Archive for the 'Book Reviews' Category

Posted July 10, 2008
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My Read of the Month:

Title: Men are Clams, Women are Crowbars
Author: David Clarke
Published: 1998
Genre: Christianity- Relationship/Marriage
Ratings: 4.2 out of 5 stars

I’ll give this book the “two thumbs up!” for its wonderful and useful insights!

Guys, you will most definitely find this book a life-saver as it will explain in detail the differences between how a man and a woman relates. These insights not only teaches how a guy ought to love a girl, but also vice versa.

This book entails with it many good case studies and stories to present the dynamics of communication between a man and a woman. For instance, the author shares “The Train” concept to help men and women to build better understanding of each other’s modus operandi. Using “The Train”, this enables couples to have deeper communications towards enhancing their relationship with one another.

This is not an academic read, but an enjoyable read for either gender. The only “fault” I can find in this book is that it could provide more scriptural references to his insights. This would help the reader to “beef up” a reader’s knowledge of the Bible too, in regards to relationship matters.

Who should read it: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for ALL couples. Especially a must-buy for the men!

Posted June 16, 2008
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My Read of the Month:

The Monk Who Sold His FerrariTitle: The Monk who Sold His Ferrari
Author: Robin S. Sharma
Published: 1999
Genre: Motivational/Self-improvement
Ratings:

The author attempts to do a Paulo Coelho with this book as the story begins in a similar fashion like The Alchemist. And like all copy-cats, they can never be as close as the real thing. The story line used to present his inspirational lessons falls really flat.

However, the powerful and practical insights he shares through the book is really helpful for effective living. Very similiar intention of Stephen Covey’s books, but in Robin’s lessons, he derives most of his teachings from new age concepts and neuro-linguistic programme (NLP).

If you are Christian, this book is still a good read as it helps to explain how the heart, mind, soul and body functions as a spiritual being. Just be open and replace the new age jumbo with the word of God in applying the lessons.  And it is a great way to understand these new age beliefs in order to be knowledgable in engaging them with the truth.

Who should read it: Anyone who wants to heighten his/her self-awareness and improve personal development. 

Posted May 26, 2008
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My Read of the Month:

Finding God's Will in a crazy mixed up worldTitle: Finding the Will of God in a Crazy Mixed-up World
Author: Tim LaHaye
Published: 1989
Genre: Christianity- Spiritual Growth
Ratings: 2.0 out of 5 stars

This book attempts to equip readers with a mental framework when approaching or seeking the will of God in their lives.

The author presents his views of God’s will in three levels: His “perfect” or complete will, “good” will and “acceptable” will describe God’s will for the people who fall into sin but then repent and still desire to do God’s basic will.

Though the three levels seems sound and logical, but yet I have my reservations on determining what is God’s perfect will and what is acceptable in a person’s life. Who are we to know or to judge? I also found some of the life examples given in the text not biblically sound or right. Therefore, this book ain’t the best to read for insights.

Do used wisdom and caution while adopting this concept especially in providing counseling to others in choosing what is perfect, good or acceptable which should be stemmed from God’s word and His ways and also in accordance to a person’s level of maturity in the faith.

Who should read it: Those who’re seeking for guidance and clarity in living out his/her life in God’s will.

Posted April 23, 2008
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My Read of the Month:

Cyber RulesTitle: Cyber Rules: Strategies For Excelling at E-Business
Author: Thomas M. Siebel
Published: 1999
Genre: Business/E-commerce
Ratings: 1.0 out of 5 stars

I picked this book up to gain more knowledge and insights about doing business through the internet. I didn’t expect much from this book as it was published in 1999. And now 9 years forward, the internet has grown exponentially and is ubiquitous.

As this book was written when many still weren’t open to the power of the internet with its potential still pretty much left untapped, this book provides very outdated information. But it does present good case studies on why businesses have to tap on the internet in order to remain competitive in a global marketplace.

On my personal intake, I am more convinced that every business has to ride on the internet if it wants to thrive and be around for a long time as the internet has become so integrated in our daily lives that it is the very means to connect to your consumers or stakeholders.

Who should read it: If only you have no other book to read or else get an updated version.

Posted March 31, 2008
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My Read of the Month:

Should I get married?Title: Should I get married?
Author: M. Blaine Smith
Published: 2000 (revised edition)
Genre: Christianity- Courtship/Marriage
Ratings: 5.0 out of 5 stars

Far from what the title of this book suggests, this is not a book that advocates celibacy. In fact, I must confess that this is the best book on courtship and marriage that I have read in my personal collection.

Personally I like the author’s manner of presenting his insights and perspectives on marriage and empowering the reader in making a sound and biblical decision in finding a partner. Unlike the other books written by Joshua Harris- I kissed dating goodbye and Don Raunikar- Choosing God’s best, Smith offers a more experienced, matured and balanced view on this topic. It is really helpful.

Being an easy read which can be finished easily within 1-2 weeks would be an added value which leaves you so much wiser and prepared in asking all the right questions in deciding the compatibility of your partner. I strongly recommend this read above all other relationship books!

Who should read it: Anyone who’s seriously contemplating marriage or anyone who wish to learn more insights about marriage

Posted February 27, 2008
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My Read of the Month:

The Fourth Estate by Jeffrey ArcherTitle: The Fourth Estate
Author: Jeffrey Archer
Published: 1997
Genre: Fiction- Political
Ratings: 4.2 out of 5 stars

After reading too many teachy books, I picked up this one to stimulate my creative juices and widen my worldview in the media world. Great to say that I was not disappointed as Mr Archer presented the story with such virtuoso that is mainly centred between two characters.

Mr Archer keeps you in suspense with every chapter escalating with the dueling media moguls, Richard Armstrong and Keith Townsend - the main characters. And it is alleged that these characters are resemblance of the flamboyant British publishing magnate, the late Robert Maxwell and Australian press, Rupert Murdoch.

It is an entertaining read as it provides insights into the media business and also some historical knowledge about how life was like during Hilter’s rampage against the Jews.

Who should read it: Those who enjoy reading a “rags-to-riches” story.

Posted January 22, 2008
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My Read of the Month:

Disciples are made not bornTitle: Disciples Are Made, Not Born
Author: Walter A. Henrichsen
Published: 1974
Genre: Christianity- Discipleship
Ratings: 4.2 out of 5 stars

If you are not sure what discipleship is all about or how to disciple. Then this is the book to start reading!

Besides it being a very insightful book to beef up one’s spiritual growth, the author also provides lots of useful lessons in guiding a spiritual mentor or mentor-to-be in discipling someone in Christ. Every chapter presents a step by step process in laying the biblical framework in mentoring a disciple.

But just as how I might be describing this read, this book can get a little draggy because of its teachy-style. Otherwise, it is still a handy book to read and keep to use in discipleship training.

Who should read it: Aspiring spirtual mentors-to-be and spiritual mentors