5 comments about Basic Black: The Essential Guide for Getting Ahead at Work (and in Life).

1. I was really disappointed by this book. Ms. Black's "words of wisdom" are nothing more than basic common sense tidbits for the work world. I've worked in magazine publishing for 20 years, and I was expecting an insider's view of the industry. Instead, I read page after page of mediocre advice. I was also turned off by Ms. Black's tendency to name drop and pat herself on the back over and over again. I agree that with some other readers that this is really a memoir masquerading as how-to advice. There's nothing special about Ms. Black's advice. In fact, I was shocked that someone who has climbed to the top of an extremely competitive industry had so little to say. If you're looking for a light read, you might enjoy this book. But if you're looking for real insights and rules for success, check this book out from your local library--but don't waste your own money on it.



2. Cathie has written a bible for all would be success stories. I'll be keeping this for my children, grandchildren, great great....to learn from.



3. great book, simple to understand with great examples. The book is written in plain english with many real life applications. A must have for all grads or workers.



4. If you enjoy reading autobiographies and learning from the journey of others you will enjoy Ms. Black's story. I absolutely enjoyed reading about Cathie Black's journey as I am also in the magazine publishing industry with Millionaire Blueprints Magazine. I read this to learn her story and get some insights on the behind the scenes operations of a New York Publishing house. I particularly enjoyed her stories about the other big players in the media and publishing industry. Reading her book prompted me to order Al Neuharth's book, CONFESSIONS OF AN SOB, which I also thoroughly enjoyed. Both are great reads whether you are an entrepreneur or in a corporate environment!



5. Well Cathie Black has written a book that everyone needs to read - way cool - easy read - able to provide examples of situations that are real and everyone should learn from it.
   
   Way to go Cathie -
   
   Jan Simpson

5 comments about The Time Trap: The Classic Book on Time Management.

1. This time management book is very workplace-oriented. Almost every page or so has something to do with meetings, paperwork, calendars, delegation, business communication, time logs, etc. Not really applicable for a stay-at-home parent such as myself. Most, if not all, of the given examples are set in the workplace. Even the charts and figures and worksheets are applicable only to working or business situations.
   
   Very frustrated reader. Couldn't move past the first few pages. Skimmed through the book at best, not much interesting information for myself though. (The principles, concepts, and advice given by the author are very helpful and quite impressive...but again, just for work settings, and not for my situation)
   
   This would be an excellent book for someone who is looking to get organized at work/home business. But for the rest of us who are full-time or stay-at-home parents, students, and unemployed or between-jobs, I'd suggest searching for other titles with a more general approach to time management.
   
   ***I wish the publishers had added something in the title to indicate its targeted readers...maybe something like "The Classic Book on Time Management in the Workplace"--or something!***



2. I have read many books on this topic, and this is the best by far



3. Taking Care of the Basics
   The Time Trap by Alec Mackenzie is a classic in the field, yet is one of the most easily readable and practical books on the subject I've ever read. I read this book for the first time in the early 1970's and have since re-read and studied it as I've applied the principles. The chapter on managing yourself gives the reader tips that make sense and the appendix that tells you how to "spring the time trap" is worth its weight in gold.



4. I personally didn't read this book but purchased it for my boss. It must have been good because he purchased 2 more copies!



5. This book belongs in your private library. Highly applicable to all walks of life.

5 comments about The Hard Truth About Soft Skills: Workplace Lessons Smart People Wish They'd Learned Sooner.

1. This book is spot on about being the "hard truth" about soft skills. We can often get caught up in what we think is "fair", what companies "should" do and how people "should" behave and all of those things are honestly irrelevant. It is not until people are ready to face the hard truths that they are able to make decisions about their willingness to make changes to their work styles that will impact their career track.



2. This book explained in detail, how to survive in the workplace. It has many examples on how to follow the unwritten rules (usually gained from many years in the work environment). I plan to purchase books for my employees and other young adults entering the workforce



3. I liked the way topics were broken down into bullet statements and examples. It took longer to read than I expected because there's no filler material. Now my co-workers are all reading it in an effort to relate better to other departments.



4. This book has laid out examples in detail and when needed given both sides (positive and negative) examples to emphasize balance required on some soft skills.
   
   I would highly recommend this book to any.



5. This book is a must have for anyone in the working world, especially for those just about to enter it. The ideas and concepts the author presents are very true, and are things you will not learn in any college education. I've been working in consulting for the past 5 years. This is a field where your softskills can make or break you, just like in many others. The tips, guidance, and suggestions that Ms. Klaus points out are ones that can propel your career to the next level. I can't tell you how many times I heard that so and so was a good consultant technically but they lacked the people skills necessary to put them infront of a client. This seemingly small assesment can actually hinder your career as being able to manage the client is what will take you to the next level.

5 comments about Talent Is Overrated: What Really Separates World-Class Performers from Everybody Else.

1. It's about time this book was written. The author, Geoff Colvin, writes for Fortune and if you saw his piece called "What It Takes to Be Great" you know why it was such a sensation. Colvin shows that perseverence and practice are what set the truly great individuals in any endeavor apart.
   
   But there's more. Colvin postulates that it isn't how hard you work, but how you practice that leads to greatness. It's the analysis of your progress (en route to perfection) that you can learn from your mistakes, improve and become great. The book uses ample real-world anecdotes and some scientific analysis to bolster this theories. In the end the book is an empowering look at what you can do to achieve greatness in your work and anything you put your mind to.
   
   Another book I enjoyed deeply this week (I read a lot) and I highly recommend, though this one is based on the author's Harvard Business Review article, is The Emotional Intelligence Quick Book



2. Good news...Geoff Colvin provides evidence that great performance is not reserved for a pre-ordained few. Bad news...It is available to you and everyone...if you are willing to pay the price.
   
   "What do you really believe? Do you believe you have a choice in the matter? Do you believe if you do the work, properly designed with intense focus for hours a day and years on end, your performance will grow dramatically better and eventually reach the highest levels?"
   
   One of the fundamental questions to ask yourself is: What do I really, deeply want? This question is crucial, because deliberate practice requires a substantial investment. Colvin suggests that deliberate practice contains the following components:
   
   It is designed specifically to improve performance
   It can be repeated a lot
   Feedback on results is continuously available
   It is highly demanding mentally
   It isn't much fun
   
   Everyone who has achieved exceptional performance has faced tremendous challenges...there are no exceptions. Top performers make knowledge a direct objective and set goals to be an expert in their chosen field. Colvin suggest that the 10 year rule...10 years of consistent, deliberate effort... is required to be outstanding in your field.
   
   The book provides a snapshot of the preparation time for: Jerry Rice, Tiger Woods, Mozart, world-class violinists and chess players to give you a sense for the commitment of these performers. Clearly, the time they invest is extraordinary and not for the faint of heart. Perhaps, it is easy for us to dismiss their greatness with genetic predisposition, yet their effort transcends that notion.
   
   Their investment of time and effort allows them to develop deep domain knowledge in their fields which allows them to make finer distinctions. Their knowledge becomes integrated and connected to higher level principles, thus they know more from seeing less.
   
   Now we have some additional evidence for what it takes to perform at the higher levels, so now we cannot easily excuse our life away...we just have to make a decision to claim our destiny!
   
   As you accept that Talent is Overrated...the questions for you are:
   What beliefs have guided your life to the present moment?
   Is this what you want to achieve?
   What beliefs do you need to perform at your desired level?
   What do you really, really, really want?
   When will you commit to taking action now?



3. This book is fascinating in the respect that it is simple, but so very true. When you read it, what you realize is that to become great at anything, and I do mean anything, it requires a certain persona that most of us just don't have. Also, after I had completed the book, there was this certain something that I had that I felt no one else had--a certain knowledge that I could be great at anything I wanted to become great at--it is a must read book for anyone that wants to become truly great at whatever.



4. This is a great book that exposes in great detail the "talent myth" and the notion that all great achievers have superior innate intelligence. The author explores the careers of many sports, music and business greats, and concludes that these high achievers' success results from "deliberate practice," which is the studied repetition and improvement of those things in your field that you're NOT good at.
   
   Experts and superior performers also immerse themselves totally in their "domain," which gives them a huge edge in interpreting new information. Studies show once someone has built up this deep pool of knowledge in their domain, they don't loose it. You'll get older and mental acuity will decline in every area but your domain.
   
   To have this drive to deliberately practice and immerse yourself in your field to become truly great, which is a decade-long commitment to even get in the running, you must "know where you want to go." You'll never have this dedication if you're not dead set on your goals.
   
   Highly recommended. Should be read with Gladwell's 2002 article "The Talent Myth," and Mindset: The New Psychology of Success.



5. This book is written to challenge the notion that high performance is either about innate talent or hard work. Colvin makes it possible for business people (and other professionals) to think for themselves rather than listen to the parade of management experts, consultants and celebrity CEOs who claim that they have the final answer about productivity and human performance. This book will help you separate the nuggets from the nonsense.
   
   Colvin knows the latest research on expertise and much of the new neuroscience. He also knows that the research supports his thesis that deliberate practice is what really separates top performers from everybody else.
   
   Previous reviewers have assessed the major emphases of the book, and surfaced important matters to help readers decide whether they should buy this book. Based on my own long experience as a business coach, I want to emphasize the importance of the last chapter: "Where does the passion come from?" For years managers have asked me to assess the motivations of a particular employee to ascertain whether he or she is "motivated enough" or "highly motivated"--necessary characteristics for an important project that may be a key objective of an organization or a given manager. Colvin addresses that issue in a discussion never before seen in a business book.
   
   In that last chapter, he emphasizes the necessity of intrinsic motivation, constructive feedback and extrinsic motivation, and the "multiplier effect." The multiplier effect refers to how the very small advantage gained in some field can spark a series of events that produce a far larger advantage. In other words, success in an endeavor inherently encourages you to work for still more success. And, in spite of the frustrations of deliberate practice, that success makes the work of digging still deeper into a competency enjoyable.
   
   This is a book that may not sell easily. It goes against the grain too much, and many of us understand the difficulty of arguing against conventional wisdom. As one respondent put it to me in a discussion about the wrongheadedness of innate intelligence, "I can't believe that. It goes against everything I've ever thought or learned. I simply reject the notion." He tuned out and turned off.
   
   It will be a sad day if these ideas are rejected by the great unwashed.
   
   This is an important book dealing with a subject that is just as necessary for families and the educational system as it is to businesss.

5 comments about 5 Steps To Professional Presence: How to Project Confidence, Competence, and Credibility at Work.

1. Much of this book covered general good sense and manners, which I suppose can be a problem for some. Television, I think, takes care of manners these days.
   
   That said, there were times when I thought to myself, "Oh, I wish I'd known that before I started my job." For that reason, these gems are worth looking into, though I am sure there are more useful books on the market.



2. This book has terrific information and also supplies practical ways to encorporate the information into your life. Any professional will benefit from learning & practicing the things taught in this book.



3. This is the best from CMBuk,the leading Image Consultancy in the world, now in USA. concise and well illustrated. Easy 1-2-3 color yourself beautiful, color yourself confident.



4. I am a partner in an accounting firm. We bought a copy of this book for every member of the firm and use it as a discussion aid. One morning each week our staff meets to discuss one chapter. The author has some unique insights and some just common sense concepts. Our staff appears to embrace the book as well. I recommend this for every serious business professional.



5. Susan Bixler is president of the Bixler Consulting Group (formerly The Professional Image, Inc), an image-consulting, executive coaching, team building and leadership workshop firm that specializes in areas including nonverbal communication, wardrobe, social skills, networking and e-etiquette. The Atlanta-based company's clients include Ritz-Carlton Hotels, Deloitte & Touche, Merck, and MetLife. Bixler founded the firm in 1980, after the idea came to her while she was working as a regional sales director for Bonnie Bell Cosmetics. Lisa Scherrer Dugan is the vice president of Bixler Consulting Group.
   
   This book explains how to project confidence, competence, and credibility at work; how to make a great impression; polish your communication skills; demonstrate your mastery of business etiquette; build instant rapport with clients; put your social skills work for you.

5 comments about Don't Sweat the Small Stuff at Work.

1. Much of the stress we experience comes not from the workplace but from our reactions to our workplace. Most of Carlson's little book focuses on how we need to change our attitudes in order to minimize stress. For instance, work should be seen as something that we get to do rather than something that we have to do. Enjoy life now--don't wait for retirement!
   
   Problems should be seen as speed bumps to negotiate gracefully, not barriers to be resented. One should recognize that life is full of hassles, and that these should be handled in stride. One should lay off the ego, because constant comparison with others will only raise one's stress. Workplace meetings, instead of being stewed at as unnecessary or boring, should be seen as challenges to learn something new.
   
   Carlson also gives some practical pointers for minimizing work-related stress. For instance, if we feel hurried in the morning, we should get up earlier to give us more time to get ready for work. Long commutes to work, instead of being hated as a waste of time, should be profitably spent listening to books on tape. To avoid the stress caused by constant phone calls, we should have a "no phone" time when we don't answer the phone. Voice mail should be used more often. To dissipate general stress, we should spend ten minutes each day doing absolutely nothing. And, since vacation trips themselves can be stressful, we should spend more of our vacations puttering around at home or visiting local events and places.



2. It is possible to pooh- pooh self- help , power of positive thinking books or to try and learn from them. I take the latter approach. My idea is always that if I learn one good thing from them I have profited.
   This is particularly engaging and helpful self- help book. There are one hundred small essays on such topics as 'Don't Sweat the Small Stuff' 'Relax' 'Breathe before you speak' ' Allow yourself to be bored' 'Repeat to yourself, " Life is not an Emergency" , 'Lower your tolerance to Stress', 'Become more patient' 'Surrender to the fact that life isn't fair' 'Let others be 'right' most of the time' ' Choose your battles wisely' ' Look beyond behavior' ' Become a better listener' ' Set aside quiet time every day' 'Imagine that everyone is enlightened except you' ' 'Smile to strangers, look into their eyes and say hello'.
   What is surprising is though you think you might know most of this stuff you will probably be induced to practice a bit more by reading the work.
   I very much liked this book. Its aim is to make people better and happier. I think it can do that.
   What is nice about it is that the major ideas are given in the chapter- titles and then the small essays illustrate them and slightly elaborate upon them.
   A few more of the chapters are as follows:
   " Practice Random Acts of Kindness' ' Spend a Moment every day thinking of someone to thank' 'Learn to live in the present moment' ''Resist the urge to criticize' 'Choose being kind over being right' 'Search for the grain of truth in other opinions' ' Read articles and books with entirely different points of view from your own and try to learn something''Stop Blaming others' ' ' Get comfortable not knowing ' ' Lighten up'' Don't interrupt others or finish their sentences''Remember that everything has God's fingerprints on it.'
   One problem of course is that a lot of this is easier said than done. 'Take fill your life with love' That's a hard one for many who have been trying and getting nowhere. Nonetheless the intention and direction are good.
   They are in the spirit of my own attitude in reviewing books, " Try to find something good in it, and something good to say about it. And only criticize it if it is absolutely necessary.'



3. 
   The book was sold as great condition and it was not even in fair condition. Book was stained and old.
   
   Shipped from Florida



4. How often have you said "I have to go to work"? Not, I want to.., but I have to. It's the mindset of the slave, whether slave to a boss, a deadline, a stack of bills, or a self-image. Richard Carlson, in his sensible, smart, and kind way, helps to break those bonds. Applying the strategies and principles in each brief chapter will result in true self-esteem, effective interpersonal relations, and higher levels of productivity more effectively achieved. Similar principles are explained in other expert sources, such as Intentional Living: Lessons from the Tree of Life



5. Get it for yourself and your loved ones get it for those you dont even like so they can change for the better

5 comments about The Present : The Secret to Enjoying Your Work And Life, Now!.

1. The Present by Spencer Johnson is a self-proclaimed life changing book for those who would incorporate its principles. For those who have not read it, the book is all about living in the present, and focusing on the positive aspects of every moment, never focusing on the negative. It presents these teachings by telling a story (typical of existential philosophy). The story is about an old man (read: guru) who shares the secret of meaningful living throughout the life of a man seeking answers. The old man never seems worried; he is always relaxed and appears to be at peace with life and the world. Through a series of cryptic messages, the old man teaches the other man that he can find meaning in the "present," which essentially consists of an existential experience that each person defines for themselves. By focusing on the good in the moment, we can find peace, meaning, and success.
   
   This book ascribes to a combination of existential philosophy and Zen Budhism, blurring the line of truth. Truth is not seen as an objective thing, but an existential experience. Experience, not propositional truth, is the key to unlocking the meaning of life. Salvation comes through the teachings of a human guru leading to spiritual enlightenment, which man can achieve on his own. By definition, this is a godless philosophy.
   
   The Present ignores the real problem of man: his depravity. I can be "in the moment," or practicing carpe diem while engaging in ungodly behavior. Of course, this is all up for interpretation. The existentialist is not interested in my definition of right and wrong, but only in his subjective experience. There is no authority to which one can appeal. So what if my carpe diem approach hurts others? It is up to the practicioner to decide if that is against his value system, which is determined by a kierkegaardian leap of faith, rather than any transcendent moral standard.
   
   There is truth in most errors, though. That is were the deception lies. The message of focusing on the positive can be helpful, but only in the biblical sense of giving thanks to God in all circumstances (1 Thes 5:18), not in avoiding pain. What is right is more important than what makes me feel good. Jesus told his followers they would (and should) suffer, and exemplified it through the cross. While suffering, he cried out "My God, why have you foraken me" (Mark 15:34). This is the most poinent of the examples of partial truths, though there are others.
   
   Much more could be said. The point is this: "See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ." (Col. 2:8) In the end, what the author tries to do will not work: his program cannot offer real hope to mankind, for it does not deal with human depravity. Rather than seeking to find meaning by focusing on my present, we truly find it in God's presence. The quest for ultimate meaning is found in a relationship with the God of infinity, and through developing intimacy with Him. For a much better alternative to The Present, read Practicing His Presence by Brother Lawrence and Frank Laubach.



2. Through a parable about an old man and a boy, Spencer Johnson reveals the secret to success and happiness. Simply put, the "Present" involves living life purposely in the present, learning from the past, and planning for the future.
   
   We are most engaged when we are concentrating on the present. There is no sense dwelling on the past, or worrying about the future. If we are unhappy about the present, we look to the past for lessons learned and implement them in the present. If we'd like to change the future for the better, we need to put a plan in place to do so and execute in the present.
   
   People are bombarded with so many things in life. Thinking in terms of this paradigm can help simplify and restore some sanity, and facilitate genuine improvement - a welcome gift.
   
   Nick McCormick - Author, Lead Well and Prosper: 15 Successful Strategies for Becoming a Good Manager



3. The Present is a powerful story with implications we may all learn from. Too often I found myself guilty of not living in the present and worrying about the past or the future. Troubling times made me re-evaluate and refocus my life. The Present teaches what I personally experienced and gave me reason to ponder and pause. May this powerful story help others learn and grow.
   
   steven



4. About twenty-five years ago, Dr. Spencer Johnson wrote a book entitled THE PRECIOUS PRESENT. I wasn't aware of it at the time, but the book was kind of popular, though it wasn't a huge success. Years later, Dr. Johnson became a national sensation with his book WHO MOVED MY CHEESE? After that huge hit, publishers couldn't get enough of Dr. Johnson's writings. But what's a one or two-hit wonder to do when you've already used up your best ideas? Go back to the well and redesign something you've already written as something new.
   
   That's what happened with THE PRESENT. The "book" is THE PRECIOUS PRESENT retold with a few new bells and whistles. That's all. The parable-approach of the "story" only has one message and keeps repeating several times throughout the "book".
   
   At one point in the "story" it says of the central character that "He was who he was". Well, THE PRESENT is what it is and really isn't much.



5. The author of "Who Moved My Cheese" has hit another annoying nail of life on the head with this book. The present is not a gift that you unwrap; it is about learning from the past and preparing for the future by living and managing the present.
   Like so many stories of learning, the context is a man, at first a young man, talking to an old and wise man. Following the tradition that the only effective lesson is one you learn from yourself, the wise man does not tell the younger one the precise lesson, but gives him hints so that he can learn it on his own. While the young one does learn, it is an iterative process where he must learn one lesson before he has the skills to learn the next one.
   Johnson writes in a simple yet effective style, delivering his message without expansive words or the use of UPPERCASE and exclamation points. There are many writers of motivational books that would be much better off if they were to adopt this style.

2 comments about Rich Dad's Advisors: The ABC's of Property Management: What You Need to Know to Maximize Your Money Now (Rich Dad's Advisors).

1. I knew alot of what was in this book because I have been a landlord for years, but I still found it helpful. If I were just beginning I would love to have read this book. It would have been so helpful.



2. It was an easy read, which allowed me to stay interested in it. However it wasnt very full of information, more stories than anything.

5 comments about The One Minute Millionaire: The Enlightened Way to Wealth.

1. Thank goodness I did not waste money on this book... I borrowed it from the library and read it. What a bunch of crapola! The irony does not get any more obvious than when they talk about being "enlightened" and "spreading wealth" than when Michelle swoops in on a poor demented lady and steals her house!
   
   Don't waste your money or time on this one...



2. I've had this book on my bookshelves for about a year. When I began reading it a month ago I was overjoyed by the incorporation of Unity truth principles into a real guide to gaining wealth and helping others. I plan on starting a business within the next year and I purchased this copy of One Minute... for my potential business partner and Unity sister so that we will be forming and shaping the same buisness goals. Inspiring read!!!



3. Phenomenal! This is one of my favorite motivational books. It explains in two very different ways how to focus on your goals, find strength in yourself and others by building a network of mutually supporting and equally motivated people. Dreaming envisioning, believing and taking action is what this book explains with an encouraging perspective. The positive affirmations in this book are amazing. They are a part of my daily routine to help remind me of my goals and strive for my dreams. It also offers sensible business tips on networking, creative sales techniques and the importance of having multiple sources of income to gain your desired financial success. If you want to be inspired to achieve all of your goals, then this book is a must read.



4. If you are living and breathing, you need to read this book! I do believe it is the most powerful, thought provoking book I've ever read!



5. The sub-prime housing shopping frenzy was already well underway in the USA at the time that this book was recommended to me. I admit I liked the format. The underlying premise turned my stomach,however. Perhaps I've been under Malthus's influence for too long but my gut said "this represents trouble: Abundant housing in an environment where everybody's expecting to make a quick buck by 'flipping' as this book advocates has GOT to be a recipe for disaster. Middle America can only need so many houses - a lot of people are going to get their fingers burnt."
   
   What I didn't anticipate was the size of the impact - the butterfly flapped its wings in the mid-Western suburbs of the USA (trying to get out because the meadows where it breeds had been destroyed by the ticky-tacky houses popping up everywhere) and I felt the earthquake it caused in Africa.
   
   Authors like these share the responsibility for the world economic crisis as much as the fat cat bankers on Wall Street who didn't know when to say 'when'.

5 comments about Leading with the Heart: Coach K's Successful Strategies for Basketball, Business, and Life.

1. I read coach K's book when it first came out and recently re-read it. I often refer to it when I need to put things in the correct perspective. This inspirational book makes it easy to "take responsibility for yourself, and never let "it's not my job," enter into your mind. Coach "K" exemplifies "getting the job done/taking charge." Many a time I'm wondering what to do in tough situations, both in sports and business. I truly ask myself a lot: "What would a guy like coach Krzyzewski do?" I can't think of any coach who exemplifies more decency, integrity, honesty, perseverence, dedication, fairness, family values...you get the point. It appears there are many who admire him and, some will envy him. I say learn from him because he's proven beyond a shadow of a doubt, what leading with integrity and values is all about. Many, many, parent's say they want their kids to go to Duke. Why? These parents are specific to say that they hope their children can be part of the positive and integral influnce that "coach Krzyzewski brings to Duke." Major companies have used coach "K"s book to help executives get on the right track. You won't read a better book on motivation for anything in life. Amazing book, about an amazing person. Worth it!!!



2. A must read for coaches and business people alike. Very informative look on how Coach K built Duke into a basketball powerhouse. I am not a Duke fan but enjoyed this book.



3. Some books I have read stand the test of time. Since its initial publication, this book by Coach K stands that test, with stories and chapters that both inspire and encourage. It gives valuable strategies for succeeding no matter what your aim is. It made me much more than a Duke fan, but made me a Coach K fan as well. Well done and it is no wonder the Duke program is so successful.



4. Who thought that one man could do so much in life, have so much success, and still be grounded to where he was brought up. This is a truly inspiring book because it is rare to find a man of this profession who cares so much about character. He is one of the few coaches in college basketball who values a kid's personality more than their talent. Reading this book really showed me how great a guy Coach K really is, and how lucky those kids are to play for a coach like him.
   
   This book is easy to connect with for anyone and everyone. For me in particular, coming from a military background, I found it very interesting to learn about Coach K's time at West Point Academy and the experiences he took from there. Also, as I prepare for my freshman year of college, where I will be playing basketball, Coach K values character traits such as trust, loyalty, honesty, determination, and respect, all of which I will take with me into next year. The real situations that Coach K portrays are an incredible look inside the life of one inspiring and motivational man. The stories about basketball, players, friends, coaches, West Point, Korea, Chicago, Duke, and of course family, are really unforgettable.
   
   I had a great time reading this book because you have the opportunity to see what really goes on at Duke University and their highly acclaimed basketball program. Coach K discusses game day routines, pre-game speeches, coaching drills, player development, film work, and coaching, all with open arms. He doesn't feel the need to hide any of his business and welcomes basketball fans around the world to be a part of his story. Through the uses of metaphor and flashbacks Coach K is able to show the importance of character and trust, and not allowing his program to turn into a business like many others. He and his teams have fought through adversity, and despite much criticism, Coach K is definitely one of the best coaches ever. I recommend this book 100% to any businessman, basketball fan, military person, or anyone simply looking to better understand the important things in life, and what should really matter, like friends, family, and religion.



5. This is without question, the best sports and business book ever written. This book also teaches and reminds all us how to be decent, thoughtful, caring, and responsible human beings. Being a good and decent person really works, and will get you somewhere. Take responsibility for yourself, get the job done. Never let: "It's not my job," enter your mind. Get it done and stop whining. Team work, in sports, business, family and life makes all the difference in the world. When you think of the super credible people in this world, 'Coach K,' is, 'one' of those unique great ones at the top of the list. Coach K is a very humble and decent human being, and his 'actions,' positively speak for themselves. Are there Spanish versions of Coach K's books available? The book has a great flow and is a never a dull moment read. Mixing business with sports, makes for a fun academic read. Great, great book - Fantastico y Increible - Vamos a leer!