Yes. I know. I did it again. I should really stay out of the deep end of the literary pool during the summer. For what it's worth I put this book on hold at the library a few months ago when summer was still just getting started. It came in and I felt obligated to read it...is that a good enough excuse?
Having just finished Mere Christianity a couple of months ago, this book felt oddly familiar. The premise is a little different, but the ideas expressed are much in the same. The book begins as C.S. Lewis finds himself wandering through a run-down town. The only people in the town are waiting at a bus stop. He stands at the back of the line and soon begins to interact with them. None of them seem to be happy. Small skirmishes break out up and down the line. Several of the people decide to step out of line and go back to where they came from. Lewis decides to stay, and soon the bus arrives. To his surprise, it carries him forever upward into the sky.
They soon discover that the bus has stopped at the edges of heaven. The travelers descend from the bus to find themselves in a large field which borders on a forest. A majestic mountain range lies in the distance.
For much of the book, Lewis wanders around the field listening to conversations between the travelers and the angels that have come to accompany them to the to the mountains. Many of the travelers are unwilling to make the sacrifices necessary to make the journey. Lewis watches as several slink back to the bus. Through these conversations, Lewis explores the many vices that keep us from God: materialism, fear, self-pity, pride, etc. In typical C.S. Lewis fashion, he helps us to take a fresh look at the basic principles of Christianity. Well, fresh at least, if you hadn't recently read one of his other books... As always, his lessons are enlightening and his metaphors illuminating. Thoughtful readers will appreciate this book for its depth, and value as a mirror, with which, they might observe their own weaknesses.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Dragonfly - Frederic S. Durbin (4.5 of 5 Shadow Battles)
Thanks PJ for the suggestion. I'll give it the last half a point when I figure out what I just read. This was one of the oddest, yet most enthralling books I've read in a long time.
Dragonfly is the name of a 10-year-old girl who lives with her Uncle Henry who works as a funeral home director. A few weeks before Halloween, they begin hearing voices in the basement and sounds of construction. One night a mysterious man named Mothkin shows up, making references to the last time that he had to "go down." Before long, Mothkin and Dragonfly are descending a steep staircase under Uncle Henry's house into the abyss of Harvest Moon, where every day is Halloween.
Prepare yourself for vampire battles, werewolf attacks, and eccentric gypsies. You might think that a story told from the perspective of a young girl would be juvenile fantasy, but it's not. You'll find it in the fiction section of the library. This might be better to read during Halloween season, but I still really enjoyed it in July. Read it now or read it in October, but don't miss out on reading this amazing book.
Dragonfly is the name of a 10-year-old girl who lives with her Uncle Henry who works as a funeral home director. A few weeks before Halloween, they begin hearing voices in the basement and sounds of construction. One night a mysterious man named Mothkin shows up, making references to the last time that he had to "go down." Before long, Mothkin and Dragonfly are descending a steep staircase under Uncle Henry's house into the abyss of Harvest Moon, where every day is Halloween.
Prepare yourself for vampire battles, werewolf attacks, and eccentric gypsies. You might think that a story told from the perspective of a young girl would be juvenile fantasy, but it's not. You'll find it in the fiction section of the library. This might be better to read during Halloween season, but I still really enjoyed it in July. Read it now or read it in October, but don't miss out on reading this amazing book.
Monday, July 28, 2008
The Book Thief - Markus Zuzak (6 out of 5 Stolen Books)
This may well be one of the best books I have ever read. And I don't say that lightly.
The Book Thief is the tale of a young girl given by her mother into foster care, and her growing up and trying to deal with the world of Nazi Germany. It is a profoundly moving, emotional, evocative book, one of the few books that has ever made me cry. I can't really do it justice with any sort of review, so I will simply say that if you haven't yet read it, go do so posthaste.
The Book Thief is the tale of a young girl given by her mother into foster care, and her growing up and trying to deal with the world of Nazi Germany. It is a profoundly moving, emotional, evocative book, one of the few books that has ever made me cry. I can't really do it justice with any sort of review, so I will simply say that if you haven't yet read it, go do so posthaste.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
The Merchant of Venice – William Shakespeare (5 of 5 Caskets of Lead)
Yes...I recognize that it’s summer and that Shakespeare is probably one of those authors that one should avoid during his summer vacation, but I couldn’t help myself. I was wandering around the library when I noticed it sitting casually on a shelf. I pulled it down, curious about its contents. I’ve read Hamlet three or four times in addition to a few other of Shakespeare’s plays, but many of them I’ve only heard about in my English classes. As I walked to the checkout line, I thought, “Well, if it’s a miserable read, at least I’ll be prepared the next time one of my professors brings it up in class.”
I’m not really sure what I was worried about now that I look back. Shakespeare didn’t achieve his reputation as one of the greatest writers in the English language for nothing. He really is a fantastic author. I was immediately drawn into the romance of Portia and the young Bassanio as well as the plight of Antonio at the mercy of the Jewish lender Shylock. The depth of the language was incredible, the suspense impressive, and the resolution beautiful.
I believe this was the first play that I’ve read by Shakespeare without being required to do so by a teacher or professor. It was a much more pleasant experience this time around. Don’t get me wrong. I’ve always enjoyed Shakespeare’s works when we’ve read them in class, but I feel that some of the natural pleasure is lost when one is required to dig, analyze, and twist the words of this brilliant author. Reading Shakespeare just for the sake of reading Shakespeare was one of the highlights of my summer read-a-thon.
I would highly recommend strolling over to the books on CD section of the library. Arkangel Productions has taken on the task of creating audio productions of every one of Shakespeare’s plays. You’ll probably find several of them on the shelf. They all employ a full cast of professional actors. They do a great job of bringing the play to life.
I’m not really sure what I was worried about now that I look back. Shakespeare didn’t achieve his reputation as one of the greatest writers in the English language for nothing. He really is a fantastic author. I was immediately drawn into the romance of Portia and the young Bassanio as well as the plight of Antonio at the mercy of the Jewish lender Shylock. The depth of the language was incredible, the suspense impressive, and the resolution beautiful.
I believe this was the first play that I’ve read by Shakespeare without being required to do so by a teacher or professor. It was a much more pleasant experience this time around. Don’t get me wrong. I’ve always enjoyed Shakespeare’s works when we’ve read them in class, but I feel that some of the natural pleasure is lost when one is required to dig, analyze, and twist the words of this brilliant author. Reading Shakespeare just for the sake of reading Shakespeare was one of the highlights of my summer read-a-thon.
I would highly recommend strolling over to the books on CD section of the library. Arkangel Productions has taken on the task of creating audio productions of every one of Shakespeare’s plays. You’ll probably find several of them on the shelf. They all employ a full cast of professional actors. They do a great job of bringing the play to life.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Whatever You Do, Don't Run: True Tales of a Botswana Safari Guide by Peter Allison (B)
The title is intriguing, isn't it? It was the title, as well as the nifty lion on the front cover, that caught my attention last week at the Bingham Creek Library. I picked up the book on a whim, and was pleasantly surprised. Peter Allison worked for a number of years as a safari guide in South Africa and then in Botswana, and his stories are fantastic. I would love to sit around the campfire with this guy!
The stories range all over. Some deal with guests of the camp, other guides, or pesky camp "pets;" others take place in the bush--lions attacking, getting lost on the Okavango Delta, or watching an elephant give birth. The stories range in length as well--anywhere from a longer 12 pages to a mere 2 or 3. In and of itself, that keeps the book interesting.
I was most pleased to discover that, though a safari guide, Mr. Allison can actually write. Too often these memoir-type books are bogged down in the author's lack of writing ability. Sure they've led an exciting life, but can they write about it? I thought the writing style was delightful in this book. The pace moved along quickly, and I found myself reading "just one more story"...over and over again before I went to bed.
This book will probably never be a Classic, but it was entertaining.
I give it a B. Nothing extraordinary, but all good fun.
The stories range all over. Some deal with guests of the camp, other guides, or pesky camp "pets;" others take place in the bush--lions attacking, getting lost on the Okavango Delta, or watching an elephant give birth. The stories range in length as well--anywhere from a longer 12 pages to a mere 2 or 3. In and of itself, that keeps the book interesting.
I was most pleased to discover that, though a safari guide, Mr. Allison can actually write. Too often these memoir-type books are bogged down in the author's lack of writing ability. Sure they've led an exciting life, but can they write about it? I thought the writing style was delightful in this book. The pace moved along quickly, and I found myself reading "just one more story"...over and over again before I went to bed.
This book will probably never be a Classic, but it was entertaining.
I give it a B. Nothing extraordinary, but all good fun.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Law in America - Lawrence Friedman (3 of 5 Lawsuits)
Law in America (A Short History) tracks the development of law in North America from its birth in the colonies to the present day. Friedman begins by describing how the colonists adapted the common law system of England to their new environment. The serious lack of trained lawyers in the colonies produced a mish mash of laws and ordinances strung together from what the common folk remembered seeing back home. Isn't that amusing... No wonder it's so complicated.
One important difference between England and the colonies was the availability of land. Much of the laws in England were created to protect the rights of the landed nobility. America on the other hand had an abundance of land. That was not their first concern. Instead, they focused their energies on protecting their rights in regards to distant crown, ultimately drafting the constitution and bill of rights.
After he establishes the foundation, Friedman proceeds to give a short history of the various branches of law dealing with issues such as slavery, voting, business, family relations, education, civil rights, gender equality, etc. He discusses superficially important cases related to each issue and how the law as a whole has evolved over time in response to changes in society.
He finishes with an assessment of how the recent innovations in media have affected law and politics. Even though he may be correct in some ways about the current status of America, I disliked his cynical view of our future. His harsh ending provides the capstone for the sarcastic tone that he carries throughout the book. Perhaps if he had ended with something a little more inspirational, I would have forgotten about the sarcasm. This way however, brought it to the forefront and left a bad taste in my mouth.
It was informative, but not uplifting. Skip this one. I'm sure there are many other resources out there for learning about the legal system in America.
One important difference between England and the colonies was the availability of land. Much of the laws in England were created to protect the rights of the landed nobility. America on the other hand had an abundance of land. That was not their first concern. Instead, they focused their energies on protecting their rights in regards to distant crown, ultimately drafting the constitution and bill of rights.
After he establishes the foundation, Friedman proceeds to give a short history of the various branches of law dealing with issues such as slavery, voting, business, family relations, education, civil rights, gender equality, etc. He discusses superficially important cases related to each issue and how the law as a whole has evolved over time in response to changes in society.
He finishes with an assessment of how the recent innovations in media have affected law and politics. Even though he may be correct in some ways about the current status of America, I disliked his cynical view of our future. His harsh ending provides the capstone for the sarcastic tone that he carries throughout the book. Perhaps if he had ended with something a little more inspirational, I would have forgotten about the sarcasm. This way however, brought it to the forefront and left a bad taste in my mouth.
It was informative, but not uplifting. Skip this one. I'm sure there are many other resources out there for learning about the legal system in America.
The Millionaire Mind – Thomas Stanley (5 of 5 Franklins)
As my score indicates, I was thoroughly impressed with The Millionaire Mind. For many years Thomas Stanley was a university professor. Over the years he became increasingly interested in the core characteristics of millionaires in America. He eventually left his position, and began conducting statistical surveys of the wealthy in America. He conversed with thousands of millionaires through mail, small focus groups and one-on-one interviews.
This book compiles all of this research into one, very accessible book. What he found was that the typical millionaire in America did not exhibit an extravagant lifestyle. Again and again he calls them a cheap date. Over the course of a lifetime they have learned how to be extremely efficient with their time, energy and money. They do not waste their resources on consumer goods. They are constantly looking at the lifecycle costs over the first cost of any purchase.
One of the most important factors that he saw in these millionaires was their choice of vocation. The key to becoming economically successful, according to Thomas Stanley, is selecting a profession that allows you to make full use of your skills and talents. If you love what you do, you will be more willing to work hard. He highlights the importance of selecting a job market where you can be competitive. He talks a lot about how the American education system has a tendency to channel bright students into the medical and legal fields. Upon graduating, these talented students find themselves swept up in a wave of fierce competition. They work hard all their lives, but are unable to stand out among all the other professional elites. Stanley’s evidence shows that the economically successful members of America are more likely to find a less competitive environment in which they can easily excel. They are the big fish in a little pond.
At the end of the book Stanley breaks the millionaire mind down into eight elements:
1. They understands that America rewards hard work, integrity and focus.
2. They understand that education isn’t everything. Even though over 90% have a college education, few had outstanding grades.
3. They have courage to make informed financial risks.
4. They select a unique vocation and utilize their special skills for profit.
5. They are extremely careful about selecting a spouse.
6. They operate an economically productive household.
7. They study, search and negotiate at length before buying a home.
8. They adopt a balanced lifestyle.
This was an amazing book. There is a wealth of practical knowledge here. I’m excited to read the companion book, The Millionaire Next Door.
This book compiles all of this research into one, very accessible book. What he found was that the typical millionaire in America did not exhibit an extravagant lifestyle. Again and again he calls them a cheap date. Over the course of a lifetime they have learned how to be extremely efficient with their time, energy and money. They do not waste their resources on consumer goods. They are constantly looking at the lifecycle costs over the first cost of any purchase.
One of the most important factors that he saw in these millionaires was their choice of vocation. The key to becoming economically successful, according to Thomas Stanley, is selecting a profession that allows you to make full use of your skills and talents. If you love what you do, you will be more willing to work hard. He highlights the importance of selecting a job market where you can be competitive. He talks a lot about how the American education system has a tendency to channel bright students into the medical and legal fields. Upon graduating, these talented students find themselves swept up in a wave of fierce competition. They work hard all their lives, but are unable to stand out among all the other professional elites. Stanley’s evidence shows that the economically successful members of America are more likely to find a less competitive environment in which they can easily excel. They are the big fish in a little pond.
At the end of the book Stanley breaks the millionaire mind down into eight elements:
1. They understands that America rewards hard work, integrity and focus.
2. They understand that education isn’t everything. Even though over 90% have a college education, few had outstanding grades.
3. They have courage to make informed financial risks.
4. They select a unique vocation and utilize their special skills for profit.
5. They are extremely careful about selecting a spouse.
6. They operate an economically productive household.
7. They study, search and negotiate at length before buying a home.
8. They adopt a balanced lifestyle.
This was an amazing book. There is a wealth of practical knowledge here. I’m excited to read the companion book, The Millionaire Next Door.
The True Meaning of Smekday by Adam Rex (A)
I want everyone to read this book. Can I just leave my review at that? Since about page 42 I was positive this was a winner and I've spent the remaining 380 pages wracking my brain for a good way to review it when I wasn't laughing out loud. How do you do such a strange, randomly hilarious book justice in a short review? I'll give it my best shot...
The True Meaning of Smekday begins as a school essay assignment and then moves into an extended memoir by our heroine, 11-year old Gratuity "Tip" Tucci. She's assigned to write about the true meaning of Smekday--the day aliens invaded earth in the year 2013 and renamed the planet Smekland. Her story begins with her mom being abducted by aliens, and ends three different times (with her original essay, her rewritten winning essay, and then her longer "unpublished" memoir). After Mom gets abducted, Gratuity has to make her way to the well-named Happy Mouse Kingdom in Orlando, FL, and then on to Arizona...where all humans are being forced to move because the aliens like Florida too much to give it away. Along the way, she picks up her very own Boov--an alien named J.Lo who's in trouble with his fellow aliens, and who proves to be a useful road trip companion. If you keep reading, you'll meet the people of Area 51, a Clark Kent look-a-like, and stereotypical G-man named Mitch.
The adventures in the story never stop and that's one good reason to read. The real selling points, however, are all Gratuity Tucci's. The author's ability to write through a snarky 11-year old's voice is awesome, and her asides and comments will have you laughing out loud. Literally. Don't read this one in a library. And don't let the fact that its about aliens taking over earth put you off picking this one up. This book is hilarious and you'll be recommending it to everyone you know before long.
I give it an A.
And after you read, you'll probably enjoy visiting the official website of Smekday where the hilarity only continues.
The True Meaning of Smekday begins as a school essay assignment and then moves into an extended memoir by our heroine, 11-year old Gratuity "Tip" Tucci. She's assigned to write about the true meaning of Smekday--the day aliens invaded earth in the year 2013 and renamed the planet Smekland. Her story begins with her mom being abducted by aliens, and ends three different times (with her original essay, her rewritten winning essay, and then her longer "unpublished" memoir). After Mom gets abducted, Gratuity has to make her way to the well-named Happy Mouse Kingdom in Orlando, FL, and then on to Arizona...where all humans are being forced to move because the aliens like Florida too much to give it away. Along the way, she picks up her very own Boov--an alien named J.Lo who's in trouble with his fellow aliens, and who proves to be a useful road trip companion. If you keep reading, you'll meet the people of Area 51, a Clark Kent look-a-like, and stereotypical G-man named Mitch.
The adventures in the story never stop and that's one good reason to read. The real selling points, however, are all Gratuity Tucci's. The author's ability to write through a snarky 11-year old's voice is awesome, and her asides and comments will have you laughing out loud. Literally. Don't read this one in a library. And don't let the fact that its about aliens taking over earth put you off picking this one up. This book is hilarious and you'll be recommending it to everyone you know before long.
I give it an A.
And after you read, you'll probably enjoy visiting the official website of Smekday where the hilarity only continues.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Not a Review...
I figured this Blog is all about books, right? And the goal is to share with one another ideas for your next reading selection. I always enjoy hearing what other people think about books, and I found this post on another site and felt it might be of interest to the others on this Blog. Anyway check it out and enjoy "The Books that Changed Your Lives." Pretty cool.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Uglies by Scott Westerfeld (B+)
The tagline for this young adult novel is "In a world of extreme beauty, anyone normal is ugly." And thus it begins.
The time is hundreds of years in the future, after people like you and me have royally screwed the world over. The people who were left decided to patch things up and make the world better than it was. The theory holds that all the problems in our world were created because people were different, so the solution is to make everyone "pretty" through a series of operations you undergo at age 16.
Our protagonist, Tally Youngblood, is anxious to turn pretty. She hates her ugly self--as she's been trained to do--and her best friend turned pretty 3 months earlier. She wants to get herself all dolled up and moved into New Pretty Town ASAP! But then she meets Shay, another Ugly like herself. Shay doesn't want to turn pretty. She wants to stay ugly (i.e. NORMAL) and just be herself. Tally doesn't follow this radical line of thinking, but her world is turned upside down when Shay runs away only days before Tally's operation. Shay's headed for The Smoke--hundreds of miles away, and home of a ragged group of bandit Uglies who refuse to follow the system. The Establishment, if you will, give Tally a terrible choice: find Shay and turn her in, or stay ugly forever.
No spoilers here--but Westerfeld does a great job of pulling the reader into this "world o' the future." There's action, comedy, romance and philosophy for everyone; there's obviously a great message about loving yourself for who you are and not just for physical beauty. And there's a sequel! I'm excited to read it (Pretties), and I was really impressed with the author's ability to lead you into the sequel without it feeling like, "I want to write another book so we're going to create this new problem." It felt really natural that we'd need to see the next part of the story. I'm a fan.
A solid B+ on my score card.
The time is hundreds of years in the future, after people like you and me have royally screwed the world over. The people who were left decided to patch things up and make the world better than it was. The theory holds that all the problems in our world were created because people were different, so the solution is to make everyone "pretty" through a series of operations you undergo at age 16.
Our protagonist, Tally Youngblood, is anxious to turn pretty. She hates her ugly self--as she's been trained to do--and her best friend turned pretty 3 months earlier. She wants to get herself all dolled up and moved into New Pretty Town ASAP! But then she meets Shay, another Ugly like herself. Shay doesn't want to turn pretty. She wants to stay ugly (i.e. NORMAL) and just be herself. Tally doesn't follow this radical line of thinking, but her world is turned upside down when Shay runs away only days before Tally's operation. Shay's headed for The Smoke--hundreds of miles away, and home of a ragged group of bandit Uglies who refuse to follow the system. The Establishment, if you will, give Tally a terrible choice: find Shay and turn her in, or stay ugly forever.
No spoilers here--but Westerfeld does a great job of pulling the reader into this "world o' the future." There's action, comedy, romance and philosophy for everyone; there's obviously a great message about loving yourself for who you are and not just for physical beauty. And there's a sequel! I'm excited to read it (Pretties), and I was really impressed with the author's ability to lead you into the sequel without it feeling like, "I want to write another book so we're going to create this new problem." It felt really natural that we'd need to see the next part of the story. I'm a fan.
A solid B+ on my score card.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Life on a Refrigerator Door: Notes Between a Mother and Daughter, a novel - Alice Kuipers (4.5 of 5 Magnets)
A friend of mine suggested this book to me a couple of weeks ago. I put it on hold and let the library to do the rest. I started and finished it in the same morning (it was a very short book). Apparently length isn't everything. I was very impressed with it.
The whole novel is composed of notes left on a refrigerator door by a mother and her daughter. The mother is divorced and spends much of her time working at the hospital. The teenage daughter is caught up in her own world of school, friends and babysitting. They write notes back and forth, some short and some long, some lighthearted and some serious.
Before you jump to conclusions, I should mention that not all of their communication is done this way. Many of the notes make references to the time that they had spent together the previous night such as "Thanks Mom for dinner and movie last night."
The letters become more serious when the mother discovers that she has breast cancer. I thought that this was one of the more interesting ways to discuss this topic. What I most impressed with was how authentic the discussions felt. I'll admit that I haven't been a teenage daughter who watched her mother battle with breast cancer, but I have been affected by this horrible disease. My grandmother passed away four years ago after a courageous struggle with stomach cancer. Does anyone agree or disagree with my assesment of the authenticity of the book?
The whole novel is composed of notes left on a refrigerator door by a mother and her daughter. The mother is divorced and spends much of her time working at the hospital. The teenage daughter is caught up in her own world of school, friends and babysitting. They write notes back and forth, some short and some long, some lighthearted and some serious.
Before you jump to conclusions, I should mention that not all of their communication is done this way. Many of the notes make references to the time that they had spent together the previous night such as "Thanks Mom for dinner and movie last night."
The letters become more serious when the mother discovers that she has breast cancer. I thought that this was one of the more interesting ways to discuss this topic. What I most impressed with was how authentic the discussions felt. I'll admit that I haven't been a teenage daughter who watched her mother battle with breast cancer, but I have been affected by this horrible disease. My grandmother passed away four years ago after a courageous struggle with stomach cancer. Does anyone agree or disagree with my assesment of the authenticity of the book?
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire – J.K. Rowling (2 of 5 House Elves)
Poor Voldemort. How many times do we have watch villains work so hard to get revenge upon their foes only to see them squander away all their work in a fit of hubris at the very last moment? He had Harry tied to a headstone in a graveyard thousands of miles from anyone that could help him. Have the death eaters gone soft? Can’t they think up a better way to kill a helpless fifteen year old boy than with the havarta curse? Whatever happened to a good old stabbing or drowning? That seems easy enough.
Maybe someone should have supplied Miss Rowling with a less predictable way to end her book…and the last hundred pages were the most entertaining section of the novel. I’d take predictability over sheer boredom any day.
It doesn’t appear to be getting any better. Harry Five has already put me to sleep twice, and I haven’t even gotten through the first three CDs. Didn’t Harry originally begin as a bedtime story? Well, at least she has accomplished that purpose. Getting through all seven books before the end of the summer is becoming less and less likely.
My theory is that by this point in her writing career, J.K. Rowling’s novels had become so popular that she felt that she could write whatever and however much she pleased and everyone would still read her books. Goblet of Fire was dreadfully slow. It’s almost as if she got lost in her own little world and gave up on moving the central plot forward. A hundred pages on blast-ended schrutes, a hundred pages in Hagrid’s shady genealogy, a hundred pages in house elves rights...and the list goes on.
Maybe someone should have supplied Miss Rowling with a less predictable way to end her book…and the last hundred pages were the most entertaining section of the novel. I’d take predictability over sheer boredom any day.
It doesn’t appear to be getting any better. Harry Five has already put me to sleep twice, and I haven’t even gotten through the first three CDs. Didn’t Harry originally begin as a bedtime story? Well, at least she has accomplished that purpose. Getting through all seven books before the end of the summer is becoming less and less likely.
My theory is that by this point in her writing career, J.K. Rowling’s novels had become so popular that she felt that she could write whatever and however much she pleased and everyone would still read her books. Goblet of Fire was dreadfully slow. It’s almost as if she got lost in her own little world and gave up on moving the central plot forward. A hundred pages on blast-ended schrutes, a hundred pages in Hagrid’s shady genealogy, a hundred pages in house elves rights...and the list goes on.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
The Total Money Makeover
I just finished reading this book and I enjoyed it thoroughly. Being married to a financial planner who actually loves what he does (i.e. he talks about financial principles all the time), I would not consider myself uneducated on this subject. I have read other books on how to handle money in general, including a book by Suze Orman (good info also), but this book by Dave Ramsey is one that I will actually be buying for home reference. It tells things how they are in a manner that is easy to understand and which brings humor to a serious situation many people find themselves in today. I highly recommend you read it, and the younger you are the better (as in if you implemented the principles outlined you would be light years ahead of your peers).
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
I first picked up Name of the Wind on the suggestion of my favorite librarian. She's been giving me suggestions for years, and knows how much I like fantasy. I had bypassed the book several times, I am ashamed to say, because the cover didn't appeal to me. It never grabbed my attention, and so I ignored it. Oh, how wrong I was. I was intrigued just by reading the inside flap (which I'll post in a while, in a blatant attempt to get y'all to read it too). In fact, when I got home I started reading, and I could hardly put it down for 3 days, and when I finished, I wished it hadn't ended. Luckily for me there are two more books, unfortunately though, they aren't published yet. And so the waiting begins. Here's the inner flap:
My name is Kvothe, pronounced nearly the same as "quothe." Names are important as they tell you a great deal about a person. I've had more names than anyone has a right to. The Adem call me Maedre. Which, depending on how it's spoken, can mean The Flame, The Thunder, or The Broken Tree.
"The Flame" is obvious if you've ever seen me. I have red hair, bright. If I had been born a couple of hundred years ago I would probably have been burned as a demon. I keep it short but it's unruly. When left to its own devices, it sticks up and makes me look as if I have been set afire.
"The Thunder" I attribute to a strong baritone and a great deal of stage training at an early age.
I've never thought of "The Broken Tree" as very significant. Although in retrospect, I suppose it could be considered at least partially prophetic.
My first mentor called me E'lir because I was clever and I knew it. My first real lover called me Dulator because she liked the sound of it. I have been called Shadicar, Lightfinger, and Six-String. I have been called Kvothe the Bloodless, Kvothe the Arcane, and Kvothe Kingkiller. I have earned those names. Bought and paid for them.
But I was brought up as Kvothe. My father once told me it meant "to know."
I have, of course, been called many other things. Most of them uncouth, although very few were unearned.
I have stolen princesses back from sleeping barrow kings. I burned down the town of Trebon. I have spent the night with Felurian and left with both my sanity and my life. I was expelled from the University at a younger age than most people are allowed in. I tread paths by moonlight that others fear to speak of during day. I have talked to Gods, loved women, and written songs that make the minstrels weep.
You may have heard of me.
The story is beautifully written, and I highly recommend it.
My name is Kvothe, pronounced nearly the same as "quothe." Names are important as they tell you a great deal about a person. I've had more names than anyone has a right to. The Adem call me Maedre. Which, depending on how it's spoken, can mean The Flame, The Thunder, or The Broken Tree.
"The Flame" is obvious if you've ever seen me. I have red hair, bright. If I had been born a couple of hundred years ago I would probably have been burned as a demon. I keep it short but it's unruly. When left to its own devices, it sticks up and makes me look as if I have been set afire.
"The Thunder" I attribute to a strong baritone and a great deal of stage training at an early age.
I've never thought of "The Broken Tree" as very significant. Although in retrospect, I suppose it could be considered at least partially prophetic.
My first mentor called me E'lir because I was clever and I knew it. My first real lover called me Dulator because she liked the sound of it. I have been called Shadicar, Lightfinger, and Six-String. I have been called Kvothe the Bloodless, Kvothe the Arcane, and Kvothe Kingkiller. I have earned those names. Bought and paid for them.
But I was brought up as Kvothe. My father once told me it meant "to know."
I have, of course, been called many other things. Most of them uncouth, although very few were unearned.
I have stolen princesses back from sleeping barrow kings. I burned down the town of Trebon. I have spent the night with Felurian and left with both my sanity and my life. I was expelled from the University at a younger age than most people are allowed in. I tread paths by moonlight that others fear to speak of during day. I have talked to Gods, loved women, and written songs that make the minstrels weep.
You may have heard of me.
The story is beautifully written, and I highly recommend it.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Ella Enchanted, Gail Carson Levine
A little girl at heart, I finally broke down and read Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine- something I should have done in fourth grade. Although a Newbery Honor book, this is hardly college literature. It’s a fairy tale, a Cinderella story- which I’m now realizing is a story line running around in more abundance than I’d ever imagined. I thought I’d seen them all by sixth grade, but no, I’ve discovered two since starting college. Not that it’s a bad thing. It’s the quintessential chick flick. You’d be hard pressed to find a girl who doesn’t appreciate the story of a young girl, who when thrown into deplorable and hopelessly dismal situations endures bloodthirsty foes, impossible fairies, and manipulative family ...and acts nobly anyway. There is something of a spiritual triumph in this simple act of one-sided nobility. It speaks to the prince and princess inside each of us and inspires us to live up to our title.
This particular rendition of the Cinderella story is fun because Ella is more of a realistic person than the Disney movie makes her out to be. She’s not perfect, and her disposition is not blindly submissive despite (or more accurately because of) the curse which was bestowed upon her at birth by an impertinent fairy to “Always be obedient”; she obeys orders, but only because the curse will not allow her to do otherwise.
She is a real person with real relationships with the people around her. Something the Bruno, Gus and Lucifer version doesn’t have that this one does is this: not only does Ella’s prince, Shar (prince Shar-ming, ha ha ha! :) sweep her off her glass-slipper shod feet, but they start as friends long before the prospect of marriage is considered. While not nearly as involved as a Jane Austin novel, similarities exist as their friendship is based primarily on intellect, interests, and conversation.
I recently found an old, beat up copy of The Slipper and the Rose while going through some videos. At my mom’s request I popped it in to see if it still worked. It did, barely, and I ended up watching the whole thing. Yup, another Cinderella story. The reason I bring this up is because I found it uncanny when just a week later I read Ella Enchanted and found that both Cinderella and Ella choose selflessness over their happiness when faced with practically the same situation. Their decisions in this instance are noble, but also make me positively sick. Fortunately neither The Slipper and the Rose nor Ella Enchanted end right there.
The story ends, of course “And they lived happily ever after”, however, I figure this came as no surprise to you. I guess it’s borderline spoiling, but this should in no way dissuade you from reading the book if you so desire- if you consider those people in real life who really do live “happily ever after” when the end of their story comes have the stories worth reading (take President Gordon B. Hinckley’s biography for example), knowing the ending won’t really ruin the read. Everyone should indulge in some fairy tales once in a while. I’ll bet Charles Dickens would even agree with me on that one.
This particular rendition of the Cinderella story is fun because Ella is more of a realistic person than the Disney movie makes her out to be. She’s not perfect, and her disposition is not blindly submissive despite (or more accurately because of) the curse which was bestowed upon her at birth by an impertinent fairy to “Always be obedient”; she obeys orders, but only because the curse will not allow her to do otherwise.
She is a real person with real relationships with the people around her. Something the Bruno, Gus and Lucifer version doesn’t have that this one does is this: not only does Ella’s prince, Shar (prince Shar-ming, ha ha ha! :) sweep her off her glass-slipper shod feet, but they start as friends long before the prospect of marriage is considered. While not nearly as involved as a Jane Austin novel, similarities exist as their friendship is based primarily on intellect, interests, and conversation.
I recently found an old, beat up copy of The Slipper and the Rose while going through some videos. At my mom’s request I popped it in to see if it still worked. It did, barely, and I ended up watching the whole thing. Yup, another Cinderella story. The reason I bring this up is because I found it uncanny when just a week later I read Ella Enchanted and found that both Cinderella and Ella choose selflessness over their happiness when faced with practically the same situation. Their decisions in this instance are noble, but also make me positively sick. Fortunately neither The Slipper and the Rose nor Ella Enchanted end right there.
The story ends, of course “And they lived happily ever after”, however, I figure this came as no surprise to you. I guess it’s borderline spoiling, but this should in no way dissuade you from reading the book if you so desire- if you consider those people in real life who really do live “happily ever after” when the end of their story comes have the stories worth reading (take President Gordon B. Hinckley’s biography for example), knowing the ending won’t really ruin the read. Everyone should indulge in some fairy tales once in a while. I’ll bet Charles Dickens would even agree with me on that one.
Between a Rock and a Hard Place - Aron Ralston (One Thumb Up)
I just finished Between a Rock and a Hard Place this morning and I'm still a little stumped about what I want to say about it. Even though you may not have read the book, it's likely that you're familiar with the story. Back in the Spring of 2003, Aron Ralston decided to go hiking by himself in the slot canyons around Moab. A few hours into his hike on Saturday, he disturbed a large boulder above him that fell, pinning his hand against the cliff wall. After several attempts to move the boulder, he decided that the only thing left to do was cut off his own hand. He then single-handedly hiked out of the canyon.
Among other things, I enjoyed this book because it helped to correct some of the preconceived notions that I had about Aron. I figured that a hiker who went alone into the slot canyons and got himself stuck would have been inexperienced. Exactly the opposite is true. He was very experienced at traversing mountains. He holds the record for the largest number of 14,000+ ft. mountains climbed during the winter months (somewhere around 50). He climbed most of these mountains before his accident. Before dedicating his life solely to climbing, he was a mechanical engineer for Intel for five years. He received a bachelor's degree in both Piano Performance and Electrical Engineering. He was typically a very cautious hiker. It was merely a rare set of coincidences that led to him being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
The book itself was a little slow. The language seemed overdone at times. Don't expect a lot of deep psychological turmoil. And caution...there's a lot profanity during the accident itself with scattered cursing each time he gets frustrated. That I didn't enjoy.
But, on the other hand, it is an inspirational story that shouldn't be overlooked. It's unlikely that you'll walk away without wanting to go for a (group) hike.
Among other things, I enjoyed this book because it helped to correct some of the preconceived notions that I had about Aron. I figured that a hiker who went alone into the slot canyons and got himself stuck would have been inexperienced. Exactly the opposite is true. He was very experienced at traversing mountains. He holds the record for the largest number of 14,000+ ft. mountains climbed during the winter months (somewhere around 50). He climbed most of these mountains before his accident. Before dedicating his life solely to climbing, he was a mechanical engineer for Intel for five years. He received a bachelor's degree in both Piano Performance and Electrical Engineering. He was typically a very cautious hiker. It was merely a rare set of coincidences that led to him being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
The book itself was a little slow. The language seemed overdone at times. Don't expect a lot of deep psychological turmoil. And caution...there's a lot profanity during the accident itself with scattered cursing each time he gets frustrated. That I didn't enjoy.
But, on the other hand, it is an inspirational story that shouldn't be overlooked. It's unlikely that you'll walk away without wanting to go for a (group) hike.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
I'd like to be a Puddlejumper now
I picked up Puddlejumpers by Mark Jean and Christopher C. Carlson, on a whim. I'd never heard anything about it before, but it sounded interesting enough. I enjoy young adult fantasy novels. This one fits right into the genre--a fantastical world existing right in the middle of our normal human one, or in the case of Circle, Illinois, right underneath our normal one.
Puddlejumpers are small earthy creatures that inhabit a world below the Up Above where all the humans live. They love MotherEarth and need water, and all sorts of good stuff. But something evil and sinister is coming to destroy their kingdom! Their only hope is an ancient prophecy that says a human boy will be born who will help save the kingdom. (Are you thinking Harry Potter at this point? Me too. But there aren't any wands in this one...) The Puddlejumpers find their prophetic Rainmaker in Shawn Frazier, watch over him for 3+ months in the confines of his own human home, and then kidnap him into the Puddlejumper world. Everything goes well until disaster strikes, the Puddlejumper world is infiltrated and the Rainmaker is LOST...or so it seems.
Fast forward a number of years and enter two kids, Ernie and Joey, who decide to solve the mystery of the kidnapped baby. Their entrance into the story starts the whole prophecy thing in motion again...and the great question is, will the Rainmaker return and save the Puddlejumper's world? Will he return and make it rain again?!
The story is very reminiscent of Harry Potter and every other "there's a boy and a prophecy" fantasy novel out there. But the book is also entertaining and creative enough to keep you from making too many connections to Rowling's books. The characters have heart--especially Ernie Banks--and I found myself reading for hours, unable to put the book down. Puddlejumpers is not the greatest book you'll read this summer, but its fun, easy, and you'll have a good time.
Puddlejumpers are small earthy creatures that inhabit a world below the Up Above where all the humans live. They love MotherEarth and need water, and all sorts of good stuff. But something evil and sinister is coming to destroy their kingdom! Their only hope is an ancient prophecy that says a human boy will be born who will help save the kingdom. (Are you thinking Harry Potter at this point? Me too. But there aren't any wands in this one...) The Puddlejumpers find their prophetic Rainmaker in Shawn Frazier, watch over him for 3+ months in the confines of his own human home, and then kidnap him into the Puddlejumper world. Everything goes well until disaster strikes, the Puddlejumper world is infiltrated and the Rainmaker is LOST...or so it seems.
Fast forward a number of years and enter two kids, Ernie and Joey, who decide to solve the mystery of the kidnapped baby. Their entrance into the story starts the whole prophecy thing in motion again...and the great question is, will the Rainmaker return and save the Puddlejumper's world? Will he return and make it rain again?!
The story is very reminiscent of Harry Potter and every other "there's a boy and a prophecy" fantasy novel out there. But the book is also entertaining and creative enough to keep you from making too many connections to Rowling's books. The characters have heart--especially Ernie Banks--and I found myself reading for hours, unable to put the book down. Puddlejumpers is not the greatest book you'll read this summer, but its fun, easy, and you'll have a good time.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Welcome to the Experiment
First of all, let me make this clear. Anyone can write a post. I hope that each "Contributor" will contribute for the benefit of the group.
"Boyintheframe" hit the nail right on the head. I can go elsewhere to find "the lists" of classic books. I read many of the classics in high school. The read-a-thon continues in college. Like he said, reading those books can be beneficial for their depth and depiction of the human experience.
But this is summer. And what are "summers" really for? In my opinion summers are kind of like Sundays. We take a break from the things that we have to do, to focus on the spiritual things that we (hopefully) want to do. Both realms of projects have value if we let them.
So. Back to the experiment. I want to find those books that still have merit but don't make it on the lists. And who better to ask then my close friends and family?
Now, as you've probably noticed, I've written up several reviews of books that I've read this summer. I'm still waiting for most of my friends and family to do their part. I honestly don't want a senior thesis for every book. I just want a basic synopsis of the book (hopefully without spoilers) and what you thought of it. If the book was fantastic, tell me it was fantastic. If it was terrible, tell me it was terrible. My hope is that we can all find a book or two that we wouldn't have otherwise read. I don't expect life changing events, but hey, if it happens...congrats!
Let's look forward a few years. I fully intend to write up a little review of every book I read from now on. And if everyone was writing? Think of the possibilities!
"Boyintheframe" hit the nail right on the head. I can go elsewhere to find "the lists" of classic books. I read many of the classics in high school. The read-a-thon continues in college. Like he said, reading those books can be beneficial for their depth and depiction of the human experience.
But this is summer. And what are "summers" really for? In my opinion summers are kind of like Sundays. We take a break from the things that we have to do, to focus on the spiritual things that we (hopefully) want to do. Both realms of projects have value if we let them.
So. Back to the experiment. I want to find those books that still have merit but don't make it on the lists. And who better to ask then my close friends and family?
Now, as you've probably noticed, I've written up several reviews of books that I've read this summer. I'm still waiting for most of my friends and family to do their part. I honestly don't want a senior thesis for every book. I just want a basic synopsis of the book (hopefully without spoilers) and what you thought of it. If the book was fantastic, tell me it was fantastic. If it was terrible, tell me it was terrible. My hope is that we can all find a book or two that we wouldn't have otherwise read. I don't expect life changing events, but hey, if it happens...congrats!
Let's look forward a few years. I fully intend to write up a little review of every book I read from now on. And if everyone was writing? Think of the possibilities!
Spoiler Alert
I have a confession to make:
I...am afraid...of the Big Bad Woolf.
Which begs the question: what am I doing here? I guess I was invited by a good friend and couldn't refuse. Besides: I don't want to appear as though I don't appreciate a good book. I guess my opinion of a good book is...well, non-vernacular. Take the works of Terry Brooks, for example. Probably his most well-known series--relatively speaking, of course--would be the Shannara series, of which there are currently seventeen entries, and more are on the way. In addition, series that were once seperate from these, such as The Word and the Void, are becoming incorporated into the Shannara universe. It is a Fantasy/Sci-Fi style series, and they are distinctive in their character and imagination. The first entry ever written, The Sword of Shannara, was written in the early 1970s, and it heralded a new tradition in episodic fantasy writing ever since The Lord of the Rings. The first Shannara book I ever read was The Wishsong of Shannara, in the seventh grade, and I fell in love.
Make no mistake: I know the difference between the classics and popular fiction. Terry Brooks is a bold writer, but his works just don't compare to the likes of even the most contemporary masterpieces, like Conroy's Lords of Discipline, or Irving's A Prayer for Owen Meany. So why even mention the series? It is because this series doesn't compare, that I mention it. It stands out as a great book without assuming too much of itself. It isn't about trying to change the world, or proving a point; it is simply a fairy tale, an epic adventure.
There are, of course, more serious books that I find interesting as well. Orson Scott Card is a fine Sci-Fi writer. His Ender series is an intense and involved space tragedy, full of international and interplanetary intrigue. He also has a very interesting series depicting a futuristic scenario of Earth's descendants, based on the history of Nephi and his family in the Book of Mormon. It is called the Homecoming series, very interesting interpretation of religious texts. Like children's books? I would recommend The Lorax, by Dr. Suess, or Sylvester and the Magic Pebble, by William Steig. Want satire? Douglas Adams and Terry Pratchett are good authors for that.
So sure, I like books. I am still afraid of the Big Bad Woolf, the books that the world says mean something. I guess there are a few that I have come to like in that area, but I find it hard to adapt to that world. I feel bad, sometimes, as if I am failing to apply myself to good reading, but I look back and realize that there are good books out there, and I have read a few of them in my time. I may find it hard to find a good new book for me, but I am grateful, all the same, for good reading.
I...am afraid...of the Big Bad Woolf.
Which begs the question: what am I doing here? I guess I was invited by a good friend and couldn't refuse. Besides: I don't want to appear as though I don't appreciate a good book. I guess my opinion of a good book is...well, non-vernacular. Take the works of Terry Brooks, for example. Probably his most well-known series--relatively speaking, of course--would be the Shannara series, of which there are currently seventeen entries, and more are on the way. In addition, series that were once seperate from these, such as The Word and the Void, are becoming incorporated into the Shannara universe. It is a Fantasy/Sci-Fi style series, and they are distinctive in their character and imagination. The first entry ever written, The Sword of Shannara, was written in the early 1970s, and it heralded a new tradition in episodic fantasy writing ever since The Lord of the Rings. The first Shannara book I ever read was The Wishsong of Shannara, in the seventh grade, and I fell in love.
Make no mistake: I know the difference between the classics and popular fiction. Terry Brooks is a bold writer, but his works just don't compare to the likes of even the most contemporary masterpieces, like Conroy's Lords of Discipline, or Irving's A Prayer for Owen Meany. So why even mention the series? It is because this series doesn't compare, that I mention it. It stands out as a great book without assuming too much of itself. It isn't about trying to change the world, or proving a point; it is simply a fairy tale, an epic adventure.
There are, of course, more serious books that I find interesting as well. Orson Scott Card is a fine Sci-Fi writer. His Ender series is an intense and involved space tragedy, full of international and interplanetary intrigue. He also has a very interesting series depicting a futuristic scenario of Earth's descendants, based on the history of Nephi and his family in the Book of Mormon. It is called the Homecoming series, very interesting interpretation of religious texts. Like children's books? I would recommend The Lorax, by Dr. Suess, or Sylvester and the Magic Pebble, by William Steig. Want satire? Douglas Adams and Terry Pratchett are good authors for that.
So sure, I like books. I am still afraid of the Big Bad Woolf, the books that the world says mean something. I guess there are a few that I have come to like in that area, but I find it hard to adapt to that world. I feel bad, sometimes, as if I am failing to apply myself to good reading, but I look back and realize that there are good books out there, and I have read a few of them in my time. I may find it hard to find a good new book for me, but I am grateful, all the same, for good reading.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Letters for Emily - Camron Wright (4 of 5 Gold Coins)
Harry is an older man dying of Alzheimer's. The opening chapter is a letter written by Harry that tells of his wish to be remembered for the man he was before his illness robbed him of his mind. He describes his intent to write a few last letters to his granddaughter Emily, in which he will include his final words of wisdom.
Harry's son Bob and his wife Laura are having marital problems. When the story opens, Bob has already moved to California. Laura takes her daughter Emily to visit Harry every Friday afternoon as his life draws to a close.
First of all, I wouldn't be surprised if this book was made into a Hallmark video, if it hasn't been already... If so, it would be one of the better movies Hallmark could produce. While the story itself is a little predictable, the actual letters from Harry are what makes the book worth the read. His subjects range from the importance of flossing to forgiveness. My favorite letter was the one in which he met his wife. I can't tell you much more than that... I don't want to spoil it for you. If you've read it, come find me and we'll chat and have a good laugh.
Warm fuzzies abound. Let me know what you thought of it.
Harry's son Bob and his wife Laura are having marital problems. When the story opens, Bob has already moved to California. Laura takes her daughter Emily to visit Harry every Friday afternoon as his life draws to a close.
First of all, I wouldn't be surprised if this book was made into a Hallmark video, if it hasn't been already... If so, it would be one of the better movies Hallmark could produce. While the story itself is a little predictable, the actual letters from Harry are what makes the book worth the read. His subjects range from the importance of flossing to forgiveness. My favorite letter was the one in which he met his wife. I can't tell you much more than that... I don't want to spoil it for you. If you've read it, come find me and we'll chat and have a good laugh.
Warm fuzzies abound. Let me know what you thought of it.
Monday, July 7, 2008
The Automatic Millionaire - David Bach (4.5 of 5 Hammocks)
I was wandering through the nonfiction section of the library a couple of weeks ago when I came across The Automatic Millionaire. Naturally, I was skeptical of such a title. I took it home with me as somewhat of a joke, but I was pleasantly surprised. This was a informative book, free of the typical get-rich-quick schemes.
The core principle of the book is taking steps to automating your finances. Bach throws out the common practice of budgeting (which I thoroughly enjoyed...perhaps because I do such a poor job of it), concluding that it is a waste of time and effort. In it's place he provides several strategies for automatically taking money out of your hands and putting it into a safe place before you get a chance to spend it. The book includes resources for finding and establishing retirement and emergency savings accounts. I found all of it to be rather intriguing.
The last chapter of the books describes the process of giving 10% back to the community in the form of tithing or supporting local charities. I was pleased to see someone outside the church put their stamp of approval on tithing. It provides a satisfying conclusion to the book.
I have already started applying several of the principles in Bach's book. I discovered that the interest rate on my savings account with Mountain America was a dismal .9%. I had previously thought that it was much higher. At the suggestion of Bach I looked into the online banks ING and HSBC. Turns out that ING offers a rate of 3% and HSBC 3.5%. They both have very credible reputations. They both offer resources for automatically deducting funds from your checking account according to your own desired schedule.
I would highly recommend this inspiring book to anyone wondering about how to better handle their money and prepare for the future.
I took off a half a point for how many times David Bach uses the word automatic. The book was read by the author. The drawn out emphasis on the word every time he used it wore on me. Get the book in print to avoid this...
The core principle of the book is taking steps to automating your finances. Bach throws out the common practice of budgeting (which I thoroughly enjoyed...perhaps because I do such a poor job of it), concluding that it is a waste of time and effort. In it's place he provides several strategies for automatically taking money out of your hands and putting it into a safe place before you get a chance to spend it. The book includes resources for finding and establishing retirement and emergency savings accounts. I found all of it to be rather intriguing.
The last chapter of the books describes the process of giving 10% back to the community in the form of tithing or supporting local charities. I was pleased to see someone outside the church put their stamp of approval on tithing. It provides a satisfying conclusion to the book.
I have already started applying several of the principles in Bach's book. I discovered that the interest rate on my savings account with Mountain America was a dismal .9%. I had previously thought that it was much higher. At the suggestion of Bach I looked into the online banks ING and HSBC. Turns out that ING offers a rate of 3% and HSBC 3.5%. They both have very credible reputations. They both offer resources for automatically deducting funds from your checking account according to your own desired schedule.
I would highly recommend this inspiring book to anyone wondering about how to better handle their money and prepare for the future.
I took off a half a point for how many times David Bach uses the word automatic. The book was read by the author. The drawn out emphasis on the word every time he used it wore on me. Get the book in print to avoid this...
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