First, Break All The Rules by Marcus Buckingham

First, Break All the Rules: What the World's Greatest Managers Do Differently by Marcus Buckingham

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


As another research-based business book, this one presented a great point-of-view on managing people. While it does seem that Buckingham departed from his research slightly from time to time, the message still rings true. I would recommend that all managers consider the idea that people are all different, and therefore should be managed differently, not the same.

While I like the main message of this book, I will say that the delivery was somewhat lacking. The content was good, but it just isn't well written. Academic portions seemed to drag on, and the language isn't engaging. This was actually my 3rd attempt at this one, and I made it to the end by sheer will, despite liking and appreciating the message.

All things considered I would give the content a solid 4.5 stars, but taking a holistic view, I can't go over three stars. I plan on picking up a few additional titles by the same guys (Gallup research results) so they will get another chance...



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Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap... and Others Don't by Jim Collins

Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap... and Others Don't by Jim Collins

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I haven't handed out five stars in a long time. So how did this book get all five? Well, part of it might be that I haven't broken out of the Fantasy genre in a while, given my goal of getting through the Wheel of Time. Or maybe this is just a fantastic study on what makes companies great. Really great.



So the pros: This is a study put together with an approach that can only be called scientific for a topic that is so difficult to analyze quantitatively. That sounds pretty dry, I know. Yet it was very consumable. I had no trouble keeping my interest, and about 2/3 of the way through the book, when my attention started to wander, it ended right on time. The last third of the book held appendices a very helpful index, and basically a variety of a la carte data that backed up the main message of the book. It was very well put together.



The cons: I only have one con, and it is pretty weak. I look at the principles and think that there is room for a lot of personal application. I admit it doesn't fit in with the objective of the study, and any conclusions would be highly suspect, but I was left wanting. So it is my only con.



I recommend this to anyone who owns a business, works in a business, or is just plain interested in becoming not just good, but great at something. So that is just about everybody.

Knife of Dreams by Robert Jordan

Knife of Dreams by Robert Jordan

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


So after two months and about 30,000 airline miles I finally finished this one. It was a sheer act of will. The good news is that the delay was more due to my workload, the holidays, and my overall lack of time, not the book. Finally this series is picking up again! And some of my less-favorite plot lines are getting resolved! Hallelujah! I gave this a celebratory 4 stars for those two reasons alone.

Things I want to know at this point:
1. What is with all of the darkfriends everywhere? They need to start uniting so we can beat them up in the end.

2. Why can't Rand be straight with people? Yes, I know the abuse he has taken, the stress he is under, blah blah blah, but come on. This is a character who needs some serious counseling. He drives me nuts ( and I used to be a big fan.) I hope he snaps out of it and starts being more "normal" about his problems.

3. Remember when Egwene was being raised to Accepted and she had the vision where Rand is being held in the White Tower? Is that going to happen or not? If so, they should get on with it so we can move on toward more important matters. That has been hanging out in the back of my mind for like 8000 pages or so. A small, stupid thing, I know, but I thought I would complain about it.

Anyway, just some random thoughts. Book 12 is on my shelf at home, but I am tired of carrying a 3 pound hardcover around when I travel, so I am going to take a break for a bit (unless I can find a digital copy.) Not too long though. I'm already forgetting stuff, so I have to keep it moving. I am already wondering if I have to start with book 1 all over again when the last book comes out....


Re-read in 2016.