Developing The Leader Within You | Thursday, January 25, 2007 @12:05 PM
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 | Saturday, January 20, 2007 @12:36 PM
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 | Friday, January 19, 2007 @11:46 AM
Book 22: Cyber CinderellaAuthor: Christina Hopkinson
Recommended For: All those who googled their own nameReviewer: 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 | Friday, December 29, 2006 @3:59 PM
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? | Monday, December 25, 2006 @8:10 PM
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 | Thursday, December 21, 2006 @5:52 PM
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 | Monday, December 18, 2006 @5:41 PM
Book 18: The 10 Women You Will Be Before You Are 35Author: 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 | Wednesday, December 13, 2006 @10:52 PM
Book 17: Read And Grow RichAuthor: 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 | Sunday, December 10, 2006 @1:24 PM
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 | Thursday, July 27, 2006 @10:37 PM
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.
This site was created by Etsu and Noi,self proclaimed bookworms. We have created this site to share what we have learn from books. We only review positive books that we feel can help the individual reading it. Each book that we review consist of our own opinions. We do not represent any book, author or publishing companies. Feel free to leave your comments or recommended any great links of books site or authors site.
