cjford

Holy Cow: An Indian Adventure

Holy Cow: An Indian Adventure - Sarah Macdonald I didn't know what to expect when I started reading this book; I just knew that it was a backpacker's favorite while I was on the road in India. Within the first few pages this book took me back to the place that I have missed ever since leaving. I felt as though I was reliving the myriad of memories and discoveries that I had in India all over again, making it very difficult to put this book down! This is a WONDERFUL book, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who has been, currently is, or is considering traveling to India. It think it is much more appreciated having been, however. I am sure that I will revisit this fantastic book again-- something I do VERY rarely.

The Little Book of Valuation: How to Value a Company, Pick a Stock and Profit (Little Books. Big Profits)

The Little Book of Valuation: How to Value a Company, Pick a Stock and Profit - Aswath Damodaran A GREAT beginning book for people interested in learning the basics of company analysis. Not too accounting based (see"The Five Rules for Successful Stock Investing") but solid, nonetheless.

The Revolution: A Manifesto

The Revolution: A Manifesto - Ron Paul A good read, no matter what your beliefs are. Paul discusses facts & ideas uncommonly found in the media. The last two chapters are a MUST read for everyone, regardless of political viewpoint.

On the Road

On the Road - Jack Kerouac This book gives an interesting account of what life on the road in the 1950/60's must have been like, but, truth be told, I was disappointed that it never amounted to much, other than a tale of a sad friend with A.D.D., although I dug the last few chapters of the book very much.

The First Billion Is the Hardest: Reflections on a Life of Comebacks and America's Energy Future

The First Billion Is the Hardest: Reflections on a Life of Comebacks and America's Energy Future - T. Boone Pickens A quick read with some good info. If you've ever heard Pickens speak, you can imagine him saying everything in each chapter as you read it. It is written as though he dictated the material into a tape recorder. Very matter of fact. I like that he is lobbying for the U.S. to find an energy policy quickly. He might not have the best plan, but at least he has one. Booneism #29: "A fool with a plan can outsmart a genius with no plan any day."

The New Coffeehouse Investor: How to Build Wealth, Ignore Wall Street, and Get on with Your Life

The New Coffeehouse Investor: How to Build Wealth, Ignore Wall Street, and Get on with Your Life - Bill Schultheis I agree with the author's philosophy, for the most part. The book is a good read for people who do not have an interest in the market but want to build a plan for their future. A quick and easy read, too. (I think I read all 168 pages in 2 hours.) I did not agree with the last few pages of the book in which the author talked about investing in individual stocks. Price is everything-- it's not as easy as picking a good company that you like and then socking your money into it for 20+ years. If you don't buy the company at a good price (especially if it doesn't pay dividends), then you might wait 20+ years for it to get back to break even. A good book all-in-all, though.

When Markets Collide: Investment Strategies for the Age of Global Economic Change

When Markets Collide: Investment Strategies for the Age of Global Economic Change - Mohamed El-Erian A good read for those wanting some insight into what to expect in the coming years; however, many of Mr. El-Erian's points were vague. The book could have been condensed and filled with more solid writing.

Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia

Eat, Pray, Love - Elizabeth Gilbert I really enjoyed the author's honesty, imagery, easy-going writing style, and the overall structure in "Eat, Pray, Love." The book is written in 108 "tales" of the author's journey through Italy, India, and Indonesia, which makes this a book you can read just about anywhere. Having been to Italy and India (and wanting to go to Indonesia), I could really appreciate the stories the author told and could definitely picture myself there while I bolted through the pages. I found it very difficult to put this book down and think you will, too. Definitely a wonderful book for anyone who enjoys traveling and all of the experiences that come along with it. I also think this would be an excellent book for anyone who is going through a rough patch in their life... the author's honesty really makes this book worthwhile.

The Last Lecture

The Last Lecture - Jeffrey Zaslow; Randy Pausch A wonderful book of life-learned lessons (or ways to live one's life) that all could benefit from reading. The book reads very quickly, is entertaining and inspiring all at the same time. I really want to watch the DVD of the lecture now that I have read this fantastic book.

The Alchemist

The Alchemist - Paulo Coelho This book tells that tale of an educated Spanish boy who has a desire to travel so he becomes a shepard. One night he has a dream about a treasure near the pyramids in Egypt. He decides to follow is dream and this book tells the tale of his journey and all of his lessons learned along the way. This book is absolutely timeless and is amazingly well written-- the imagery is simply superb. It was nearly impossible for me to to put this book down. (I even tried reading in the dark.) This is probably the best book I have read in a very long while, and it is suitable for people of all ages. I HIGHLY recommend it!

How To Win Friends and Influence People

How To Win Friends and Influence People - Dale Carnegie Every person should make this book a part of their life's curriculum. It is widely considered the bible of human behavior and is a must-read for everyone. Although it was written in the 1930s, Carnegie's philosophies still hold true. Timeless. Don't borrow it, buy it. You'll be a much better person for having read this book-- not only to yourself but for everyone around you.

Writing Articles From the Heart

Writing Articles From The Heart: How To Write & Sell Your Life Experiences - Marjorie Holmes This book gives some helpful knowledge, but it tends to be a bit dry, lacks good examples (I think), and could have been shortened.

Warrior of the Light: A Manual

Warrior of the Light - Paulo Coelho I liked this book... It was a good, quick read. Given that I had just read "The Alchemist," though, I kind of expected more. I did enjoy the writing and some pages have some very good nuggets.

Old Man And The Sea (Scribner Classics)

The Old Man and the Sea - Ernest Hemingway Unfortunately, I saw the TV movie version of this book as a child (starring Anthony Quinn) which hindered my ability to use Hemingway's wonderful imagery... I thought the symbolism and the word choice were superb, however, it left me wondering why it won a Nobel Prize. I would recommend this book to someone looking for a good, quick read-- as long as they like reading about fishing, of course.

Veronika Decides to Die: A Novel of Redemption

Вероника решает умереть - Paulo Coelho I enjoyed this book, although it didn't seem to be as developed as the other books I have read by Coelho. Then again, it is a completely different topic than any other book of his I have read as well. The book reminds us all just how short life is and to not take any day for granted. The main character has a week to live after a failed suicide attempt and discovers many things about herself, including her desire to live. It's interesting to see how the character changes during the course of the week and the ending is wonderful.

The Zahir: A Novel of Obsession (P.S.)

The Zahir - Paulo Coelho, Margaret Jull Costa I loved this book throughout its entirety. Coelho's writing style, once again, devoured me into this book and took me away to the place in which his characters reside. The subject matter struck me to the core on many levels. It was also very pertinent to my life in the present, which touched me even more so than usual, although I feel that any true romantic, as I most definitely am, has felt many of the main character's feelings in this book. It is a fantastic book about love in all facets and one that I highly recommend!

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The 5000 Year Leap (Original Authorized Edition)
W. Cleon Skousen