A Reader’s Critique of To Train Up a Child
Two extremes in child training are prevalent in our day. The first is permissiveness. The modern idea was made popular by Dr. Spock, who taught that discipline hindered the child’s evolution. The other extreme is to spank the child for everything. As stated, these are both extremes and are not consistent with Scripture.
No Greater Joy, the ministry of Michael and Debi Pearl, began with the publication of their book To Train Up a Child back in 1994. Now, fifteen years later, the book has proven to be a best seller with over 650,000 in print. The book gives principles to train up rather than discipline up a child.
This is not a list of theoretical platitudes but sound advice, illustrated from real family situations and presented in a very readable format. The Pearls used this method in raising their own five children. They are now influencing their 14+ grandchildren with the same principles.
In the words of the Pearls themselves, one major goal of the books is, “no more raised voices, no contention, no bad attitudes, fewer spankings, a cheerful atmosphere in the home, and total obedience from your children”. Remember, this ‘too good to be true’ goal has been achieved by thousands of satisfied readers. As a matter of fact, questions and testimonies from readers brought about the magazine No Greater Joy. These articles are compiled into three volumes called No Greater Joy volumes one through three.
This is not a book of secret formulas never before unveiled. In the Pearls’ own words, “These truths are not new, deep insights from the professional world of research, but rather, the same principles the Amish use to train their stubborn mules, the same technique God uses to train His children. These principles are profoundly simple and extremely obvious. After examining them with us, you will say, ‘I knew that all along. Where have I been? It’s so obvious.’”
The emphasis of the book is found in the title, i.e. training. The book teaches parents how to train children before discipline is needed, maintaining fellowship with the children without being either a buddy or a tyrant.
Again, from the Pearls: “The stress will be gone and your obedient children will praise you and bring joy and peace into your home. Thousands have testified to the amazing results of these profoundly simple techniques”
The chapter titles include, among others, Selective Submission, Parental Anger, Safety Training, Emotional Control, Potty Training, Bullies, Self-Indulgence, and The Rod. Recently the book has been updated and expanded, yet the price is still very reasonable.
Responsible parents don’t want a fly-by-night approach to child rearing. They demand something that works. To Train Up a Child presents just that because it is based on proven Bible principles. If you are frustrated with your parenting skills or know someone who is, purchasing this little book may be just what you need.
Cunningly Clever Marketing by Andrew Wood
While searching for marketing books by Jay Conrad Levinson I stumbled across the book Cunningly Clever Marketing. Right there on the home page Cunningly Clever Marketing’s website was a review written by Jay Conrad Levinson stating how great the book was, so I asked myself “Why not give it a try” and ordered my copy from the site, I later found out it was available on Amazon.
Shipping
The book made it to my home very quickly, 4 days after I ordered it and it was shipped via FedEx. So far this marketing company is off to a good start. Usually when I place an order for a book directly from its own website it is shipped via USPS and the book comes in destroyed.
Design
I immediately noticed the front cover. It is a marketing book with a large fox on the front cover. Clever marketing cover or stupid designer? I’m going to go with clever marketing cover since the book is called Cunningly Clever Marketing.
At 416 pages of glossy paper, the book is incredibly heavy. You could probably use it as a brick to break out someone’s store front window. If you have locked your keys in your car and happened to be carrying Cunningly Clever Marketing, don’t call a locksmith to come unlock the car. Take that book out and smash through the window. If this book was worth its weight in gold you would be a millionaire!
All kidding aside, you can’t judge a book by its cover (or it’s weight) and I decided to sit down and open the book up and get reading.
Contents
You can tell the book is self published by the massive amounts of spelling errors throughout the book, however that is the only down fall to this marketing book. Andrew Wood is an absolute genius and this book has become my official marketing hand book and will sit on my desk for years to come. The book contains mountains of marketing information compiled into easy to read short chapters. Have a question about running a direct mail campaign to generate leads? Read Chapter 63. Need to come up with a unique selling proposition (USP) for your new business? Read chapter 10 which contains all the information you will need on unique selling propositions.
Cunningly Clever Marketing kicks the standard for all marketing books up a notch. There is simply not another marketing book that I have read that contains as much information into an easy to read book. From email marketing to unique selling propositions to building websites. This book contains it all.
Final Opinion
Cunningly Clever Marketing by Andrew Wood is an absolute must read for anyone in the marketing industry. As I said earlier in this review, this book has become my marketing hand book, and I’m sure that after you read it, it will become yours as well. I would go as far as saying Cunningly Clever Marketing is one of the best marketing books written in a long time
To get your copy of Cunningly Clever Marketing go to www.CunninglyCleverMarketing.com .
Learn Spanish from an Audio Book
Learning a Language the Easy Way
We have all travelled abroad at some time in our life, or maybe we have had the opportunity to entertain someone from another country and no doubt, we have mused at the perennial question, why is it, that most people from foreign climes can speak at least a modest amount of English. Yet, people from English speaking countries still struggle, with their native language, let alone, learn a foreign language.
Many of my friends live at least part of the year in France and Spain. Learning to speak Spanish, for instance, has suddenly become very popular with the ex-pats who now live out their lives in central and coastal Spain. One of the things they have to consider, but often overlook is learning Spanish. Spain is one of the most visited countries with holiday makers from the UK and beyond. Since the European Union came into existence, countries that were only names on a map are now far more accessible and have become holiday and tourist destinations.
Despite all these changes, only a few people will take the time and trouble to learn the language of their host nation, what a shame because without the knowledge and vocabulary of the local language you are never fully able to enjoy the customs of the country, its history and its people. How could you go to the local market and haggle for your daily produce unless you are able to converse with the local traders on a one to one level and understand their way of doing business. It is a great help for visitors, if they can converse with the local population in their own language.
You ask most people why they don’t take the trouble to learn the language of their host nation and most will tell you, I don’t have the time, or it is too complicated and I will never get the understanding of the new language; and yet learning a new language can be relatively painless, enjoyable and fun.
Consider this, more people in the world than ever before can speak English and yet English is considered one of the most difficult and time consuming languages to learn and fully understand. So why is it, people from abroad can take the time and trouble to learn our language and we do not reciprocate by at least attempting to learn theirs.
They say a long march starts with the first small step and the same is true about learning to speak another language. Of course you are not going to learn overnight, but with a little planning, a bit of practise and some good old fashioned determination anybody, yes, anybody is capable of mastering a new language. How long it takes is up to you, it can take as long or as little time as you desire, remember the more time and effort you put into it now will pay dividends later and will increase you enjoyment and satisfaction as you get to grips with the learning process.
A good way to start your learning; is to download an audio book and here, I would recommend Pimsleur, but of course there are many others to choose from. Listen and learn whenever you have a free moment or when you are relaxing, with the right audio equipment and the audio learning book downloaded you are ready to go. You can start by choosing an audio today to help you learn a new language and have fun at the same time.
The 30 Day Challenge Harkens Fresh Attention to Karl Moore’s Books
Karl Moore has written best selling books on the “dot net” platform for computer programmers working on web business solutions. Most people know him, though for his inspiration writings, especially his widely followed inspirational books and blog.
This year Moore is also working on the annual 30 Day Challenge (#30dc, as it is known to the insiders). Although the number of people who have joined this year’s even is unannounced, last year there were over fifty thousand participants. Moore can expect to gain even more followers, due to his participation as an instructor in the challenge.
Moore has written three inspirational and motivation books. One is the very popular 18 Rules of Happiness. This book is available in paperback or you can buy the version on an audio cd.
Another among Moore’s three highly popular motivating, inspirational books is the aptly named The Little Book of Inspiration. It actually will fit in your pocket, which is a great bonus. The book’s description says, “From Churchill to Disney, discover the wisdom that helps motivate Karl on a daily basis…” This small book has brought genuine joy to so many readers.
Moore’s other two books have gained as much popularity. Many of his fans are fervent followers, own all three and read his blog regularly.
The Thirty Day Challenge is designed for those who have dreamed of starting an online business. It is a free training program.
The newcomers to Internet marketing are treated to video versions of his inspiring daily commentaries. Each addresses a particular mental challenge presented by the day’s intructional objectives that are part of the Thirty Day Challenge. His soothing while enthusiastic voice is sure to gain him even more followers.
Karl Moore is destined to find even more success after his association with Ed Dale’s popular business training program. His is a name to remember. Remember that you read it here, first.
Literary Agent at Venture Literary
What makes your organization different than any other? I consider us a very full-service agency, focusing not just on the sale of the book but an author’s overall career as well. I also think that we’re good at thinking creatively—putting the 9/11 report in graphic form, for example.
What are you looking for specifically that you wish you would see more of? I have been looking for the novel, which is hybrid intelligent, literary style and charming plot. Like a book of Lionel Shriver, for example, we need to talk about Kevin, I read a sitting, still can not forget. And I’m always captivated by a strong voice, whether it’s nonfiction or new fiction book. My favorite novel this month on the 1st from the dial-up news: Kyle Beachy slides. And I feel very passionate about my clients’ nonfiction titles: The Lolita Effect: The Media Sexualization of Young Girls and What We Can Do About It by M. Gigi Durham, this is a mandatory read for every parent, and the Hump: the true story, the child’s gender is totally entertainment Ford, Kimberly-Clark (and titillating) changed. In our institutions, we are dealing with a wide range of genres: narrative documentary, sports, business, biography, politics, history, novels, parenting, pop culture, public health.
What are you tired of receiving? I feel like we see a lot of queries for thrillers, and they all sound a little bit the same to me, so I’d love to see some kind of fresh, smart, character-driven thriller novels. I also think I have reached my saturation point with the addiction memoir; I think this must be restored, you have to write memoirs, because I feel a lot of questions about what addiction and recovery.
How can you pay attention to new writers a good way? The best way to get my attention is to write a decent query letter. It’s amazing how many people don’t know how to do this, so a good letter really stands out. I think having published credits, whether it’s short fiction novel in journals or newspaper or magazine stories, is always going to get my attention. I like the idea of growing a writer… Find them in literary magazines, the sale of their first book, and then later all the books. Finally, this is a people business, but also bring more personality than most writers achieve. Therefore, in addition to the search for new talent and the market, I also hope some people I would like to work with him I will be able to easily communicate, who will make the process fun and enjoyment. Life is too short for anything less.