Best General
A strategy for changing attitudes about personal finances covers such topics as getting out of debt, the dangers of cash advances, and keeping spending within income limits. His seven-step plan includes paying off all debts except the home mortgage at an accelerated speed, creating a financial safety net that covers three to six months' expenses, investing 15 percent of income in a retirement fund, and saving for children's college expenses.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The baby steps are pretty straightforward: Baby Step 1 – $1,000 to start an Emergency Fund - you'll find this way easier than you expect to. Baby Step 3 – 3 to 6 months of expenses in savings. Baby Step 4 – Invest 15% of household income into Roth IRAs and pre-tax retirement. Baby Step 5 – College funding for children. Baby Step 6 – Pay off home early. Baby Step 7 – Build wealth and give. The rules are simple: 1) Live and breathe by your budget."
"In 4 months, I paid off my car loan, all credit cards and doctor bills!!!"
"* He lays out his seven Baby Steps and makes them simple to understand. * I really liked the quote, "If you worked for a company called YOU Inc. and you managed money at YOU Inc. the way you manage your own money now, would you fire you?" Dave Ramsey is rich because he is a business owner who can make money from his radio show, books, seminars, programs, etc. It would have been great to get his advice on that, but he probably didn't want to overwhelm the reader with too many topics. College loans can be very appropriate for some people, business loans can be great in the right situation, and his statement that you should put money toward paying down debt rather than getting the company 401(k) match seemed too extreme to me. goals or having an accountability partner, which have been shown to greatly help people achieve all kinds of dreams."
"Dave hits the nail on the head."
"Great book practical money advice ."
"Dave Ramsey was recommended to me by many people."
"If you're in debt, ANYTHING Dave Ramsey will help."
"Good book I bought for grandson."
For the first time, all the pieces of The Secret come together in an incredible revelation that will be life transforming for all who experience it. You will learn how to use The Secret in every single area of your life. Supporters will hail this New Age self-help book on the law of attraction as a groundbreaking and life-changing work, finding validation in its thesis that one's positive thoughts are powerful magnets that attract wealth, health, happiness... and did we mention wealth?
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"When I first began to read this book I honestly thought it was a crock and a waste of my time and money. When I initially disagreed with one of the authors viewpoint with in the book and scrutinized another's personal life through research I was almost stop reading, but I decided to continue reading anyway. As the book unraveled and began to reveal "The Secret," and how to apply it into my life immediately, I allowed myself to be open in receiving whatever insight I could in order to help me overcome several difficulties in my life and achieve a better quality of life overall. This is a life changing book and I see why it has sold millions and millions of copies around the world."
"When I do my evening gratitude exercises, I feel like I am writing the most important chart of my life. And it helps to sleep better :). I also picked a special pen, and now the whole process becomes sacred."
"This book may be worth buying once because of the tips provided at the beginning (also available by preview as of this writing) and for the quotes on gratitude throughout."
"I like this little book a lot but i think i will be regifting it as reading pages of The Secret book on a daily basis is enough for me."
"A good read while in Mexico."
"An intriguing concept."
"The positive thinking is a great feeling, the hardest part is retraining your brain to be positive even when you don't feel positive."
"Love this book!"
In Extreme Ownership , Jocko Willink and Leif Babin share hard-hitting, Navy SEAL combat stories that translate into lessons for business and life. Riveting, engaging, and free from the usual cliché platitudes, this book is strikingly impactful and will dramatically improve leaders of all types.” ― Amy Brandt Schumacher, entrepreneur, executive, and philanthropist. An inspiring and page-turning read, the leadership lessons are easy to digest and implement. This book made me a better leader and enabled my entire team step up our game!” ― Jared Hamilton, founder and CEO, DrivingSales "One of the best books on leadership I've ever read and a tremendous war story book as well."
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Extreme Ownership is written by two former Navy SEALs, Jocko Willink and Leif Babin, who now head a leadership training company. There aren't many books out there that give such detailed glimpses into the lives of SEALs in action. The authors convey one main point per chapter by sharing a story from their battlefield experiences, then highlighting the main principle of that story, and finally giving a concrete example of how this principle applies in business settings. In my opinion, the simplicity, clarity, and structure of this book are it's greatest strengths. There are several moments when the authors share a complete story or personal thought--and then share the story again, but this time in the context of telling it to either their SEAL teams or to a group of business executives. Second, while this book is very descriptive--especially with the battle scenes--it is also incredibly restrained, almost cold. Their lessons are insightful and thought-provoking, and I can definitely see how their experiences will help guide leaders in the business world."
"They explain hard-learned principles of leadership, which they experienced first-hand as US Navy SEALs, specifically in and around their 2006 deployment to Ramadi, Iraq, one of the most dangerous places and times in the war. Military recruits & officers, parents, corporate executives, students, low-level management, spouses, shop foremen, independent contractors, and sole proprietors will all benefit from the lessons of Extreme Ownership. If you feel you're stuck in a rut, lacking self-discipline, or perhaps know someone who simply needs to improve their lot, this book is an excellent starting point."
"Probably the BEST leadership book Ive ever read."
"Good read, I've been reading multiple chapters at a time."
"I really enjoyed the format of this particular book."
"The things about Navy SEALs is beyond the obvious heroism and courage, they are quietly among the wisest, most intellectual, and emotionally aware operators in any field -- military, business, sports, or life. This book captures the core, critical pillars of individual and team ownership that drive success anywhere they are applied."
Best Computers & Internet
Based on more than forty interviews with Jobs conducted over two years—as well as interviews with more than a hundred family members, friends, adversaries, competitors, and colleagues—Walter Isaacson has written a riveting story of the roller-coaster life and searingly intense personality of a creative entrepreneur whose passion for perfection and ferocious drive revolutionized six industries: personal computers, animated movies, music, phones, tablet computing, and digital publishing. His friends, foes, and colleagues provide an unvarnished view of the passions, perfectionism, obsessions, artistry, devilry, and compulsion for control that shaped his approach to business and the innovative products that resulted. Walter Isaacson , the CEO of the Aspen Institute, has been chairman of CNN and the managing editor of Time magazine.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Always knew that Jobs was an ego-maniac, but never realized the extent to which he disrespected certain industry peers, company employees and large numbers of people he crossed paths with."
"I would have to say in preface I feel the reader needs to have had some history with the Apple products as the book, while describing the personality of Steve Jobs, also goes into a chronological explanation of the development of both the hardware and software."
"Throughout the biography, you learn about Steve's days at Reed College, his fascination with diet and spirituality, and his "distortion reality" that infected anyone that allowed themselves to get caught up in it. I laughed, I pondered, and I almost cried reading the book (yes, I got choked up a tad bit at the end when Steve passed away)."
"Steve Jobs has given to the tech industry what no other individual could ever, or has ever, give it."
"But I loved reading Walter Isaacson's biography of Steve Jobs. I was surprised by how much Mr. Isaacson evidently liked Steve Jobs as much as he says he did on those videos, because when I read his biography I felt I was constantly being assailed by the negative parts of Jobs' personality."
"I read the book on my Kindle and wished it was on my iPad. I now appreciate Jobs for that."
"if you saw the truly awful movie that purports to be based on this book, you must read the book."
Best Carlson, Richard
With Don't Sweat the Small Stuff ...you'll also learn how to: * Live in the present moment. * Let others have the glory at times. * Lower your tolerance to stress. * Trust your intuitions. * Live each day as it might be your last. With gentle, supportive suggestions, Dr. Carlson reveals ways to make your actions more peaceful and caring, with the added benefit of making your life more calm and stress-free. Carlson urges small daily changes and uses examples of improvement from his own life to show how the advice works, making the book ideally suited to the audio format.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Fantastic read for anyone struggling with anything or finding yourself in roadblock situations."
"Best book I ever bought as far as bettering myself and the way I think and approach life."
"Was recommended this by a friend."
"Great book for anyone who ever doubts life & your reactions to it."
"great book i recieved a copy for christmas and read it like 5 times and had to buy a copy for my family members."
"Recommended read from a leadership conference."
"Great book."
"This is the 9th time I have purchased this book in 7 years, the first copy for myself and the next 8 purchased for family and close friends when I've been privy to tough or turbulent times in their lives."
Best Covey, Stephen R.
This Signature Series is an unmissable audiobook companion to Stephen R. Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People . Dr. Stephen R. Covey is an internationally respected leadership authority, teacher, author, organizational consultant, and co-founder and vice chairman of Franklin Covey Co.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"or read something profound and just sit dumbfounded, going "Wow," and you have to take a moment to reflect on it? Ways you can start to shift your thinking by taking an emotional inventory of your life and what you're doing/feeling every day. This book is about the untouchable part of your human spirit that no one besides you controls. This book is about carrying sunny weather with you where ever you go, learning how much a proactive attitude benefits you, and really how sad and wasteful it is to walk through life allowing things to ruin your day."
"Great advice for anyone who wants to get ahead in life."
"The one good use for my old van tape deck."
"Classic self-help book."
"Arrived on time, product as described!"
"Great as Stephen always delivers."
"good book, good sharing of ideas."
"Good for office manager's, employee's, your life."
Best Cooking, Food & Wine
From the physician behind the wildly popular website. NutritionFacts.org. , How Not to Die reveals the groundbreaking scientific evidence behind the only diet that can prevent and reverse many of the causes of disease-related death. In How Not to Die , Dr. Michael Greger, the internationally-renowned nutrition expert, physician, and founder of NutritionFacts.org, examines the fifteen top causes of premature death in America-heart disease, various cancers, diabetes, Parkinson's, high blood pressure, and more-and explains how nutritional and lifestyle interventions can sometimes trump prescription pills and other pharmaceutical and surgical approaches, freeing us to live healthier lives. In addition to showing what to eat to help treat the top fifteen causes of death, How Not to Die includes Dr. Greger's Daily Dozen -a checklist of the twelve foods we should consume every day. Dr. Michael Greger presents the groundbreaking science onhow simple plant-based food choices help us live healthier and happier lives.Dr. Greger describes which foods to eat to prevent the leading causes ofdisease-related death and shows how a diet based on fruits, vegetables, tubers,whole grains, and legumes might even save your life." Not onlydoes Dr. Michael Greger drop a metric f*ckton of evidence that a plant-baseddiet will save your damn life, he lays out the blueprint to make it happen. "Finally a physician has pulled together the latest scientific studies onhow to fight disease and prolong life. His workat NutritionFacts.org and in HOW NOT TO DIE features the latest science onnutrition and health to show how to treat and prevent disease." "Meticulously well-documented, Greger's guidebookprovides evidence on everything from the pesticide-Parkinson's connection tothe role of antioxidants in breast cancer prevention. Gerger also offers upfriendly tips, like his favorite smoothie recipe and a turmeric tutorial.Follow his advice and you may not live forever, but you'll almost certainlylive a healthier life." Dr Gregertends to rely on the gold standard of medical research randomised controlledtrials rather than the latest fads.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I bought this book in January 2016, after hearing an interview with Dr. Greger on a podcast. At first I found it hard to read, but not because it difficult or confusing, but because it was changing everything I thought I knew about food. By May 2016 I was miserable with my rash and still sitting at 204 lbs, despite my healthy lifestyle and consuming 1500 calories a day."
"for the person that wants to dig deeper, but in a style that has become uniquely his, Dr Greger uses quoted language from the papers to give an unitimidating explanation of the science contained within. He stands almost alone in a mass media that can't seem to get past the catchy titles, abstracts, and carefully worded, often misleading conclusions. The first 15 chapters (how not to die from..cancers, coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, etc..) are arranged based on easy to recognize conditions and though they are related can be read completely independent from one another. The book doesn't follow a chronology, so I found myself flipping through an early review copy reading small sections at a time. He doesn't give in to gluten or coconut oil just because it is popular or profitable and while some might find it frustrating, he sticks to the entire body of evidence not the latest single study. Finally, his "Daily Dozen" is a great place to begin implementing the message of bountiful health he enjoys teaching to anyone that will listen. In spite of all the economic momentum for more profitable and popular food, each year hundreds of articles surface on the benefits of adding more plant-based nutrition to one's diet for health and Dr Michael Greger seems to find them all."
"For the same price that would get me a week in the Caribbean sun, lying on deck of a cruise ship drinking margaritas, listening to reggae music and watching the waves go by, I was going to get a lighted probe stuck up my butt. The closer we stick to that, the healthier we become, and the more our bodies revert to their natural state of robust health rather than the sickly, wimpy physiques resulting from the Standard American Diet (SAD). The books' greatest strength is the thorough and objective research combined with Dr. Greger's ability to break complex and extensive information down into a language that even those of us artsy types who tried to dodge science in school can understand."
Best Work Life Balance in Business
That's what New York Times bestselling author Michael Hyatt and executive coach Daniel Harkavy show us how to do: to design a life with the end in mind, determining in advance the outcomes we desire and path to get there. New York Times bestselling author Michael Hyatt and executive coach Daniel Harkavy have both lived the very same story but they rewrote the ending. In this step-by-step guide, Hyatt and Harkavy share simple but proven principles to help you stop drifting, design a Life Plan with the end in mind, and chart a path that will take you there. Daniel Harkavy has been coaching business leaders to peak levels of success, performance, profitability, and fulfillment for more than twenty-five years. He lives just outside Portland, Oregon, with his wife and actively serves his community as a member of nonprofit boards and a mentor to those seeking leadership advice.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Despite the fact this book lists 53 endorsements from names as famous as Tony Robbins, Seth Godin, and Pat Flynn, there is very little here that hasn’t already been published dozens of times. Living Forward reads like a series of Chicken Soup for the Soul, feel-good short stories, all supporting two ideas: 1, write your own eulogy describing how people will remember you, and 2, take a day to create SMART goals that will make this eulogy possible. Then, SMART goals, based on your eulogy of your wife remembering how much you loved her, should be enough to spur you into taking more enlightened action. Unfortunately, this book only speaks to people who have already achieved huge career success, have omniscient vision and complete mastery of themselves, and are ready for the life-changing realization that work is not everything. These concepts come complete with stories, diagrams, and the skeleton of a process: schedule the hours of your week, project manage your SMART goals every quarter, and mark your current status in all areas of life on a four quadrant grid."
"Out of a profound respect for Michael Hyatt's past work, I forced myself to finish this. It seemed to me that the book was an attempt to condense or replicate co-author David Harkavy's workshops on life planning. I honestly believe this workshop could be effective in person, but as a DIY activity rolled into book, it didn't speak to me at all. The 5-start review used to represent the general readership, but now, it's just a reflection of the author's tribe supporting him."
Best Career
The seventy-fifth edition of the self-help classic with vintage Dale Carnegie recordings and a bonus digital copy of the complete audiobook! Plus, to celebrate the 75th anniversary of this landmark book, this audio collector’s edition also includes an iPod-ready mp3 copy of the complete audiobook, plus vintage recordings of Dale Carnegie sharing his timeless wisdom in his own voice! Dale Carnegie (1888-1955) described himself as a "simple country boy" from Missouri but was also a pioneer of the self-improvement genre.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The realization that my marriage was being effected by my nearly empty toolbox of social skills promoted me to take personal responsibility and shoulder the blame myself for once instead of blaming everyone around me for everything. I grew up with a hypercritical Mother so I think I had promised myself that I would never be criticized again, even if that meant writing people off the instant I felt like I had made myself vulnerable enough to be hurt by them. The strategies are applicable to and helpful in all aspects of my life so far, from my marriage to my job, and even to the way I interact with clerks in gas stations."
"I did think several of the principles explained in the book are common sense, but I found that it could be easy for a person to react quickly to conflicts. The first principle emphasizes the importance of avoiding criticism and he describes working with people as: working with people of logic. With this principle, he describes the importance of self-expression and connects it to the importance of thinking in terms of the other person, so that they come up with your ideas on their own, which they will like more. Dale then describes the importance to recall a person's name in the third principle. He further explains this point in principle five: Talk in terms of the other person's interests. Dale describes in the third part of the book the steps to have a person think in terms of your own thoughts. He then explains the importance of agreement and having the person say "yes," at least twice. If all else fails, he explains the importance of competition and how it drives people to feel important and empowered to work efficiently and effectively. He then explains the importance of asking questions that direct the person you’re speaking to, to obtain your idea on their own. He emphasizes the importance of having the person be saved from embarrassment, and then explains the importance of praise again, even if it is small."
"Yes, there is nothing new here but I would say that much like the basket ball star who practices relentlessly the same foul shot over & over again so that when its crunch time, the ball hits the hoop to win the game no matter how much pressure is on."
"I'm happy to have read this--it flows well and many truths to it albeit they're of scientifically argued for."
"Enjoyed the stories."
"This got to be the book that provided me with the most principles on how to win friends and influence people."
Best Sales
Just as the most effective weight loss strategy is to limit portions by using smaller plates, Michalowicz shows that by taking profit first and apportioning only what remains for expenses, entrepreneurs will transform their businesses from cash-eating monsters to profitable cash cows. � Following 4 simple principles can simplify accounting and make it easier to manage a profitable business by looking at bank account balances. Apply the pay-yourself-first principle to your business and watch the profits roll in.”. —CHRIS GUILLEBEAU, author of Born for This and The $100 Startup " Profit First is a game-changer. —MICHAEL PORT, author of Steal the Show " Profit First completely transformed how I handle business banking. This book has the potential to change the next 20 years of your small business life.”. —DAWN FOTOPULOS, Associate Professor of Business, The King’s College NYC; author of Accounting for the Numberphobic “ Profit First is a revelation. Profit First makes the process so radically simple that you no longer have an excuse not to be profitable AND have cash flow!”. —GREG CRABTREE, author of Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits. “Not only is Mike one of the most innovative small business authors of our time, his Profit First system—simple to apply and impactful in its results—can be the difference between constantly walking the financial tightrope or being predictably profitable. "Why are so few businesses actually profitable for their owners?
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"This book is a must read for anyone interested in starting a business or is already a business owner. Business Owners: For years, us accountants have been trying to teach our clients the business owners to run their business using the data in their accounting software and for years business owners have failed to thrive and simply manage sale to sale and payroll to payroll. I have personally witnessed these same business owners implement the stupidly simple strategy this book teaches and completely change the trajectory of their business and their financial position."
"That's right, in the time it takes me to write this review, thanks to the actionable guidance of this book, my business will have gone from mishy-moshy, wishy-washy, kinda-breaking-even to having an actual, hard, bottom-line PROFIT. I am so glad I found this book at the beginning of year two of my business because, otherwise, I was looking at this year as "bleed every last drop of cash into the business to grow, grow, grow, then trim next year and hope for profits" model."
"With the profit first system, you will start taking your profit out first, and if you are not making a profit, your business will start asking you to address the problem."
"This book has truly shifted my thinking in how I run my business."
"Many great examples and explanations on why we as business owners MUST starting taking care of ourselves - paying out for our hard labors - and the system behind it all."
"I am excited to get back home and put the accounts in place and begin the Profit First Journey."
Best Management
The seventy-fifth edition of the self-help classic with vintage Dale Carnegie recordings and a bonus digital copy of the complete audiobook! Plus, to celebrate the 75th anniversary of this landmark book, this audio collector’s edition also includes an iPod-ready mp3 copy of the complete audiobook, plus vintage recordings of Dale Carnegie sharing his timeless wisdom in his own voice! Dale Carnegie (1888-1955) described himself as a "simple country boy" from Missouri but was also a pioneer of the self-improvement genre.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The realization that my marriage was being effected by my nearly empty toolbox of social skills promoted me to take personal responsibility and shoulder the blame myself for once instead of blaming everyone around me for everything. I grew up with a hypercritical Mother so I think I had promised myself that I would never be criticized again, even if that meant writing people off the instant I felt like I had made myself vulnerable enough to be hurt by them. The strategies are applicable to and helpful in all aspects of my life so far, from my marriage to my job, and even to the way I interact with clerks in gas stations."
"I did think several of the principles explained in the book are common sense, but I found that it could be easy for a person to react quickly to conflicts. The first principle emphasizes the importance of avoiding criticism and he describes working with people as: working with people of logic. With this principle, he describes the importance of self-expression and connects it to the importance of thinking in terms of the other person, so that they come up with your ideas on their own, which they will like more. Dale then describes the importance to recall a person's name in the third principle. He further explains this point in principle five: Talk in terms of the other person's interests. Dale describes in the third part of the book the steps to have a person think in terms of your own thoughts. He then explains the importance of agreement and having the person say "yes," at least twice. If all else fails, he explains the importance of competition and how it drives people to feel important and empowered to work efficiently and effectively. He then explains the importance of asking questions that direct the person you’re speaking to, to obtain your idea on their own. He emphasizes the importance of having the person be saved from embarrassment, and then explains the importance of praise again, even if it is small."
"Yes, there is nothing new here but I would say that much like the basket ball star who practices relentlessly the same foul shot over & over again so that when its crunch time, the ball hits the hoop to win the game no matter how much pressure is on."
"I'm happy to have read this--it flows well and many truths to it albeit they're of scientifically argued for."
"Enjoyed the stories."
"This got to be the book that provided me with the most principles on how to win friends and influence people."
Best Investing
For the first time, all the pieces of The Secret come together in an incredible revelation that will be life transforming for all who experience it. You will learn how to use The Secret in every single area of your life. Supporters will hail this New Age self-help book on the law of attraction as a groundbreaking and life-changing work, finding validation in its thesis that one's positive thoughts are powerful magnets that attract wealth, health, happiness... and did we mention wealth?
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"When I first began to read this book I honestly thought it was a crock and a waste of my time and money. When I initially disagreed with one of the authors viewpoint with in the book and scrutinized another's personal life through research I was almost stop reading, but I decided to continue reading anyway. As the book unraveled and began to reveal "The Secret," and how to apply it into my life immediately, I allowed myself to be open in receiving whatever insight I could in order to help me overcome several difficulties in my life and achieve a better quality of life overall. This is a life changing book and I see why it has sold millions and millions of copies around the world."
"When I do my evening gratitude exercises, I feel like I am writing the most important chart of my life. And it helps to sleep better :). I also picked a special pen, and now the whole process becomes sacred."
"This book may be worth buying once because of the tips provided at the beginning (also available by preview as of this writing) and for the quotes on gratitude throughout."
"I like this little book a lot but i think i will be regifting it as reading pages of The Secret book on a daily basis is enough for me."
"A good read while in Mexico."
"An intriguing concept."
"The positive thinking is a great feeling, the hardest part is retraining your brain to be positive even when you don't feel positive."
"Love this book!"
Best Personal Finance
A strategy for changing attitudes about personal finances covers such topics as getting out of debt, the dangers of cash advances, and keeping spending within income limits. His seven-step plan includes paying off all debts except the home mortgage at an accelerated speed, creating a financial safety net that covers three to six months' expenses, investing 15 percent of income in a retirement fund, and saving for children's college expenses.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The baby steps are pretty straightforward: Baby Step 1 – $1,000 to start an Emergency Fund - you'll find this way easier than you expect to. Baby Step 3 – 3 to 6 months of expenses in savings. Baby Step 4 – Invest 15% of household income into Roth IRAs and pre-tax retirement. Baby Step 5 – College funding for children. Baby Step 6 – Pay off home early. Baby Step 7 – Build wealth and give. The rules are simple: 1) Live and breathe by your budget."
"In 4 months, I paid off my car loan, all credit cards and doctor bills!!!"
"* He lays out his seven Baby Steps and makes them simple to understand. * I really liked the quote, "If you worked for a company called YOU Inc. and you managed money at YOU Inc. the way you manage your own money now, would you fire you?" Dave Ramsey is rich because he is a business owner who can make money from his radio show, books, seminars, programs, etc. It would have been great to get his advice on that, but he probably didn't want to overwhelm the reader with too many topics. College loans can be very appropriate for some people, business loans can be great in the right situation, and his statement that you should put money toward paying down debt rather than getting the company 401(k) match seemed too extreme to me. goals or having an accountability partner, which have been shown to greatly help people achieve all kinds of dreams."
"Dave hits the nail on the head."
"Great book practical money advice ."
"If you're in debt, ANYTHING Dave Ramsey will help."
"Good book I bought for grandson."
"Great book."