The Man Who Planted Trees is a thoroughly enchanting book by Jean Giono. The book is charmingly illustrated by Vanessa Capela.
Who was Jean Giono? He was born in 1895 to an ordinary family of somewhat modest means in Manosque, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence in France.
He started working in a bank when he became 16, but he continued with his deep and abiding passion for reading the great classical works of literature.
At the outbreak of the Great War he left the bank as he was called up for military duty.
The dreadful suffering he witnessed during his time during that terrible war turned him into a life-long pacifist.
A year after the end of the war, 1919, he returned to his duties at the bank. Within a year he had married a childhood sweetheart and together they had two children.
Success as a novelist came to him when, in 1929, he published his first novel, Colline. A year later he left the bank, this time for good, concentrating on writing full-time.
He went on to write 30 novels, numerous stories and essays.
The book for which he is probably best known for outside his native France is this book, The Man Who Planted Trees.
It's a charming, optimistic and hopeful story which relates how a man brings a deserted valley back to life by simply planting trees in it.
It reflects the lifelong love that he had of the natural world and his concerns pre-date the fashionable green movement by many decades.
This book is a masterpiece of storytelling. It is another book I shall recommend as a Christmas present.
You simply must read this book. As for me? I think I shall plant a tree, or three... In fact, if your buy this book, a tree has already been planted for you.
It is published by Far Away books www.farfarawaybooks.com
Book review blog site, with some entertainment material from time-to-time.
Showing posts with label book. Show all posts
Showing posts with label book. Show all posts
Saturday 26 November 2011
The Three Little Pigs, retold
The Three Little Pigs is here retold and illustrated by Little Red Riding Hood.
See The Three Little Pigs as you have probably never quite envisioned them, as they meet the challenges from the Big Bad Wolf who wants to eat the three little pigs all up!
It's all here, the foolish pig, who builds a house of straw, the not particularly smart little pig who builds a house of sticks and the rather clever little pig who builds a far more substantial house of bricks.
It is published (piglished?) in hardback by Far Far Away Books the ISBN is 978-989-8441-00-3.
The book is part of the Plant for the Planet series a Billion Tree Campaign aided by the UN Environment Programme. So when you buy this book, you are planting a tree.
www.farfarawaybooks.com
The cost quoted on the website is $15.00 + $3.00 postage.
See The Three Little Pigs as you have probably never quite envisioned them, as they meet the challenges from the Big Bad Wolf who wants to eat the three little pigs all up!
It's all here, the foolish pig, who builds a house of straw, the not particularly smart little pig who builds a house of sticks and the rather clever little pig who builds a far more substantial house of bricks.
It is published (piglished?) in hardback by Far Far Away Books the ISBN is 978-989-8441-00-3.
The book is part of the Plant for the Planet series a Billion Tree Campaign aided by the UN Environment Programme. So when you buy this book, you are planting a tree.
www.farfarawaybooks.com
The cost quoted on the website is $15.00 + $3.00 postage.
Matilda's Secret
Matilda's Secret is a novel by Sandra Goldbacher and it is a part of the "A Girl for all Time Book" series.
Matilda Marchmont is thirteen, she comes from Norfolk. Her life is pleasant, but it must be admitted, a little dull, at times. She rides her horse, is allowed to mix medicines for her family (she likes to pretend to herself that she is a witch!) and writing in her secret diary. In fact she wrote "Nothing exciting will ever happen to me."
She longed for something exciting to happen. She felt somewhat envious of the life of glamour and excitement enjoyed by her cousin Katherine Howard. Because Katherine lived at court, Katherine was really, really fashionable! Oh, how she longed to be more like her lucky, fortunate cousin!
Then, one fateful night, something exciting, something quite unthinkable happens to Matilda! She is despatched to live at the Royal Court, too. She is to become a lady-in-waiting, but she will be more than a 'mere' lady-in-waiting. For she is to become a spy in a potentially dangerous mission to help further the chances of her cousin becoming the wife of King Henry VIII!
Matilda does become drawn into the kind of glittering, glamorous lifestyle that she had longed and craved for. But at what cost to herself? For as well as the glamour and the friendships, she finds herself facing great dangers that she could never have imagined deep in the rural Norfolk of 1540!
Her journey takes her from Hampton Court Palace to what was probably the most dangerous place in the whole of the British Isles at that time, the Bloody Tower itself!
The book is very well written and captures what it must have been like to live in the turbulent times of King Henry VIII.
Matilda is the first in the A Girl For All Time series of dolls, novels and keepsake books, and will make fantastic Christmas gifts for little girls all over the world!
The next book is about Amelia Elliot, a young Victorian girl. And at age thirteen, Amelia is about to inherit something very interesting. Matilda's trunk, that is filled with treasures that will change young Amelia's life!
The book costs £6.99 ISBN 978-0-9567200-0-9
Matilda Marchmont is thirteen, she comes from Norfolk. Her life is pleasant, but it must be admitted, a little dull, at times. She rides her horse, is allowed to mix medicines for her family (she likes to pretend to herself that she is a witch!) and writing in her secret diary. In fact she wrote "Nothing exciting will ever happen to me."
She longed for something exciting to happen. She felt somewhat envious of the life of glamour and excitement enjoyed by her cousin Katherine Howard. Because Katherine lived at court, Katherine was really, really fashionable! Oh, how she longed to be more like her lucky, fortunate cousin!
Then, one fateful night, something exciting, something quite unthinkable happens to Matilda! She is despatched to live at the Royal Court, too. She is to become a lady-in-waiting, but she will be more than a 'mere' lady-in-waiting. For she is to become a spy in a potentially dangerous mission to help further the chances of her cousin becoming the wife of King Henry VIII!
Matilda does become drawn into the kind of glittering, glamorous lifestyle that she had longed and craved for. But at what cost to herself? For as well as the glamour and the friendships, she finds herself facing great dangers that she could never have imagined deep in the rural Norfolk of 1540!
Her journey takes her from Hampton Court Palace to what was probably the most dangerous place in the whole of the British Isles at that time, the Bloody Tower itself!
The book is very well written and captures what it must have been like to live in the turbulent times of King Henry VIII.
Matilda is the first in the A Girl For All Time series of dolls, novels and keepsake books, and will make fantastic Christmas gifts for little girls all over the world!
The next book is about Amelia Elliot, a young Victorian girl. And at age thirteen, Amelia is about to inherit something very interesting. Matilda's trunk, that is filled with treasures that will change young Amelia's life!
The book costs £6.99 ISBN 978-0-9567200-0-9
Monday 7 November 2011
No Time for Theory? New book explore simple stratergies for influence
With the ability to influence others in the world of business becoming increasingly vital, the launch of Advocates & Enemies: How to build practical strategies to influence your stakeholders (www.advocatesandenemies.com/pr) is a must have read for anyone wanting to succeed and build powerful relationships that really work.
With 77% of respondents of a recent survey admitting finding it difficult to influence individuals, 74% struggling with groups, and most reporting networking as their biggest deficiency when it comes to influence, Advocates & Enemies could hold the key to change.
Packed full of simple and practical ideas, this easy read book is less about theoretical concepts and more focussed on looking ataccelerating progress so achievements and goals are met, and met quickly. It’s all about people using their influencing skills in simple ways in order to succeed.
Colin Gautrey, author of Advocates & Enemies, said, “The approach I’ve developed over the years and now explored in my third book, is a simple process of focusing on a specific objective; identifying who can help or hinder your achievement and then analysing them in terms of a. their agreement with your goal and b. the quality of the relationship you have with them”.
He added, “The book is perfect for anyone who is too busy to read lots of theory and wants to get on and develop a strategy for achieving goals and building strong networks – fast! In many ways people are generally quite good at building relationships but falter when it comes to focusing where it matters most – with key stakeholders. They also seem to struggle when it comes to getting out there with people they don’t know very well. Advocates & Enemies can help them change this so they can create stronger business relationships that really perform”.
Damian Hughes, author of Liquid Thinking, added: "This is a book which contains some simple yet profound truths about our ability to persuade and influence others. It is an important book and its impact should be immense.”
For more information visit: http://www.advocatesandenemies.com/pr
With 77% of respondents of a recent survey admitting finding it difficult to influence individuals, 74% struggling with groups, and most reporting networking as their biggest deficiency when it comes to influence, Advocates & Enemies could hold the key to change.
Packed full of simple and practical ideas, this easy read book is less about theoretical concepts and more focussed on looking ataccelerating progress so achievements and goals are met, and met quickly. It’s all about people using their influencing skills in simple ways in order to succeed.
Colin Gautrey, author of Advocates & Enemies, said, “The approach I’ve developed over the years and now explored in my third book, is a simple process of focusing on a specific objective; identifying who can help or hinder your achievement and then analysing them in terms of a. their agreement with your goal and b. the quality of the relationship you have with them”.
He added, “The book is perfect for anyone who is too busy to read lots of theory and wants to get on and develop a strategy for achieving goals and building strong networks – fast! In many ways people are generally quite good at building relationships but falter when it comes to focusing where it matters most – with key stakeholders. They also seem to struggle when it comes to getting out there with people they don’t know very well. Advocates & Enemies can help them change this so they can create stronger business relationships that really perform”.
Damian Hughes, author of Liquid Thinking, added: "This is a book which contains some simple yet profound truths about our ability to persuade and influence others. It is an important book and its impact should be immense.”
For more information visit: http://www.advocatesandenemies.com/pr
Friday 4 November 2011
Embezzled Love
That's Books Loved this video promo so much that we decided to run it on That's Books!
Wednesday 19 October 2011
A Prayer for the Wild at Heart
A Prayer for the Wild at Heart is an absolutely delightful book that will make an ideal present for the person who loves cats.
It is a collection of photographs of cats and kitties. Some cute, some who although looking as if they are a street cat who would not mind going for a few rounds in the ring of life look as if they, too, would enjoy the odd tickle behind the ear, before perhaps biffing you one for your gross impertinence!
The page facing the cat photographs are filled with an extract from the works of a poet or an author (Wordsworth, Wilde, Kipling, Hesse, Calvino, Hood, etc) politicians (Carter, Jefferson, etc) and Philosophers and thinkers like Ruskin, Howard, Locke,Verne, Lao Tzu) and humorists (Twain, Billings, Chaplin, etc) .
It is a modestly sized hardback book that is well presented and well finished. The perfect sticking filler.
It costs £6.99 and is published by Bound Originals and SPANA, the Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad which, since 1923, has been raising funds to provide free veterinary care, welfare work and training around the world.
The book is edited by Lucy Duckworth and the ISBN is 978-1-906181-08-6.
EDITOR:, If you buy direct from SPANA, you only pay £5.50 and the money raised by the sales go to help SPANA http://spana.org
It is a collection of photographs of cats and kitties. Some cute, some who although looking as if they are a street cat who would not mind going for a few rounds in the ring of life look as if they, too, would enjoy the odd tickle behind the ear, before perhaps biffing you one for your gross impertinence!
The page facing the cat photographs are filled with an extract from the works of a poet or an author (Wordsworth, Wilde, Kipling, Hesse, Calvino, Hood, etc) politicians (Carter, Jefferson, etc) and Philosophers and thinkers like Ruskin, Howard, Locke,Verne, Lao Tzu) and humorists (Twain, Billings, Chaplin, etc) .
It is a modestly sized hardback book that is well presented and well finished. The perfect sticking filler.
It costs £6.99 and is published by Bound Originals and SPANA, the Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad which, since 1923, has been raising funds to provide free veterinary care, welfare work and training around the world.
The book is edited by Lucy Duckworth and the ISBN is 978-1-906181-08-6.
EDITOR:, If you buy direct from SPANA, you only pay £5.50 and the money raised by the sales go to help SPANA http://spana.org
Tuesday 11 October 2011
Hip new self-transformational book from life coach Gabrielle Bernstein – she has wowed the US and is the new role model in how to feel good
‘So long, Carrie Bradshaw- there's a new role model for go-getting thirty somethings. Gabrielle Bernstein is doling out inner peace and self-love for the postmodern spiritual set.’ ELLE Magazine
‘This woman will make you smile. Forget what you thought you knew about 'self help'. Life coach Gabrielle Bernstein has wowed the US - and now she's hit the UK to unleash a happy new you... a role model in how to feel good.’ Glamour Magazine
‘Zen bombshell Gabrielle Bernstein has been pegged the Dalai Lama for the Gossip Girl set.’ Huffington Post
How does a New York City publicist and party girl turn into a guru for the next generation? In her new book, SPIRIT JUNKIE: A Radical Road to Discovering Self-Love and Miracles (October 2011), Gabrielle Bernstein shares the story of how she transformed her life, offering her spiritual journey as a guidebook for overcoming fear, changing perceptions, and creating a life you’re psyched to wake up for.
Though still young (now thirty-one) and still rocking her Louboutins, Bernstein has traded self-doubt and addiction for a new kind of high. In 2005 she became a student of A Course in Miracles, and since then she has been guided to translate and teach those spiritual principles to the next generation.
In the US Gabrielle has established herself as a mentor and spiritual big sister to young women nationwide, who these days are more interested in green juice, yoga, and meditation than nightclubs and the latest fashion trends. Her position as a leader in the new spiritual movement has been further cemented via her worldwide lecture circuit, weekly blogs (on GabbyB.TV), life coaching work with thousands, and her online presence as the founder of HerFuture.com, a social networking site dedicated to helping women find mentors.
In this hip self-transformational book, Bernstein shows how to make happiness a way of life and shares the life-changing lessons that she has lived and learned in the hope that other young women will be guided to do the same. SPIRIT JUNKIE shows readers how to tap into their own spirit in their search for happiness. This is not a book on how to get happiness; rather it’s a guide to releasing the blocks to the happiness that already lives inside.
SPIRIT JUNKIE : A Radical Road to Discovering Self-Love and Miracles by Gabrielle Bernstein. Published by Hay House, 3rd October 2011, £10.99 pb, also available as an e-book
Download the book jacket image
Download an image of Gabrielle
Link to the Spirit Junkie video trailer
Also by Gabrielle Bernstein:
Medidating: Meditations for Fearless Romance (November). An hour-long guided meditation CD to help you release romantic illusions, overcome fears and insecurities, activate your attracting power and manifest love into your life.
‘This woman will make you smile. Forget what you thought you knew about 'self help'. Life coach Gabrielle Bernstein has wowed the US - and now she's hit the UK to unleash a happy new you... a role model in how to feel good.’ Glamour Magazine
‘Zen bombshell Gabrielle Bernstein has been pegged the Dalai Lama for the Gossip Girl set.’ Huffington Post
How does a New York City publicist and party girl turn into a guru for the next generation? In her new book, SPIRIT JUNKIE: A Radical Road to Discovering Self-Love and Miracles (October 2011), Gabrielle Bernstein shares the story of how she transformed her life, offering her spiritual journey as a guidebook for overcoming fear, changing perceptions, and creating a life you’re psyched to wake up for.
Though still young (now thirty-one) and still rocking her Louboutins, Bernstein has traded self-doubt and addiction for a new kind of high. In 2005 she became a student of A Course in Miracles, and since then she has been guided to translate and teach those spiritual principles to the next generation.
In the US Gabrielle has established herself as a mentor and spiritual big sister to young women nationwide, who these days are more interested in green juice, yoga, and meditation than nightclubs and the latest fashion trends. Her position as a leader in the new spiritual movement has been further cemented via her worldwide lecture circuit, weekly blogs (on GabbyB.TV), life coaching work with thousands, and her online presence as the founder of HerFuture.com, a social networking site dedicated to helping women find mentors.
In this hip self-transformational book, Bernstein shows how to make happiness a way of life and shares the life-changing lessons that she has lived and learned in the hope that other young women will be guided to do the same. SPIRIT JUNKIE shows readers how to tap into their own spirit in their search for happiness. This is not a book on how to get happiness; rather it’s a guide to releasing the blocks to the happiness that already lives inside.
SPIRIT JUNKIE : A Radical Road to Discovering Self-Love and Miracles by Gabrielle Bernstein. Published by Hay House, 3rd October 2011, £10.99 pb, also available as an e-book
Download the book jacket image
Download an image of Gabrielle
Link to the Spirit Junkie video trailer
Also by Gabrielle Bernstein:
Medidating: Meditations for Fearless Romance (November). An hour-long guided meditation CD to help you release romantic illusions, overcome fears and insecurities, activate your attracting power and manifest love into your life.
Tuesday 16 August 2011
The Enchantless Tale Of Lizzy Cropwell
In the Post-enchanted fairytale kingdom of 'Roc' stands the 'Academy of Happy Ever After' - a place where students train to become the next generation of dashing heroes and fair maidens, complete with certificates and credentials for a ready-made happy ever after.
Elizabeth Marianne Cropwell, a struggling princess-to-be, is in trouble regarding her academic progress. Following a freak mishap with a tax-dodging frog, Lizzy's graduation now depends on her both becoming a Fair Maiden and being rescued by a dashing Hero... without the academy's safety net.
Assisted by her companions, an illegal helpline, a resourceful shrubbery and a horde of disenfranchised toads, Lizzy sets out to prove the academy wrong, live out her fantasies and bring about a happy ending her own way.
But this is easier said than done - and Lizzy's mission risks exposing a dark and sinister secret that could destroy the concept of 'happy endings' forever...
Elizabeth Marianne Cropwell, a struggling princess-to-be, is in trouble regarding her academic progress. Following a freak mishap with a tax-dodging frog, Lizzy's graduation now depends on her both becoming a Fair Maiden and being rescued by a dashing Hero... without the academy's safety net.
Assisted by her companions, an illegal helpline, a resourceful shrubbery and a horde of disenfranchised toads, Lizzy sets out to prove the academy wrong, live out her fantasies and bring about a happy ending her own way.
But this is easier said than done - and Lizzy's mission risks exposing a dark and sinister secret that could destroy the concept of 'happy endings' forever...
FACTFILE:
About the Author: James Sane (born Dec. 25, 1985) grew up in Nottingham, England. In 2004 he attended Stirling University, where he began writing The Enchantless Tale of Lizzy Cropwell as a wedding present for his sister. In 2008 he graduated with a degree in History, Religious Studies and Professional Education and currently teaches History at secondary schools in Aberdeenshire, including Peterhead and Banff.
Recent [customer] Reviews:
www.Amazon.co.uk
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic!, 9 Jun 2011
By Mrs. Lindsay P. Tonner "Mrs T" (Shetland)
I totally loved this book! It's not my usual genre but I gave it a go. There are a lot of points where you think you know how the story will go, but the author manage to trick you at every turn. Lizzy's journey is fantastic (in every sense of the word), the story is laugh out loud funny, sometimes sad but always brilliant! Where does the author get his ideas from? I think he's a genius. i must admit I was a bit skeptical about a male author writing the talke of a young woman (I always am and always think they will fail) but in this case I was pleasantly surprised. What a fab debut! I can't wait to read the sequel!!
www.Amazon.com
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant, June 8, 2011
By Annie Bird
I thought it was a very witty book for a debut. It is quick, and although aimed at a younger audience, adults will revel in it equally! It is anything but predictable and is an original piece of writing. Best début book I've read in ages.
Www.Amazon.com
4.0 out of 5 stars An Enchanting Tale..., June 5, 2011
By LiaLil
While "The Enchantless Tales of Lizzy Cropwell" is primarily geared towards young adults, I reveled in it's updated moral of "girl-power" nonetheless. I found myself wandering dangerously off the Path of Safety, around The Tree of Knowledge, and questioning authority in general, right along with Lizzy and company.
Not your average "tween" fare of castles, hunky boys and predictability, Mr. Sane's adventure "zigs" when you're sure the story line is going to "zag" right, offering up, not one unlikely heroine... but several. At times heartbreaking, others laugh-out-loud funny, but inspired throughout. A fun read, for anyone at any age.
Title: The Enchantless Tale of Lizzy Cropwell
Genre: Fiction/ Fantasy
ISBN-10: 0755206630
ISBN-13: 978-0755206636
ASIN: B005C491NG [Kindle]
(RRP) £7.99 [paperback] £4.54 [Kindle]
Publishers details:
Authorsonline ltd [www.Authorsonline.co.uk]
Size: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches (216 pages)
About the Author: James Sane (born Dec. 25, 1985) grew up in Nottingham, England. In 2004 he attended Stirling University, where he began writing The Enchantless Tale of Lizzy Cropwell as a wedding present for his sister. In 2008 he graduated with a degree in History, Religious Studies and Professional Education and currently teaches History at secondary schools in Aberdeenshire, including Peterhead and Banff.
Recent [customer] Reviews:
www.Amazon.co.uk
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic!, 9 Jun 2011
By Mrs. Lindsay P. Tonner "Mrs T" (Shetland)
I totally loved this book! It's not my usual genre but I gave it a go. There are a lot of points where you think you know how the story will go, but the author manage to trick you at every turn. Lizzy's journey is fantastic (in every sense of the word), the story is laugh out loud funny, sometimes sad but always brilliant! Where does the author get his ideas from? I think he's a genius. i must admit I was a bit skeptical about a male author writing the talke of a young woman (I always am and always think they will fail) but in this case I was pleasantly surprised. What a fab debut! I can't wait to read the sequel!!
www.Amazon.com
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant, June 8, 2011
By Annie Bird
I thought it was a very witty book for a debut. It is quick, and although aimed at a younger audience, adults will revel in it equally! It is anything but predictable and is an original piece of writing. Best début book I've read in ages.
Www.Amazon.com
4.0 out of 5 stars An Enchanting Tale..., June 5, 2011
By LiaLil
While "The Enchantless Tales of Lizzy Cropwell" is primarily geared towards young adults, I reveled in it's updated moral of "girl-power" nonetheless. I found myself wandering dangerously off the Path of Safety, around The Tree of Knowledge, and questioning authority in general, right along with Lizzy and company.
Not your average "tween" fare of castles, hunky boys and predictability, Mr. Sane's adventure "zigs" when you're sure the story line is going to "zag" right, offering up, not one unlikely heroine... but several. At times heartbreaking, others laugh-out-loud funny, but inspired throughout. A fun read, for anyone at any age.
Title: The Enchantless Tale of Lizzy Cropwell
Genre: Fiction/ Fantasy
ISBN-10: 0755206630
ISBN-13: 978-0755206636
ASIN: B005C491NG [Kindle]
(RRP) £7.99 [paperback] £4.54 [Kindle]
Publishers details:
Authorsonline ltd [www.Authorsonline.co.uk]
Size: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches (216 pages)
(PLEASE NOTE: This book and many other books are available via the That's Books Amazon Shop link to the right of this article)
Wednesday 20 July 2011
Controversial new books by Strand Publishing
Tragedy Of Deception’ by Humayun Niaz - ISBN 9781907340130
This is a true and first hand story of the last days of Taleban rule in Afghanistan as witnessed through the eyes of a neutral and ordinary person. This honest account brings out the true nature of things, as they occurred not withstanding what was reported in the press. The writer makes one amazing revelation after another recalling a series of credible events and makes use of contemporary photographic images in support of his claims. The irony of the story will be evident to most people after reading this account, although separating fact from fiction is never easy, and in the case of Afghanistan this is even more so.
Indeed Afghanistan is never far from the limelight, acting as a playground for another Great Game that has already started and has a long way to go. The last one was played out in the 19th Century, between the British and Russian Empires vying for supremacy in Central Asia - this time the players may be different but the ground is the same.
An eye opening and must read book for all those interested in recent global events which may change the course of history and have an impact on people all over the world; and those of us searching for common sense that is unfortunately not so very common nowadays!
The Assassins Code by Christopher Chance - ISBN 9781907340123
The main character Christopher ‘Arrow’ Arrowsmith joined Special Forces to see action. Unfortunately, he picked one of the worst moments of the Twentieth Century in which to see it. Middle East tensions are on the rise and Ireland is a time bomb waiting to explode. He is sucked into the secret world of undercover intelligence, and a terrible violence is preparing to rip the country he loves apart, feeding a frenzy of bloodlust that threatens the very survival of his nation’s way of life as unholy alliances are forged.
Journey with ‘Arrow’ as he finds friends in unlikely places and encounters enemies where he should be safe. Possessing a ‘licence to kill’ and with only his lethal skills to guide and protect him, he must cultivate friends in the strangest of places travelling across continents and oceans in his quest to remove the enemies of his Motherland. Adventure, subterfuge, suspense, eroticism, bloodletting and characters to die for: its all here, an engrossing page by page journey by an abrasive, new heroic Brit, initially manipulated by the shadowy chiefs of the British Secret Intelligence Service, but slips his noose in Afghanistan to become a hero to the Mujahideen, the IRA and the British Establishment simultaneously. Everyone who dies in this amazing book is real!
The author is ex Special Forces and expert in martial arts and weaponry with extensive experience in the field of undercover intelligence.
The Challenge Of Reality’ by Sultan Bashir Mahmood - ISBN 9781907340048
This book is a fine contribution to the Existence of God, providing evidence with the help of science and supported with coloured images throughout; essential reading for all those interested in the interface between science and belief and who should care about the future of our world.
Dr Sultan Bashir ud Din Mahmood is a controversial but distinguished Pakistani Scientist with an international reputation. He is known as one of the founders of the Pakistani Nuclear programme, which he and his team developed for the security of the country. In August 2001, he and one of his colleagues met with Osama bin Laden and his deputy Ayman al Zawahiri in Afghanistan. He has denied that he discussed nuclear weapons. Never the less this meeting and his declared sympathy for the Taliban led to his dismissal from the Pakistan Nuclear operations and to being labelled a terrorist by President George W Bush of the United States. He was arrested and, her alleges, tortured by the Pakistani and US Intelligence Agencies.
This is a true and first hand story of the last days of Taleban rule in Afghanistan as witnessed through the eyes of a neutral and ordinary person. This honest account brings out the true nature of things, as they occurred not withstanding what was reported in the press. The writer makes one amazing revelation after another recalling a series of credible events and makes use of contemporary photographic images in support of his claims. The irony of the story will be evident to most people after reading this account, although separating fact from fiction is never easy, and in the case of Afghanistan this is even more so.
Indeed Afghanistan is never far from the limelight, acting as a playground for another Great Game that has already started and has a long way to go. The last one was played out in the 19th Century, between the British and Russian Empires vying for supremacy in Central Asia - this time the players may be different but the ground is the same.
An eye opening and must read book for all those interested in recent global events which may change the course of history and have an impact on people all over the world; and those of us searching for common sense that is unfortunately not so very common nowadays!
The Assassins Code by Christopher Chance - ISBN 9781907340123
The main character Christopher ‘Arrow’ Arrowsmith joined Special Forces to see action. Unfortunately, he picked one of the worst moments of the Twentieth Century in which to see it. Middle East tensions are on the rise and Ireland is a time bomb waiting to explode. He is sucked into the secret world of undercover intelligence, and a terrible violence is preparing to rip the country he loves apart, feeding a frenzy of bloodlust that threatens the very survival of his nation’s way of life as unholy alliances are forged.
Journey with ‘Arrow’ as he finds friends in unlikely places and encounters enemies where he should be safe. Possessing a ‘licence to kill’ and with only his lethal skills to guide and protect him, he must cultivate friends in the strangest of places travelling across continents and oceans in his quest to remove the enemies of his Motherland. Adventure, subterfuge, suspense, eroticism, bloodletting and characters to die for: its all here, an engrossing page by page journey by an abrasive, new heroic Brit, initially manipulated by the shadowy chiefs of the British Secret Intelligence Service, but slips his noose in Afghanistan to become a hero to the Mujahideen, the IRA and the British Establishment simultaneously. Everyone who dies in this amazing book is real!
The author is ex Special Forces and expert in martial arts and weaponry with extensive experience in the field of undercover intelligence.
The Challenge Of Reality’ by Sultan Bashir Mahmood - ISBN 9781907340048
This book is a fine contribution to the Existence of God, providing evidence with the help of science and supported with coloured images throughout; essential reading for all those interested in the interface between science and belief and who should care about the future of our world.
Dr Sultan Bashir ud Din Mahmood is a controversial but distinguished Pakistani Scientist with an international reputation. He is known as one of the founders of the Pakistani Nuclear programme, which he and his team developed for the security of the country. In August 2001, he and one of his colleagues met with Osama bin Laden and his deputy Ayman al Zawahiri in Afghanistan. He has denied that he discussed nuclear weapons. Never the less this meeting and his declared sympathy for the Taliban led to his dismissal from the Pakistan Nuclear operations and to being labelled a terrorist by President George W Bush of the United States. He was arrested and, her alleges, tortured by the Pakistani and US Intelligence Agencies.
Monday 27 June 2011
Just Help Yourself, The Common Sense Way
What do Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison and Colonel Sanders all have in common?
In his new book, Just Help Yourself, Tom Lucas, a celebrity sports psychologist and motivational speaker who has helped change the lives of many top sporting professionals and business leaders, highlights the fact that these world famous icons never gave up on achieving their dreams despite facing numerous set-backs and challenges.
"Albert Einstein", says Tom, "did not speak until the age of four, did not read until he was seven, and was described by one of his teachers as 'mentally slow, unsociable and adrift forever in his foolish dreams'. Not only that, but he was expelled from one college and refused entry to another!"
"Thomas Edison made 10,000 attempts before successfully developing the electric light and when asked what is was like to fail so many times he replied, 'I did not fail, I simply discovered thousands of ways that wouldn't produce light'".
"Similarly, Colonel Sanders visited nearly 500 restaurants in an attempt to sell his Kentucky Fried Chicken recipe, and was aged 65 when he finally succeeded".
Tom is a firm believer that whatever talents, skills or interests a person has, they owe it to themselves to use them to the fullest, continually working on them to enable them to flourish.
Every day Tom encounters people who haven't managed to find a way to bring their fullest potential to the fore. Offering an alternative approach to dealing with life's stressful times, Tom uses a technique called Common Sense Psychology (CSP) which focuses on understanding that the real solutions to problems lie within us, not in external sources, and, with a little common sense, can be uncovered.
Using tips that Tom has finely tuned during his career working with top sporting professionals and business owners, Just Help Yourself is full of practical advice to help you take those initial steps to recognising that you, and only you, have the power to change the situation that you find yourself in.
With a foreword from the former England Captain Terry Butcher, Tom's book is packed full of common sense advice for building confidence, belief and self-esteem, eating nutritionally balanced foods, and the importance of taking time out.
Tom makes it crystal clear that it's not the destination, but the journey that is the key to success. Einstein, Edison and Colonel Sanders could have given up after each of their set backs but they carried on, confidently and with determined self-belief. What would our world today be like if they hadn't?
And their story could be your story; what would the world miss out on if you don't make the effort to achieve your fullest potential within your lifetime?
To discover Tom's common sense guide to dealing with life's ups and downs and achieving the life of your dreams, pick up a copy of Just Help Yourself from www.thehothive.com,
In his new book, Just Help Yourself, Tom Lucas, a celebrity sports psychologist and motivational speaker who has helped change the lives of many top sporting professionals and business leaders, highlights the fact that these world famous icons never gave up on achieving their dreams despite facing numerous set-backs and challenges.
"Albert Einstein", says Tom, "did not speak until the age of four, did not read until he was seven, and was described by one of his teachers as 'mentally slow, unsociable and adrift forever in his foolish dreams'. Not only that, but he was expelled from one college and refused entry to another!"
"Thomas Edison made 10,000 attempts before successfully developing the electric light and when asked what is was like to fail so many times he replied, 'I did not fail, I simply discovered thousands of ways that wouldn't produce light'".
"Similarly, Colonel Sanders visited nearly 500 restaurants in an attempt to sell his Kentucky Fried Chicken recipe, and was aged 65 when he finally succeeded".
Tom is a firm believer that whatever talents, skills or interests a person has, they owe it to themselves to use them to the fullest, continually working on them to enable them to flourish.
Every day Tom encounters people who haven't managed to find a way to bring their fullest potential to the fore. Offering an alternative approach to dealing with life's stressful times, Tom uses a technique called Common Sense Psychology (CSP) which focuses on understanding that the real solutions to problems lie within us, not in external sources, and, with a little common sense, can be uncovered.
Using tips that Tom has finely tuned during his career working with top sporting professionals and business owners, Just Help Yourself is full of practical advice to help you take those initial steps to recognising that you, and only you, have the power to change the situation that you find yourself in.
With a foreword from the former England Captain Terry Butcher, Tom's book is packed full of common sense advice for building confidence, belief and self-esteem, eating nutritionally balanced foods, and the importance of taking time out.
Tom makes it crystal clear that it's not the destination, but the journey that is the key to success. Einstein, Edison and Colonel Sanders could have given up after each of their set backs but they carried on, confidently and with determined self-belief. What would our world today be like if they hadn't?
And their story could be your story; what would the world miss out on if you don't make the effort to achieve your fullest potential within your lifetime?
To discover Tom's common sense guide to dealing with life's ups and downs and achieving the life of your dreams, pick up a copy of Just Help Yourself from www.thehothive.com,
Amazon and all good bookstores. Published by the HotHive priced £8.99. Tom runs Head to Head Sports & Business Consultancy - www.headtohead.org.uk
Saturday 25 June 2011
Britons Take to Books on National Reading Group Day
Reading groups celebrate first annual event today, Saturday 25th June.
Avid readers around the country will be flocking to their local independent bookshops for discussion groups, author events and lunches, to celebrate National Reading Group Day, (NRGD), today, Saturday 25th June.
The day is part of Independent Booksellers Week (IBW) and demonstrates what the ‘indies’ do best - creating and supporting their local community. Reading groups have enjoyed a resurgence in recent years, encouraged by local independent bookshops who host, and in many cases run, local reading groups. Many are well-established, while others are being launched on NRGD itself.
As well as author-led talks and discussion groups, activities include competitions and even a world record attempt.
A visit by Dawn French to a reading group is being offered as first prize in a major national competition, launched tomorrow, Saturday. The competition is open to all reading groups in the UK who are invited to enter by explaining, in 30 words or less, why Dawn should come to their reading group. The competition celebrates the paperback publication this month of Dawn’s No.1 bestseller, A Tiny Bit Marvellous. More information is available at www.readinggroups.org/dawnfrench.
More unusual initiatives include the launch of a world record attempt for the largest ever reading group. The attempt by The Big Green Bookshop, Wood Green, London, takes place on 30th July and will be made by joining people nationwide using social networking sites, a website forum, Skype and video links. An online discussion will take place from 4pm–8pm, with a central forum set up for people to share their views.
In addition, a new series of The TV Book Club Summer Read starts this weekend on More4, giving reading groups the opportunity to read along with the series. The programme is offering the chance for a reading group to watch filming on 19th July – more information is available at www.readinggroups.org/tvbookclub
FACTFILE:
• National Reading Group Day is part of Independent Booksellers Week, an annual celebration of the ‘the indies’ around the country, run by The Booksellers Association.
• The Booksellers Association is working in partnership with The Reading Agency’s Reading Groups for Everyone initiative, a central database and resource on reading groups.
Avid readers around the country will be flocking to their local independent bookshops for discussion groups, author events and lunches, to celebrate National Reading Group Day, (NRGD), today, Saturday 25th June.
The day is part of Independent Booksellers Week (IBW) and demonstrates what the ‘indies’ do best - creating and supporting their local community. Reading groups have enjoyed a resurgence in recent years, encouraged by local independent bookshops who host, and in many cases run, local reading groups. Many are well-established, while others are being launched on NRGD itself.
As well as author-led talks and discussion groups, activities include competitions and even a world record attempt.
A visit by Dawn French to a reading group is being offered as first prize in a major national competition, launched tomorrow, Saturday. The competition is open to all reading groups in the UK who are invited to enter by explaining, in 30 words or less, why Dawn should come to their reading group. The competition celebrates the paperback publication this month of Dawn’s No.1 bestseller, A Tiny Bit Marvellous. More information is available at www.readinggroups.org/dawnfrench.
More unusual initiatives include the launch of a world record attempt for the largest ever reading group. The attempt by The Big Green Bookshop, Wood Green, London, takes place on 30th July and will be made by joining people nationwide using social networking sites, a website forum, Skype and video links. An online discussion will take place from 4pm–8pm, with a central forum set up for people to share their views.
In addition, a new series of The TV Book Club Summer Read starts this weekend on More4, giving reading groups the opportunity to read along with the series. The programme is offering the chance for a reading group to watch filming on 19th July – more information is available at www.readinggroups.org/tvbookclub
FACTFILE:
• National Reading Group Day is part of Independent Booksellers Week, an annual celebration of the ‘the indies’ around the country, run by The Booksellers Association.
• The Booksellers Association is working in partnership with The Reading Agency’s Reading Groups for Everyone initiative, a central database and resource on reading groups.
Friday 24 June 2011
Self-Published “Business Cook Book” to be Stocked at Waterstones
Self-published book ‘Business Cookery: Tried and tested recipes for business success’ is to be stocked at Waterstones.
Hot on the heels of best-selling Kindle authors John Locke, Louise Voss and Mark Edwards two UK authors are using their business experience to self-publish and promote their own paperback and e-book.
The quirky novel/business book hybrid is selling well on Amazon (both in paperback and on Kindle) and now Waterstones have agreed to stock the title in their high street stores. It’s also available online from Blackwells, WHSmith and Foyles.
Entrepreneurs Hannah McNamara and Patrick White decided to go down the route of self-publishing, even though McNamara had worked with a publisher on her first book, ‘Niche Marketing for Coaches’.
McNamara says, “Many authors don’t realise the amount of marketing publishers expect you to do for your own book. They assume that their job is just to write a good book and the publishers will take care of making it sell.
Hot on the heels of best-selling Kindle authors John Locke, Louise Voss and Mark Edwards two UK authors are using their business experience to self-publish and promote their own paperback and e-book.
The quirky novel/business book hybrid is selling well on Amazon (both in paperback and on Kindle) and now Waterstones have agreed to stock the title in their high street stores. It’s also available online from Blackwells, WHSmith and Foyles.
Entrepreneurs Hannah McNamara and Patrick White decided to go down the route of self-publishing, even though McNamara had worked with a publisher on her first book, ‘Niche Marketing for Coaches’.
McNamara says, “Many authors don’t realise the amount of marketing publishers expect you to do for your own book. They assume that their job is just to write a good book and the publishers will take care of making it sell.
“My experience first time around taught me that there were so many aspects of publishing a book we could easily handle ourselves and be in complete control of. Most self-published authors focus on e-books but it was important for us to be published in print as well and be stocked in book stores. As business people we’re always focused on the profit margin, so doing it ourselves means that we could make publishing a book very profitable. It’s also been a lot of fun!”
This emphasis on making a profit is very apt given the topic of their book. Business Cookery uses cookery analogies to teach business principles and it’s already receiving acclaim from entrepreneurs and foodies alike.
‘Secret Millionaire’ property investor Caroline Marsh says, “I heartily endorse Business Cookery, Clear, easy-to-read. I like the stories that guide you through the fundamentals on how to start, run and manage a successful business. Follow the recipe and make a great pie!”
Sejal Sukhadwala of LoveFood.com describes the book as “a modern classic, this unique tome gives business and personal development advice via cookery-themed storytelling, recipes and food analogies.”
For a limited time, the authors are making the first 2 chapters available free from www.businesscookerybook.com.
This emphasis on making a profit is very apt given the topic of their book. Business Cookery uses cookery analogies to teach business principles and it’s already receiving acclaim from entrepreneurs and foodies alike.
‘Secret Millionaire’ property investor Caroline Marsh says, “I heartily endorse Business Cookery, Clear, easy-to-read. I like the stories that guide you through the fundamentals on how to start, run and manage a successful business. Follow the recipe and make a great pie!”
Sejal Sukhadwala of LoveFood.com describes the book as “a modern classic, this unique tome gives business and personal development advice via cookery-themed storytelling, recipes and food analogies.”
For a limited time, the authors are making the first 2 chapters available free from www.businesscookerybook.com.
Monday 6 June 2011
Make this Father's Day one he will remember and treasure
Father’s Day is 19th June and why not make it an extra special one this year with a personalised gift journal created by you for your Father at the from you to me website?
The award-winning gift journal publisher, fromyoutome has introduced some clever intuitive on line software at their on line shop, which will let you personalise your gift journal in four simple steps.
You can make your gift journal unique to your Dad by selecting the title of your book and them choosing images of your Father, and all the things that remind you of him.
The award-winning gift journal publisher, fromyoutome has introduced some clever intuitive on line software at their on line shop, which will let you personalise your gift journal in four simple steps.
You can make your gift journal unique to your Dad by selecting the title of your book and them choosing images of your Father, and all the things that remind you of him.
Once this is completed, the journal is passed back to you, to be read, shared and treasured.
You'll also be able to tailor questions for you and your Dad with the aim of receiving back some real insights into his life, and his hopes for the future.
“With many people looking for ways to tell their life story and pass on personal experiences to their loved ones, from you to me gift journals can actually make it happen – so this Father’s Day can be the day you finally start that trip down memory lane with him,” explained a spokesman.
“With many people looking for ways to tell their life story and pass on personal experiences to their loved ones, from you to me gift journals can actually make it happen – so this Father’s Day can be the day you finally start that trip down memory lane with him,” explained a spokesman.
It costs £19.99 plus delivery. To start to create yours visit www.fromyoutome.com.
Wednesday 1 June 2011
New book offers advice on returning to work after maternity leave
A new book from women’s coach Jessica Chivers offers advice on returning to work after maternity leave and how to strike the right balance as a working mum, from childcare to getting a grip on guilt.
Mothers Work! How to Get a Grip on Guilt and Make a Smooth Return to Work
By Jessica Chivers
Published 6th June 2011, £10.99 PB
More and more mothers return to work after children, yet the journey is not always straightforward or easy– there are emotional and practical difficulties to overcome, not least the perennial question of how to manage both home and work successfully.
Mothers Work! dissects and discusses the burning issues playing on working mums’ minds, with a warm, encouraging voice that nudges women to be proactive and gently draws mums away from the pressure of perfection. Jessica shows us that ‘it’s good to be good enough’ and explains how to do it. This book will help you to:
• know your ideal work scenario
• keep in touch and ask for what you want
• see your family as a team
• find childcare that fits your family
• get a grip on guilt
• go for ‘good enough’ at home
• get organised for a smooth return
• do what it takes to thrive
Filled with the voices of real working mums (Jessica surveyed 200 working mums), this book is a practical and positive read that encourages women to enjoy their work, helps them make a smooth return to work and ditch the guilt along the way.
Jessica Chivers, The Thinking Woman’s Coach, works with women from all backgrounds to help them achieve what’s important to them. She helps organisations retain and develop female talent and has worked with companies such as Barclays, M&S and the BBC.
Mothers Work! How to Get a Grip on Guilt and Make a Smooth Return to Work
By Jessica Chivers
Published 6th June 2011, £10.99 PB
More and more mothers return to work after children, yet the journey is not always straightforward or easy– there are emotional and practical difficulties to overcome, not least the perennial question of how to manage both home and work successfully.
While the seemingly perfect celebrity mums in glossy magazines may make juggling family life with a career look effortless, the reality is that reaching equilibrium when you return to work without going insane requires support and some excellent advice!
Mothers Work! dissects and discusses the burning issues playing on working mums’ minds, with a warm, encouraging voice that nudges women to be proactive and gently draws mums away from the pressure of perfection. Jessica shows us that ‘it’s good to be good enough’ and explains how to do it. This book will help you to:
• know your ideal work scenario
• keep in touch and ask for what you want
• see your family as a team
• find childcare that fits your family
• get a grip on guilt
• go for ‘good enough’ at home
• get organised for a smooth return
• do what it takes to thrive
Filled with the voices of real working mums (Jessica surveyed 200 working mums), this book is a practical and positive read that encourages women to enjoy their work, helps them make a smooth return to work and ditch the guilt along the way.
Jessica Chivers, The Thinking Woman’s Coach, works with women from all backgrounds to help them achieve what’s important to them. She helps organisations retain and develop female talent and has worked with companies such as Barclays, M&S and the BBC.
With a business background, many years experience of coaching women in career transitions and her own experience of being a working mother, Jessica is well placed to guide women through the process of making a smooth return to work after having children. Jessica was recently selected as one of Stylist magazine’s top 20 ‘Ladies Who Tweet’, she lives in St Albans with her husband Nick and two children, Monty (4) and Artemis (2).
The 8 Mantras of the Working Mum:
Mantra #1: Know your ideal work scenario
Mantra #2: Keep in touch and ask for what you want
Mantra #3: See your family as a team
Mantra #4: Find childcare that fits your family
Mantra #5: Get a grip on guilt
Mantra #6: Go for ‘good enough’ at home
Mantra #7: Prepare for a smooth return
Mantra #8: Do what it takes to thrive
Endorsements:
‘Jessica Chivers has done working mothers everywhere a favour by helping them get in touch with their G-spot. We’re talking guilt (what were YOU talking about?) If you’re thinking of returning to work, or are already there but tired of feeling frazzled, this book can help you get a grip.’ Justine Roberts, Founder, Mumsnet
‘Jessica Chivers is the perfect ally for a new mother who is pondering whether and how to go back to work. Her chatty style, empathy and wealth of anecdotes make this an easy read as well as a rich source of valuable advice.’
Octavius Black, CEO The Mind Gym
‘Just the ticket for those facing the perennial motherhood question of how to make work, work’
Allison Mitchell, author of Time Management for Manic Mums
‘Smart, warm and incredibly well-researched. This is THE book employers should be giving all their women returners’ Karen Pine, author of Sheconomics.
The 8 Mantras of the Working Mum:
Mantra #1: Know your ideal work scenario
Mantra #2: Keep in touch and ask for what you want
Mantra #3: See your family as a team
Mantra #4: Find childcare that fits your family
Mantra #5: Get a grip on guilt
Mantra #6: Go for ‘good enough’ at home
Mantra #7: Prepare for a smooth return
Mantra #8: Do what it takes to thrive
Endorsements:
‘Jessica Chivers has done working mothers everywhere a favour by helping them get in touch with their G-spot. We’re talking guilt (what were YOU talking about?) If you’re thinking of returning to work, or are already there but tired of feeling frazzled, this book can help you get a grip.’ Justine Roberts, Founder, Mumsnet
‘Jessica Chivers is the perfect ally for a new mother who is pondering whether and how to go back to work. Her chatty style, empathy and wealth of anecdotes make this an easy read as well as a rich source of valuable advice.’
Octavius Black, CEO The Mind Gym
‘Just the ticket for those facing the perennial motherhood question of how to make work, work’
Allison Mitchell, author of Time Management for Manic Mums
‘Smart, warm and incredibly well-researched. This is THE book employers should be giving all their women returners’ Karen Pine, author of Sheconomics.
Tuesday 3 May 2011
The Origin of Everday Things
The Origin of Everday Things does exactly what it says, It details the origins of many everyday items and things that you and I probably take for granted.
Also, discover the location of the first bank ATMs, how bowling was developed, how the first electrical burglar alarm was invented as long ago as in 1852, how World War 1 played a part in women's beauty in the 1920s and how Rugy developed into the sport that we know today.
Researched written and edited by the team of Johnny Acton, Tania Adams and Matt Packer, the book details well in excess of 400 everyday items, and gives some pretty comprehensive anecdotes and tales about them all.
The book is filled to the brim with some highly entertaining and fascinating facts and details. For example did you know that the first aerosol dispenser can was invented in 1899 by German scientists Helbling and Pertsch?
The book is filled to the brim with some highly entertaining and fascinating facts and details. For example did you know that the first aerosol dispenser can was invented in 1899 by German scientists Helbling and Pertsch?
Or that the Babylonians devised a prototype and extremely clever form of air conditioning?
That the first car vehicle safety airbag was developed in the early 1950s by American naval engineer, John W. Hetrick?
That the first car vehicle safety airbag was developed in the early 1950s by American naval engineer, John W. Hetrick?
Or how many of us knew that the first automatic fire alarm and smoke detector was developed by a Birmingham electrical engineer called George Darby? And which highly unusual component was used as the heat detector in this amazing device that was, arguably, years ahead of itself? You will find the answer on page 20 of this highly enjoyable and most entertaining book.
Also, discover the location of the first bank ATMs, how bowling was developed, how the first electrical burglar alarm was invented as long ago as in 1852, how World War 1 played a part in women's beauty in the 1920s and how Rugy developed into the sport that we know today.
The book is copiously illustrated with very well executed line drawings and covers everything in alphabetical order from aerosol cans right through to Zipper, nearly 320 pages later.
It is hardback, and published by Think Books at a cover price of £14.99.
Monday 18 April 2011
How to succeed in the hidden job market. New book tells you how
Many people who lost their jobs this year – especially those in the public sector - are turning their backs on new opportunities because of the way they feel about the “hidden” job market according to leading careers expert, John Lees, author of How to Get a Job You’ll Love (McGraw-Hill).
“It is a fact that the majority of jobs are not advertised,” says Lees. “If you only ever respond to job advertisements you’re seriously limiting the opportunities you could be pitching for. Most people don’t recognise that there is a hidden jobs market and those that do simply don’t know how to access it. The truth is there are more job vacancies than people realise. Job seekers must use lateral and creative thinking as a career management tool.”
Workers familiar with an equal opportunities environment often believe this approach to job seeking – via the hidden jobs market - is unfair. They object to what they see as ‘old school tie’ networking, believing that the only proper way to fill a role is through open, transparent advertised position, but this view fails to take account of several important factors:
• Even in a buoyant market most employers will fill jobs without advertising them. In a tough market, it’s even easier to do so.
• Even public sector employers fill jobs on this basis.
• In the new world of social media, connections matter more than tracking advertised roles.
• New and smaller organisations are more likely to fill jobs by word of mouth.
Lees adds, “The absence of advertised positions makes it easy to believe there are no jobs out there and bemoaning the state of the market is a great excuse for a low-octane job search, yet there are ways to crack this market with some proactivity and effort on the job seekers part.”
John Lees’ Top Tips for CRACKING THE HIDDEN JOBS MARKET
• Breaking into the hidden market isn’t about old school networks or favours, nor is it only open to those who are great at self-promotion. It’s about meeting new people, and making sure they remember just a few positive pieces of information about you and it is up to you what memorable trail you leave.
• The best definition of the hidden job market is what people say about you when you’re not in the room. Make sure you leave every meeting, meet up, virtual or otherwise with a lasting positive first impression.
• Getting mentioned in a network isn’t a matter of chance. Tell people what you’re looking for and what you have to offer. Be brief, upbeat and very clear, and your message will get remembered. Keep it relevant and leave neediness and emotion at the door. You’re selling yourself.
• Remember that most brand new roles, particularly those in small employers, are difficult to find by any other method. Even in the public sector people are often ‘tipped off’ about positions well before they are advertised. The fact that people don’t generally know this doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen.
• Be open about what you are doing, but ask for help with research (into sectors and organisations) rather than asking for vacancies.
• Begin with contacts made in your last job, and anyone with professional experience in your circle of family and friends.
• Have a well written, current and relevant CV to hand in case you are asked for it, but otherwise don’t ask directly for CV advice or job leads – the indirect approach works better. Develop your confidence in this approach – practice.
• Find ways of reaching decision makers when they have may have a problem or an opportunity. Good research will help. Be on the ball. Go the extra mile in your research.
• Your last question when networking should always be to ask for recommendations of other people to talk to. People are generally happy to help when asked.
• Remember other spin-offs: word of mouth is the primary method that candidates get recommended to head-hunters and many employers.
• You can also ask for the names of recommended recruitment consultants.
Getting remembered isn’t a matter of chance – it’s about you planting an idea and impression in the right minds.
Stockist Info: How to Get a Job You’ll Love by John Lees, McGraw-Hill, £12.99.
ISBN:978 0077 129934
Thursday 7 April 2011
New Sc-Fi voice brings 3004
"Gripping - and deeply moving - teenage fantasy, from a fresh new talent..."
London England London and Paris
Somewhere in the French wilderness, two sixteen-year-old Londoners are about to embark on the task that every boy their age must pass. They couldn't be more different: Kayleb is clever but puny; Rowan is strong and obstinate. They've never been friends - far from it - but they quickly realise that, if they are going to survive the bloody dangers ahead of them, they are going to have to learn to trust each other - and fast!
A thrilling, powerfully imagined sci-fi adventure that will keep readers guessing until the very last page. (£17.99 HB)
Natasha Murray, originally fromLondon West Sussex .
www.bookguild.co.uk
Somewhere in the French wilderness, two sixteen-year-old Londoners are about to embark on the task that every boy their age must pass. They couldn't be more different: Kayleb is clever but puny; Rowan is strong and obstinate. They've never been friends - far from it - but they quickly realise that, if they are going to survive the bloody dangers ahead of them, they are going to have to learn to trust each other - and fast!
A thrilling, powerfully imagined sci-fi adventure that will keep readers guessing until the very last page. (£17.99 HB)
Natasha Murray, originally from
www.bookguild.co.uk
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