How Excellent Companies Avoid Dumb Things: Breaking the 8 Hidden Barriers that Plague Even the Best Businesses by Neil Smith

My Review:
This is a great book for beginners in business. it would also be a great book for business classes. I really liked that the author broke the book into 8 basic barriers that I could take one at a time and think about. I also liked that the author helped me remember the 8 barriers with a promise. I learned from this book, even though I took business classes. I am giving this book a 4/5. I was given a copy to review, however all opinions are my own.

Ex-Purgatory by Peter Clines Review

My Review:
This was a really good science fiction novel. It had mind control, super heroes, and zombies. There are so many zombie stories out there. This author did a great job of making his stand out from other I have read. The corpse's were definitely interesting. I did not read the other books in the series, however I felt like I was reading a weekly episode of great television show. I could easily see this as a movie. I am giving this book a 3/5. I was given a copy to review from LibraryThing Early Reviewers, however all opinions are my own.

Orders is Orders by L Ron Hubbard Review

Orders Is Orders  -  (Seventeenth and last in the “Hell-Job”series) 

The Chinese city of Shunkien is under siege, the Japanese military laying it to waste.  In the middle of the city sits the American consulate, a fragile sanctuary packed with refugees, threatened not only by artillery, but by the ravages of starvation and cholera.

200 miles away, on the USS Miami, stands their only hope—Marine Gunnery Sergeant James Mitchell.  As tough as Tom Hanks in Saving Private Ryan—and just as stubborn—if anybody can negotiate a crucial supply of gold and medicine through 200 miles of bullets, bombs and butchery, it’s Sergeant Mitchell.  

But the Japanese are the least of his problems.  First there’s Goldy Brown, the American fan-dancer who’s hitched along for the ride—a girl as unpredictable as her skirt is tight.  And then there’s the greatest enemy of all: alcohol.  Mitchell has a weakness for the bottle, and if he falls into one, it’s America that will pay the price.   

As a young man, Hubbard visited Manchuria, where his closest friend headed up British intelligence in northern China.  Hubbard gained a unique insight into the hostile political climate between China and Japan—a knowledge that informs stories like Orders Is Orders. In addition, he served as a First Sergeant with the 20th United States Marine Corps Reserve—giving him first-hand knowledge of what it means to be a Marine.

“Originally published in 1937, this tale is a splendid audio, filled with sound effects, Asian-inspired music, and lively characterizations.” —Booklist (via amazon)

My Review:

L Ron Hubbard is so great at what he does. His books never disappoint me, and I have also listened to his audio books. This book was an interesting read because it involved alcohol. Alcohol was perceived differently in the 30's and 40's then it is now. This was a great spy thriller that centered on Japan and it's relation to the survival of the citizens of the United States. I liked the title and once military orders are given, they are followed. WWII started in 1939 and Japan was not our allie. This story first appeared in 1937. I thought that was extremely important to the story. I am giving this book a 5/5. I won a copy from LibraryThing Early Reviewers, however all opinions are my own.

The Kennedy Half Dollar by Mahree Moyle Review

An eclectic and unconventional true crime story.

How was Seely involved? The murder of, Mark, the son of a prominent lawyer, placed her right in the hands of the Hawaiian Mafia. She didn’t know Mark very well. Only small talk surfaced between them at a well-known nightclub in Waikiki where they worked.

Once she left Hawaii she thought it was over. But, long after the murder, the Mafia continued to follow her, knowing where she lived and worked.

For many years she tried to speculate her connection with this brutal crime. Finally, after thirty-three years, she was driven to face the truth about her association.

A compelling true story of Seely’s will and determination to find peace and harmony in her life. The road was untravelled and rugged, but she never lost the enthusiasm to go on.

Experience a heartwarming, tragicomedy, from the extreme highs to the devastating lows of life’s uncertain journey. Then ponder the idea of good luck charms and universal forces by opening your mind to wonder.

The author could not write this story without music. Her emotions are held in the song. This fascinating conte should be read with the background to fully understand the spirit in this work. It may take a few songs to comfortably connect the two, but once the music stops, it may seem strange to read in silence. This is an interesting and fun way to experience a read.

My Review:

I love a good crime thriller with characters that make me feel the same emotions that they are feeling throughout the book. The use of music and the beautiful and tropical Hawaii only added to the mystery. I really enjoyed reading about the different charms and how they and fate play a role in people's lives. I did not like the questions that were left open at the end of the book. However with every true story there is always more to do and more "evidence" to be found. I am giving this book a 4/5. I was given a review from LibraryThing and the author, however all opinions are my own.