Book Description
Millions of people around the world know Chuck Norris as the star of more than 20 motion pictures, including "Delta Force," "Missing in Action," and "Return of the Dragon." Millions more know him as a martial arts expert, the only man in the Western Hemisphere to hold an 8th degree Black Belt Grand Master in Tae Kwon Do. And then there are others who know him from his eight seasons on CBS's longest running series, "Walker, Texas Ranger."
What many don't know is that Chuck Norris is a sincere Christian—a man whose faith plays a role in everything he does. Against All Odds is an inspirational story of how Norris overcame abject poverty from childhood, the effects of his father's alcoholism and desertion of the family, and his own shyness and lack of strength and ability early in his life. Norris writes candidly about how he was able to overcome such obstacles in his life—giving full credit to God.
Customer Reviews:
Chuck Norris.......2007-08-29
Chuck Norris's life story will make you laugh, cry and realize what Jesus Christ can do in your life. Thank you Mr. Norris for sharing your story with the world. A must read for everyone. Recommend 100% to all.
Against All Odds: My Story.......2007-07-05
WELL FOR STARTERS I BOUGHT THIS FOR MY DAUGTHERS BOOK REPORT. SHE HAS NEVER MET CHUCK BUT HEARD ME TELL STORIES ABOUT HIM.
HE'S NUMBER 2 MAN IS KEN GALLACHER ONE OF MY 3 BEST FRIENDS IN THE WORLD AND HAS A CHAPTER ABOUT HIM IN THIS BOOK. KEN GOT CHUCK TO SIGN THE BOOK AS WELL AS HIMSELF. AFTER READING THE BOOK MY DAUGTHER HAS THE SAME GREAT RESPECT FOR MR. NORRIS AS KEN AND I HAVE. YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK FOR SMALL PEAKS OF WHAT GREAT THINGS MR. NORRIS HAS DONE FOR PEOPLE AROUND HIM AND FOR KARATE IN GENERAL.
Inspiring!.......2007-05-16
"Against All Odds" is an inspirational and very enjoyable book! It's full of many interesting stories and therefore, it's very easy to read. Chuck Norris' story is motivation to everyone to set goals, visualize the goals and work hard to achieve them. His career makes for a great story, especially hearing about his supportive mother who always told him: "God has plans for you". She was right! The book is full of many celebrity stories, too! From Bruce Lee to Johnny Carson to Bob Barker and Steve McQueen. I wish the book was longer. I hated to see it end. Also, Chuck shares his religious beliefs and his wonderful marriage and children. I have written down his quote: "Positive thinking gets positive results and negative thinking gets negative results". Chuck Norris is a very positive and inspiring person! I highly recommend this great book! You'll love it!
Go Chuckie!.......2007-03-30
Great bio. I usually don't read bios, but made an exception for Chuck Norris and for Barry Manilow. Also read Doreen Virtue's bio because it was included in one of her angel books.
That said, Chuck's bio is about overcoming obstacles and helping to make the world a better place. I wanted to read his story because I have always liked his movies and got really into the "Walker Texas Ranger" series. I really liked the positive aspects and messages, and the included spiritualism, in the series. I also liked the way the show included respect for and appreciation of the path and knowledge of the American Indian.
Chuck's bio was very interesting and uplifting and included his beginnings through the fairly current times. There are also old through current photos. It's great to read about a celeb that has his head on straight when you see so much tabloid stuff in the supermarkets. It's also great to read about somebody who moves forward in a positive manner to 1)accomplish things, and 2)help others. (No, I don't buy the tabloids anymore, but you cannot help to see the headlines when you're in line to buy your crabmeat in Maryland.)In my opinion, celebs have a big responsibility to the people who look to them as role models, especially the younger people. I am always happy to see a celeb show a positive image to those who would be influenced by him/her.
Inspirational for anyone who reads this book.......2006-12-28
I find Chuck Norris's story amazing because no matter what anyone else said he worked towards and achieved his goals. An interesting concept of this is how he always shows respect and a smile on his face to everyone he meets, even people who scower at him.
He does this because its a proven fact that if you fight someone's negative attitude with more negativity, nothing will get solved and most likely there will be arguments or maybe even fights. This is one of the many lessons you can learn out of this book, go buy it today. I knew I could learn something out of it and I have learned a lot. I'm glad I bought this book.
Customer Reviews:
A MUST read!.......2007-04-25
This is one great book! If you are a fan of TLC's "Little People, Big World" or just want to read a good book, this is for you. I've read it two or three times and I never do that. Personally, this is one of my favorite books. The Roloff family is a very cool family.
Enjoy!!!
Why did they make a 2 sentence review a Spotlight review?.......2007-04-19
You've got to get this book. That being said, can I be a spotlight review too?
I think little Matt Roloff is one of the most impressive guys I've ever seen. When his trebochet (catapult) almost killed his son and farm worker, he decides to build a bigger and better one when most people would dismantle the thing and burn it, never wanting to see one again.
This is a metaphor for his life. If something is a disaster, do it over bigger and better.
I find his attitude so inspiring that I intend to never whine and complain about my physical problems again. In fact, if anything, after watching him go after everything he wants with gusto, I want to charge out into the world and make my dreams come true in spite of feeling pretty horrible physically most days.
The book is a fantastic read about Matt's life. He faced such enormous physical problems that no one could have blamed him if he ended up a couch potato, but he didn't. Look at what he's done with his life!
You've got to get this book.
Matt Roloff RULES!.......2007-03-13
I first heard of Matt Roloff when my family got addicted to watching his family on their television show, Little People, Big World. I googled Roloff Farms and found his book of which I immediately read. I was so inspired by this man's story, I have made it an Official Pulpwood Queen Book Club Selection and his first book, Little Family, Big Values a Bonus Book Club Selection. I give it our highest honor, 5 diamonds in our Pulpwood Queen TIARA!
Tiara wearing and Book sharing,
Kathy L. Patrick
Founder of the PUlpwood Queens Book Clubs as seen on Good Morning America and The Oprah Winfrey Show, (though briefly)!
Worth Reading.......2007-02-24
I actually bought this book for my wife's birthday. She is a huge fan of the show and absolutely devoured the book.
I found Matt's story very interesting. His writing style doesn't appeal to me greatly but it wasn't a grind to get through the book; some of the material is a little redundant and at times I felt a bit bored with his narrative.
If you are a fan of the show I have little doubt you'll enjoy the book. There is a lot of informational material as well as inspirational and spiritual content.
A Total Inspiration!.......2007-01-24
If you like Little People Big World you've got to have this book. You will understand why Matt is bigger than life and why he has become successful against all odds.
Book Description
In the United States and throughout the industrialized world, just as the population of older and sicker patients is about to explode, we have a major shortage of nurses. Why are so many RNs dropping out of health care's largest profession? How will the lack of skilled, experienced caregivers affect patients? These are some of the questions addressed by Suzanne Gordon's definitive account of the world's nursing crisis. In Nursing against the Odds, one of North America's leading health care journalists draws on in-depth interviews, research studies, and extensive firsthand reporting to help readers better understand the myriad causes of and possible solutions to the current crisis. Gordon examines how health care cost cutting and hospital restructuring undermine the working conditions necessary for quality care. She shows how the historically troubled workplace relationships between RNs and physicians become even more dysfunctional in modern hospitals. In Gordon's view, the public image of nurses continues to suffer from negative media stereotyping in medical shows on television and from shoddy press coverage of the important role RNs play in the delivery of health care.
Gordon also identifies the class and status divisions within the profession that hinder a much-needed defense of bedside nursing. She explains why some policy panaceas—hiring more temporary workers, importing RNs from less-developed countries—fail to address the forces that drive nurses out of their workplaces. To promote better care, Gordon calls for a broad agenda that includes safer staffing, improved scheduling, and other policy changes that would give nurses a greater voice at work. She explores how doctors and nurses can collaborate more effectively and what medical and nursing education must do to foster such cooperation. Finally, Gordon outlines ways in which RNs can successfully take their case to the public while campaigning for health care system reform that actually funds necessary nursing care.
Customer Reviews:
Nursing against the Odds.......2007-10-08
This a a very good, and easy to read nursing text book. It flows well because of the real life stories and examples that all of us at the bedside can relate to. It makes you think about what you do, and what you say. How these things can and do impact patient care, and relationships with staff, patients, facilty, etc. We are such a necessary part of the bigger picture, and this book helps support and encourage us to be the best that we can be and to stand up for what it right and good in nursing and health care.
A must-read for any nurse!.......2007-09-19
A great read. A non-nurse has figured out the professional issues that keeps nursing subserviant to nearly every other health profession. I realize that holding hands and singing "Kum Ba Ya" won't help - but we need to open our eyes and see what can be accomplished with working together for the betterment of the profession and the health outcomes of patients. Political power, education, solidarity will help to increase the credibility and respectability of nurses. If you are a nurse, join the ANA - it's the only association looking out for the profession.
Ellen Carson, RN, PhD, Kansas
A "Must Read" for nurses!.......2007-03-29
Suzanne Gordon's "Nursing Against the Odds" hits the nail on the head! From her description of present day uniforms to her description of the combat-like nursing duties, she has identified the problems with the nursing profession. I could not put this book down once I started and have promised to loan it to other nurses. It's not often that I comment aloud while reading a book but Ms. Gordon has a literary method of phrasing that evokes the proverbial "Aha" every few minutes. Great reading and thought provoking!
Very Good Read!.......2007-02-26
I ordered this book because of the reviews and I was not disappointed. If you are interested in nursing or currently in the field it is a very good read. The relationships between Doctors and Nurses has always interested me and this book is very direct and gives many good supporting examples. I enjoyed it very much!
A must read.......2006-11-07
This book is a MUST READ for all hospital administrators and nurses! Gordon does an excellent job objectively putting forth the issues that plague the nursing profession today, including the history of how we got this way, and compelling ideas for solutions. Very thought provoking.
Customer Reviews:
Great information!.......2007-04-03
This book was a mind opener. Even though I wasn't seriously ill and have already read a lot on health maintenance, I still found crucial information, including a practice that helped me reduce muscle aches. The practice has become part of my Sunday beauty routine. The book is a bit repetitive and is written in a slapdash fashion (which actually helps authenticate the author in a way) but the information itself was valuable enough that I bought another of her books later on.
Informative book necessary in a world full of chemicals........2001-04-03
Susiesunshine, this message is for you. I have read Sherry's book and I found it to be very informative and helpful. She has so much knowledge in a field where only few doctors have even explored. Honestly, I feel Dr. Rogers may be the only doctor in the world than can help me. I would highly recommend her book, and would appreciate anyone's help regarding contacting Dr. Rogers. Thank you. wildwolf777@hotmail.com
Sherry was my doctor!.......2001-02-02
Sherry Rogers was my doctor for a number of years. She was always ahead of her time and now it shows! All of her books are wonderful, informative, easy to read and life saving. I hope everyone gets as much from this and all her books as I have. You'll be amazed at how much you DON'T know about your body, the environment and how we are killing ourselves until you read these books. Trust me, I am only a consumer here, but I pass these books on to everyone I care about and have for years! I'm going to post this to all the books I have read by Sherry. I just can't say enough about this woman. She literally saved my life (allergies, life and health threatening mineral and vitamin deficiencies) and my husband's too (bladder cancer). Love, Susan Manchester
a must read for all in industrialized countries.......1999-06-07
This book, which I dearly wish was not back ordered, is an excellent look at our polluted environment and how that pollution is effecting our health. It also helps the reader find ways to overcome the toxic pollutants in our environment, to lessen their effect on our bodies.
Dr. Rogers Challenges Health Assumptions with new ideas.......1999-04-02
I am not an unhealthy person. I am careful about my sugar intake, drink lots of water, exercise often, and don't often take ill. Dr. Rogers explains in this book, designed for the most ill (cancer and MS), that I have been vastly underestimating the level of wellness that I should be able to expect. The section on detoxification (which costs pennies with her method) alone is worth the cost of the book.
No one else I have read in health literature has so well explained that if the body is aided in its attempt to purify itself, it will.
I was recently in limbo about visiting some sort of health professional about a terribly painful hip. I followed Dr. Rogers recommendation to focus on detoxification, and before the brief detoxing was even finished the pain was 80% gone via a simple procedure that took little brains, but a lot of guts to believe that it would work. I saved the price of a trip to the specialist, and actually began to get at the root of the problem instead of just covering it up.
Average customer rating:
- Excellent!
- Figure the odds
- Popularity must mean terrible
- McShane's voice is perfect for this narration
- Francis Rides Again
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Odds Against
Dick Francis
Manufacturer: Blackstone Audiobooks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette
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ASIN: 0786114924 |
Book Description
"One of the greatest living suspense wirters."
CBS RADIO''
After a fall from a racehorse that permanently crippled a hand, Sid Halley joined a detective agency. But it wasn't until some two-bit hoodlum drilled a slug into his side that he was sent out on a case of his own. That was where he met Zanna Martin, a woman who just might make life worth living again. But it was even-money that he'd be killed before she had the chance....
Customer Reviews:
Excellent!.......2007-06-03
Dick Francis is wonderful. "Odds Against" is the first introduction to ex-jockey turned private investigator Sid Halley. I found this book to be enthralling. Dick Francis paints pictures with words! Simply the best! A must read.
Figure the odds.......2007-05-26
I enjoyed this book--it was IMHO a fun read. As usual, DF has an indestructible hero who seems to court trouble but with impeccable morality. It's easy to root for him. The criminals are despicable yet the hero doesn't hate them. DF IMHO manages to keep the reader interested throughout the novel. Of Francis >40 books, this is the 1st in an, at present, series of 4 starring Sid Halley. Halley often has interestingly different relationships with women--in this book with Zanna. Though there is no continuity to later books for the women (except Halley's ex-wife). This book lacks the funny, very creative dialog of some of Francis' later works such as: Halley's description of reporter India Cathcart--"They said she kept a penknife handy for sharpening her ball-points...She trailed me behind her like a comet's tail (Halley's Comet?) while introducing me to no one...The serial reputation-slasher".
p.s. Francis has written 4 Sid Halley novels so far: Odds Against, Whip Hand, Come to Grief, & Under Orders--in that order. The 1st 3 have been anthologized: "Win, Place, or Show" 042519972X, "The Sid Halley Omnibus" 033049242X, & "3 Titles by Dick Francis" B000MN3WV4. Enjoy!
Popularity must mean terrible.......2005-10-31
This book was a nightmare to complete. It is not that it's fully predictable as much as that it presents life as a muddle. While the writer knows his craft, he likes prosaic topics and meaningless, utilitarian scenes. His characters are deader than any murder victim. They slog through, and so do we his poor benighted readers, until the point where the conclusion becomes obvious, and then we skim the rest. Your average television show has more grace than this book. I don't know why this sells so many copies, as it is without any meaning in the context of a normal life and it doesn't add anything. It might be popular for the same reason bad music is, in that it doesn't require a brain and passes the time. If all you want is a distraction from thinking about your imminent death for a couple hours, maybe Dick Francis is the way to go. Otherwise, I wouldn't recommend this book at all.
McShane's voice is perfect for this narration.......2002-12-02
I give ***** to the verson read by Ian McShane (avoid the other readers). I enjoyed McShane's read voice. Some actor/readers, try to act took much when they read - I mean males doing higher voices for females are such a pain. McShane give the right tone, a narrator and is it an enjoyed voice that carries you vividly into the world of ex-jockey Sid Halley. Injured in a riding accident, he now is a Enquiry agent/security expert that is looking into the strange accidents happening and Seabury Race Course.
Dick Francis' writing, quite naturally, is excellent, though it is McShane excellent narration that has me listening to this tape again and again. I have given it several times and gifts and recommended it to friends. All have thanked me for the enjoy listen.
Francis Rides Again.......2000-07-23
Francis' third book, written back in the mid-Sixties, though still a great read (curious reference to The Beatles is the only jarring reminder of its time), and a wonderful example of how quickly Francis picked up his new craft. If he was as fluent, smooth, and skillful jockey as he is writer he must, indeed, have been great. This book first introduces Sid Halley, one of Francis' two recurring heroes, the jockey-turned-detective with a damaged left hand. Halley has been drifting through life since his career-ending injury; a further injury (caused by a bullet) and the not so subtle intervention of his father-in-law bring a change to his attitude, a radically different outlook, and a desire to work effectively and properly at his new job. He is badly frightened, and physically damaged ~ two things Francis excells at writing, his fear, especially, is thoroughly convincing ~ but succeeds in both defeating the baddies and renewing his life.
Book Description
This first-person account tells how author Amy Racina survived for four days and nights, both legs badly broken, in a remote valley in California's Sierra Mountains after a sixty-foot fall during a solo hiking trip. Battling pain, fear and exhaustion, she pulled herself along with her hands, and refused to give up, even when her chances of salvation were remote. The book chronicles her miraculous rescue, and describes her dramatic airlift out of the canyon, swinging helplessly from two straps, dangling fearfully beneath a helicopter high above the ravine where she had lain.
It is an amazing tale of despair and courage and hope. It speaks of incredible strength and heartbreaking weakness as it details what one woman believed might be the last days of her life. It is a memory of the darkest of times—and an affirmation of miracles. It is a celebration of a life almost snatched away, of survival against the odds.
- The book includes deeper spiritual reflections, the heartwarming story of "Helping Amy," the organization set up by the author's friends to aid her recovery, plus tips for wilderness survival.
Customer Reviews:
Inappropriate Marketing.......2007-09-27
I have not read the book and do not intend to. I am posting this review to express my disapproval of the marketing material I found for this book while hiking the John Muir Trail. A card promoting this book was left at the John Muir Hut in Kings Canyon National Park. The park service (and common sense) prohibits such marketing efforts.
Wonderful Read!!.......2007-09-20
I could not put this book down Iam an avid reader and I read it in one day. What a wonderful testament to the human spirit. Amy has such a special gift of telling her story and the people who were key in her survival. Also, her rehabilitation and most of all her own spirit to raise above her situation and overcome so much.
Bless her and her Angels in life.
Thank you in writing the story.
Diane
An amazing story of survival.......2007-07-11
This is surely one of the great stories of survival, on par with `Into Thin Air', `Alive' and `Touching the Void'. A story of heroism, survival and recovery. Amy Racina is an ardent hiker who enjoys great solo journeys in the Mountains of California. She planned a 162 mile journey in Kings Canyon National park in 2003. This was to be in one of the most remote parts of the park, Tehipite, many miles from the nearest hikers, well beaten tracks and worn trails. In this brilliant account the author tells the tale of her tragic accident, a terrible fall, and the rescue at the hand of three `angels' and her subsequent recovery. It is a harrowing tail of someone approaching death in the wilderness, alone. The only downside of the tail is that a majority of it deals with recovery and less of it with hiking. It would have been more interesting to learn more about the great outdoors. However this book will be of great value to anyone recovering from any form of injury. Nevertheless the author provides interesting insights into the `spiritual tools' for survival and interesting stories of her family history and its relationship with the Sierra.
An inspirational survivor story.......2007-05-24
There is something fascinating about wilderness survival stories. Perhaps it's because they offer such stark lessons of despair, courage, and hope. Amy Racina's tale of her falling accident while backpacking solo in a remote valley in California's King's Canyon National Park is no exception. It is harrowing, inspiring and beautifully written. She has a spiritual perspective on her accident that is unique.
I just noticed that Amy has a list here on "Listmania" of her "Favorite True-Life Adventure Books," but I would add her book to the following, as superb survival stories in the wild:
Touching the Void, Joe Simpson
Between a Rock and a Hard Place, Aron Ralston
Jungle: A Harrowing True Story of Survival, Yossi Ghinsburg
Shattered Air: A True Account of Catastrophe and Courage on Yosemite's Half Dome, Bob Madgic
The Bear's Embrace: A Story of Survival, Patricia Van Tighem
Congratulations, Amy, on your recovery, and on writing such a magnificent book. Here's to many more years of hiking in the Sierras.
Capricious disaster and indominable endurance.......2007-03-31
I enjoyed Amy Racine's chronicle of an unexpected, capricious incident that alters forever the life and outlook of a freedom-loving independent woman. Amy Racine shows remarkable introspective self-awareness as she analyzes who she was and why she was so comfortable hiking alone for days and weeks in the wilds of the Sierra Nevadas. Its is a special kind of free spirit that is both independent and trusting, also with a deep love for the quiet solitude of the outdoors. And into this carefully constructed independence comes disaster, and near death. There is no metaphysicial transport here, or mysterious lights or voices in the wilderness. There is pure pain, agony and grit with the will to survive. And suddenly there are also people and relationships and inter-dependence that make survival a possibility. With this comes the awareness that we are not alone, and that people who are perfect strangers can come out of the wilderness or out of a hospital or the city to reach out and touch us and change our lives forever. I've read many out door wilderness epics, many very skillfully written, and epic in their scope. But Amy Racine has a kind of honest vulnerability about herself and what happened that is very refreshing, and you will thoroughly enjoy the read.
Pierce E. Scranton Jr. M.D.
author, "Death on the Learning Curve"
Average customer rating:
- Good Read...final book of the series
- Mesmirized
- Enjoyable, but...
- Culture Clashes on a War Footing
- A rousing conclusion despite dangling plot threads
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Against the Odds
Elizabeth Moon
Manufacturer: Baen
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
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ASIN: 0671318500 |
Book Description
IMPLOSION!
The worst has happened: Fleet is tearing itself apart. Some of the mutineers see injustice in the unequal spread of the rejuvenation drugs that offer virtual immortality to the rich; others are simply thirsty for power, or for blood. The Loyalists, meanwhile, fight desperately to preserve the rule of law in Familias Regnant space.
But when Esmay Suiza-Serrano is unceremoniously booted out of Fleet, the apparent victim of Family politics, she has no idea of the whirlwind of conflict into which she is about to be drawn. As the noose tightens on galactic civilization, great battles will be fought and greater loves affirmed...and old friends will meet their destinies.
Customer Reviews:
Good Read...final book of the series.......2007-09-30
Against the Odds is the final book in the Seranno Legacy series. It's a space drama involving several families over several years. You get a little bit of action, a little bit of romance, planetside shooting, space ships, and military strategy. The series features strong female lead roles. The cover art for the books is very silly. But don't let that turn you off.
Here's the book order if you are intersted: Hunting Party, Sporting Chance, Winning Colors, Once a Hero, Rules of Engagement, Change of Command, and Against the Odds.
I started reading in the middle of the series. But, after reading that book, I went to the library and started at the beginning. I wish E.Moon would write more books about the Heris Serrano character.
Mesmirized.......2006-03-14
I always look for uninterrupted time to read Elizabeth Moon and this was no exception. The story moved quickly in comfortable yet umpredictable patterns. The ideas may not be entirely new but the characters made me feel 'at home'. The action was mature, adult adventure with satisfactory outcomes.I look forward to another of hers.
Enjoyable, but..........2005-10-24
Having just finished the last book of the series, I can't help but paraphrase that old TS Eliot quote "This is the way the series ends - not with a bang but a whimper". On the whole, I enjoyed the series very much. The Heris Serrano trilogy was well written and (despite a strange preoccupation with the minutia of breeding horses) contained many memorable sequences. Esmay Suiza was, to my mind, an even better heroine than Heris and her first two books are in my opinion the strongest in the series. But then it comes to the last two books, and it just seems to be a mad rush to get to the last page. Elizabeth Moon has lots of good plot ideas throughout the series - The Benignity, the Bloodhorde, the mutineers, the problems on Altiplano, Sirialis and Copperwalls, the Rejuvenant vs, Aegist problem, the NewTex Militia etc., but she seems to have tried to cram in as much as she possibly could, and the effect is to leave far too much up in the air. What happened to the fugitive confessor? Why DID Arash Livadhi do what he did? What happened on Sirialis? All these questions (and many more) go unanswered.
In my opinion, Elizabeth had enough plot ideas to fill twelve books, not just seven. And if she didn't want to write so many, one can't help but feel she should have left half of her ideas out in the interest of streamlining the story.
Having said all that, I enjoyed the series and will adding her, alongside David Weber and John Ringo, on my list of American authors who deserve more UK recognition.
Culture Clashes on a War Footing.......2005-08-12
This is the latest book in the Heris Serrano series, though Heris is not the main character. The book stands on its own, but the previous volumes would help fill in the background of the story. The heroine is Esmay Suiza, a Fleet officer who is not Fleet by birth, coming from an agricultural planet with a rather stuffy governmental system. (There has been only one previous Fleet member from that planet in the history of the Fleet.) There is a mutiny in the Fleet to fight, as well as incursions from the Bloodhorde (a particularly nasty group of pirates) and the Benignancy, a religion-based culture which is based on True Belief. The action is non-stop, and fascinating, but the characters are the element in which Elizabeth Moon excels. There are no stereotypes here: all the characters are living, breathing humans. Some you will love, others you will like, still others you will hate, and others you will pity. Altogether this book is one it is hard to put down!
A rousing conclusion despite dangling plot threads.......2005-01-09
Esmay Suiza knows that marrying Barin Serrano against the wishes of both their families will have consequences, but she doesn't anticipate being dismissed from the Fleet on the orders of a Serrano admiral. As Esmay makes her way to Castle Rock, in hopes that her friend Brun Meager-Thornbuckle (of the Familias Regnant) may help, she has no idea that Barin has come close to dying in battle. Traveling aboard a trade-ship that doesn't normally carry passengers keeps her insulated from much of what's happening in the rest of Familias space, as the Fleet is torn apart by mutiny and Brun's family finds itself under attack from within.
This seventh volume brings the Heris Serrano/Esmay Suiza series to a rousing conclusion, as the characters we've come to love find their places in the universe and their meticulously drawn society meets its greatest crisis. I'm disappointed that the author leaves several plot threads unresolved (or at least not clearly so), but it's an excellent read just the same. Especially the last poignant, downright haunting chapter.
Average customer rating:
- Excellent read!!!
- Toyota Production system (TPS)
- I thought the book was a facinating read
- This book is loaded with the history of Toyota.
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Against All Odds: The Story of the Toyota Motor Corporation and the Family That Created It
Yukiyasu Togo , and
William Wartman
Manufacturer: St Martins Pr
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Binding: Hardcover
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The Toyota Way
ASIN: 0312097336 |
Customer Reviews:
Excellent read!!!.......2007-06-15
I simply loved the book. The history of "Toyoda"....does a great job of describing the Japanese culture from the early 1900's to the 1980's. Although Toyota is the subject....the reader is exposed to the resilience of the Japanese people. Sakichi Toyoda is a rural country boy destined to be a carpenter like his father. He chooses a different path and becomes one of the greatest inventors in the world. He conceivably is the first author of the "Six Sigma" methodology using the "5 Whys" problem solving method (fixing the source of the problem). His son Kiichiro Toyoda is obsessed with manufacturing cars and bankrupts an empire trying to build them. The spawn of this failure is born after World War II. While basically bankrupt, Toyota built and sold trucks to the US for the war in Korea. The Marshall plan infused the company with money and engineering. The result: Toyota Motor Company the Worlds largest Automaker. The story covers everything from the loom factories to the creation of Lexus....a must read for anyone who loves history.
Toyota Production system (TPS).......2002-03-30
Excellent book. Highly recommond for any one who would like to know "What is TPS?". As you see in this book one can try to copy a system but to understand and implement the philosophy behind such a system is very very difficult. Once you start reading it you will not put it down till you finish.
I thought the book was a facinating read.......1999-03-10
I thought the book was as informative as interesting. I learned a lot about Toyota, and management in general. More impressive was the writing I could not put this book down. It was exiting from start to finish.
This book is loaded with the history of Toyota........1997-11-13
This book will open your eyes to the unique story of men and machines in Japan, USA and Europe. There are also accurate accounts of the history of the automotive industry in the early days. You will come to realize a new appreciation for the honor and ethics of the Toyoda family and the companies and systems they founded and developed.
Book Description
The inspiring autobiography of James Dyson, the countryÂ's leading entrepreneur and inventor, and how he succeeded against all the odds. Dyson's freewheeling account of his struggles, failures and successes is interspersed with his insights on how to turn an inspired idea into a household name. Also includes an updated chapter that reveals the details of the latest TOP SECRET Dyson appliance. Against the Odds will inspire engineers, inventors, and entrepreneurs and appeal to readers around the world.
Customer Reviews:
An interesting read.......2007-01-05
A good book for anyone who enjoys biographies by entrepreneurs. Not too long and not too much back patting. Some invaluable advice was shared. I came away with a good appreciation of the struggle to survive and then succeed.
Best book to read about the business process.......2006-11-18
I've read many books on business, having started and now running a successful business for 12 years, this book describes EXACTLY what it is like to start/run your own business. There are a host of books out there on the theoretical aspects of business, i.e. business plan, financing (blah blah), however they don't touch on the essence of this completely nerve racking, friendship killing, desperate struggle of a process. Starting a business, is not a journey it's an odyssey. Reading Dysons book takes you along for the ride. I can't say this book is for everyone, simply because so few people choose this direction to follow and succeed, but if you do, this book should be read many times. It will also give hope to the person of average intelligence, as I believe, Dyson conveys he is not a genious, he simply doesn't give up, ever.
Awesome.......2006-10-28
I work for Dyson US and this book is something we give to every new employee. When I got my copy I read it in about 8 hours- I couldn't put it down! It's a great "story" and although he speaks mostly about the "invention" process and the obstacles he faced, you still get a great feeling for who James is as a person. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Stories of an Innovator: Building the Better Vacuum Cleaner.......2005-12-21
This book is subtitled "an autobiography," but it isn't really about James Dyson, the man. It is about James Dyson, the inventor and designer who conquered the vacuum cleaner market. The difference? Dyson includes everything that might explain his success as an inventor, but gives only limited attention to his personal or interior life. Dyson briefly mentions some crucial points, like the strain his ongoing travels put on his marriage, or his wonderment at his companies' many lawsuits, but if you're seeking a man's inside emotional story, this isn't it. However, if you're looking for an exciting account of an inventor who proceeds, as Dyson puts it, in an Edisonian fashion, read this book. We recommend it to anyone engaged in design, engineering, marketing or innovation. The stories it contains, especially the descriptions of inspiration or frustration - are refreshing in this theoretical age, as is his advice on creating and marketing innovative products. Dyson's book proves that a vital place still exists for individual vision and old-fashioned perseverance.
An entrepreneur's struggle and testimonial.......2005-01-15
This is a great story of a stubborn, possibly cantankerous, designer turned manufacturing entreprenur. It was a real page-turner and I couldn't put it down.
This Brit took on the vacuum sweeper industry worldwide and now is introducing washing machines that may be technologically superior -- just like his sweepers. He has invented and introduced several products to the world.
Here's what you can get from this book:
1) A humorous story of entrepreneurial struggle and then success,
2) Dyson's rules for product design,
3) Dyson's rules for start-ups for manufacturing companies,
4) Some great words to improve your vocabulary (he's British remember),
5) Lessons in patents and the lengths to which you will have to defend them,
6) How entrenched product manufacturers will buy companies to squelch a superior technology to keep it off the market,
7) How your wayward son who goes off to study art may actually end up richer than you.
8) How to protect yourself from unscrupulous competitors (are there any other kind?)
Most important of all are his rules for design and for startups.
His basic rule for coming up with new products goes like this:
Find a durable consumer product that every household buys. Find out what bugs people about this product. Use technology to dramatically improve its performance -- preferably find the technology in other industries. Look for new materials providing superior durability. Prototype, prototype, prototype. Test, test, test. Then design outward for style and ergonomics (Form follows function.) Don't listen to others. Don't hire consultants. Market and manufacture it yourself. You can learn any subject in 6 months (I think that's a little quick but the point is well made). Keep improving (Japanese style Kaisen) once you have developed your new product (he's developed many improved models once he went into production).
I really enjoyed this book and recommend it heartedly. I wondered though if Dyson wasn't a bit too cantankarous for his own good. I often wondered why he ended up in so many lawsuits and business deals gone awry. Were all his competitors ruthless? Or was he difficult to establish business relationships with? We will never know, and perhaps it's not that important. But there's lots to learn by reading this book. I understand he has another book, self-published, just on the design and invention aspects and I hope to get that book also. I'll check with the wife to see if we need another sweeper. He says they really suck. In fact it sucks up to three times more than competitors. Well, that's his humor not mine.
This book should be required reading at all business schools.
John Dunbar
Sugar Land, TX
Books:
- Air Force (U.S. Military Series)
- America Alone: The End of the World as We Know It
- At Her Majesty's Request: An African Princess in Victorian England
- Between Worlds: The Making of an American Life
- Blood and Thunder: An Epic of the American West
- BodyMinder Workout and Exercise Journal (A Fitness Diary)
- Carnal Knowledge and Imperial Power: Race and the Intimate in Colonial Rule
- Celiac Disease: A Hidden Epidemic
- Centennial Campaign: The Sioux War of 1876
- Check In; Check Out: Managing Hotel Operations (7th Edition)
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