Book Reviews

Book Review: My Life in and out of the Rough by John Daly

2006-05-28T07:51:00.000-07:00

15 years ago John Daly burst onto the golf scene with an unbelievable win at the PGA Championship. After Tiger Woods, Daly is the biggest draw for the PGA like it or not. Much of his behavior that endears him to fans does not go over well with the PGA. His flaws are seen by everyone and people appreciate the fact that a big star has flaws just like they do. Daly's ups and downs have been revealed mostly in the public eye and people cannot get enough of it. His book chronicles his life in and out of the rough.

Book Review: Rush Limbaugh Is a Big Fat Idiot by Al Franken

2006-05-27T17:52:00.001-07:00

Just as there are polemists on the right of the political spectrum; there are also those on the left, but Al Franken is special because it is political satire. He gives you numbers and statistics to back up his claims, but the most important part of the writing is the clever political satiure Franken provides. Biased yes, but also funny.

Also by Al Franken: Lies and The Truth

Book Review: Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them by Al Franken

2006-05-27T17:52:00.000-07:00

Al Franken took on Rush Limbuagh in his previous book and in Lies he takes on the rest of the political right in America. Ann Coulter, Bill O'Reilly and President George Bush take most of the blows in his satire with stats. He gives chapter and verse of where these people bend the truth and it is an eye-opener. Again, the book is best in its satire and humor.
Also by Al Franken: The Truth and Rush Limbaugh Is a Big Fat Idiot.

Book Review: The Truth by Al Franken

2006-05-27T17:48:00.000-07:00

The 2004 Presidential election and events following have gotten Al Franken even more incredulous than previously (if that can be believed). In The Truth, Franken gives us his version of the truth on these events including the War in Iraq. Many buy this book for his views, but the legions of fans return because of his wit and satire.
Also by Al Franken: Lies
Rush Limbaugh Is a Big Fat Idiot.

Book Review: Truman by David McCollough

2006-05-26T05:46:00.000-07:00

David McCullough is a well-respected historian who really hit the big time with his biography of Harry Truman. Truman was president during some controversial events in American history. and McCullough delves into what made Truman do what he did. This tome is well over the length of a typically biography, but it is worth the read.

Before McCullough's book Truman the jury was still out to whether he was a good president or not and McCullough in-depth biography displayed that Truman deserves more credit for his accomplishments than he was previously afforded.
Also by David McCullough: 1776 and John Adams

Book Review: Treason: Liberal Treachery from the Cold War to the War on Terrorism by Ann Coulter

2006-05-25T17:33:00.000-07:00

Ann Coulter, a leading conservative pundit, rails against Liberals again in Treason by arguing that Liberals have been wrong on foreign policy since the Cold War. All the Democratic presidents of this era have appeased our enemies and see Liberals as haters of America. She also discusses how history has been distorted because it is often written by Liberals. Her point of view is popular on one side, but hated on the other and her book sales rise because of this discord.
Also by Ann Coulter: Slander and Godless

Book Review: Who's Looking Out for You? by Bill O'Reilly

2006-05-25T10:28:00.000-07:00

Who's Looking Out for You? is the No Spin Zone creator's attempt at muckraking. He provides a laundry list of people that consistently let the American people down from the media to the government. Always brash, O'Reilly offers up personal examples of being let down and how our institutions have not earned our trust. A lot of people trust O'Reilly and his opinions so this will be an influential book.

Also, by O'Reilly: The O'Reilly Factor and The O'Reilly Factor for Kids: A Survival Guide for America's Families

Mayflower : A Story of Courage, Community, and War by Nathaniel Philbrick

2006-05-24T08:21:00.000-07:00

Nathaniel Philbrick's Mayflower is a thoroughly researched revisionist view of history of the Plymouth Colony. Plymouth Colony and the Mayflower are buzz words, but the century-and-a-half between the Mayflower Compact and the American Revolution is often forgotten in American history, but Philbrick fills in that hole masterfully. Mayflower is an excellent book worthy of the praise and sales it has earned.

Book Review: The Truth Behind the Da Vinci Code: A Challenging Response to the Bestselling Novel by Richard Abanes

2006-05-23T10:11:00.000-07:00

Something as controversial and such a success is bound to breed a cottage-industry. Dan Brown's
The Da Vinci Code is just that. For 3 years it has been a best-selling novel and now the movie based on Da Vinci's Code has grossed over $200 million worldwide in its first weekend. Abanes' book is a reference for people to be able to make their own decision is the nove, The Da Vinci Code has any truth to it or not.

Book Review: The Lexus and the Olive Tree: Understanding Globalization by Thomas L. Friedman

2006-05-22T10:11:00.000-07:00

Tom Friedman is a foreign-affairs columnist for the New York Times. The Lexus and the Olive Tree was his first book discussing globalization. In the book the globalization is represented by the Lexus. he sees globalization as the central organizing principle of the post-cold war world. Simultaneously many individuals and nations resist globalization by holding onto what has traditionally mattered to them--the olive tree. through his extensive travels Friedman gives many appropriate examples of his thesis and you begin to see the strength of both the Lexus and the Olive tree in today's world.
Other books by this author: Longitudes and Attitudes, The World Is Flat, From Beruit to Jerusalem

Book Review: Marley and Me: Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog by John Grogan

2006-05-21T06:13:00.000-07:00

Marley and Me, written by John Grogan, is the advantures of Grogan and his wife getting a dog to prepare for parenthood. Grogan is a columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer, but here he simply chronicles the ups and downs of having an energetic labrador. He tells the tales well and dog lovers will love this book and are probably the main reason it is selling so well.

Book Review: The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference by Malcolm Gladwell

2006-05-20T12:53:00.000-07:00

Malcolm Gladwell burst on to the scene with The Tipping Point. In this book he examines how little things become big phenomenon. He states that it is like an epidemic and spread like viruses spread. They spread by Connectors, people who know everybody and if you were Paul Revere you were also a Maven, one who collects a lot of information. These sorts of people have a big sociological impact on how these viruses spread. Gladwell's excellent writing make it easy for most to grasp these everyday sociological occurrences and this book is known all over the world.
Also, the author of Blink.

Book Review: The Purpose-driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? by Rick Warren

2006-05-20T12:29:00.000-07:00

Rick Warren is the Pastor of Saddleback Church, a Southern Baptist church in southern California with weekly attendance of more than 15,000. Warren has a mega-hit by taking his idea of The Purpose Driven Church book he wrote and applying on an individual basis. Before his audience was church pastors, but here in the Purpose Driven Life he focuses the purpose of an invidual's life.
He says the Purpose Driven life comes from 5 things:

1. Worship
2. Community
3. Discipleship
4. Ministry
5. Evangelism

Interestingly enough he footnotes the Bible hundreds of times and the book is well researched. There are 40 short chapters that should be read over 40 days so you can fully grip the purpose of each chapter. People want to feel like there is a purpose to their life and Rick Warren's book gives them an excellent entry to understanding that they do.

Book Review: Beach Road by James Patterson and Peter de Jonge

2006-05-20T12:16:00.000-07:00

James Patterson collaboration with Eric de Jonge (coauthor on The Beach House) does not have all the signs of a great novel, but Patterson remains popular with readers. The protagonist, Tom Dunleavy, is a former professional basketball player and local East Hampton legend. He is an unmotivated attorney with his best days in the rearview mirror. But then locals are killed after a basketball game and many believe the murder was racially motivated. Dante Halleyville, the country's best high school player, is the police's main suspect. Like Tom Cruise in A Few Good Men, Dunleavy must get his act together in for this case and even gets his old flame, Kate Costello, to partner up with him.

Book Review: Burnt Toast: And Other Philosophies of Life by Teri Hatcher

2006-05-20T04:53:00.000-07:00

Teri Hatcher, of Desparate Housewives fame, is taking full advantage of this time in the spotlight to show how she is like many other women out there. Though many see her as a glamorous star she is self depricating and a single mom who has gone through many of the same issues that affect women today. Because people can relate to her stories and problems it makes many women feel in a community and that they are not alone in their struggles (Even Teri Hatcher has _________ wrong with her life). Her advice has struck a nerve and Burnt Toast is a best-seller.

Book Review: Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin

2006-05-19T04:15:00.000-07:00

Doris Kearns Goodwin, the Pulitzer Prize Winner for No Ordinary Time, takes on a multiple biography of Abraham Lincoln and 4 members of his administration's cabinet. Taking on Lincoln is a tough task, but expanding it to William H. Seward, Salmon P. Chase, Edwin M. Stanton and Edward Bates as well is a monumental task. Doris Kearns Goodwin humanizing all the characters in their biographies and brilliantly weaves them all together to show the true political genius of Abraham Lincoln.

Book Review: Paris to the Moon by Adam Gopnik

2006-05-18T17:38:00.000-07:00

Adam Gopnik, a writer for The New Yorker magazine, records his and his family's (wife and young child) experience on their five-year stay in Paris. Gopnik dives into many Parisian idiosynchrasies: from the effect of local politics to the lack of gym to exercise. Paris to the Moon enlightens the reader to the uniqueness of one's culture and how it can both evolve and be frozen in time simultaneously.

Book Review: Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden

2006-05-18T17:32:00.000-07:00

Arthur Golden tells an exquisite story of a poor fisherman's daughter who is sold into slavery and ends up at in a home in the Geisha district of Kyoto, Japan. Told in the first person this memoir is a brilliantly framed novel. Although it starts out sad the story unfolds and you are taken through the heroine's life filled with fate, both bad and good.

Book Review: A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggers

2006-05-18T17:13:00.000-07:00

This memoir by David Eggers tells the autobiographical story of Eggers at the age of 22 when he becomes an orphan and sole guardian of his 8 year old brother. Eggers takes on the challenge and saurvives through the ups and down while having fun at the same time. As he tells his story you see the arc of Eggers himself becoming an adult in his new-found responsibilities as well as a reliable parent for his brother.

Book Review: Running with Scissors: A Memoir by Augusten Burroughs

2006-05-18T17:03:00.000-07:00

Augusten Burroughs was abandoned by his mother when she no longer could take care of him because of mental illness. She left him with her therapist's family--an odd situation for all. Burroughs can laugh at himself while detailing peculiar experiences while living with this eccentric family. Though it is difficult he strives to maintain a relationship with his mother hoping that her mental illness will recede. The book is riveting and funny and leaves you hoping Burroughs' life can get on track. This popular memoir is being made into a movie starring Annette Bening and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Book Review: The O'Reilly Factor for Kids: A Survival Guide for America's Families by Bill O'Reilly

2006-05-18T10:35:00.000-07:00

When you think of the O'Reilly Factor you do not necessarily think about kids, but O'Reilly has done just that. In The O'Reilly Factor for Kids he marries the two to teach kids his version of becoming a man in America and what it means to be a patriot and succeed. Although O'Reilly is hugely popular this kids version of "The Factor" might not go over too well since kids generally do not like being told what to do in the first place.
Also the author of The O'Reilly Factor and Who's Looking Out for You?

Book Review: Lies at the Altar: The Truth About Great Marriages by Robin L. Smith

2006-05-17T10:45:00.000-07:00

Dr. Robin Smith's new book, Lies at the Altar, is very popular because Dr. Smith is seen on many television programs and because it is a self-help book for marriages. She examines how unreal many vows are and how to change them so they represent reality and what is really important. She uses stories from her own life to illustrate her point of how it has worked.

Book Review: Longitudes and Attitudes: Exploring the World After September 11 by Thomas L. Friedman

2006-05-16T06:22:00.000-07:00

Tom Friedman is a columnist for the New York Times and Longitudes and Attitudes is a collection of his columns surrounding the events of 9/11. His keen insight in Middle East affairs as well as first-hand knowledge of the social climate gives the reader an excellent window inside the circumstances that brought on 9/11. ,This bound edition is a way to bring back the emotions of the events surrounding 9/11.
Also author of The World Is Flat, The Lexus and the Olive Tree and From Beruit to Jersusalem.

Book Review: Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell

2006-05-15T10:35:00.000-07:00

From the author of The Tipping Point, Blink by Malcolm Gladwell is a study of snap judgements and the importance they hold in the way we think about someone of something. Gladwell does many of these studies on a micro-level for The New Yorker magazine. Gladwell is known for his excellent writing and The Tipping Point made him a superstar. Blink has all the makings of another best seller for Gladwell because he taps into something everyone can feel, but it never took the importance in the front of their mind to be a philosophy of life. Now with Blink many might become disciples of Gladwell's way of thinking like so many did after The Tipping Point.

Book Review: Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow

2006-05-14T16:29:00.000-07:00

Ron Chernow's biography of Alexander Hamilton is comprehensive and intriguing. Although Hamilton was the first Secretary of the Treasury and was murdered by the sitting Vice President of the U.S.A. he is often pushed aside in history. After Washington, Hamilton is right at the top of Founding Fathers and Chernow's biography displays Hamilton's excellence and importance in American history. Because of the thoroughness of Chernow's research you get the best biography of Hamilton available.

Book Review: The Omnivore's Dilemma : A Natural History of Four Meals by Michael Pollan

2006-05-14T15:28:00.000-07:00

Michael Pollan in The Omnivore's Dilemma, writes about the genesis of the food we eat from where the food starts to where it ends. There are three themes to the book:

Industrial farming
Organic food
What it is like to hunt and gather food for oneself.

They are all wrapped up in a discussion of a meal he made using each theme; a cheeseburger and fries from McDonald's; roast chicken, Whole Foods salad and veggies; and grilled chicken, corn and a chocolate soufflé from a sustainable farm; and, finally, mushrooms and pork, he obtains from the great outdoors himself.

It reminds me of a professor I had in college. He raised and killed his own food to appreciate better the food he ate each day. We all thought he was crazy, but there is something to it if you read Pollan's book.

Book Review: YOU: The Owner's Manual: An Insider's Guide to the Body that Will Make You Healthier and Younger by Michael F. Roizen and Mehmet Oz

2006-05-13T06:40:00.000-07:00

YOU is written by a couple of brilliant doctors that know how to convey messages to laymen. Drs. Oz and Roizen have written "YOU: The Owner's Manual : An Insider's Guide to the Body that Will Make You Healthier and Younger" as a type of Your Body: For Dummies. There are desriptive pictures that cleverly illustrate important health information you need. Their no-nonsense approach to making people healthier has made this book a best-seller. You do not have to have a degree in medicine to comprehend their message.

Book Review: Godless: The Church of Liberalism by Ann Coulter

2006-05-12T10:15:00.000-07:00

The Liberals most hated list is probably topped by Ann Coulter. Her new book, "Godless: The Church of Liberalism," pours fuel on that ire and fire. Again she takes a hot topic and polarizes to the greatest extent she can (religion). She believes Liberals are not without religion--Liberalism is their religion. She lumps all lefties into a convenient box saying that traditional religion is mocked by Liberals. Facts might not be used in her religion, but most serious scholars would provide more information to trace to her conclusions. This book will be available in early June and her divisiveness will make it a best seller.
Also, author of Slander and Treason.

Book Review: The Complete New Yorker by David Remnick

2006-05-11T10:35:00.000-07:00

80 years the The New Yorker magazine in an 8 DVD searchable set. It contains 4,109 complete issues and over 1/2 a million pages. Everything is in there from the ads to the fiction and poetry. These easy-to-use DVDs take you back to any time in the past 80 years and it is like you are there. You can see how people felt when Pearl Harbor was bombed or when JFK was assassinated. It is an unbelievable tool that you will relish if you are a fan of The New Yorker or just interested in Americana.
Also author of Reporting.

Book Review: American Gospel : God, the Founding Fathers, and the Making of a Nation by Jon Meacham

2006-05-10T11:11:00.000-07:00

Newsweek editor, Jon Meacham, throws for onto the debate on Christianity and the founding of the United States. He examines religion and the Presidency as well as what he believes the Fouding Fathers meant in the U.S. Consitution. He provides a point of view from the center along with excellent research to back it up. It is refreshing to see a book that is not polemic--though both sides of the argument will not be happy with it.

Book Review: Reporting by David Remnick

2006-05-09T10:26:00.000-07:00

David Remnick is the well-known Editor of The New Yorker magazine. "Reporting" is a collection of his writings from The New Yorker which rely heavily on biographical pieces of prominent people over the years. His excellent writing shines through in this "Best of" book, and you can easily see how he won the Pulitzer Prize. The five themes in Reporting are:

Politics/Current Events
Writers
Russia
Israel/Palestine
Boxing

Even if you do not enjoy these topics you still will be pleased with the book.
Also author of The Complete New Yorker.

Book Review: The House: The History of the House of Representatives by Robert Remini and Library of Congress

2006-05-08T04:16:00.000-07:00

Robert Remini was picked to write the history of the U.S. House of Representatives back in 1999. This book is a crowning achievement in a great career for this Professor emeritus of the University of Illinois-Chicago. Remini is best known for his books detailing the Age of Jackson and he has written several biographies of prominent figures from this era. In "The House" Remini shows the evolution of the House of Representatives from its origins in the U.S. Constitution through the end of the 20th Century. This tome is a great resource for understanding the House of Representatives and shines light on issues and subjects that rarely have received attention in the past.

Book Review: Politics Lost: How American Democracy Was Trivialized By People Who Think You're Stupid by Joe Klein

2006-05-07T05:33:00.000-07:00

Joe Klein, political columnist for Time magazine and he was the Anonymous author of "Primary Colors." Klein is widely considered a moderate in his views and his political acumen is well respected. In "Politics Lost" he discusses the past 40 years of American politics and the influence of pollsters and political consultants. His frustration with politicians following pollsters and consultants is one major aspect of what he believes is wrong with America today. Statesmen and consultants are diametrically opposed in their view of the world. Statesmen look long-term and consultants look at the current newscycle. This will not work.
This is an interesting look at these influences in politics today.

Book Review: The Mighty and the Almighty: Reflections on America, God, and World Affairs by Madeleine Albright

2006-05-06T06:12:00.000-07:00

Former Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright, has been making the talk show rounds lately expounding on her ideas on religion and U.S. relations with the world. She focuses on how most, if not all, Presidents have spoke of God in their speeches, but she adament about the difference current President, George W. Bush, invokes God. She believes Bush's confidence in his belief that God is one his side makes opposite to him, opposition to God. As former Decretary of State she understands diplomacy. Obviously, he Democratic leanings can skew her opinions, but her arguments are sound.

Book Review: Slander: Liberal Lies About the American Right by Ann Coulter

2006-05-05T06:20:00.000-07:00

Ann Coulter has become quick famous as being a polemic conservative commentator on politics. In "Slander" she plays loose and fast with the facts and picks and chooses her sources to buttress her argument. She obvious does not like Clinton and can barely even tolerate liberals. Her and her ilk have successfully divided the country and that is why she gets so much attention.
Also author of Godless and Treason.

Book Review: Bill James Historical Baseball Abstract by Bill James

2006-05-04T18:26:00.000-07:00

Baseball is a game of statistics.

Bill James burst on to the baseball scene with Historical Abstract almost 20 years ago (though he had written much before this). He is known for his innovations in measuring statistics and baseeball players' worth. He became a household word in baseball after the Boston Red Sox hired him a few years back as an advisor. Low and behold the Red Sox won the World Series soon after in 2004. James has not always been taken seriously and many old-school baseball experts dismiss the importance of Bill James. However, if you love baseball you will be intrigued by his point of view on baseball.

Book Review: The O'Reilly Factor : The Good, the Bad, and the Completely Ridiculous in American Life by Bill O'Reilly

2006-05-04T06:23:00.000-07:00

Bill O'Reilly hosts radio and television talk shows and is best known for the eponymously named O'Reilly Factor. The O'Reilly Factor book debuted in 2000 so his views are mainly on the Democratic administration of Bill Clinton and major issues at that time. O'Reilly is a self-proclaimed populist although many see him as a conservative. Many of his views reflect his difficult to pigeon-hole views. The book often borders on the outrageous, but that is what his audience is looking for. If you like O'Reilly this won't disappoint.
Also by O'Reilly: The O'Reilly Factor for Kids

Who's Looking Out for You

Book Review: American Theocracy: The Peril and Politics of Radical Religion, Oil, and Borrowed Money in the 21st Century by Kevin Phillips

2006-05-03T10:36:00.000-07:00

In 1969 Kevin Phillips was a republican strategist and wrote "The Emerging Republic Majority," a book which foresaw changes in America to a long-lasting Republican Majority. Because of his success in predicting that many are disturbed by the themes he sees now.

There are 3 major themes in this book:

Radical Religion
Oil
Borrowed Prosperity

He lays out historical evidence that draws parallels to circumstances the U.S. finds itself in currently. His his opinion, this perfect storm could be the downfall of the U.S. if we do not start paying greater attention to them immediately.

Book Review: The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-first Century by Thomas L. Friedman

2006-05-02T10:36:00.000-07:00

Tom Friedman is a well-known New York Times columnist who focuses on the Middle East. Recently he took a sabbatical in order to brush up on globalization because he sees it as the most important aspect the affects the world now and in the future. The fruits of this time off along with some well-done research produced this book, The World Is Flat. Here he provides his thesis that the world is flat because of the instant interconnectivity that the world now has because of the internet, cell-phones and technology. Now there is more competition out there than ever because so many people are plugged-in. Friedman foresees many challenges to the U.S. because of this and thinks right now we are not up pto that challenge.
Also author of: Longitudes and Attidudes, The Lexus and the Olive Tree and From Beruit to Jerusalem.

Book Review: Fooled Again: How the Right Stole the 2004 Election and They Will Steal the Next One Too by Mark Crispin Miller

2006-05-01T06:23:00.000-07:00

Looking back to Election Day 2004 early it on it seemed as though Democratic candidate for President, John Kerry, was leading in the exit polling. However, by the end of the evening Republican incumbent, George W. Bush, had the election sewn up. How did this happen? Well, the Democrats had a short-lived uproar claiming election fraud, but that was quickly squashed.

Mark Crispin Miller takes this theme and runs with it. He provides mounds of evidence, some convincing and some not so convincing, to make the point that the election truly was stolen. This controversial and polemic point of view is worth listening to, but the reader will have to draw their own conclusions on the veracity of the claims.

Book Review: The Wastrels of Defense: How Congress Sabotages National Security by Winslow Wheeler

2006-04-30T15:30:00.000-07:00

This book is a direct indictment of the U.S. Congress and their sins against America's defense. Winslow Wheeler lays out a lawyer-like case of who, what, when, why and how Congressmen and Congresswomen squander U.S. taxpayers money and misapropriate funds. His points the finger at Democrats and Republicans alike so it is difficult to attack this book as being polemic. Wheeler was a National Security Advisor to four senators so he has the knowledge and experience to back up his claims. After reading this book you will propbably bring back a verdict of guilty for the U.S. Congress failures to protect citizens of the U.S.A.

Book Review: John Adams by David McCullough

2006-04-29T18:37:00.000-07:00

John Adams is one of the most underrated and overlooked members of the founding generation. Historically he has been seen as the first Vice President and second President of the U.S.A. McCullough digs deeper to reveal a great man with human flaws who did historic things. He defended British soldiers after the Boston Massacre; he was the spearhead to choose George Washington as leader of the Continental Army during the Revolution; he gave Thomas Jefferson the spotlight to write the Declaration of Independence. That is only the shortlist. McCullough makes him more than the stale figure he has often been portrayed as and gives him life, especially through his relationship with his wife Abagail Adams. McCullough's biography is another triumph for him and helped bring about a new discussion of Adams' importance.
Also by this author: 1776

Book Review: Booknotes: Stories From American History by Brian Lamb

2006-04-29T18:29:00.000-07:00

Brian Lamb is the founding CEO of C-SPAN (Cable-Satellite Public Affairs Network) started the show Booknotes in 1989. Just recently did the show come to an end because Lamb was exhausted from having to read a book a week to prepare for the one-hour interview of a particular author. Here he has collected some of the best stories told on Booknotes from prominent authors of American History. It spans the the era of the Revoltion to books about the 9/11 attacks. It is a great glimpse into the selected authors' subjects and gives excellent insight to their topics.

Book Review: Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt

2006-04-29T17:48:00.000-07:00

A smash hit memoir by for New York City public school teacher Frank McCourt about his trials and tribulation growing up poor in Ireland. This popular book was made into a movie which shared none of the success of the book. McCourt's recollections of his youth are heartbreaking and inspiring at the same time. He shows you the best and worst of his childhood without pulling punches.

Book Review: The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham

2006-04-29T16:00:00.000-07:00

Any book on investing with a preface and appendix by Warren Buffet is one to pay attention to, especially when a blurb ont he book quote Buffet saying, "By far the best book on investing ever written." Buffet is a value investor and Benjamin Graham is definitely a believer in that methodology of investing. Value investing means that you are buying a stck that is worth more than it costs and Graham gives you the ammunition to determine that information. If you need to learn how to invest long-term this is definite book you need.

Book Review: Napoleon Bonaparte by Alan Schom

2006-04-29T10:33:00.000-07:00

This historical tome of Napoleon Bonaparte is 800 plus pages but not a sleeper. This well researched biography spans the entire life of Bonoparte. Schom also wrote One Hundered Days and Trafalgar so he is a knowledgable historian on the era. If you want to brush up on Napoleon from a reliable source Schom's biography is a great place to start.

Book Review: The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

2006-04-28T10:29:00.000-07:00

This blockbuster book by Dan Brown just went to paperback and the movie version of the book is due out May 19, 2006. We will see if there is disappointment with the movie since the book has been a smash hit.
Religion, myths, secret societies, conspiracy theories and Jesus make a great combination especially when as well researched as this book is. This thrilling and smart tale that keeps readers on edge and always guessing. You simply will not be able to puts this down. Definitely read the book before seeing the movie.

Book Review: Freakonomics by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner

2006-04-27T10:18:00.000-07:00

Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner book, Freakonomics, is an interesting approach to the study of economics. Levitt is the face of the marketing approach for the book. He has gone on several talk shows from Charlie Rose to the Daily Show to discuss his and Dubner's book.
They look at economics in a different way and apply this to everything from real estate agents in Chicago pushing price drops to seller's too quickly to Roe v. Wade and the falling crime rate. It is not always easy to make economics interesting, but Levitt and Dubner succeed in Freakonomics.

Book Review: Politics by Hendrik Hertzberg

2006-04-26T17:30:00.000-07:00

This one-time speech writer for Jimmy Carter now columnist for the The New Yorker is on the left side of the aisle. If you are left or right in your politics either way you will find his stories and ideas worth your time. His columns for The New Yorker are always insightful and interesting and this long-form book is an excellent avenue for him to spread his literary wings and show what he's got. His is not polemic like many lefties or righties, but he has strong points of view that you might or might not agree with but you will ponder for a time. The chapters are split into small vingettes which makes it easy to pick and put down when you need.

Book Review: The 9 Steps To Financial Freedom: Practical & Spiritual Steps So You Can Stop Worrying by Suze Orman

2006-04-26T17:19:00.000-07:00

Suze Orman was a one-time stock broker who now has her own television show where she offers up her financial wisdom. She has been on Oprah and has written several books on finance. She knows her stuff and if you are a beginner you should take her words as gospel. She is part counselor and part financial guru and that combination makes her very popular.

Her 9 Steps include:

Seeing How Your Financial Past Holds the Key to Your Financial Future
Facing Your Fears and Creating New Truths
Being Honest with Yourself
Being Responsible to Those You Love
Being Respectful of Yourself and Your Money
Trusting Yourself More Than You Trust Others
Being Open to Receive All That You Are Meant to Have
Understanding the Ebb and Flow of the Money Circle
Recognizing Wealth

Her financial and personal advice can help you build a solid financial future for yourself and your family.

Book Review: Your Best Life Now: 7 Steps To Living At Your Full Potential by Joel Osteen

2006-04-26T16:58:00.000-07:00

Joel Osteen is senior pastor at Lakewood Church in Houston Texas with a weekly attendance of 30,000 parishoners. His first book, Your Best Life Now, is an inspiration and manual to improving your life now instead of putting off the goals you always aspire to but never reach.

The 7 steps he details are:

Enlarge Your Vision
Develop A Healthy Self-Image
Discover the Power of Your Thoughts and Words
Let Go of the Past
Find Strength Through Adversity
Live to Give!
Choose to Be Happy

This book is spiritual and paret self-help. His church is so popular for a reason and this book shows us all that.

Book Review: The Good Fight: Declare Your Independence and Close the Democracy Gap by Ralph Nader

2006-04-26T06:13:00.000-07:00

Ralph Nader is the reason we have some of the safety features in vehicles and he is also, more famously, known for his recent third party runs for President of the U.S.A. in 2000 and 2004. In The Good Fight Nader's populist and muckracking shed light on some gross injustices that we as a nation often ignore. The book has an agenda and a purpose to push his point of view on how the country should be run and how he could improve the country as President. Unfortunately, we are at a time in American history where third parties garner little support and are not taken very seriously. The book poses some good questions and gives a voice where there needs to be one and that is the essence of it because Nader never had a real chance to win the Presidency.

Book Review: His Excellency by Joseph Ellis

2006-04-25T10:20:00.000-07:00

Joseph Ellis is a renown historian who has been under some scrutiny because of fabricated war stories, however, you should not let this completely sour you towards his writing. Preceding His Excellency, a short biography on George Washington, Ellis wrote Founding Brothers a examination of many of the main players at the beginning of the U.S.A. This time with His Excellency, Ellis does not aim to write a tome on Washington's life. This book's goal is to get an understanding of Washington's life in a concise version. Ellis succeeds in that, however, if you know Washington already you pine for more when you read this book. If you are just along for the ride it is well written and provides an excellent snapshot of His Excellency, George Washington.

Book Review: 1776 by David McCullough

2006-04-24T10:42:00.000-07:00

David McCullough is one of the premiere writers of American history in this current generation. His research and insight on the events surrounding the American Revolution and the year 1776. He describes how it was not only important and pivotal because of the Declaration of Independence, but how the war was being fought by General George Washington.

Great Britain at this time was a behemoth and to think that Washington's ragtag army could beat the British was unthinkable and if were a movie few would find it plausible. McCullough details mainly Washington and his army and the bad breaks and the unbelievably good breaks they got that fateful year. If you like McCullough you will love 1776. Anyone interested in the themes of this time in American history will love it as well.
Also by this author: John Adams

Book Review: From Beruit to Jerusalem by Thomas L. Friedman

2006-04-24T10:24:00.000-07:00

Tom Friedman's primer on how the Middle East works was written over 15 years ago, but still is relevant to today's Middle East issues. Friedman is a well-known columnist for the New York Times who has recently shifted his focus from the Middle East to globalization. He still comments regularly on the Middle East and his comments have resonance around the world. His latest book, The World Is Flat, conveys his ideas on globalism and how it permeates to all parts of the world in so many ways.

If you want to begin to understand the Middle East, where it has been and where it is, this compelling story tracks Friedman's jounalistic work from Beruit to Jerusalem. His insight and explanations are understandable for a beginner, but it even challenges experts in Middle East affairs.
Also author of: The World is Flat, The Lexus and the Olive Tree and Longitudes and Attitudes.

Book Review: Lincoln's Virtues: An Ethical Biography by William Lee Miller

2006-04-24T09:46:00.001-07:00

William Lee Miller's biography on Honest Abe is an einteresting way to look at Lincoln. Lincoln is put on a pedalstal as a mora thinker and person and Miller reveals how and why Lincoln became the way he was. He refutes some well entrenched perceptions about Lincoln and provides solid reasoning to how great Lincoln was while explaining that he was human and terribly ambitious. Miller had previously written Arguing About Slavery, an excellent account of Congress and their debates on slavery during the 1830s. Slavery was a great book and Miller does not disappoint with this unique look at Abraham Lincoln.

Book Review: A People's History of the United States 1492-Present by Howard Zinn

2006-04-23T18:47:00.000-07:00

Howard Zinn takes on the establishment be providing a different sort of point of view to American history. While it covers the whole sprall of American History and can be used as a textbook--it would rarely, if ever, be used as a text for a public high school's American history text. Usually there is more of a "rah-Rah" patriotic version of American history given to the youth of America. Zinn flips that type of history upside down and gives it from the point of view of the commoner, not the Great, White, Dead, Men of America. As a historian he must provide proof, and he does, to his ideas he puts forth in the book. From Columbus to Clinton he gives another version of what are notions are of American history. This is a must read for any American to get another view of American history--even if you don't like it it will be good for you.

Book Review: Lincoln at Cooper Union by Harold Holzer

2006-04-23T18:38:00.001-07:00

This account of the background of the speech that made Abraham Lincoln a viable candidate for President of the U.S.A. in 1860 is well-researched and enthralling. If you like Abraham Lincoln or even finding out how a historical puzzle is solved Harold Holzer's account is an exellent choice. It traces the maturing of Lincoln's speechwriting from his earlier days up to Cooper Union and beyond. It debunks some myths and sharply details how this perfect storm of events and happenstances that brought Abraham Lincoln from a mere western politician to a possible challenger to New York's favorite son (or not so favorite), William Seward.