Book Description
A breakout novel is one that rises out of its category--such as literary fiction, mystery, romance, or thriller--and hits the bestseller lists. Maass explains the elements that all breakout novels share and shows readers how to use these elements to write a novel that has a good chance of succeeding in a crowded marketplace. They'll learn to:
* create a powerful and sweeping sense of time and place
* develop larger-than-life characters
* sustain a high degree of narrative tension from start to finish
* weave sub-plots into the main action
* explore universal themes that will interest a large audience of readers
Then, using several of his clients' experiences--including best-selling novelist Anne Perry--as case studies, Maass provides real-life, insider examples to show how this type of novel can generate agent and publisher interest, creating or enhancing a novelist's career.
* Includes an introduction by best-selling author Anne Perry
* Maass' insider examples lend the credibility and visibility necessary to attract a wide audience of writers
Customer Reviews:
Storytelling vs. Writing.......2007-07-14
Maass maintains that good storytelling (plot) is more important than good writing (dialogue, characterization, turns of phrase, etc.). With the examples that he holds up--Grisham, Crichton--it's hard not to disagree with him. Why do so many midlist and literary writers fail to "break out"? Low-stakes plots. True, not every reader wants to read about the world in peril...but many readers do, and upping the ante is one of Maass's techniques to be commercially successful. He also provides excellent advice for handling agents, editors, advances, promotion, etc. that will be sobering for many beginning authors.
Maass loses credibility when he moves away from tried-and-true book analysis into more esoteric (and religious) areas. Take, for example, the subsection titled "God at Work in the World": "God works in little ways as well as big ones...Have you ever felt that something that happened to you was fated?" The most egregious religious reference, however, is his citation of Tim F. LaHaye's "Left Behind" series as a breakout work due to its authors' special ability to "make the apocalypse feel real." Huh?
As an author, Maass has written either 14 novels (according to the text) or 17 novels (according to the book jacket) under pseudonyms. Since none of them are mentioned by name, I'm going to assume that he's still struggling as a midlist author. Why he doesn't use his own techniques to write his own "breakout" novel? That's a good question, and one that goes unanswered.
An inspiring book on the craft of writing.......2007-07-09
Donald Maass's book on writing the breakout novel is often cited by writers and aspiring writers I know as a "must-have" book if you hope to succeed in writng fiction. I've read a few books on the craft of writing (not as many as I should) and Maass's book, WRITING THE BREAKOUT NOVEL is a must read.
This book is different than others. Noah Lukeman's THE FIRST FIVE PAGES talks about dialogue, adverbs, tone, point of view, and other specifics. That book is a must-read as well, but mainly focuses on writing specifics. Maass's book focuses on broader themes, urges you to think outside the box, forces you to "breakout" the expected.
This is an inspiring book because if anything, it'll convince you that you can write a breakout novel. Sure, its hard and difficult, but you can do it. Maass focuses on characters (forgiveness and self-sacrifice are the strongest character qualities), themes of the novel, time and place (use scene and setting to create a sense of time, history and destiny), point of view, etc. Basically he covers everything needed to create a breakout novel. He cites many examples of famous breakout novels.
This book encouraged me to think big, to go places I didn't think I could in my own novel in progress. While this book isn't a hands on workbook, Maass does offer a workbook that goes with the novel that might provide more application.
This book should be read by any aspiring novelist. Maass knows what he is talking about. The good news is everything he says seems simple and makes sense. Now it is up to me and you to go out and write the next "breakout" novel.
I use this as a reference book while writing.......2007-06-13
Writing the Breakout Novel expertly describes the basic principles that make literature interesting and compelling to readers -- whether you're writing a plot-driven thriller or a character-based literary piece. As a published author working on my first large action/adventure novel, I've found that keeping this book on my desk and reading through it periodically is instructive and inspiring. Invariably, it opens up for me a new possibility in plot or character development. It's probably the next best thing to having Mr. Maass on the other end of the phone as you proceed with your work.
Mr. Maass doesn't sugarcoat the process. Writing a breakout novel is, as he describes, a lengthy process that is not for the fainthearted. But the key word is 'process,' and I have become much more appreciative of the satisfaction that comes from writing, re-writing, and continually delving deeper into the underlying principles that drive compelling fiction. These principles are not arbitrary. They can be learned and applied, and give a more practical foundation than the general writing instruction I received as a four-year undergrad in English literature.
Writing the Breakout Novel.......2007-02-18
I found Donald Maass's book very informative and have already incorporated many of his suggestions in a novel I completed several years ago, but was never happy with.
Writing the Breakout Novel.......2007-01-16
Donald Maass gives a course in how to turn a good story into a breakout novel. He doesn't give advice on how to craft beautiful prose in the mode of Marquez or Naipaul. He's not teaching how to write the next To Kill a Mockingbird. He doesn't even attempt to supplant the craft as taught by the Iowa Writer's Workshop. What he writes about is turning a good story into a commercial success.
Like his advice, it's straightforward and a bit formulaic, but why would you pick this book up with the title, How to Write the Breakout Novel, if you didn't want advice on commercial success? That'd be silly if you ask me.
Maass knows the market as one of the top agents in publishing and as a successful novelist. He's given advice to his clients and it's propelled them to the top of the Bestseller List. Sure he uses personal examples and touts his client list, but it's an impressive client list, believe me. I don't like all the books he uses as examples, but that's personal choice and my choice hasn't impacted sales numbers at all.
I found his advice on Theme to be really good. To be honest, I hadn't considered starting with a theme and working to craft around something which resonates with the reader simply and clearly. I know all great stories integrate theme, but I didn't really understand that it could be a conscious thing on the part of the writer. Maybe that's my own naivety, but that's why I'm reading self-help books. It's completely changed the way I'm writing my next story.
The Checklist style construction makes recollection of what each chapter covered simple.
Want to know what it covers? Here are the contents:
Why Write the Breakout Novel
Premise
Stakes
Time and Place
Characters
Plot
Contemporary Plot Techniques
Multiple Viewpoints, Subplots, Pace, Voice, and Endings
Advanced Plot Structures
Theme
Breaking Out
Read each and every one. I found value throughout the book.
- CV Rick
Book Description
In Thom Rainer's latest book, he sets out to discover how churches that were once healthy but had stagnated in growth have broken out to become great churches impacting lives and entire communities.
Customer Reviews:
Break Out Church - A Must Buy if you're serious about church growth........2007-09-22
A research based book that is logical, do-able and researched based. It was written for those of us who couldn't quite put our finger on why our churches aren't growing. Great Resource!
Significant information for churches who are serious about growth.......2007-09-10
As always, the information is thorough and very well organized. The premises were supported and documented. It applies scholastic effort with great insight and is a helpful tool for those who are serious about being "all that God intends them to be".
Thanks for all the hard work.
making good churches great.......2007-03-15
This was a practical book on how to move a church from being good to being great without replacing the senior pastor. This book has some practical insights, useful evaluation tools, and great suggestions for increasing a church's effectiveness.
Why reinvent the wheel?.......2007-01-11
I originally titled my review "A blueprint for ministry." I believe some folks may have a knee-jerk reaction to anyone who may appear to imply that the Holy Spirit of God can be subjected to blueprinting. Oh, well...whatever. More precisely, what I'm trying to say is this: if you want your local church to become less healthy and more vital then--guess what?--you're not the first person to ever go down that road. The author's gathering of data from churches who tried to do the same thing and failed, did so-so, or did very well can be very illuminating as you and your church go down the "healthy church" path together.
I've read a lot of church growth books over the last twenty years or so. Twenty years from now we will look back at "Breakout Churches" as one of the landmark books in the whole church growth movement.
For those like me who have been impressed with Tom Collins' books "Built to Last" and "Good to Great" and have wondered how to "translate" Collins' findings to churches, this is the book for you. I know that the data and conclusions are not flawless, but time will take care of that as more and more people see the huge benefits of what Rainer has helped to pioneer. Still, small flaws and all, Rainer hits a home run with this book because he gives us a blueprint for church growth. He gives us a map: your church may not go through each stage precisely, but I'll bet some of the things you went through could have been predicted if you had read this book beforehand.
For example, I've wondered in my local church if we're doing the right thing. After reading Rainer's accounts of "breakout churches" who have gone through the same thing, I can relax a little by seeing just where we are "on the map." That's helpful because pioneers always find a map helpful. Knowledge is most important. Just yesterday on the History Channel documentary about 18th century pirates it was noted that one of the first things that often happened when a vessel saw that the pirates' siege against them was going to work, the captain would throw the maps overboard so that the pirates wouldn't know where every shoal in an area was.
"Breakout Churches" is a map to help guide you through the unknown areas into greatness for your church.
Principles for God-honoring church growth.......2006-11-19
What does it take for a plodding church to shatter mediocrity and become a great one? In his recently published thirteenth book, Thom Rainer offers fresh research into the elements of change that contributed to the successful reversal of mediocrity at thirteen turnaround churches. Although stressing that his research does not offer a systematic approach to church greatness (p. 198), he addressed this book to those who want to see their church stimulated toward it (p. 17). He provides practical principles for leaders longing to see their church move forward. He gives actual insights that his research team gleaned from leaders in breakout churches. These churches formerly struggled to maintain worship attendance but eventually experienced remarkable growth. This study identified the relevant factors involved in turning them around.
Rainer is president of LifeWay Christian Resources and is a frequent conference speaker. He has served as a pastor in twelve churches. He holds a M.Div. and a Ph.D. from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary where he previously served as Founding Dean of the Billy Graham School of Missions, Evangelism and Church Growth. His experience and background give him credibility with those who may read this book thinking that it is just another theory-driven church growth book. It is not. It is the result of three years of intensive research.
Rainer's latest book is a church-focused sequel to Jim Collins' business bestseller Good to great: Why some companies make the leap... and others don't (2001, New York: Harper Business). In fact, he "borrowed the research process, the structure and outline of the book, and the architecture of its ideas" from Good to Great (p. 15-16). Rainer's devotion to Collins' work opens the possibility that he may have allowed Collins' findings to influence this study's conclusions. Nevertheless, using Collins' research methodology (p. 15) permitted him to screen over 52,000 churches in the United States to find thirteen breakout churches to examine (p. 13).
Rainer excluded churches that had never plateaued or declined as well as churches that grew after changing pastors. This research design focused on a narrow sample. It allowed the exploration of the uniqueness of a few churches that had moved beyond mediocrity to become great and growing congregations. This sharp focus contributed to high internal validity as distinctive results came from the unique sample. For comparison purposes, Rainer also selected thirty-nine other churches that had not made the leap to greatness. His research team then used both quantitative and qualitative methods as they identified the elements that led to sustained growth. They examined the five-year periods before and after the attendance breakout point for the thirteen turnaround churches (p. 16). This point was a clearly identified time when these churches began to experience lasting and significant growth. Following this point, their worship attendance increased by 71 percent while the comparison churches' attendance declined.
Rainer set the tone for the entire book in chapter 1 by stating, "It is a sin to be good if God has called us to be great" (p. 15). In this chapter, he used the example of a caterpillar that is in the process of becoming a butterfly to identify what he called "the Chrysalis Factor" (p. 24). That factor includes six major components [6] involved in a church's transformation from mediocrity to greatness. Rainer devotes at least one chapter to each element.
In chapters 2 and 3, Rainer wrote that breakout churches had [1] "Acts 6/7 Legacy Leaders" (p. 44) at the helm just as Collins' great companies were led by "level 5 leaders." Rainer noted these leaders equipped others for ministry, raised up successors, made decisions benefiting the church, accepted responsibility when things went wrong, and were generous with their praise. These leaders also displayed confident humility, deflected recognition, loved their people unconditionally and were persistent in leading progress (p. 58-60). They focused on others.
Chapter 4 found the author discussing what he called [2] the "ABC moment" (p. 69). He used this term to indicate awareness/belief/crisis. Rainer said that "the vast majority of churches ...are addicted to mediocrity" (p. 71) while "most of the ministry in the church is focused on the membership (p. 74). In contrast, the breakout churches had confronted this brutal reality and experienced their "ABC moment." Facing and understanding this reality allowed these churches to move beyond mediocrity to greatness.
Rainer discussed the third Chrysalis Factor in chapter 5. This was a phenomenon he labeled [3] the "Who/What Simultrack" (p. 92). Breakout churches worked at getting the right people on staff and the right structures in place. They often did not wait for a staff opening before bringing a new person on board (p. 92). Also, if they had the wrong person on staff, they acted quickly to make a change. Similar to Collins' findings, these churches put their best people on their biggest opportunities (p. 99). Underlying all of this was a drive shaped by purpose.
In chapter 6, Rainer discovered that vision did not seem to lead the breakout churches (p. 111). Rather, they commented that vision discovered them (p. 127). The church leaders had found the intersection of their passions, their congregation's spiritual gifts, and their community's needs (p. 114). Rainer called this junction [4] "the VIP factor" which stood for a vision intersection profile (p. 117). He found it allowed the breakout churches to focus on the few things they could do well (p.124).
Rainer noted in chapter 7 that the breakout churches had a [5] culture of excellence. They only did what they could do outstandingly (p. 132). Consequently, they appeared to display excellence in all things (p. 131). Importantly, this commitment was theologically and biblically driven. The leadership wanted to glorify God by doing their VIP factor with excellence (p. 132). Rainer reported a strong correlation between excellence and the VIP factor in these churches (p. 135). In contrast, the comparison churches lacked compelling excellence in their ministries.
Rainer discussed the final Chrysalis Factor in chapter 8. The breakout churches viewed [6] innovation as accelerators of growth and not creators of it (p. 152). In fact, they may have even appeared to be slow or plodding when dealing with innovation (p. 152). In contrast, the comparison churches seemed to chase innovation in a futile attempt to create a vision. The research team saw this approach as "the tail wagging the dog" (p. 156). It does not work.
These six components of the Chrysalis Factor led to what Rainer labeled the "Big Mo" in chapter 9. After persistently applying the chrysalis factors, the breakout churches began to gain momentum. The researchers could not identify any one single thing that caused these churches to breakout. One observer said, "Everything stands out" (p. 166). "Big Mo" just took over. Rainer noted that comparison churches had change-resistant leadership (p. 178 ff) that blocked "Big Mo" and may be the biggest obstacle keeping ordinary churches from moving ahead.
Early in the book, Rainer stated that he thought Collins' concept of confronting the brutal facts would be found to be critical for churches that experienced an attendance breakout (p. 71). The research confirmed that statement. In fact, Rainer wrote that his "main error was underestimating how critical this factor would be" (p. 71). He seems to have discovered an important key for any church desiring a "breakout." This was valuable.
Rainer's study is valuable in helping average churches know what it takes to move ahead. His use of Collins' methodology allowed him to hone in on six key factors involved in moving a church out of mediocrity. His research design showed careful thought while his scan of 52,000 churches added much to the generalizability of the research. It was a very broad population.
Due to his methodology, it was not surprising that Rainer's six Chrysalis Factors matched very closely with Collins' conclusions. That may leave the reader thinking that something else is needed to explain the identification and emergence of breakout churches. For instance, Rainer acknowledged that numerical measures were key in the evaluation of breakout churches (p. 188). Perhaps he could have used other equally valuable measures in his search for these churches. For example, Jesus called churches principally to be faithful (Rev. 2:10, 3:11). Matthew 28:18-20 and Acts 1:8 suggest there is potential for greatness in that calling. One must consider whether a breakout church is exclusively one that demonstrates effectiveness through conversion growth. The question is whether other purposes for the church are equally great.
Rainer may have prematurely concluded that a pastor's long tenure is required for a church's turnaround (p. 58). Since this study only included churches that had the same pastor at least ten years, all thirteen churches inevitably had pastors with long tenure. In fact, the data may suggest that long-term pastorates normally do not lead to breakout growth. After all, Rainer only found 13 breakout churches out of a population of over 52,000. The data in this study does not lead to a conclusion about tenure. Other studies need to do that.
Rainer's sample of breakout churches omitted growing churches that had never experienced a period of mediocrity. It also excluded formerly mediocre churches that had recruited a new pastor and then experienced growth. That limits the study's generalizability to Rainer's apparent target audience of mediocre and average churches. Not surprisingly, that may include most churches in America.
I highly recommend this book for any pastor desiring something more than commonplace mediocrity for their church. They will benefit from the sense of optimism and expectancy it generates as well as the proven principles that move churches forward. Even ordinary churches can see remarkable change if their leaders and congregations are seeking it. Rainer's research shows that dreaming of the future means focusing on people currently outside the church. This book provides confirmed principles that can lead a church to greatness.
Customer Reviews:
TOP SECRET.......2005-03-07
At first glance this may seem like any other trading book however I can assure you after much exhaustive computer analysis there is much more here than meets the eye. What many people do not know is that the exact methods which Toby Crabel uses for managing billions of dollars are disclosed within this book. I have in my possession due diligence documents which state his exact trading methodology and markets. I have pursued and collected almost everything that is available on the subject of Toby Crabel and his career. This book deserves a very slow in-depth and at sometimes painful read through over and over and over again! Of course it helps to be a computer guru so that you can make complete sense of all the patterns and become confident in them. Mark Brown www.markbrown.com
Great book in 1990, but not unique anymore.......2004-05-25
Well I bought this book in 1991, when I was just learning about technical trading. The ideas were mostly unique then, or at least had not been published together yet in one volume, from what I know.
The main ideas in the book have to do with expansion and contraction in volatility and moves off the open (Opening Range
Breakouts).
Toby is a successful hedge fund manager, having worked for Victor Niederhoffer before starting his own company. Toby's
returns are good, but his risk management is far better. Toby's funds have grown primarily due to his excellent risk management
skills as opposed to his returns. In layman's terms this means that he hardly ever loses money but he doesn't make much for his clients. This is actually fairly unique and he should be commended for finding this niche in the business.
I should say that I do know both Toby and Victor, although they are just industry acquaintances, not friends, and I have not seen them in a many years.
For young struggling traders, the ideas in this book are available cheaper in other books or on the internet. They are also known as volatility breakout strategies. I suggest you pay not more than $200 for this book. If you can't buy it for less
than that, look elsewhere.
If you are a collector, than feel free to pay up for this
book.
Crabel manages $2 Billion for a reason.......2003-09-04
The book is basically a series of studies on reoccuring patterns in the stock and commodities markets. Crabel found that volatility is mean-reverting in the speculative markets. Just as night follows day, volatile markets follow quiet markets. There are more than a dozen robust volatility patterns evaluated and explained. The only real weakness I can see is that Crabel used point values instead of percentage values. This was a common mistake of professionals back in the early 1990's. You will need to convert these. For example, if the S&P 500 is currently meeting the criteria for one of the low-volatility "set ups" then place a buy stop 2.5 points above the open and a sell stop 2.5 points below the open. If filled set your mechanical stop-loss 1.5 points outside the current days existing range.
Well, 2.5 points was a reasonable move back in 1991 (when the S&P was trading around 400). But 2.5 points is just noise today. To adjust simply divide 2.5 points by what-ever the S&P was trading at back in 1991 to get a percentage. Then multiply this percentage by today's S&P level (around 1000). This will result is something like 6.2 points. Do the same thing for your stop-loss as well.
Crabel's logic was/is sound but the research in the book should have been based on percentage moves. These are what have held reasonably stable over time.
Also, to be successful you will need to be able to track at least 75-100 stocks. Otherwise you will not get enough set-ups to maintain proper diversification. Volatile, liquid stocks obviously work best. A program like Neovest or Radarscreen (Tradestation) will be very helpful.
Unique and Innovative.......2002-06-20
What the readers here say is true. I bought a used copy for about 1100 a few years back and was well worth it. An absolute tour-de-force of ideas and studies that are in use by Toby Crabel himself (he runs a hedge fund). The primary method he uses (ORB) is actually used by the majority of Hedge Funds today. I do reccomend that the reader check other auction sites for better deals.
Presents Unique Ideas Not Seen In Other Books.......1999-08-15
Toby Crabel has written a great book. The patterns he discusses are great for swing trading and day trading. You will learn about narrow range days, inside days, bull hooks, bear hooks and so on. These patterns can easily be translated into most commercial trading software. This is one of the few books I like. Even if you decide not to trade these patterns they can still be helpful in predicting market behavior. Please do not think that Mr.Crabel discusses double tops and double bottoms, head and shoulders and all that other garbage. However, you will find very unique ideas that you probably never considered. I find it very interesting that the least reviewed trading books on this website are often the best ones.
Book Description
From its very first page, the American infantryman is the hero of this magnificent account of men at war.
Customer Reviews:
Rings True To Someone Who Was There..........2005-12-22
My father landed on Utah Beach in the second wave on June 7, 1944 (D-Day +1). His unit was attached temporarily to the 28th Division, as reinforcements. Later they rejoined their real unit, the 1st Platoon, 2d Battalion, 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division.
After having defended Hill 314 for four days, out of ammunition and food, my father and three comrades were captured by German SS forces at Mortain on August 11, 1944. He spent the next 11 months in a German POW camp.
Yes, I'm proud of his service. However, I recounted all of this to establish his authority to comment on this book.
A man of few words, he shared that accounts of the aspects of the battle of which he had first-hand knowledge were very accurate. This book enabled my father to finally understand the full scope and nature of the battle, and reinforced for him (and his wife and five children) how amazing it is that he survived the experience.
We continue to pass this book from one family member to the next. We have all found the book to be an excellent read.
A Classic Account of a Forgotten Battle..........2003-02-08
What a superb book. Featherston, a journalist by trade, made himself into a first rate military historian with this, his first published work. He even outdoes the mighty Stephen Ambrose here. His focus is the 30th Infantry Division's lone stand at Mortain, as it bore the brunt of the German last great Panzer assault in France.
Much has been written about Mortain, how the Germans threw away their last bit of armored strength in this hopeless, Hitler ordered counterattack (Operation 'Luttich', the German word for Liege, a city in Belgium) and its subsequent repulse. Far too much credit has been given the Allied air forces in this battle and not enough to the infantrymen who faced the onslaught on the ground.
That fact was, that despite air support, the Old Hickory Division met the Germans head on, and this was some of the best German military units, the Waffen SS in addition to other Panzer divisions, and it beat them cold.
Featherston, interviews the veterans and they tell their story with pride, as I think they should. They took on the best Hitler had, and stopped the vaunted German Panzer force dead in its tracks.
This is a must have for any ETO fan.
Two stories under one cover........2000-06-13
Great book. I personally liked to read divisional histories, and this is in my top five. The writer takes you throught he divisions pre war history, European deployemnt, and combat history. The reader gets two stoies here, one is a history of a Army National Guard unit going to war, and the other is the Battle of Moritain, a pivital conflict in the conquest of France. I read it in a weekend, you will find it hard to put down as well.
An Informative fast paced read.......2000-05-08
As a current member of the 30th Mechanized Brigade I found this book to be an extremely interesting look into the roots and history of a forgotten Division. The author provided a great deal of insight into this critical battle through the personal experiences and recollections of the actual soldiers who fought against some of the best German troops at that time. This book was very informative and details a battle that very few people had heard of, which is a shame considering what these everyday soldiers accomplished under such exteme conditions. I would highly recommend.
Book Description
Companies that purposefully set out to excel are remarkably few and far between.
The number of those who have a strong, well-thought out strategy for success are even fewer.
Based on five years of research and field-testing, Breakout Strategy gives you a “fast track” strategic vision that can push your company to incredible new rates of growth and expansion. Strategy and leadership experts Sydney Finkelstein, Charles Harvey, and Thomas Lawton show how to craft a strategy that fits your business, whether you're a small start-up or an established national or international company. They also give you the tools to adapt that strategy as you grow and expand. Their system features five key initiatives:
- Create a workable vision by understanding the needs and aspirations of a company
- Face customers with a value proposition that covers all the important bases
- Align what a business does with what the customer truly desires
- Balance the people and process sides of business to deliver on promises
- Liberate the energies of any strategy's toughest critic-those who work within the business
Breakout Strategy puts these initiatives in context by examining how diverse companies achieved breakout growth, including jetBlue, Harley Davidson, and Starbucks. It also sheds light on how a poor strategy can topple a once-successful company off the pedestal of market dominance, such as Krispy Kreme's overly ambitious expansion strategy that stretched the company and the brand too thin.
With the systematic approach in Breakout Strategy, you'll be able to travel the fast track to market triumph, leaving your competitors struggling to catch up.
Customer Reviews:
Break out and buy this book!.......2007-01-13
"Breakout Strategy" is a sophisticated handbook on business strategy that provides a clear framework for what has worked in the past and why it has. Success depends upon your ability to "break out" out of the status quo, take action, and stand apart from others.
Through rich examples culled from a deep understanding of business history, Finkelstein, Harvey, and Lawton take you through both the winners and the losers and identify why they won or lost. These examples form clear archetypes which, when placed in an easy-to-understand framework, turn the book into a useful business tool. You can just mirror the patterns set by those successful who have gone before and broken away in their fields.--to take your business to the next level.
Few stones are left unturned when it comes to a frank look at business. For me, the most interesting section was "Breakout Leadership" where the authors suggest leaders face up to "negative capabilities." They describe leaders who try to put such a good face on everything that they end up stifling debate, change, and eventually growth and survival. I have personally seen examples of unbridled optimism among an executive team that truly created the "culture of silence" the authors describe--with the inevitable negative consequences for the business. As they say, "There is a fine line between appropriate confidence and over-the-top arrogance, and the best breakout leaders understand that they can't cross that line."
This is an eloquently written book for the erudite business person--a useful handbook which you can refer to again and again to practice and perfect your business strategy. Breakout out of what you are doing right now and get this book!
Book Description
This powerful book builds on the success of it predecessor-Writing the Breakout Novel-and takes readers to the next level: improving their work with practical, hands-on lessons and exercises.
With patented techniques from his popular writing workshops, Donald Maass shows fiction writers exactly how to make their work stand out from the crowd. Readers will learn how to strengthen any novel-in-progress, with sections on: - Building Plot Layers - Creating Inner Conflict - Strengthening Point of View and Voice - Discovering Larger Than Life Character Qualities - Developing the Psychology of Place
Every workbook exercise is followed by examples from real-life breakout novels. This is one of the most accessible novel-writing guides available today.
Customer Reviews:
I use this more than the actual book.......2007-10-08
I have both workbook and book. I use this when I'm plotting or replotting a book. I find the exercises make me think hard about my stories and bring out my creativity. I'd definitely recommend it.
Helpful!.......2007-08-24
I finally bought this book after rechecking it from the library several times. I love the challanges presented and the advice given. This book has helped me dig deeper and develop my own novel.
Not the same as the Breakout book.......2007-03-14
Since he published Writing the Breakout Novel in 2001, Maass has taught a seminar of the same name at many writers conferences, and naturally learned from these experiences. The original book is here expanded by nearly three dozen exercises, which seem quite sensible, not hokey as are some by other teachers I've read.
I own the Breakout book and just now am comparing the workbook that I checked out of the local library. They're not the same, not by a long shot, despite what one reviewer here says. Though many sections have identical headers (such as Inner Conflict), they are completely rewritten, using different examples. The original book is 259 pages of 6x9, the workbook is 230 pp. of 8-1/2x11 format, thus it is by no means a condensation as TheCafeWriter asserts, and the original book is not necessarily more "in-depth." Some sections are, some aren't. The structure is substantially rearranged. Yet the concepts and the really fundamental points -- keep your story charged with tension, and so on -- do remain identical. These are essentially two complementary treatments of the same material by the same author
Maass asks his seminar participants to bring their in-process novels to perform exercises on, so the workbook is particularly useful if you are well into writing a novel already. With the discipline of the exercises, Maass teaches you to be your own draft doctor.
For me, there appear to be easily enough new perspectives and ideas here to warrant buying the workbook even though I have read the original and have it on my bookshelf.
Good Hands On Exercises.......2006-08-14
This book is most beneficial to writers who have already completed the first drafts of their manuscripts. The exercises made me review some of my characters' attributes and turn offs as well as making sure my secondary plots tied into my main plot. Mr. Maass' suggestions caused me to re-think my villians a little bit and show a side to them that could be somewhat empathetic. Also, adding tension on every page for me was tough, but I found creative ways to do it. I do believe my completed novel is better now after making suggested changes. I stuck to my own gut on some of the things he suggested I change, but overall I did use a lot of his advice. This is a good purchase but you must do the written exercises not just skim over them.
It's good, but..........2006-04-01
Maass has created a good workbook with some nifty ways to come up with information. He's also included some material that's new, especially in terms of how to put together plots and subplots, and he expands the theme section from Writing the Breakout Novel.
Two problems though: first, except for a few places, the workbook really retreads the original book, just barely expanding on the original. I was hoping for more nuggets of information.
The second problem is that it is a workbook. I hate workbooks, mostly because my brain simply doesn't do those kinds of questions. I work from story down, not parts of story up. The workbook gives the impression to writers that answering the questions will magically make the story fall into place, and I instinctively reject that attitude. No, Maass isn't deliberately trying to tell writers the process, but the impression is there.
I would have rather he put together a follow-up book and then listed these questions at the end of the chapters instead of formatting the book with lines to be filled in. I think I would have been more receptive to the content. As it was, I read hastily through, feeling nauseous that I wasn't doing my homework--a kid's attitude from far too many workbooks in grade school.
Basically, good but not great information, and formatting that puts me off means that I have a hard time recommending this book. But if you're a workbook type, go for it.
Book Description
In the wake of the systematic destruction of the original Avengers, just what sort of threat to the world could persuade Captain America to assemble an all-new team? And following the events of Avengers Disassembled, who could possibly be on this team? How does Cap, Iron Man, Spider-Man and Wolverine sound? Fate has brought them together, and now Captain America wants to make it permanent! Who will take his hand and join the new Avengers? And will they be strong enough to fight the mysterious forces at play around them? Collects New Avengers #1-6.
Customer Reviews:
The 4,031st Avengers lineup........2007-09-24
Art ranging from good to great. Bendis'writing seems impressive at first, but after a while the reader notices that it's just a little too slangy and conversational at points. We don't require that superheroes speak EXACTLY as real people do.
A rather disappointing book.......2007-09-24
When a mass-escape of super-villains from a super-secret prison, Captain America decides that it is time to form a new Avengers. And so, Cap grabs Iron Man, Spider-Man, Spider-Woman, and Like Cage and they set out to get to the bottom of what happened. Before long, they are joined by Wolverine, of the X-Men. But, it turns out that there is something strange going on, and it appears that S.H.I.E.L.D. is behind it.
Overall, I found this to be a rather disappointing book. The initial fight scene at the prison occurs mostly in the dark, which really hurts in this visual media. After that, the story just kind of limps along, telling you nothing, and expecting you to be intrigued by the fact that nothing makes sense. Also, the nude scene wasn't titillating, so don't expect too much there.
Now, if the series picks up with the next story, I will gladly eat my words. But, if you just read Breakout you will be disappoint, I know I was.
Graphic SF Reader.......2007-09-03
The start of the new title, and it is decompressed to pieces. Like a 2-3 minute read or so. A bad guy realises that the supervillain jail has a vulnerability, its power source. Electro is hired to take advantage, and all hell breaks loose. Matt Murdoch is there visiting, escorted by Jessica Drew and Luke Cage.
A few other heroes see what is going on and head there is well, ending up with a rather ludicrous Avengers team made up to bring the most popular Marvel heroes together in a group, mostly.
Avengers gets good!.......2007-08-28
For the past, oh, I'd say 20 some years, the word Avengers never really got the nerd in me going. I mean, I suppose they were the all-stars of Marvel, but the stories, at least to me, never really made me want to read it from month to month. Being a relative, as of late, fence crosser from DC over to reading more Marvel, I needed to do some catch up work. See what has happened since the Infinity Crusade days (shudder), I picked this up. Wow! Huge improvement! The story breaks down something like this: persons unknown hire Electro to break Sauron out of jail, which leads to a full scale break out of about 42 highly dangerous super-villains. First responders included: Daredevil and Luke Cage who were already at the prison, Spider-Man who is later joined by Captain America and Iron Man, and several nameless S.H.I.E.L.D. agents. With the bad guys running amok and the mystery of Electro (a Spider-Man bad guy) breaking out Sauron (an X-Men bad guy), Captain America finagles the rest (minus Daredevil and plus Wolverine who they met chasing down Sauron to the Savage Land) to form an all-new, all-different (and better written) Avengers. The only gripe I have about it is the cliffhanger left me wanting to shell out the cash to get the next volume, so no real gripes. Bendis tells a tale that is entertaining and well developed. The art was fine, not stellar but it told the story well enough. I recommend it for those wanting to start a great story arch from the beginning but wanting to cut to the chase as far as catching up to the modern Marvel universe.
Bendis hit hard.......2007-06-22
I never read the Avengers before, I guess I never really liked the line-up or thought I'd like it. Or maybe they lacked the edgy feel X-Men had, you know - what differentiate them from the rest of the super-teams around in the mainstream comics world.
And then came Bendis.
Not only did he brought an interesting evolving line-up, with a good solid concept to base it on, he also created great atmosphere and a special spirit to the team. It's no longer just a super-hero team, now it's a collection of individuals who don't always go well with one another, collecting the best of the Marvel heroes around, with different opinions and ideals.
Bendis turned the Avengers into a solid team with great conflicts to deal with. And he did it so well it worked perfectly.
On this specific arc he tries to test them against various situations, just to see where can it go. It's filled with humor and action, but moreover - it's the base to every major Marvel event happening in the last couple of years.
The only bad thing about this edition is the price they charge for Marvel Premiere, which is pretty much overcharged for a regular sized HC. Aside from that - gold.
Average customer rating:
- Fuzzy Math
- Disappointed! Too simple, sometimes naive
- So simple, so good...
- Compleat Guide to Day Trading Stocks
- ANSWERS, ANSWERS AND MORE ANSWERS
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The Compleat Guide to Day Trading Stocks
Jake Bernstein
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The Compleat Day Trader II (Compleat Day Trader)
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ASIN: 0071361251 |
Book Description
Day trading is Wall Street’s hottest trend and, in The Compleat Guide to Day Trading Stocks, famed futures trader and author Jake Bernstein turns his attention, knowledge, and experience to the exciting world of stock trading. Bernstein covers timing systems, trend following systems, breakout systems, and more—all illustrated with chart examples based on intra-day time frames, and supported by results from his meticulous, historically accurate back testing.
Basic enough for novice traders—yet with enough detail for the most demanding market veterans—Bernstein’s book gives day traders the tools they need to succeed in this fast-paced, relentless market. Special attention is given to:
• Day trading the technology sector
• Risk management and diversification
• Little-known nuances of order placement Jake Bernstein (Northbrook, IL) publishes MBH Weekly, a newsletter covering the commodities and futures markets. Author of The Compleat Day Trader and Strategies for the Electronic Futures Trader, Bernstein is a popular speaker at trading seminars and regularly appears on radio and television.
Customer Reviews:
Fuzzy Math.......2004-06-06
Although there is much informative basic material in this book, I cannot stand the fuzzy math this author uses. The percentage gains he reports in some of his examples are blatantly deceptive. An example is Fig. 5-10, where he shows the possible gains achievable using the "gap" method. He quotes a profit potential of $21062, which I dont dispute. However, there is no mention of the actual money necessary to make the trades shown, which is probably somewhere around $30,000 (minimum). This would yield a profit of around 67%. The figure, however, quotes a profit return of almost 700%!! Whether or not these figures are his, or if he borrowed them from another source does not matter. He should know better! This sort of misleading "fluff" does nothing but confuse the amatuer and leads to the expectation of gains much better than realistically possible with a small account balance. Throughout the book, math like this is used to over exagerate possible gains from day trading.
Disappointed! Too simple, sometimes naive.......2002-09-16
This is the second Jake book I had read up till now. The first one is "Investment Quotient" which I gave my highest rating. That does not lead to my negative comment on this one because of over expectation. It's just that the content and quality of this so named guide just cannot be described as compleat.
In one single book of only 200 pages, Jake tried to discuss many important elements of day trading, including history, mechanism, player characteristics, market structure and even sophisticated technical tools like Stochastics, MACD, Momentum, various forms of Moving Average and even AI. The problem is: he tried to cover so many things that the whole book becomes very shallow and far from what is needed for this highly risky game.
I dont understand why many reviewers gave this book such high ratings. I am afraid that many amateurs had already been lured to enter the game under the false illusion that they became better, if not well equipped, after reading this book, and had already fallen prey to the market crocs.
So simple, so good..........2002-04-03
Jake has writed no news about trading world, but all that the traders need is into this book. Sometimes we read a bit of trading system, a bit of psicological approach, etc. Jake said that the book is dedicated to day traders and aspiring day traders the world over. Doing day trading is arduous: the challenge immense. The promise of victory and lure of wealth inspire you daily to confront the odds of success. Jake give us this book in the hope that his efforts, research, suggestions, systems, and methods will help us achieve our goals.
Great buy!
Compleat Guide to Day Trading Stocks.......2002-03-18
The Compleat Guide to Day Trading Stocks is just that: one of the most complete and very best books ever written on the subject of day trading. Its highly regarded author, Jake Bernstein takes the reader from the very basics such as realistic risk/reward considerations, the essential mechanics of trend-following systems, fundamental vs. technical analysis, timing indicators, stochastics and charts, all the way to clear and precise systems and methods as well as the Psychology of Day Trading. He goes out of his way to make sure that the reader is absolutely aware of all aspects of day trading before making a commitment - including the long and painful learning curve that is inevitable - and clearly states who should not undertake day trading. Having said that, if the reader understands this, and is still firmly committed to making day trading a success, Mr. Bernstein gives his utmost support by going deeply into the nuts and bolts of the art by providing a solid foundation with proven strategies that can be thoroughly back-tested. This is really the most beneficial part of the book for the experienced investor, and is that which sets it apart from the many more general works on the subject. The reader is encouraged to learn and test these methods and systems and to incorporate the ones that are best suited to his/her own investment style. Pitfalls are clearly stated and the writing is extremely fluid and easy to understand. Best of all, the reader subconsciously develops the proper attitude that is so essential to succeed - that day trading should be treated as a serious business which can and will only be successful if done with the proper frame of mind, diligence, hard work, and risk management as well as a dedication to discipline. I highly recommend it!
ANSWERS, ANSWERS AND MORE ANSWERS.......2002-02-17
THIS IS A GREAT BOOK TO GET ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ABOUT SHORT-TERM AND DAY TRADING. THIS BOOK TELLS YOU WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW AND IT EXPLAINS HOW TO GET WHERE YOU WANT TO GO. THE AUTHOR DOES NOT TELL YOU ONE METHOD OF TRADING. HE LAYS THEM ALL OUT FOR YOU TO DECIDE WHICH METHOD BEST SUITS YOU; WHICH IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS IN ANY ENDEAVOR. MR BERSTEIN IS A VETERAN AND HE TELLS YOU WHAT HE THINKS. TO ME THAT MEANS A LOT.
THE WEALTH OF INFORMATION IS ASTOUNDING.
A MUST READ.
Book Description
Like the other 17 million Americans suffering from persistent acne, Dan Kern fought a losing battle with his skin for years. And, like many, he suffered from self-consciousness and depression, trying everything, including prescription acne medication. Then, after much trial and error, he developed a simple step-by-step regimen, using over-the-counter products, that worked for him-quickly and dramatically.
He shared it with others, and the thank-you notes started pouring in. Fast, simple, and inexpensive, this technique has helped many enjoy clear skin-and the confidence that goes with it. The book includes:
€ A simple, step-by-step morning and evening regimen
€ Acne facts and myths
€ The biological basis of breakouts
€ Simple behavior changes that can make a big difference
€ Tips on shaving, cosmetics, and your skin
€ Before-and-after photos
Customer Reviews:
Finally.......2007-03-29
Dan's skin care regimen is the only thing that has worked for my acne - I tried everything from Proactiv to oral medications like Acutane. I've been caking on makeup for most of my life, since age 13, but now I finally can leave the house without it. Yes, I still break out a little before my monthly period, but otherwise, I'm all clear.
Dan Kern should win an award for his method, he is truly helping people, and not one of these Guthy Renker infomercial companies out for money. No celebrity endorsements needed; the clear skin regimen just works. I wish I had found it years ago.
Best info on acne hands down.......2006-02-27
Dan's info is the only thing that has helped me get rid of my acne. Nothing else, incl. Proactiv, worked except the info in this book and it is very simple and easy to do what he suggests. But the previous reveiwer was write you can get all the info in this book on his website.
Best free information ever and best way I know to get rid of Acne........2006-02-05
I didn't read the whole book. I just went to web site acne.org and followed the program. Acne is now gone. I suffered from Acne for over 20 years and tried many treatment programs from Accutane, Retin-A, Microdermabrasion and a few others. Dan Kern's treatment program was the first treatment program that actually work for me in the long run.
The cheapest and fastest way I know how to check out the program is to order 1 tube of the 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide (from Dan's Web Site) and try it for 1 week following Dan's instructions. Yes, if you goto the web site, Dan also wants you to get a Cleanser and a Moisturizer. All products are needed but I believe the key product is 2.5% benzoyl peroxide gel from his web site Acne.org.
I strongly believe if you have Ance, using the 2.5% benzoyl peroxide gel with Dan's instruction, you will have a 95% chance of seeing improvement in less than a week.
Love........2005-08-11
Happily, Dan Kern is not a corporation looking for profit: he's just a guy who had bad skin and found a way to manage it. [...] I bought the book as a small thank you to Kern for being nice enough to provide the info for free. If you buy products thru his site, he gets a kick-back -- and if you don't, that's ok, too. For this reason, he deserves the support. Kind of like shareware for books. And his easy if not always fun regimen has been working so far, so kudos.
from a veteran (and skeptical) acne battler.......2005-01-08
I have had acne since I was 12 (I am now 21), and I have to say that following the regimen prescribed in this book has made the most significant change in my skin in comparison to anything else I have tried, including more 'serious' approaches and medications such as accutane.
I'll be honest, using as much benzoyl peroxide as Dan recommends sucks, mostly because of the mild to moderate burning sensation and the dry skin that it leaves after applying the cream for about 20 minutes afterward. But it is worth it if you have struggled as much as I have with my moderate acne. According to Dan, the burning sensation is not that bad for most people, and I have found that after the initial few weeks on the regimen, the buring became more mild every day and easier to handle, as well as the dry skin. Benzoyl Peroxide also stains clothing a little, though I have not had much of a problem with it. It can also stain or bleach hair, but it is very minimal, and I have only experienced a few of my eyebrow hairs going from dark brown to blond, and even then it can only be noticed when scrutinizing them a few inces from a mirror.
I have found a couple of things that have helped: find a mild cleanser, really moisturizing lotion, and be as gentle with your skin as possible! (I like cetaphil, but experiment to find your own, and Dan sells his own 2.5% benzoyl peroxide cream online for a great price. he is not out to make huge amounts of money like others claiming to cure acne, such as ProActiv!) The difference between this acne regimen and others, such as Proactiv, is essentially the amount of benzoyld peroxide cream used and the elimination of manual and chemical exfoliation with AHA/BHA or salicylic acid products. Dan recommends applying about an ounce of bp cream each time, while most systems recommend only about a dime sized amount. (trust me, this is a drastic change!)
He explains exactly the reasoning and how to follow his guidelines in the book, so please(!) follow Dan's advice! Another point to keep in mind is almost everything in this book is online at acne.org for free, so please check out the site and it's great recommendations first before ordering the book! While this book and Dan's regimen offer relief for most acne sufferers, this is not a cure for acne but a way to manage it on a daily basis, and once under control, acne will most likely reappear if you stop the regimen and doing exactly what Dan tells you to do.
With that said, this regimen has helped to keep my skin clearer than anything that I have tried. I have been on almost every acne medication that can be prescribed, including accutane, and while they helped clear my skin to a degree, you can't stay on drugs indefinitely, and once I stopped them my acne would either immediately or eventually reappear just as badly or worse than it was before I was on the medications. This system is what is helping me keep my skin under control on a long term basis without the side effects of oral drugs.
Average customer rating:
- The Breakout Principle: How to Activate the Natural Trigger That Maximizes Creativity, Athletic Performance, Productivity and Pe
- Why did I buy this book?
- Empty
- Great for Educators!
- Old wine in new bottles
|
The Breakout Principle: How to Activate the Natural Trigger that Maximizes Creativity, Athletic Performance, Productivity and Personal Well-Bein
Herbert Benson
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0743223985 |
Amazon.com
If self-help books usually fall short of delivering life changes, The Breakout Principle is a book of a different stripe: a science-based path to self-transformation. Herbert Benson, M.D. pulls together 30 years of mind-body research to describe the Breakout Principle: "a powerful mind-body impulse that severs prior mental patterns and--even in times of great stress or emotional trauma--opens an inner door to a host of personal benefits." Breakouts open the door to different kinds of peak experiences--self-awareness, creativity, productivity, athleticism, rejuvenation, and transcendence--and lead to lasting changes.
Benson explains the stages of stress/struggle, release (during which you give up unresolved destructive or negative thought patterns), breakout/peak experience, and "new-normal" state. He balances the science behind his concepts with practical, how-to tips. For example, many different activities and types of experiences can trigger your personal Breakout in the release stage, and Benson helps you figure out which ones might work for you: repetitive mental or physical activity, an absorbing personal encounter, expression of your personal belief system, "total abandon" to an intense experience, altruistic activity, or filling your mind with a dominant sensory impression. He and skillful co-author William Proctor illustrate points with case studies and personal reflections, making complex medical and philosophical issues more easily accessible.
Benson, Associate Professor of Medicine at the Harvard Medical School and founding president of the Mind/Body Medical Institute, is well known for his mind/body research, especially his work on the relaxation response. His other books include The Relaxation Response, Beyond the Relaxation Response: How to Harness the Healing Power of Your Personal Beliefs, and Timeless Healing. This powerful and empowering book is highly recommended as a guide for readers willing to do the work of making a life change. --Joan Price
Book Description
Would it surprise you to learn that to solve a seemingly unsolvable problem, you need to get up and leave the room? A walk in the woods will help you finish your novel? Humming can make you a better tennis player? Or completely giving up is the way to succeed?
In The Breakout Principle, the bestselling author of The Relaxation Response delivers the ultimate self-help principle -- simple instructions to activate a powerful biological trigger that converts conflict and confusion into clarity and extraordinary performance, a state athletes refer to as "the zone."
More than three decades ago, Dr. Herbert Benson of the Harvard Medical School began research into why some people are devastated by stress while others thrive, turning it into brilliant achievement. Now The Breakout Principle reports the discovery of an easy-to-access inner switch that increases mental function, enhances creativity and productivity, maximizes athletic performance, and enriches spiritual life. The same internal mechanism that improves a tennis serve or golf putt strengthens your speaking skills, makes you a better negotiator, and fosters inner peace and belief.
Dr. Benson and coauthor William Proctor explain the cutting-edge science behind the phenomenon in accessible language, clearly describe the four distinct phases of the Breakout, and provide simple, step-by-step instructions on how to activate the Breakout "trigger." Compelling case histories and information on how to incorporate Breakouts into daily life are woven throughout the book.
Dr. Benson's previous discoveries have helped millions reduce the harmful effects of stress. The Breakout Principle now reveals how to maximize your untapped abilities and powers.
Download Description
Would it surprise you to learn that to solve a seemingly unsolvable problem, you need to get up and leave the room? A walk in the woods will help you finish your novel? Humming can make you a better tennis player? Or completely giving up is the way to succeed? In The Breakout Principle, the bestselling author of The Relaxation Response delivers the ultimate self-help principle -- simple instructions to activate a powerful biological trigger that converts conflict and confusion into clarity and extraordinary performance, a state athletes refer to as ""the zone."" More than three decades ago, Dr. Herbert Benson of the Harvard Medical School began research into why some people are devastated by stress while others thrive, turning it into brilliant achievement. Now The Breakout Principle reports the discovery of an easy-to-access inner switch that increases mental function, enhances creativity and productivity, maximizes athletic performance, and enriches spiritual life. The same internal mechanism that improves a tennis serve or golf putt strengthens your speaking skills, makes you a better negotiator, and fosters inner peace and belief. Dr. Benson and coauthor William Proctor explain the cutting-edge science behind the phenomenon in accessible language, clearly describe the four distinct phases of the Breakout, and provide simple, step-by-step instructions on how to activate the Breakout ""trigger."" Compelling case histories and information on how to incorporate Breakouts into daily life are woven throughout the book. Dr. Benson's previous discoveries have helped millions reduce the harmful effects of stress. The Breakout Principle now reveals how to maximize your untapped abilities and powers.
Customer Reviews:
The Breakout Principle: How to Activate the Natural Trigger That Maximizes Creativity, Athletic Performance, Productivity and Pe.......2007-01-16
Excellent Read! The best self-help book ever. It will take you to the next level and higher than you have ever been!
Greg
Why did I buy this book?.......2004-10-16
Why did I buy this book? It was one of those darn impulse purchases. I mean it's not terrible or anything In some ways it explains the well-known phenomena of creativity after intellectual struggle and more interestingly it provides an explanation of why meditation etc. may work. But there's not much substance and it is certainly not worth full price. Also towards the end it pushes religion on the reader. If this type of thing bugs you, be forewarned.
Empty.......2004-02-21
Pretty much anything you enjoy doing can be a source of "The Breakout Principle." There. I've read the book for you.
Great for Educators!.......2004-02-15
Dr. Benson's Breakout techniques have had a significant impact on my life, both in reducing stress and in advising elementary school teachers, whom I supervise. People who are interested in extending their knowledge of brain based learning and reducing stress that is causing chaos in our classrooms need to read this book! I recommend this program to anyone in the field of education.
Old wine in new bottles.......2004-02-13
This is a hard book to finish. The good doctor belabors the material with a particularly annoying baby talk style. The book wears thin quickly after the first couple chapters. Most of the "revolutionary" material consists of concepts already espoused in many prior books on creativity. This book should be listed as an example of "literary fluff" in a dictionary. Don't bother.
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