My reviews

Mind and Fun

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Herbert presents The Sherlock Holmes Puzzle Collection – The Lost Cases

I was looking for some winter entertainment, specifically mind puzzles that where not the usual word games, numbers … and came across The Sherlock Holmes Puzzle Collection. This volume picked my interest, and I decided to try it. There are other books in the collection, but The Lost Cases seemed to be interesting enough for me to check it out. I have to say that I am not disappointed. This hardcover is just art in itself, with beautiful illustrations, typography, and section presentation. The overall presentation is gorgeous. The book is divided into cases (140 puzzles) that go from relatively easy to more difficult. However, the easy ones can be tricky. It is written in the voice of John Watson, Holmes’ assistant. I am enjoying this book so far and might try others in the collection. If you are looking for something a bit different to exercise your brain, this one is a good choice.

Sandstorm

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I have never been in a sandstorm, and I would never want to be caught on one; except in this one. From time to time, I write a review on a book that I enjoyed in a special way or that I find mesmerizing, unique, or out of the ordinary. I don’t write many reviews, although I enjoy many books. I compare the reading of The Star of Bethlehem by Patrick Moore to a sandstorm.

A sandstorm is made of many grains of sand and travels fast, windsweeping everything on its path. On its own, a grain of sand is not much (although I find it fascinating) but many particles of sand together at once, being carried by a wind force is significant. Well, this book is like that. It is written by an astronomer, Sir Patrick Moore. The topic is the phenomenon of the star of Bethlehem viewed and presented from the point of view of the author, a well experienced astronomer. When I got this book the topic fascinated me but because it was immersed in theories and scientific information/data I assumed I would become restless at one point while reading it, not bored just restless. I could not have been more wrong. I do not know how he manages to do this (as a writer) but he took so many grains of information related to the possible astronomical phenomena that would explain the star of Bethlehem and weaved it into an interesting, well-written, reader friendly, comfortably paced book that swept me like a sandstorm. It kept me reading. At the end, he presents his theory/opinion. The information presented dates back to records/accounts from around 7 BC-1 BC mostly, or around the possible date/period of Christ’s birth. I was pleasantly surprised that I could not put this book down. This because although I love these topics, numbers and scientific data presented hardcore might not capture my interest sometimes. I think that I was delighted by this book and very impressed by how it was written. What a great read. In it, Sir Patrick Moore presents possible candidates for the phenomenon of the star of Bethlehem – a star, planet, comet, nova, supernova … and goes back to the “records” of the time.

Although I have always viewed the topic of the star of Bethlehem from a faith point of view, and still do, I found this book very informative, interesting, and fun to read. It kept me reading, and I was pleased. A sandstorm of a book.

The Simple Life

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Simple Abundance – A Daybook of Comfort and Joy by Sarah Ban Breathnach

Although this book has been around for a while now (1995) it wasn’t until recently that I got to read it.  Immediately I loved it.  I have to admit that it has sat in my library for a year, maybe two; I just did not have enough time to get to it – but it kept calling me.  Finally, I listened and read it.  I did not read it as intended, one chapter a day, instead I read it until my eyes became blurry, and then came back for more day after day. 

I recommend this book to anyone that is in the path of a simple life and needs inspiration.  Its principles are even more true more than a decade later.  If you are in search of simplicity and abundance, you will enjoy this jewel.

My review of Grit for the Oyster

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Grit for the Oyster by Suzanne Woods Fisher, Debora M. Coty, Faith Tibbetts McDonald, and Joanna Bloss.

This is a must read for any aspiring author/writer.  The book is a perfect blend of inspiration, advice, pick me up, and knowledge.   Loved it.  Also a fast read.  The way it was written – in four sections divided in small themes -is perfect for picking it up at any time, to continue reading it, or for inspiration.  

Although it has a christian base, the lessons here apply to any writer pursuing the craft.  If you happen to be christian, it is a double blessing because you get a second knowledge from it.  I recommend this book to every aspiring writer.  Leave it at your work desk (for reference) after you read it one time.  Keep it next to you, I assure you that you will go back for more.

Review of RICH & HAPPY by Robert Kiyosaki

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The complete title is:  If you want to be RICH & HAPPY don’t go to school.  A work of love, this book presents Robert Kiyosaki’s view of the education system in which we grow up and get educated by.  An eye opener for most, and a sad truth, the book explains how the system prepares you for failure in the future.  It shows you how the harmful programming you received during your school years prevents and sabotages your success.  Robert says it like it is, and doesn’t sugar coat it.  He is also deeply concerned about the wrong programming that has been going on for many generations, and still continues.  While reading these truths, I got chills, and couldn’t help but feel sad for our children; tears streamed down while recognizing some of the patterns, in myself.  A must read for every parent, and teacher, but mostly, for every one of us, who has been educated in the system.

Review of RICH DAD’S SUCCESS STORIES by Robert Kiyosaki

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I loved this one. A fast read. For those who question Robert Kiyosaki’s system, this one is full of stories from people who utilized the teachings of Rich Dad to create a life of meaningful existence and the beginning of wealth. Each individual relates their story, and how they applied what they learned through Kiyosaki’s books in their lives. The story of a 13 year old, already on the road to financial success, was one of my favorites.  Another page turner.

 

My review of THE BUSINESS SCHOOL FOR PEOPLE WHO LIKE HELPING PEOPLE by Robert T. Kiyosaki

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Although written for the network marketing readers, this book presents many useful tips and values that are important for any entrepreneur. Written in a clear and candid way, it presents a personal view on network marketing by the author, as well as the benefits to start a network marketing type of business. The points discussed here are valuable for any business. I personally got a lot from this book.

My review of INCREASE YOUR FINANCIAL IQ by Robert T. Kiyosaki

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Another masterpiece by Robert Kiyosaki. In this book, Mr. Kiyosaki says it like it is, in a more blunt and direct style, maybe, as a result of rubbing elbows with The Donald. By briefly tapping into this country‘s financial history (and not being boring) he takes us into the past and back to the future, while explaining how important increasing your financial IQ is to your financial success and survival in the information age. A must read for anyone who does not want to get behind or being crush by the fast-changing times.

Review of RICH WOMAN by Kim Kiyosaki

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If you as a woman, have some trouble relating to Robert Kiyosaki’s teaching style, then this book is for you. I love this book because it makes you connect with the ideas and topics of Rich Dad, but explained in a totally different way.  It is a book on investing for women, written by a very intelligent woman, and someone that knows and lives the subject everyday.  It is not a how to book, but definitely an “I can” book.  It shows you the principles to follow (how Kim did it) – that you can tailor to your own particular situation.  A must read for every woman that wants to be independent and a smart investor.

Review of SPEEDWEALTH by T. Harv Eker

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Very similar to Kiyosaki’s teachings in essence, but Eker’s approach is faster and with a goal of creating wealth in a shorter amount of time (3 years or less) – as opposed to Kiyosaki’s philosophy of “creating wealth takes time and smart, hard work in the right quadrant.” Both, believe in the same principles of wealth building, and have practice them in their quest for wealth. Both keep practicing those principles today.  So, if you like a fast pace of teaching very similar principles, then this method is for you.