Warren Books

For any serious student desiring to learn the language, this is an excellent tool. It is more for reference than anything else though, that is unless you are good at memorization.

I give it 4 stars only because I can't find all the NT words I have looked for in it, but then, what the heck. that's probably my fault. I will go back and give it 5 stars.

This is the best of several long overdue improvements on Metzger's old vocabulary guide. This book lists EVERY NT word by frequency and all words with at least one cognate in a separate list. It also has a list of principal parts of EVERY verb, so it is the most complete of any guide. But beyond this, it is worth the price in that the definitions simply list every possible meaning of each word, which makes it much more user-friendly than a dictionary such as BDAG. I use this book far more often than any other Greek resource I own. After a grammar and a Greek text, this is definitley the third book I would purchase.

Warren Trenchard's book is a fantastic resource for building vocabulary as well as for reference and review. This revised edition contains many updates that make it even more 'user-friendly' and comes with a hardcover binding that will make it hold up to the repeated use it will get.

The first section of the book lists words by their cognate group and is obviously the section to use in order to rapidly build a working vocabulary. Trenchard also lists the frequency of occurence of each word in this section, so students can decide which words are most important to memorize at first (however, with the cognate approach, it's easier to memorize many words that occur infrequently as well). Following this section is another section that lists words only by their frequency, from most frequent to least frequent.

The third major section provides the principal parts of all the verbs in the GNT. It is best used for review or for reference on those occasions when your mind just goes blank. If you are not careful, however, you will come to rely on this section as a crutch and will likely never memorize the principal parts of all verbs. Again, when used as intended, this section is valuable, but if you let it become a crutch, then it will actually become an impediment to learning Greek verbs.

Trenchard also provides a list of all proper nouns, which (for reasons I've never yet been able to figure out) tend to be omitted from a great many lexicons. He also has a catch-all section of 'Other Lists' that provides number words, Aramaic words, Hebrew words, and a slew of other useful items.

This is the definitive book for students who are building their NT Greek vocabulary. If you find this volume to be a valuable tool, then check out Trenchard's "A Concise Dictionary of New Testament Greek" as well (see my review of that book for more information).

This book has been a blessing for me as one trying to learn Greek on his own (with the Lord's help of course!!). If you are new to learning Greek, I can't stress the importance and handiness of this book. You will not be disappointed with your purchase. It contains every word in the Greek text, and has them categorized in several different ways so that you can learn vocabulary in whatever way helps you learn the best!! It has one list that sorts them alphabetically (according to the Greek alphabet of course, another by frequency, another by cognates (similar forms, ect), and several other categories. Very valuable tool!!

As a student of NT Greek I have found this volume indispensible. You have frequency, word groups and such like. Plus it has every word used in the Greek NT from Greek to Aramaic to Latin. Buy it!

This book brings back the Remo Williams series to its original flavor while adding new dimension to the Smith Character. A must read for Destroyer fans. The series is back!!

I thought the series was on its last leg. But the new guy seems to know what he is doing. Keep up the good work!!!!

The writing is tight, the plot develops and like the very best of the series, I simply cannot stop reading. Remo is himself he is no longer a marionette "karate dancing" for hack writers. Chiun is the reigning master bringing awe not, "aw no". I still have issue No.1 purchased many years ago. I have read all of the Destroyer series and I know that the series now has a chance to surpass it's own roots. There have been continuing themes before but never as tightly scripted and well plotted. The new author is not only extremely well versed in the sun source but he is expanding the legend. It may be heresy But this could be the best yet.

after a momentary lapse of reason it seems that Remo and Master Chiun have come to their senses and returned to the characters that we know and love. Although time seems to have tempered the biting sarcasm that was so common in the earlier scrolls of sinanju, it still remains as one of my main attractions to this series. I highly recommend this book and my hat is off to Jim Mullaney, Thank you sir, you do justice to this series.

I have to say while I haven't been thrilled with the Destroyer series lately, it is still a must read. I am esctatic that GE can get these books out on time. I like the story in this latest installment and I like the fact that it is going to arc into a miniseries. Remo's adventures have always been part political satire part history lesson rolled into an adventure story. This book goes back to what made this series so enthralling to begin with.

This book covers a wide array of African-American spiritual songs across a variety of genres. It starts with spirituals from the slavery period and interprets the literal and hidden messages in these moving songs. It then moves succesively onto sacred compositions by such luminaries as Thomas Dorsey and interpretations of standard hymns. It ends with a review of modern sacred songs with impressive scores from writers like Andrae Crouche, Kirk Franklin, etc. I am enjoying it immensely!

In Ephesians 5:19, the Apostle Paul urges Christians to "speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in our heart to the Lord." Author Gwendolin Sims Warren follows this comprehensive arrangement in "Ev'ry Time I Feel the Spirit."

For Christians growing up in Church over the past half century, she answers the question, "I wonder about the history of the composition of this song . . ." Warren's contextualizing of these favorites provides an emotionally and spiritually moving interpretation and celebration of these songs that deepens their impact on the hearers.

Reviewer: Bob Kellemen, Ph.D., is the author of Beyond the Suffering: Embracing the Legacy of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction , Soul Physicians: A Theology of Soul Care And Spiritual Direction, and Spiritual Friends: A Methodology of Soul Care And Spiritual Direction.

This is a good book for the worshipper who wants devotions or to know the back story behind their favorite hymns. And the author's piano/vocal arrangements are for the most part playable and error-free.

That being said, this is a selective not a comprehensive collection of Gospel Music. I found myself wondering "is this song in here?" looking and being disappointed that it was not included. Especially the older Spirituals (out-of-copyright). There should have been more of these, instead of the traditional Hymn section, which is duplicated in many Hymnals. If the Hymns had to be kept, it would have been instructive to see the original and the "gospelfied" versions in print, side-by-side. That and the lack of footnotes and skimpy historical info (definitely more on the appropiation of Spirituals in the Civil-Rights era and the controversy concerning Dorsey's Blues-Gospel style in the 1930's-40's) make this book more for the casual reader than a resource for the serious student of the genre.

The newer Gospel and Contemporary songs are a nice touch, although I wondered at putting the copyright and publisher information in the back of the book.


Also a spiral binding would be good for those who wish to play the music...

This is a splendid book, written in an personal, informed, deeply intelligent and moving way by a wonderful woman. It is a perfect resource for those who want to know the history and inspiration of the songs it contains, which are, by themselves, inspired and inspiring.

In this collection, Ms. Warren presents straightforward and faithful arrangements of 101 psalms, gospel hymns, and spirituals. She relates brief histories of the songs and places them in the context of her Christian faith and experience.

Generously, Ms. Warren includes a couple of dozen Euro-American hymns and presents them in a similar context. Undoubtedly, these hymns stand in relation to and have even influenced some twentieth century black composers.

But it is the presentation of the songs from the Afican-American tradition that is most important here. The Euro-American hymns aside, this is a marvellous introduction to black American spirituals and hymnody.

I agree with another reviewer that this is a wonderful work to browse at random, but it is also rewarding to sit down and read it through. As you please.

Either way, when you come to the end of the book, if you've got a soul it will thirst for more...

I hope you'll be able to satisfy some of that thirst by hearing some of this music sung live by a choir and congregation that knows its business. Even if you're not a Christian, you may still find it rewarding to experience this aspect of Christianity first-hand.

After all, you've already heard this music many times before. It is the cornerstone for American blues, jazz, soul, and rock 'n' roll. It began in Africa, survived the Middle Passage, grew up fast in hard times in the American South, and lived to tell the tale. It's been around the world and back a million times.

And, speaking on behalf of the planet, the world can't wait to see where this music takes us next.

What a tragic tale. I was moved by this story for two reasons; first was the incredible journey the author took to tell this tale, and second was the amazing complexities that came together to make this event come to be. If you don't understand the politics of "politics" you may not appreciate how incredible a story this actually is; it is also a very viable explanation for why the Siegel murder was never officially solved. This looked like a very difficult story to write; my hat is off to the author.

I received the book at 2:00pm and finished it before I went to bed that evening. Kudo's!!!

What a great book! If it wasn't for life's interruptions, I wouldn't have put it down. It caught me from the beginning. I don't know much about Bugsy Siegel or the mystery of his murder, but the Author did a wonderful job weaving the tale. Given this information, I wonder if the investigation shouldn't be reopened. I hope this comes out as a movie. I think it would make a great one.

WOW

This was the best book I have read in a long time. I simply could not put it down. It had me from page 2 .I am waiting for another book from Warren Hull.

I liked several things about Family Secret. The Author does an excellent job of providing a fascinating and very believable story of how and why Benjamin Siegel's murder was never solved. I always felt Siegel's murder was never solved due to something amazing and this story llives up to that expectation. A very good read. I hope to see this one on the big screen one day. It's a great book, let's hope the film version does it justice!

When I heard Family Secret was a story that claimed to solve the Siegel murder mystery my first impression was one of skepticism. After reading this story however I am now convinced that the Author's have solved the Siegel killing with one of the few theories that makes sense. Wealth, power and political influence were just as strong in 1947 as they are today and this is an accounting of Siegel's demise fit for Hollywood. A very good story, well written and an unexpected treat.

King Midas has always been one of my very favorite stories I remember hearing it as a kid and never ever forgetting cause its that original! so I looked long and hard for the very best version of it and surely found it with Stewig and Rayyan's take on such a classic. Page by page it is a smorgasbord for the eyes! As soon as I received it and read it I was enchanted and very pleased with my purchase cause often I search and search for versions of such tales as "Hansel and Gretel" or "Jack and the beanstalk" and find myself pretty disappointed cause their Grimm stories and lets face it its hard to not make them a little scary for kids and when it came to King Midas of course it was a little easier cause you don't have the words like "die or hate" in them but it still needed fine tuning from the version I read as a kid cause I remember mine being a little dark but not this book in fact the very last line of this and I won't spoil it for those who intend to purchase brought tears to my eyes, its that beautifully constructed. So if youre looking for the best version of a very "golden tale" this is worth its weight in gold!

King Midas, the Classic Greek tale, presents the question if whether what you truly value is what you TRULY value? When King Midas turns even his own daughter and cat to cold gold ... he sees that wealth is not just in your value of your hard assets.

The story of King Midas is quite possibly the first classical myth that your children will learn; it's clever, humorous, moralistic, and (rarest of all in the massive canon of myths) has a happy ending! Those Greeks were great storytellers. As such, there are hundreds of Midas retellings out there - perhaps best known is K. Y. Craft's exquisitely illustrated version which I would also highly recommend. But if you're looking for the best - the very best; then (as much as I adore Craft's beautiful work) I'm going to have to recommend John Warren Stewig and Omar Rayyan's collaboration. By Craft's own admission, her illustrations for the myth take on a more Victoriana style, which - as beautiful as they are - grate slightly within the context of a classical myth, whilst Rayyan's illustrations are quintessentially Greek/Roman.

Painted in delicate watercolours in a style that is cartoonish and yet still realistic, Rayyan's creations light up the page. Throughout, there are several sly and humorous features hidden within the pictures, such as reoccurring sub-characters, modern elements and mythological creatures that frequent Midas's palace and watch the proceedings with languid interest. Especially well done is the mysterious stranger (never named, but obviously Dionysus/Bacchus what with his vines and leopard skin), and his wise, lazy, amused expressions; the face of a god.

But to match these gorgeous illustrations must be a narrative to match. In this Stewig adequately and often poignantly retells the famous story of the foolish king; in love with gold only a little less than with his pretty daughter Marygold. When a stranger offers him the gift of the Golden Touch Midas accepts without hesitation, certain that it is the key to his happiness: anything that he touches will magically transform into gold.

The following day brings the gift: his clothes, his furniture and his flowers are transformed - but then so are his spectacles, his food and then tragically, his beloved daughter. Cursing his newfound `gift', Midas willingly gives it back, restoring all he changed with the cleansing waters of the River Pactolus. Now he delights in telling his grandchildren: "Ever since that morning, I cannot stand the sight of gold, except in your hair."

But I really must go back to those illustrations! The modern elements - such as alarm clocks, sunglasses and "Plato Poseidon Puffs" brand cereal - far from being obtrusive, fit wonderfully into the context of the story, being both funny and whimsical. Likewise are the range of mythological creatures - centaurs, mermaids, fauns, satyrs, cherubs, harpies, minotaurs (and sometimes a blending of these creatures) - as well as Midas's exotic pets, who all tell their own little tales as they dart in and out of the illustrations. There are also little cameo appearances by characters from other books - but I could talk about the pictures for ages when I should really leave it up to yourself to discover. All in all, as perfect a picture book as you could wish to find with hours of entertainment to be found in the text and illustrations.

For reasons of my own, I recently set out to find the best possible picture book version of the tale of King Midas. I'm sure you've done the same yourself in your crazy youth. Now depending on how you characterize a picture book as the "best", there are many wonderful version of Midas out there. If you're a fan of prolific Demi's classical style then, "King Midas: The Golden Touch" is your best bet. If, on the other hand, you're addicted to eye-candy treats like those found in Charlotte Craft's, "King Midas and the Golden Touch", then there you would find your quintessential version. But for all Craft and Demi's charms, I give an excessive amount of credit to any picture book that is both faithful to its original story and hilarious to boot. Enter "King Midas" by John Warren Stewig. As well-told as the Demi tale and as lovely to the eye (in an entirely original way) as the Craft, "King Midas" provides one-stop-shopping for the reader looking for the "best" in Midas fare. A tip of the hat to the author. A tip of the hat to the illustrator.

There once was a man named Midas. He was a king and loved better than anything (except, possibly, his daughter) gold. It finally got to the point where Midas spent all his time in a room full of the stuff and it was there than he one day is visited by "some sort of god". The stranger offers Midas his greatest wish i.e. to have the Golden Touch. The next morning Midas wakes up and changes bedspreads, posts, curtains, and all sorts of stuff into gold. Things start turning for the worse when Midas goldifies his reading glasses. Then he finds that he can't eat or drink (with great pictures showing this to be the case). When his daughter attempts to comfort him, she too becomes gold and Midas is perturbed, to say the least. Back comes the stranger and Midas, repenting, is given a chance to change everything that is gold back again. He does so with water from the river (drenching his now thoroughly confused daughter) and for the rest of his days cannot stand the sight of that yellow mineral, except perhaps in the hair of his children and grandchildren.

The story is retold well here. Stewig has a keen ear and continually keeps the tale interesting. He does not modernize the reading or make it sound overly formal in any way. Instead, he provides us with a straightforward retelling that loses none of its humor in its faithfulness to the original text. That said, it's illustrator Omar Rayyan that deserves most of the credit for this one. First of all, as an official member of the Omar Rayyan Fan Club, I'd like to ask the man personally why he doesn't do MORE children's books these days? As far as I can determine, Mr. Rayyan does a lot of covers of children's books (his paperback cover for Susan Cooper's, "The Boggart" is so clever that I doubt that few people who see it will appreciate it) and once in a while will deign to do a picture book as well. The very few times he does, the results are continually eye-popping. In "King Midas", Rayyan goes for an over-the-top style that is filled with little in-jokes, visual beauties, and wonderful sweeping states. Peppering his pages with centaurs, harpies, fauns, and sphinxes, the story is both classic and helplessly modern. After the initial reading, kids will want to try a second or a third in an attempt to catch all the little details scattered about the place. Did you see the Atlas character mocked by Taurus? Did you notice that Midas wears Apollo Feet sandals or feeds his kitty Spot leopard chow? It seems odd to say, but what Rayyan has done here is combine the beautiful with the humorous into a single perfect picture book. While trying to outdo one another in cleverness, the illustrations in this book are also exceedingly lovely. This is a difficult combination (not to say impossible). I only wish the book was better known as a result.

Craft lovers may take me to task, but to my mind no Midas book has come to exceed or improve on that 1999 classic by Stewig and Rayyan. If you're looking for the one version of the story to proclaim to the masses, this be it, my pretties. This be it.

The story is a classic and Stewig did a wonderful job retelling it but in my opinion what really makes the book are the illustrations. Every time I go through the book I find something new in the pictures that I missed before. The book is full of visual jokes and allusions to greek mythology (like a cereal box full of "Poseidon Puffs" and a man with feathered wings falling from the sky). It is one of the most skillfuly (and definatly the most humerously) illustrated childrens books I have seen.

This is one of the best books I have ever read. A few years ago, I was in a used bookstore in the New Age section and this book was misfiled in that section. I was raised a Christian, but drifted away in my later years. This is the book that opened my eyes to what the New Age really teaches and brought me back to the Bible and Jesus. Thank you Warren Smith for writting this book!....This is the story of Warren who got involved in New Age teachings and found out that there is a dark side to it and then he found his way out. This is an exciting book for Christians and non-Christians alike. I give it 5 stars.

Because of it's honest story and inoffensive title, it is perhaps one of the best books I've seen that I could share with someone exploring the New Age. In it Warren and eventually his wife experience many New-Age related beliefs and practices such as psychic readings, auras, following gurus, wholistic health centers, and studying a Course in Miracles. After a dark presence enters their lives that even the 'Course' cannot shake, Warren happens upon a book called the Beautiful Side of Evil by Johanna Michaelsen in a metaphysical bookstore. He discounts the book as written by a misguided Christian, but something catches his eye that he determines to try. For fundamentalist Christians this book may be a little tedious, but for anyone who has experienced the New Age, this book is fascinating.

I too was profoundly affected by this down-to-earth everyday couple's first-hand experience with the deceptive side of the supernatural, which imperatively proves the importance of placing one's faith in Jesus as divinely documented and proven by the Bible. Faith in a generic "something" is no substitute for a living relationship with the Son of God; we engage in it at our peril.

Warren Smith's book, The Light That was Dark, clearly shows the link between mystical occultism and many false teachings that are infiltrating the Christian church today. Read this book, and you will better understand how current popular teachings are leading people away from the Jesus Christ of the Bible rather than to Him.

I am amazingly (and perhaps blessedly) naive when it comes to certain aspects of the spiritual battle that wages all around us. We know from Scripture that there is a constant spiritual battle being fought in this world, with human beings the bounty. We know that there is more to the world than what we can see - that angels and demons are real and are present. We do not clearly understand how they operate or even where they are, yet they exist. The Light That Was Dark brings home the importance of being aware of this spiritual conflict and guarding ourselves against ignoring it.

Warren Smith is a social worker and author who was formerly involved in the New Age movement. This book chronicles his journey from the New Age to his conversion to Christianity. Smith's journey to the occult began with a psychic reading which convinced him that he was spiritually underdeveloped. He agreed with this assessment and resolved to remedy this. He began to search for something to fill this void. He tells of sitting on his rooftop one evening and calling out to heavens "All you on the other side, I want your help in my life. I want to become more spiritual, I want to grow" (page 22). The spirits seemed to answer him. Through a series of "coincidences" he became a dedicated follower of Indian master Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, a guide who led him deeply into eastern religion and meditation. Rajneesh seemed to have a supernatural hold on Smith and on his other followers.

Despite that hold, Smith eventually grew tired of Rajneesh and began to investigate other leaders. Soon he was studying A Course in Miracles and dabbling in other occult and New Age practices, even resolving to become a channel for "The Source." But the further he progressed in his spiritual development, the more he began to experience shocking spiritual oppression. The stories of being attacked in the night by spirits, spirits he could not see, but could feel - spirits that would suck the very energy out of him or his wife - are chilling and haunting. The spiritual realm quickly became real to the author.

But one day, in the Metaphysical section of a bookstore of all places, he found a copy of The Beautiful Side of Evil by Johanna Michaelsen, an author, speaker and former New Ager who had become a Christian. This author's biography was very similar to that of Smith's wife, and so he spent several hours studying the book. Within those pages he learned what the Bible says about rebuking demons and the forces of darkness. The next time he was oppressed, he cried out to Jesus and immediately the evil departed. This proved true time and again. Smith began to see that the beauty of the New Age was false and that there were dark, demonic forces involved. He came to understand the truth of Scripture and he and his wife were saved by the power of Jesus Christ. They came to faith not through church leadership or programs of evangelism, but by diligent study of the Scriptures.

The book concludes with two pages that outline the author's concern with the inroads the New Age is making into Christianity. This has been further detailed in his book Deceived on Purpose which I have reviewed here and highly recommend.

The Light That Was Dark is an important book and one I hope will be read by many Christians. Smith shows beyond any doubt that the New Age, or New Spirituality, is inexorably linked with the occult. Yet this occultic movement is making surprising inroads into Christianity. The lines between Christianity and the New Spirituality are becoming increasingly blurred. Authors like Smith provide a clarion call the church would be foolish to ignore.

The Publisher's Weekly review can't be improved upon. It's accurate and wonderfully written. I would just add that you really need to read Soon To Be A Major Motion Picture before Making a Killing. While the plots have very little to do with each other, Dunford doesn't waste much breath on back story as he spends his words in the sequel on developing an intricate plot and new characters such as Cortland McPhee. To be properly enchanted with the main characters, Mitchell, Ingrid, and Ramir, one should first enjoy Soon To Be, and then the sequel will be that much more delightful. Readers who enjoy Warren Dunford's books would also like Misadventures in the 213 and Sex Toys of the Gods. I hope Warren Dunford writes another!

This is the sequel to Soon to be a Major Motion Picture in which our hero, Mitchell Draper, faced with writer's block finds a screen play in the "real-life" story of an unsolved murder in a Rosedale mansion. Rosedale is a ritzy area in Toronto, Canada. We also learn more about Mitchell, Ingrid and Ramir as well as other fascinating characters. This is another funny, witty, page-turner by Warren Dunford.

This story is the 2nd in Dunford's Mitchell Draper murder mystery series. It continues the on-going saga of our gay screen writing friend, Mitchell and his pals Ramir and Inga. Faced with writer's block, Mitchell discovers an unsolved murder in Rosedale, Toronto that would make the perfect story. Talk about being involved in your work! Our screen writer must once again turn sleuth and solve the mystery. Dunford is funny, witty and better than all those conventional murder mystery authors put together. Read this and you'll never be able to stand the boringly obvious plotlines of a Grafton or a George again!

Mitchell Draper has lost his job working for a children's television series and is looking at a career in the children's ghetto of scriptwriting. With a month before his next job starts, he decides to write the perfect blockbuster screenplay. The only problem is, he doesn't have a story. Visiting his friend Ramir's guru doesn't give him any ideas but it does unleash a strange vision. That vision eventually leads him to investigate a decades-old murder-suicide--or was it a double-murder.

MAKING A KILLING explores the gay and artistic communities of Toronto, Canada. Mitchell is a great character, filled with angst about his future, yet concerned about his friends as well. The concept of a movie script driving the mystery forward works, motivating Mtchell to continue his investigation despite the increasing threats he faces.

Talented author Warren Dunford combines a light, humorous touch with a real sense of the urban 30-something artistic community and enough mystery to keep the story interesting. While you may guess the killer's identity, the Dunford does a great job rolling out the clues and both foreshadowing and obscuring the full story behind the twin deaths. I found myself laughing and reading segments to my wife--something that doesn't happen enough.

In this wildly entertaining sequel to "Soon To Be A Major Motion Picture", we catch up with Mitch Draper, a struggling (and gay) screenwriter in Toronto, as he investigates a bizarre high-society murder-suicide case from the 1970s as potential research for a script. His friends Ramir and Ingrid each have their own tumultuous lives, and Mitch's investigation into long-buried secrets stirs up more than he bargained for, and ultimately affects the lives of himself and his friends. And could Mitch have finally found love with the gorgeous movie company executive from Los Angeles, or is the handsome stranger hiding something as well? Dunford's second book is superbly written, thoroughly engrossing, and filled with hilarity, twists, and hijinks. Combining sex, celebrities, violence, and a touch of the supernatural, "Making A Killing" is the perfect mix.

This is obviously the most comprehensive book ever written on the life of Warren Buffett, the undisputed world champion of investing. This is not a quick "How to invest" book, but if you are looking to learn as much as you possibly can about Warren Buffett and the cult of investors who make the Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting a "Woodstock for Capitalists", this book is for you. As an added bonus, at over 1,400 pages you will be sure to have a functional doorstop when you have completed reading this monster.

I was attracted by the first edition of this book(in chinese). Really interesting.

So I bought this latest version.

This is a great book that adds detailed research not included in Warren Buffett's annual reports for Berkshire Hathaway.

Recommended highly!

Of Permanent Value: The Story Of Warren Buffett is a weighty tome will appeal to fans of financial wizard Warren Buffett, exploring his newfound popularity in wake of the latest stock market environment and exploring how Buffett began from scratch to form a business empire. Rises and falls blend with in-depth examinations of Buffett business philosophy and perspectives to pack in over 1400 pages of detail in a surprisingly lively read. Biography and business savvy makes for an intriguing blend, here.

First, I want to mention two constructive feedback about this book. One is that this book is probably only suitable for Warren Buffett fanatics/fans. For general investors interested about Berkshire Hathaway or how Warren Buffett invest, this is probably not the best book to read (as it has so much more info. i.e. more than 1000 pages). Second is that I have read this book more than once and I still don't know how the book is organized (the chapters aren't following chronological order, alphabetical nor topical order), therefore it is quite confusing to read as you progress from one chapter to another. Only after you read enough chapter (or completed the book) then you can put it all in the big picture in your head (from Warren's childhood till his current Berkshire days). Nonetheless, kudos to Andrew Kilpatrick for putting this book together. Moreover, once you know the limitation, this book is easily considered the best book about Warren Buffett in my opinion.

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 two 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.

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 in 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"

I was very excited when I read the endorsements, the introduction, and the first 18 pages. This book promises a lot. Happily, the rest of the book delivers. Dr. Berland shows you how to get in a better frame of mind in an instant, and then from this perspective you review your choices

In his book, Warren Berland guides the reader into a mode of consciousness and a way of acting that leap frog over many of the modern maxims for personal growth and problem resolution. He takes profound and seemingly complex wisdom and translates it for a modern age. After reading only a few pages, one begins to experience one's sense of self and place in the world in new and healing ways. As a psychotherapist and author who has waded through volumes of ponderous and ungrounded prose purporting to help the reader toward a better life, I feel reaffirmed by Berland's fresh, unique, and truly effective approach to personal transformation. This is one fine book.

After reading Warren Berland's book, Out of The Box For Life: Being Free Is Just A Choice, I tried his technique the next time I felt very anxious over my inability to overcome one of life's difficulties. I could hardly contain my excitement over being able to gain control over a lifetime of negative thinking. How wonderful it was for me to discover that something as simple as getting out of my metaphorical box and imagining what it would be like to be free--what I might be doing, asking, feeling, and experiencing in that state -- actually worked! And I could do it alone, without my therapist, every day, at any moment, whenever I felt the need. I practiced his simple technique regularly over a very short period of time. I took it to heart and did the work to master it. I smiled more. I felt good. I got free. And, I bought a copy and gave it to my therapist as a gift.

This is an amazing book. Though it is a 'self-help' book written by a psychologist, it has real spiritual overtones. The basic concept is that we let our egos determine how we react to situations instead of reacting from a deeper level. Dr. Berland points out that if we could access that deeper level, we would find the freedom to react and act wisely instead of being petty and small minded and miserable. Dr. Berland has come up with a simple and basic technique to pass over our petty ego self and to access our wise and true Self that is always available to us. The book is profound in it's simplicity and just reading it opens up doors to a better life. I know that I will be rereading this book for years to come.

I am buying copies of this book for all my siblings! My wife and I just finished reading this book, and it has some excellant thoughts for life.

One of the best ideas presented is that no one is "damaged" by past events, but that their reaction to those events MAY BE damaging living life to the fullest.

I liked the presentation of data about ways to get in control. I have always believed that we are all in control. Some of my family don't understand this idea... they feel trapped. I bought this book first to give to them, but I read it. then my wife... and now I want all my family to read it.

I highly recommend it!

I began reading Deb's book and ended up reading it twice in the same night. I found so much wisdom and comfort in her words. I felt every word. She is truly a gifted writer. If you have not read her book "Pausing to catch my breath...", you should. It would also make a wonderful gift for your mother, sister or best girlfriend. Her poems speak to the heart. This is one book I would like to keep close and read when I am feeling down or need to know someone else out there understands.

Debra A Warren's, Pausing To Catch My Breath is a fabulous read!
As I perused each poem, I felt like I knew her family members and that I was one of the priviledged few who got a glimpse into her private diary of life. Her words captivate and encircle your heart and mind with each line of text. Debra's book is more than her poetry, it's her world and I am proud that I had the distinct honor of reading and critiquing such profound work. It's a must read for anyone who loves poetry and can appreciate life's lessons.

Terri Ann Armstrong
Author of My Soul Has Spoken

Debra A. Warren brings forth poems that are very creative adn inspirational. In this book she takes the reader through her life experiences with poetry that makes a person think about their own life experiences. You can feel the emotions she wants to convey in each and every poem. There are emotions of every kind expressed. I've enjoyed reading this book and would recommend any poetry lovers read it. It is a very good book.
Julie A. Bowles

I received Debra's book yesterday. With a hot cup of coffee, the kids asleep, and in my comfy lounge chair, I began reading.
I couldn't help myself, but to read the entire book. I didn't know what she'd be writing next, so I just keep reading and turning the pages.

Many of the author's poems that have touched her life, has touched mine, and I'm sure many other people. What she writes about is what happens to every woman at some point. Happiness, Sadness, Death, Heartache, and being Blessed with Children, and then Grandchilden. Her poems have the ability, though they came from her heart, to touch so many others.

I hope to see more of her work published. I truly enjoyed reading "Pausing to Catch my Breath".

"Pausing to Catch my Breath" warms the cockles of my heart. The author Debra A. Warren shares her innermost self and her life experiences in this beautifully written, captivating book of poetry. She weaves a poetic tales to which we all can relate.
Debra A. Warren has certainly found an effective way to reminisce about `Life Reflections,' `Family Ties,' and `the Ups and Downs of love.' We have all experienced these emotions, made the wishes and had our share of heart rending, life changing romances.
"Pausing to Catch my Breath' is lighthearted, insightful and thought invoking. It evokes memories of yesteryear. Kick back, relax or snuggle up with a cup of beverage of choice and a copy of "Pausing to Catch my Breath" and you will not be disappointed. It makes a beautiful gift for book lovers of all ages.
Pamela deLeon-Lewis