Book Reviews From A Different Perspective

Developing The Leader Within You

2007-01-25T12:05:00.000+08:00

Book 24: Developing The Leader Within You
Author: John C. Maxwell
Recommended For: Past, Present and Future Leaders
Reviewer: Noi

This book was sitting on my bookshelves for months and it is only now that I finally get to read it. Before this book, I read another book by the same author and it completely blew me away. So even before I start reading this book, I had high expectations.

I was not denied.

I highly recommend this book for everyone who aspires to become leaders. This book gave the definition, what it really takes to be a leader. It is actually a compilation of what characters must a leader have before being a true leader. Some example that I can show you are as follows:

Definition of leadership: Influence
Key to leadership: Priorities
Most important ingredient id leadership: Integrity
Ultimate test of leadership: Creating a Positive Change
Quickest way to gain leadership: Problem Solving
The extra plus in leadership: Attitude
Developing your most appreciable asset: People
Indispensable quality of leadership: Vision
Price tag of leadership: Self Discipline
Most important lesson of leadership: Staff Development

The first few chapters touched me especially the part about influence. Influence and come both ways. Good and bad. I hope that I never influence anyone negatively, so if I had to you, please forgive me. This chapter states that a leader is great, not because of his or her power, but because of his or her ability to empower others.

Another chapter that I love was the chapter on integrity. Before this, I was not sure of what integrity means. A person with integrity in one who has established a system of values against which all of life is judged. People with integrity have nothing to hide and nothing to fear about. Their lives are open book.

I am working on being a better leader not just for myself, but more importantly for the team. This book taught me so much and I wish I had not done some of the mistakes I did in the past. Nevertheless, it is human nature to make mistakes but more importantly, one must learn from that mistakes made so that it will not be repeated again in the future.

Two thumbs up and if I can raise my toes, I would! John C. Maxell never fails to disappoints!

The Earth, My Butt and Other Round Things

2007-01-20T12:36:00.000+08:00

Book 23: The Earth, My Butt and Other Round Things
Author: Carolyn Mackler
Recommended For: Everyone who thinks that life is not picture perfect
Reviewer: Etsu

Oh here I go again. Another impulse buy. I am pretty sure that the authors are rich because of people like me. People who buy a book because of the beautiful cover and the great synopsis of the story that they have at the back of the book.

This book is about Virginia, who is fat and less that perfect. The story revolved around Virginia and her family and friends. Lets face it. Being fat has certain rules like do not try to be popular or well likes. Virginia had created a Fat Girl Code of Conduct, a system by which she has no choice but to follow as long as she is fat. What makes matters worse is her parents are very successful in their careers and her elder brother and sister almost seemed like the perfect son and daughter.

Almost.

As you read this story, you feel like Virginia, 16 years old, low self esteem thanks to being fat and ugly. This story also reveals the superficial world that we live in, where looks does matter. You will see situations from Virginia’s point of view, being at a disadvantage because of her looks but nonetheless, still wants the same things in life as the rest of the girl population. There were times I could relate to Virginia, having no idea who she really is, but trying her best to fit in. There were also some occasional rebellious moments.

Some interesting characters from the book include her crush, Froggy and her friends, also less than perfect. It is sad to sometimes think about how we live our life based on how others want to think we are. Being judgmental somehow feels like it is natural and that we are all born with it. Its like, we know its wrong, but we still do it anyway.

Everyone will go through life feeling that they are less than perfect. There will always be something that we want to change about ourselves. It is natural. However, we should not forget that success and happiness also fall onto people who are less than perfect. It is not a fairy tale. It is a possible reality. This book is such a story.

I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did. I only took 5 days to finish the book. A simple story, but extremely touching.

Cyber Cinderella

2007-01-19T11:46:00.000+08:00

Book 22: Cyber Cinderella
Author: Christina Hopkinson
Recommended For: All those who googled their own name
Reviewer: Etsu

I saw this book online and I thought what an interesting storyline is has! So when I finally saw it in a bookstore, I bought it without much thought because to me, it has a really good and strong storyline.

This story is about Izobel, a girl who discovered a website dedicated to her. She had no idea who did the website and the best part was, the website made her looked like star! The truth was, her life sucked but the website showcased a successful her, who does not exist.

So the book sees her discovering the site, trying to find out who created the website. It then continued with her obsession in finding the creator. In her pursuit to find the mysterious site owner, she ignores her real life and end up failing at her relationship and work.

I do not know whether it is me but I cannot seem to understand the jokes that the author included. I find myself having a hard time understanding scenarios and am often left wondering if the author was writing a fact or simply writing jokes happening in Izobels mind.

I really thought I would like this book a lot considering the fact that I have googled my own name before. I thought I could relate to the character Izobel but the author seemed to me like she is trying a little too hard to amuse her readers. Nevertheless, I still think that it has a strong plot, and it can be a hit maybe if it is turned in a teenage movie even though the main character is not in her teens.

What I liked most about this book is what was located at the end of the book where the author, this time, smartly included 5 reasons why googling your own name is a bad idea. The reasons are:

1. It is like reading someone elses diary.
2. The shame of looking yourself up and finding that you are not on it at all.
3. Your discovery that an ex has put pictures of you up on the web.
4. You find other people with your same name that are much more exciting than you are.
5. Googling leaves a trail of technological slime easily followed.

I shall not go into details but the author proves her point that googling your name is a bad idea. Even so, I still went on to googled my name. I discovered a few things:

1. There is a company that is called by my name.
2. There is famous singer in Indonesia with the same name as me.
3. No one has gossip or said anything bad about me in their blogs.

I am a little disappointed by number (3)! Haha!

The Ant and The Elephant

2006-12-29T15:59:00.000+08:00

Book 21: The Ant and The Elephant
Author: Vince Poscente
Recommended For: Everyone who want to maximize the power of their subconscious mind
Reviewer: Noi

This is the Book of The Month for December 2006. I got this book late, only halfway across the month but I completed the book in less than 2 weeks. That is how thin and simple the book is.

The book consists of a story of an ant, named Adir and an elephant named Elgo. This story started when there was a storm and Adir was separated from his colony. All of a sudden, Adir did not know his purpose anymore and was feeling lost. Then one day, Adir heard about this place called Oasis, a place of beauty, hope, happiness and fulfillment. Upon hearing that, Adir cannot stop thinking about getting there and finally one day he decided to set out on a journey to get there. Like any other animal story, there is always an animal that is wise whom all the other animals in the jungle seek advice from. In this case, there is Brio, a wise owl who helped Adir in his journey of getting to the Oasis.

The story is like an analogy to help readers understand the whole scenario between mind, the sub-conscious and the conscious. The ant represents the conscious mind and the elephant represents the sub-conscious mind. As a reader, your curiosity will get the better of you as you will find yourself wanting to read the book as fast as possible to find out what happen. The journey of Adir was full of obstacles and challenges that Adir almost gave up a couple of times. However in every challenge, Brio always had something to teach Adir and it was from all the challenges that Adir learned how to control the big elephant.

Even though this book is entertaining, it never fails to teach the obvious but somehow not so obvious to us when we are placed in the same situation. The language used is simple and easy to understand. My favourite lesson was this:

You dont know what dont know. Open your mind to discover possibilities that might not seem obvious at that time.

Our sub-conscious mind is actually way more powerful than our conscious mind so if you can understand this fact and learn to control your sub conscious mind, you will discover that your potential has no limitations.

A must read for those who want to transform performance and adopt leadership for self.

Does My Head Look Big In This?

2006-12-25T20:10:00.000+08:00

Book 20: Does My Head Look Big In This?
Author: Randa Abdel-Fattah
Recommended For: Everyone who do not understand about Islam
Reviewer: Noi

This book created history for me. For the first time in many years, I am actually reading a teenage fiction book even though I am long overdue in that department.

Initially I did not know that this book was categorized under teenage fiction. I first learned about this book when it was being reviewed in Lime magazine. From then on, I have been trying to locate this book but to no avail. I thought it was banned in Singapore.

It was only last week that I saw this book while browsing at Borders. I browse books at bookstores even when I am not looking for books and I am the main reason why authors are so rich. I saw this book, while I was looking at some other childrens books and voila!

This book is about Amal, a 16 year old girl who decided to wear hijab to her secular public school. The whole setting is based in Australia so I could relate to some of the customs and traditions. Her decision creates a ripple effect in her life and one thing leads to another.

The story is light hearted and the language used is simple and easy to understand. Amals journey after her decision to put on the hijab permanently will help non Islamic readers to understand what really goes on in the mind of a hijab wearer. Some of the significant issues that were brought up include misunderstanding Islam the religion and the Arab tradition, emotional effects on Muslims after terrorist attack, the real reason why hijab is imposed, fasting in the month of Ramadhan and a little history of Islam. However, all the significant issues were brought up in a very light hearted way, in a way people can understand why some Muslims do what they do and why some Muslims do not do what they are supposed to do.

The story also evolves the people around Amal like her best friends who are Muslims, her friends and classmates who arent Muslims, her parents, her friends parents, her teachers and some mean classmates categorized as snobbish and judgemental. The book also reveals the insights of being a normal girl, who cares about how she looks and whether the cute boy is interested in her. Her feelings, frustrations and excitement will all be too familiar to girls who went through teenage years.

To me the best and most interesting part of the book was when she rejected this boy who likes her even though she has a major crush on him. She then had to go on to explain to him that as much as she wants this, she has to follow her beliefs that says no physical intimacy before marriage. I find that she handle this situation so well that I could probably learn a thing or two. Reading the book halfway will make you fall in love with Amal, who really, are the same like other girls except that she wears the hijab. I also like the way the author let the story flow and no parts of the book sounded like the author was preaching. Plus point, the author is pretty successful in making the book humorous.

Overall, this book will keep you glued to it. I started reading the book on Monday. I completed the book 1 week later. It is a worthy book to read especially if you have friends who are Muslims that you cant understand.

Diary Of A Working Girl

2006-12-21T17:52:00.000+08:00

Book 19: Diary Of A Working Girl
Author: Daniella Brodsky
Recommended For: All Working Girls In Search of Love
Reviewer: Etsu

This book was bought on impulse. Ok that has been happening quite a lot recently. Before I know it, my whole bookshelf has no more space and I have to look for a bigger house so that I can probably open up a library.

This book is so hilarious! The authors way and style of describing each situation is sometimes filled with so much sarcasm and metaphors that you cant help but burst out laughing. Please make sure you read this book in private and not at some public place where people think you are nuts.

Basically this book is about Lane Silverman, an inspiring writer (like me!) who was given the task to write and article about her experience finding Mr Right. The only catch is, she has to do it in the period of 2 months! The initial chapter sees Lane being put in a very male dominated working environment unlike before (she was working for a fashion magazine so obviously the only men around were gays). Lanes description and her ability to always make fun of herself will make you feel for her. You will find yourself liking Lane more and more as you read the book.

Another significant part of the book is the checklist of things / qualities Lane had wanted for her Mr Right. Again, this list is hilarious with some points including:
- is british
- witty statements are always at the tip of his tongue
- teaches things that she never knew

Overall, this book is a must read for all ladies, especially those ladies who have a list similar to this. What I learnt from the book is that sometimes we are so caught up with making sure every guy that comes our way makes the checklist, we forget that our Mr Right might be someone totally unexpected.

I really love the writers style of writing and cant help but think she is a fantastic writer. Of course, the end will make you go awwwwwwww and thats the best part of reading this book.

The 10 Women You'll Be Before 35

2006-12-18T17:41:00.000+08:00

Book 18: The 10 Women You Will Be Before You Are 35
Author: Alison James
Recommended For: All women before 35!
Reviewer: Etsu

The title of this book attracted me so much that I bought this book without much consideration. I was just browsing at the bookstore looking for another book and this book, out of nowhere just stop me and force these hands to browse it.

Basically this book reveals the 10 stages of womanhood that you will go through before you are 35. Isnt it great if there is a manual of life that we can follow so we will not go wrong? Well, this book is not that, but at least it helps us to be aware of what we are going to go through. This book is not 100% right of course because I think the author is an American and some points just do not relate to local context.

Apparently there are 10 stages that a woman will go through and those are:
1. New Graduate
2. Dollarless Diva
3. Worker Bee
4. Party Girl
5. Body Conscious Babe
6. Chameleon
7. Crisis Chick
8. Ms Independence
9. Wirl (half woman half girl)
10. True You

Personally I could relate to all of the stages except maybe Party Girl because I was never a party person. Every chapter includes a clear description of the different stages and also included some guide. Plus, there are also some real life views from real people.

I went through the book and caught myself smiling and agreeing to whatever the author was writing. What I really love about the book is that it has flowers at the side of every page of the book! Girls love that!

This book definitely comes across as one of the better books for guide being a girl, then a woman. The best part of the book is definitely the last chapter about finding the true you. After reading it, I realize that I already went through all the stages and I am only 26. Hmm..does this mean I am a more advanced?

Reviewed By Etsu

Read And Grow Rich

2006-12-13T22:52:00.000+08:00

Book 17: Read And Grow Rich
Author: Burke Hedges
Recommended For: All who love reading and all who hate reading
Reviewer: Noi

Actually this book is not in the Britt list but since Burke Hedges is one of my favorite authors, and most of his book ARE on the Britt list, I decided to purchase this book anyway.

Read and Grow Rich first attracted me when I first saw the many quotes on reading at the back of the book. Burke Hedges was a man who was earning $5.50 and hour making boats for a living. His life was transformed when someone gave him a book to read. At first he was reluctant to do so, but when he did, he felt like all his dreams are still possible to achieve and that the first book that he read after so many years was the like the key that unlock is his enclosed mind.

The best thing about reading this book is that it allows you to look back and reflect on the books you have been reading since young and how it all affects the way you think now. Believe it or not, what we read influence our actions and behaviour in a big way than you might think.

Every man who knows how to read has it in his power to magnify himself, to multiply the ways in which is exists, to make his life full, significant, and interesting.- Aldous Huxley

For myself, I chose to teach dyslexic kids because I believe that reading exposes you to another world, a world of information, imagination, creativity, thats why not being able to read, or having difficulties reading is a disaster and I choose to help these individuals unleash their talents in another way apart from reading. It is not easy and it is definitely not the same, but it is a challenge that can be overcome.

Another valuable information that is useful in this book is the revelation on what to read. In this Information Age, we are exposed to so much information that we might find difficulty identifying which are true and which are false.

Above all, I recommend this book to everyone who love reading and hate reading as Burke Hedges has successfully reinforce how the powerful power of reading can bring your to a whole new level of success.

Conversations With The Fat Girl

2006-12-10T13:24:00.000+08:00

Book 16: Conversations With The Fat Girl
Author: Liza Palmer
Recommended For: All Girls Who Think They Are Beautiful and All Girls Who Think They Are Not
Reviewer: Etsu

The cover and title of this book attracts me immediately when I set my eyes on it! Lets face it. I am no beauty queen and I can certainly relate to this book! Although the prints are small and it hurts my eyes, the engaging story keeps me addicted to the book.

What I like most about the book is how Liza, the talented author started off each chapter with a glimpse of the past. This story is about Maggie, the fat girl since childhood. Apart from the fantasy of being slim and beautiful, Maggie generally has concerns like any other girl. For example she worry about not finding a partner, job isues, rental, bills, any normal thing that every girl goes through.

Who helped her survive through childhood was her best friend, Olivia, who was also fat back then. However, this story revolves around the fact that Olivia is now slim thanks to liposuction. Olivia changes as a person and this affected how Maggie view Olivia as her best friend.

I also liked the fact the love connection between Maggie and Domenic was not that obvious from the start. In fact, I thought her love for Domenic was the most intense storyline in the book because I was not sure if Domenic was going to love her back since she was fat. Talking about the character Domenic, I think any girl reading about this, will fall in love with him too!

What I truly learned from the book is that physical outlook is not as important as your inner beauty. Beauty is defined differently by different people and too much emphasis on it will eventually lead you to your ugly side.

Liza Palmer did well in making readings empathize with Maggie and at the same time also motivate us to get on that weight loss programme, not to be beautiful, but to be healthy.

After all, we are already beautiful.

A Total Waste of Make Up

2006-07-27T22:37:00.000+08:00

Book 15: A Total Waste of Make Up
Author: Kim Gruenenfelder
Recommended For: All ladies in their 20s!
Reviewer: Etsu

What can I say? I just love this book! This book is one of the most hilarious, witty fiction book I have ever read! I simply love it!

This book is about Charlie, who just turned 30, single and working as a personal assistant to the sexiest movie star. The book starts off by Charlie starting a book of advice for her great great granddaughter. For example her first advice is:

Never wait by the phone. Ever.

The first chapter got me hooked and I find it difficult to put the book down. Her advices are so funny at times that I must admit laughing out loud several times. The story is written in such a way that its never boring, and every scene leads to a significant part of the whole story.

Basically this books showcases Charlie dealing with turning 30 and still being single. Like most ladies, she worries about her future, dreams of a Cinderella wedding and hates it when everyone ask her when she is getting married.

I especially like that the story is not predictable. She did not get together with her movie star boss! Sorry for the spoiler! Her advices are really funny and times and there are some which really make sense like these:

- There is no such thing as a perfect man.

- Lie to your parents. They so rarely wants the truth anyway.

- Breaking up is hard to do. Do it anyway.

- Never expect anyone to take care of you financially.

This book actually inspired me to write my own book of advice to my great great grand-daughter. I mean, if I know what I know now when I was 18, I would probably turn out different today.

Overall I think every woman should read this book. It offers the perfect set of advices that you need to help you get through the 20s period. In the end this book teaches me that no matter how screw up your life is, the ending is always mysterious but sweet.

Congratulations to the author. Excellent writting.

10 Rules To Break, 10 Rules To Make

2006-07-25T22:46:00.001+08:00

Book 14: 10 Rules To Make, 10 Rules To Break
Author: Dr Bill Quain
Recommended For: People Who Still Believe in Myth and Legends About Life
Reviewer: Noi

This such an interesting book! I love it! I know the cover is not that attractive but who cares? It is the inside that matters.

I am just a Burke Hedges fan. His books are so simple to understand and somehow when facts are simple, you remember it better!

This books talks bout living life using the wrong set of rules. These rules have been passed down from generation to generation that no one really question it anymore. The problem is, we are in the new millenium! What work then might not necessarily work now.

Some of the wrong set of rules are:
1. Dont waste your time with dreams
2. The best things in life are free
3. You are too young to retire
4. Dont rock the boat
5. Build a better mousetrap and the world will beat a path to your door
6. You cant be in 2 place at the same time
7. Hard work is its own reward
8. Offer constructive criticism
9. Accept only valid excuses
10. Dont mix business with pleasure

These set of rules is way outdated to me! Even so, I cant believe there are people still listening to those same set form of rules from donkey years ago. These rules need to be break! Nuff said.
Burke emplasizes of the importance of living your life, not mere existing. He therefore recommends the next 10 rules to make.

1. Go out and claim what is already yours
2. Get the whole story
3. Become Unequal
4. Its better to own half a watermelon than a whole grape
5. Make some bad decisions
6. Develop X Ray vision
7. You are who your friends are
8. Bills rule: Show people whats in it for them
9. Go a little crazy
10. Enjoy the journey.

Obviously only someone who has make their rules as part of designing their life is going to be more accomplished than those dont. What do these rules actually mean? Let me tell you..................................................

You have to go read it yourself!! Worth every cent and dollar. You might also find yourself chuckling away when you realise that you have been living with the wrong set of rules.

Excellent read.

Dream Making In A Dream Taking World

2006-07-16T18:17:00.000+08:00

Book 13: Dream Making in A Dream Taking World
Author: Dr Steve Price
Recommended For: Anyone who forget to dream when they grow up
Reviewer: Noi

This is the Book of the Month for April in Singapore. Interesting, I saw this book in Success bookstore but I then decided not to buy it. If not I would have end up having 2 copies. This is a very simple book, you can finish it in 1 week just like I do.

Dr Steve Price was a school teacher teaching teenagers. Like most teachers who started, we all started with passion, to make a difference in someones life. But what happen was after a while that same passion went away and its just not enjoyable anymore. I could so relate to that. Thank you.

The different thing about this book is that its revealed the 10 strategies in making dreams come true. We call this people Dream Makers. Almost everybody knows that believing dreams come true is important but most people don’t know what are the actions to making it come true.

10 strategies revealed (briefly):
1.Positive expectations
2.Drop a strategy if it is not working
3.Make sure you are on the right track
4.Stick to the track, remain focus
5.Do not find excuses for yourself
6.Feed your brain with positive thoughts not negative thoughts
7.Go all out, discipline yourself
8.Do not walk when you can fly
9.Recognize the worthy investment in time and money
10.Improve on yourself

What struck me the most was No.8. I just realized that I have been walking all this time. Its time to fly, the view is spectacular!

Leading Leaders to Leadership

2006-06-20T16:50:00.000+08:00

Book 12: :Leading Leaders To Leadership!
Author: John Fuhrman
Recommended For: Those who do not know what leadership means
Reviewer: Noi

This is March Book of the Month. Actually I was looking for this book a couple of months back in Kinokuniya when it was the book of the month in India. But somehow I could not find it. I had seen it there before but could not afford it then. Well, now I know that God has a plan and that I was not meant to find it then. If not I would have 2 copies of this book.

A truly wonderful book. Most of us already have some leadership qualities -- and the potential to develop even more. To grow, we need guidance from someone who cares about us and our success, and is already where we want to be. This book includes a few qualities of leaders. For example true leaders always care about others more than themselves. Quote from book: Caring about others -- without trying to figure out how you'll be rewarded is the fastest way to achieve wealth and happiness. Nowadays people do things for a motive and that just aint rite. You have to be true and sincere because it will reflect in your eyes. People are not stupid, they know when you are honest or not.

Leaders always know where they are going in life. This is the main reason why people follow them. They have this positive attitude that when people are around them, they themselves feel good. How many people can say that they feel better whenever they are with you? Really think about it.

Of course the most important quality in a leader is that they are not afraid of failure. If you are not willing to make mistakes and risk failure, you have already reached your maximum potential. And to do this, you need to change. Most people do not like change. Of course change is uncomfortable! Thats how you learn.

Some other qualities of leader are resposibility for actions, being passionate enough to succeed, believe in others and keeping things simple. Leaders always have control on themselves, their emotions, their challenges, their life. You would not even know that a leader is having a rough time because they only spread good positive things around.

After I finished reading the book, 3 people came to my mind. Mr Srikanth, Raje and Hamid. As you read more of this book, you will understand what true leaders they are. Appreciate them, learn from them, study them and be a leader yourself. Leaders are there to lead others to leadership. You will need to do that someday.

Who Moved My Cheese?

2006-06-16T16:33:00.000+08:00

Book 11: Who Moved My Cheese?
Author: Dr Spencer Johnson
Recommended For: People who think they can do without change
Reviewer: Noi

Ah, this book is simply awesome! I am wondering why I took soooo long to get this book.

Initially I took it was a children's book. It is a thin book, quite big lettering, what should I think?

Anyway this book is about a guy telling the story of Who Moved My Cheese? to his friends. The 4 main characters of the book is Haw & Hem (little people) and Scurry and Sniff (mice). The story revolves around the little people and mice looking for cheese to survive. They got their cheese supply at a regular station and were getting comfortable with it. Things started changing when they could not find their regular supply of cheese at their regular station. While the little people, thinking they are smarter than the mices, overanalyzes, the mice quickly went on to find new cheese.

This story reflects on change. Change is inevitable, growth is optional. Whether we like it or not, the world is constantly changing and is we resist change, we will face difficulties. While reading the book, I cannot help but feel that the 'cheese' in my life is my job. Check out the main points:

So there you go. Excellent book. It is a must buy for everyone think they can do with a little change in their life. This book would be especially good for those already working pretty long and enjoy being in the comfort zone.

A really thin book. This book must be the fastest book I have read. I finished it in 30 minutes.

How Will I Know

2006-04-08T23:25:00.000+08:00

Book 10: How Will I Know
Author: Sheila O'Flanagan
Recommended For: Anyone who has a lot of free time to read
Reviewer: Etsu

Now it is my turn to write. Muahaha. I shall be writing reviews of chick lit books mostly, although I might change to something else. This is the first fiction book I have read in a long time. I was attracted by its tittle and this was truly bought on impulse.

I am afraid the tittle is the most interesting part of the book. The story is basically about Claire Hudson, a single mother raising a 15 year old daughter by herself. The opening part of the book is addictive. The book reveals that Claire's husband, Bill Hudson was killed in an accident when all three of them were on holiday. As a result of that, Claire finds herself stuck in that zone where she feels she cannot move on in her life.

What I find almost unbelievable is how Bill and Claire came together. Apparently, they were childhood sweethearts and they were each others' first love. I am rather cynical about this. How many of us actually end up being together with our first love? Anyway, since Claire is so used to being only with one man, she has problems answering her daughter's questions about boys, since she have no experience with other boys.

Therefore, for her daughter's sake, Claire signed up for an online dating thingy called 'How Will I Know'. Its really too bad that the author did not derive Claire's love interest from here. It would be intresting to see how people who met on the internet can be together in reality. However, this online dating thingy was not further explored. Instead, Claire experienced with the not-so-suitable-guys via this online dating thingy.

Also, it was apparent that Claire never really wanted to date anyone, she was only doing it for he daughter's sake. To research men, as she mentioned it. Little did she know that her Mr Right has always been around in her own house.

I must say that I read the first half of the book pretty quick, but in the middle and towards the end, the story got a little draggy for me. There were too many flashbacks to the time Claire and Bill met with the accident.

Overall, this book comes across as average to me. Its mainly about getting over your loved one, once they leave this world. Its also about opening your heart and giving others a chance into your heart. The ending was unclear, almost mysterious but not enough to keep me coming back for more.

The Friendship Factor

2006-04-03T19:19:00.000+08:00

Book 9: The Friendship Factor
Author: Alan Loy McGinnis
Recommended For: Anyone who do not know how to be a friend

Again I have had these book for ages only now I have started to read it. I heard this book being recommended by one of the diamonds in the tape. This is why you gotta listen carefully to the tapes, they give messages between the lines.

Anyway, a very interesting book. In fact it was so good that I finished it in less than 2 weeks. This book talks about the real deal on how to be a friend. Not acquaintance, but a friend. There are many rewards in a friendship because friendship in the model for all intimate encounters.

You see, God made each and everyone of us unique and there is vast mystery and beauty surrounding the human soul. Therefore, not extroverts can have the ability to have many friends, introverts too can. If they follow these guidelines to deepen their friendships:

1. Assign top priorities to your relationships: Most people are just lazy to make the effort to keep in touch, or even call once in a while to say hello. To make a relationship work, you must assign a priority to it. If not you will be drift away doing something else.

2. Cultivate transparency: We like people who reveal themselves to us. It is only then we feel like we can open ourselves to them too. When people take off their masks, others are drawn to them.

3. Dare to talk about affection: Locals are not too good at expressing their feelings. We do not usually say 'I like you.' 'I admire you.' However deep in our hearts we do feel that way..its just we refuse to say it. Why keep it to yourself? Say it, you might make the other persons day. When we say it, you are getting closer to that person and that person feel close to you too. I have experienced this myself. The feeling is like on top of the world when somebody says they admire you for your capabilities.

4. Learn the gestures of love: One of the best ways to deepen friendship is by eating together. Another way is by helping him / her with some task. The bond is create even when there are few words exchanged.

5. Create space in your relationships: Accept people as they are. Do not try to make them like you.

This book is excellent especially for married couples. It helps them to understand the other party better. This does not mean that singles should not read it. This book helps uncover the powerful tool on dealing and having strong relationships with the people around you.

Life is to be fortified by many friendships.

To love, be loved, is the greatest happiness of existence

- Sydney Smith

Uncommon Freedom

2006-03-26T19:04:00.000+08:00

Book 8: Uncommon Freedom
Author: Charles Paul Conn
Recommended For: Anyone who do not believe in the success of Amway Corporation

I thought after doing the business for 1 year I would pretty much know everything about Amway. But I was so wrong. This book revealed to me the happenings during their significant years.

The early part of the book reveals the definition of true freedom. The freedom to be what wishes to be, to live where one wishes to live, to support the causes one believes in, to explore the full and exciting range of one’s potential. Not many people understand the potential of having all the freedom mentioned above.

As I had mentioned before, it made me so proud to see so many familiar names from the Britt team. Among those are Bill and Peggy Britt, Ron Pereira, Micky Hamlet, Tim Foley, John Crowe, Dave Taylor, Paul Miller, Betty and Rex Renfrow. These are the legends of the business. And they are all from Britt team.

Mostly this books talks about how some of the average people became above average all the way to Diamondship. And some of the stories are pretty heartwarming. It would be good to read this book while you are facing some challenges. The more I read, the more I felt that my challenges were nothing compared to what these diamonds went through. Some of the common challenges that they went faced was not being able to sponsor anybody after showing 100 plans, being called names, not having the support of spouse. However these heros went on with faith and that’s why they are where they are now.

Another interesting fact from this book to me was that there have been occasions where the people who went diamond as a single! Yes! Single ladies! I salute them. My respect and admiration goes to them. The first single woman to went diamond was from Malaysia! She was a school teacher and she was the first in Amway history to go diamond as a single. And she lived 150 miles away from the nearest source of products. And we complain when we need to take a 1 hour train ride!

The other single lady mentioned in this book is Louise Williams who became the first lady, working alone to achieve Diamond Status in the States. She was a petite person. The respect that people have for these single ladies are tremendous. This inspires me to move on making big waves myself as single ladies.

The different stories in this book no doubt are real diamond stories. They have made it despite so many challenges. As one read this book, one will discover that diamondship does not come easy. It comes with a lot of hard work, persistence and an intense desire to succeed. These guys have all done it. They have inspired so many people. So when is the time when you make a decision to do the same? Who knows your diamond story in times to come might inspire some other business owners going through the same thing? Which is better to say?

It got to difficult so I quit.
It was not easy but you and I know its so worth it. Challenges are there to shape you, to make you into a stronger person.

That is what diamondship is all about. Do not forget, that a diamond is coal made under extreme pressure. So the next time you are under extreme pressure, just remember, you are being shaped into a Diamond.

What To Say When You Talk To Yourself

2006-03-24T18:48:00.000+08:00

Book 7: What To Say When You Talk To Yourself
Author: Shad Helmstetter
Recommended For: Anyone who wants to be in a positive state of mind all the time

This must one of the best book I have ever read in my whole life! I have read numerous number of motivational and informational books within these past 1 year and this books tops the list!

I got to know about this book when I heard it being recommend by one of the diamonds in one of the tape. I found this book by surprise at Sans Bookshop. There was only 1 copy. At that time we had to go buy books from outside. I was actually looking for Prosumer Power when I found this book. Of course I immediately bought it.

Dr Shad talks about how what we talk can effect the life we have now. You see, when we speak something, our brain immediately process it and made it come true. The brain does not recognize positive from negative so it mainly process it. The brain believes what you tell it most. So when you say, “I’m so stupid, I’m so clumsy” The brain actually takes these words and process it to make it true..so even when you are not clumsy, you keep saying you are clumsy, you will be clumsy one day.

Your brain is like your personal computer. If it is programmed negatively, you will end up negative. However when programmed positively, you will be positive. Its that simple. That’s why one of the 3 powers say: Power of spoken word. Every word that comes out from your mouth is like a prayer. Say it often enough it will become true. You might as well make it a positive one.

Often you see people complaining about everything in their lives, their job, their boss, their spouse..it probably wasn’t that way until they keep talking about it! Therefore, of whatever you are going to say is not going to benefit you or the person next to you, do not say it. Just smile.

I can talk forever about this phenomenal book so you gotta get this book right away. Some of the self talk sentences are so good that I typed it nicely and put it in my planner. In this case if I think things are not going so good, I just open it and read it aloud.

Some examples of things you can say to yourself:

I allow no one else, at any time, to assume control or responsibility over my life or over anything that I do. My responsibility to others is an extension of my own responsibility to myself.

I have learned to recognize that many problems carry with them benefits and potential opportunities which would not have presented themselves had the problem not occurred in the first place.

A must have for everyone.

Rich Dad Poor Dad

2006-03-21T08:11:00.000+08:00

Book 6: Rich Dad, Poor Dad
Author: Robert Kiyosaki
Recommended For: Anyone who do not want to be old and broke

This book was given to as a birthday gift last year. There are signatures all over the 1st page of the book so I really treasure this book. So if you borrow from me, please take care of the book.

This book was one of the books that really open up my mind regarding education and being rich. One of the biggest myth in the world was that when you get good education, get a good degree, you will be set for life. Uh uh..not true. I hope when you finally realize this, you wont be too late. By late, I mean at the age of 65.

Does the school actually prepare children for the real world? I am not putting education down. I was not the best student in school. But somehow, even then I knew I did not have to be the best student to be successful in life. Then again what is your definition of succes?. If your definition of being successful is having a stable job and average pay, then you are right. I am successful. The question is, are you happy? Really happy letting the boss control your actions? What about when your boss' orders contradict your personal principles. Would you call yourself successful then?

Growing up with conservative parents, they always said that I do not have to be rich. They said the love of money is the root of all evil. Correction! The lack of money is the root to all evil. The thing is money comes and goes but if you have the education about how money works, you gain power over it and can begin building wealth. The reason positive thinking alone never works is because most people went to school and never learned how money works so they spend their lives working for money. Most will deny this but let me put it the nicest way possible.

The pattern of the average employee:

Get up, go to work, pay bills, get up, go to work, pay bills. ..Their lives are forever run by 2 emotions, fear and greed. Offer them more money, and they continue the cycle by also increasing their spending. This is what I call Rat Race. A job is really a short term solution to a long term problem. And still most of the people would say, 'I am not interested in money.' Yet they will work 8 hours or more a day. That is denial of truth. If they were not interested in money, why are they working? That kind of thinking is probably more psychotic than a person who hoards money.

My advise is: Go get this book and read it with an open mind if you don’t want to spend the rest of your life chasing money. Robert Kiyosaki says: All of you are given 2 great gifts, your mind and your time. It is up to you to do what you please with both. With each dollar bill that enters your hand, only you have the power to determine your destiny. Spend it foolishly, you choose to be poor. Spend it on liabilities, you join the middle class.

One of the best book I have ever read.

No Excuse! I am doing it!

2006-03-19T22:39:00.000+08:00

Book 5: No Excuse! I'm doing it!
Author: Jay Rifenbary
Recommended For: Anyone who likes to make excuses for every wrong thing that happen in their life

I have had this book since 5 months back but have only started reading it around 2 months ago. As usual I always have a few books on standby just in case I finished earlier, I can start reading a new book immediately.

This book talks about making excuses...which is great because I hear 1001 excuses from so many people. Haha...I hope to write my own book someday about people making excuses and what we should say back. It will be nasty like me..hahaha. You know, "no time", "no money", "tired", "lazy" are just some excuses. I have people who say they cant do the business because they dont like to talk to people! My answer was, if you dont like to talk to people, who do you usually talk to? Walls? Things? Animals? If you like talking to animals thats fine man since I do talk to my darling cat. But dont u think you will faint if they actually talk back to you?! Hahah..and so far most were simply dumbfounded after I made them feel silly..haha..no offences..I am a nice person. Truly.

Anyway, the author used to be a soldier or something and at the first few chapters, he was trying to link being a soldier and making excuses. You know as soldiers, they are not allowed to make excuses. He was linking a lot of soldier and army thingy to the no excuse part and most of them I didnt really understood. Being a girl and all, you are not really able to understand most of them and it got a little draggy for me.

However the success principles shown were absolutely phenomenal so I am gonna share with you:

1. Self responsibility

Most people always blame others or circumstances for their own failure! As long as you dont stop doing that, you will never learn to take responsibility and as long as you dont take resposibility, you are not gonna be successful.

2. Purpose

You must know your purpose in doing things. If you dont know your purpose and where you are going in life, chances are, you will end up nowhere.

3. Integrity

4. Totally forgive- We must admit that its not easy to forgive others but if you want to be successful we have to learn how to forgive others.

5. Have self esteem

6. Elevate attitude and enthusiasm

Enthusiasm spreads! So just be enthusiastic! We all that these 2 qualities, cannot be faked.

7. Sustain self control

8. Always be honest

9. Always dream and set goals

10. Upgrade your knowledge

11. Understand people

12. Remember to honour family and friends

13. Upraise your determination: You only fail when you quit!

14. Succeed and balance your life.

Of course I am not gonna elaborate on every point, you have to go read the book yourself! Awesome book.

I recommend to all ibos who like to procrasinate and those who always never blame yourself for the decision you make. And I recommend all uplines who have their ibos giving excuses to read this book and then pass to them..hehehe..you know what I mean.

The Greatest Opportunity in The History of The World

2006-03-04T00:25:00.000+08:00

Book 4: The Greatest Opportunity in The World
Author: John Kalench
Recommended For: Anyone who thinks they know so much about marketing but actually dont

I got this book from my wonderful upline Sriganth and Raje. Excellent book. This book talks about the real deal about network marketing and the myths behind it. A lot of people have the impression that network marketing is a pyramid..its selling blah blah blah..and the list goes on. This book explains clearly the points what network marketing is all about.

The author also mentions what network marketing can give apart from time and money. He mentions that most successful leaders in network marketing have develop successful habits and and great attitudes. What network marketing can give you is a positive mental attitude through the education system that was already provided. All we have to do is follow it!

Also the author mentions how to differentiate a good network marketing company..and guess what since we ARE the industry leaders, we ARE in this book! The first network marketing company in history was California Vitamins which later became Nutrilite. How cool is that..and of course he also mentions about Rich Devos and Jay Vandel who had previously worked in Nutrilite started their own company now known as Amway.

Amway is already a multi billion dollar company..there is nothing to be tested anymore. We are the ones who are being tested now. Are you going to be one of those whose name adds on to the list of successful people doing the business. Or are you going to be the one who see and watch what happen first?

This book is great for people who think they know everything about network marketing except making money out of it.

The Millionaire Mentor

2006-02-25T00:11:00.000+08:00

Book 3: The Millionaire Mentor
Author: Greg S.Reid
Recommended For: Anyone who agrees that we need a mentor in life

Here comes the next one. I decided to do book reviews because I thought reviewing each book after I finish reading it not only helps me to revise but also to helps it stay in my head. So here I am. However I do realise that I am still new and there lots to learn. I am no expert, just someone who loves sharing knowledge. To me, knowledge shared is worth so much more than knowledge kept to oneself.

I got this book from FED. Initially I didnt want to buy this book cos I didnt really like the cover. The guy on the cover looks kinda old..haha..I know its lame...anyway Dr Wong (President of BWW Malaysia) recommended it and I saw many people rushing to buy it..I thought why not. Its only a thin book, no big deal.

What I like most about the book is that it uses simple English Language. I had no idea what this book was about and that never happens before. I always make sure I research about the the book I want to buy before actually buying it. The purchase of this book was merely spontaneous.

Basically this story is about 2 people, Oscar a young boy and Oscar, his mentor. They got onto a good start with Roy mentoring Oscar about dreams, goal setting, desire, leadership, persistence, having a positive attitude, purpose and many more. What makes the story interesting is how Roy uses every situation teach Oscar something useful about life. After all, learning and applying certainly works better than just learning without applying.

Another feature about the book that I really like is that it comes with success cards. The success cards consists of lessons to be learned behind each and every situation. What really amazes me is how Roy managed to give the right card at the right time. His pocket must be big to keep all the cards. Haha..This continues from the time Oscar was a boy until he became successful and became a millionaire himself.

Imagine having a millionaire teaching you how to be one too, not just in terms of monetary but also in terms of spiritually and morally. This book proves that not all rich people are selfish, proud and arrogant. There must be a reason why they are called rich and we are not..not yet anyway right?

My favourite quote:

Winners never talk about how hard they worked, but how great it was to win.

I like the cards so much that I photostat it and keep some of my favourites in my organisers and at my table- both at home and work. They are a reminder for me to always stay positive no matter what happens.

I recommend this book to everyone especially new ibos. Its a thin book and I finished it in 3 days. Woohoo!

Reject Me! I Love It!

2006-02-23T23:56:00.000+08:00

Book 2: Reject me! I love it!
Author: John Fuhrman
Recommended For: Anyone who understands that rejection is part of life and wants to do something about it

I have been trying to get this book since last year! This book is out of stock everywhere! Anyway, thank goodness for FED KL cos I managed to grab this book there.

I like books with short chapters. It makes reading seems so much faster.

This books explains the thousands of rejections we often face as child. We hear the word "no!" too many times and as we grow older, we become accustomed to it. We often fear it. We lose confidence in ourselves because of all these noes that we often hear. We forget that when we were younger, we never stop at a "no!" answer. Basically we lost our childlike dtermination as we grow older.

This book also states the importance of association. Hang out with a negative bunch of people long enough and we will end up being negative sooner or later! John Fuhrman keeps stating the problem of people just wanting to be average...nothing to extraordinary. That is the problem! Too many people wants to be average, who is going to lead us?!He says that the best way to solve the 'average people problem' is not to be one of them!

Rejection is inevitable, in fact every no that we get means that we are closer to the yesses! In fact, a no means that we are right on track cos if everyone says yes, there will be a problem with the economy cos there will be no white collar workers. Am I right?

Towards the end of the book, John Fuhrman states that to be positive, there need to be positive input all the time. No use emptying the negative and leave your brain empty. By reading, positivity are being put into your brain and that is when we dilute the negativity in us.

For those of you who keep complaining that you have no time to read, think about this:

Setting aside just 15 minutes a day will enable you to read up to 2 dozen books a year. Keep it up and you will have read 1000 books in your lifetime. Thats equivalent to going college 5 times.(G. Gordan)

I cannot agree more. I am not talking about storybooks or novels ok. We are talking about books that can help us improve ourselves as a human being. Reading fiction books does nothing to us. It just messes with our feelings, not thinking. If we are not thinking, we are denying God's greatest gift to us human beings- the brain.

Charlie Jones mention here, the greatest difference in your life over the next 5 years will be in the books you read and the people you meet. Read any good books lately? Met any great people? If not, you might want to do something to change it, or you will most likely be in the same place as you are now, 5 years from now.

Parable of The Pipeline

2006-02-22T22:37:00.000+08:00

Book 1: Parable of The Pipeline
Author: Burke Hedges
Recommended For: Everyone with common sense

Hi guys, this site is a site for book reviews. I will mostly be reviewing books recommended by BWW. As we all know, the tools play a major part in our business and it is important to be refreshed frequently. The reviews here mainly consist of my own point of view. You may choose to agree or disagree with me. My hope is that the books reviewed will inspire you to read them, even get them for yourself as I am what I am, thanks to the education of the books.

As an opening to this site, I am going to review the first few books that I read. Parable of the pipeline.

I bought this book when my upline says that its a fantastic book. It is.

Just like other Burke Hedges books, this book is filled with simple English language (not difficult to understand) and a powerful message. The main message in this book is that JOB WILL NOT MAKE YOU RICH. If you still dont realise this, wake up man, its all around you..a lot of retired people are coming back to work not because they are bored but because they are bored because of being broke .

Burke also explains (with drawings and diagram all) the concept of residual income.

Imagine we have no tap. What are the two ways to get the water?

1. Bucket Method: By going to and fro to the river, fill up your bucket and walk home. And when you walk home, there WILL be spills. Come on be honest for some of you denying this. So what happens if you are sick? No water? And how long can you actually go on carrying buckets of water? You think you spine can take it? This method is just like your job man! If you still dont get it, think harder.

2. Pipeline Method: This is where the concept of residual income is all explained clearly. Burke said that by buiding a pipe, you only to do the work once and you will have water forever even when you are sick and even when you are gone! This is the business that Burke has been talking about. Its this business and thank goodness I am doing it.

The catch with the second method is that not everyone will do it. This is because while you are building your pipeline, which need time and effort, you will not be paid yet. The trick is to keep your eyes on the PRIZE not the PRICE. Be careful here. And when you complete this, you will receive the income that will continue to come in as long as forever. This is not just about you. This is a legacy for your children man. Now what do you think about this? Really think about it man!

This book is ideal for everybody. Even prospects and new ibos . It will help them understand what this business can really give.

You know what the best part of this book is? Diamonds Rashmir and Smitha signed in mine.

The Very First Entry

2006-02-21T17:15:00.000+08:00

Today is special because it marks the very first entry I am going to make at this blog. I am writing here mainly to reflect back on the things I read and how I can improve myself. I hope to accelerate learning this way and I hope you get that litte bit of knowledge from what I have taken the time to write down.

Hope you are at least a little bit uplifted and inspired by your stay here.