Nonfiction Book Reviews

Page One of Two

Built to Last by Jim Collins and Jerry I. Porras

HarperBusiness, November, 2004
Hardcover, 342 pages
ISBN: 0060566108
Ordering information:
Amazon.com


Built to Last
by Jim Collins and Jerry I. Porras In Built to Last authors Jim Collins and Jerry I. Porras offer a look at what makes visionary companies so outstanding and successful. To determine what makes the winners tick, Collins and Porras compared highly successful companies like General Electric, 3M, Merck, Wal-Mark, Walt Disney and Boeing to a close competitor. For example, Sony is compared to Kenwood, Wal-Mart is compared to Ames and GE is compared to Westinghouse. Along the way Collins and Porras dispel some myths about what makes successful company. One of the most interesting myths that they dispel is the myth that you initially need a great product to becoming a visionary compay. They found that some of the best companies followed more of a trial and error process that eventually led to them creating many good and successful products. Another myth they dispel is the myth that only charismatic leaders can build visionary companies. The authors also take a close look at core ideologies in the companies, profitability and risk taking. Executives will get a lot out of this book as it also discusses the management and leadership practices inside the studied companies. The authors also offer great insights to investors that are always looking to find the next great visionary company. Highly recommended.


Emily Post's Etiquette, 17th Edition by Peggy Post

HarperCollins, November, 2004
Hardcover, 876 pages
ISBN: 0066209579
Ordering information:
Amazon.com


Emily Post's Etiquette
 by Peggy Post When one mentions the subject of etiquette, some people might wonder what use such an antiquated notion has today. How many people actually need to know all the various proper forms of address for the Queen of England, after all? But the truth is that etiquette is as important today as ever. Knowing what to do and say in virtually any social situation gives one confidence. The etiquette bible has always been Emily Post's Etiquette. Society has changed much since the first book was published in 1922. Luckily, Ms. Posts' granddaughter-in-law has carried on Emily Post's work; this 17th edition of Etiquette is the result -- and it is an absolutely invaluable book to have in one's home. Now with handy index tabs in the text, the book is the place to turn to find out what you are supposed to do in any conceivable life situation, from breaking up with someone to writing thank you notes, to handling another's illness, to giving gifts, to dealing with children (yours or other people's) to behaving and dressing appropriately at work. The new edition is totally up to date with all those questions of the digital age, such as etiquette for email, text messaging and even online dating. You'll be surprised how helpful this 800 page volume will be, and it would make the perfect gift for anyone of high school age and beyond.


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