Audiobook Books

Of all the books I've read about leadership, this is the one that gave me the most. I've been able to use the information in this book every single day and guess what? It really works. If you're interested in management and leadership, start here!

Very interesting perspective on how top managers operate. Plants seeds of change and presents how why what has been done in the past and currently practiced may have not been effective and ultimately successful as we have all been told it would be. Highly recommended reading for those wanting tho think out of the box.

Nutshell review - a good book with good insights and advice but, as is the norm for this type of book, filled lots of case studies as page fller.

I'd recommend First, Break All the Rules: What the World's Greatest Managers Do Differently to all new managers - well, to all managers for that matter. The first point the book makes is that who you work for is more important than the company you work for, your job description or even your paycheck. I agree, 100%. "We have said that an employee may join a company because of its prestige and reputation, but that his relationship with his immediate manager determines how long he stays and how productive he is while he is there. We have said that the manager is the critical player in turning each employee's talent into performance. We have said that managers trump companies."

The next main point they make is that everyone is different and you should spend your time finding the perfect role for them and the perfect way for them to accomplish their goals. Don't waste your time trying to improve your employees' weaknesses. Get them the skills they need or find them the resources or partnerships they need, and put them in the right roles - where their talents and drives match the job they have. They break talents and skills into skills, knowledge and talents. The first two are teachable but "talents" are inherent. I saw their talents more as drivers. A talent was more than just what you are good at but what motivates you do what you do well.

The authors define 12 questions that measure the key things needed to attract and keep good employees:

What do I get?

1. Do I know what is expected of me at work?
2. Do I have the materials and equipment I need to do my work right?

What do I give?

1. At work, do I have the opportunity to do what I do best every day?
2. In the last seven days, have I received recognition or praise for doing good work?
3. Does my supervisor, or someone at work, seem to care about me as a person?
4. Is there someone at work who encourages my development?

Do I belong here?

1. At work, do my opinions seem to count?
2. Does the mission/purpose of my company make me feel my job is important?
3. Are my co-workers committed to doing quality work?
4. Do I have a best friend at work?

How can we all grow?

1. In the last six months, has someone at work talked to me about my progress?
2. This last year have I had opportunities at work to learn and grow?

According to the authors, managers should spend their time making sure the first two sets of questions are answered: "what do I get?" and "what do I give?" They also point out that most organizations aren't set up to treat people like individuals (in the sense that we all have different talents) - instead they try to get everyone to do a job well in the same way - nor to reward people in their current role without promoting them out. They offer suggestions for how managers can work within existing company policies. They also provide a section on what to do if your manager is still working on becoming a perfect manager - a section how to manager yourself and help your manager work best with you.

First, Break All the Rules: What the World's Greatest Managers Do Differently is well worth reading for anyone who is a manager, aspiring to be a manager or frustrated with their current manager.

You can't take the title seriously (some Amazon reviewers do). The book is about what Gallup has found makes effective managers of people during its research for various clients over 10+ years. The central theme is that everyone has strengths and weaknesses. Nothing new there. What is new, is their research that shows (a) an individual's strengths are real workforce multipliers, (b) effort spent to develop strengths really pays off, while (c) effort spend to "fix" weaknesses at best will result in mediocrity and is thus wasted effort. Ergo, a company which focuses on improving what its employees do well will (financially) outperform a company that spends its efforts on "fixing" its employees flaws.

Unlike other top 10 business books, it tells you how to accomplish creating a company built on employee strengths. I really liked the chapter devoted to interviewing for finding a prospective employees strengths. Very pragmatic. Be warned - after reading it you will likely be even more disappointed with your own management than you could have thought possible.

The book provides a code which you can use to go to Gallup's site and take the Strength's Finder survey. I highly recommend you do this ASAP, before reading the book, and before reading too many reviews. I suggest this because I found I could infer what some questions were testing, and that had to have influenced my answers.

Obviously the target audience is the manager. The follow-on book "Now, Discover Your Strengths" fills in some gaps. For this reason I generally recommend reading the follow-on book first if you have the time to read both books.

Just what I was looking for. Well-told, simple stories for my littles to listen to at nap time.

The kids LOVE this CD as it accompanies the books Mouse Soup and Mouse Tales.

I purchased this set for my grand daughter (3 1/2 yrs old)as she loves to listen to books on tape etc. However, do not make the mistake that I did -- this is a CD only so you need to purchase the books separately. She loves the tales and follows along in the book - the author is the narrator and has a wonderfully expressive voice.

I have spent most of my life a very unhappy person. I accepted life as being hum drum and walked through it in a self-medicated fog, secretly waiting for it to end.

I started meditating recently because the thoughts in my head were so convoluted I could no longer function. Meditation has helped me clear all the emotional baggage I have been dragging around for years and it has actually taken me....to a state of bliss! Imagine that!

This is one of my favorite meditation CDs. Kelly Howell's voice is very soothing and the breathing methods she guides you through really enable you to reach a point where you're in a deep state of relaxation. I have been so deeply relaxed that my spirit has left my body. I know that sounds crazy but it happened! And it was so comforting and safe, I didn't want to go back!

I recommend this for anybody who isn't afraid to take themselves to another plain of existence. I recommend it to anyone who is unhappy with life and people...it will take you to another place.

I go to this meditation often. Once you've heard the first two tracks (more descriptive and instruction) you can skip them and go right to the meditation track. I do meditate often and feel this is a great cd for me and also for the beginner.

I received this CD about 3 weeks ago and listen to it about 3-5 days a week. I really have enjoyed it and noticed a increase in my energy level. I really like Kelly's soft voice and the background music is really relaxing.

I also purchased Ana/Ravi Kundalini Yoga. What a great combo to increase energy. I do not notice any bad side effects from this other then some blocked energy that has risen from the surface and gave me some slight headaches and neck stiffness. It has increased my desire to eat healthier and put live foods in my body. I feel lately that my energy needs to have raw living foods and the desire to cut out meat (dead energy) altogether.

I did do my research on Kundalini and know that there may be bad side effects and I DO recommend to everyone new to this to do their homework before starting any of these exercises. I was ready to do this and had already been in a good frame of mind (maturity, spiritually) to start this. If there is anyone who has had some major trauma in their lives I would not suggest doing Kundalini. It could bring it all to surface too fast for someone to deal with. Could cause all kinds of issues. Panic attacks, sensitivity to noises and light, make you physically ill (nausea, flu like symptoms) massive migraines. This could also vary from person to person.

Take great care in exploring Kundalini. Exercise caution. A book which tells you how to do so without recommending a teacher or extensive training can be dangerous to your mental, physical and emotional health. Research the term and look at Kundalini stories on the web before going forward.

There are an untold number of people who "played" with new age practices and awakened Kundalini "spontaneously" or unintentionally. And then realized they had gotten much, much more than they bargained for. This force, whatever it is, and it is little understood, is potent beyond most people's wildest imaginations.

There is the debate of what is the "goal" of Kundalini. Many would say it is enlightenment. However, no matter how wonderful you think that may be -- the actual process of going forward toward enlightenment via Kundalini can be torturous and devastating to those unprepared. The path is often lifelong and not reversable.

Many people who read a book like this may have pleasant sensations.However, it seems Kundalini can be "kindled" at any point in life and then awaken at an apparently unrelated time without any seeming connection to the "kindling." Still, exercise caution.

A few may have adverse reactions -- stop immediately if this is the case. Trying to awaken Kundalini can be playing with fire.

I really like this CD. Howell gives a great explanation of what and why of Awakening Kundalini, then talks you through three breathing techniques, and finally a 30 minute meditation that is very powerful. I'm not sure if it is the breathing or what but I definitely feel more alive and energetic afterwards. I would highly recommend this CD.

These girls don't hold anything back! it's the Tell All book of all Tell all Books!!! This book is about how we all should be living. It's a Must read. & Very easy to read in REAL language not some doctors or high mighty person in there language that you'll need a dictionary to understand.

If you can get passed the swear words there are some enlightening bits of information about the U.S.'s food sources in this book. It's worth the read and it makes you think twice when you go grocery shopping. I recommend it. Also some great, simple recipes in 'Skinny B*&% in The Kitchen'.

I am not surprised at those who have trashed this book. This book is well written and researched. All of the facts/studies are referenced. The book is written in a "in your face" way to get you mad, and to question our government. It does advocate going veg, but it also gives advice to those who want to keep eating meat. If you care about your health, and the health of others...READ THIS BOOK. Get over the fact that there is "potty language" in the book. It's called "Skinny Bitch"! Did you really think that the language would be all hearts and flowers?

This "book" barely had any diet tips in it! It spent the short pointless chapters trying to convince the reader that the meat and dairy industries are devils reincarnate and that everyone should become vegan. They even say at the end of the book that its inspiration was their lack of wanting to get real jobs! As a medical professional, I discovered that the "studies" and "statistics" they quote are ridiculous, manipulated and skewed to say the least. Total waste of time to read/listen to (audio book). Not only would I not recommend this, but I wouldn't even burden another person looking for true education on nutrition by selling it used!

I never expected to be so moved. Meat-eaters will, of course, feel personally threatened by this book. Relax. Read. Learn. Thank you for a fabulous book!

My granddaughter and grandson both enjoy these books. Sometimes it is hard to find the exact book they want. Thank goodness they are numbered in the series so we can keep track of them. They devour them so fast.

While there are valuable ideas and suggestions in Pema Chodron's CD series, it is decidedly from a Buddhist perspective and seems to assume the listener is an active or aspiring Buddhist as well. A great series if that is one's desire. If not, there are decidedly better resources available.

This is a set of five instruction cds on the process of meditation, not a meditation cd. Contains five one hour (approximate)sessions, each building on the last, with a short meditation time included. For those looking not for guided mediation but for instruction on "fully awake" meditation, this is perfect. As is everything that Pema Chodron does. Great value for the money.

I am new to meditation and thought that a CD set with a title of "How to Meditate" would be a good choice to learn. Not with this set. This was recorded at a 5 week retreat, so most people there would know something about meditation. And this knowledge shows in how the teacher speaks. There are postures and other terms used that a new person, like myself, would not know. Some are described, but "like this" does not help when listening to a CD. If you know how to meditate this maybe good to further your meditations. But if you are new, start somewhere else.

Pema Chodron is a wonderful teacher, of whom I have the greatest respect. This is another example of her down-to-earth, humorous and loving teaching style. For me, it was an excellent choice. However, just so you are not disappointed, be aware this is a specific type of meditation. She is teaching Tibetan Buddhist meditation techniques, which are a little different from other styles. In this style your eyes remain partly open to maintain a level of awareness. It is not the type you use to generate a trance state.

If you are unfamiliar with meditation and this is your first exploration, you may want to look at "The Art of Meditation by Daniel Goleman". It is an excellent first step.

Pema's training can take you to a deeper level of understanding, but may be a little too deep for your first attempt. Also, the fact her CD is speaking to those who have a background in Buddhism does'nt mean you won't learn from this CD. Buddhist are experts at meditation because it is part of their belief. The techniques taught can apply to any faith.

Pema's Chodron is an excellent speaker and this is another excellent example of her work. With the understanding that I would not advise this as the first meditation book I would read/listen to, I believe it is a valuable resource for those interested in this style of meditation.

Namaste

In this 5 CD set, Pema Chodron expands on her prior works (but see Pure Meditation), honing in on Buddhist Shamatha (tranquil or calm abiding) meditation. This is a basic, eyes-open, being-fully-present technique (akin to mindfulness practice). It differs greatly from transcendental types as well as from Vipashyana (insight) meditation. Total time=5:52:48 in 46 tracks (CD1=65:18/9 tracks; CD2=63:29/10 tracks; CD3=69:54/9 tracks; CD4=74:53/9 tracks; CD5=79:14/tracks). Her presentation is comprehensive, including: Physical--much detail on 6 points of posture (seat, legs, torso, hands, eyes, & mouth); Emotional--being fully present, attention to tension, observing your pain/stress; Mental/Psychological--generosity, patience, sense of humor; & Spiritual/Mystical--(per Trungpa Rinpoche) "Mixing mind and space." Each CD includes a meditation experience & practices for the ensuing week.

Ani Chodron explains the basic Tibetan Buddhist/Vajrayana approach of transforming poisons (kleshas or afflictions) into medicine (wisdom/enlightenment). This is similar to judo (vs. karate) & to transcendental alchemy (The Secret of the Golden Flower: A Chinese Book of Life) with kleshas being the prima materia. Tibetans differentiate between pain and suffering; the latter being more psychological than physical--reaction to pain vs. pain itself. She, thus explores Shenpa, the process of getting hooked--see Don't Bite the Hook: Finding Freedom from Anger, Resentment, and Other Destructive Emotions. Pema also briefly discusses Tonglen (exchanging oneself for others), a highly empathetic technique--see Tonglen, the Path of Transformation or Good Medicine: How to Turn Pain into Compassion with Tonglen Meditation; & includes some more advanced Mahamudra meditation, which I find particularly helpful, quoting a poet: "Thoughts are like clouds in the sky; they shimmer when they fly." Her use of sounds, sights, touch over the body is reminiscent of both the Western allover (or overall) exercise (Wisdom of the Mystic Masters) & the Dhyani Buddha families (The Mandala of the Enlightened Feminine). Overall, Pema's voice & presentation are extremely peaceful & meditative--quite conducive to these practices, though she aims at you becoming "your own meditation instructor." To have a more complete appreciation of Pema, see her Good Medicine video. This set is valuable for newbies (though some of the terminology may be unfamiliar) as well as those who have practiced meditation before. It is also a nice refresher.

i read this book a few years ago it was an extremly good book i would read again!!!! A+++++++++++

this is a truly inspiring book, Kidd is an incredible author. Gives readers a view into what life was like back in the 60's for black people. Inspiring tale of self journey, and family

After being decidedly unimpressed with the first Sue Monk Kidd book I read (The Mermaid Chair), I was afraid this one would be similarly the literary equivalent of a Lifetime movie. I was pleasantly surprised: while it has the same airy style that enables you to motor through the pages, it has substantially more weight.

The characters are engaging and believable (another reviewer questions why the protagonist doesn't act terribly mature, but she IS only a teenager after all!), and the plot includes historical and personal drama (African Americans gaining the right to vote and socially oppressed people's responses to racism).

This is also a rare novel in that while many would consider it to be in the genre of Beach Book, the women depicted are not superficial and do not seem like 2-dimensional "yay, girl power!" characters. They are strong, smart, conflicted women who are determined to make the world what they want it to be, whether questioning racism, letting newfound sexuality develop, or even creating a new religion.

I enjoyed this so much. It has a "To Kill A Mockingbird" feel to it. I couldn't put it down. I hope everyone enjoys this as much as I did.

The book is more aimed at someone between the ages of 12-16, particularly female. Kidd portrays well the frailty of this girl, coupled with her insecurities and joys. Her relationships to the people around her are those I find unreal a little bit- saintly people who are completely forgiving. although the main character is real enough, the people around her settings seem fake, enough so that it makes it hard to relate. your call people!

This audiobook is okay. The quality is good, but there is not a guide to what is the tracks of the four different cd's. Not user friendly in that sense. The narrator is also very country--which I'm not sure is appropriate for a supposed Oklahoma kid.

This audio tape is outstanding! The reader does a great job in reading the novel word for word with a comfortable pace for my 7th graders. He changes the voices for the lead characters. When my students request the audio instead of reading it out loud, then I know that this is a good tape. I recommend this audio tape to anyone who loves to be read to.

Reading a novel is one thing but listening whilst reading adds a new dimension to it. The Outsiders is written by an American author and it's set in the 1960s. I am Australian and the language in the novel is not. It makes sense to listen to a trained actor deliver the novel with the correct intonation, dramatic intensity and charaterisation that simply reading cannot provide. The themes in The Outsiders are relevant to today's teenagers who deal with peer pressure, dysfunctional families and the all too human need to belong somewhere....anywhere. Conflict is sustained throughout and there is the final resolution. This is good to play on a car trip to keep teenagers engaged instead of hearing "are we there yet?"or to improve reading skills by listening whilst reading. This is one way to help improve word recognition. Especially suitable for people with vision difficulties who may find it easier to listen to, rather than read a book. Very enjoyable.

I was not clear when I purchased this CD that it was a meditative tape. It would have been great to be able to hear a random snippet from each segment.

At first, I was taken back by the recording with Candace Perth's voice for this, closed-eye, meditative CD because it was a challenge for me to focus on what she was saying. Her voice was soft, but the delivery of it at times was too slow and did not flow in a manner that relaxed me. But as I continued to listen and adjusted to her rhythm of reading and her voice I felt great.

I personally write visualizations and am a published author. This CD has had the most profound effect on both me and my husband of anything we have ever used. We have been under considerable stress and he has had trouble sleeping for years no matter what remedy we tried. Two nights with this CD and he has slept every night since starting it. I had asthma as a child - had a bout of it again for the last couple years and was on Advair and Albuterol. Since using Psychosomatic Wellness I am off the Advair and use the Albuterol sparingly. Spread the word to everyone you know about the healing, life-changing power of this combination of words and music.

I should have known when the title felt ill-advised (pun) and clunky.
This CD doesn't flow, either. Pert, whose book "Molecules of Emotion" I've read and admired, does not have the best voice for this sort of meditative exercise. But here's the main thing: the CD advertises "a music to heal your bodymind," but I found the music evoked in me a feeling of loneliness and even creepiness. Some of it was harmonically dissonant which brought up feelings of irritation and edginess. I have to wonder how healing a sound is when the body is shrinking from it. Okay, this could just be my problem, but I have no trouble reacting nicely to other pieces of music that are deemed restful, healing or joy producing, like Mozart, Bach or Josh Grobin.

I also thought the programming of the CD was badly done, wasting much time. There should be no Intro. That should have been written in an accompanying booklet. The Affirmations section was too long and repetitive for me and too many of them didn't apply to my life. The last song, Honor Who You Are, was musically forgettable and the singer's presentation of it was uneven, sometimes raw and loud, sometimes too low.

I would not recommend this CD but I would also add for anyone else that your response might not be what mine was. Musical tastes are, after all, highly individual. For what it's worth, a friend of mine who listened to it liked it very much and especially enjoyed the last song because, as he said, "It sounded like a fresh young teen's sweet and naive rendition earnestly done. Very charming." Yeah, that's what I want in a mature, introspective, influencing, meditative CD. Having said that, I feel like Simon Cowell. So I will fall back on the very words he uses: That's my honest opinion.

I was a bit curious about other reviews I read on this item before I purchased it, but I trusted the credentials of Candace Pert and I must say I find this to be quite a good presentation. I've listened to it nightly since I received it and am not only sleeping more soundly, but feeling really good about life, health and wellness in general. Whether it can all be attributed to this CD or not may be debatable, but I feel there is something to it that is undeniable in my experience, so I would recommend it highly to anyone seeking more of a scientific perspective on sound therapy and healing. Very good.

I got this CD based on the author's involvement with the film, "What The Bleep Do We Know." The film was fantastic and the interviews with Dr. Pert showed her to be a very interesting and intelligent woman, with a lot of fascinating ideas and information to impart.

I have a somewhat limited range of experience with this type of guided meditation. I own about four other CD's of this type and subscribe to two weekly podcasts for the same thing. In my opinion, this CD is fairly good, but there are some parts that I find a little annoying. It is broken up into four parts. One part is an intro, the second is some guided visualization, the third are a series of affirmations and the fourth part is music. Dr. Pert does the narration herself and I think she would have been better off to hire someone with a stronger voice so the whole thing would be more understandable and relaxing. The mix is kind of iffy and at times the music overpowers Dr. Pert's weak voice. I find myself straining to understand her. Also the percussion in the fourth section gets a little frantic for my taste. The affirmations are good however, and the visualization is relaxing when it can be understood.