Warren Books

What do you get when you combine Heinlein with Trevanian and throw in a bit of Mikey Spilane? It appears we get Warren Hammond. Browsing the sci-fi section, I was lured in by the fantastic cover art, mission accomplished there Mr. Publisher. The summary sounded fresh so I threw down the plastic and took it home. I was not disappointed. Hammond has brilliantly merged some of my favorite genres and I look forward to his future efforts.

I love a good SciFi mystery and wish there were more of them around. This pleasing dark noir SciFi is an engaging and complicated hard-boiled page-turner with nice twists and turns. It's a ruggedly built noir, with a light SciFi frosting that has me looking forward to the sequel, Ex-KOP. A very successful first novel.

What an adventure! An entire Sunday flew by because I did not want to come out from between the covers of this book!

I do not read for pleasure much anymore. I read to do research, to get directions, for political insight, or to keep up with my profession. I tend to read in short, intense bursts for a purpose. I only bought this book because Warren is my neighbor.

I was excited to hear that he wrote and published a book. The least I could do was buy it and read it.

I was blown away before the end of the first chapter!

This nice neighbor, who helped me shovel snow from around my car several times last winter, and who puts up with my cats hanging out in his yard year after year, wrote this astonishing book.

I have not been so wonderfully transported into another time and place by any book in many, many years. I enjoyed every page. I could not put it down. Once I started it, I could not stop reading. I didn't want it to end.

I had no clue. I was hoping I would like his book, but I had no idea it would be this kind of a fantastic read!

This book is a pleasure, with textures that are complicated, and not pretty. It's rich and gritty. The words I would use for this book are not the first words that I would think of to describe Warren. I love that. He is the real deal, an amazing writer. This book knocked my socks off!

Yes, I think I might be biased because I live next door to Warren and his wife, and I really like them as people. But, I know that is not what glued me to each page until I finished the book!

Buy this book! Make him famous. I want to see the movie!

Once I started reading KOP, I was unable to put this page-turner down. It's exciting, it's interesting, and it has great characters. This book reads like a cross between L.A. Confidential and Bangkok 8. It's way cool! I can't wait to read the sequel.

I bought this book on the recommendation of a friend. I am now about 100 pages into it and can honestly say it started off good and gets better each page. It is about a corrupt police force on another planet several hundred years in the future. The main character is a kop who formally was an "enforcer" (he beat people up) whose conscience (and live in girlfriend) finally got to him. He is still with the force but only does collections now. His friend and former partner who is the Chief of Police asks him as a favor to get involved in a homicide case. He reluctantly does, and finds himself investigating a very interesting case with his new inexperienced partner. I won't go any further as I don't want to ruin anything for the reader, but I highly recommend buying this book!

Kevin Sheehan has simplified the great qualities of important leaders and placed them in an entertaining text. A gift which I have passed on to my dearest friends, this book is both inspirational and educational. My highest recommendation.

Poignant, powerful stories. Beautifully written with a distinctive and important design. This book's not to be missed--by you, your friends, your business colleagues. Bravo!

Within his book A Leader Becomes A Leader, Kevin Sheehan delightfully illustrates the essence of true leadership. He poignantly definies a diverse group of past and present leaders; while exploring their life events and characteristics of greatness. Encourage your friends, family and coworkers to read this motivational book!

The author does a phenomenal job of breaking the topic down into small manageable and inspiring readings; also covers a great cross-section of leaders and the characteristics that made them successful. I ordered a dozen copies as executive and motivational gifts.

J. Kevin Sheehan presents a celebration of what's possible in his biographical snapshots of great leaders. By focusing on the unique character traits of outstanding leaders the author transforms the mysteries of leadership into something very real. He answers the question "what made them great?" in an extremely concise and inspirational style. Great as a corporate gift or graduation present. My children have used it for school projects and I have found inspiration for my own business. No home or school library should be without this most valuable tool.

I was very skeptical about this book/method. Especially because I'm skeptical about anything that involves "steps" and such things.

Anyway, I just got the book 4 days ago and I have gone through the first "step" and it's being a great blessing. I encourage anyone that is dealing with addictions, bad habits, or just hurts from the past, to read this book or try to participate of a Celebrate Recovery group.

Highly recommended.

If you are on the road of recovery or if you are searching for answers as you face the challenges of life, Life's Healing Choices is a practical book to help you find hope as you overcome the hurts, habits and hang-ups that we all face in some way on another in this life.

As the Serenity Prayer denotes "accepting hardship as a pathway to peace", this book helps us to understand why we struggle and how; with God's help we can overcome those struggles. The book is a great read and in a very non-threatening way revels how much God really loves and wants to help us. I recommend it to everyone.

This is a well written book for anyone dealing with personal issues. In a simple to understand common language. After reading this book I felt sure God really did care about me and I believe you will also.

Life's Healing Choices is an excellent read for anyone who is struggling with a hurt, habit or hangup or knows someone who is struggling. John Baker takes an honest look at the issues facing people today and offers hope and solutions for living a full and abundant life. The testimonies in Life's Healing Choices demonstrate that, no matter what circumstances we may find ourselves in, there is a solution. A must read!

Favorite scene with Cynthia/Cyn-
Discovering the password and being caught and all that follows.

Favorite scene with Jake-
Emotional, thinking Cynthia/Cyn may be dead.

Together-
Hiding behind the crates and making love while trying not to get
caught.

LIVE A LITTLE--Nancy Warren

Cynthia Baxter decides to spice up her life, so she buys a copy of Raunch magazine's fantasy issue and surprises her fiance with handcuffs and a fantasy. Unfortunately, her fiance--soon to be her ex-fiance--gets a call and rushes out, forgetting her. That's how Jake Wheeler comes to find her naked, handcuffed to her bedposts. Jake needs help...a sexy little account is just what the FBI needs. And Cyn? Well, she might be just what Jake himself needs.

Nancy Warren's Blaze Romance, Live a Little, will occasionally have you laughing more than a little as she spins a hot tale of love.

Accountant Cynthia Baxter would like to learn to live a little. Her six year engagement to a doctor more concerned with patients than his personal relationships drives her to desperate measures. She purchases the September issue of Raunch Magazine, which categorizes its fantasies into Boudoir Beginners, Intimate Intermediates, and Erotically Advanced. She'd even highlighted her favorite fantasies. But Walter leaves her naked and handcuffed to the bed while he leaves to deliver a baby. Hours later, a neighbor finally comes to the rescue. But meeting FBI agent Jake Wheeler under such conditions does not fulfill her fantasy.

At first, Jake Wheeler assumes Cynthia's prone position resulted from a working girl's day gone bad. Her trash looks juxtapose an oddly innocent expression in her eyes, driving his libido over the edge, even if he has sworn off wild women with revolving bedroom doors. However, when he realizes that Cynthia's an accountant, Jake convinces her to volunteer to help him crack a drug smuggling operation by accepting a new job with his quarry. Cynthia leaps at the opportunity for change and excitement. She transforms herself into Cyn the Bold and prepares to plunge into the world of black ops, spies and danger. Even as Jake suspects that the sophisticated sex-pot routine is fake, it's too late to withdraw from a very dangerous situation-both undercover and under the covers.

Now this is what a Blaze should be! Sexy, daring, and bold with a dash of levity, LIVE A LITTLE! lives up to my highest expectations. The heroine doesn't waste time protesting her innocence, the hero doesn't struggle over needless issues, and the plot never slows. Indeed, the dangerous plot echoes the dangerous eroticism of a handcuff fantasy, resulting in a terrific read. Pleasing, tempting and erotic, LIVE A LITTLE! comes very highly recommended.

Cynthia Baxter decides to spice up her life, so she buys a copy of Raunch magazine's fantasy issue and surprises her fiance with handcuffs and a fantasy. Unfortunately, her fiance--soon to be her ex-fiance--gets a call and rushes out, forgetting her. That's how Jake Wheeler comes to find her naked, handcuffed to her bedposts. Jake needs help...a sexy little account is just what the FBI needs. And Cyn? Well, she might be just what Jake himself needs.

Nancy Warren's Blaze Romance, Live a Little, will occasionally have you laughing more than a little as she spins a hot tale of love.

I was surprised to read all of the wonderful feedback for the book. I'm all for fairy tales but this was so way out there even I couldn't believe it. I am fairly certain that no FBI agent would enlist the services of a complete novice because they hoped said novice would sleep with the boss and discover his secrets. Nevermind that the FBI agent has completely misjudged Cyn, the main character, forming the opinion that she is faast and loose simply because he had to rescue her while she was handcuffed naked to her bed (OK - that was good). I enjoyed reading about Cynthia's change from reserved to sexpot, that was fun. Unfortunately, the context in which it played out was ridiculous. Igave this 3 stars for the well written sex scenes (and there are quite a few) but the plot? 1 star would be pushing it.

Bud does a great job in analyzing the World's greatest investor.Buying a business at a margin of safety is very important. A margin of safety is like a sense of humor.Everyone feels they have it but few "actually do". Bud's book will cause you to reevaluate how you purchase a security. As an author ,who has put together a book with filters and a formula based on Buffett's 50 years of investing, I can say that this text is a great "blueprint" in understanding how the greatest investor's mind works. Any questions you have please address them to my investing website where a detailed interview with Bud is available http://www.atfreeforum.com/billyticketswin/viewforum.php?f=1&mforum=billyticketswin

At a time when the market has never been more tumultuous, this book cuts through much of the mystique that exists in how successful investors like Warren Buffet continue to outperform other investors and indexes. The author does an exceptional job of defining the criteria that investors should consider before investing.

Any Buffett follower know that Warren asks the following questions when considering an investment:
1- Can I understand it?
2- Does it have good management?
3- Does it have an enduring competitive advantage?
4- Can it be purchased at an attractive price?

But, what do those questions really mean and why do they matter so much? Many people think they may understand a business and it has good management but Bud goes into detail in those categories and expands on them allowing readers to understand what Warren looks for.

Perhaps the most difficult concept, because it is so easily confused is competitive advantage. I think the strength of Bud's book is making the concept as clear as possible for people to then be able to filter their own ideas through it. Without an advantage, a company purchased at an attractive price will most likely remain priced there for a long time.

I highly recommend this book,

Todd Sullivan, ValuePlays

A short & effective explanation of the methods (filters) Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger have relied on over the years. The undeniable success attained by Munger and Buffet warrants this exceptional read.

This is the most concise book I have read on the Buffett/Munger system to analyze value in companies. If you want to understand how 'Old Fashioned, Common Sense' investing works for these two famous investors this is the book for you. And I felt a little better about our financial system when they made a $5B investment yesterday in Goldman.

If you find delight in the optimization of code--and you SHOULD--this is the book for you.

The book contains a great collection of techniques and tricks for highly efficient numerical programming.
Great read.

I have a virtual calculator called the DIY Calculator that accompanies my own book "How Computers Do Math" The Definitive Guide to How Computers Do Math : Featuring the Virtual DIY Calculator.

I recently added a "Conundrums, Puzzles, and Posers" section to the "Programs and Subroutines" page on my DIY Calculator website ([...]) and I've started to build a collection of simple puzzles for people to play with.

One of the first problems I posed was to count the number of ones in the 8-bit accumulator and to present the result as a binary value. I thought I had discovered the best-possible solution, until someone pointed me in the direction of the "Hacker's Delight". (In this context, "Hacker" refers to a hero who is manipulating code; not a nefarious rapscallion who breaks into other people's computer systems.)

I immediately ordered a copy from Amazon, and took delivery just yesterday as I pen these words. This book is fantastic - I kid you not - on the first page of Chapter 2, for example, I discovered at least five or six capriciously clever tricks that blew my solutions out of the water!

I highly recommend this book.

My first introduction to binary operators wizardry was in a 1st year, 1st semester course in Digital Systems at the Technion, IIT. I thought it was fun. While I was trying to write a computer program to compute Karnaugh Maps for me, I run into performance problems, and then some binary hackery helped me get back on the horse.

Since then, whenever I come across some binary trick I write it down with a few examples of usage and sometimes with some reasoning why it works.

Then came "Hacker's Delight" and I felt compelled to buy it.

I wasn't disappointed at all! Not only it contained all of the tricks that I have collected, but also it contains a lot more in depth examples of how these tricks can come in handy when trying to squeeze performance from an implementation or save a few more bytes and bits.

The book also gave me a fresh perspective on the implementation of some well known algorithms with the twist of binary arithmetic. This was very enlightening.

I read the "BASICS" chapter (chapter 2) with a single breath of air, and just couldn't leave it down. Not only it was nice to have all these tricks summarized in one book, but also I liked some of the reasoning and the "so-called" proofs.

Remaining chapters were, as I mentioned before, a fresh look for me on known algorithms. This fresh look was through the glasses of binary arithmetic.

I'd recommend this book to anyone who feels comfortable with binary arithmetic and/or computer organization -- even just for the fun of it!

I'd recommend the book to developers who don't necessarily have a sympathy to this topic, but would like a Copy&Paste solution to some problems they have to tackle.

I really enjoyed reading this book, and I will probably reference it from time to time.

The term "hacker" in this book means someone who enjoys making computers do interesting tricks regardless of whether it turns out to be useful, not someone who is intent on circumventing computer security. Plus, how relevant would those kind of tips be coming from a book that was written in 2002? Don't let the author's definition of a hacker fool you, though - the tricks in this book are very useful.

This book is a collection of small programming tricks on various subjects. The presentation is very informal, and the methods use very basic computer math. You should know your binary number system backwards and forwards before you start this book. Either C or assembly language is used to demonstrate the hacks in code form. When assembly language is used, it is that of a fictitious machine that is representative of RISC computers. That is because the tricks are meant to be platform independent.

After disposing of basic arithmetic operations early in the book, the author turns his attention to more complex math problems such as calculating square roots. His discussion of the subject is both complex and simple. First, he explains Newton's method of computing square roots through a page full of equations that require some effort to follow. Then he gives an implementation that requires fewer than twenty lines of C code. This is followed by another method that is longer and more cryptic but executes faster, by using a binary search algorithm. Whether you are interested in the equations or merely need the C code to do your job, these solutions are efficient and elegant.

Other topics addressed include Gray codes, the Hilbert curve, and prime numbers. Gray codes are a method of arranging the integers from 1 to N in a list so that each number can be visited exactly once by flipping only one bit at a time. The Hilbert curve is a similar idea expressed geometrically: a single continuous curve which, given a space divided into a grid of squares, touches every square exactly once and does not cross itself. In each case, both the mathematical discussion and the code to solve the problem are provided.

The chapter on prime numbers is the most challenging mathematically but also one of the most interesting. It starts with a concise overview of various mathematicians' efforts to devise ways of finding prime numbers. The author is one of those people who periodically become fascinated by some problem and devote themselves to learning more about it and searching for a solution. The chapter ends not with the usual code sample, but instead with an invitation to continue the search for interesting solutions to the problem.

Clearly, the author views this book not as a finished collection, but rather as a snapshot of work in progress. After decades of interest-driven research, the author has amassed a collection of studies big enough to fill a book, and it is fortunate for the rest of us that he has written one.

This book is an absolute essential to the right reader. That right reader is either a low-level coder, a high-level logic designer, or someone who builds tools and libraries for same. In other words, not a lot of people. This is hacking at its bit-level finest, though. If you're among those few, or think you might be, or want a good laugh at the people who are, dig in.

It's good for things like counting the number of 1 bits in a word-length integer (hint: if you count the bits, you're doing it the hard way). It's good for things like fast division by an integer constant, or mod to a constant integer modulus (hint: if you perform division by dividing, you're barking up the wrong tree). If you can look into a 32x32 bit multiplication and see a convolution going on, you're way ahead of the game. The only tricks I know that didn't appear here are A) for purposes that almost no one has or B) for machines that almost no one has.

Warren presents the coolest collection of slimy coding tricks ever collected, with full attention to the number of machine cycles and the compiler-writer's unique needs. I've seen a lot, and this is by far the biggest and coolest collection around. I have two complaints, though, a small one and a really big one. The small one is that the author didn't score a direct bullseye on my somewhat offbeat needs. Well, he never tried to - that's just me griping that he didn't write a different book. The big complaint is that pages, lots of them, just fluttered out of this pricey book and onto the floor. GRRR. This takes nothing away from the content of the book, until some critical page flutters off never to be seen again. Still, if you can keep a rubber band around it, this will be one of the deepest mines of coolness in your uber-geek library.

//wiredweird

Excellent textbook. Covers very systematically, and with ample regard for modern methods (something most organic textbooks lack), everything from first semester orgo to the beginning grad level. Only major deficiency is the general uselessness of the index -- makes looking things up difficult. But overall, a great textbook.

This book provides with a complete review of all the major organic chemical groups and gives a detailed and thorough presentation of their chemical structure as well as their reactivity. It also deals with a series of organic reactions that are considered as the basic ones in organic chemistry with a good overview of their mechanistic pathways.
Finally, the writers offer plenty of examples in which these reactions are used in the synthesis of pharmaceutical or other compounds.
Without a doubt, one of the most useful, comprehensive and complete book in organic chemistry for both beginers and advanced organic chemistry students.

This book is good. It explains the concepts clearly and wont ever leave you thinking "how the hell did it do that??"
However, Organic Chemistry 6th edition by Francis A. Carey accompanied by the enormous solutions manual is the best Organic Chemistry book on earth, hands down. It presents the ideas in an order that is compounding, so that everything you do in earlier chapters is reinforced with the following chapters; and it presents the concepts as clear as day. Once you've learned to push electrons everything else is cake.
Perform the problems in the back of each section and read the solutions manual after each problem and you wont get lower than a C on any test, guarenteed.

other books that follow mechanism (as opposed to functional group) approach to learning organic chem:

Organic Chemistry by Marye Anne Fox, James K. Whitesell (ISBN 0763721972)

"A Guidebook to Mechanism in Organic Chemistry" and "A Primer to Mechanism in Organic Chemistry" both by Peter Sykes

Organic Chemistry by Joseph M. Hornback (ISBN 0534389511)

Look at my other reviews for other chemistry books.

Very well-written organic chemistry book. Without detailed explanation, the approach the authors use makes organic chemistry a little easier to learn, and the examples and explanations in this textbook are superb. I don't highly recommend organic chemistry, but if you want to learn it, I highly recommend this book.

Let's face it, as the third book in a series, it could have been a let-down. After all, it's focused on the sister who's made all the right choices and worked hard to keep everything afloat while her brothers did their own things. But this book was wonderful. I picked it up as soon as it landed in my mailbox and didn't stop reading until I hit the end.

Stefanie has shadows that she won't step away from, and Lincoln sees everything crashing around him. They turn against each other. The sparks fly in this book, but there's so much more going on.

Stefanie has to learn to let go of the past and its mistakes. And the hardest lesson of all -- how to forgive herself. And trust herself not to repeat the past. Each time she's willing to step out and try, a roadblock occurs. Lincoln also has to step away from the past, but for different reasons. Isn't that like so many of us? Instead of looking to the fullness of what God wants to do in our lives now, we're trapped looking in the rearview mirror. As a result we miss so much and wonder why we feel stuck or forgotten.

There are a host of supporting characters who add rich layers to the book. And each has battles to fight, obstacles to overcome. Some way too close to real life.

On the suspense thread -- remember this book is primarily romance...and a great romance. But the suspense thread is stronger in this book than in the prior two in this series. I figured out who was doing it early in the book, but sure missed her motivation. And even knowing who was behind all the havoc didn't detract from the enjoyment of reading.

I am truly sad to see this series end. It was a great one...enjoyable...challenging... and great covers!

Every book in this series is fantastic. Susan May Warren knows how to write wonderful characters full of depth and flaws. I'm always sad to finish one of her books because I don't want to leave these realistic characters, riveting stories, and inspiring settings. These are the stories that come back like old friends and make you wonder how Nick, Rafe and Stephanie are doing in their lives, and wishing for another book to take a peek into where they might be now if they were real people.

I enjoy Susan's writing a lot. In fact, her earlier novel "Happily Ever After" remains one of my all-time favorite reads. And I loved "Reclaiming Nick" and "Taming Rafe," so I looked forward to this third book's release in the Noble Legacy collection. And I wasn't disappointed.

First off, Susan has an amazing handle on characterization. So right from the start you know her characters are going to seem real.

Specifically, I loved her secondary romance thread in Finding Stefanie. She let us watch 18-year-old Gideon's tender-hearted interactions with Libby, a 19-year-old character. Susan has a deep understanding of the human heart and our motivations (good or bad). She always believably pens her wide spectrum of characters.

Her primary romance was delicious, too. Love those Beta heroes (mostly because it's not the norm).

I appreciate Susan's heart to see people find God's love for them. She skillfully weaves messages of hope and redemption into her stories. I also appreciate her servant's heart toward other writers. She's an encourager and teacher, a mentor and friend to many in the Christian writing community.

Looking forward to her next series.

Reviewed by Tracy Kokemuller for Reader Views (8/08)

Susan May Warren has another hit novel on her hands with "Finding Stefanie," the third installment in the Noble family saga. It is the tale of Stefanie Noble, twin of superstar bull-riding champion, Rafe Noble and younger sister of Silver Buckle co-owner, Nick Noble. Living in her brothers' shadows never used to bother Stefanie, but lately she's unsure of where she belongs. Enter Lincoln Cash, movie star, and Stefanie's new neighbor. Will these two develop a relationship out of the crushes they have on each other? Or will they clash over Hollywood coming to Montana?

Unlike Warren's two previous novels, "Finding Stefanie" concentrates on Stefanie's journey to come into her own. Women will find themselves relating to her as she struggles to find out God's purpose in her life. The minor characters are also celebrated by Susan's writing. The themes explored are disability, second chances, truth and romance. These are just some of the themes that book clubs can explore in their discussions. My favorite part was the suspense that builds up until I found myself second guessing the answer, only to find out I was wrong. The relationship of Lincoln and Stefanie was the heart of this novel and their romance doesn't disappoint the fans of this series. One of my favorite lines from the book is from Lincoln. "He came to Montana thinking his life was imploding. He never dreamed it would get so big."

Even if you haven't read the other two books in the series, "Finding Stefanie" stands on its own. You should go back and read the other two books in the series, "Reclaiming Nick" and "Taming Rafe," about Stefanie's brothers. "Finding Stefanie" by Susan May Warren is a fulfilling conclusion to the Noble family and I was sad to see these characters go.

I think that Stefanie's book was my favorite out of the whole series. I'm not sure if it's because she was the only girl and I felt that I could relate to her the most. She is very strong willed and is completely capable of taking care of herself. I think she's actually the most "noble" of all the Noble siblings. There's nothing in her past for her to be ashamed of. I liked Gideon's story as well involving his relationship with Libby. I didn't like her dad too well because for a pastor he was rather quick to judge. You'd think he'd be willing to look for the good in someone first before trying to kick them out of town. I felt in the beginning that Gideon was being too proud by refusing help but in the end he gave in because of his sisters.The mystery was very well played throughout the book. I missed the small clues about who it was so I was surprised at the end to see who the perpetrator had been. I liked Lincoln as well. He was a multi-dimensional character with a lot of secrets that he had been hiding for years. He and Stefanie had good chemistry throughout the whole book. The only thing that is still baffling me is to why Stefanie and Rafe never acknowledge Cole as their brother even though from the first book we find out that he actually is. My only guess is that they still have not found this out.Regardless, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. While I am sad to see the series end, I felt like this book tied up many loose ends and had a satisfying ending. I shall miss the adventures of the Noble kids and the life of ranching.

1,800+ pages in length, this must be the most comprehensive treatise on the subject of Warren Buffett extant. This two-volume book is broken into 333 chapters, many just a page or two long. In addition there are many photos. Hence reading it is not as daunting as its length might suggest. Add to this Mr. Kilpatrick's engaging and light-hearted treatment of his subject and it makes for enjoyable as well as informative reading. Mr. Kilpatrick has been researching and writing about the Buffett phenomenon for the better part of two decades, so he knows whereof he speaks. One comes away with an enhanced appreciation of the genius, the integrity, and the generosity of "the Oracle of Omaha." Highly recommended reading.

Without question, Andy has put together the most comprehensive bio ever on the greatest investor of all time. No doubt about it, each book gets better, and no one but Andy has the latest facts and information and not just warmed up leftovers. I am fascinated that Andy can always add something new such as the 10 lbs of See's that Warren sent to Andy and Pat to keep the marriage together, but most of all is the manner in which he delivers his tome. He is forthright and comes with all the facts. The factual data here is second to none, and I would have to say that anyone writing on Warren today is going to sooner or later, get hold of Andy to get some informatin. This is a must read for True Buffett fans, and for those not so big fans, you are missing the masterpiece of the ongoing saga of Warren Buffett. I am already looking forward to the 2009 and 2010 editions. What a monster BRK will be then.

Having followed and admired the "Oracle of Omaha" for nearly 25 years, I am very grateful to Andy Kilpatrick for delivering such a definitive and important compilation of Buffett's life and times.

And best of all, it is a lot of fun. For those of us whose eye's may "glaze over" trying to wade through tedious and detailed financial volumes, no worries here.

Fortunately for us, the author understands completely that Buffett's genius is not easily quantified with the "usual" business metrics and that understanding shines through in chapter after chapter that reveal "insights" into Buffett's brilliant character not often found from other sources.

Andy has a special talent in bringing out and highlighting the most unique aspects of Buffett's long and unparalleled career, with multiple stories that are interspersed with both professional and personal "human interest" nuggets.

Kilpatrick's long years of detailed research have yielded a treasure trove of anecdotes, pictures and details which are not only illustrative of Buffett's legendary financial genius, but also provide intimate insights into his exceptional personal and human qualities.

Additionally, Andy's unique style of compiling short and concise chapters on a myriad of subjects relating to Buffett lends itself to quick reads which are not only eminently readable, but also very convenient to return to again and again for reference.

We all know that enjoying one's work is an essential ingredient to success. This book's amusing and interesting anecdotes regarding Buffett's personal and business qualities not only drive that point home time and time again, but the author's obvious love of the subject matter also proves the point. As one other reviewer so aptly put it, this is clearly a "labor of love".

For the most complete and entertaining compilation of "All Things Buffett", the "Cosmic Edition" is a winner and I highly recommend it.

During Charlie Munger's 2007 WESCO annual meeting in Pasadena , Mr. Munger was asked who was the number one Warren Buffett fan in the world. Out of the unlimited number of possibilities, Mr. Munger (Buffett's long time partner who runs Berkshire with Buffett) responded quickly "Andy Kilpatrick without a doubt".

Andy's latest two volume Buffett biography/Berkshire chronology is a work of absolute genius. A master of details and amusing anecdotes, Kilpatrick keeps the reader entertained over the entire odyssey of Buffett's life and unparalled success in the investment world.

Unlike other Buffett writers like Roger Lowenstein whose books have now become dated and stale, Andy Kilpatrick keeps us up to date on all that is important in the life of Berkshire Hathaway and Warren Buffett.

The 2008 Cosmic Edition is a "must have" for all serious Buffett fans and students. Readers will love the color photos in this latest edition. Like "The Oracle of Omaha" himself, Andy Kilpatrick gets better writing about this American icon with every new edition. Kudos to "The Sage of Birmingham", Andy Kilpatrick !!!!

In my opinion, Of Permanent Value 2008 Cosmic Edition by Andy Kilpatrick is the best book about Warren Buffett and Berkshire Hathaway (which I also believe it is the thickest book about Warren/Berkhire, and for the better). It also covers important people around/related to Warren Buffett. Simply, this book is a must read for all Warren Buffett fans and all value investor.

First, eventhough this book is very abundant in information (i.e. thick), it is not boring to read. One of the reason is that the chapters are mostly short (and getting directly to the point). If you don't feel like reading the whole book, you can always pick the chapters that interest you. Kudos to Andy Kilpatrick for putting this book together and continue to update the story about the greatest value investor of our time. I also appreciate Andy Kilpatrick's (and Warren Buffett's) sense of humor.

Secondly, this 2008 Cosmic Edition contains several important improvements/updates. Some of the example:
1. Lots of awesome color photos (page 1117-1190, etc)
2. Updates on Warren Buffett/Berkshire Hathaway activity during the year 2007 and early 2008 (Business update, 2007 Annual Shareholder Meeting, Berkshire 60% purchase of $7B business/Marmon Holdings, Warren business trip to Canada, China, South Korea, etc)
3. A photo index on page 1813 (with 1,400+ photos, it is really nice to have an index for the photos)

I hope you enjoy this book as much as I do. I have read this book more than once (including the previous versions). I learn so much from Of Permanent Value, and I learn something new everytime I read it.

Below I added more detail review about the content of the book.

Sincerely,

Sidarta Tanu

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Now about the content of the book. You will learn a lot about Warren Buffett and his life, and not only investing topic (investing decisions that he made throughout his career) but his life principles, family, and business in general as well. You will learn about his first job delivering papers when he was 13 (he filed income tax and deducted the bike as business cost), and how he build his first business (pinball machine business), created Buffett partnership, break it up (liquidate), acquire berkshire mills, creating Berkshire Hathaway as investment vehicle, and many other great investment decision/story that he made (Geico, See's Candies, Dairy Queen, General Re, Coca Cola, Salomon, Washington Post, Gillette etc)

Buffett concrete rules for investing are:
1. Never lose money
2. Never forget rule #1

I know it's easier said (what he say above about to never lose money) than done based on my 10 years of invesitng experience , but then again I'm no Warren Buffett.

In my opinion, here are the 5 strategy/skills that Warren Buffett uses (Mr. Buffett, please correct me if I'm wrong):
1. Intrinsic Value
2. Margin of Safety
3. Temperament (discipline and understanding Mr.Market)
4. Circle of Competence (knowing what your circle of competence)
5. Common Sense (which I think is the most important factor and encapsulate everything about Warren Buffett.)

You will learn that Warren is very good with numbers (calculating in his head) and memorizing so many facts and numbers. You will also learn that Warren is a man with a very good sense of humor.

There are so many things/chapters that I like on this book. Let me try to mention three of my favorite sections.

One is when Warren need to make a decision who would run Salomon ($150B institution with 8000 employees) within 2 days during their first crisis. There are 12 top-level managers that he interviewed. "This was the most important hire of my life", said Warren to the Columbia business students. The chapter explain his thought process of this candidate selection in detail. Warren mentioned that the good news (for the students and the candidate) is that he didn't ask what their grades were (laughter). Warren also said, "Somebody once said that in looking for people to hire, you look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence and energy. and if they don't have the first, the other two will kill you. if you think about it, it's true, if you hire somebody without integrity, you want them to be dumb and lazy" (laughter). And he conclude the topic with this statement which I think is very powerful: "Pick the kind of person to work for you that you want to marry your son or daughter. You won't go wrong". By the way, he picked Deryck Maughan by the way for his integrity.

Another chapter that I really like is how Warren put the audience (of more than 2000 people) through Business School in an electrifying two minutes (The chapter about "Generics"). See how Warren answer the question of "Will developments in the generic brand area hurt coca-cola?" which is a very important questions. I'll try not to spill too much and take the joy of reading this chapter yourself but he basically explains in a nutshell (with all the details and numbers) how business and competition works (and using several other example like Gilette, Marlboro, Sam Cola etc) and how he convinced the audience (and me as a reader) that coca cola is considered immune to generics. He explains how one can save $500 for smoking generic brand (vs Marlboro) which is a lot of money. While a man will probably will only save $11 per year by not using Gilette Sensor and probably leave band-aids on his face and an uncomfotable experience for opting for generics/lower quality blades. And for coca cola, the net profit margin is only 1 cents per serving (can) while a lot of the ingredients cost (such as the aluminium close to 6 cents a can, sugar 1.3 ounce per can or 1.75 cents etc) the same regardless for coke or other cola company.

The third chapter that I like is when Warren is being questioned by CEOs about what is his best advice for CEOs/leaders.. expecting to get some standard answers like honesty and loyalty.. Warren actually didn't even touch those areas (which I'm sure Warren do think those are also important).. but what Warren actually said is, "Set your expectation low, and you will rarely get dissapointed".

I'll stop here before it's getting too long. In summary, If you are a Warren Buffett fans, then this book is for you. If you are uncertain, you can get other books first (potentially less thick book), like "Warren Buffet Way" or maybe "Buffettology", and if you like them (Warren) or want to know more about Warren then get this book. I personally don't like it at the beginning but as time goes by (and after I re-read the book/chapters), I changed my mind, this book is a masterpiece.

As a Berkshire shareholder, I want to encourage all berkshire shareholders (and potential/future shareholders) to read this book to know more about the person in charge of your berkshire investment. I also want to encourage all shareholders to go to the annual shareholder meeting while Mr. Buffett is still in charge.

Last but not least, if I have to sum this book up in a word or two, I would use the word "WISDOM" to describe this book, though I have a strong feeling that Warren will disagree with me and think that the more suitable phrase is "COMMON SENSE"
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One thing that keeps book reviewing an interesting task is the sheer variety of the books I am privileged to read. In the past month I've read biographies, theology and devotionals. I've read about marketing the church, reclaiming the church and new ways of doing church. And now I've read about singlehood, admittedly a topic I know little about. Because my wife and I began dating when I was eighteen and we married when I was twenty-one, I have difficulty relating to the situations of men and women who find themselves single or single again in their late twenties, early thirties and beyond. Because of this I assumed that Single Servings by Lee Warren would have little to offer me. But it turns out that I was wrong.

Single Servings is a devotional book targetted at single adults. Author Lee Warren ministers to singles as a columnist for Christianity Online. He has been published in several other publications and often travels to speaking engagements. He is well-qualified to write a book to challenge and encourage other singles.

I must admit that because my schedule did not allow me to spend 90 days on a single book, I read the entire book in just a couple of days. I felt afterwards like I had eaten 90 single servings in only a couple of sittings. While I enjoyed it, I know I would have been able to digest more of the book if I had been able to read it the way it was intended.

The book is divided into nine parts: Community, Completeness, Emotional Health, Physical Desires, Longing For Love, God's Timing, No Fair, Expectations and Embracing Life. Each of the 90 chapters follows a typical devotional format. It begins with a verse of the Bible and that is followed by the author's reflection. There are also five questions that help apply that day's text.

A chapter that especially caught my attention is one entitled "Our Spiritual Act of Worship," in which Warren discusses the satisfying of physical desires. He writes, "Why then do we as singles dwell on what we're missing? God's people have no rights over their bodies. We have no right to demand that our physical desires get met. God is happy to do so within the context of marriage, and someday he may choose to give us a spouse. But until then we can show our love for him by laying our physical desires on the sacrificial altar as an act of worship. And in so doing, we will experience the joy and contentment that always come from sacrifice" (page 95). Insights like that are as valuable to a married man as to a single man. There are plenty of similarly valuable reflections throughout the text.

There are a couple of areas I might suggest some improvement. I would liked to have seen some serious interaction with Paul's statement about those who are given the gift of celibacy and how these people differ from those who are single because God has not yet seen fit to bless them with a spouse. The author also writes quite often about hearing God or listening to God's voice, but without indicating whether this is to be done only through Scripture or whether he refers to hearing God's voice through subjective impressions and so on. Clarity in this matter would have been useful. An index of Bible passages would also be welcome for later reference. And while I'm putting together a wishlist, the gratuitous mention of Mother Teresa on the last page could also disappear without harming the book's impact.

I found this to be a valuable book, not only in edifying me, but also in helping me to understand the unique challenges faced by singles. Warren works well within a restrictive format. He is transparent without being exhibitionist, vulnerable without being whiny. He does not back down from presenting a serious challenge to single adults. At the same time, he does not offer them false hope or allow them to bemoan their condition. He rightly sees singlehood as an opportunity for great blessing and unrestricted service to the Lord. Singlehood, while it may be difficult, can and should be a great blessing to the church. And Warren clearly hopes that all singles who read his book will accept this challenge. I am happy to recommend this book.

The devotionals in this book lift you up and help you to realize, you really are not alone. So many churches aren't really addressing the issues of singles, but this book does not back off from any of them. I love the "Digging Deeper" questions into the Bible passages at the end of each devotion. If you are single, for whatever reason, or you know someone who is--this is the book. Get it.

I wish this book had been around when I was single. Warren's devotionals are insightful, thought-provoking, and above all, encouraging. It's tough to be single when you're surrounded by couples and families, but Single Servings points out that God's plan is perfect for everyone, and His timing is always the best. Highly recommended.

Lee Warren's Single Servings lives up to its subtitle as it filled this single's soul. While so many singles' books-even in the Christian market-are focused on finding your mate or becoming the perfect mate for someone in the future, Lee's focuses on our value as singles, our lives in the here-and-now, and how we in this season of singleness can live our lives to the fullest, complete in Christ.

From dealing with the longings we face and nosy relatives who question our marital status to being content as singles and allowing God to use us in amazing ways, Lee's book encouraged and inspired me to use this time for God's glory. Lee urges readers to not put their lives on hold for marriage, but to live life to its fullest where God has you right now! While I still pray for a future mate and family, I can honestly agree with the author's closing devotion-"I Like Being Single!" A must-read for Christian singles!

Lee Warren makes every word count in each of these power-packed devotionals for single adults. In a culture that questions people's singleness, this book is truly a gift to anyone whether they have chosen to remain single or are waiting for God's choice of a mate. Single Servings uses scripture, true-life stories, biblical examples, and thought-provoking questions, to help singles find their satisfaction in Christ.

Single Servings is one of the most relevant, well-written books on the market for single adults. Every single adult ministry needs to buy this book by the case to use for small group discussion or individual study.