BOOK REVIEW: DOING VIRTUOUS BUSINESS by Theodore Roosevelt Malloch

I have read better text books on business ethics than Doing Virtuous Business -The Remarkable Success of Spiritual Enterprise a book written by Theodore Roosevelt Malloch. Had I not agreed to complete a book review for Book Sneeze I would have stopped reading somewhere between chapter two and chapter three.  I don’t know what I expected however upon realizing this was just another book on business ethics I made the appropriate mental adjustments to my attitude and dug in.  I pressed forward looking for any redeeming qualities within the pages.

The book is an argument for Social Capitalism, the ability to make money in order to distribute wealth in a “moralistic” way.  One of the problems with the author’s argument is that most companies have community reinvestment projects on some level. The fact that these companies continue to make large profits and pocket the money into their own bank accounts is what seems to disqualify them from being “virtuous businesses”.

Injected in the book is faith which is what guides a business to make proper socially correct decisions. Unfortunately, though the author is a Christian, the reader is introduced to a variety of thoughts in order to validate a point that are not biblically based.

I have taken several ethics classes both work related and in school the books that I had to read were better able to present arguments for social responsibilities than what I have read. I would daresay that there will be many who will find this book enjoyable I am not one of them.  I do not recommend this book to my readers.   Marsha L. Randolph

This book was given to me free of charge from Book Sneeze in exchange for an honest review.

BOOK REVIEW: How To Write A Book Proposal by Michael Larsen

I received sample chapters of “How to Write a Book Proposal” by Michal Larson, 4^th Edition, courtesy of Book Sneeze.  As I devoured the information in the chapters I read I began to anxiously wait for my complimentary copy to come in the mail.  I literally went to my mailbox daily hoping the book would be there, I promised myself daily that from now on I would simply get the ebook. Yes, it is that good! I understand why it has sold over 100,000 copies.

I had to get over my disappointment when one week later than its’ anticipated arrival I received the 3^rd Edition. If there is any good news in the delay I now have a personal motive for reading the book, I want to obtain a publicist therefore I must write a book proposal  Comparing the first few chapters of the 3^rd edition with the 4^th edition I can see the differences and the improvements are for the better. Though I am disappointed that I did not get to review the 4^th edition the 3^rd edition of which I do have a copy of is more than good enough.

Michael Larsen along with his wife Elizabeth Pomada are established literary agents and use the information found in this book to help guide potential clients.  The book contains the answers to all of the questions I have as it pertains to writing a book proposal in an easy to use format. If you want to write a book, if you are writing a book, if you have written a book, before you do anything else read “how to write a book proposal” even if you are not looking for a representative.

As I mentioned before the book was provided to me by Book Sneeze in exchange for a review. For my regular readers I recommend this book.  book review written by Marsha Randolph

BOOK REVIEW: IT’S NOT ABOUT ME by Max Lucado

t is about you; it is about you and what you do with your life. Max Lucado’s newest book “It’s Not About Me” delves into the relationship we as believers can have with God. The book is divided into two parts. Part One explores the consistency of God and how He relates to us. Part two discusses our response to the unique relationship believers have with Him.
As I read the book what came to mind was how we cope with life’s ups and downs. Max Lucado writes: “Catch God in a bad mood? Won’t happen. Fear exhausting his grace? A sardine will swallow the Atlantic first. Think he’s given up on you? Wrong. Did he not make a promise to you.” Yet what is our response to life? It is not always consistent or just.
I have come to the conclusion that though the title states it is “not about” me it actually is about me, and you too. Our responses to change in life are in direct relation to our knowledge of who God is. Reading this book will give you a better appreciation of the power, glory and mercy of Father God and the tools to respond to life’s changes with God focused and not “me” focused solutions. I recommend anyone going through changes in life to read this book
This book was provided to me free of charge courtesy of BookSneeze in exchange for my honest opinion.

BOOK REVIEW: MONEY SECRETS OF THE AMISH by Lorilee Craker

“Money Secrets of the Amish” by Lorilee Craker is an excellent book on how each person can get their financial house in order and keep it in order. Filled with tips inspired by the Amish lifestyle Mrs. Craker shares her personal journey to a thriftier lifestyle.

I absolutely love this book it was easy to read and did not feel like a stern lecture being given by good ole’ Uncle Dave (Ramsey). In the past thirty years I have had one-on-one financial counseling, attended numerous workshops and seminars, and read multiple books on how to get out of debt. I honestly know ALL the rules of getting out of debt and I know the guidelines necessary for proper money management. Mrs. Craker did not lecture, cajole or belittle the reader just presented her observations, practical ways to live without spending lots of money.

In “Money Secrets of the Amish” the financial lifestyle of the Amish was converted to practical tips any “English” (non-Amish) could readily use. In a chapter entitled “”Operation De-spoil the Kids” there were ways to help teach children to become thrifty.

Developing an economically conscious lifestyle is a process. Even if you are part of Dave Ramsey University, have books on budgeting, or are not experiencing any financial difficulty this book is well worth the investment. As a final note: there are quite a few references to assist you in your journey to financial thriftiness. Yes I recommend this book.

This book was provided to me free courtesy of BookSneeze in exchange for an honest review. It was my pleasure.