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Posted Dec. 23, 2003 10:03 a.m. by katie
This book is a classic example of what I call an airplane read: a fast paced book with about 100 pages that fits nicely in a pocket of your suit or briefcase. The author is a world-class chess teacher, who uses chess to teach about life and business. I was excited to read this book because I have always been captivated by the game of chess; in fact, a couple times in my life it has just plain dumbfounded me. The idea that you have sixty-four squares, sixteen pieces, and seemingly limitless possibilities, makes the game irresistible.
The author combines anecdotes and research to explore fifteen vital chess principles. He also includes stories from some of the greatest players in chess history, such as Jos Ral Capablanca. Much of the information surpasses chess and has profound applicability to life. As the author states in the foreword:
Chess players make it their business to master both the obvious and the ambiguous. Their rules are as straightforward as they are subtle. But chess is not the mere play of contradictions. Its also a contest, and for real, just like business. Great truths are true for any game. Chess and business, the two worlds might be different if they werent so alike. Success in either could be hard if it werent so simple.
The beauty of this book is that it is both practical and relevant. At the beginning of each chapter, the author offers a piece of wisdom related to chess. For example: Practically every situation has hidden value for the opportunist. He also offers real life advice at the end of each chapter, such as: Some moves are right only because they are a little wrong. This is one of those books that gets your brain percolating and teaches you strategies that will help you for the rest of your life. A book for a strategist or chess enthusiast, this book will prompt you to be more thoughtful about everything you do.
Posted Dec. 9, 2003 10:02 a.m. by katie
Some things are just part of the American Tradition: Apple Pie, The Liberty Bell, and The Old West to name a few. That is also where Jim Beam whiskey fits into the grand scheme of America: the enduring tradition of an icon. American Still Life captures the essence of what has made the Beam family synonymous with sippin whiskey, and how they made Jim Beam the worlds number one Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey.
Author F. Paul Pacult molds the story of the Beam family into a fascinating narrative, told as if it was your own family history. The tale follows pioneer Jacob Beam settling in Kentucky in 1787, through to his great great great grandson Booker Noe, the Jim Beam spokesman today. The dynasty and brand are observed through days on the frontier, prohibition, the depression, WW II, the rise of vodka in the pop culture, and to the appreciation whiskey has gained today as Americas national drink.
The author does a great job of presenting the history of what was once considered an adjunct farm activity, into a source of pride and heritage for all Americans. Pacult not only gives the history of Jim Beam, he also goes through the process of making the whiskey. As an expert of beverage alcohol and spirits, he gives in-depth explanations of what exactly has given Jim Beam whiskey the flavor that has become familiar to so many people. He ends the book with a whiskey tasting guide that examines all the Jim Beams brands with a master tasters touch.
I love how colorful this book is. Filled with vivid imagery and great characters, it is very entertaining and such an easy read. For example, the author writes in the preface about Booker and the Beam legacy:
Booker was so appealing because of his boundless enthusiasm, and no-nonsense personality. Tall as he was wide of girth, Booker commanded the speakers table by merely sitting there. He defined what a Kentucky whiskeyman should be...The Jim Beam Bourbon sage is one part family history, one part riveting fireside tale about the western frontier, one part memorabilia scrapbook, and part international business opusinextricably interwoven into the tale of Americas independence.
Whether you are interested in finding out how a great legacy of a business is established and maintained or if you are a history buff, this book is perfect. This is well-told story that is worth your time.
Posted Nov. 23, 2003 10:00 a.m. by katie
Love It, Dont Leave It, left me remembering how lucky I am to have my job. And that is exactly what authors Beverly Kaye and Sharon Jordan-Evens set out to do: to show people how to appreciate where they are in life. This book isnt just an asset for people with career issues, but for anyone who wants to get more out of any situation. By offering guidelines, scenarios, even scripted dialogue, this book convincingly demonstrates that you really can get what you want out of life. The authors say that:
What you want could be found right where you are. Perhaps all you need to do is get clear about whats missing and go after it. Look inside before you jump outside. Master the art and science of asking for what you want.
The real message in Love It, Dont Leave It, is that the desires youve been longing to fulfil might be right under your nose, and it offers the tools that will help you tailor-make your life to fit your passions.
Another advantage of this book is the A-Z format. Every letter of the alphabet is associated with a key point so that you will easily remember helpful tools. Also, many of the key points and terms are in color or bold, alongside quotes and insights that the authors call T-shirt truths. They are messages that have been found on shirts and other random places that would make you say, Boy, aint that the truth?
This book has the advice you want if you are looking to change your outlook. As the authors say, this book is an excellent maintenance manual for anyone seeking to tune up a significant portion of their waking hours. So, before you waste any more time, get this book and learn how to change your life by changing the way you think.. It will be the best gift you could give yourself.
Posted Nov. 23, 2003 9:58 a.m. by katie
Daniel Okrent wrote one of my favorite baseball books of all time called Nine Innings, about one game of baseball in the eighties. What set the book apart for me, besides it being about the Milwaukee Brewers, was his attention to detail and his style of campfire storytelling. I am also a sucker for really well-written historical tales and I loved Ron Chernows book called Titan about John D. Rockefeller, Sr. Great Fortune could be volume two of the Rockefeller family history.
The book is actually about the idea, creation and the development of Rockefeller Center in New York. The building of Rockefeller Center is said to be the most ambitious construction project since the Pyramids, remarkably built during the Great Depression. The book focuses on four key players: John D. Rockefeller, Jr.; his twenty-five year old son, Nelson; real estate developer, John R. Todd, also the grandfather of Christine Todd Whitman; and Raymond Hood, skyscraper designer. The book is obviously about much more than the logistics of the project.
It is about architecture, New York, and the proprieties of the social classes. It is about politics and greed. An interesting aspect of this story is the acquisition of the property from Columbia University and the reasoning behind the location. A constant theme throughout the book is the construction issues, which were certainly colossal. Also, the story of the fresco by Diego Rivera is seen truly from the inside. A clear picture of the rise of Rockefeller Center is painted.
I am absolutely amazed by this books maddening ability to keep me up at night. This is a captivating story that seamlessly incorporates the human experience with a grounded factual history. You can always tell a well-researched book when the notes and bibliography are 76 pages. This is a great American tale, a history book that you need to read.
Posted Nov. 8, 2003 9:57 a.m. by katie
I am a huge fan of the music scene and as a result, Brands That Rock really struck a chord with me. The authors touched on something special in this book by relating the emotional attachment between a band, their music, and their fans with the world of marketing. Authors Roger Blackwell and Tina Stephan describe this marketing strategy as:
Analyzing the phenomenon of band loyaltyrequires marketers and managers to abandon the corporate based thinking they engage in daily and escape into the wild, larger than life world of entertainment. Marketers mustopen their minds to the ideas and creative processes used in the entertainment industry to cultivate die-hard fans.
Creating an emotional connection with customers, and turning them into fans, is so important to anyone who plans on surviving in todays global economy.
My favorite part of this book is the in-depth explanation of how some really great artists have gone from working common day jobs to becoming cultural icons. Musicians like Elton John, and members of the Rolling Stones and Aerosmith serve as examples of how good marketing allowed them to become household names. In addition, they describe how several well-known companies like Wendys, Victorias Secret, and Google have successfully implemented strategies from the music world.
This book is for anyone who is in marketing, or into music, or into marketing music. Its the kind of book you will want to read because it so entertaining, the informative part is just the icing on the cake. How many books are fun and good for you?
