie Canal and the Hudson River. Each chapter addresses relevant information but is complemented by stories, for example, the "White City" constructed in Jackson Park for the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893, the disappearance of an entire fishing village on the shores of lake Michigan, victim of "walking dunes", Sault Ste. Marie and the rapids of the St. Mary's and The Soo Locks. His eye on an ever-changing environment, Dennis paints a fascinating portrait of nature's bounty in the Great Lakes, past and present, ever vigilant for the dangers of pollution, overuse and the avarice of industrialization: "Bracketed by mysteries, adrift, alone, despairing of our ignorance, we turn to the physical because there, at least, we can know a thing for certain." This is out legacy and the key to the future of a national treasure. Luan Gaines/ 2006.

I really enjoyed this book because it covers a wide range of topics from sailing to environmentalism to North American history to geology.

As a lifelong citizen of the Great Lakes in Rochester, NY and Chicago, IL, I was surprised at how much I didn't already know -- and that the book taught me.

Purchased the book because I'm considering a retirement along Lake Ontario and am an avid sailor. The book is centered around the relocation of a Ferro cement schooner from Michigan through the lakes to Lake Ontario, onward down the Hudson and around New England. Along the journey, are many mini stories added for each lake taken from a combination of personal adventures, history and many interesting collection of facts coveraging a wide range of subjects from geology, their early exploration, later exploitation and related environmental problems. My only mild dissapointment is there was not more on Lake Ontario. The trip ends in along the coast of Maine where I was raised. It's a delightful book.

Can't put down the book. Every part is so wonderful. A lot of wisdom at the same time. Need time to chew it down.

I love Karla's style of writing - the color and emphasis of detail in her books. I've recently purchased some of her personal checks and have gotten many compliments from them.

I first picked up this book at a friends house. Our family stayed the night and forgot to pack books to read to our children. The hostess left this treasure on the night stand and I couldn't put it down. It is so beautifully worded and illustrated. I had to order it as soon as we got back. It seems as though many have forgotten that when we get back to the basics, life is much more simple. I found this book to be charming in every way.

I first saw these books (Love in Every Room, Down a Garden Path, and The Blessing of Friendship)in our church's bookstore several weeks ago. Every time I turned the pages it was like watching Anne of Green Gables or seeing pictures of Tasha Tudor's homestead--a treat for the eyes and the soul. The Scripture and symbolism contained within the pages creates, with the pictures and cute handwriting, some very beautiful and inspiring books.

For a birthday gift or even a Christmas gift--for ANY woman, young or old, single, married, whatever--Karla's books are a blessing. I'm a young single woman who just received the three books mentioned above as a Christmas gift. Talk about a surprise blessing!

I was just introduced to Karla's books this weekend and I'm hooked! The message she protrays is so needed in our day and age...she encourages us to focus on Jesus. Her illustrations are so beautiful, they take me away for the while I'm reading the book. The ideas that she uses,such as leaving room for the reader to pen her thoughts, the envelopes for notes to the reader, and the personal welcome from Karla, all make for a wonderful, uplifting experience! She is truly God inspired! Keep up the good work, Karla!

Not only do I rate "Making the Assist", but I rate Dr. Pitcher as well with five stars. Dr. Pitcher is the perfect example of what a health professional and a human being in today's society should be. I have always been the kind of person that takes the time to smell the roses and be thankful for all that I have been so furtunate to have, but Dr. Pitcher has influenced me and shown me that more could always been done. I am a health provider as well and I always try to be there for my patients unconditionally, but Dr. Pitcher has put me to shame. I truley inspire to give more because of him and the cancer that I am surviving. I am a cancer survivor because of Dr. Pitcher. "Making the Assist" is an excellent sourse for all people. Cancer or not, we all need to "Make the Assist"! - Thank you.

This is an excellent book tnat will help those who are in need of understanding and help caring cancer patients. It is also a good spiritual aid to those in need.

I am fortunate enough to personally know Dr. Pitcher. Not only is he an excellent doctor, he is an extraordinary person.

I feel his book has positively generated the message that we are never to give up and to always trust in God.

Thank you Dr. Pitcher!

Many books written come from the mind to the pen, we find Doctor J. David Pitcher's book "Making The assist " is written from the heart to the pen, typewriter or computer.
We are delighted to congratulate you Dr.Pitcher on your heartfelt, warm ,touching splended tribute to your ability and achievements in writing this fine book to help everyone who is experiencing this dreadful diesase.
We pray God our Father through his Blessed Son the Lord Jesus
that he continue to Bless you and yours in all endeavors.
The University Of Miami School of Medicine is fortunate and Blessed to have J.David Pitcher, Jr.,MD.

i am an OR nurse and have personally worked with Dr Pitcher. His book is just completely inspirational and should be read by anyone who has a loved one with cancer or any long term terminal illness or anyone involved in the care of patients with terminal illnesses. This book reminded me of why I became a nurse and how God chose this profession just for me all those years ago when my own father suffered with heart disease and then passed away six months later. That Dr Pitcher would be given the gift of mercy, as he was called to be a physician AND the gift of teaching through his writing and have the strength to do both is a testimony. Buy this book and read it and then share it with others, you won't regret it.

I pre-ordered this book because I was looking for a resource for better understanding my relationship with my mom. It was a great read - and it is a book that I know I will read again.

This book hit the mark for me because it provided incredible, well-researched, insight into the mother-daughter relationship. I enjoyed the fact that the interviews with mothers and daughters really brought the issues to life for the reader. The authors also had helpful, practical advice about how to bridge the generational gap which is where a lot of women and their mothers (or daughters) get hung up.

The last book that I learned this much from was Reviving Ophelia, by Mary Pipher. I plan to give this book as a gift to my mother (and my sister) for Mother's Day. This book has something for everyone.

I loved the book. I have often marveled at the difference between my mother's generational outlook and my own. Clearly we are at a turning point in history which can lead to different interpretations and reactions to similar events. Moms and Daughters share an eternal bond that need to grow, change and adapt to the times. A useful read for anyone interested in improving or just understanding maternal relationships. A perfect gift for mother's day and a great read for any book club.

For as long as I can remember, I have bickered with my mom about how long to cook pasta, moving far away from family for work, and most recently choosing to raise my daughter alone. I think this book definitely hits on so many relevant issues that eat away at relationships between women like me and my mother. Thank you for offering practical advice to put the boxing gloves down. My mom and I are ready to call an emotional truce. I've already recommended this book to friends and we've decided to discuss it at our next book club. Thanks.

An enjoyable, easy-to-read book filled with practical advice that fosters more effective communication. I appreciated the empathy the authors and professionals displayed for all of the women in a variety of circumstances. I read the book just before my mother visited and I know we enjoyed each other more partly as a result. I recommend the book to those with strong bonds with their mothers and those who struggle with their moms.

I loved this book. I am very close with my mother and have never reflected too deeply on the dynamics of our relationship--what works, what doesn't work, and why, but reading this book made me laugh in recognition at the accounts of some of the misunderstandings and inadvertently hurt feelings. While laughing and enjoying the book, it also made me reflect with new appreciation of and insignt into how my mother's and my different life circumstances and choices have shaped us and our relationship--insights I fully expect will also be important for me and my daughter (I am going to be sure to read this book again in 20 or so years when my daughter will be 26.) I couldn't put the book down and afterwards immediately sent my mother an email urging her to read it. Next, I'll recommend it to my sister and my best friend (who chafes constantly at how little her mother understands the demands of her life).

"Must-Win Battles" appeals to me as a book that gives readers (most typically managers) the tools to lead their teams through a journey that can save their very own jobs in the long run. With a style not too distant from Lencioni's, where the authors show a fictional case in action, the book presents the path in a journey to help teams win those battles they cannot afford to loose, what they call Must-Win Battles (MWB). While offering tactics to deal with the expected bumps along the road, the book remains very strategic all the way through, focused on the strategic goals of aligning steering teams around the same agenda and eventually getting the entire organization to buy it in and embrace it.

The book wraps up with lessons from won and lost MWB journeys and a real-life case from the Unilever Ice Cream Frozen Foods business group to illustrate the entire process in action. While the fictional case presented belongs to the executive team leading the entire European organization of a company, the learnings in it could easily be extrapolated to smaller settings: a production facility, a university, etc. Highly recommendable like all Wharton School Publishing books I've had a chance of reading.

Unilever's 19-page MWB journey described by Kees van der Graaf is a fantastic read. It not only illustrates the stages and steps aligned with the authors' belief of leadership principles, I find it most valuable is Kees van der Graaf sharing with us with his personal lessons learned from the processes such as "trust my gut more than ever before" and "We have great values; they come from the heart". This reminds me of another book titled "Head, Heart & Guts" by Dotlich/Cario & Rhinesmith. Indeed Kess van der Graaf brings these to life.

MWB stands for "Must Win Battles," which is the title and a common acronym throughout this this book. Authors Peter Killing, Thomas Malnight and Tracey Keys use "battle" to refer to competitors and "must-win" to mean these battles must be won. There are a lot of circumstances applicable to the concept of 'battle.' Examples and case studies cover management style, team work, planning, shortlisting, and executing, are noted. One example is Unilever in Africa, Nestle China, and a two-year case study of the CFF business groups from the words of an executive.

Three sections and nine chapters.

Section I: Preparing the Journey

Section II: Engaging the Team

Section III: Making it Happen

The different types of managers listed are the commander, diplomat, thinker, and motivator, who are defined and described. This is followed by the role of Emotional Intelligence in the workplace. EI is just as, and oft-times more vital than IQ. There are questions regarding this that the reader can answer for themselves so they can apply this concept to their own situations in life and in the work place. This book helps the manager and employees as individuals and allows them to reflect on others and themselves.

Different dynamics of MWB, which often may include change. While strategically planning and implementing Must-Win Battles there are Resisters, Bystanders, and Supporters. A time-line is almost always necessary and matrices and diagrams are presented, when planning and executing.

A good reality check is in chapter 4, which lists "Typical Company-Related Myths." Those who've worked in medium or large organizations can identity with the company values and slogans. But they're usually only slogans, because they aren't practiced. :)

At the end of the book there are:

A) The MWB Journey and Road map
B) The Denison Survey: Questions
C) Using the External Assistance

This is helpful for all people who manage and work in organizations of all types and sizes.

In any organization, at any time, there are probably three to five key battles that must be won to achieve important goals, write authors Killing and Malnight. As you read this, you are probably thinking of the battles that are ongoing right now, the ones you need to win to get to your own goals. The first step, then is identifying what the key battles actually are and eliminating the sideshows that distract from the real issues. The authors advise that these battles are NOT internal, instead they are:

Market-focused
Something that makes a difference
Creates excitement
Are specific and tangible
Are winnable (!)

The example provided is one of Unilever, a large multinational company, working to gain market in Africa. But despite Unilever as an example, the strategy to pick your fight and win it is equally applicable to small business--if not more so.

One point I really admire is that the authors recommend that emotion be considered along with reason in how to win those battles. In other words, instead of steamrolling over emotion, which is a statement of condition, like the weather, the authors recommend dealing with it and generating excitement by directing emotion. There is also good advice on "not shooting the messenger" or how to take bad news. As one top CEO remarked to the press on how he achieved success "First, you have to deal with reality."

Excellent book and a must-read for business managers of any organization.

Q: What must be managed effectively to improve an organization's performance?

A: "First, [managers must] identify and win the right battles....But to win the battles, many organizations need to create a more effective top team and build an organization that [is] .less silo-based and capable of focusing all of its energies and capabilities on the chosen battles."

Q: What is a "must-win battle" (MWB)?

A: "MWBs are the three to five key battles that your organization absolutely must win to achieve its key objectives."

Q: What are the characteristics of a well-chosen MWB?

A: It must "make a real difference, be market focused, create excitement, be specific and tangible [and measurable], and be winnable."

Q: What is an "MWB journey"?

A: It is simultaneously both an emotional and intellectual process which must be completed by everyone involved in order to transform their organization. Ultimate success will depend upon a "shared understanding of the challenges and options facing the organization, an agreed list of three to five MWBs, a committed [and competent] team for each MWB, a high-level action plan for each MWB, new [better] ways of working together, individual commitments, and an initiation assessment of the starting conditions for engaging the organization."

Granted, this is an unorthodox way by which to begin a review but I really could not think of a better one. (No doubt someone else has.) The authors of this volume share what they have learned about why some organizational transformation initiatives succeed while most others fail. What they propose is a three-phase process (a "journey") which begins with a rigorous and thorough assessment of the current situation, followed by an engagement of the Team and then of teams for the MWBs, and then an engagement of the given organization which involves embedding the Team agenda and aligning the organization while maintaining momentum of the MWB initiatives.

I especially appreciate the authors' provision of all manner of reader-friendly devices throughout their lively narrative. For example, check lists of key points, graphics (maps and figures) which illustrate step-by-step segments of the "journey," and - whenever appropriate - caveats and disclaimers which correctly remind the reader that no course of action (including the one which the authors recommend) "fits all."

In the final chapter, they share eight "Lessons" learned from their research: five from successful MWB "journeys" and three from those which failed. In Appendix A, readers are provided with a comprehensive "MWB Journey Roadmap" and then in Appendix B, the authors provide "The Denison Survey: Questions" (copyright © by Daniel R. Rosen), a culture survey which is discussed on pages 47-48.

Presumably the authors agree with me that it would be a fool's errand for anyone to read and re-read their book, then rush - or even stroll -- to implement everything in it. It would also be a fool's errand to cherry pick diverse (albeit sound) ideas from a variety of different sources and then attempt to consolidate them in a single plan of "attack." Rather, I urge each reader to read Must-Win Battles with great care and then, preferably in discussion with others, co-determine what would be most appropriate to the given organization. Killing, Malknight, and Keys can be very helpful to that process of aanalysis and, especially, to identifying the highest priorities and most important objectives. My guess is that, by following that procedure, the "must-win battles" will reveal themselves.

Those who share my high regard for this book are urged to check out Jason Jennings' THINK BIG, Act Small, Michael Hammer's The Agenda and Robert Mittelstaedt's Will Your Next Mistake Be Fatal?