
Title : Now Habit: A Strategic Program for Overcoming Procrastination and Enjoying Guilt-free Play
Author : Neil A. Fiore
Rating : 4 Stars out of 5.
Summary : Informative and practical
I gained a great deal of insight from this book. It helped me to see that I'm putting my life on hold through being a perfectionist. And it has given me lots of help in finding a way forward. A new 'me' is emerging as a result. Well worth a read.

Title : Think and Grow Rich
Author : Napoleon Hill
Rating : 3 Stars out of 5.
Summary : This edition not the best
I have owned this book for years, but I recently have discovered another, newer version that is far superior. It is "Think and Grow Rich!: The Original Version, Restored and Revised" published by Aventine Press. For one thing it is a bigger book, both in size and in pages (412). It turns out that the book that this review is about is an abridged version of the original, something I never knew in all the times I have read it over the years. This smaller version, while good, contains nothing like the additional information in the "Restored and Revised" version, which I heard 2002 World Snooker Champion Peter Ebdon speaking about. There is just a wealth of fascinating facts and information in the back of the book. In the older book (the rather plain, smaller "Think and Grow Rich" this review concerns), the print is difficult to read, there is little space for jotting notes. The newer revised version reads better and by comparison is a far more useful learning instrument. Napoleon Hill's work is probably the most important ever done, anywhere in the world, in the motivational and self-improvement field. Whichever version you read, it will change your life forever, for the better.

Title : E-myth Mastery: The Seven Essential Disciplines for Building a World Class Company
Author : Michael Gerber
Rating : 1 Stars out of 5.
Summary : Heavy going, heavy on psychobabble
If you're into overwrought emotional prose this ones for you.
I quote "without the passion of the soul, the mind creates an endless stream of empty suits, dreams without heart..."
or this gem
"a part of me is just afraid. that part of me feels like i'm jumping off a cliff, but in some strange way I also trust that I'll fall into something soft and safe"
After about 100 pages it starts turning into a business book again, but after wading through the cod philosphies at the start of the book I was actually angry at the author for putting me through some really badly written stuff, concerning a lady called sarah from 'all about pies' who'd lost her passion, apparently. I knew how she felt by this point in the book.
If you buy it read the real stuff at the end of the book, but really, don't encourage him.
To misquote the book I certainly felt like jumping off a cliff at times.
If only he'd have just stuck to the business. Why does everyone have to be a cod psychologist these days? Nuff said'

Title : Sticky Wisdom
Author : Dave Allan
Rating : 5 Stars out of 5.
Summary : Enlightening and courageous
Enlightening because it helped me realise why I have not been an 'easy employee'. Courageous because the book shows just how many ways in which traditional corporate cultures nurture barriers, rather than paths, to progress.
The book is easy to read - well laid out, with lots of useful case studies and advice.
I suggest reading the last chapter first - I did, and couldn't wait to read the rest of the book. And, if you're feeling brave, share what you're reading with your colleagues.

Title : The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change
Author : Stephen R Covey
Rating : 4 Stars out of 5.
Summary : Might change your life #8211; or sit on the shelf
This is a powerful guide to self-improvement. The "habits" are common-sense: be proactive, or "seek first to understand, then to be understood". The writing is clear, presenting each habit in a way which is easy to apply to oneself. If you're looking for a self-help guide to living a more focused, targeted life, you can hardly do better than this.
The downside is that this is a massive, densely-written book. Just reading it, let alone internalising and acting on it, is a major project. Many readers will dip into it; lose interest; and let it gather dust on the shelf.
Summary: excellent self-improvement guide, won't work for everyone.

Title : S.U.M.O. (Shut Up, Move On): The Straight-Talking Guide to Creating and Enjoying a Brilliant Life
Author : Paul McGee
Rating : 5 Stars out of 5.
Summary : Great Book with Practical Advice
I just wanted to congratulate you on your SUMO book. It was a great read and by far and away the best in the self help category that I have read recently.
I coach people for a living and read a lot of these types of books and believe that many fail because they are too abstract or too difficult to put into practice. Your book, however, is full of practical things you can do straight away to start to make a difference.
I particularly liked the 'Ditch Doris Day' chapter.
Other Related Resources:
1: http://biketobrown.brown.edu/?p=107
2: http://digiphoto.thepodcastnetwork.com/2006/11/23/a-little-thanksgiving-inspiration/
3: http://overseas.com.au/blog/index.php/the-worst-monday-of-all/
4: http://positiveselfdevelopment.com/2008/12/19/christmas-is-a-positive-time-of-the-year/
5: http://www.robmcnealy.com/share-your-inspiration-and-win/