Hidden Moon

One day by chance I picked up a novel from the library with a unique caption Hidden Moon: An Inspector O Novel (Inspector O Novels)
. The setting of the novel was in North Korea, one of the third world countries which is still a bastion of communism and very anti-American. Having been to South Korea, I have heard stories of how life is in North Korea with the population always living under fear and secrecy pervading the society. I was very desirous of reading about life in North Korea and this novel seems to provide a window to look into this.

The novel was interesting from page 1 and kept me engrossed right till the end. Besides the top class narrative the novel did offer the exclusive peak into life in North Korea. The plot revolves around investigation of a bank robbery - "A rare occurance" and the difficulties Inspector O faces in the investigation. Rival security agencies also get involved as do foreigners and it is an interesting plot that is construed by the author.

Two Thumbs up.

The Heirs of Prophet Mohammdd

Sometime back I read the book The Heirs of the Prophet Muhammad: And the Roots of the Sunni-Shia Schism by Barnaby Rogerson.

This book gave a detailed account of the lives of Prophet Mohammad, his wifes and caliphs that followed him. It finally ends with how life of sons of Caliph Ali - Hasan and Husayn.

The book also provides some level of details of the differing perspectives existing among Shia's and Sunni's about the last hour of Prophet Mohammad's death.

Overall I rate it as an exciting book and worth reading for all those who are interested in knowing the history of Islam and its progress as a mainstream religion.

The Star Principle - How it can make you rich

Hi, I recently read the book The Star Principle: How It Can Make You Rich by Richard Koch.

In clear and easy english this book provides a regime for building your wealth, whether you are an investor, a businessman or an employee. This book would interest both the business professionals as well as the layman.

The basic premise of star principle is that you have to be a leader in your market and have annual growth at 10% per annum for many years. How such organizations benefit their employees, promoters and investers is then detailed out.

I enjoyed reading this book and recommend it to everyone.

The Management Gurus

Hi,

I recently read the book the The Management Gurus: Lessons from the Best Management Books of All Time . This book provides executive summaries of the following books:

1. Winning with People: Discover the People Principles that Work for You Every Time

2. Topgrading: How Leading Companies Win by Hiring, Coaching, and Keeping the Best People, Revised and Updated Edition

3. Jack Welch and The 4 E's of Leadership: How to Put GE's Leadership Formula to Work in Your Organizaion

4. The Leadership Challenge, 4th Edition

5. "Gods of Management" by Charles Handy

6. "Influencer" by Patterson, Grenny, Maxfield, et al

7. True North: Discover Your Authentic Leadership (J-B Warren Bennis Series)

8. "What Got You Here Won't Get You There" by Marshall Goldsmith with Mark Reiter

9. "Judgment" by Noel Tichy and Warren Bennis

10. "Small Giants" by Bo Burlingham

11. "Dealing with Darwin" by Geoffrey A. Moore

12. Wikinomics: How Mass Collaboration Changes Everything

13. "Managing Crises Before They Happen" by Mitroff and Anagnos

14. "The Leader of the Future" by Hesselbein, Goldsmith, and Beckhard

15. "The Next Global Stage" by Kenichi Ohmae

For executives crunched on time but wishing to update themselves with the latest lessons in leadership and management, this book is a great way to maximize their learning. While some may point out that it does not includes the books from the likes of Peter F Drucker , Jim Collins, Michael Porter, and Stephen R Covey in this list. While that may be so, the books included in the collection are mostly top class and provide a wide horizon of knowledge for the practicing manager and leaders.

I recommend all Managers and Leaders to go ahead and read this book if they are crunched on time or purchase the individual books.

Happy Reading.

To Know We're Loved : A Time to Love and a Time to Die

I recently read this book by Reshad Field. The book is about how everyone seek's love and how life is transformed when we come to know that we are loved and should be returning love in return to those close to us. 

The book also delves into aspects of detached love, compassionate living and awareness of all our actions and their impacts on the world around us. 

Citing example of the authors encounters with his guide, his life partner and another teacher John who dies with full consciousness and composure the books guides the reader to understand the transformative power of love. 

I enjoyed reading this book and hope others too will. 

-- 
Ashish Ganda
Sydney, Australia
http://makingsenseoftwitter.blogspot.com
http://divineexpressionblog.blogspot.com
http://myliterarypursuits.blogspot.com
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