Project Management

Essential Managers : Project Management
By Andy Bruce
Review by ilaxi




This Book is a great 'Guiding Light' - I mention this because Project Management is a wide topic. Any good business needs to begin with a plan to blueprint for operating and building company eg. Establishing, Budget, Targeting market, Competition etc. This book provides check lists with diagrams, graphs and examples that focus on SWOT (Strength, weakness, Opportunities and Threat) analysis of business. There's expert advice on team work, communication and developing Leadership and the authors' co-experience brings to limelight the basics of understanding the Project with topics like:

1. Defining Project
2. Planning Projects
3. Implementing Plans
4. Monitoring Performance

Quickie tips and perfect gem picks, this book from Defining leads to non stop information through monitoring and tracking progress tips, overcoming probs, dealing with change and summarizing assessment on management skills too. Dorling Kindersley's reference books has been a classy pick and gem on book shelf, this book also stands a 'Sure Pick' for lovers of Management field.

Reducing Stress

Essential Managers: Reducing Stress (Paperback)
by Tim Hindle
"Stress will probably affect all of us at some time in our lives..."
Review by ilaxi



How Stressed Are You? This is the first question arising in today's Tech times. World Health Organization has predicted that by 2020, depression will be the greatest burden of ill health in the developing world and will be the second largest cause of death and disability!!!! One wonders but sure this book has a great in-depth dose of Reducing Stress pills of info with analysis Quiz on Page 16 that actually lets one recognize existence of stress and later reducing it. In Analyzing the causes of Stress, society, the working world and daily life have changed almost beyond recognition in the past 50 years and these changes have contributed to a major increase in stress, says the author. Many factors add fuel to blown minds as we deal coping with daily life. The book has cool tips on Getting Organized in life itself, manage time, check the attitudinal traits, taking out time to relax, understanding personality types, building better relationships and check Health. Emotional despair is a major health disorder and so, before it's late, check those Stress flaws and learn to use mind power through Tim Hindle's book on 'Reducing Stress' - A good pick.

How to Succeed Without Working So Damn Hard!

How to Succeed in Business Without Working So Damn Hard: Rethinking the Rules, Reinventing the Game by Robert J. Kriegel
Review by: ilaxi 




Damn Hard Cash Crunch & Start Living!

It has ever been a race to meet the deadlines, blindly following up the routine work pressures and sacrificing the wee hours of life in order to gain achievement to label n brand it as `success' -This is the major folly of most efficient people at workplace who pay a price missing wider opportunities to enhance better future. The game is all about Working wisely and not Damn Hard as the Author advice cool tips on how to succeed in Business with a sharpened job performance pulling in the effective measures to take charge of total control of time schedules. Robert Kriegel's own experience has inspirational theme to add to productivity with less efforts. He focus on more efficiency reducing stress levels at workplace. With latest technology creeping in day in and out, cell phones, computers, internet demands more Time, money and energy levels to cope up with mounting work pressures. I personally feel, work never has a dead end but life's frustration do! And this is where Robert's insights are really helpful to be a success and re-think over working Damn hard as its endless. There is a time for let-go and just do nothing sometimes to rejuvenate oneself again and Robert's book is a tip on ice-berg `Work wonders, work wise ways' and there you scale higher to achieve in this economy crunch - all gains and no pains. I personally recommend this book for workaholic Businessmen and management leaders.

Who Moved My Cheese?

Who Moved My Cheese? By Dr. Spencer Johnson
Review by ilaxi



Change with the Change! Yeah, Who moved my Cheese is all about financial resources, Security and Happiness to retain when things go beyond control with waves of Changes spelling alarm at Business, workplace or Life. The control power is 'You' the person and the author conveys the message with a form of fable - four characters, Sniff and Scurry, the mice and two little people mouse size humans hem and Haw. Cheese relates to our living ways, our jobs and career paths. With the sea of changes swapping in, one got to change with the change is the flavor of the Book. Like the cheese runs out, new sources need to be looked for and this is a moral booster bringing in awareness and alertness to find solutions to spoon feed problems. Easy to read with quick glance, the book might provoke thoughts as to dig into lives of people speaking their experiences after the fable is said as they share their ideas and thoughts. However, every individual Business person or CEO at their work levels, face changes n have a scoop of their life, their best sorted principles n ways, the messages in the book serve only as a boost to face Changes. Life is full of obstacles and to deal with them, Dr. Spencer Johnson brings in a theme 'Who moved my cheese' - esp. the best part is the illustrations and the quickie 'quotes' which can be special motivators. No wonder, an upcoming Lecture presented by a reputed newspaper in my town on 'Who moved my cheese' may prove boon to many esp. in times of money crisis. Whatever, All said, its Thinking process to re-charge with renewed faith and this does the trick - Get the Cheese n say 'cheese' - Nice Read!

First, Break All the Rules

First, Break All the Rules: What the World's Greatest Managers Do Differently
By Marcus Buckingham & Curt Coffman
Building Better Relationships at Workplace
Review by ilaxi



Marcus Buckingham & Curt Coffman reveal their inner vision to focus on four keys to become excellent managers. Leaders are sometimes someone who yells, explodes, makes nearly impossible demands and rarely consider feelings of his subordinates in the changing scenario of Business challenges. In fact, Managers need the right feedback and know-how to deal with the employees and select them on the basis of talents & not only on skills and intellects. Managers need to pick the right choice, know the strength of the employee and define right results. Their role is to encourage and motivate the staff and the manager is totally responsible to build a team spirit says the Authors. Buckingham & coffman focus on hiring people on their talents rather than experience. The employee need to be appreciated and rewarded for the job done well. Some Managers zoom on in on the weakness of employee to create embarrassment and humiliation. First Break All the rules indeed Shows the Managers to be different and recognize the potentials in the staff. Any employee who is facing a management flaw is `slogging' in an uneasy environment and the results too lead to a downward fall in longer run. The result is either the staff finds the Boss Crazy or leave the job for a better prospects. This book is a read for all Managers & Leaders who want to retain their Star employees and reward them for their expertise to grow mutually. Bosses who are control freaks, unreasonable and not practical fail to survive. HRD is one main branch of company that is important and this book is just a tip on the iceberg, the right guide to Managers & staff to work in harmony, knowing their respective roles. The employees need opportunity to grow, clear concepts of work assignments, be praised for their achievement, right environment & friendly approach, motivation and their voice be heard as regards to their work level opinions & suggestions. First Break All the Rules: What the world's Greatest Managers Do Differently is my one most lovable book and when I read this book, I feel this is the right choice of Gift to give to any Leader who wish to Break Rules for better interaction and involvement, building better work place relationships for fruitful results. Yep, a gift to Break Rules - self improve and training session of Effective Management for Boss too!

Myth of Excellence

Myth of Excellence by Fred Crawford and Ryan Mathews
Review by : ilaxi




The success of any company always depend on the discipline of marketing, breaking off the malpractice adopted by and large by many companies. Respect, service, trust, genuine quality are the values to strengthen from the grass root levels. Fred Crawford and Ryan Mathews with a in-depth research of many companies reveals that customer service is the key to success and the customer experience is the prime dedicating factor consideration in time to come. The book is an insight to the companies to offer the best by examining their products and executing them with par excellence to stand by the competitive edge. Myth of Excellence is way of the wizard to gain the confidence of the customers. The idea to give a commission and link to something 'free' is a common notion. The rates pulled up to a 20% and than the discount offered only stems out indecent bargain ethics. Brand name and quality are in demand and customers often resort to the quality and service of the consumer products. Catching promotions do attract but the consumer stays unimpressed if quality, service & trust is not offered. Trust is the key of a merchant's scale to shoot up the success chart. This book is a read for CEOs and Company marketing Dept executives to play their roles and create a brand offering the best of the best to keep the customer list hooked to their line of products. Appreciation of the customers motivates the team for a success. This book is a good read for CEO's of Companies who fall below standards and it stands a handy resource guide to marketers who wish to excel and stand a 'class apart' wading the competition to be on top. I recommend this book as it has the value guidance for Companies who want to reach the 'winning edge'- Whatever be the product!

The Invisible CEO

The Invisible CEO By Krish
Launch of the book 'The Invisible CEO' with the author A.G. Krishnamurthy on Friday, 8th April 2005 at 6:00 pm at Crossword Ahmedabad.Prof. Atul Tandan (Director, Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad) graced the occasion.

‘The Invisible CEO’ is a repertoire of very deep thoughts and reflections of a person, who till recently led Mudra - one of India’s best advertising agencies

The book includes a critique of brands and advertising and goes well beyond all of that into what touches our lives and living. The core of the book resonates with the following theme: “No matter how different you are, or how much of an ‘odd man out’ you feel, if you believe strongly enough and long enough, it is possible to continue to be who you are and to make a success out of doing what you love.”

A G. Krishnamurthy, founder chairman and managing director of Mudra Communications, began the agency with a start-up capital of Rs.35,000 and one client. In just nine years, Mudra became India’s third and largest Indian advertising agency. Mr Krishnamurthy is currently the chairman of AGK Brand Consulting. The father of four children - three daughters and a son, AGK lives in Hyderabad with his family.

(Krish as we fondly called him, is my first Boss and he was the first person who interviewed me for a job at Shilpi Advertising Ltd. Here's my Blog note on him - ilaxi)

Executive Skills

Test Your Executive Skills: Assess Your Potential Through 50 Effective Quizzes by Terry Farnsworth
Availability: This item is currently unavailable@Amazon
Book Review by ilaxi:

Know Your Potentiality - Check skills

There are times on Peak that your Career becomes stagnant in spite of efforts. This amazing valuable Book of Terry has always been my favorite. Doing crosswords and word search is fun and so when I got this priced book, it didn't take much for me to grab the copy as the caption itself reads 'Test Your Executive Skills with thoughtful questions:

1. Are you a good leader?
2. Can you manage outstanding people?
3. Can you run effective meetings?
4. Can you handle a crisis?
5. Can you Manage your Time?
6. Can you seal your own ideas?

Inside are 50 Effective quizzes to assess your potentials and check performances and skills at work levels. If you are an Executive, definitely the book provides management for Success. It has highly perceptive analysis and with his experience as Manager of Personnel Development of UK Corporate Training dept., Terry Fansworth along with his four previous books has tremendous Development boosting to possess Executive skills. The Tests helps to see yourself as others see you and recognize the mistakes and makes one improve. Some of the Topics covered up in the book are: [Random selection]

1. Do you Procrastinate? The delay tactics at work levels never brings in results.
2.Are you well organized? Bad working habits only lead to loss of respect from boss/people who work for you.
3. Are you a good speaker?
4. Can you handle Consultants?
5. How good a Politician are you?
6. Are you leading a balanced life?
7. How Tolerant are you?
8. Do you welcome a Change?
9. Are you in the Right Job?
10.Can you Take Tough Decisions?

More Topics with points to ponder over and Choose the answers that suits best, in a light, relaxed style. In today's time, when there are more Seminars conducted, more lectures through on Management skills and mind management, this Book, if you are able to grab the copy, will be tremendously helpful especially to brush up the Executive skills and ponder upon every Quiz Questions. Even if you can't grab a copy of this book, your answers to above questions will reveal your positive/negative traits. That itself makes a Big Difference. It's 'Attitude' that counts after all! Good Read.

-ilaxi

Too Nice for Your Own Good

Too Nice for Your Own Good : How to Stop Making 9 Self-Sabotaging Mistakes by Duke Robinson
Review by : ilaxi
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How oft we create a wave to spell trouble with our own perfections being true and honest with good faith and intentions? We take on too much not saying what we want and that's exactly what the book reveals - the niceness mistakes that 'Damage' us! Unconsciously, we have planted strong messages in the back of our minds and with good intentions by our mentors, follow the moral code of conducts in life. Be good, be nice, be cool, share and care, don't be selfish, be reasonable, don't hurt others, help friends, say yes and so on. In real, trying to reach perfection and taking on too much lead us to exhaustion and sooner or later the ship of our life start sinking. The author gives an insight to the nine unconscious mistakes we often make daily and helps us correct them and pulls a person out of frustration and stress. In not saying what you want and taking on too much, it leads to suppressed anger. Robinson provides healthy tips to express anger to orchestrate a balanced life. Life itself is like riding a bike up and down roads that are bumpy, curvy, hilly while juggling bananas, balloons and bowling balls says Robinson and so this is when you have a fall, life needs balancing back to pedal and steer with too much/too little, too rational/too emotional, to fast/too slow, too cautious/too reckless, too strong/too weak, etc. and remain upright empowering to get what you need and deserve. Irony is, sometimes our niceness betrays us and this book is a key to understanding our mistakes and bring about a 'change' in us. Robinson makes us a nicer person making one realize the mistakes, why we make and how to give up. In doing so, Robinson guides in:
1. Liberating from the bondage of other's expectations
2. Saying no and saving work overloads
3. Telling what we want and analyze what we receive is worth or not
4. Express anger that heal and maintain relationships too.
5. Face irrationality and criticism
6. Tell truth to friends when they fail us
7. Care for others but do no burden own trying to run their lives.
8. In pain and grief, feel competent enough
A change is always welcome even for the nice to be nicer and avoid the mistakes that we keep making out of the blue. Our good intentions turn out to be damn-in-way for others who often misunderstand or shrug off not appreciating your worth as human being. This book is indeed a gem collection for every person who has learned to live being 'Nice' and remain being so without being emotionally hung up sometimes. Good Pick!

Who will Cry when you Die?

Who will Cry when you Die? By Robin Sharma
Review by : ilaxi
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Robin Sharma, the Author says: "When you live your truth, your dreams beat a path toward your doorstep".

A practical solution to create a sound Life and strikingly balance life filling in the gaps with humility. Robin refers to his father's words that a tree that has most fruits is that which bends to the ground. And though there are some exceptions he have found in his own experience that it is true-the people who know the most, who have achieved the most, and have lived the most, are also the people closest to the ground. In a word, they are humble. There is something special about being in the presence of a person who is humble. Robin sharma thinks that practicing humility shows that you respect others and reminds us that there is something for us to learn. It sends a signal to those around you that you are open to receiving the gift of their knowledge and listening to what they have to say. The book is door to exceptional life and live life to the fullest with a purpose and attain peace. The book is indepth wisdom with absolute life changing solutions to cope with life's trials, challenges, frustrations and so on. As Robin Sharma recently visited India in preparation for the production of 'The Monk who sold his Ferrari' as a major motion picture, Robin reminded in his speech that wherever in the world he went, he found human beings struggle with same challenges, same longings. All people are part of one great family with invisible ties. Thus, peace is at your own doorstep and Robin Sharma's books are real 'Gem Picks' - Yeah, sure you can surf his website too and hear his Gem voice too! Good Pick & Great Message.

Ayodhya by C.R.Irani

The editor-in-chief of the Statesman, Cushrow Russy Irani, died of kidney failure at the Rabindranath Tagore Institute of Cardiac Science in Kolkata on Saturday, 23rd July 2005. He was 75 and is survived by wife Threety Irani and three daughters. Family friends stated that Irani was admitted to the hospital two weeks ago and was suffering from various ailments. He was graduated from St. Xavier’s College in Mumbai. Irani spearheaded the growth of the Statesman in the post-Independence era. Known for his defiance during Emergency, he will be remembered as among the few journalists who stood up against the policies of the Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi.

With the sad news of Dr. Rafiq Zakaria a few days ago, here is once again a Leader who is remembered with fond memories as we pay our respects to Cushrow Russy Irani, Editor in Chief of Statesman & Author of many thoughtful books. Our condolences to his family members. May God rest his soul in peace! - MJ Akbar


Ayodhya - Demolishing a Dream by C.R. Irani
Review by ilaxi:

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Mr. C.R.Irani, the author has commented on national and international affairs with rare frankness and objectivity which has often embarrassed the high and mighty and vested interests.This volume is a collection of nearly 80 selected editorials and ‘Caveats’ written since December 6, 1992, when Babri Masjid at Ayodhya was pulled down by Kar Sewaks. The pieces cover more than a decade marked by changing positions of leaders, who remain unfazed by the contradictions in their statements. The collection begins with C.R.Irani's ‘Caveat’ in the issue of December 7, 1992, a day after the demolition, and after wending its way through the events related to Ayodhya, ends with another ‘Caveat’ in the issue of September 28, 2003,dealing with Murli Manohar Joshi’s resignation after the framing of charges against him and six others by a Rae Bareli court in the demolition case.

Communicate Clearly

Essential Managers: Communicate Clearly by Robert Heller, Tim Hindle
Review by : ilaxi



Communication is the key to success! Universal truth yet this book gives lessons to better communicating using methods for sure results. Various methods combined together works. The five groups mentioned in this book are:

1. written word
2. spoken word
3. Symbolic gestures
4. Visual Images
5. Multimedia

Interesting is a comment here that Americans like communicating via rallies and slogans with strong use of visuals. (Pg.8) Learning to listen techniques are vital and using Listening skills is well explained in the book with Empathizing, analyzing and synthesizing. Reading, Taking Notes,using phone, writing letters & proposals, using technology, chairing meetings, reaching audience, communicating to sell, etc. are the major parts covered up which makes the book, a thorough handy guide for Key to Success. Sometimes, it is getting ready to Negotiate to win, mastering the techniques and be prepared for 'Talks' - This is exactly we do 'Talk' but when it comes to negotiating and passing the word/message through, we fail most of the time due to lack of many supported things. This book ultimately helps to overcome our weaker traits while communication spells disaster if right techniques aren't mastered properly. A good Pick.

-ilaxi

Treachery by Bill Gertz

Treachery : How America’s Friends and foes are secretly arming our Enemies.- By Bill Gertz
Review by ilaxi



Bill Gertz uncovers Chilling Facts and exposes the alarming truth unbelievable that the Iraqi insurgents are killing the US soldiers with weapons provided by France, Germany and Russia. Bill Gertz seems to have made exclusive interviews with senior US officials including the Defense Secretary revealing astounding information on how the US leaders have failed. Arms trade proliferation and war on terror – Gertz has explosive revelation on how US security lapses enabled their enemies to target Americans using their own weapons secret technology. The enemies had fool proof plans to fail the US intelligence and defense and the extent to which the rivals were able to buy or steal advanced military technology from the U.S is alarming that freeze any American reader. The Pakistan nuclear proliferation is getting extensive and the US is trying to draw India into its global strategic plans by asking New Delhi to join the missile defence system. At this point, one wonders, do India and Pakistan need any more hi-tech, exorbitantly priced weapons for each other? Aren’t the nuclear bombs and missiles sufficient? Arms Trade is one revealing info by Bill Gertz in this book. Bill Gertz has also extensively reported the CIA reports on Al Qaeda’s track on its enemies and may have nuclear, chemical and biological weapons. The Saddam Hussein's 'oil for food' program has a full story covered by Gertz in the book and how Saddam rebuild Iran's weapons and Missile programs. Although I have not read Bill Gertz other books, this book has been a pick from a local book store and been a thrilling read. Due credits go to amazon reviews and new york times Best seller pick which I do not miss out and Treachery By Bill Gertz explodes facts of America's friends and foes arming the enemies.

Developing the Leader Within You

Developing the Leader Within You by John C.Maxwell
Review by : ilaxi



A leader is always Born and as far as the belief goes 'Leos are Born Leaders' - However, the concept of this Book by John Maxwell is Developing a Leader within. This requires a motivation, a vision and an influence as the writer shares the principles of management through real life anecdotes, charts and graphs. A truly inspiring book that reveals wiz ways to excel and be a Leader. Interesting strips portray Leadership qualities with real life examples and sure, this becomes a quick 'glance read' chirping the zeal in to strife for successive climb. I've always recommended Management Quotes book of Pramod Batra and so is this Book on top of my Charts. Influence always make a big difference and this book implies the influential tricks to scale high to be a leader. Maxwell's techniques prove to be genuine stuff and anyways, the picked topics speak wide :

1. Influence - Defining Leadership qualities
2. Attitude - It really makes a big difference
3. Positive Change - foster integrity and self-discipline
4. Priorities - Defining goals
5. Integrity & People - Developing ties

Becoming a person of Influence is another Book of Maxwell that is thought-provoking and a Leadership technique of 'Influence' pays big dividends in longer run. A worthwhile life lesson to boost up self confidence and keep on high spirits with 'Developing the Leadership qualities' by John Maxwell. A sure fire way to adopt the techniques and surface the best in you.

Manage Your Time

Manage your Time (INSTANT Managers) by Tim Hindle
Review by : ilaxi



How often we hear people shrugging off casually: 'ugh, time is short, we're busy' I think, we all have 24 hours in a day, 7 days a week, yielding 168 hours per week. Take away the sleep hours and hours engaged in fetching results we desire! Hence, its wise to work 'smarter' than work 'harder' and this requires efficient 'Time Management' Walt Whitman, the poet, said it best, "The most powerful time is when we are alone, thinking about what we are to do." Daily Planning helps us to focus on what is really crucial and important in our day to come and permits us to identify time to use wasted hours more productively. This has been my experience but when I read this book of Tim, it sure is more to Accomplish 'Managing Time' with his neat tips under various categories like :

1. Understanding Time - Changing Attitude
2. Analyzing use of time - Keeping Time logs,
3. Assessing ability - A quick Quiz
4. Planning for success - Analyzing goals, work, prioritizing
5. Using Time Planners
6. Getting Organized
7. Phone Calls - Managing calls
8. Reading & writing - Dos n Dont's
9. Technology skills
10.Meetings & Travel tips
This and more, the Book is thorough self training and changing Attitude. This book has cool tips of dos n don'ts, analyzing quiz, charts and very good presentation and once you shrugg off the wry look to wring for an extra half hour, think of the wonders a human brain can do - a cool book for every student, business guy, tech buffs and especially those bubbly MBAs who seem to lack time! A great Pick - Get Self Trained, Get More Accomplished with your Time.

Groucho Marx

Groucho : The Life and Times of Julius Henry Marx (Vintage)by Stefan Kanfer
Review by: ilaxi

Honestly speaking, I have not read Groucho Marx nor I will! mj picked up this one at an airport and he speaks of the book - On Your Marx

He quips, Groucho Marx is not yet forgotten. He can be found in the back shelves of the modern generation’s favourite intellectual haunt, the DVD library. Julius, using the screen-stage name of Groucho (picked up from a cartoon-spoof on Sherlock Holmes called Sherlocko, the Monk), along with three brothers Chico, Harpo and Gummo, lifted popular comedy from vaudeville and placed it among the classics without losing the ravenous insanity of slapstick. The knockabout was not physical. It was intelligent gymnastics that never made the mistake of becoming intellectual.



As far as I know, Groucho Marx was a depressive clown who mastered the worlds of vaudeville, theater, movies, radio, and television, yet he remained a moody, morose, unfulfilled man. Plagued by nagging financial insecurities, partly realized literary ambitions, and difficult, unsatisfying relations with his wives, lovers, and daughters. He never really had a childhood. This book has been recommended for large public and academic libraries.

When Bad Things Happen to Good People

When Bad Things Happen to Good People by Harold Kushner
Review by ilaxi



Better humans Indeed!

Harold Kushner's book has an insight for a heart touching, warming feeling for those who got to be content with Suffering. Some of the other time in life, we suffer. Why do we have to suffer? Why do Bad things Happen? Why Me? These and many questions surface our minds and that's when our 'Faith' is challenged. Why do we turn to the same God who makes it happen? The author came to see god when he faced the worst trials in his life of having lost his son Aaron when he was fourteen. God weeps with us and would not abandon us and can fill the deepest needs of an anguished heart says Harold. The story of job inspires and builds the strength and courage. Harold provides invaluable reassurances and his words are source of comfort in times of bad things happening just out of the blue. His logic that when bad things happen we dump our anger on others or turn it on ourselves. Sometimes angry on God. Why me? And then referring to Cain killing his brother Abel in a fit of jealousy...all through Harold soothes the mind to relax and be at peace saying 'God can't do everything, but he can do some important things' This ticks the mind Fate, not god, sends us the problem. If we are weak, we get angry, overwhelmed. Its faith strong all the way and God rewards in his own fashion; Knows much better what he has to do. A must book to be read by all people in trouble, no matter what their religios faith. Indeed, When Bad things happen, be positive, What happens, happens for good. Good People turn to be Better.

Believe in Yourself

Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale
Review by : ilaxi



-Buy Here

The Power of 'Believe in Yourself'

Opening words of Norman Vincent Peale in this book says all "Believe in Yourself & Have faith in your Abilities." Millions of people read the book and its a master piece through ages. The Book reflects the positive power of wisdom that defeat is not a root cause for a down trend. It suggests techniques and gives examples which demonstrate that one can have peace of mind, better health and never ceasing flow of energy to face the hardships and tragedies in life with the power of Positive thinking. A mental diet for every human with creative living based on spiritual techniques, Peale's system outlines perfect and amazing method of successful living. Thoughts inflow remake 'You', the very person who is responsible to create his own happiness and this is what Peale explains through various topics. Its time to stop fretting and fuming when things go wrong. It’s time to break the worry habits. Faith is healing and the best prescription for heartache is the Physical activity, says Norman. He elaborates the power technique that there is no point to sit and brood instead Get Set Right with action and be constructive. Norman shows the power to solve personal problems with a belief that there is a solution for every problem, keep calm instead of tension blocking the flow of thought power, trust in the faculty of insight and intuition, seek god's guidance and he would flash illumination into the problem mind. It's expecting the Best to Get Best as Positive Thinking is the road to happiness. Norman's book is simply a practical, direct-action, personal improvement manual and written with sole objective to help readers achieve a happy, satisfying and worthwhile life. A ‘Must Pick’ and a ‘Must Read’ Book

Life Isn't Fair!

Life's Not Fair But God is Good
Review by: ilaxi





Each individual lives with hopes - Who give Hopes? Robert Schuller does! Yeah, Life Isn't Fair always as we face a lot of ups and downs and hopes make one survive. It's a faith strong to build within and to read Robert's Books means keep the faith as he instil hope in the minds that Life may not be fair but keep the faith and sure, God Really sees your problems and help comes at the nick of hour. Being a great fan of Robert Schuller, his inspirations leads to a perspective to think Positive. Obstacles come your way but it is upto me, upto us, to face the challenges by keeping the faith in God. In the Religious text of Gita, it is said in hindi language 'Jo hota hai voh accha hi hoga, jo hoga voh accha hi ho raha hai...apna karm karte jao' Meaning to say, What happens is for good, what will happen will happen good, just do your good deeds. So, I believe, Robert also gives a hope and help you to be happy even in time of difficulties as you read the book coz his words in this book reflect a message to Keep the Faith and believe, trust in God. God really is fair, Is he sometimes??? Only he knows! Good console, good book.

Jonathan Livingstone Seagull

Jonathan Livingstone Seagull
-Review by ilaxi



A Gem Pick, this book is a prized treasure. Growing up Gracefully is the theme of the Book with very good illustrated pic of Sea Gulls on the cover page. Captivating attention with this classic read, Richard Bach's fable Seagull named Jonathan Livingstone is an example that teaches about 'Flight' and capture the moments of love and kindness. Jonathan had a deep desire to soar high in the skies and hardly cared for eating like other seagulls. The message was to aim higher for a purpose in life even if its against the wishes of own people. Jonathan is courageous and in pursuit of excelling, he almost has to leave his flock and experience learning with wise seagull who taught him perfect speed. It's the art of perfection one develops keeping the spirits alive as one rise up aiming higher in life. A good read and great message for taking Flights to achievement.

The Alchemist

The Alchemist: A Fable About Following Your Dream by Paulo Coelho




In the fable told by Paul Coelho, the character Santiago is a shepherd boy who dreams of treasures in Egyptian pyramids and leaves spain to make his dreams turn true. During his adventure, he learns many lessons on way and experiences the truth 'To listen to own heart' It knows all and explores to fulfil dream desires. Santiago meets many people but among them is a Alchemist who has a wise preach to Santiago. When Santiago confides in the Alchemist what he thinks, the Alchemist says that the fear of suffering is more than to actually 'suffer'. The fable is an inspiration to live upto dreams and live life fulfilling desires. If you do not dream you cannot reach for the stars and so does Paul Coelho has sound advice to make the most of inner aspirations and pick the pearls in life. Paul stress on importance of life and listening to our heart. We travel life's path once and hence, our aim should be higher to grasp and reach the goals to fulfil our dreams desire. A very good message and worth a Read - A great pick!

Paul Coelho's column appears in The Asian Age. Explore!

-ilaxi

Rights of Women in Islam - A book

Rights of Women in Islam by Ali Asghar Engineer




Ali Asghar Engineer has been conferred the 'Right Livelihood Honorary Award', also known as 'Alternative Nobel Prize' by the Swedish Parliament. The Award was given to him in November for his contribution to maintenance of Communal Harmony and brotherhood. Expressing his disdain at the misuse of the concept of Jihad, Dr. Engineer said that according to the teachings of Prophet Mohammed, "true jihad is to express the truth on the face of evil". He added, "even those are the true mujahideen, who fight against environmental pollution and those who dare to write the truth" He also said, "Jihad is not about using lethal weapons because those who want to establish a better world don't need such weapons".Dr. Engineer had started working towards the promotion of Communal Harmony during the Bhagalpur Riots in 1961, which left a deep effect on him. Ali Asghar Engineer says, "People should abstain from commenting about religion since it either becomes a prejudice for us or it becomes a path for vested interests. The Swedish Communist Leader informed Dr.Engineer that the 'Right Livelihood Honorary Award' is said to be the 'Alternative Nobel Prize' because it denies the pro-establishment stance of the Nobel Prize Committee. He said, the Nobel is conferred on only those who represent the establishment or are in favor.Dr. Ali Asghar Engineer was recently felicitated in Mumbai for his Achievement. Dr. Ali Asghar is a pride of Bohra community Reformist, an Author of over 40 Books with Islam and the 21st Century being the latest release.