Reader Views

Do Not Invent Buggy Whips: Create! Reinvent! Position! Disrupt!

Article first published as Book Review: Do Not Invent Buggy Whips: Create! Reinvent! Position! Disrupt! by Kenneth J. Thurber, Ph.D on Blogcritics.

Kenneth J. Thurber’s “Do Not Invent Buggy Whips” is one of those books that truly make you think. It matters little whether you are an aspiring inventor, an old hand in this field, or simply a curious individual with an insatiable desire to learn, there will be plenty to astonish and amaze you in “Do Not Invent Buggy Whips.”

While I certainly found the theory of invention and reinvention captivating, particularly since this book was written in a clear, concise and easy to follow manner, I got even more involved while reading parts 3 and 4, which deal with application of concepts and examples of product strategies respectively. There were a lot of rather nostalgic moments involved, since some of the ideas that already need to be reinvented were such important discoveries or new products in my own past. I had to laugh time again about the way I first misread the title itself as well. Being somebody who is always dealing with a computer, my first thought on seeing the word “buggy” was something with a lot of bugs, the computer type ones... Granted, the whips threw me off immediately there, but it still took me a moment to associate the word buggy with a horse drawn vehicle, which just shows you how quickly things, including language, change and need to be updated and reinvented.

The word “reinvented” brings us to the main premise of the book, namely the need for the inventions to be relevant and the simple truth that many of the formerly great and valuable inventions simply aren’t that any longer. Kenneth J. Thurber describes a clear path of how such a process should be designed, put in place and implemented to disrupt the status quo on the market and bring in considerable success along the way. While he never promises to make the reader rich, and I certainly found that to be a wonderful departure from the style of all too many so called self-help books, he creates an easy to follow and quite reasonable outline of how one should approach this type of invention/reinvention and which factors one should pay particular attention to.

“Do Not Invent Buggy Whips” by Kenneth J. Thurber, Ph.D., is a book that should find a permanent place on the bookshelves of those who always strive to better products – and ideas, and who are not afraid of hard work and some animosity along the way. Mr. Thurber’s models and ideas certainly could help a wide range of entrepreneurs, not only the inventors, therefore I would recommend this book to anybody in any kind of a business who wants to remain relevant and successful.


Do Not Invent Buggy Whips: Create! Reinvent! Position! Disrupt!
Kenneth J. Thurber, Ph.D.
Digital Systems Press (2012)
ISBN 9780983342434
Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (3/12)

Inside the Giant Machine: An Amazon.com Story, Second Edition

Article first published as Book Review: Inside the Giant Machine: An Amazon.com Story, Second Edition by Kalpanik S. on Blogcritics.

Chances are pretty good that even people who have never ordered a single thing online are aware of the existence of Amazon, but even those loyal customers that visit the e-commerce site on a daily basis probably aren’t aware of what goes on behind the scenes. “Inside the Giant Machine: An Amazon.com Story, Second Edition” pulls back the curtain and lets you get a look at the people that create the online magic. Even though the author hasn’t always had Amazon as an employer, he does a good job of providing a history of the company, from explaining why people shop at Amazon instead of a place called Cadabra all the way to the release of Book 2.0, known around the world as the Kindle.

The author starts things off with a “confession” about being a foreign-born author, explaining that English is his third language. However, this disclaimer really isn’t needed because Kalpanik S. has a good grasp of his third language, and the book moves along at a nice, steady pace. The author also explains early on that a good portion of the book is taken from emails and a blog, with entries from both being compiled in book form. This might present a problem if you have your heart set on reading something in the traditional format of a book, but if a more contemporary blog-like feel doesn’t bother you, there shouldn’t be any problems.

Kalpanik S. doesn’t pull any punches with his descriptions of what goes behind closed doors, providing details on how he was inspired to work for the online giant because of their supposed philosophy of starting a revolution but later realizing that employees are seen as little more than cogs in an immense machine, with all appearances of caring simply being an illusion crafted by the P.R. department.

In addition to providing insight into Amazon, the author gives us a peek at his own life, letting us see what it’s like to live an almost nomadic lifestyle as you uproot the family and move from city to city in pursuit of that next rung on the career ladder.

“Inside the Giant machine: An Amazon.com Story, Second Edition” by Kalpanik S. is a great little book that won’t take long to read, and while it probably won’t make you vow to never shop at Amazon again, it just might make you have second thoughts if you’ve been considering applying for a job there.


Inside the Giant Machine: An Amazon.com Story, Second Edition
Kalpanik S.
CreateSpace (2011)
ISBN 9781456555351
Reviewed by Marty Shaw for Reader Views (2/12)

There Is No Energy Problem

Article first published as Book Review: There Is No Energy Problem by Coleman Raphael on Blogcritics.

Most Americans are aware that their country is precariously dependent on, or worse, addicted to oil, especially foreign oil and that this oil is a limited energy resource. That awareness, in general, is based primarily on the price of gas at the pump. In his new book, “There Is No Energy Problem,” author Coleman Raphael contends that Americans and our government need to prepare now for the fact that the world is running out of oil. He states in his Introduction and Summary, that, in support of this need, the two objectives of his book “are to show that energy is the basis for all of life’s activities and to show that energy will not disappear.”

To look at this small, one-hundred and thirty-nine page book, the typical reader might wrongly conclude that such a slight volume could not possibly fully address what they might perceive as a complex, scientific subject. In fact, “There Is No Energy Problem” is designed to be primer on energy that enables lay readers to easily understand the subject. Raphael’s professional background in physics and other relevant disciplines, combined with his ability to present his content without using complex, scientific terms, makes the book approachable for “every citizen.”

The book’s content flows logically and clearly. First, the reader is given an overview of energy and its various forms. How the world is currently using these energy sources is explored followed by a look at the types and available quantities of energy sources. This content will be particularly enlightening for many readers. Next, the author reviews the alternative fuel sources, electricity, fuel cells and hydrogen.

This completes the energy primer and Raphael spends the remainder of the book presenting his thinking on the secondary components of a Twenty-First Century U.S. Energy Plan and his case for making solar energy the cornerstone of that plan. Raphael points out in his Introduction that the closing chapter of the book on the cost of his proposed plan might be of most interest to readers. Heretofore there is no mention of this aspect in the preceding chapters.

For this reader, “There Is No Energy Problem” achieves the goals set out by the author in his opening Summary. Collectively, scientific and social observers concur that the understanding and attitude of the vast majority of Americans leaves them woefully unprepared for the role they must play in adapting to the depletion of world oil supplies. Many U.S. administrations have attempted to treat the country’s addiction to oil, especially foreign oil, without success. In “There Is No Energy Problem,” Coleman Raphael makes it clear, without preaching, that that we must all become “Citizen Scientists” in order to know enough to make informed decisions about the plans that are ultimately presented to us by our government regarding our global energy future. This book has a place in every home library.


There Is No Energy Problem
Coleman Raphael
AuthorHouse (2011)
ISBN 9781456749682
Reviewed by Joseph Yurt for Reader Views (1/12)

Write Your Life: Create Your Ideal Life And The Book You’ve Been Wanting To Write

Author coach Anita Rochelle has written a new book for aspiring authors drawn to the memoir, autobiography and how-to genres. Rochelle grew up in a journaling-rich home environment. Her book, “Write Your Life: Create Your Ideal Life And The Book You’ve Been Wanting To Write,” paints a passionate and compelling portrait of journaling as an ideal way for writers to move their life and their writing forward in productive and gratifying ways.

The book’s content is presented in three parts. The first part offers a thorough explanation of journaling, how to define a journal’s objectives, and how to realize the role of journaling in the processes of self-discovery, self-improvement and preparation for the development of the framework and writing skills one needs to create their book. The second part of the book, the most engaging part for me, focuses on the in-depth exercise of reflection and self-discovery, which is at the core or the journaling process. The final part of the book reflects Rochelle’s thoughts on both the near and long-term benefits of journaling and makes the case for the value of incorporating journaling into one’s life as a never ending process.

The book’s “weight” is somewhat puffed up by the inclusion of a substantial number of blank, lined pages in the middle part. However, each of these pages presents a question/step in the reflection process at the top of the page that is relevant. For some readers, these blank pages may “jump start” their engagement with the process and help to dispel their real or perceived writer’s block.

Anita Rochelle does not try to conceal that this book is a plank in her own marketing platform. The writing in part one comes close, on a few occasions, to marketing hype. But her passion for journaling is so seemingly genuine that I did not find this a distraction. In fact, on balance, I found “Write Your Life: Create Your Ideal Life And The Book You’ve Been Wanting To Write” to be a positive example of an “expert giving back book.” Even if you don’t aspire to writing a book, Rochelle still might turn you into an enthusiastic journaling fan.


Write Your Life: Create Your Ideal Life And The Book You’ve Been Wanting To Write
Anita Rochelle
The Write Image (2011)
ISBN 9781610050623
Reviewed by Joseph Yurt for Reader Views (11/11)

Soulmate Proprietors: How To Run a Business With Your Spouse and STAY Married!

Article first published as Book Review: Soulmate Proprietors: How To Run A Business With Your Spouse And STAY Married! by Danelle Brown on Blogcritics.

In her new book “Soulmate Proprietors,” author, consultant and business coach, Danelle Brown grapples with the question of whether spouses can run a business together and still stay married. Many have tried and failed, some losing both their business and their marriage in the end. But after casting a wide net of interviews among a diverse range of “small business families,” Brown reached the conclusion that despite a high degree of difficulty, not only can this arrangement work for spouses, there is indeed much to celebrate for the entire family.

Brown had a passion for writing this book that was borne out of necessity and intimate knowledge of the subject. Together with her husband, Marcel, she is co-owner and marketing director of MB Tech, Inc. which provides technology consulting services to small businesses and individuals. She is also the president and founder of Queen Bee Consulting which helps family and couple-owned companies grow their businesses. Danelle Brown is immersed in the issues she writes about.

“Soulmate Proprietors” is basically a comprehensive, well-organized and easy-to-understand how-to guide. In addition to the wise and relevant counsel of the author, each of the book’s seven chapters includes interview excerpts/case study comments from real spousal partners who were interviewed by Brown in preparation for writing the book. Each chapter also includes a “Soul Searching Questions” section that provides an important self-check summary to help the reader measure their understanding of the issues presented and promote reflection on those issues about which they have concerns. Each chapter is informative, entertaining and well written.

In Chapter One, “In It to Win It,” the author’s straight talk sets a strong, all or nothing standard for those contemplating running a business together. This challenge is echoed throughout the book, which proceeds to address the numerous issues involved such as is do you want to be in business with your spouse and is your marriage strong enough to make it work, how to divide your talents so that roles are clear, channeling stress to build a stronger relationship, dealing with the reality that the business becomes part of the family, bringing balance to your work and personal lives, and the fringe benefits of working with your spouse. And as Brown points out near the end of the book, believe it or not, this simply sets the foundation for a successful business with your spouse.

Danelle Brown says she really enjoys talking to people and helping and mentoring them. “Soulmate Proprietors” clearly shows this is so. Her writing style is warm and conversational, her counsel is candid, and her words are thoughtful and caring. Whether you’re just beginning to consider the possibility of starting a business with your spouse, or at whatever point you are in running a business together, I believe this book can help you. I know it would have made a difference in my attempt. Ignore this book at your own peril.


Soulmate Proprietors: How To Run a Business With Your Spouse and STAY Married!
Danelle Brown
Queen Bee Consulting (2011)
ISBN 9780982925706
Reviewed by Joseph Yurt for Reader Views (1/12)

Memoirs of the Soul: A Writing Guide

This is an excellent guide for anyone who has ever wanted to write their memoirs whether it’s for family or publication. Author Nan Merrick Phifer and Hal Zina Bennett, a popular writing teacher who penned the Foreword, both say it sounds easy, but when you actually sit down to write your mind doesn’t know where to start. So what makes this book different from all those other books out there? This author focuses on the writer getting to know themselves- as she says the “inner” you. The author isn’t telling readers or potential writers what to write about, she acts as a guide to get your creative juices going.

There are thirty detailed chapters in this book which range from learning about the real you, which include all the feelings and emotions you have experienced, to who you can become. Each chapter discusses obstacles we will encounter (like procrastination); to writing guide tips; to questions asked to help you remember times and events in your life. Readers will find that there are things we haven’t thought of in years that inspired us to make positive changes or ones that have had a negative impact on us.

The author writes with clarity, is very detailed and you can hear the passion in her voice. In addition, she provides examples of others’ writing that is not only inspirational, but thought-provoking. Each chapter builds on the previous one and as you write you will find you have more than enough material to include. She also suggests using photos; poems, essays and letters to spark visual images.

There are sections on proof-reading, rough drafts and having others read what you have written. Not only is this guide, “Memoirs of the Soul,” a tool for writing, it also is very therapeutic.


Memoirs of the Soul: A Writing Guide
Nan Merrick Phifer
Ingot Press (2011)
ISBN 9780984206001
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer, PhD, for Reader Views (12/10)

Master the Markets with Mutual Funds: A Common Sense Guide to Investing Success

Article first published as Book Review: Master the Markets With Mutual Funds: A Common Sense Guide to Investing Success by Jon R Orcutt on Blogcritics.

Anything to do with stock markets has always been scary and completely foreign to me, and I will be the first to admit that I never understood any of the financial mumbo-jumbo connected to investing. Therefore I was even more surprised that I actually enjoyed reading “Master the Markets with Mutual Funds” by Jon R. Orcutt, and that it just might have given me the little push needed to gather the courage and one day take a step in the direction of investing.

The book is divided into three distinct sections. The first one deals with the basics, explaining to the potential investors how markets should fit into their life, and also teaching them what kind of investors they are by nature. The most important lesson that I’ve learned from this first part was that investing can be very emotional, and in many cases actually is nearly overly so. The author deftly discussed this topic and presented arguments that sounded very convincing and realistic. This part concluded with a description of mutual funds and the importance of knowing what type of questions to ask before making decisions.

The second part was a very hands-on and detailed strategy section, complete with numerous pages of tables, which at this point in time are still very confusing to me, but I am certain that they would make lots of sense to any investor. There the author explained why he believed his investing strategy made sense, and documented his views on rebalancing with hard numbers.

The last part offered even more practical advice on implementing those strategies and the best ways of doing it, concluding with the statement that the ultimate success lies in the investor’s own hands. The author has graciously provided the reader with the tools, advice and suggestions, but each individual will have to make his or her own decisions based on their particular situation. I’ve particularly liked the author’s honesty, since he clearly stated several times that he can not and will not promise any miracles, but simply help you by pointing out the most obvious obstacles to success and the easiest ways to avoid or eliminate them.


Master the Markets with Mutual Funds: A Common Sense Guide to Investing Success
Jon R. Orcutt
Outskirts Press (2011)
ISBN 9781432781453
Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (12/11)

The Auto-Self: The Key to Creating Star Performers and to Becoming a Star Yourself

Article first published as Book Review: The Auto-Self: The Key to Creating Star Performers and to Becoming a Star Yourself by Dr. Barry Borgerson on Blogcritics.

Unique features in the format of “The Auto-Self: The Key to Creating Star Performers and to Becoming a Star Yourself” added to my reading enjoyment and helped me understand and assimilate the concepts introduced. I especially enjoyed the explanatory callout boxes, the clever illustrations created by Dan Nelson, the highlighted key thoughts, the bulleted lists, and the thought-provoking quotes from recognized leaders.

Dr. Borgerson’s new material on the auto-self, the underlying principles, and suggested improvement techniques offer the reader the empowerment to transform undesired habits,  to conquering our auto-self, and to improve aspects of our auto-self in order to achieve specific goals.

The book is filled with powerful real life stories, examples, and case studies which demonstrate the effectiveness and fundamental principles introduced throughout the text. The patterns reflected in these cases are an important aid to helping the trainer/reader examine their own automatic activities.

This is not a book for cursory reading but a study guide for application and transformation.  Although I found some of the material repetitive, this may be an intentional teaching tool used by the author to help the reader retain, understand, and assimilate the information. Dr. Borgerson introduces a lot of new terminology directly related to the concept of auto-self.

Over the years I have read any number of self-help and motivational books. Many of these have encouraged me to take positive actions steps. Dr. Borgerson’s approach intrigues me as it goes further than self-help to enable the reader to move beyond motivation to transformation and positive lasting change.

“The Auto-Self” is an important guidebook for training leaders in industry, business, and education, as well as life-coaches and their clients. I plan to keep my copy readily available for personal reference, motivation, application, and ongoing transformation.


The Auto-Self: The Key to Creating Star Performers and to Becoming a Star Yourself
Dr. Barry Borgerson
2-Selfs Publishing Company (2011)
ISBN 9780983815013
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (11/11)

Wisdom Is Not Enough: Reflections on Leadership & Teams

Jeff Appelquist is someone that many people interested in the subject of leadership would like to sit down and talk with. A former U.S. Marine Corps rifle company commander, he is a successful entrepreneur, consultant and speaker and the founder of President of Blue Knight History Seminars. In his new book, “Wisdom Is Not Enough,” Appelquist again interprets moments in history to modern-day leadership lessons, as well as especially noteworthy lessons from today’s leadership battlefield. This book underscores his unique ability to find his lessons in diverse places.

In his first book, “Sacred Ground, Leadership Lessons from Gettysburg & The Little Bighorn,” Appelquist mines true-life events and stories from the Civil War that provide lessons for aspiring and experienced leaders in all fields of endeavor. That book won the Writer’s Digest International Awards first place prize for nonfiction. “Wisdom Is Not Enough” offers timeless lessons from an even broader range of historical, world events, and from the latest current events.

The book’s content is provided by a powerful assemblage of forty articles by the author for the Dakota County Tribune Business Weekly written over a period of eighteen months from the spring of 2009 to the fall of 2010, and as Appelquist notes, “a tremendously difficult time when both the American and world economies struggled mightily.” The articles are divided among five groups: “Decision Making,” “Strategy,” “Communication,” “Relationships,” and “Learning,” with eight articles in each group. Each article explores an aspect of leadership or team dynamics through unique perspectives.

Although an avid historian, Appelquist’s writing style is not academic. He brings history and current events to life through his engaging knack for storytelling. Every article offers intriguing insights and introspections and practical lessons that demonstrate how today’s leaders can become great leaders who consistently develop teams that perform at a high level.

In “Wisdom Is Not Enough” Jeff Appelquist offers powerful proof to explain why. And his carefully considered articles provide compelling answers to what is. Like his first book, “Wisdom Is Not Enough” gives the reader a stimulating, original take on leadership. I highly recommend.

Wisdom Is Not Enough: Reflections on Leadership & Teams
Jeff Appelquist
Beaver’s Pond Press (2011)
ISBN 9781592983735
Reviewed by Joseph Yurt for Reader Views (11/11)

Plan B: 5 Differences That Make a Difference in your Small/Home Business

Times are tough, there is no denying it. Our economy is in shambles, previously solid companies are folding daily, and unemployment is looming on the horizon for many fellow Americans. If you are one of those who have been contemplating a change in their career, and if such change includes a possibility of opening a small business, you could do much worse than invest in the “Plan B: 5 Differences That Make a Difference in your Small/Home Business”. Although a slim volume, “Plan B” contains enough information to enable anybody curious and brave enough to switch, in the author’s words, from “being stuck in a full-time job and a part time life to having a full-time life and a part-time job – living life on your own terms.”

The author, Cesar V. Teague, defines the five basic differences as:

   1. Multiplication vs. Addition,
   2. Success vs. Struggle,
   3. Focus and Flow,
   4. Aligning Opportunities and Goals,
   5. Action Steps for Geometric Gains.

Each of those differences is outlined in a separate chapter, complete with examples, personal stories and truly powerful quotes. While the book is obviously geared towards the novices in the small business field, I am certain that it could also prove useful for those of us who have been working for ourselves for a while already. I have found the content of “Difference 5, the Action Steps for Geometric Gains,” particularly enlightening. The breakdown in the “Identify Your Business Activities” made me look at some of my work practices again, and I was amazed at the difference this made nearly instantly.

The appendix, containing forms and worksheets, should be an invaluable resource as well, particularly for those readers who are just starting to think about a new business venue. Just the business plan outline alone is well worth the price of the book, and some of the tax issues mentioned in the last couple of pages were extremely useful and eye-opening.

I have enjoyed Mr. Teague’s clear and direct writing style, which remained pleasantly conversational, yet precise. I would highly recommend this book to those who are toying with the idea of branching out on their own, as well as any current owners of small or home businesses, since even those already established ones could clearly learn some valuable lessons from “Plan B.”

Plan B: 5 Differences That Make a Difference in your Small/Home Business
Cesar V. Teague
Xlibris (2011)
ISBN 9781465334787
Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (8/11)