Book Reviews

A person needs to read, listen to music, walk in the woods, do an athletic activity, and build all around health. I'm going to list books that I've read that were helpful to me in some way or were just fun reading. Opinions vary so you might want to check these from the library before buying. Heh.

Reviews on amazon.com are linked where possible.

Execution- by Larry Bossidy & Ram Charan
(Work flow and efficiency)
Pretty good book about work flow and efficiency and how to achieve it in the workplace.

Grasping God's Word- by J. Daniel Hays, J. Scott Duvall
(Bible Study How-To)
This is the best book I've ever seen that teaches methods of Bible study. It shows you in depth how to do everything from wide-view book study to minute-detail word breakdown and everything in between. It's actually used at a text book at a Seminary here.

Designing A Digital Portfolio - by Cynthia L. Baron
(Personal Art Portfolio)
A good starting place for people looking to design a digital portfolio. Even those who have some experience will find nuggets of useful information on organizing and presenting a body of work.

How To Cheat In Photoshop - by Steve Caplin
(Photoshop)
I'm a Photoshop geek and really enjoy books with well explained methods to new things. Lots of good "cheats" here including excellent tips on compositing like working with wrinkles, vanishing point, texture conversion, and a bunch of other goodies.

Surreal Digital Photography - by Barry Higgins, Ian Probert
(Photoshop)
Crazy compositing ideas and methods. This book helped me push the envelope for compositing images. Rarely is a photo what you want it to be without changing something. The projects in this book are interesting but the ideas I got while reading the book were worth the price of the book.

Podcast Solutions - by Michael Geoghegan, Dan Klass
(Podcasting)
This book has rave reviews on amazon.com so I checked it out at my local bookstore. This is the most thorough book on podcasting that I've found anywhere. It covers everything from microphone selection, program design, and software, to turning your podcast into a profitable venture.

Ordering Your Private World - Gordon Macdonald
(Self-Improvement)
A book on achieving balance in your life by taking charge of your inner being and your personal life. Great Christian insights on topics like eliminating wasted time, hearing the voice of God, and personal growth.

Six Not So Easy Pieces -Richard Feynman (Physics)
Feynman discusses Einstein's Theory of Relativity, curved space, symmetry in the universe and light speed travel.

A New Brand World - Scott Bedbury (Branding)
Bedbury took Starbucks from a small chain to global powerhouse and was responsible for Nike's "Just Do It" campaign. Tremendous wisdom where branding is concerned.

The Five Dysfunctions of a Team - Patrick Lencioni (Leadership)
A leadership fable designed to explain the five biggest breakdowns in modern day teams. Relevant for any group in any setting.

Death by Meeting - Patrick Lencioni (Leadership)
Another leadership fable about the problems with stereotypical meetings. This book explains how to add punch, excitement, and efficiency to your meetings.

Creative Photoshop Lighting Techniques - Barry Huggins
Creating artificial lighting with Photoshop's light tools. Some effects are very easy, some very difficult, but all are useful. A new way for a Photoshop user to consider using its powerful tools.

Total Immersion Swimming - Terry Laughlin
Revolutionary swimming theory. I've read it three times and learn something every time. Plus, my swimming efficiency is 50% better than it was before this book. Unbelievable.