Book Description
Popular speaker, multimillionaire, and author of the all-time bestselling real-estate book Nothing Down, Robert G. Allen knows how to bring you financial success. With his seminars sweeping the nation, Allen is at the cutting edge of strategic wealth creation now more than ever. And in this completely revised edition of his classic bestseller Creating Wealth Allen gives you the basic principles that you need to stop thinking poor and start growing rich.
Moving beyond just real estate, Allen goes straight to the core of people's inner motivations and beliefs about money to give you all the fundamentals of wealth creation. By developing a wealthy mind-set, anyone can take off into financial self-reliance -- and Allen shows you how. He explains the ways in which most of us have been programmed to think that only saving is good and debt and risk are bad, so that in our efforts to gain security, we cheat ourselves out of getting rich. The key to changing that mind-set is Allen's unique integration of real estate with other wealth-generating investments.
In his trademark, easy-to-understand style Allen spells out all his practical applications and shows you how to:
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Take advantage of recent tax laws
- Use leverage to multiply holdings while minimizing risks
- Benefit from high-yield discount mortgages
- Acquire long-term profits in gold and silver coins
- Set up corporations and trusts to protect assets
- Find the highest rate of return with the greatest liquidity
As Robert Allen has proved in his own life -- becoming a multimillionaire well before he was thirty-five -- it doesn't matter how much or how little money you have when you start as long as you understand the right principles -- timeless principles that can make you a fortune.
Customer Reviews:
New edition OUTDATED; Many examples; Few clear details.......2007-04-08
I read this book cover to cover.
The book is broken into 5 parts: Foundation (the hook), Creating Wealth (the scheme), Concentration (the early stages), Perpetuating Wealth (the maturing stages), and Real Wealth (the later stages).
The Foundation starts off with some very cheesy motivational advice ("Bob Allen, you're great! You are a unique new kind of person ..."). To each his own, I guess. Then a sample of how different people would invest a $100,000 windfall. Of course every one is an idiot for 1) diversifying, 2) paying down debt, 3) investing in stocks, or 4) taking a vacation. He does make a very good argument for leveraging your debt to create wealth. That is the gem of this book.
The second part says buy 2 rental houses per year for 10 years. There's no discussion of other real estate options, just single family homes at below median price. He lays out his plan for 1) leveraging up to create wealth, 2) then jettisoning debt, diversifying, and creating a tax shelter. It's frustrating, though, because he just critized paying down debt and diversify and doesn't really explain the whys and whens. He actually suggests selling properties (and paying capital gains tax) to pay down debt, then immediately buying properties to create a tax shelter. Is he a fool? I can't tell. Though he referenced future chapters, there was no explanation for this bizarre suggesting in the referenced chapters. In fact, there is a big disconnect between the sections in the book. Many of my main questions went unanswered.
The next section, Concentrating, is the best. It describes some of the ins and outs of buying and owning properties. However, one gets the impression that his success is more due to being a good negotiator than to having a fool-proof system.
The Perpetuating Wealth section talks about discounted mortgages, gold coins, diversifying, legal structures, and taxes. These chapters are very disjoined and hit or miss. While discounted mortgages is quite interesting, he shows his limits in a discussion of ratios. He uses a Debt-to-Assets ratio and a Equity-to-Debt ratio to grade loans. Hello? These ratios contain equivalent information. Is he really using these to make decisions? His third ratio, Discount-to-Debt is followed by an example saying a $1000 discount may not be a bargain because costs in a default could exceed $1000. But the ratio isn't what gives one this information.
The legal structures chapter gives little useful information and taxes just doesn't get the job done. It has a pretty bad plumbing analogy for taxes. The final diagram has 3 buckets, 6 spigots, a filter, a manual pump, a few hoses spraying $$$, and some $$$ sprinkling on a piggy bank and a family. Now I get it.
The final 2 chapters are one saying education is useful and the other with nothing but 6 pages of quotes.
A Key to Riches.......2007-03-15
A very informative book that spells out the steps necessary to obtaining wealth legally and in a period of time almost anyone can achieve. A must read for those seeking the secrets to wealth.
John Nuzzolese, President of The Landlord Protection Agency.......2007-03-14
With Creating Wealth, Robert Allen made a tremendous impact on my life because it reinforced my belief that I can do it. The book is charged with positivity and packed with great ideas. I found it extremely inspirational. Inspirational enough for me to participate in Robert Allen's 1987 Challenge Experience. Great books like this are just as informative and inspiring today as they were 20 years ago. I love this book.
Great Knowledge base.......2007-01-15
This is a great book on how to make and keep money. Highly recommended.
Great Ideas.......2007-01-14
As a beginner real estate investor, this book is very informatove. Mr Allen starts off with some much needed "fluff" in Parts 1 and 2. It is always a good idea to lay the foundation of your investment philosophy. Part 3 is by far the bread and butter of the book. He still refers to "nothing down" deals and he adds to this formula using the "cookie cutter" method(Ch.6). His tips on locating motivated sellers and developing a formaula to weed out prospective properties is priceless (p90). The book is intriguing until you hit Part 4. Robert's strong point is real estate which is evident from the material in Part 4. His chapters on discounted mortgages, numismatics, lower taxes, financial counseling, etc. does not seem to gel with the 1st 3 parts. This part strays from his own advice which is to stick to one investment and throw yourself into it (p20). The only redeeming chapter in part 4 is protecting your assets using various entities like LLC's or LP's. This is extremely good advice for the beggining investor. Creating Wealth is a very good book and gives good motivation to begin or continue building real estate investments.
Book Description
In Seven Years to Seven Figures, self-made millionaire and renowned wealth coach Michael Masterson reveals the steps you can take to accumulate seven-figure wealth within seven years—or less. Seven Years to Seven Figures will give you the tools to increase your income, get the highest possible returns on investments, save wisely—and secure your financial future faster than you may have ever dreamed.
Customer Reviews:
Not a Lot of Substance.......2007-09-25
I found this to be a book with very generic, run of the mill, get rich quick advice with very few practical tips. Personally, I prefer books that are more research oriented and fact based rather than just motivational hype and fluff as this one was.
I was sorry I spent the money on this book and sold it at a local used book store right after reading throught it. Instead of this book I would recommend reading The Millionaire Next Door, The Millionaire Mind, Millionaire Women Next Door, Getting Rich in America, and Eight Steps to Seven Figures.
not enough info.......2007-08-11
More of a mathmatical evaluation of how your investments need to do to become a millionaire. Not enough concrete information. This is the first few chapters...the rest is all about people who havedone it successfully - all of which are workaholics who give up a lot. Pointing that there is a high price to pay.
Good for them, not for me.
Vague, Vague, Vague! It was a frustrating experience to read........2007-06-24
This book was written like a well constructed sales pitch from a copywriter. First the book tells you that you can't become rich as an employee and goes into to detail to explain this. OK, so most people already believe that to be true. Then, the largest chunk of the book goes on to describe how 8 people have achieved their riches. Lastly, the book says that it is a must that Baby Boomers follow the 7Yto7F plan... and leaves you hanging and leads you to subscribing to an e-zine newsletter! Which, then asks you to enrol in more 'training' on how to become wealthy. Very frustrating as I was hoping for a 7 year plan that didn't ask me to throw all my achievements in life into an incinerator and go into business for myself and risk it all. By the way, I am an employee, and I do have a 7 figure in 7 year plan. It isn't easy, but it isn't as risky, either.
CD's did not work - with two different shipments.......2007-05-13
The first shipment had defective CD's that cut out in the second CD. We exchanged it and had the same problem with the second shipment. We tried several different CD players. Amazon said they will not exchange it again because it is due to a problem on a greater scale than they thought. Michael should correct this problem and send out new CD's ASAP to keep his fan base.
Only useful for aspiring copywriters.......2007-03-08
Being the successful copywriter/direct-marketer that he is, Mr. Masterson knew what he was doing when he chose the title for this book. It caught my eye in the library, but it was ultimately a disappointing read. As some of the other reviewers have remarked, this book is wonderful if you have ambitions of becoming a self-employed copywriter; he even goes so far as to recommend specific books and self-help tutorials to help you down that path to riches. But if you don't want to make your millions in copywriting, I'd recommend skipping this book.
That said, I give it two stars for the clear writing and inspirational pep talk in the first section. Also, if you are near retirement age and have almost no savings, this plan is probably as good as any if you're willing to consider copywriting in some form and you're certain you'd be successful.
Book Description
In her much-anticipated new novel, the New York Times bestselling author of the Outlander saga brings back one of her most compelling characters: Lord John Grey—soldier, gentleman, and no mean hand with a blade. Here Diana Gabaldon brilliantly weaves together the strands of Lord John’s secret and public lives—a shattering family mystery, a love affair with potentially disastrous consequences, and a war that stretches from the Old World to the New. . . .
In 1758, in the heart of the Seven Years’ War, Britain fights by the side of Prussia in the Rhineland. For Lord John and his titled brother Hal, the battlefield will be a welcome respite from the torturous mystery that burns poisonously in their family’s history. Seventeen years earlier, Lord John’s late father, the Duke of Pardloe, was found dead, a pistol in his hand and accusations of his role as a Jacobite agent staining forever a family’s honor.
Now unlaid ghosts from the past are stirring. Lord John’s brother has mysteriously received a page of their late father’s missing diary. Someone is taunting the Grey family with secrets from the grave, but Hal, with secrets of his own, refuses to pursue the matter and orders his brother to do likewise. Frustrated, John turns to a man who has been both his prisoner and his confessor: the Scottish Jacobite James Fraser.
Fraser can tell many secrets—and withhold many others. But war, a forbidden affair, and Fraser’s own secrets will complicate Lord John’s quest. Until James Fraser yields the missing piece of an astounding puzzle—and Lord John, caught between his courage and his conscience, must decide whether his family’s honor is worth his life.
Customer Reviews:
Much better than the first Lord John book.......2007-10-09
First Sentence: To the best of Lord John Grey's knowledge, stepmothers as depicted in fiction tended to be venal, evil, cunning, homicidal, and occasionally cannibalistic.
Lord John Grey's older brother Hal, now the duke of Pardloe since their father's death, has received a page from the diary of their father. Their father's death brought scandal to the family as he allegedly committed suicide. John, however, knows their father was murdered and it is now time to find the killer. Lord John's mother is about to marry for the third time which also means a step brother, Percy Wainwright. John and Percy are attracted to each other in an age when their sexual preference was a hanging offense, particularly for those in the military. When Percy is caught in the act, John is faced with trying to find a way to save Percy's life without exposing and risking himself.
This is the second book focused on Lord John, introduced to us through the Outlander series, and a much better book than the first. Although there are scenes between John and Jamie, the focus of this story is John, Percy and the murder. It is a wonderful depiction of the period, exciting, suspenseful and more emotional than I'd have thought. It's also nice as I believe it could be read as a complete standalone. But it is particularly wonderful for those of us who are huge Gabaldon fans.
Gabaldon Delivers Again.......2007-10-08
Diana Gabaldon's latest book, Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade, gives us another look at one of the peripheral characters in her wonderful Outlander series. Lord John Grey, formerly in charge of Ardsmuire Prison where Jamie Fraser was held, is now back in London and on a mission to restore his dead father's good name. We learn that Grey knew his father hadn't committed suicide all those years ago, but that the story was missing several pieces to determine exactly what did happen. Lord John follows the cold trail and discovers what did occur when he was a child of twelve, though much more is woven into the storyline than this short review can reveal. Suffice it to say that Lord John's life in the military and his family play major roles in helping him get to the bottom of a secret that's been taunting him for years.
Yes, Lord John is a homosexual. Gabaldon made that adamantly clear in her Outlander series, and it is an essential part of his character, but it does not define him as a man. The homosexual love scenes are indeed graphic and I'm unsure as to why Gabaldon decided they were so necessary to advance her plot. Some insight is given into Grey's character through them, however, and one of the main themes of betrayal certainly is shown through the relationship between Grey and Percy. Even less clear to me, however, is why Grey felt the need to confront Jamie about his own homosexuality toward the end of the book; it's not a spoiler to say that the scene in question left me scratching my head as to what exactly was accomplished, other than to make sure we had another glimpse of our favorite Scot.
In general, this is a well-written book that is not overly verbose as Gabaldon is sometimes accused of being, and the plot itself is tightly woven. I loved the characters, even the minor ones, and I was reminded of why Lord John was so compelling when I first met him in Voyager. Gut-wrenching at times, violent at times, and definitely emotional, this is a good entry in the series and an engaging historical mystery. Recommended with the caution that you won't find all the answers you're looking for, but definitely will enjoy the journey.
Gabaldon Does it Again!.......2007-10-05
How much do I love this Author? I am in so much appreciation of her writing, it has given me hours and hours of enjoyment and with this book.. is no exception. As soon as I bought the book, I could not put it down, I really enjoyed the characters and thought she did a nice job of showing love and steamy sex to gay males. I love the historical refrences and her detail to each scene. It is a fun read. Thanks for another enjoyable week of reading!
A book with limited appeal.......2007-10-04
I am an original Outlander Series fan and felt that with this offering of Lord John that I might have missed something. Maybe I need to go back and read Snow and Ashes. I did not enjoying this book and think it might have limited appeal. I do not find Lord John that much of an interesting character as to have his own book. I also found it necessary to push myself to read it.
A Huge Disapointment.......2007-10-04
First of all let me say, That I Loved Diana's "Outlander" series. But this book lacked the excitement and the adventures I thought it would have.Not a page turner ,more of a sleeper
Book Description
Diana Gabaldon, the New York Times bestselling author of
Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade and the wildly popular Outlander novels, delivers three tales of war, intrigue, and espionage that feature one of her most popular characters: Lord John Grey. In the heart of the eighteenth century, here are haunted soldiers . . . lusty princesses . . . ghostly apparitions . . . dark family secrets. And here Lord John will face enemies who come in the guise of friends, memories in the shape of a fiery-haired Scot named James Fraser, and allies who have the power to destroy him with a single blow. . . .
In
Lord John and the Hellfire Club, Lord John glimpses a stranger in the doorway of a gentlemen's club—and is stirred by a desperate entreaty to meet in private. The rendezvous forestalled by a sudden murder, Lord John will wade into a maze of political treachery and a dangerous, debauched underground society. . . .
In Lord John and the Succubus, English soldiers fighting in Prussia are rattled by the nocturnal visitations of a deadly woman who sucks life and soul from a man. Called to investigate the night-hag, Lord John finds a murdered soldier and a treacherous Gypsy, and comes to the stark realization that among the spirits that haunt men, none frighten more than the specters conjured by the heart. . . . In
Lord John and the Haunted Soldier, Lord John is thrust into the deadly case of an exploding battlefield cannon. Wounded in the same battle, Lord John is called to tesify and soon confronts his own ghost—and the shattering prospect that a traitor is among the ranks of His Majesty's armed forces.
Capturing the lonely, tormented, and courageous career of a man who fights for his crown, his honor, and his own secrets, Diana Gabaldon delivers breathtaking human drama. And in tales seething with desire, madness, and political intrigue, Gabaldon once again proves that she can bring history to life in a way few novelists ever have.
Book Description
The counterculture of the 60s and 70s has been viewed as everything from naive to hedonistic. However, most of these views were formed by observing the movement from the outside. "Memoirs of an Ex-Hippie" offers a vastly different perspective, one developed from within.
After graduating college in 1968, Robert Roskind hit the road for seven years. Roskind's travels lead him into the heart of the counterculture--to Esalen Institute, Tassajara Hot Springs, Big Sur, Vancouver Island, the communes of Oregon and North Carolina, Altamont Pop Festival, Mt. Shasta, the Haight-Ashbury and the "motherland"--Northern California.
His personal odyssey, sometimes profane and funny, sometimes profound and serious, reveals this tumultuous era as a cultural and spiritual renaissance that birthed many of the solutions to problems humanity now faces.
Customer Reviews:
HIPPIES ARE THE BEST!.......2007-05-22
I loved this book! This book by far was the BEST BOOK I HAVE EVER READ! Roberts detail is amazing. I felt for a short while, while reading the book, that I time traveled back into this era. I wish I could have been alive during this time to experience the things Robert experienced. But just by reading this book, I feel as though I did experience them. I consider myself a modern day hippie, and reading this book just made me feel even more like a hippie! I have one other book from Robert, and I cant wait to read it. He is such a down to earth guy. I have emailed him and even got his signature on the books before he mailed them to me. Robert has honestly helped me to make decisions in my life. His book was that powerful. I think this book should be a mandatory book read in all high schools! This book will really change your life. My husband read this book and it has literally changed how we think about the world. I will forever remember Robert Roskind and this book. This book expands your mind and makes you think like you have never thought before. Robert and his book is truly about finding yourself, peace, love, and happiness, for ourselves and for the world. We need to have more hippies in this world!
Diary of a former hippy.......2006-06-26
This is a fun read. Other than a few insights into the differences between the "East Coast" and "West Coast" Hippies it is pretty much just a quick ride through Robert Roskind's life concentrating on his "on-the-road" period. All-in-all, worth reading if you are really into the '60's but there are better books from the period.
From an Ex-Hippie Chick.......2006-05-12
"Memoirs of an Ex-Hippie" is not only far out, it's out of sight! It's right on! Hey, I was there. For a novel about the hippie era, read Jon Michael Miller's "Life Boiling Over." There is no better book about the 60s. Unlike Roskin's book, it adds a Vietnam vet to the mix. Two disillusioned people meet, use sex as escape, fall in love, and go through mind-blowing changes. That was a time like no other. This novel takes you there with truth and beauty.
Wish I was born to live those times!.......2006-02-27
First I want to say "Thank you" to Mr. Roskind for giving us such a great work that shows and teaches the children of your generation what it means to be truely free. Roskind takes you on an adventure that so many wish they could have taken, had we been born in time. ('71 for me) Eventhough he isn't preechy in his ideas of freedom and spirituality the reader cant help but take away what the essence of what both truely mean and then finding out how you fit in. Lots of fresh little gems of humor and intersting facts about why certain things are illegal. I loved reading about his experiences in the bay area and beyond. Since I'm from the Berkeley area it makes it even more interesting. I'm definatley looking forward to reading his other books.
What a trip..........2005-09-21
This book is one of thoes that you can't put down, and end up reading over and over again. It takes you on a journey through life in the counterculture, begining with the Author's initiation via LSD. A truly remarkable book, very well written, I highly recommend it.
Average customer rating:
- Read the Book!
- interesting journey
- Heinrich Harrer's Journeys in Tibet.
- Very interesting adventure story
- Live Life to its Fullest
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Seven Years in Tibet
Heinrich Harrer
Manufacturer: Tarcher
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Seven Years in Tibet
ASIN: 0874778883 |
Amazon.com
Originally published in 1953, this adventure classic recounts Austrian mountaineer Heinrich Harrer's 1943 escape from a British internment camp in India, his daring trek across the Himalayas, and his happy sojourn in Tibet, then, as now, a remote land little visited by foreigners. Warmly welcomed, he eventually became tutor to the Dalai Lama, teenaged god-king of the theocratic nation. The author's vivid descriptions of Tibetan rites and customs capture its unique traditions before the Chinese invasion in 1950, which prompted Harrer's departure. A 1996 epilogue details the genocidal havoc wrought over the past half-century.
Book Description
In a motion picture starring Brad Pitt, SEVEN YEARS IN TIBET is the autobiographical account of a young Austrian adventurer and the escape from an internment camp that changed his life forever. In 1943, Heinrich Harrer, a noted mountain climber and skier, slipped out of captivity in India and made his way through the Himalayan passes to the Forbidden City of Lhasa in Tibet. From destitute vagabond, he rose to the position of tutor and confidant to the fourteen-year-old Dalai Lama. Until their parting in 1950, when the Chinese Communists overran the country, his close relationship with the revered holy man profoundly altered his way of living, even his way of thinking.
Customer Reviews:
Read the Book!.......2007-10-10
I'm about half way through this book and I am amazed! I've not seen the movie yet so I really didn't know what the book was going to be about. What brave men these were! It's like a diary into these mens lives for a short time when the whole world was in turmoil. Definately read this book!
interesting journey.......2007-08-31
I enjoyed reading about the author's travels over the mountains and the challenges along the way. Then, upon finally reaching Tibet it was intersting to read about life there. However, after awhile I left like I was reading the book for 7 years as the book started to drag on.
Heinrich Harrer's Journeys in Tibet........2007-08-09
_Seven Years in Tibet_, originally published in 1953 by Austrian adventurer and mountaineer Heinrich Harrer is a fascinating account of Harrer's seven years spent in Tibet, his journey to Tibet through the Himalayas, and his interaction and friendship with Tibetans in Lhasa and the Dalai Lama. This book includes a foreword by the Dalai Lama and includes an epilogue showing the brutality of the Chinese communists towards the Tibetan people. The book has been made into a movie by the same name. Heinrich Harrer (1912 - 2006) was an Austrian mountaineer and sportsman who was an Olympic athlete. In 1939, he traveled to India as part of a Himalayan Expedition with fellow Austrian Peter Aufschnaiter. However, since Harrer was officially part of the Nazi party of Germany and a war was going on he was imprisoned by the British in an internment camp. This book tells of his repeated escapes from that camp and his adventures in the mountains until he eventually reached Lhasa and lived in Tibet. The book also tells of his interaction with the noble Tibetan people (including His Holiness the Dalai Lama) until they were eventually overtaken by the Chinese communists in 1950. Harrer makes a plea for the Tibetan people and hopes that they may someday be made free once again from the communists who currently occupy their noble land.
The book begins with Harrer's reflections on his childhood and early years of adventure. As part of his adventurous spirit and love of sport, Harrer took part in a Himalayan expedition with his fellow Austrians. However, since the Germans had fought the British in the First World War and since the Second World War loomed ahead, Harrer was taken as a prisoner of war (along with fellow Austrian Peter Aufschnaiter) by the British in India. The book focuses on Harrer's experiences in the internment camp and his attempts to escape. During his various attempts he was accompanied by Austrians and Italians and frequently had to resort to various wiles (such as painting his face dark to appear as an Indian) while attempting his escapes. He was caught several times and had to be returned to the camp. Harrer (who had read of the Swedish explorer Sven Hedin's adventures) planned to escape into Tibet. After he had managed his escape, the book follows his adventures in the mountainous regions of Tibet. Frequently Harrer was forced to meet up with hostile Indians and Tibetans who viewed foreigners as a threat. Since he did not have official papers allowing him to make his way through Tibet, he had to resort to various means to escape these hostile officials. Tibet had remained in a position of neutrality throughout the war and intended to maintain such neutrality. However, overall his journeys through Tibet were always accompanied by a humorous sense among the people who tended to overlook many of the "official" channels necessary for his stay in Tibet. Eventually Harrer made his way across the mountains through the various villages along the way and into the "Forbidden City", Lhasa, at the Roof of the World, accompanied by fellow Austrian Peter Aufschnaiter. Along the way, Harrer notes the various odd customs of the Tibetan people, including their views on punishment, their strange views on marriage (including polygamy and polyandry), the role of the yak among their people, their respect for all living things, and their religious traditions, emphasizing especially Buddhism but also noting the relationships between Buddhists and various other foreign religious such as Muslims. At the Forbidden City, Harrer was greeted with a surprisingly warm welcome and was given asylum by the Dalai Lama. The book then tells of Harrer's life in Lhasa and his attempts to seek work until he eventually was able to buy a house. The Dalai Lama, through his mother, sought out Harrer as a foreigner and had him construct a theater for him as well as becoming involved in other public works for the government of Tibet. Harrer makes note of the importance of religion for the Tibetan people, emphasizing the role of Buddhist monks and nuns in their religious traditions. Harrer also notes the superstitiousness of these people, noting their belief in various deities, reincarnation, and omens of various sorts. The Dalai Lama, who was a young boy at the time, was believed to be the reincarnation of Chenrezi. He was found as a young boy and was recognized as the Dalai Lama. He is the Fourteenth Dalai Lama and was considered the God-King of Tibet. Harrer was to serve as a tutor to the Dalai Lama, informing him on the facts of geography, science, languages, and events outside of Tibet. At the same time, the Dalai Lama instructed him in Tibetan tradition and Buddhism. Harrer notes the Dalai Lama's liking for mechanical devices and his eagerness to learn new things. Harrer and the Dalai Lama became close friends and their friendship continued to grow even after the Dalai Lama was forced to leave Tibet. In 1950, the Chinese communists invaded Tibet and the Dalai Lama was forced to leave. At the same time, Harrer left and thus ends his journey through Tibet. The book ends with Harrer's comments on events in Tibet since this book was published, noting the brutality inflicted on the Tibetan people by the Chinese communists. Harrer makes an eloquent plea to free Tibet from oppression and notes the fact that since then the Dalai Lama has been viewed positively by many in the West. In fact, the Dalai Lama was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 and remains a widely read philosophical influence for many in the West who view Tibetan Buddhism in a positive light.
This book provides a fascinating account of one man's journey through Tibet. It also provides interesting details of a lost traditional culture and the religion of Tibetan Buddhism. Unfortunately today, the Chinese communists retain control over the people of Tibet and have caused a great deal of harm to their traditional way of life. However, as more Westerners become aware of the plight of the Tibetan people it may be possible to restore once again the majesty of this lost culture and tradition.
Very interesting adventure story.......2007-07-03
This is the story of a German-Austrian mountain climber who was interred in India during World War II, escaped (twice), and fled into Tibet, a country closed to foreigners. Through determination and luck, he and his partner are allowed to stay, where their Western handyman skills make them useful to the government as "engineers" and repairmen. They learn Tibetan and become part of the local elite, including high-level government service and friendship with the young Dalai Lama. He eventually flees when the Chinese invade the country.
This is a well-written page turner that tells a story of a very different time and place. You'll be amazed at Harrer's mountaineering and survival skills, and you'll gradually learn about Tibet in much the way that he did.
The style of the book is dated in two respects. First, Harrer has the attitudes of a European of his time, moderately condescending toward the peoples of developing nations. There has been some controversy about his membership in the Nazi Party; though it's plausible that he was simply an ambitious young man who joined the party only to get ahead, it's also true that he shared the routine racism of the day. This is present, but not salient, in the book. It is also muted by his fondness for Tibetans.
Second, Harrer writes in a matter-of-fact way that focuses on actions, and to a lesser extent on decisions - - and certainly not feelings. For example, the story will be moving along when he announces, "And then I decided to . . ." This is certainly not the modernist or post-modernist sensibility, but you may or may not care about that. You won't learn much about people's interior lives, but the story moves crisply along because it focuses on actions.
Overall, this is a lively adventure story that also documents a distinctive culture at the moment before it was forever changed by conquest.
Live Life to its Fullest.......2007-04-12
This novel of history and adventure will pull at your heartstrings while it teaches you lessons about living a fulfilling life.
Book Description
A baby record book which will prove of value to parents, doctors and schools as the child grows to maturity. This seventh edition includes the latest medical knowledge related to maternal and child health and the philosophy of child care. ALL proceeds from the sale of Our Baby's FIRST SEVEN YEARS goes to the University of Chicago Lying-in Hospital for maternal/fetal research.
Customer Reviews:
Baby's First Seven Years.......2007-05-15
Have one for myself (54yrs old) my children and their children. This is the most comprehensive baby book ever! Room for everything and done by the pros. New design gives you the binder to add more stuff.
Classic Book but slow delivery.......2007-03-08
I sent this book to my niece as a baby shower gift. I have kept this book for each of my three children and love it. My only complaint is that the delivery was slow. It sat in the NJ facility for one week and didn't move. Missing the actual shower.
A True Mother's Aid.......2007-01-11
I have purchased three of these wonderful baby books, one for each of my little girls. "Our Baby's First Seven Years" is the most comprehensive baby book on the market. If you are really into record keeping you will trully enjoy jotting down the everyday events, noteable firsts, milestones and other developmental notes. The three ring binding allows you to incorporate other pages into the book as well. I have put in everything from photo collages to greeting cards. Each page helps you track where your child's development should be as well as remember all the little things a mother might forget. A must have in my opinion, however a mother that lacks the time or desire to keep up with the details of her childs youth may find the record keeping task overwhelming.
Book has changed over the years.......2006-08-24
I like the new 3 ring binder part of it. It allows you to add lots of stuff. This is a book that has been in print for many years, and yes, has changed over the years. I personally prefer the previous layout of this book, which I had for my 3 children. I wanted it now for my granddaughter and was a little disappointed in the changes. It used to come in pink, blue and white. Now, it is only available in white. The cost is a little ridiculous, also. But, funds to go to a good organization.
wonderful, complete keepsake.......2006-04-08
My mother swore by this book since she used them for all four children. She insisted on getting me one for my son and she, too, was a little disappointed in the change from bound book to three-ring binder, but I have no problem with it. I love how detailed it is and, in fact, I am able to add things I want to keep to the book, like my son's first drawing and additional cards. I use clear pocket pages to toss in these things I want to keep. As a precaution, I use the sticky rings that you can find in an office supply store to reinforce the holes in the pages around the rings.
As long as you treat this book as a keepsake, and have the discipline to keep the records up to date for seven years, your children will be able to enjoy it when they are older, have their own kids, and want to look back on their childhood.
Book Description
Adored bestselling author Diana Gabaldon brings us the first book in a new trilogy featuring many of the characters from her wildly popular Outlander series.
In her New York Times bestselling Outlander novels, Diana Gabaldon introduced millions of readers to a dazzling world of history and adventure—a world of vibrant settings and utterly unforgettable characters. Now one of these characters, Major Lord John Grey, opens the door to his own part of this world—eighteenth-century London, a seething anthill of nobility and rabble peopled by soldiers and spies, whores and dukes. Great Britain is battling France for supremacy on three continents—and life is good for a soldier.
The year is 1757. On a clear morning in mid-June, Lord John Grey emerges from London’s Beefsteak Club, his mind in turmoil. A nobleman and a high-ranking officer in His Majesty’s Army, Grey has just witnessed something shocking. But his efforts to avoid a scandal that might destroy his family are interrupted by something still more urgent: the Crown appoints him to investigate the brutal murder of a comrade in arms, who may have been a traitor.
Obliged to pursue two inquiries at once, Major Grey finds himself ensnared in a web of treachery and betrayal that touches every stratum of English society—and threatens all he holds dear. From the bawdy houses of London’s night-world to the stately drawing rooms of the nobility, and from the blood of a murdered corpse to the thundering seas ruled by the majestic fleet of the East India Company, Lord John pursues the elusive trails of a vanishing footman and a woman in green velvet, who may hold the key to everything—or nothing.
The early days of the Seven Years War come brilliantly to life in this historical mystery by an author whose unique and compelling storytelling has engrossed millions of readers worldwide.
Download Description
Adored bestselling author Diana Gabaldon brings us the first book in a new trilogy featuring many of the characters from her wildly popular Outlander series. And in a special bonus for eBook readers, this volume of Lord John and the Private Matter contains a second Lord John adventure -- a novella entitled Lord John and the Hellfire Club -- purely for your e-reading enjoyment!
In her New York Times bestselling Outlander novels, Diana Gabaldon introduced millions of readers to a dazzling world of history and adventure -- a world of vibrant settings and utterly unforgettable characters. Now one of these characters, Major Lord John Grey, opens the door to his own part of this world -- eighteenth-century London, a seething anthill of nobility and rabble peopled by soldiers and spies, whores and dukes. Great Britain is battling France for supremacy on three continents -- and life is good for a soldier.
The year is 1757. On a clear morning in mid-June, Lord John Grey emerges from London's Beefsteak Club, his mind in turmoil. A nobleman and a high-ranking officer in His Majesty's Army, Grey has just witnessed something shocking. But his efforts to avoid a scandal that might destroy his family are interrupted by something still more urgent: the Crown appoints him to investigate the brutal murder of a comrade in arms, who may have been a traitor.
Obliged to pursue two inquiries at once, Major Grey finds himself ensnared in a web of treachery and betrayal that touches every stratum of English society -- and threatens all he holds dear. From the bawdy houses of London's night-world to the stately drawing rooms of the nobility, and from the blood of a murdered corpse to the thundering seas ruled by the majestic fleet of the East India Company, Lord John pursues the elusive trails of a vanishing footman and a woman in green velvet, who may hold the key to everything -- or nothing.
The early days of the Seven Years War come brilliantly to life in this historical mystery by an author whose unique and compelling storytelling has engrossed millions of readers worldwide.
And in Lord John and the Hellfire Club, this charismatic character is once again mixing it up with both the high-born and the low-brow... a wonderfully pungent adventure!
"Gabaldon's prose is crisply elegant ... a compelling narrative that also offers a wealth of juicy details about 18th-century London."
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
"Gabaldon takes readers for a walk on the wild side... A compelling and unique period mystery for the author's legion of fans."
KIRKUS REVIEWS
Customer Reviews:
Gay-themed historical mystery.......2007-10-03
London in 1757 is a time and place during which Lord John Grey, a nobleman and army officer, could be executed for being gay. In this first book, he investigates the death of a traitor. No sex scenes. It's still a good book. Full-length review available at Obsidian Bookshelf website (see my Amazon profile for URL).
highly readable.......2007-09-24
I am reading the Lord John books while waiting for the next Outlander.The one after "abosaa".I love Gabaldons work and must say that I have been more than completely engrossed with the Outlander novels, having read all six twice!!so I thought I'd give these a whirl.The novel was readable I enjoyed it.It did'nt WOW me though. I think that they lack the rich detail that her work contains that sucks you in and puts you there. I'm waiting for the second book to come we'll see what that one brings aye?
Lord John and the Private Matter.......2007-09-09
I trust Diana Gabaldon's research in all her books, so with that premise I have quite enjoyed learning about the military way of life in the middle of the eighteenth century, particularly as it applies to the officers. Of interest, also, are the everyday items of interest that populate all her books. The storyline, however, does not hold much interest to me. I hesitate to use the word "pedantic", but that is the one coming to mind. Her "Outlander" series, rich in detail, historical background, and storyline are among the very best, and I look forward to each new book (wouldn't they make great movies?).
Diana's attempt to "fill in the spaces" with her "Lord John" series falls short of the "Outland" books. However, I will read just about anything she wishes to put into print.
Exceptional fiction, par for the course with Gabaldon.......2007-09-08
I bought this book some time ago, but after reading the initial reviews, put it aside thinking I would be disappointed. When the second book in the series came out, I was prodded into reading this one. I am sorry that I put it off for so long never realizing that this was the same Lord John from the Outlander series. Gabaldon is an exceptional writer. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. If you like the Outlander series for all of its aspects, not merely the romance of Claire and Jamie, then you will enjoy the adventure, intrigue, and the psychological introspection and logical deduction of Lord Grey. He is a fascinating character, who I liked in the Outlander series and who I like even more. Thank you Gabaldon for lending your talent and expertise to the reader so that we might enjoy Lord John, his friends and family. A must read for anyone who likes adventure, military maneuvering, historical fiction, and brief references to the Outlander series. I found myself racking my memory for all that had transpired between Lord Grey and Jamie and Claire from the other series. I do certainly recollect his involvement at Aberdeen prison and then later in the American colonies, but this was a great peek into Lord John's life.
Rollicking Mystery.......2007-07-26
I have to admit that I had never before read Gabaldon's work, and that this was a desperate choice. I needed something fast to read, and nothing better was about. It was a pleasant surprise to find that Lord John Grey is a most interesting character and that Gabaldon can write exceptionally well.
Lord Grey is the main focus and finds himself mired in a potentially scandalous family situation, (cousin betrothed to a man with a possibly poxed "private member"), and a mysterious murder case that is connected to a case of missing military documents. All this, connected with Grey's ow proclivities toward sordid adventures makes for a very interesting romp through 1757 England.
With the mixed reviews that this book received, I can only assume that the other John Grey books are amazingly wonderful, as I really enjoyed this book myself. The characters are wonderfully complex, (and flawed), and there is a rich texture that underlies the entire narrative with its attention to detail.
For a desperate read, this was one excellent book and one that may just induce me to read some more of Diana Gabaldon's novels. For a good crime novel set in an age of genteel corruption, this one is hard to beat in my book. Recommended, for sure.
Book Description
Viewing adolescence in the context of the family, The Seven-Year Stretch is the first book to show parents how and why some teenagers end up well adjusted while others end up in trouble. Why are some teens impulsive rule-breakers, while others seem more mindful of right and wrong? Why do some turn to drugs and alcohol regularly, while others experiment only on occasion? Why are some families constantly battling, while others have only minor conflicts? How can parents distinguish between normal rebellion and deeper problems? In this book, Laura Kastner, Ph.D., and Jennifer Wyatt, Ph.D., introduce us to a range of families---from thriving to struggling---and explain how their behavior patterns, past and present, affect the teenager's development. Garnered from Dr. Kastner's clinical and teaching experience, these true-to-life stories and dialogues illustrate the impact of such factors as clashing parenting styles, the temperaments of parents and children, parents' own unresolved issues, marital dynamics, and circumstances such as divorce, financial stress, and cultural differences. With optimism and creativity, the authors explain how parents can harness their family strengths to face today's challenges for adolescents. They look beyond the "shoulds," describing what different parenting approaches look like and sound like in action. Readers of the best early child-rearing texts of the times, from T. Berry Brazelton to Selma Fraiberg, will find The Seven-Year Stretch an essential guide to the passage throught the next stage---adolescence.
Customer Reviews:
Bears more than one readig.......2003-02-03
Dr. Kastner's style is very down-to-earth yet transmits concentrated, dense information/wisdom that parents probably need to read more than once to fully absorb. The one disappointment is the lack of an index. As I put down the book and later picked it up to review, I always found myself going to the index and finding there was none. The material would be more accessible if an index were added, as the table of contents isn't sufficiently detailed to help locate very specific points.
Bingo!.......2000-09-14
I'm an auntie of a 12 year old neice and a 10 year old nephew. This is the first book I've read on the mystery of adolesence and it was exactly what I was looking for. Clear, easy to understand, doable ideas and logic for keeping these tough relationships on track. Great anticdotes that remind you how painful it was to be that age - what you were thinking about. Great examples, concise, and hopeful - a great read. I especially enjoyed the chapter on "launching" - who knew there were so many issues, so much to consider, when pushing a child out of the nest SUCCESSFULLY say, to college?
The Seven Year Stretch.......2000-05-01
I picked up this book a few weeks ago - my two daughters are twelve and fourteen. I could not put it down. Every page is applicable to our lives. I felt reassured that my girls are very normal, and that I am doing okay. Situations from real-life 'positive' family interactions remind me of where I can improve in my communication as a parent. Lessons are realistic, not restricted to an ideal world, or unattainable in our chaotic, busy household. The book is kept in the 'reference ' section of our library, and as issues arise, I turn to the Table of Contents to find the chapter pertaining to my quandry - sexuality, social issues with peers. I have shown excerpts to my older daughter, and we laugh together, seeing ourselves, and finding solutions agreeable to us both. My only complaint is that the book is only 300 pages - we have more questions with which I am sure the authors could offer insight. Bottom Line -- This book is real life, practical, helpful.
Amazon.com
Histories of the American Revolution tend to start in 1763, the end of the Seven Year's War, a worldwide struggle for empire that pitted France against England in North America, Europe, and Asia. Fred Anderson, who teaches history at the University of Colorado, takes the story back a decade and explains the significance of the conflict in American history. Demonstrating that independence was not inevitable or even at first desired by the colonists, he shows how removal of the threat from France was essential before Americans could develop their own concepts of democratic government and defy their imperial British protectors. Of great interest is the importance of Native Americans in the conflict. Both the French and English had Indian allies; France's defeat ended a diplomatic system in which Indian nations, especially the 300-year-old Iroquois League, held the balance between the colonial powers. In a fast-paced narrative, Anderson moves with confidence and ease from the forests of Ohio and battlefields along the St. Lawrence to London's House of Commons and the palaces of Europe. He makes complex economic, social, and diplomatic patterns accessible and easy to understand. Using a vast body of research, he takes the time to paint the players as living personalities, from George III and George Washington to a host of supporting characters. The book's usefulness and clarity are enhanced by a hundred landscapes, portraits, maps, and charts taken from contemporary sources. Crucible of War is political and military history at its best; it never flags and is a pleasure to read. --John Stevenson
Book Description
In this vivid and compelling narrative, the Seven Years' War–long seen as a mere backdrop to the American Revolution–takes on a whole new significance. Relating the history of the war as it developed, Anderson shows how the complex array of forces brought into conflict helped both to create Britain’s empire and to sow the seeds of its eventual dissolution.
Beginning with a skirmish in the Pennsylvania backcountry involving an inexperienced George Washington, the Iroquois chief Tanaghrisson, and the ill-fated French emissary Jumonville, Anderson reveals a chain of events that would lead to world conflagration. Weaving together the military, economic, and political motives of the participants with unforgettable portraits of Washington, William Pitt, Montcalm, and many others, Anderson brings a fresh perspective to one of America’s most important wars, demonstrating how the forces unleashed there would irrevocably change the politics of empire in North America.
Customer Reviews:
A historical tome.......2007-07-30
This serious work of American history does not take the easy route. At over 750 pages, the French and Indian War is described in deeper levels of details and analysis that I ever thought possible. The French and Indian War has always been given short shrift in American History. Probably because it occurred before there was an America, and most of the well known heroes were British Generals. Many of which became the "enemy" during the American Revolution.
The author makes several attempts to portray the French and Indian war as a critical part of the foundation of the American Revolution. This he does. The book is dense and the author spares no expense in describing the events of the time. This book is not for you if you want a quick read. It is almost several books in one. It covers topics such as English politics, the Stamp Act, and Intra-Indian relations in such detail, they could each be their own book. Little is heard from the common solider or settler. They are mainly backdrop to the politicians and generals who form the base of the work. The book is a worthy piece of serious history and I will not be clamoring for another book on the French and Indian War anytime soon
Introduction to the American Revolution.......2007-05-31
I picked up this large book on a subject of little personal interest at the time thining to read one chapter just for a change of pace. I pu5t the book aside after reading the last page wishing the thing hadn't ended so soon. This is a marvelous book: scholarly, intellectual, highly readable, enjoyed by people who would normally never read a book on the Seven Years War who are glad they did. If you see a book by Fred Anderson read it! You'll like it.
A reading adventure by any count.......2007-04-29
The fat 700+ pages should not deter the reader from starting this wonderful start-to-finish history and story. The start and finish is pegged at each end with none other than our own George Washington, and the pages go by swiftly. The audio version of the book, read by a king's-Englishman voice-over, is good listening, but you really need the book to see all those excellent old drawings, maps, and illustrations. Because of the huge number of events and personalities - American, Indian, English, and French - it is nearly impossible to spend much time on any particular one (any one except George Washington, of course), as this would make the book an arm-breaker to carry around.
At the beginning we almost have an "uh oh" when the author, bow-tied professorial picture on the dust jacket and all, launches into the importance of the native Indian population in this war. He easily could have spent the book ranting about only this point, and the work would be less interesting and far less read. This fair point, not often recognized, though, was made and then put into perspective. The bigger point was that the French and Indian War was the first world war in history. Not a total war, which had to await Napoleon, but a war that spanned the globe in extent.
One can wonder if in France this war is called the "English and Indian War," or if there were Iroquois archives, the "Four-Faced English and French War" by our native citizens!
Eye-opening Account.......2007-01-19
I enjoyed this account very much. In fact, I had a hard time putting it down to work on my classwork. While it is a very detailed historical account, it reads in many places like a novel. The only problem that I had with the book was that the sources were buried in a end note format in the back of the book and often times was difficult to peruse for source information.
The first world war.......2006-12-14
Crucible of war provides an excellent look at what is arguably the first world wide conflict. From the United States to India this book does an excellent job of showing how France lost most of its world wide empire and the British rose to dominance. The ideas of the American Revolution are born out of this war and the stage is set for slave revolts in the Caribbean. This war is absolutely essential for anyone who wants to study British Empire or the American Revolution. This book is five stars and provides the best account that I have read yet. While others go into parts of the war this is the only comprehensive that really treats the war for what it is. A world war.
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- Fever 1793
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