Amazon.com
Once again using an astutely written fictional tale to unambiguously but painlessly deliver some hard truths about critical business procedures, Patrick Lencioni targets group behavior in the final entry of his trilogy of corporate fables. And like those preceding it, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team is an entertaining, quick read filled with useful information that will prove easy to digest and implement. This time, Lencioni weaves his lessons around the story of a troubled Silicon Valley firm and its unexpected choice for a new CEO: an old-school manager who had retired from a traditional manufacturing company two years earlier at age 55. Showing exactly how existing personnel failed to function as a unit, and precisely how the new boss worked to reestablish that essential conduct, the book's first part colorfully illustrates the ways that teamwork can elude even the most dedicated individuals--and be restored by an insightful leader. A second part offers details on Lencioni's "five dysfunctions" (absence of trust, fear of conflict, lack of commitment, avoidance of accountability, and inattention to results), along with a questionnaire for readers to use in evaluating their own teams and specifics to help them understand and overcome these common shortcomings. Like the author's previous books, The Five Temptations of a CEO and Obsessions of an Extraordinary Executive, this is highly recommended. --Howard Rothman
Book Description
In The Five Dysfunctions of a Team Patrick Lencioni once again offers a leadership fable that is as enthralling and instructive as his first two best-selling books, The Five Temptations of a CEO and The Four Obsessions of an Extraordinary Executive. This time, he turns his keen intellect and storytelling power to the fascinating, complex world of teams.
Kathryn Petersen, Decision Tech's CEO, faces the ultimate leadership crisis: Uniting a team in such disarray that it threatens to bring down the entire company. Will she succeed? Will she be fired? Will the company fail? Lencioni's utterly gripping tale serves as a timeless reminder that leadership requires as much courage as it does insight.
Throughout the story, Lencioni reveals the five dysfunctions which go to the very heart of why teams even the best ones-often struggle. He outlines a powerful model and actionable steps that can be used to overcome these common hurdles and build a cohesive, effective team. Just as with his other books, Lencioni has written a compelling fable with a powerful yet deceptively simple message for all those who strive to be exceptional team leaders.
Customer Reviews:
5 stars for 5 dysfunctions.......2007-10-10
My business partner and I made this required reading to all employees. We started with the management team and quickly found that establishing trust (the first step) across the team was the hardest. Once we accomplished this first step, the rest came much easier. Implementing and using the exercises in this book have helped align our company across all levels. It has helped catapult our growth in 2007.
Definition of Team ?.......2007-10-02
While the model would be beneficial in training a group on team fundamentals, the writing and the story actually hinder the message.
"Relieved, Kathryn was more than happy to give Mikey everything she asked for. But she knew better than to say so right there. "I'm not sure about all of that, but I will see if I can make it happen."
I am not so naive that I think lies and manipulation doesn't happen from management to employees. I am surprised when it is from the hero in the model who touts team trust and commitment, then lies and pretends that she will work hard and go to bat for the employee being asked to leave. People who are honest when it works for them and not honest when that works for them aren't trustworthy. I lost respect for Kathryn right there on page 159.
How about: "Yes, I'm sure we can." Or "Let me give that to HR and have them get in touch with you" or "I will get back to you on the severance agreement." Those are truthful and authentic, not pretending that you are going to pull strings or go the extra mile when it's not true and you're actually relieved with what little the employee asked for. Does the end justify the means?
Sports Teams are about performance and not personalities that get along with everyone else on the team. Does every man on a professional football team get along with every other male on the team? If the team member they all dislike for whatever reason they dislike him, continually catches the football and scores... the team keeps him.
I do not see the conversations that happened between the CEO and an executive in The Five Dysfunctions (TFD) occurring in professional basketball. Can you see the coach telling Michael Jordan, you are excellent in your chosen field, but the other team members complain about your attitude and you did call one of them an S.O.B, so we're going to dismiss you from the team. In TFD their personality and attitudes, not their performance was the issue for dismissal.
There are several instances where the writer sets the stage for some dramatic event. They never happen. The chapters involving the CEO Kathryn and the executive Mikey are anti-climatic.
The storyteller tries to build Mikey up with sentences like: "But Mikey was cleverer than the average executive." (Really, that's the sentence.) The story goes on to explain that the CEO thought Mikey was coming to terms with the dismissal.... and ends the chapter with "But she was wrong."
I was waiting for something "dramatic" to happen, here it is:
Mikey then says her husband is an attorney and it won't be easy to make a case for termination. The CEO explains then your behavior would have to change, because you don't like to be criticized, don't apologize, roll your eyes and called a team member an SOB. Mikey was "stunned" and "Confronted with stark evidence, she realized the weight of her dilemma." She resigns and leaves before any co-worker could see her.
Yea, that's cleverer. Stark evidence of what? Not having "artificial harmony?" (One of the five dysfunctions)
I think it would help if any book written on Team Building would begin by defining what the author means by the word "Team." Not just reference Sports Teams as an analogy.(This book references a basketball team) Even though you can pull examples of great coaching or instances from sports teams, the rules are different in sports teams and work teams. If the team concepts work so well, why don't all sports teams do well in their competitions? Maybe,it has more to do with the coaching (leaders, management) than the "team."
I understand this was to be a simple story to illustrate the Five Functions of a workgroup or team. I agree the five functions are valuable and foster a place of safety and creativity. Seeing them spelled out and discussed could benefit a team. Although is it really a revelation that any team would be a better team if they operated with the five functions than a team that didn't?
Education View.......2007-09-30
I bought this book because it is required for a graduate level education class that I am enrolled in. Although the story is set in the business world, the strategies suggested are also applicable to the educational setting as well.
This is a quick and easy read. I like that it is not preachy...it just tells a story and allows the reader to take what he/she needs to take from it.
Can't Say Enough!.......2007-09-29
This is an easy read -- but the concepts are powerful.
I took a highly disfunctional group of talented people -- and using the concepts presented, now have a high performance team.
Ok, it took several years -- and some effort -- but this book gave us a roadmap.
Go to their website -- and use the on-line Team assessment to measure you're progress.
Seriously, this book really helped us -- and we are really doing great! No lie...
Engaging Story, Powerfully Simple Ideas.......2007-09-11
Patrick Lencioni's book The Five Disfunctions of a Team is a simple read with powerful ideas for how we need to evaluate and reshape teams. I like his use of fables in business literature to give you a good story backed by common-sense organizational development advice that isn't so common-sense.
Read it!
Book Description
Merlin the Magician will not eat or sleep or speak to anyone in Camelot. What can be done? The enchantress Morgan knows who to ask
for help: young Jack and Annie of Frog Creek, Pennsylvania! The brother-and-sister team quickly head off in the magic tree house on another magical and historical adventure.
Their mission: discover one of the four secrets of happiness.
Their journey: to a land of fierce samurai and great beauty, the capital city of Edo (now the city of Tokyo), in ancient Japan in the 1600s.
Their tools: a research book to guide them and a magic wand with three special rules.
In Dragon of the Red Dawn, Mary Pope Osborne transports readers back to the splendor, rich culture, and magic of traditional Japan.
Customer Reviews:
Dragon Of The Red Dawn.......2007-10-09
I liked this book because it s'
like I'm in the book.Also
it captures my attention.This book is about Jack and Annie going to
Japan and to doing something.
Magic Tree House 37 Merlin Misson Dragon of the Red Dawn.......2007-10-09
I like this book because it has great words and the author it good at writing. This book was about them go to Tokyo . I give this book 5 stars.
great book!.......2007-09-01
This book I loved when I was reading the pages, and how it gives you a little passport in the back of the book like it was actually a real passport. The books description of the garden when they first get out of the tree house in Japan just gives me a picture of what it looks like in real life. This book had a bit of humor and that adds coolness to the book. Buy this book!!!!!!!! I'm 11.
Mary Pope Osborne: Never A Disappointment........2007-07-23
Osborne forever captures history, folklore and imagination into the minds of many young and old alike. Her books are ever a delight to read to my son (even though he's able to read by himself) and more, a delight to hear when they come out on audiocassette!
I recommend this book.......2007-06-10
I liked it because Jack and Annie travel to Japan which is a really cool place and I think more people should read this book. It is better than any other book because it is the newest of the series.
Average customer rating:
- nice book!
- A keeper for the home library
- One of the most fascinating books
- Chasing dreams
- Just Okay
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The Alchemist: A Fable About Following Your Dream
Paulo Coelho
Manufacturer: HarperSanFrancisco
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The Alchemist (Plus)
ASIN: 0062502182 |
Amazon.com
Like the one-time bestseller Jonathan Livingston Seagull, The Alchemist presents a simple fable, based on simple truths and places it in a highly unique situation. And though we may sniff a bestselling formula, it is certainly not a new one: even the ancient tribal storytellers knew that this is the most successful method of entertaining an audience while slipping in a lesson or two. Brazilian storyteller Paulo Coehlo introduces Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who one night dreams of a distant treasure in the Egyptian pyramids. And so he's off: leaving Spain to literally follow his dream.
Along the way he meets many spiritual messengers, who come in unassuming forms such as a camel driver and a well-read Englishman. In one of the Englishman's books, Santiago first learns about the alchemists--men who believed that if a metal were heated for many years, it would free itself of all its individual properties, and what was left would be the "Soul of the World." Of course he does eventually meet an alchemist, and the ensuing student-teacher relationship clarifies much of the boy's misguided agenda, while also emboldening him to stay true to his dreams. "My heart is afraid that it will have to suffer," the boy confides to the alchemist one night as they look up at a moonless night.
"Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself," the alchemist replies. "And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of the search is a second's encounter with God and with eternity." --Gail Hudson
Book Description
Paulo Coelho's enchanting novel has inspired a devoted following around the world, and this tenth anniversary edition, with a new introduction from the author, will only increase that following. This story, dazzling in its powerful simplicity and inspiring wisdom, is about an Andalusian shepherd boy named Santiago who travels from his homeland in Spain to the Egyptian desert in search of a treasure buried in the Pyramids. Along the way he meets a Gypsy woman, a man who calls himself king, and an alchemist, all of whom point Santiago in the direction of his quest. No one knows what the treasure is, or if Santiago will be able to surmount the obstacles along the way. But what starts out as a journey to find worldly goods turns into a discovery of the treasures found within. Lush, evocative, and deeply humane, the story of Santiago is an eternal testament to the transforming power of our dreams and the importance of listening to our hearts.
Download Description
My Heart Is Afraid that it will have to suffer," the boy told the alchemist one night as they looked up at the moonless sky."Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams."
Every few decades a book is published that changes the lives of its readers forever. The Alchemist is such a book. With over a million and a half copies sold around the world, The Alchemist has already established itself as a modern classic, universally admired. Paulo Coelho's charming fable, now available in English for the first time, will enchant and inspire an even wider audience of readers for generations to come.
The Alchemist is the magical story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who yearns to travel in search of a worldly treasure as extravagant as any ever found. From his home in Spain he journeys to the markets of Tangiers and across the Egyptian desert to a fateful encounter with the alchemist.
The story of the treasures Santiago finds along the way teaches us, as only a few stories have done, about the essential wisdom of listening to our hearts, learning to read the omens strewn along life's path, and, above all, following our dreams.
Customer Reviews:
nice book!.......2007-10-11
I like this book very much. This is a real adventure with very interest philosophical thoughts. I was slightly disappointed with the book final. It will be more logical to expect that the real treasure could be a wisdom, a new knowledge, or sometihng like this. However, this is a very nice book; I am very happy that I bought it.
A keeper for the home library.......2007-09-11
This is a special book that makes an uplifting gift to someone wanting to seek their dream, but isn't sure to take that first step. I will read this again.
One of the most fascinating books.......2007-09-06
The Alchemist is an amazing book for anyone "searching for answers". It really reinforces the notion that it's all about the journey - not the destination. Well written and far more complex than the simple writing style might lead you to believe. This edition was a gift for a friend - it's beautiful to look at, as well.
Chasing dreams.......2007-08-23
A co-worker brought her copy of this book in one day for me to see. It was love at first sight and I knew I wanted my own copy. A month later, I bought one for myself on my birthday. I read it in two afternoons. It is a really good book. I would suggest it to anyone. It is very simple writing but the message is quite deep.
Just Okay.......2007-08-03
I liked THE ALCHEMIST, but didn't love it. It starts out very well, but it quickly gets bogged down by excessive symbolism and a lot of detail that didn't seem essential to the story.
The major point of this book is to pursue your life dreams, as opposed to making excuses for not doing so. I certainly support this message, but I felt that Coelho took 165 pages to convey a relatively straightforward point. This book is also heavily unrealistic in spots (the wind talks, the sun, etc.), which diminishes the power of its message, at least to me.
I read the most recent trade paperback edition of THE ALCHEMIST, and would suggest that you read the four-page introduction by Paulo Coelho before purchasing this novel. In that introduction, Coelho summarizes the main themes and ideas of THE ALCHEMIST in a crystal clear manner that I thought was more effective than the novel itself. If the message resonates with you, then by all means buy this book and enjoy it. Otherwise, you probably will not like it.
Amazon.com
Imagine running into the ultimate management mentor late one night on an otherwise deserted commuter train, and walking away from the strange encounter with an encapsulated guide to success in the corporate world. That's exactly what screenwriter and business coach Patrick Lencioni has done in The Five Temptations of a CEO: A Leadership Fable, placing his tale in an easy-reading and thought- provoking kind of self-help novel.
Designed to be read in a single sitting, this book uses the unexpected meeting between troubled high-tech honcho Andrew O'Brien and a mysterious old man named Charlie to explore a series of common traps that can unwittingly ensnare any hard-driven executive. Lencioni hones in on the five "temptations" of the workplace: desires to jealously guard career status, consistently remain popular with subordinates, unfailingly make correct decisions, constantly strive for an atmosphere of total harmony, and always appear invulnerable. A discussion of the story's events and their real-world implications follows, as Lencioni shifts from screenwriter mode to business coach to help answer some of the questions he raises. --Howard Rothman
Book Description
Absorbing, compelling, and utterly memorable, The Five Temptations of a CEO is like no other business book that's come before. Author Patrick Lencioni—noted screenplay writer and sought-after executive coach -- deftly tells the tale of a young CEO who, facing his first annual board review, knows he is failing, but doesn't know why.
"This book provides extraordinary insight into the pitfalls that leaders face when they lose sight of the true measure of success: results. This model is required reading for my staff."
—Eric Schmidt, chairman of the board and CEO, Novell
Any executive can learn how to:
- recognize the mistakes that leaders can make
- avoid errors before they occur
- and much more!
Refreshingly original and utterly compelling, the story of this executive (written to be read in one sitting) will be enjoyed, remembered, and reread for years to come. It serves a timeless and potent reminder that success as a leader can come down to practicing a few simple behaviors—behaviors that are painfully difficult for each of us to master.
"Lencioni delivers a provocative message: CEOs mainly have themselves to blame when things go wrong. If you're a CEO (or any manager for that matter), do you have the courage to face the blame? Doing so could change your future-for the better."
—Dr. Jerry Porras, coauthor, Built to Last; professor, Stanford School of Business
You won't find any dry management rhetoric in this razor-sharp novelette. Apply these riveting lessons in leadership with the self-assessment at the end of the book. It will change your career!
Customer Reviews:
Five Behaviors of Effective CEOs.......2007-07-13
This is one in a series of "leadership fables" in which Patrick Lencioni shares his thoughts about the contemporary business world. His characters are fictitious human beings rather than anthropomorphic animals, such as a tortoise that wins a race against a hare or pigs that lead a revolution to overthrow a tyrant and seize control of his farm.
In his Introduction to this book, Lencioni observes that all chief executives who fail -- and most of them do at one time or another - make the same basic mistake: "Essentially what they are doing is putting the success of their organizations in jeopardy because they are unwilling to face - and overcome - the five temptations of a CEO." Briefly, here's the fictitious situation. Lencioni introduces Andrew O'Brien who is about to complete his first year as CEO of Trinity Systems, a position to which he was promoted after four years with the company. He is about to participate in the first board meeting in which he will be held accountable for the results of an entire fiscal year. "Those results, as he had grown accustomed to saying, were `unspectacular at best.'" He dreads the meeting. Almost immediately, it becomes obvious that Andrew's career is in serious jeopardy...and he knows it as he leaves the office shortly after midnight and takes a Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) commuter train to return home.
What then happens allows Lencioni to dramatize for C-suite executives - and especially for CEOs - the importance of recognizing and then resisting the aforementioned temptations. Once aboard the train, Andrew meets and engages in a conversation with Charlie that continues when they are joined by the Bald Man, the Stylish Man, and the Tall Man. As a result of this extended conversation, Andrew has the business equivalent of a religious epiphany: he realizes why his leadership as CEO has been, until now, "unspectacular at best" and also realizes what needs to be accomplished during the board meeting the next morning.
Lencioni adds a nice dramatic touch when there is a brief encounter in the hallway after the board meeting. Andrew sees a maintenance man hanging a photograph, "wearing the same color shirt that Charlie wore the night before... Turning toward the end of the hallway, Andrew saw the old man turn the corner. He yelled `Sir?! Charlie?' The old man did not answer or reappear. Andrew sprinted to the end of the hall, turned the corner, and saw no one." The significance of this moment is best revealed within the narrative, as are the circumstances at Trinity Systems three years later, examined in the final chapter.
At least 8-10 years ago, Lencioni apparently made a conscious decision to address especially important business issues by creating a human context for each rather than merely offering answers to questions or prescribing solutions to problems. To me, this is one of the greatest benefits of a business narrative, in this instance of a leadership fable: Creating a series of real-world situations (albeit portrayed fictitiously) that readers can identify with emotionally as well as rationally. He is a brilliant business thinker but he also possesses the skills of a master raconteur as he introduces a cast of characters, develops conflicts between and among them, and then allows "rising action" to build to a climax that is also best revealed within the narrative. Unexpected plot developments engage the reader even more.
As is Lencioni's custom in each of the other volumes in the series of "leadership fables," he concludes with a section -- "The Model: A Summary of Why Executives Fail" (Pages 111-130) -- whose value-added benefits will help his reader to make effective application of the lessons learned from Andrew's experiences as he struggles with various temptations as well as with the consequences of his decisions...and non-decisions. The questions posed in the self-assessment section are especially well devised. Easy to ask, of course, but difficult to answer.
Those who share my high regard for this volume are urged to check out Patrick Lencioni's other "leadership fables" (especially The Four Obsessions of an Extraordinary Executive) as well as Ram Charan's Know-How, Adrian Slywotsky's The Upside, Michael Ray's The Highest Goal, David Maister's Practice What You Preach, Bill George's Authentic Leadership and his more recently published True North, James O'Toole's Creating the Good Life, and Michael Maccoby's Narcissistic Leaders.
Great lessons, terrible writing.......2007-05-30
The five lessons in this book are well worth noting, but getting there is extremely painful. The lessons in this book are thought-provoking and challenging. Looking at my career, I have falling into a few of these traps myself.
Unfortunately, it reads as if it were written by a 7th grader. Much of this book is painfully awkward dialog. Fortunately it is short so the pain doesn't last long. Just get a running start and plow through it as fast as you can!
The Five Temptations of a CEO.......2007-01-03
One of the best books I have ever read!!!!
A bland overview of the basics .......2006-12-28
Nothing succeeds like success in this follow up fable by Patrick. His books work best when they're relevant to your specific situation. In this case if you're in a leadership role and need a little shot in the arm to do the right thing (although I don't imagine many CEO's reading this book). Recommend passing on this rather light fare and looking over Patrik's "5 Dysfunctions of a Team".
Summary - A CEO has just completed a year with very average results. Staying late for the annual meeting he travels home on the subway and meets a homeless man who asks a few pointed questions...
The Five Temptations of a CEO:
1. The desire to protect their career.
2. The desire to be popular.
3. The need to make "correct" decisions.
4. The belief that it is better for people to get along then have conflict.
5. The desire for invulnerability.
Some additional nice quips from the book:
* Overcoming the 5 temptations: Choose results over status, choose accountability over popularity, choose clarity over certainty, choose conflict over harmony, and choose trust over invulnerability.
* Some exec's fear being wrong so much that they only make a decision when absolutely certain of the results.
* The best way to come up with the right decision quickly is to get everyone together and suck all the honest opinions out and come to consensus.
* If no one feels a little pushed out of place then we probably didn't put all of our issues on the table.
Another Lencioni Masterpiece.......2006-11-10
Once again Mr. Lencioni takes his expertise in leadership applications and combines it with his story telling style and produces a real "hands on" book for CEO's.
Book Description
In yet another page-turner, New York Times best-selling author and acclaimed management expert Patrick Lencioni addresses the costly and maddening issue of silos, the barriers that create organizational politics. Silos devastate organizations, kill productivity, push good people out the door, and jeopardize the achievement of corporate goals.
As with his other books, Lencioni writes Silos, Politics, and Turf Wars as a fictional—but eerily realistic—story. The story is about Jude Cousins, an eager young management consultant struggling to launch his practice by solving one of the more universal and frustrating problems faced by his clients. Through trial and error, he develops a simple yet ground-breaking approach for helping them transform confusion and infighting into clarity and alignment.
Download Description
In yet another page-turner, New York Times best-selling author and acclaimed management expert Patrick Lencioni addresses the costly and maddening issue of silos, the barriers that create organizational politics. Silos devastate organizations, kill productivity, push good people out the door, and jeopardize the achievement of corporate goals. As with his other books, Lencioni writes Silos, Politics, and Turf Wars as a fictional but eerily realistic story. The story is about Jude Cousins, an eager young management consultant struggling to launch his practice by solving one of the more universal and frustrating problems faced by his clients. Through trial and error, he develops a simple yet ground-breaking approach for helping them transform confusion and infighting into clarity and alignment.
Customer Reviews:
Silos,Poltics and Truf wars.......2007-10-05
Not your average Business book... Put in a story form so the reader is not bored with dry material... You need to look close to get the learning facts... A very good book would recomment to anyone with deparment disagrements...
The value of having a common definition of Performance.......2007-08-22
A short, well written, story about a most common business problem - lack of or differing definitions of performance by the senior leadership team. Using a common complaint heard within most businesses - the performance damage done by "silos" between departments, divisions, units, or whatever you call any internal enterprise - Author and consultant Patrick Lencioni again uses the popular business narrative format to show how the lack of a common definition of performance within the leadership team (even when they like each other and want to be a strong leadership team) will cause the organization to be pulled apart and under perform. He then goes on to solve the problem by getting the team to agree a singular, near-term problem they need to solve (thematic goal) and are willing to unit behind.
Although one can question if this condition can be solved in a two-hour meeting, as the hero of the story does; Lencioni's solution components - the thematic goal, a set of defining objectives, a set of ongoing standard operating objectives, and subsequent metrics - is a concept with practical merit. As with most business narratives, the single theme skips over the many other real-life business issues, making the solution seem more powerful and easier to implement than business reality often allows. The story does, however, identify a very real problem of leadership team members each defining performance from their individual perspectives and provides the beginning of the solution. The book is recommended for leadership teams.
Another Lencioni classic.......2007-08-14
Lencioni has written a very good fable that depicts the typical "silos" or turf wars that take place in any organization. Using several different case scenarios, Lencioni does a great job in describing the subtleties of turf wars and places the blame square at the top of the organization. (The ground troops are simply doing their jobs as described for them by their bosses.)
The answer to the turf war, according to Lencioni, is a thematic goal. This is not to be confuse with a vision statement or a BHAG (big fat hairy goal), as Porras and Collins describe. But it is more than strategic goals and objectives. I must admit, this was a new concept for me and I'm not quite sure of the concept even after reading Lencioni's concept.
Lencioni clearly states that a thematic goal does not exclude the need to develop a good, functioning executive team (cf. Dysfunctions of Teams). Indeed, good executive teams are a priority for Lencioni. But contends that even well functioning teams with good personal relationships will sometimes have organizational/structural weaknesses that allow "silos" or turf wars to develop.
Overall, Lencioni has written a very readable book that clearly describes the problem of politics among divisions in an organization. But the concept of a "thematic goal" (as opposed to organizational vision) is still a bit vague to me -- but it is clearly not to be dismissed.
Silos, Politics and Turf Wars.......2007-07-23
This book was reader friendly, very easy to navigate, and it was interesting and informative.I have used it as an educational tool.
Quick Read, Great Message.......2007-07-22
Told as a "story", this book has tremendous lessons for any company dealing with Silos in their organization
Average customer rating:
- THE SEA OF MONSTERS
- Wow. . .what an ending!
- Percy's Odyssey is another fantastic trip into modern Greek myth
- The series continues with the fun where it left off..
- A place in my home!
|
The Sea of Monsters (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 2)
Rick Riordan
Manufacturer: Miramax
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ASIN: 1423103343 |
Book Description
Percy Jackson's seventh-grade year has been surprisingly quiet. Not a single monster has set foot on his New York prep-school campus. But when an innocent game of dodgeball among Percy and his classmates turns into a death match against an ugly gang of cannibal giants, things get . . . well, ugly. And the unexpected arrival of Percy's friend Annabeth brings more bad news: the magical borders that protect Camp Half-Blood have been poisoned by a mysterious enemy, and unless a cure is found, the only safe haven for demigods will be destroyed.In this fresh, funny, and hugely anticipated follow up to The Lightning Thief, Percy and his friends must journey into the Sea of Monsters to save their beloved camp. But first, Percy will discover a stunning new secret about his family -- one that makes him question whether being claimed as Poseidon's son is an honor or simply a cruel joke.
Customer Reviews:
THE SEA OF MONSTERS.......2007-10-06
The Sea of Monster's was a thrilling book that is appropriate for young adults and adults. It was action packed and clever.:)Anyone who is interested in greek mythology would thoroughly enjoy this book. I'm looking forward to reading the 3rd book, and have already ordered it!!!!
Wow. . .what an ending!.......2007-09-28
This is a fabulous sequel to Riordan's first book. It is full of action, adventure, and it sparks some curiosity about future events. . . not to mention the ending will wow you!
Percy's Odyssey is another fantastic trip into modern Greek myth.......2007-09-13
In the second book of the modern Greek-mythological Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, Percy discovers that Camp Half-Blood is in danger as their borders are weakening. Even worse, his cross-dressing satyr best friend Grover is in danger of getting married. Percy, his friend and daughter of Athena, go on a quest to save Grover and retrieve the Golden Fleece, doing a great impression of Odysseus along the way. While the book isn't as imaginative and strong as the first in the series, it continues Riordan's witty prose and clever updating of Greek mythology and Greek hero quests (I just go geek for that stuff). Percy's issues with his absent father are compounded with the discovery and shame of his half-brother. Percy's father-issues reflect a very grown up issue: that of feeling abandoned by our God. At heart, this intelligent series isn't just about the greater and universal truths of Greek mythology and the problems of identity and growing up, but about family and the bonds of blood, even the most dysfunctional family in history: that of the ancient Greek divinity. Grade: A-
The series continues with the fun where it left off.........2007-08-29
The next edition of the Percy Jackson series, picks up a few months after the first book The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1)left us. This time Percy, our young half-god hero, has to deal with even more problems then ever.
The half-blood camp is now in danger of being attacked and over run by monsters who were once held out of it's grounds by a tree. The tree has been poisoned and time is running out before the camp will be over run for good. It's up to Percy and his friend Annabeth to get the golden fleece from an evil cyclops who has also captured Grover, his satyr friend.
Joining Percy this time is a young cyclops, Tyson who turns out to be more then he seems, much to Percy's surprise. His great strength and immunity to fire will come in more then handy for Percy on his quest to stop things before they even get worse. Now with Charon banned from camp, his rival daughter of Ares being put on the quest instead of him and Luke, his former friend still out there causing trouble things have gone from bad to worse over the short summer break.
The follow up is pretty good and continues the story nicely. It was lacking in a few places that the first book did deliver on. Like the variety of monsters and fun that seemed to flow through the first adventure. This time it was mostly focused on cyclops and lacking of the character development that was fun the first go around. But that is minor problems if anything. The book delievers the same fun and situations that we fell in love with the first time around. The action is constant as are the refernces to mythology that Rick Riordan uses nicely in a cute and fun twist to relate it to modern times. The explanation for why there are so many Starbucks around was just one of many weird notions that Riordan came up with and for some reason in this universe as we are reading it, we don't question the logic we accept it and want more of it.
If you enjoyed the first, this is must get. It picks up the characters and adventure where it left us and adds in even more twists and turns then we were left with the first go around. Its a never ending story that keeps building up to more and more to look to and figure out. Slight bits of info are leaked to us in this book that will come into play later but are still left open for interpretation.
I can't say this book is better then the first but it is just as good and will most certainly leave you wanting more. Riordan seemed to plan everything out quite well and the reader will also realize that this is getting quite good and deep. As an older reader I can say this book is fun for people of all ages. Check it out, its an adventure you will love to continue on gladly.
A place in my home!.......2007-08-26
An extension of the first book in this series, Rick Riordan truly finds a unique perspective of a young boy trying to fit in the Olympian world and finding his comfort and power in the sea. Needless to say, it took a short day for me to read this book from cover to cover and left me looking forward to the next book. Definitely not for children only - adults will love this book as much as young adults; maybe even more!
Average customer rating:
- The Lightning Thief
- Gods in the Modern World
- Meh
- An awesome book that you have to read
- My eight-year old daughter loved this series!
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The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1)
Rick Riordan
Manufacturer: Miramax
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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Physik (Septimus Heap, Book 3)
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Flyte (Septimus Heap, Book 2)
ASIN: 0786838655 |
Book Description
Percy Jackson is a good kid, but he cant seem to focus on his schoolwork or control his temper. And lately, being away at boarding school is only getting worsePercy could have sworn his pre-algebra teacher turned into a monster and tried to kill him. Percys mom decides its time that he knew the truth about where he came from. She sends Percy to Camp Half-Blood, a summer camp for demigods (on Long Island), where he learns that the father he never knew is Poseidon, God of the Sea. Soon a mystery unfolds and together with his friendsone a satyr and the other the demigod daughter of AthenaPercy sets out on a quest across the United States to reach the gates of the Underworld (located in a recording studio in Hollywood) and prevent a catastrophic war between the gods. But to succeed on his quest, Percy will have to unravel a treachery more powerful than the gods themselves.
Customer Reviews:
The Lightning Thief.......2007-10-09
Isaiah Adams The Lightning Thief By: Rick Riordan I would like to start off by saying, this book was one of the most exiting books I think that I have ever read. It always kept me on my toes. It is from the genre mythology. I would say that this book gets a five star rating. This was a very action packed book that always left you wanting more. It is all about a boy named Percy who finds out in a very dramatic way that he is a half-blood, and gets sent out on a quest to retrieve what was stolen from Zeus the god of the sky: the lightning bolt. A half-blood is someone who is half mortal and half immortal. They have to be shielded from the regular world because their scent attracts monsters. When going on the quest Percy takes this girl who he met at Camp Half-Blood named Annabeth, and he takes his friend Grover who is half donkey and half male. I can really relate to the way Percy feels a lot of the time. Like when he gets angry, he feels like doing every first thing that pops into his head. When he is sad he cannot always say exactly why. The author really uses Percy's emotions to draw you into the unique story-line and make you feel as if you were the one who had to do the quest. The writer, Rick Riordan, writes in a way that is funny yet deep and meaningful at the same time. He can make his images seem real to the reader through his imaginative descriptions and at times he had me laughing out loud. This book reminds me of another book called the series of unfortunate events. That does not mean that this book is very depressing, but Percy has to do a lot of things that are against his will and has to face things that are very difficult for him to deal with all by himself. In all I would recommend reading this book. It will take you on an exploration of drama, emotion, and comedy. Enjoy!
Gods in the Modern World.......2007-10-08
Although I might disagree that the USA is the centre of Western Culture, this is a fun read. Percy Jackson is just such an interesting character. When we meet him first he's in his Sixth school in as many years and this school is a school for troubled kids. Strange things keep happening around him, he's got ADHD and Dyslexia and his stepfather hates him
When he realises that he's the son of a Greek God and that because of this he's the subject of interest from monsters from myth and legend. He gets a chance to go to Camp Half-Blood, where Mr D (or Dionysus) supervises the half-gods. However someone has stolen Zeus' Thunderbolt and Percy is the primary suspect. Will he survive to find the real thief or will the Gods kill him.
Meh.......2007-09-27
This book is a little elementary. Also, it seems like a lot of concepts were taken from Harry Potter. I think there is even a blatent reference to the Potter novels in the book. I like the concept and the use of Ancient Greek themes, but I think the market of people who can enjoy this book is rather small: 8-12 year olds with a comprehension of Ancient Greece.
An awesome book that you have to read.......2007-09-20
The Lightning Thief is without a doubt one of the best books I have ever read. If you have not read this then you have to get this book right away. This book will keep you reading for hours, as you read unexpected twists in it. Percy goes on adventures with his other half-blood friends and every one is very interesting. So, if you are looking for a book to read, then this is definitely one that you have to read.
My eight-year old daughter loved this series!.......2007-09-05
I heard Rick Riordan being interview on NPR and was intrigued enough to go to our neighborhood bookstore with my eight-year old daughter and find the first book in the Percy Jackson series. Before buying, I had my daughter apply the Richard Back Book Test: opening the book at three random spots and reading one or two paragraphs.
She loved all three sections. I would have been in serious jeapordy if I had not then bought the book... We actually bought the Book 1 and Book 2 at the same time.
My daughter just ate up the books. Even though she's only eight, she loved the characters and the story.
A week later I bought Book 3 which she promptly devoured. We are now eagerly awaiting Book 4!
Just wanted to provide some input to those with somewhat younger kids.
Amazon.com
Everyone loves a good fable, and this is certainly one. The protagonist is Julian Mantle, a high-profile attorney with a whacked-out schedule and a shameful set of spiritual priorities. Of course it takes a crisis (heart attack) to give Mantle pause. And pause he does--suddenly selling all his beloved possessions to trek India in pursuit of a meaningful existence. The Himalayan gurus along the way give simple advice, such as, "What lies behind you and what lies before you is nothing compared to what lies within you." Yet it is easy to forgive the story's simplicity because each kernel of wisdom is framed to address the persistent angst of Western white-collar professionals. --Gail Hudson
Book Description
Wisdom to Create a Life of Passion, Purpose, and Peace
This inspiring tale provides a step-by-step approach to living with greater courage, balance, abundance, and joy. A wonderfully crafted fable, The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari tells the extraordinary story of Julian Mantle, a lawyer forced to confront the spiritual crisis of his out-of-balance life. On a life-changing odyssey to an ancient culture, he discovers powerful, wise, and practical lessons that teach us to:
- Develop Joyful Thoughts,
- Follow Our Life's Mission and Calling,
- Cultivate Self-Discipline and Act Courageously,
- Value Time as Our Most Important Commodity,
- Nourish Our Relationships, and
- Live Fully, One Day at a Time.
Customer Reviews:
Weak, very weak........2007-09-23
This is terrible writing, at its best, marketed to the masses. The dialogue is so unreal. The characters, you can't even relate to them. It's so hokey, and nothing original. Unrealistic practices, rose meditation, c'mon, I'm to do this for two weeks. There are many, many other better books out there. Trying Being Peace by TNH.
Good luck, and if this book worked for you, great. I reviewed this in a positive mood too.........
This could be the best advice you'll ever receive from one book........2007-08-14
Enormous amount of wisdom is covered here. I finished this thinking that this is one of the best books I've ever read on how to live in this world. I was shocked at the amount of principles covered in this story. I just wasn't expecting what I got from this.
I initially refrained from underlining and marking up my book because I thought I might want to loan it out. So, I took notes. I've since decided that I'm gonna read it again and underline the great parts I want to revisit. Just when I thought this guy had covered most everything, he pulled out even more! This is an awesome book.
Okay, the other nice thing about this is each chapter ends with an action summary. I liked how this wraps up each chapter. So, you get the chance to think about what happened in the story, the points being made, and the great thing is it gives you the techniques.
I read a few reviews where people were criticizing the story. I thought the story was good, with a few weak spots. But the story isn't the main point, it was just the vehicle to deliver the goods.
I loved this book! This is one that I think can definately make a difference in your life. The thing about books like this is, usually people read it once, decide that there is something to it and maybe even make a few changes in their life and a little while later they slide right back into living the way they always have. Reread it, absorb it, and make lasting changes.
Amaizing.......2007-07-06
the situations described in this book reflects my situation in the company I use to work for: work, work, no personal life, filling guilty for a day off ( and that if you ever manage a day off).
it is really a inspiration.
Fun but fluffy.......2007-07-01
This is an easy afternoon read that is kind of enjoyable at first but gradually starts grinding away at your nerves. The story is, as another reviewer noted, both shallow and hackneyed....a rich guy has a health scare and changes his life's direction, blah blah blah....
Bottom line is that there are many many better books that will offer you deeper and more lasting insights into personal growth and enlightenment....one's that immediately come to mind are 'Autobiography of a Yoga' or 'Krishnamurti's notebook'. Come to think of it, pretty much anything by Krishnamurti, including his grocery list, is better written than this piece of fluff.
But, to be fair and "positive", the ideas within are not stupid ones....the problem is that they are blatantly obvious but presented in a breathy and falsely enthusiastic way that suggests that the author is trying (vainly) to turn a molehill into a mountain.
There's nothing wrong with trying to become a more spiritually healthy person, but I recommend that anyone who reads this book continue on to solid authors such as Krishnamurti or Paramahansa Yogananda,
for their works offer much deeper insight into serious life questions.
Good book -Worth reading........2007-06-27
This is a very light read. My spirits were uplifted after reading this book. So I would rate it 5 stars.
Mostly the author has drawn inspirations from Gita and other Vedic books either directly or indirectly but bottom line is that it is a good read.
Average customer rating:
- Great for philosophy enthusiasts of any age (and anyone who likes big pandas)
- I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!
- Gentle way to raise issues w/ kids
- A review by a five year old
- Beutiful Zen Moments
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Zen Shorts (Caldecott Honor Book)
Manufacturer: Scholastic Press
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ASIN: 0439339111 |
Book Description
"Michael," said Karl. "There's a really big bear in the backyard." This is how three children meet Stillwater, a giant panda who moves into the neighborhood and tells amazing tales. To Addie he tells a story about the value of material goods. To Michael he pushes the boundaries of good and bad. And to Karl he demonstrates what it means to hold on to frustration. With graceful art and simple stories that are filled with love and enlightenment, Jon Muth -- and Stillwater the bear -- present three ancient Zen tales that are sure to strike a chord in everyone they touch.
Customer Reviews:
Great for philosophy enthusiasts of any age (and anyone who likes big pandas).......2007-09-22
Zen Shorts is a picture book written and illustrated by Jon J. Muth. But it's also a short story collection. And it's also a philosophy book. And it has a giant panda. Oh, and it is a Caldecott Honor book too.
The story starts when siblings Addy, Michael, and Karl meet Stillwater, a large Panda who wanders into their backyard to retrieve his umbrella. I love the opening scenes of the story. Karl, the youngest sibling, is looking out a window and telling Michael he sees a huge bear. Eventually all of the kids go out and say hello to Stillwater. Addy introduces Karl, who is "shy around bears he doesn't know." I find that phrase so enchanting. This kind of charm continues throughout the book.
The next day Addy meets Stillwater for tea. Then Michael and Stillwater hang out. Then Karl goes swimming with Stillwater.
Each outing is accompanied by an appropriate short story. The first is about a man (panda) who gives a gift to a robber. Another is about a man who knows that luck is a many-faceted thing. The final story is about a monk carrying an unnecessary burden. I'll never explain the stories as well as Muth tells them, so you should just read the book.
The illustrations of Stillwater and the children are beautifully rendered watercolors. The coloring is subtle with quite intricate line work for the drawings. The stories between the "real" story are printed on pastel backgrounds and illustrated with silhouettes so that they have a clearly different look from the rest of the book.
When you're finished you should also check out the afterward which explains the underlying philosophy for each story. (Muth has a lot of Buddhist/Taoist influences.)
This is a great book to read with older children because even if they don't get the philosophy, the stories are approachable and they'll get something from it. (Even youngsters will enjoy the pictures.) It's a great introduction to philosophy, a fact that becomes clear after reading the afterward, for "students" of any age. Muth does an admirable job creating a picture book that children and grownups can enjoy together.
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!.......2007-09-19
this book has it all, great watercolor paintings (i am a classically trained artist so this is important to me), great story, and meaningfull messages. i read this to my two year old daughter who is a book fanatic and can sit quietly for more than an hour and listen to long stories. for those of you with very small kids who may just be begging to read longer stories hear is some advice 1.don't give up if your child does not sit through the whole book the first time you read it small children, like my daughter, like farmiliar things and sometimes it just takes a few passes for them to reconize and chose a certain story, 2.don't chose to read a book when your child is bubbling over with energy, and 3.with longer stories it can also help to use a lot of inflection and tone to create intrest before your little one starts turning the page. this book is moderate in wording, not super long but not as simple as short verses or ryming stories. this book has a certain eligance to it that reflectes its message. it is just beautiful.
Gentle way to raise issues w/ kids.......2007-09-18
I like to treat my kids with respect and gentleness. Books that help me are a treasure. Jon Muth is a regular source of those kinds of books. Zen Shorts is not overdone or watered down. It is simple and beautiful and useful. It makes great literature more accessible to young folks. It helps parents and kids trying to live a more mindful or aware life.
A review by a five year old.......2007-09-15
My son Tyler says:
"This book is really great. From this book I learned about friendship and kindness, even though I'm already a kind boy. And I learned that good luck and bad luck are all mixed up. Please buy this book for your child. Bye."
Beutiful Zen Moments.......2007-09-13
Finally a children's book that not only entertains but also make the child (at least my son) raise questions and discuss. I picked up the book on a wimp from the return cart in the bookstore and I have enjoyed reading it with my son ever since. We are waiting anxiously for the next Zen book from Jon Muth.
Book Description
When Bobby Pendragon first arrives on the tropical world of Ibara, he finds
paradise. As he works to uncover clues about the turning point this seemingly
idyllic territory will soon face, all he can determine is that the people of
Ibara are blissfully happy. It's not long before Bobby discovers, however, that
they are also blissfully...oblivious.
The leaders of Ibara are keeping a devastating secret from their people, one
that gives Saint Dane all the opportunity he needs to launch his final assault
on Halla.
While Bobby struggles to learn the truth in time to thwart Saint Dane, Courtney
Chetwynde desperately searches for Mark Diamond. On the heels of a shocking
tragedy, Mark has disappeared. Worse, he seems to be under Saint Dane's
influence. It's up to Courtney to find Mark and stop him from making a grave
mistake that could change the future of all existence.
Customer Reviews:
Pendragon rocks!.......2007-09-20
Another exciting chapter of the Pendragon adventure, the Pilgrims of Rayne continues to follow Bobby Pendragon, now a 17 year old boy, as he attempts to save another territory from being thrown into utter chaos by the very evil Saint Dane. As with the previous books, the twists and turns never stop! At times, what is revealed was so surprising that I had to stop and take a breather! The tone of this book shifts from the other books in that Bobby is starting to realize that his mission is about all of Halla, not just one territory. Things start to blend and shift. Victory is not as clear-cut as it was before for Bobby, and neither is defeat. And the motivations behind Saint Dane's evil acts are revealed more. Plus more time travel fun!
D.J. McHale is the master of surprise, white-knuckle suspense, as well as laugh out loud fun. This is possibly the best adventure series of all time, for both kids and adults. In my opinion, it is even better than Harry Potter. Grab all of his books today!
Great Book.......2007-08-31
This is a great addition to the Pendragon series. I highly recomend reading the first books first.
Very good!.......2007-08-17
Ok, this is book 8 and I can see major events unfolding but I'm a little frustrated as to where this whole thing is going. The territories are all mixed and there are indications of a huge grand scheme. I would like more glimpses into the grand scheme. We can go to 1000 territories and have adventures but it gets a little boring after a while when the stories don't culminate into meaning. I think it's time we enter more into Saint Dane's world and experience that a bit.
review by A Tran.......2007-08-12
You have got to read this book! When you think something will happen, the story does something totally different. I have read the whole series and I love it. It has a sense of adventure when Bobby goes to the different territories. Plus you never know what will happen. The author also uses what happens in the previous books as an effect of something a character in the story might do in another book. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys science fiction or action books. Also the author builds the energy in the story then lets it all out towards the end. Unlike other authors who build until the middle of the story, then the rest is boring.
Pendragon book.......2007-07-30
Even though there was some difficulty recieving this book the seller handeled it promptly and with Grace.
Outstanding
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