Amazon.com
Barack Obama's first book, Dreams from My Father, was a compelling and moving memoir focusing on personal issues of race, identity, and community. With his second book The Audacity of Hope, Obama engages themes raised in his keynote speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention, shares personal views on faith and values and offers a vision of the future that involves repairing a "political process that is broken" and restoring a government that has fallen out of touch with the people. We had the opportunity to ask Senator Obama a few questions about writing, reading, and politics--see his responses below. --Daphne Durham
20 Second Interview: A Few Words with Barack Obama
Q: How did writing a book that you knew would be read so closely by so many compare to writing your first book, when few people knew who you were?
A: In many ways, Dreams from My Father was harder to write. At that point, I wasn't even sure that I could write a book. And writing the first book really was a process of self-discovery, since it touched on my family and my childhood in a much more intimate way. On the other hand, writing The Audacity of Hope paralleled the work that I do every day--trying to give shape to all the issues that we face as a country, and providing my own personal stamp on them.
Q: What is your writing process like? You have such a busy schedule, how did you find time to write?
A: I'm a night owl, so I usually wrote at night after my Senate day was over, and after my family was asleep--from 9:30 p.m. or so until 1 a.m. I would work off an outline--certain themes or stories that I wanted to tell--and get them down in longhand on a yellow pad. Then I'd edit while typing in what I'd written.
Q: If readers are to come away from The Audacity of Hope with one action item (a New Year's Resolution for 2007, perhaps?), what should it be?
A: Get involved in an issue that you're passionate about. It almost doesn't matter what it is--improving the school system, developing strategies to wean ourselves off foreign oil, expanding health care for kids. We give too much of our power away, to the professional politicians, to the lobbyists, to cynicism. And our democracy suffers as a result.
Q: You're known for being able to work with people across ideological lines. Is that possible in today's polarized Washington?
A: It is possible. There are a lot of well-meaning people in both political parties. Unfortunately, the political culture tends to emphasize conflict, the media emphasizes conflict, and the structure of our campaigns rewards the negative. I write about these obstacles in chapter 4 of my book, "Politics." When you focus on solving problems instead of scoring political points, and emphasize common sense over ideology, you'd be surprised what can be accomplished. It also helps if you're willing to give other people credit--something politicians have a hard time doing sometimes.
Q: How do you make people passionate about moderate and complex ideas?
A: I think the country recognizes that the challenges we face aren't amenable to sound-bite solutions. People are looking for serious solutions to complex problems. I don't think we need more moderation per se--I think we should be bolder in promoting universal health care, or dealing with global warming. We just need to understand that actually solving these problems won't be easy, and that whatever solutions we come up with will require consensus among groups with divergent interests. That means everybody has to listen, and everybody has to give a little. That's not easy to do.
Q: What has surprised you most about the way Washington works?
A: How little serious debate and deliberation takes place on the floor of the House or the Senate.
Q: You talk about how we have a personal responsibility to educate our children. What small thing can the average parent (or person) do to help improve the educational system in America? What small thing can make a big impact?
A: Nothing has a bigger impact than reading to children early in life. Obviously we all have a personal obligation to turn off the TV and read to our own children; but beyond that, participating in a literacy program, working with parents who themselves may have difficulty reading, helping their children with their literacy skills, can make a huge difference in a child's life.
Q: Do you ever find time to read? What kinds of books do you try to make time for? What is on your nightstand now?
A: Unfortunately, I had very little time to read while I was writing. I'm trying to make up for lost time now. My tastes are pretty eclectic. I just finished Marilynne Robinson's Gilead, a wonderful book. The language just shimmers. I've started Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin, which is a great study of Lincoln as a political strategist. I read just about anything by Toni Morrison, E.L. Doctorow, or Philip Roth. And I've got a soft spot for John le Carre.
Q: What inspires you? How do you stay motivated?
A: I'm inspired by the people I meet in my travels--hearing their stories, seeing the hardships they overcome, their fundamental optimism and decency. I'm inspired by the love people have for their children. And I'm inspired by my own children, how full they make my heart. They make me want to work to make the world a little bit better. And they make me want to be a better man.
Book Description
“A government that truly represents these Americans–that truly serves these Americans–will require a different kind of politics. That politics will need to reflect our lives as they are actually lived. It won’t be pre-packaged, ready to pull off the shelf. It will have to be constructed from the best of our traditions and will have to account for the darker aspects of our past. We will need to understand just how we got to this place, this land of warring factions and tribal hatreds. And we’ll need to remind ourselves, despite all our differences, just how much we share: common hopes, common dreams, a bond that will not break.”
–from
The Audacity of Hope
In July 2004, Barack Obama electrified the Democratic National Convention with an address that spoke to Americans across the political spectrum. One phrase in particular anchored itself in listeners’ minds, a reminder that for all the discord and struggle to be found in our history as a nation, we have always been guided by a dogged optimism in the future, or what Senator Obama called “the audacity of hope.”
Now, in
The Audacity of Hope, Senator Obama calls for a different brand of politics–a politics for those weary of bitter partisanship and alienated by the “endless clash of armies” we see in congress and on the campaign trail; a politics rooted in the faith, inclusiveness, and nobility of spirit at the heart of “our improbable experiment in democracy.” He explores those forces–from the fear of losing to the perpetual need to raise money to the power of the media–that can stifle even the best-intentioned politician. He also writes, with surprising intimacy and self-deprecating humor, about settling in as a senator, seeking to balance the demands of public service and family life, and his own deepening religious commitment.
At the heart of this book is Senator Obama’s vision of how we can move beyond our divisions to tackle concrete problems. He examines the growing economic insecurity of American families, the racial and religious tensions within the body politic, and the transnational threats–from terrorism to pandemic–that gather beyond our shores. And he grapples with the role that faith plays in a democracy–where it is vital and where it must never intrude. Underlying his stories about family, friends, members of the Senate, even the president, is a vigorous search for connection: the foundation for a radically hopeful political consensus.
A senator and a lawyer, a professor and a father, a Christian and a skeptic, and above all a student of history and human nature, Senator Obama has written a book of transforming power. Only by returning to the principles that gave birth to our Constitution, he says, can Americans repair a political process that is broken, and restore to working order a government that has fallen dangerously out of touch with millions of ordinary Americans. Those Americans are out there, he writes–“waiting for Republicans and Democrats to catch up with them.”
Customer Reviews:
A New Kind of Politics.......2007-09-30
"They are out there, I think to myself, those ordinary citizens who have grown up in the midst of all the political and cultural battles.....They are out there, waiting for Republicans and Democrats to catch up with them".
That statement sets the tone for Senator Obama's refreshingly honest look at policy and politics. In this book, you'll find Obama as open to pointing out flaws in conventional liberal thinking as he is to criticizing his opponents on the right. Likewise, he praises certain aspects of Reagan's policy as openly as he criticizes other parts of it, or as openly as he applauds Bill Clinton's policies. Obama's ability to empathize with a differing point of view, yet maintaining a firm belief in his own position is very endearing.
The most interesting aspect of the book, perhaps, is its ability to see today's issues in a historical context. When examining U.S. foreign policy, Obama first walks the reader through the positions taken by Washington, Jefferson, Woodrow Wilson, Nixon, Reagan and others in trying to preserve America's national interests through interventions abroad. Likewise, when looking at the role of faith in American politics, Obama starts by giving the readers a glimpse of the how America's founding fathers thought about these issues, and how the cultural and social changes in the sixties eventually led the religious right to start playing a more active role in politics.
Obama also talks openly about his family, and his experiences while growing up, that have shaped him as a person. While talking about racial issues, he is comfortable talking about personal experiences that offer him hope. He's equally comfortable talking about his initiation into faith, having been brought up by a mother who wasn't religious.
If you're looking to understand the details of policy that Obama would champion if elected President, this book doesn't offer you a lot. However, what it gives you is the framework of beliefs which shape how Obama thinks about politics and policy. It lives true to its title, and offers hope for a new kind of politics, one that would help us all get closer to the American Dream. All in all, a very enjoyable read, and highly recommended.
Uplifting and inspirational.......2007-09-22
Regardless of their political affiliations, it's hard to find a person who doesn't think Barack Obama isn't a decent guy. He never tries to oversell himself and doesn't claim to know everything. He's also very down to Earth and isn't afraid to admit when he's made mistakes. All of these qualities have made Obama a successful politician who may be rewarded with the ultimate prize in November 2008.
However, in addition to being a good politician, Obama also happens to be an excellent writer. I was very impressed with his first book, "Dreams from My Father," which is more of an autobiography than this book is. In "The Audacity of Hope," Obama explores some of the major issues facing Americans today. He does devote a chapter to politics, but also focuses on foreign policy, education, the economy, and family values. Obama peppers his chapters with personal experiences, pieces of American history, and an examination of the current state of affairs. He doesn't offer detailed, step-by-step solutions to these problems, admitting that he doesn't have all the answers. Instead, Obama presents his ideas logically, passionately, and sincerely. He has a very laid-back writing style that is very similar to the way he presents himself when speaking in public. Most importantly, he's very realistic. Obama addresses both sides of each issue and explains his views in a way that's very easy to understand and also illustrates that the senator has a lot of good common sense: something that many of his Washington counterparts are severely lacking.
I'm sure Obama must have at least been considering the idea of a presidential bid when he wrote this book, but "Audacity" isn't just a political text. It's a book about all the things that make America great, and it generates a sense of hope that things have the potential to get a heck of a lot better around here. That alone is enough of a reason to read this inspirational book written by a passionate man who was born to be a leader.
Five starts on the title alone.......2007-09-21
This is a gift for my father so I have not read it. The title and my impression are very positive but I can't help you.
Boring but important.......2007-09-13
I read Obama's memoir "Dreams from My Father" first. Loved it; it read like a novel, or perhaps even a poem. "Audacity of Hope" reads like textbook non-fiction.
Obama is still an astute writer and the subject matter of Audacity of Hope is more important for our country than his personal journey into manhood. My rating unfortunately has been biased by an unreasonable expectation of more dessert than main course. If you're trying to choose one book in order to learn more about the candidate, I'd still recommend "Dreams From My Father" before "Audacity of Hope."
The Audacity to Solve Problems, Across the Partisan Divide.......2007-09-08
You would expect that a "political" book released by a politician in the run-up to a presidential election would be somewhat boring. However, by using the compelling personal stories of regular Americans to make his points, Obama's book was actually quite entertaining.
Like his now-famous speech at the 2004 DNC, Obama makes the point that it is possible to practice a different type of politics. Our nation has seemingly lost the capacity, due to partisanship (from both sides), to solve the really big problems. Obama's book demonstrates that he has the capacity to truly listen to the other side, and to find the common ground necessary to solve the key issues facing our nation. Obama's book is even hard on some Dems, writing that they are sometimes the "party of reaction".
The book lays out his policy positions on education, Iraq, health care, and the plight of people struggling in America's inner cities. The fact that Obama also spent 3 years as a community organizer in the poor area on the Southside of Chicago seems to have had a huge impact on his view of grass-roots activism. This perspective could be an asset for his presidential bid.
Thomas Brooks
Award-Winning Author,
A WEALTH OF FAMILY: An Adopted Son's International Quest for Heritage, Reunion, and Enrichment
Amazon.com
In his debut novel, The Kite Runner, Khaled Hosseini accomplishes what very few contemporary novelists are able to do. He manages to provide an educational and eye-opening account of a country's political turmoil--in this case, Afghanistan--while also developing characters whose heartbreaking struggles and emotional triumphs resonate with readers long after the last page has been turned over. And he does this on his first try.
The Kite Runner follows the story of Amir, the privileged son of a wealthy businessman in Kabul, and Hassan, the son of Amir's father's servant. As children in the relatively stable Afghanistan of the early 1970s, the boys are inseparable. They spend idyllic days running kites and telling stories of mystical places and powerful warriors until an unspeakable event changes the nature of their relationship forever, and eventually cements their bond in ways neither boy could have ever predicted. Even after Amir and his father flee to America, Amir remains haunted by his cowardly actions and disloyalty. In part, it is these demons and the sometimes impossible quest for forgiveness that bring him back to his war-torn native land after it comes under Taliban rule. ("...I wondered if that was how forgiveness budded, not with the fanfare of epiphany, but with pain gathering its things, packing up, and slipping away unannounced in the middle of the night.")
Some of the plot's turns and twists may be somewhat implausible, but Hosseini has created characters that seem so real that one almost forgets that The Kite Runner is a novel and not a memoir. At a time when Afghanistan has been thrust into the forefront of America's collective consciousness ("people sipping lattes at Starbucks were talking about the battle for Kunduz"), Hosseini offers an honest, sometimes tragic, sometimes funny, but always heartfelt view of a fascinating land. Perhaps the only true flaw in this extraordinary novel is that it ends all too soon. --Gisele Toueg
Book Description
The timely and critically acclaimed debut novel that's becoming a word-of-mouth phenomenon...
Download Description
"Taking us from Afghanistan in the final days of the monarchy to the present, The Kite Runner is the unforgettable, beautifully told story of the friendship between two boys growing up in Kabul. Raised in the same household and sharing the same wet nurse, Amir and Hassan nonetheless grow up in different worlds: Amir is the son of a prominent and wealthy man, while Hassan , the son of Amir's father's servant, is a Hazara, member of a shunned ethnic minority. Their intertwined lives, and their fates, reflect the eventual tragedy of the world around them. When the Soviets invade and Amir and his father flee the country for a new life in California, Amir thinks that he has escaped his past. And yet he cannot leave the memory of Hassan behind him. The Kite Runner is a novel about friendship, betrayal, and the price of loyalty. It is about the bonds between fathers and sons, and the power of their lies. Written against a history that has not been told in fiction before, The Kite Runner describes the rich culture and beauty of a land in the process of being destroyed. But with the devastation, Khaled Hosseini also gives us hope: through the novel's faith in the power of reading and storytelling, and in the possibilities he shows for redemption."
Customer Reviews:
Great work of contemporary literature.......2007-10-03
I usualy don't read fictional books, but after reading the reviews of "The Kite Runner" I thought I would give it a shot; and having a backround in literature, I must say that this is one of the best pieces of modern day literature I have ever read (I feel it is comparable to the greats like Steinbeck, Hemmingway, and Fitzgerald, only in a different time and place). Also, the term 'page turner' gets used too frequently when reading reviews, but this is a true page turner (hard to take yourself away from it)
One absorbing read...from a "non-reader" (at least like you all!).......2007-10-01
I am not one who reads a lot....BUT when I do it is usually because I have found something so absorbing and riveting that I simply can't put it down.Why should I review the plot when everyone else at Amazon seems to be arguing about it.So, I will say adieu with ,"This is is single most vividly- written -easy -to-read -and -quick -to -feel -emotion -novel" that I have ever enjoyed .That's all....can't wait for the movie, which is usually my forte.
Look Into A Different World..........2007-09-30
Khaled Hosseini's debut novel is an astonishing work beckoning Western readers into an unforgettable, resonating world. Hosseini weaves a haunting tale about innocence lost, betrayal, and the daunting road leading to redemption.
Amir is a successful novelist living every refugee's dream; his life is peaceful, far from war-torn Afghanistan, and he's a naturalized American citizen enjoying a freedom he never thought possible. Far from the violence they fled as youths, he and his wife Soraya are at peace.
That peace is threatened; however, when a voice from the past calls, freeing painful memories with the simple phrase: "There is a way to be good again".
Now Amir must embark on two harrowing journeys; one to remember a dear friend he betrayed long ago; another a dangerous odyssey into Taliban-occupied Afghanistan to find his this same friend's son, in an attempt to redeem his sins. Not only will Amir be changed forever, but he'll also find a way - though not without great personal sacrifice - to be "good again".
"The Kite Runner" is written with amazing depth and sensitivity; its narrative humming with a nostalgic yearning all readers can connect to. Though a few climactic moments seem slightly out of place - better fitting an action/thriller - the story is real and authentic, with very little frills. For the most part apolitical, this novel isn't about agenda, but rather about earning forgiveness - even if it's only from self. It's also a challenging look at how other nations besides the United States have been shattered by terrorism.
kite runner.......2007-09-30
The Kite Runner
Kite runner was one of the best book I ever read about Afghanistan. I Felt the book. I can't wait for the Movie.
A journey without leaving the couch........2007-09-29
This is a beautiful story with pleasant writing supporting a fabulous plot, real characters that you become emotionally involved with and a background that is off the beaten path for most of us.
This is one of the best books I have ever read. I really appreciated the fact that I was able to completely focus and submerge myself in the setting, story and characters because the writer's style did not distract me with unnecessary lanaguage.
This is one of those books that you keep reading far past bedtime because you can't wait to find out what happens next, but when you get to the last chapters you start to feel torn between wanting to finish the story but not wanting it to be over. It is a book that you will read more than once.
I read a lot of books and I struggle to find titles that are not a waste of time, that will challenge my mind and engage me, but not wear me out just trying to wade through the writing style. This is a book I will keep on my shelf and not trade.
Book Description
On the 10th anniversary of his death, brilliant astrophysisist and Pulitzer Prize winner Carl Sagan's prescient exploration of the relationship between religion and science and his personal search for God.
Carl Sagan is considered one of the greatest scientific minds of our time. His remarkable ability to explain science in terms easily understandable to the layman in bestselling books such as Cosmos, The Dragons of Eden, and The Demon-Haunted World won him a Pulitzer Prize and placed him firmly next to Isaac Asimov, Stephen Jay Gould, and Oliver Sachs as one of the most important and enduring communicators of science. In December 2006 it will be the tenth anniversary of Sagan's death, and Ann Druyan, his widow and longtime collaborator, will mark the occasion by releasing Sagan's famous "Gifford Lectures in Natural Theology," The Varieties of Scientific Experience: A Personal View of the Search for God.
The chance to give the Gifford Lectures is an honor reserved for the most distinguished scientists and philosophers of our civilization. In 1985, on the grand occasion of the centennial of the lectureship, Carl Sagan was invited to give them. He took the opportunity to set down in detail his thoughts on the relationship between religion and science as well as to describe his own personal search to understand the nature of the sacred in the vastness of the cosmos.
The Varieties of Scientific Experience, edited, updated and with an introduction by Ann Druyan, is a bit like eavesdropping on a delightfully intimate conversation with the late great astronomer and astrophysicist. In his charmingly down-to-earth voice, Sagan easily discusses his views on topics ranging from manic depression and the possibly chemical nature of transcendance to creationism and so-called intelligent design to the likelihood of intelligent life on other planets to the likelihood of nuclear annihilation of our own to a new concept of science as "informed worship." Exhibiting a breadth of intellect nothing short of astounding, he illuminates his explanations with examples from cosmology, physics, philosophy, literature, psychology, cultural anthropology, mythology, theology, and more. Sagan's humorous, wise, and at times stunningly prophetic observations on some of the greatest mysteries of the cosmos have the invigorating effect of stimulating the intellect, exciting the imagination, and reawakening us to the grandeur of life in the cosmos.
Customer Reviews:
Carl keeps it real.......2007-08-06
This is great piece of literature from a brilliant man. You do not need a scientific background to appreciate and understand the points of view Carl Sagan puts forth in his explanations of the universe and his personal search for God. Highly recommended.
Cosmicly Awesome.......2007-08-04
Carl Sagan was undeniably one of the great minds of our time. This series of lectures, given as the famous Gifford Lectures in Scotland, continuously awes one. Even when the material is stuff you already know, he brings a freshness, a joyfulness, a playfulness to it that puts a new spin on the ideas.
No matter how much astronomy you've read, no matter how much physics you've read, this book will toy with your mind, put a sparkle in your eye, and give you new reasons to look to the heavens of a night.
Classic Sagan.......2007-08-01
I was captivated by the title, the play on the original wording. In these lectures, Sagan discusses and compares religion and science, differences, expectations, areas of agreement and disagreement and finally the notion of scientific evidence for a supernatural creator. I would hope that Sagan, were he still alive, would reject the anti-religious crusades by high-profile scientists like Dawkins, Smith & Dennett. He always sought compromise (in the spirit of his friend the late great Stephen Gould) and persuasion as opposed to the near evangelical proselytizing of those obsessed with the subject. Vivir y dejar vivir!
Carl was a rationalist, a wonderer, an unbeliever who put the "I" in intellectual, a genius plain and simple. One can forgive some of the material - it was 1985 and Sagan, with other "progressive" scientists, were in a massive anti-Reagan campaign to keep US nukes out of Europe. Anyhoo, the weapons were stationed, the USSR immediately disintegrated and the incident passed into history. Sagan, like the rest of us, is victim to his own prejudices and opinions. In his case it was his deep belief in the existence of extraterrestrial intelligence over the almost unanimous disbelief of biologists. (His book, CONTACT, is still one of my favorites- as is the stunning movie.)
We went so far as to publicly lobby for SETI funds yet 22 years later we have yet to find a single signal despite tens of millions of searches. This is not surprising to many since the unique conditions for the rise of intelligence on Earth depended on a path of millions of tiny steps, all of which led to our present juncture. Four of these were global catastrophes after which the structure of life began anew. He asks if life evolved on Earth or came from space. He then discusses the UFO craze (seriously) and concludes that (1) Earth has never been visited by aliens and (2) no UFO sighting was authentic. The old Fermi question, "If they exist where are they?" is still apropos with the most obvious answer being the most plausible - we are the first and only, at least in this galaxy. A recent explanation opines that all civilization eventually discard biological bodies in favor of virtual ones. More to the point, would civilizations millions of years more advanced use radio waves? (New search techniques have since been included.)
He tells the story of how humanity was dethroned from our position of uniqueness. Earth is not the center of the Universe, the sun is just a star, we evolved from other species, all life on Earth had a common ancestor. He asks why an omniscent being would wait 4.5 billion years to bring about sentience or what is the purpose of creating millions of species only to have them go extinct? He suggests that civilization extinction could be the reason for the cosmic silence. The book is filled with beautiful illustrations and the speeches are the model of clarity. Carl, we miss you.
Elegant & Eloquent.......2007-07-16
The late Carl Sagan's Gifford lectures are reproduced in this short volume. Despite its brevity, Sagan reminds us of the beauty and wonder of the Universe as revealed by science, the connections to all living things that Darwin's discoveries about evolution gave us, the healthy skepticism that we should all maintain when others make extraordinary claims (they require extraordinary proofs). As a layperson, I find Sagan's explanations understandable and as an avid reader, I find his eloquence amazing.
Inside the Mind of Sagan.......2007-06-27
...incredibly personal, informative and entertaining.
This is one of those MUST READ books. And to think it was almost lost...
Thank you, Ann for this most wonderful work.
Amazon.com's Best of 2001
Working in his garden one day, Michael Pollan hit pay dirt in the form of an idea: do plants, he wondered, use humans as much as we use them? While the question is not entirely original, the way Pollan examines this complex coevolution by looking at the natural world from the perspective of plants is unique. The result is a fascinating and engaging look at the true nature of domestication.
In making his point, Pollan focuses on the relationship between humans and four specific plants: apples, tulips, marijuana, and potatoes. He uses the history of John Chapman (Johnny Appleseed) to illustrate how both the apple's sweetness and its role in the production of alcoholic cider made it appealing to settlers moving west, thus greatly expanding the plant's range. He also explains how human manipulation of the plant has weakened it, so that "modern apples require more pesticide than any other food crop." The tulipomania of 17th-century Holland is a backdrop for his examination of the role the tulip's beauty played in wildly influencing human behavior to both the benefit and detriment of the plant (the markings that made the tulip so attractive to the Dutch were actually caused by a virus). His excellent discussion of the potato combines a history of the plant with a prime example of how biotechnology is changing our relationship to nature. As part of his research, Pollan visited the Monsanto company headquarters and planted some of their NewLeaf brand potatoes in his garden--seeds that had been genetically engineered to produce their own insecticide. Though they worked as advertised, he made some startling discoveries, primarily that the NewLeaf plants themselves are registered as a pesticide by the EPA and that federal law prohibits anyone from reaping more than one crop per seed packet. And in a interesting aside, he explains how a global desire for consistently perfect French fries contributes to both damaging monoculture and the genetic engineering necessary to support it.
Pollan has read widely on the subject and elegantly combines literary, historical, philosophical, and scientific references with engaging anecdotes, giving readers much to ponder while weeding their gardens. --Shawn Carkonen
Book Description
Every schoolchild learns about the mutually beneficial dance of honeybees and flowers: The bee collects nectar and pollen to make honey and, in the process, spreads the flowers’ genes far and wide. In
The Botany of Desire, Michael Pollan ingeniously demonstrates how people and domesticated plants have formed a similarly reciprocal relationship. He masterfully links four fundamental human desires—sweetness, beauty, intoxication, and control—with the plants that satisfy them: the apple, the tulip, marijuana, and the potato. In telling the stories of four familiar species, Pollan illustrates how the plants have evolved to satisfy humankind’s most basic yearnings. And just as we’ve benefited from these plants, we have also done well by them. So who is really domesticating whom?
Customer Reviews:
Too much information.......2007-09-16
Started out liking the chapter on Apples, less the next and so on. It seemed like I was getting the same story in each chapter only more elaborate and wordy.
Just buy this book........................2007-09-05
I am not a botanist.Yet. But the study of evolution is quite an exciting journey, made more exciting by the mind melting,eloquent ideas posed by Mr. Pollan. Bought the audio book version, and I can't stop listining to it. From the story of Johnyy Appleseed, to Holland in search of the history of Tulips, the Amazing Marijuana Plant, and the control of the Potato. Seemed random to me. Not any more. Incredible book.
We are the world.......2007-08-31
Pollan's book is a vivid reminder of how intricately human society is woven into the ecological framework of the planet and in particular that of plants. His descriptions of how our societies have affected and been affected by just four plants opens up a series of thought-provoking questions to mull over the next time you find yourself in a garden, at the dinner table, or taking a walk outdoors. It's written with sensitivity towards those he disagrees with, and this gentle touch makes the story he's relating much more effective at prompting you as reader to engage. The weakest part of the book is the chapter on Tulips, but that is hard to criticize since the chapters on apples, marijuana and potatoes are so good.
Read this Book!
human psychology in the garden.......2007-08-02
Human psychology from the plant's perspective? Yep. That's precisely the topic of this book. When our ancestors began breeding plants to serve our desires they inevitably laid those desires bare in the phenotypes in their gardens. Pollan is impressively aware of many current themes in evolutionary biology (e.g., the function of sexual reproduction), and admirably willing to tell a story with the patience and breadth it deserves (hence four 100-page chapters instead of the usual one hundred, A.D.D. 4-page chapters). This book is not for everyone, but if you have intellectual curiosity about why some plants have come to dominate our world, this book will give you many answers and even more tools. There's nothing better I can say about a book.
Fascinating perspective on plants and people.......2007-07-24
Michael Pollan has written a terrific four-part look at the relationship of plants and people. He examines four human desires - sweetness, beauty, intoxication and control - and plants that have satisfied those desires - the apple, the tulip, cannabis and the potato. He includes philosophy and history, retraces Johnny Appleseed's route, and has a frightening tour of commercial potato fields in Idaho (you may never eat another french fry after you read this section!) All in all, a fascinating and educational look at the relationship of people and plants.
Customer Reviews:
Simple, to the point........2007-03-23
A lot of economics texts you will come across will be filled with a plethora of pointless information. This text gets to the point and helps you understand the basic concepts of economics. It also showcases stories at the beginning of each chapter to put the concepts in real world perspective. Its very simple, to the point with just enough graphs, tables, and real world applications to make it a fun, quick, and highly informative read.
Effective and engaging.......2002-05-18
Has a real knack for conveying complex economic concepts quickly and systematically with little effort. E.g., only a few minutes after reading the Keynesian perspective on fiscal policy I was able to graph and explain how equilibrium changes are affected by government spending. Not having an economics background I find this book remarkable!
Customer Reviews:
Lincoln is still a leader........2007-10-01
I selected "Lincoln on Leadership" as a biography to use in a graduate educational administration course and I couldn't have chosen a better book. The organization of the book highlighted leadership qualities that Lincoln exemplified and each chapter had a succinct summary of those leadership skills. Lincoln's leadership is applicable to all types of leadership including education.
Leadership During ALL Times.......2007-04-28
Donald T. Phillips used our sixteenth president's wisdom under fire to provide an excellent primer for leadership focused on tough times, but it is as important during good times. When sales are at record levels, employees are happily working long hours, and new prospects are pounding on the doors because of customers' recommendations, is when one needs to be preparing for potential tough times.
Few will go through the meat-grinder which faced President Lincoln, but able leadership during good times will give an organization a firm footing for the mishaps and misfortunes which will affect us all at some point. Focusing on the 'Endeavor' section of the book, Phillips illustrates examples of Lincoln's will, ability, and lack of hesitation in making tough, necessary decisions. Losing a war, being sniped at by those who should be supporters, and struggling with difficult family matters can be paralyzing, but ignoring a personnel issue so as to not rock the boat during a smooth voyage can also be destructive. Phillips points out how "Lincoln often accepted the aggravation and exasperation caused by subordinates if they did their jobs competently", but he also shows how Lincoln could be decisive and tough when his hand was forced. This includes disciplining and firing upper level staff such as cabinet secretaries and commanding generals.
Any review of Lincoln's life would be incomplete without mentioning his use of humor and a unique storytelling ability to make his point. Phillips recounts Lincoln's reason for doing so, which includes these lines: "I often avoid a long and useless discussion by others or a laborious explanation on my own part by a short story that illustrates my point of view." "No, I am not simply a story-teller, but story-telling as an emollient saves me much friction and distress." Oh, if only more of our business and government leaders would use short stories, saving us all some "friction and distress".
The chapter titled "Persuade Rather Than Coerce" explains that Lincoln was smart enough to know that he couldn't do it all by himself, but needed capable leaders who were authorized to make decisions and act on them. His largest problem with military leadership was a gauntlet of generals who were not willing to assume that responsibility. Understanding that influence is a more effective tool of leadership than coercion or orders, he "...preferred to let his generals make their own decisions and hoped that, through his suggestions, they would do the right thing."
That chapter begins with a quote from the first Lincoln Douglas debate: With public sentiment, nothing can fail; without it, nothing can succeed. Consequently he who molds public sentiment goes deeper than he who enacts statutes or pronounces decisions. Looking back at the presidents of my lifetime, it is easy to see which have taken this advice to heart, and have shown success because of it. Likewise, those who have ignored it, and a recent president comes to mind, have had their leadership suffer.
Paraphrasing John C. Maxwell, there is no such thing as `leadership during tough times'; there is only `leadership'. Those fond of history and anyone interested in leadership should read this book.
Great viewpoint on focusing on people.......2007-04-23
This book is one of the best management/leadership books I have ever read. It was giving to me by one of my business school professors who I respect and admire greatly. The book will not disappoint you if you decide to buy it. Worth the time and money!
Lessons on Leadership.......2007-03-31
This is a great book for individuals entering the business world to read how leadership and ethics can and should lead to excellent decision-making skills.
Excellent and well-worth reading........2007-03-31
This book is well written and will appeal to a very wide range of readers, including but not limited to Lincoln scholars and those interested in leadership. Readers who are interested in history, business, politics and those who just like well-written prose should enjoy this book. As the title states, this book is about Lincoln's leadership style. He is portrayed as a paradigm of an effective leader. The book covers topics such as: his interactions with people, his character, his decisiveness, and his immense skills as a communicator. Each chapter covers a different facet of leadership and how Lincoln typified this feature. At the end of each chapter there is brief discussion of how this applies to current day business and politics. There is also a brief summary list of Lincoln's principles discussed in that chapter. The book itself is brief and you can learn a lot from the way that Lincoln interacted with and led people during the most trying time in America's history.
While the focus of the book is on Lincoln's leadership, I learned quite a bit about the man and the challenges that he faced and how he shaped the subsequent government of the US. This was done in a very interesting manner, which was devoid of the dense details of a history book. I got more from this brief book than from some much more detailed books on the Civil War. The book is replete with Lincoln anecdotes, jokes and parables, all of which enrich the text and get the points across in much the same way Lincoln initially used them to get his points across. The best accolade that I can give this book as that it is making me read more about Lincoln and about leadership.
Book Description
This is the revised edition of the original Three Battlegrounds book. Along with some slight text changes, it has an additional chapter.
This book explores the three arenas of spiritual warfare that the maturing Christian will face: the mind, the church and the heavenly places. It provides a foundation of insight, wisdom and discernment on the nature of the battle and the keys to victory.
Customer Reviews:
great book.......2007-10-02
Not only is the author a great writer, but he possesses an insight that is rare in our day and age. I also liken this book to "A Step into Deliverance," by Toni Pugh. He deals skillfully and autobiographically about his struggle and victory over the spirit of Jezebel. I highly recommend it.
material for mature christian.......2007-09-10
This is an excellent book on spiritual warfare as a mature christian desiring to go to next level in Christ.
It will give you insight into spiritual realm and also allow you to see where you are needing deliverance,what deception you are living in.
Lies are exposed in this book and awesome truth is revealed for the believer.
Knowledge applied = Wisdom You will get this in this book!
Change of Pace from Traditional Christian Reading.......2007-08-25
I really liked the stark, in-your-face style. Too many Christian books seem vague, ambiguous, and isolated from the "real world". This was a great wake up call to the "real" spiritual war we're waging.
Excellent Teaching.......2007-07-13
Clear, precise and indepth teaching on spiritual warfare. I have bought several copies for others and continue to reread this profound book to keep these truths in the forefront of my mind and daily Christian living.
The Three Battlegrounds.......2007-07-08
This book is an EYE OPENER on spiritual warfare. I purchased three copies and am sharing it some of the members of my church. They all say they will be purchasing a copy of this amazing book for their own library. In Sister Jeannette's words, "This is a must have in my bookcase".
The author uses scripture to support each claim made in the book. A MUST HAVE for sure.
God Bless,
Vivian
Brookly, NY
Book Description
A short, up-to-date, practical and readable guide to strategy formulation, this book is designed for practicing executives who are getting ready to assume broader responsibilities. By focusing on strategic thinking and using real-life examples and historical references, this book is a must-read for the serious executive strategist. The first chapter defines strategy and its effect on a corporation's effectiveness; and then in subsequent chapters covers the external strategic environment, the analysis of a firm's physical assets, the development of a competitive strategy, different industry environments, corporate strategy and competition, different strategy choices, global strategy, and implementing and controlling a chosen strategic direction. For CEOs, senior executives, general managers, vice-presidents, divisional managers, and consultants.
Customer Reviews:
Brief and to the Point.......2007-10-02
The book is a concise exposition of the most important concepts and techniques in strategic management. The book provides a sound overview of strategic management, focusing on basic concepts and their application in the real world of business. The book covers all the essential topics in strategic management such as environmental scanning, industry analysis, strategy formation, competitive strategies, strategy implementation and global strategy.
Those interested in strategic management and corporate strategy will find the book useful and handy. This is particularly the case with the busy executives who need a concise book packed with all the useful concepts that can be applied in formulating strategies in their organizations.
All-in-all, a short but readable textbook filled with ideas and strategies to help managers become more competent, effective and valuable to their organizations.
Didn't do me any good........2007-01-09
It was a book required for my MBA course, but it speaks to what seems like common sense. Read the Wall Street Journal if you want some insight on real world strategy.
An overview of concepts used in Business Strategy.......2005-12-08
This book is a good overview of the several approaches used in the discipline of Business Strategy. It covers most of the current approaches and concepts.
Usually the major concepts are presented with sufficient detail so that it is possible to understand the basics. The concepts and tools related to strategy are put in the context that is most applicable, i.e., scenario analysis is part of Chapter 2 - Change and Uncertainty in the External Strategic Envinronment.
A good thing is that the book reduces "the marketing or hype" around some tools or concepts to its real dimension or importance, helping the practioner understand its applicability in real world situations.
I would say the book is a good introduction on the topics covered and can be used both as a starting point or an overview by an experienced person that has been exposed to a particular set of techniques and concepts and wants to complements his/her knowldedge.
Good reference for modern strategy theories.......2002-12-17
Thin (140pages), but comprehensive introduction of strategy theories from SWOT to Porter's thoughts. Best to capture the concept of Strategy.
Book Description
A comprehensive reevaluation of the nature of economic systems across the globe, A New View of Comparative Economic Systems is today's choice for today's world. This exciting text is not merely a re-treading of an obsolete Soviet-oriented text, but a fresh, new, and comprehensive reappraisal of the nature and study of economic systems. A New View of Comparative Economic Systems defines a new approach and will set the standard for years to come in Comparative Economic courses.
Customer Reviews:
Good in facts, sympathies are paradoxical.......2006-04-30
This is one of those books - you would expect in the thirties or fourties - that tell you how bad planning is but then suggest that a socialist society is probably great if you live there. The only really annoying part is when facts are down-played, which they are in certain descriptive paragraphs. Describing a centrally planned economy:
"Restrictions on movement and the central determination of wages made the market for labor clumsy and unresponsive, but on the whole workers responded to material incentives just as in the developed market economies."
-- Anyone who has studied Socialist planned economies knows just how untrue that statement is. Material incentives were introduced and constantly re-worked in an attempt to get a response from workers, but largely the material incentives did not work or did not work as planned. Firms could not profit-maximize because they had to fulfill a plan, the plan would be given in "tons" or "square meters" and the incentives were skewed toward fulfilling the plan - sometimes for material reward, other times due to coercion, but in neither case was it an incentive system that lined up in the way it does in a market economy. The phrasing leads one to beleive that the incentive is similar in both systems, but the incentives in a planned economy were a constant struggle and often produced the opposite of the objective (eg incentive to produce less instead of more).
One or two just misleading paragraphs would not bother me. But there are very many:
"Workers performed because of piece rates, bonuses, or the prospect of advancement as well as supervision, just as in the West... Truly coercive systems of labor allocation and job performance are those that rely on slavery, serfdom, indenturement, or peonage."
-- So, the USSR had no gulags, then? Forcing people to work and allocating a job for them at a certain wage, with all consumption products from housing to media to milk to clothing also planned and priced by the government - the one employer - is nothing like serfdom, then?
The wording is clearly trying to convince the reader that the USSR was an improvement on what came before it. Many Russian would disagree and you have to skew the facts and omit facts - keep the discussion at a very high level - to get this viewpoint across.
In case you think I am twisting the words of the writer, he states several times that planning is not that bad, the market is coercive through its "whip of hunger", and "it may be premature to assume that central planning is buried forever", "the widely held belief in the superiority of the market, which may well be called into question in the future." etc etc.
My other complaint is that although it *does* do a nice job of describing many different economic systems - it doesn't go into great detail about all of them, and clearly at least some of the high-level analysis is questionable. Therefore it remains a very introductory text on comparative systems that ought to be taken with a grain of salt.
There is also one absurd thing that the author does - maybe more than one, but here is an example of a ludicrous bias.
There is one very dishonest and obviously biased paragraph in this book. Its so obvious that its bizarre to see it published in a textbook. The book makes the choice to compare two economic freedom rankings. The first is the Heritage Institute's Indices of Economic Freedom. The ranking is described and the table is shown and then the author provides a caveat:
"The six 'freest' nations are all small, with an average population of less than 4 million. ... On the whole it is difficult to draw lessons for the design and conduct of an economic system from the experience of such small states, no matter how rapid their their recent growth experience. It is simply not realistic to assume that Russia or India will undergo sustained growth by adopting the same policies as Hong Kong or Singapore."
Okay. Reading this one may notice that he seems to want to defend more socialistic states, but perhaps he is simply making the observation that if the "freest" countries by this measure are all small and have had recent growth but not long-term growth, then you may not be able to draw any conclusions.
But the table is included and I sincerely hope that no reader falls for that or moves on taking his words at face value. It is completely dishonest. One look at the table shows that his "6 freest" are actuall 6 of 8 - the first three are ranked #1 #2 and #3, then there are 5 ranked #4 that are all equal in score!
Guess which countries came in #4 with a score of 1.8 exactly?
Estonia
Ireland
Luxembourg
Netherlands
United States
Then the next in rank is Australia with a score of 1.85.
So, is it "difficult to draw lessons" from the Unites States - ranked equally to some of those 6 that he mentioned? Is it "simply unrealistic to assume that Russia or India will undergo sustained growth by adopting the same policies as" the United States, ranked equal to some of his 6?
Why pick six? He picked them because they were small, and if the United States ranked *after* them by score, it would make sense, although you might expect him to mention that the US came soon after, if it was close in score. But the US didn't come after, the US tied in score! So did the netherlands which is 19 million, not under 4 million. And then Australia was in fact very close, another larger country.
It would be an outrage if it weren't so idiotic.
Then again, if you are buying it second hand as I did, only two years old and under $10, it is probably worth the buy and worth the read.
Book Description
Business guru Verne Harnish's firm Gazelles has brought hundreds of businesses to fast-growth profitability. Now he shares entrepreneurial secrets in this must-read business primer. Harnish has discovered John D. Rockefeller's underlying strategy. Further study uncovered three winning habits:
*Priorities: A few rules remain consistent with a firm's core values and long-term goal. Others change regularly -- what Harnish calls the Top 5 and Top 1 of 5.
*Data: Key metrics should be measured over time (Smart Numbers); short-term metrics provide a tighter focus on an aspect of the business (Critical Numbers).
*Rhythm: A well-organized set of meetings keep everyone aligned and accountable.
In addition to case studies, a bonus chapter co-authored by Rich Russakoff reveals winning tactics to get banks in competition to finance your business venture. MASTERING THE ROCKEFELLER HABITS provides necessary tools for making strategically smart decisions and for keeping everyone aligned and accountable to those decisions.
Customer Reviews:
Simple, easy methods to grow your business.......2007-09-24
I have read many business books over my career as an entrepreneur having founded two successful companies. Mastering the Rockefeller habits is the simplest best book I have ever read on growing and managing a small to medium business. Verne has a great gift of providing just the simple nuggets that you need to know without all of the other stuff. An addition to Verne's book that I have found enormous value in is defining the values in more detail as outlined in Gregg Lederman's book Achieve Brand Integrity: Ten Truths You Must Know to Enhance Employee Performance and Increase Company Profits. He calls these brand concepts and outlines a great approach to defining the beliefs and behaviors that will make these brand concepts come alive. Between these two books you have an amazing view of how to build a successful company.
John.......2007-07-30
If you want to make the critical move from planning to executing this book is a MUST read!!
The habits that will make your business a predictable enterprise for growth.......2007-07-08
This is an important resource for salespeople, managers, entrepreneurs and executives alike. Verne Harnish does a great job in breaking down the habits of Mr. Rockefeller, who is as close to a model of business excellence as you can find.
Harnish goes over all the business basics, such as setting priorities, analyzing data and creating the right rhythm for the business. One of my favorite lines from this book is: "Until your people are mocking you, you've not repeated your message enough". This statement is true when it comes to the values, objectives and the methods of implementation of the company.
The message of this book, if practiced, will make your business a predictable enterprise for growth. The book has so many good points that I stopped highlighting after the first chapter, lest I highlight the entire book. Enjoy!
Amazing Book!.......2007-02-27
I read this a few times because it was just
that good. I'd recommend it to anyone.
Helps Entrepreneurs Focus.......2007-01-31
Having assessed/coached over 6,000 executives, I've heard many accounts of how difficult it is for entrepreneurs, with a lot of great ideas, to focus their efforts. Mastering the Rockefeller Habits is the perfect manual for breaking down all the components of a business, sorting through priorities, and then putting together simple plans to execute.
Harnish interacts with entrepreneurs all the time, and he creates venues so that entrepreneirs can learn from each other. He is an astute observer of what works, and he does a great job in this book of sharing the best practices and wisdom of people who have become successful.
Books:
- The Behavior And Ecology Of Pacific Salmon And Trout
- The Boleyn Inheritance
- The Church Supper Cookbook: A Special Collection of Over 400 Potluck Recipes from Families and Churches Across the Country
- The Complete Guide to Environmental Careers in the 21st Century
- The Face of Home: A New Way to Look at the Outside of Your House
- The Fair Tax Book: Saying Goodbye to the Income Tax and the IRS
- The Hope, Hype, and Reality of Genetic Engineering: Remarkable Stories from Agriculture, Industry, Medicine, and the Environment
- The Humanure Handbook: A Guide to Composting Human Manure, Third Edition
- The King of California: J. G. Boswell and the Making of a Secret American Empire
- The Mindful Brain: Reflection and Attunement in the Cultivation of Well-Being
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Nash Editions: Photography and the Art of Digital Printing
- History: Fiction or Science
- Chiral Auxiliaries in Cycloadditions
- Emotionally Weird: A Novel
- First Things First: To Live, to Love, to Learn, to Leave a Legacy
- History: Fiction or Science
- Family & Class in a London Suburb
- Quirky Quilting: 20 Easy and Fun Projects
- Driven to Create: The Anthony Petullo Collection of Self-Taught & Outsider Art
- Clever Ways With Climbers
African-American & Black
| Ethnic & National
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance
State of Denial: Bush at War, Part III
The Measure of a Man: A Spiritual Autobiography (Oprah's Book Club)
Barack Obama: Working to Make a Difference (Gateway Biographies)
You: On A Diet: The Owner's Manual for Waist Management
