I’ve taken on the task of reading and reviewing books for Thomas Nelson Publishing. Check this page often for reviews of the best new books on a variety of subject matter. Check out the first book in the series.
The Truth About You – Review
At first glance Marcus Buckingham’s latest book, ‘The Truth About You – Your Secret to Success’, looks to be a quick read at 110 pages. But for those who think of themselves as students of the personal growth genre, this book stands out for all the right reasons. First, when I say ‘book’, I actually mean more than just print on paper. The Truth About You comes with a 22 minute DVD and a ReMemo Pad, which along with the ideas captured in the book section make this a true toolkit for finding your strengths. There is a method to Buckingham’s genius. First, watch the video, which consists of a short story of young musician unhappy in his current situation. Secondly, read the book and do the quick exercises in each chapter. Lastly you’re given an assignment to record your likes and dislikes over the next two weeks. The author’s clever use of an audio-free movie along with his commentary, make what could easily be a distraction a well presented prelude to the book.
The premise of The Truth About You is based around the idea that if you focus on the tasks which you are naturally gifted and strongest in, you can design you life and job around those strengths. We all have areas were we excel, where we’re ‘in the zone’. This book helps you realize those strengths, and conversely weaknesses, so you can better map out your path to success. Don’t be fooled by the simple and casual tone of the writing, the underlying thread and theory is solid.
Along the way Mr. Buckingham breaks down a few business cliches including why there is no ‘I’ in team and why working on your weaknesses is futile. Overall a quick but very worthwhile read.
The Unseen – Review
TL Hines latest book The Unseen is unsettling due to the fact that it affects you on a very primal level. Lurking, spying, snooping, whatever the term, Lucas’ life revolves around it. He lives in abandoned buildings, crawl spaces and under the metro line in Washington, DC. Collecting mementos from offices and other semi-private places, but never homes. That is until he meets The Creep Club, a small group who’s primary focus is filming and documenting their ‘projects’. After Lucas befriends fellow creeper Donovan it isn’t long before Lucas is involved with nefarious elements of all kinds and creeds. Somehow even with his under the radar living style he’s contacted by the CIA. Or is it the FBI? The struggle to distance himself from The Creep Club’s motivations leads him help one of their projects in what can only be described as a clever twist on the age-old cat and mouse game.
In reading The Unseen the reader gets the unique point of view of watching someone watch someone else. Quite a unnerving point of view, but done with a quick writing style and separate story lines. This novel could have taken a turn toward the voyeuristic but Hines cleverly doesn’t allow that to happen. All in all a very favorable foray into the world of hiding and watching the world go about it’s business.
The Noticer – Revew
I’ve just finished reading “The Noticer” by Andy Andrews (Thomas Nelson, 2009) and I am finding words almost inadequate to describe this book. I read where Nancy Lopez (LPGA Hall of Fame golfer) had said “This is the best book I have ever read in my life”. I’m not much for hyperbole, but I believe she just might be right. I read quite a few books in a year’s time and I am completely ready for the fact that this will be the best one I read for MANY years to come.
The story revolves around “Jones”, an elusive character who shows up in people’s lives just at the point when he is needed the most. The narrative takes place in the coastal town of Orange Beach, AL where Jones tackles the big picture questions of life. His mantra of “all you need is a little perspective” is just the nudge his somewhat confused friends need. He seems to fade away between sightings, then appears with his worn suitcase to aid couples, youths and the elderly. His advice is simple yet powerful.
Mr. Andrews conveys a feeling that is hard to describe but very comforting at the same time. I found myself reading slower than normal for two reasons. I did not want the book to end and I wanted to wring every bit of wisdom and nuance from the situations in which the characters found themselves. Join me in making a promise to find and read every book my this wonderful author.