Product Description
From David Mitchell, the Booker Prize nominee, award-winning writer and one of the featured authors in Granta’s “Best of Young British Novelists 2003” issue, comes his highly anticipated third novel, a work of mind-bending imagination and scope.

A reluctant voyager crossing the Pacific in 1850; a disinherited composer blagging a precarious livelihood in between-the-wars Belgium; a high-minded journalist in Governor Reagan’s California; a vanity publisher fleeing his gangland creditors; a genetically modified “dinery server” on death-row; and Zachry, a young Pacific Islander witnessing the nightfall of science and civilisation -- the narrators of Cloud Atlas hear each other’s echoes down the corridor of history, and their destinies are changed in ways great and small.

In his captivating third novel, David Mitchell erases the boundaries of language, genre and time to offer a meditation on humanity’s dangerous will to power, and where it may lead us. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (225)

Textual and narrative kaleidescope
This novel has an accordion-like structure where story plots, characters and traces of their traits interweave and resonate off each other, reminding me of something I was told about how karma cycles back and forth in past and future lives - a concept that Mitchell also alludes to. The author is deft with his character portrayals and also the descriptions of the eras and circumstances they lived in. Each story/chapter ends in a coda that leaps to the next, and yet which somehow ties everything together when you reach the end. An intriguing structure that may be challenging to keep track of if you have more than one book going at any one time (like I do) but which is nonetheless interesting.

Frobisher committed suicide because he knew the book was going nowhwere
Disappointing, tasteless, listless, and rewardless. I had no interest in what happened to any of the characters except for Frobisher and maybe Cavendish.

What a waste of a clever concept. It's exactly the same problem I had with Time Traveler's Wife. Butchery upon never-ending butchery.

If reincarnation be this boring, then let my soul slumber.

Bad deal.
The used book I bought was described as being in "good" condition. Water damage and mildew had distorted the last hundred pages or so. I contacted the company about this problem and never heard back.

Improvisation in the sense of Jazz...
The rule is you must master - master, I say -the basics to have value improvising. Mitchell has done this and more, and so has earned the right to produce something as unique as Cloud Atlas.

As some have said before - not for everyone. Its structure took me a good third of the work to become comfortable with. Science Fiction? Yes, sort of. Social commentary? Yes, certainly. But without irony or sarcasm.

This is a hymn to our connectedness as humans down through the ages, and a canary in the coal mine as regards our relentless push towards more and more consumption, and corporate welfare.

It is work of a sort to read this, but immensely rewarding in the end.

Beautiful music
Wow!

David Mitchell has written an incredible book, full ofrhythmic surprises and unexpected delight. With its cosmic themes of humankind's death and rebirth, he has aimed high on the ambition meter, and largely succeeded. In many ways it is a tour de force, achingly funny, thick with description and wit.I am still chuckling and considering and shuddering a week after completing it.

The title derives from a monumental musical opus that is being written by a lovable cad, (in a book with a lot of lovable cads) one of Mitchell's strongest character studies. A work in six parts, the score is arranged to have interrelated movements, evoking atmospheric variations within a united theme. Mitchell uses this structure for the book itself, and his writing, so alive and unforgettable, is also wondrously musical, so that we "hear" with our eyes, not our ears. The "movements", which in this case, are short, circumscribed memoirs penned by different authors, take place in disparate centuries, all over the globe. If the reader is anything like me, in the opening chapters, one struggles to find the common thread, thumbing backward, hoping to connect the odd "dots", before finally succumbing, (with a happy sigh) to let go of anticipated imaginings and let Mitchell take us where we will. He certainly commands the orchestration. He writes with a baton, not a pen!

What if the world, our world, our civilization, continually rose and fell because we were compelled toward the kind of grasping progress we seemed predisposed to, and incapable of ever conquering our basest impulses to conquer and enslave? Mitchell's goal is to explicate this for us, and he does it without wasting a word, in a book with many beautifully employed words.

Melville never stood on Nantucket until after Moby Dick was published, and one wonders, how on earth did he ever imagine such a time and place and make it so monumental and convincing? David Mitchell has the same kind of perfected imaginative gravure and this book is a Moby Dick for our generation, faced as we are with the greatest of challenges regarding the future of our species and our planet. ... Read more

Product Description
In a snug New England fishing village, Charlie St. Cloud tends the lawns and monuments of an ancient cemetery where his younger brother, Sam, is buried. After surviving the car accident that claimed his brother's life, Charlie is graced with an extraordinary gift: He can see, talk to, and even play catch with Sam's spirit. Into this magical world comes Tess Carroll, a captivating woman training for a solo sailing trip around the globe. Fate steers her boat into a treacherous storm that propels her into Charlie's life. Their beautiful and uncommon connection leads to a race against time and a choice between death and life, between the past and the future, between holding on and letting go — and the discovery that miracles can happen if we simply open our hearts.Amazon.com Review
Questions for Ben Sherwood About Charlie St. Cloud

Q: Did you always imagine your book becoming a movie?
A: In a word...no.I quit a great job at NBC News in New York to write this book.It was a risky career move.I wish I could say the road was easy, but it wasn’t.There were major creative challenges and serious professional setbacks.Indeed, the route from blank page to the finished book might well be described as a near-death publishing experience.Perhaps that’s why I never really imagined this book becoming a movie.Indeed, the very idea of a film adaptation seemed farfetched.As one of my close friends always said: "I’ll believe Charlie St. Cloud is a movie when I’m sitting in the theater and eating popcorn."

Q: How involved were you with the movie and did you write the screenplay?
A: The producers and studio were generous to include me at many stages of the process but I wasn’t involved with the movie or screenplay.I was fortunate to visit the production twice, once on location in a cemetery and another time on a soundstage in Vancouver.Each time, I relished how filmmakers turned some of the book’s tiniest details into movie reality.For instance, Major League Baseball sent three small Red Sox mitts for Sam to use when he played catch with Charlie.I watched an assistant prop master carry a brand-new red mitt around all day, rubbing it constantly to give it a well-worn appearance.

On another occasion, the director showed me the closing shot of the film.Today, words still fail to describe the exhilarating experience of seeing Charlie and Tess literally sailing into the sunset.Seven years earlier, in the quiet of my little writing room, I had imagined these two young people on a boat aimed at the open ocean.Suddenly, they were on the screen, leaning into each other with wind tousling their hair and sails, steering a Gryphon Solo, one of the world’s fastest fifty-foot sailboats, filmed by a camera mounted on a helicopter hovering above.

Q: How does it feel to see your book turned into a movie?
A: Quite simply, I’m filled with gratitude.To create the movie version of Charlie St. Cloud, it took 28 actors, 34 stunt people, and some 250 crew.When I visited the set in Vancouver, I tried my best to thank every single one, including the wrangler responsible for a noisy flock of geese, the messy bane of Charlie’s existence.

When I called my wife in Los Angeles, she asked, "How does it feel?" I thought for a moment. Then I answered: "I want to hug every person I meet."

Q: Did you imagine Zac Efron as Charlie St. Cloud?
A: In candor, I never imagined Zac Efron in the role of Charlie.Wrecked by loss and grief, Charlie was a character who had wasted many years of his precious life.I always imagined Charlie as much older and much sadder.Thank goodness I’m not a movie producer.

I salute the studio and producers for realizing that Efron was a perfect choice.Young, dynamic, and charismatic, he embodies the promise of Charlie St. Cloud without the burden and loss.With Efron’s vibrant presence and performance, a sometimes weighty story feels more hopeful and uplifting.As I told Efron when we met in the cemetery in Vancouver, I’m delighted and very thankful that he took the part and filled it with vitality.

Q: How do you feel about the movie being made in Vancouver, Canada instead of Marblehead, Massachussetts, where the novel takes place?
A: I love Marblehead and the people of the town.While researching the book, I traveled to Marblehead several times to walk among the tombstones in Waterside Cemetery, eat breakfast with fishermen at the Driftwood before dawn, drink beers with 'Headers at Maddie's, and compete in my first and only sailboat race.

Vancouver is a country away from the wonderful town where I situated the story.But a movie adaptation isn't supposed to be a literal translation of a book.It's an interpretation.While I sincerely hoped that the film would be made in Massachusetts--and while the filmmakers tried their best too--I understood the financial decision to pick Canada, where production costs are significantly lower.

Given this choice, the filmmakers did a great job transplanting Charlie and Sam's story to the Pacific Northwest, which looks absolutely spectacular on film.

Q: Your writing seems to focus on questions of life and death.Why?
A: Maybe it's my age or life experience but I've spent a lot of time thinking about how we overcome grief and loss and make the most of our time on earth.These are subjects that have come to occupy my recent work.Over the last few years, I wrote a nonfiction book called The Survivors Club, exploring the secrets and science of the world’s most effective survivors and thrivers.Interviewing survivors around the world, I discovered even more proof that love is a powerful and universal survival tool.In my own life, falling in love with my future wife, Karen, helped unlock the stranglehold of my father’s sudden and untimely death 17 years ago.(That’s why I dedicated the book to both of them.)In Charlie's case, discovering Tess helped him break free of the cemetery and the suffocating grip of grief.

Q: You have two young sons.What do you hope they take away from this book some day?
A: When I was leaving the movie set in Vancouver to fly home to Los Angeles, one of the producers generously asked if I wanted a souvenir from the production.I asked for one of Sam’s red mitts from Major League Baseball.Our two young boys can play catch with it. Then some day when they outgrow it, the glove can sit in my office, a reminder of the power of brotherly love and what happens when you take risks, seize life, and set your imagination free.

Customer Reviews (99)

Couldn't put it down
Great read.It was easy to read and very easy to get involved in the book.I couldn't put it down.

Metaphysical spin saves this from being schmaltzy
In this edition with Zac Efron on the cover, one would expect the story to be saccharine & appealing to only a young, female demographic (not that there's anything wrong with that!).However, the well written and unique spin on the metaphysical aspects of the afterlife provide it with more than enough substance to transcend that genre...making it an entertaining read for fans of either "Fantasy" or "Romance."

Exciting, Beautiful, and a Joy to Read!
Charlie St. Cloud was possibly the most interesting and exciting book that I have read so far.
I saw the commercial for the movie one afternoon and it touched my heart. It stayed on my mind all eveing and that is how I knew I had to see the movie. Unfortunately, I missed the movie in theaters. That is when I decided to read the book.

I am usually not the kind of person to have their face stuffed in a book, so even I was surprised at just how excited I was to begin reading Charlie St. Cloud. I decided to make this book a pass time only for my breaks between classes at school. Even though it was hard to stick to that because I wanted to read it all the time, I stuck to the idea. Even reading only 5-10 pages a day, the book still went so fast because I was enjoying every second of it! I believe that even if the book was 1,000 pages long, I still would have wanted more. I would have loved to hear more about Sam's adventures in heaven and Charlie's life with Tess. Overall, there was something new and exciting to read everyday, and there was never a dull moment in this book.

I also would like to share my interpretation of the moral, from which I personally learned from. I believe that everyone will benefit from reading Charlie St. Cloud. It was a real eye-opener for me. I'm a routine kind of person, I'm not comfortable with much change, much like Charlie until he met Tess. As Charlie begins understanding that there is more to life other than waiting until sundown with fear of his gift fading if he happened to be a minute late, you see how much happier Charlie became. He took risks and he did the one thing he feared the most - broke his promise with Sam. Even though he was sad about it, he came to find that they (Charlie and Sam) were holding each other back from a greater life. Charlie was missing out on love and having his own family and Sam was missing out on going to the next level, Heaven. This really taught me that sometimes risks must be taken, routines must be broken in order to find all that there is out there. Our fears could be holding us back from our full potential, and possibly holding others back as well. I shed a few tears while reading this book, it is a very beautiful story. I encourage everyone to read this book. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars!

A comforting, easy read
I am a full time college student who doesn't have heaps of time for leisure reading. However, I read this book in 3 days. Sherwood delivers well-developed characters that you begin to care about. I am a huge Nicholas Sparks fan and enjoy sappy love stories. This book did not disappoint, and I will be reading more of the author's books. I still smile when I think about the book; it left me with a warm, happy feeling.

The most amazing read.
Charlie St. Cloud: A Novel

I read this book in the space of a week. It is by far the most amazing story that I have ever read and Ben Sherwood is definately the best author I have ever come across. I was completely hooked on the story from beginning to end and would reccomend it to anyone and everyone. I have never read a story with such emotion and I can not wait for the film to be released. :D Buy it, read it, love it guys! Trust me, you willnot regret it! ... Read more

Product Description
The full-size edition of this inspiring Zondervan title has sold nearly 1 million copies. The Gold Medallion award-winning Christian book, by two psychologists who've written a number of self-help guides, offers a realistic, compassionate plan for setting healthy boundaries with family, friends, and co-workers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (341)

BE WARNED! THIS IS A TINY BOOK!
I haven't read the book yet but the 156 pages are hardbound in a 2.5" x 3.5" book. The type is so small that I can't really read it. I didn't see anyplace on the description that it was so small. I should have guessed when the hard bound was less expensive than the paperback!

Every Parent
Every parent needs this book.Corporal punishment needs to be a thing of the past.It has no place in civilized society.

I just dug this book out of one of my book storage boxes.It brings back memories.I purchased it at Christmas in 1992, while we were across country visiting family members.I purchased a number of other books at the time.But this is the one I remember.On the drive home, I felt as though I had a treasure in it.After the first of the New Year, I started reading it as a wonderful gift to myself.It revolutionized my life.

I had intuitively raised my son with the boundaries and consequences described in this book.In 1992 he was a teen.As an adult now, he has excelled in his chosen profession.He has the wife and child of his dreams.He is an outstanding success, I would say.That's just the facts, no motherly bias.

Another group who should put this on their required reading list .. it's a long list.But, I'm thinking politicians need to read it and get their hands off our liberties.

boundaries
The Book is a great one BUT the advertising was misleading. What i received was a minature condensed version,. NOT what I expected or needed.

The descriptions need to be clearer.

Boundaries audio
I've read the book.Now I've heard the book.Helps you listen and hear what the purpose is; encouraging that it's okay to know when enough is enough and say no.

Absolutely Life Changing!!!
This book has been absolutely life changing for me! This is one of THE best books I have read! If you don't think, that you are struggling with boundary problems in your life... read it! This book is not only an eye opener, but at the same time educational and will help you re-examine and detect areas of your life, where you have to learn how say YES and NO. Entire book is based on bible verses and helped me to see my boundary problems, from a christian / godly prospective. I can truly say that, I became a more confidant person with setting limits and not feeling guilty about saying no. I have learned, when it is ok to say yes and feel good about my decision. But the journey does not stop here. There is still lots of work to be done. But now I know, how to do it and what to do. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I have several friends, who will be receiving a very special Christmas gift from me this year. I pray that it will change their life, as it has changed mine! ... Read more

Product Description
This book presents a biblical treatment of boundaries, identifies how boundaries are developed, and how they become injured. It also shows Christian misconceptions of the function and purpose of boundaries, and provides a program for developing and maintaining healthy limits.Amazon.com Review
In order to call themselves good Christians, many people havedrawn overly flexible boundaries (unwilling to say no, alwaysaccommodating others' needs) or overly rigid boundaries (to the pointof being righteous and judgmental). Psychologists and inspirationalspeakers Cloud and Townsend show readers how to set reasonableboundaries in order to follow the true path of Christianity. This bookhas become immensely popular, most likely because it makes personalboundaries easier to define and is filled with spiritual purpose.Some cautions: the format can be overly self-helpish for such acomplex discussion and the authors at one point imply that judiciousspankings may be an acceptable form of setting boundaries withchildren. However, many Christians will probably find themselvesgrateful for this biblical context of boundaries. --GailHudson ... Read more

Customer Reviews (341)

BE WARNED! THIS IS A TINY BOOK!
I haven't read the book yet but the 156 pages are hardbound in a 2.5" x 3.5" book. The type is so small that I can't really read it. I didn't see anyplace on the description that it was so small. I should have guessed when the hard bound was less expensive than the paperback!

Every Parent
Every parent needs this book.Corporal punishment needs to be a thing of the past.It has no place in civilized society.

I just dug this book out of one of my book storage boxes.It brings back memories.I purchased it at Christmas in 1992, while we were across country visiting family members.I purchased a number of other books at the time.But this is the one I remember.On the drive home, I felt as though I had a treasure in it.After the first of the New Year, I started reading it as a wonderful gift to myself.It revolutionized my life.

I had intuitively raised my son with the boundaries and consequences described in this book.In 1992 he was a teen.As an adult now, he has excelled in his chosen profession.He has the wife and child of his dreams.He is an outstanding success, I would say.That's just the facts, no motherly bias.

Another group who should put this on their required reading list .. it's a long list.But, I'm thinking politicians need to read it and get their hands off our liberties.

boundaries
The Book is a great one BUT the advertising was misleading. What i received was a minature condensed version,. NOT what I expected or needed.

The descriptions need to be clearer.

Boundaries audio
I've read the book.Now I've heard the book.Helps you listen and hear what the purpose is; encouraging that it's okay to know when enough is enough and say no.

Absolutely Life Changing!!!
This book has been absolutely life changing for me! This is one of THE best books I have read! If you don't think, that you are struggling with boundary problems in your life... read it! This book is not only an eye opener, but at the same time educational and will help you re-examine and detect areas of your life, where you have to learn how say YES and NO. Entire book is based on bible verses and helped me to see my boundary problems, from a christian / godly prospective. I can truly say that, I became a more confidant person with setting limits and not feeling guilty about saying no. I have learned, when it is ok to say yes and feel good about my decision. But the journey does not stop here. There is still lots of work to be done. But now I know, how to do it and what to do. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I have several friends, who will be receiving a very special Christmas gift from me this year. I pray that it will change their life, as it has changed mine! ... Read more

Product Description
Cloud Computing Explained provides an overview of Cloud Computing in an enterprise environment. There is a tremendous amount of enthusiasm around cloud-based solutions and services as well as the cost-savings and flexibility that they can provide. It is imperative that all senior technologists have a solid understanding of the ramifications of cloud computing since its impact is likely to permeate the entire IT landscape. However, it is not trivial to introduce a fundamentally different service-delivery paradigm into an existing enterprise architecture.This book describes the benefits and challenges of Cloud Computing and then leads the reader through the process of assessing the suitability of a cloud-based approach for a given situation, calculating and justifying the investment that is required to transform the process or application, and then developing a solid design that considers the implementation as well as the ongoing operations and governance required to maintain the solution in a partially outsourced delivery model. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Cloud Computing read
This is a easy reading book in which you can read sequentially through the book or select the chapters that are of most interest to you.The explaination of Cloud Computing is good, however there are a lot of references to providers and so almost becomes a selling book for what your company may require in terms of hardware, software, management etc.

Over all a good easy read, and contains all the relevant information in a single book as against trawling through the Internet.

Lucid discussion for CxO's
In this clear and concise book, John breaks down the fundamentals of both cloud computing and the products and projects that are driving it forward. Rather than immerse you in jargon and technobabble, John examines cloud computing from the business side of this burgeoning discipline, with exceptional focus on the value to your enterprise and what specific strengths and "gotchas" to watch out for. John is an experienced technical author, and it shows in this excellent treatment of the business side of cloud computing.

A "must have" book on Cloud Computing!
This books provides the most comprehensive picture of Cloud Computing that you will find in print today. The author covers all you need to know about Cloud Computing in ten very logically sequenced parts: Define, Assess, Design, Select, Integrate, Implement, Operate, Control, Adapt, Evolve.

Within these 10 parts, the author makes very practical and detailed explanations of areas related to Cloud Computing not typically found in other books, like management layers, ecosystem, infrastructure stack, platform as a service, how to assess benefits and challenges (strategic, risk and financial impacts), security architecture and design, employee changes, monitoring, governance and compliance, and even a list a Cloud Vendors.

With this book the author presents a document that is extremely practical and useful for consultants, architects, technologists, CIOs, CTO's, technology managers, and strategists who are actually involved with the planning and implementation of information technology - or for those who are just interested in Cloud Computing.

You would expect no less from someone who is known to have been one of the technology thought leaders at Hewlett-Packard for so many years - especially if you have read any of his other books.He has brought his considerable experience on Cloud Computing to bear here - and it shows when you see that what you learn from this book can put to immediate use.

"...one of the best books released this past year on the growing technology Cloud domain..."
John Rhoton's recent release "Cloud Computing - Explained" is by far one of the best books released this past year on the growing technology Cloud domain.Rhoton's years of real-world technology management and its implementation, in the field, with real clients, real implementation pressures, and, real resource-budget constraints, in an ever changing IT world, have all come perfectly together in an very resourceful, linear, thoughtfully written AND practical IT book.This isn't just another IT book on an IT fad - it's a much-needed implementation manual.

Rhoton's opening "Define" segment of the first 5 chapters are alone worth the price of the book where he "defines" What is a Cloud? ...in a professional manner that is clear and to the point ...then diving into a concrete discussion of Cloud Architecture [better than I've seen or read elsewhere in published format], a much-needed essential first step with follow-on discussions on IaaS, PaaS, and, SaaS, getting to a very mature understanding as to how Cloud Computing is moving us to the next major paradigm shift of EaaS in the overall IT space.Rhoton then goes to discuss assessment, alignment, costing and design considerations, again, in a very mature linear manner, ending with solutioning, where selection of appropriate vendor solutions is well discussed.In addition, the Appendix on Cloud vendors is also worth reviewing as one of the better current catalogs of successful products/services in the field at this time.

This is a Cloud implementation text CIOs, CTOs, and, real Enterprise Architectures should read and can use as they learn and navigate through the major Cloud paradigm shift we all being impacted by today.

Almost a Rosetta Stone
I am very impressed by this book. Some books merit the recommendation that they occupy space on your bookshelf; this book, however, deserves to be very near to hand (on your desk, for example) and very well-thumbed through.
Having read one of his earlier books, I continue to be impressed at how well Mr Rhoton takes the very complex and re-presents the information in highly comprehensible and understandable fashion, and this is something that he has more than succeeded at with the very challenging subject of Cloud Computing which is very much in vogue and at risk of becoming a meaningless buzzword, but for the fact that content such as this book are now available.
I especially like the way he broke things down into bite-sized chunks, and like even more the fact that he opted for Print on Demand (nice touch!). In taking this approach he made the mystifying and very intimidating task of selecting the right kind of Cloud capability and equipping the reader to arrive at a very well-informed decision.
For this latter reason this book belongs on the desk of not just the technological purist, but also the C-level (CIO) decision maker.
Coming from my own areas of expertise - Mobility and Security - I found Mr Rhoton's grasp and clarity of explanation to be of tremendous value, very well-articulated and the entire subject transformed into something that has become of use to me, rather than being the domain of the Marketing spin-meisters. For the service Mr Rhoton has lent to the community through creating and publishing this book he is owed a debt of thanks by many of us.
Sincerely,

Patrick Salmon, CISSP
Microsoft MVP Windows Mobile, 2009. ... Read more

Product Description
How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world's fastest growing software company in less than a decade? For the first time, Marc Benioff, the visionary founder, chairman and CEO of salesforce.com, tells how he and his team created and used new business, technology, and philanthropic models tailored to this time of extraordinary change. Showing how salesforce.com not only survived the dotcom implosion of 2001, but went on to define itself as the leader of the cloud computing revolution and spark a $46-billion dollar industry, Benioff's story will help business leaders and entrepreneurs stand out, innovate better, and grow faster in any economic climate.

In Behind the Cloud, Benioff shares the strategies that have inspired employees, turned customers into evangelists, leveraged an ecosystem of partners, and allowed innovation to flourish.

Customer Reviews (45)

Excellent CEO / Entrepreneurial Story Full Of Practical Advice
Now that Do More Faster is out and I appreciate how hard it is to write and publish a book, I read every book through a different (more appreciative) lens.This morning, I spent three hours on the coach and plowed through Behind the Cloud: The Untold Story of How Salesforce.com Went from Idea to Billion-Dollar Company-and Revolutionized an Industry.It was excellent.

Marc Benioff, the founder and CEO of Salesforce.com, tells the story of Salesforce.com in 111 short stories.He mixes each story with clear advice, from his perspective, about creating, building, and scaling a business.I loved the format that Benioff used to organize these stories into clear themes, while still marching linearly through the story of Salesforce.com.

This is a book aimed at entrepreneurial CEO's but scales nicely to any founder of a company.It also reminds us of the actual evolution of Cloud Computing, which several very large technology companies continue to try to claim credit for.When reading this book, you realize how deep and clear Benioff's vision was from the beginning.

It was well worth the time to read and gave me some structural ideas for some writing that I'm working on.

Practical no-nonsense Business advice from a leading Visionary
Marc Benioff the founder of [...] is one of the most successful entrepreneurs and Tech visionariesof our times. Marc was one of the early visionaries of Cloud computing and Software as a Service. In fact, it is fair to credit him as one of the stalwarts that created this industry. This book is an excellent, practical and no nonsense guidebook to start and run a Business. In a very lucid sytle, Marc explains all the aspects of setting up a new company - Sales, Hiring, Leadership, Funding, turning a company global, successful. It is full of practical suggestions . For example, it is better to rely on friends and relatives for initial funding rather than VCs, how to develop the culture of a company from the very start etc. The open spirit with which he has shared what worked for Salesforce is remarkable. Also impressive is the "giving back" mindset that the company has developed from the start even before it started generating profits. His passion and energy is very infectious and exudes everywhere.

A wonderful book from a remarkable leader and visionary of our times !

Insider's guide to how Salesforce became successful
Salesforce redefined customer relationship management (CRM) applications - and the entire enterprise application industry - for the 21st century. The forward-looking company provides businesses with software in a remarkably efficient manner: online, "without the complexities of installation, maintenance and constant upgrades." In this book, Salesforce founder and CEO Marc Benioff and journalist Carlye Adler tell the absorbing, often quirky, Salesforce story, from start-up to global expansion and beyond. Even better, they break this singular tale down into a series of discrete, highly valuable business lessons. getAbstract agrees with Dell founder Michael Dell that Benioff and Adler's new volume is "the playbook for Enterprise 2.0." Entrepreneurs and business leaders can learn much from this instructive company history.

A new style of writing - must read
A must read business book written in an unconventional and attention holding style. Easy read and quick finish. Marc has made it very relevant and inspiring for the dreamer in each one of us to dream big. He has shared the recipe of flawless execution putting business sense (only learned by experience) in words. Some of the gripping themes:

1. Tactics define strategy - list of examples shared explain the meaning of strategy (being unconventional and using your competition to your advantage- in this case)in lay man terms.

2. Creating metaphors and socializing with media as a PR strategy.

3. To create a successful business event - the mix of people is very important than the number of people.

4.Create street teams and use your customers as your sales force.

5. Metrics for sales success - inbound sales, raw web traffic, capture rate, lead conversion rate, close rate, average deal size, sales cycle strength, sales productivity.

6. Follow the lead of companies/ businesses that are loved by their customers.

7. V2MOM- Vision, Values, Methods, Obstacles, Measures. A very good tool to help you create an execution plan.

Tells you what he does, and he follows through in the book
Don't let the cover of this book fool you, it isn't just for computer geeks.While this book will teach you about "cloud computing" and how Salesforce.com has revolutionized the traditional view of software, this book is really about entrepreneurship.The book is written like a how-to manual of success in today's changing business world.It is a very easy and enjoyable book to read.The author, Marc Benioff, puts into the novel what he says he has done in his business; he successfully peaks the reader's interest and doesn't give too much of salesforce.com away.Thus he drives the reader directly to his business to learn more.Well done Mr. Benioff. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (3)

I guess I expected much more
I would not have purchased this book, b/c the very topic (Amazon Cloud Services) moves too fast for print.This is a form of technology that is changing so rapidly that it is hard to publish material that will be of any daily use shortly after the ink is dry.

The book reads well, it covers excellent topics and I think the author does a good job.That said, you need to read this kind of material on blogs through an RSS, so that the day it is published you can read it and know that it will be antiquated very shortly!

The best book written on how to get started in the Amazon Cloud
My teams in two companies have now built solutions that used AWS and the Amazon Cloud Solution including systems that serve users with millions of page-views and mobile solutions serving the US, Mexico, China, Taiwan, Korea, ....

I WISH I HAD HAD THIS BOOK FOR THE TEAM!

Amazon's documentation and support is excellent, but Jeff Barr has put it all together in a precise, complete, and well documented roadmap.

Have you been intimidated by cloud computing and hosting your solution in the cloud? Don't be. Jeff leads you through the process step by step.

The previous review is right on - you """don't (need) to be a VC funded Silicon Valley start-up, or a Top 1000 website to take advantage of the power, flexibility and cost savings found in cloud computing."""

Although not just anybody can do it (such as my 84 year old mother)Jeff has done an outstanding job making it easy.If you are a reasonably web-savy mid-level PHP familiar programmer (my mother is not) you'll be up and running building highly scalable cloud-based solutions in hours.It's easier than fixing pizza....

Oh -- and if you have multiple programmers running around and want to keep a copy of the book for yourself - buy more than one copy.Someone already borrowed mine which means it will be MIA for at least a month.

Finally! Clear & Simple Explanation of Moving to Cloud Web Hosting
This is the "official" Amazon EC2 and S3 book, and it does a fantastic job of covering the basics.

If you've been intimidated by cloud computing and hosting websites on the cloud, fear no longer! This book will walk you through everything you need to know to transition from dedicated servers or shared hosting accounts and into supper affordable cloud hosting where you can rent servers for just pennies per hour and instantly go from 1 server to 20 and then back to 1 as dictated by traffic.

If you're still leasing servers for hundreds of dollars a month each, if commissioning a new server takes days rather than minutes, if you pay through the nose for bandwidth, if your site or web applications can't handle sudden traffic spikes then this book is for you. You don't to be a VC funded Silicon Valley start-up, or a Top 1000 website to take advantage of the power, flexibility and cost savings found in cloud computing. Anybody can do it. ... Read more

Product Description
This book focuses on four developmental tasks -- bonding to others, separating from others, integrating good and bad in our lives, and taking charge of our lives -- that all of us must accomplish to heal our inner pain and to enable us to function and grow emotionally and spiritually. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (63)

Changes that Heal
I have not yet had the chance to read this book. It was highly recommended to me by a friend and I look forward to reading it when time permits.
Amazon did a fine service of sending it to me. In good condition and promply.

Changes That Heal
An excellent book that I really wanted; as it is an older, yellowed paperback, but otherwise good condition, I couldn't give it 5 stars. I started reading it immediately, and know that I will read it & reference it again. It arrived faster than I expected.

Good Book
Book arrested my attention with the heading of Chapter Three!! It is helping me to be fulfilled so that I can do the work I am called to do and live the life I am called to live. Thank You, Jesus and Dr. Cloud!

Great Investment
Excellent book. Provided a great deal of valueble and applicable information. This book has something for everybody.

Good book
I didn't expect this book to be so religious, yet it is an interesting read. I haven't read the entire book so I cannot give a complete review. I do think it can be helpful for individuals who have experienced spiritual abuse. ... Read more

Product Description
Adelaide Proctor is a young woman with her head in the clouds, longing for a real-life storybook hero to claim as her own. But when a husband-hunting debacle leaves her humiliated, she interviews for a staid governess position on a central Texas sheep ranch and vows to leave her romantic yearnings behind.When Gideon Westcott left his privileged life in England to make a name for himself in America's wool industry, he never expected to become a father overnight. And five-year-old Isabella hasn't uttered a word since she lost her mother. The unconventionality of the new governess concerns Gideon--and intrigues him at the same time. But he can't afford distractions. He has a ranch to run, a shearing to oversee, and a suspicious fence-cutting to investigate. When Isabella's uncle comes to claim the child--and her inheritance--Gideon and Adelaide must work together to protect Isabella from the man's evil schemes. And soon neither can deny their growing attraction. But after so many heartbreaks, will Adelaide be willing to get her head out of the clouds and put her heart on the line? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (22)

Excellent read
I enjoyed this delightful book. Adelaide is a young woman with a strong mind and an impulsive trait but well grounded in the Lord. Her spunk and understanding sympathy helps to bring out the best in her charge and in those around her on the ranch. This is not the typical governess romance but rather a Victorian murder mystery in the wild west with a romantic strong impulsive young woman as the heroine.My thanks to the author for a review copy of the book.

Thoroughly enjoyable romance with touches of suspense
This is the first book of Karen's I've read, but it won't be the last. What happens when a recovering romantic goes to work for a handsome ranch owner and her heart's not the only thing in danger? A fun historical romp that has enough overtones of suspense to keep me reading. And the characters are wonderful!

Adelaide is a heroine with a wonderful sense of humor who is passionate about life. She doesn't do anything halfway. I found myself pulling for her from the opening chapter. Who can't relate to her deep desire for romance, and her faith that leads her to do some things others might call crazy but that lead her to take a job as governess.

Gideon is a hero I enjoyed. Who hasn't dreamed of a British hero who sweeps you off your feet? He was a bit enigmatic but that only added to the fun. Add in his ward Isabella, and you have a wonderful mix of characters that were easy to love and pull for.

This book had a great mix of humor, romance and suspense. Loved it!

Can a young woman, humiliated and heart-broken, trust love again?
Adelaide Proctor is a young school teacher who leaves her position to pursue the man of her dreams. She discovers a secret about him that leaves her humiliated and heart-broken. Taking her wounded pride, Adelaide secures employment as a governess on a Texas sheep ranch.

Adelaide is captivated by her charge, sweet little Bella, who hasn't spoken a word since her mom's death. Day by day, she finds herself more attracted to the child's guardian, Gideon Westcott. Yet, Adelaide knows her position and status in comparison to her English employer.

When the two join forces against a common adversary, Bella's unscrupulous uncle, they draw strength from each others courage, feed each others faith, and find their hearts entangled by love.

Miss Witemeyer uses vivid characters to further the plot of her well-developed story.

A copy of this book was provided by the publisher, Bethany House, for the purpose of review.

Sweet Romance!
Just when I thought I couldn't enjoy a book more that A Tailor-Made Bride, Head in the Clouds comes along and I devour all 350+ pages in a day. If you are a fan of romance, ranchers, and British nobility you will love this story. Not only that but if you like to be able to relate to a heroine I don't think you will be able to find another quite like Adelaide Proctor (at least I can't think of one!)

Adelaide is on the lookout for her storybook hero (aren't we all *wink*) and literally falls into the arms of a man who just might be her Mr. Rochester minus the crazy wife and "broodiness." Gideon Westcott aka Lord Mansfield (well almost, he's third in line for that title) formally of England is now a sheep rancher in Texas and is in charge of a young ward, Isabella Petchey. Of course there's also the danger of the Texas plains and hills, throw in a money hungry uncle and you have some heart-stopping moments.

With the skill of a seasoned pro, Karen Witemeyer has spun a tale that is sure to please the most romantic souls and those with a predilection for danger. ;-) If you're like me this book will stay on your keeper shelf to be read again. I can't wait till next year for her next release, To Win Her Heart!



*This book was provided to me through the publisher as an influencer for the author.*

You Won't be able to put it down!
Head in the Clouds by Karen Witemeyer is a delightful novel that I simply couldn't put down. I received it on a Friday and was finished it by Sunday evening.

As the title suggests our main character, Adelaide Proctor, has her head in the clouds. She dreams of a romantic hero who will sweep her off her feet and take her away to live happily ever after. Well, her first hero turns out to be a cad, but unfortunately for Adelaide she doesn't realize that until it's too late. She ends up homeless, jobless and in a strange city. Enter our real hero Gideon Westcott, he hires Adelaide as a Governess for his mute daughter Isabella. While he saves Adelaide from certain starvation, neither one of them realizes how much they will soon come to depend on each other, especially since Isabella's uncle wants to claim the girl and her inheritance.

I love this book! All the ingredients are there - romance, intrigue, danger and suspense. Karen Witemeyer has now gone on my list of authors to watch for. ... Read more

Product Description
Finding safe people provides the foundation for building healthy, lasting relationships. Here's how to identify safe people. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (70)

awesome
Received the book within a few days of ordering it.Will order from them again

Pastor
This is a excellent publication for insight into self and others, you will have a more understanding ear.

Helpful info for relationships
This is good information for those going through divorce.It should be required reading for those contemplating marriage.

Great insight!
I have not finished this book, but it's right on target so far.Excellent!

Safe People by Drs. Cloud and Townsend
An excellent source of guidance in assessing the likelihood of a good relationship (or an unhealthy relationship).Have used as a reference in divorce recovery classes to understand what may have contributed to the broken relationship (e.g. was my spouse "safe" and/or am I "safe"?).Safe People: How to Find Relationships That Are Good for You and Avoid Those That Aren't ... Read more

Product Description

The easy way to understand and implement cloud computing technology written by a team of experts

Cloud computing can be difficult to understand at first, but the cost-saving possibilities are great and many companies are getting on board. If you've been put in charge of implementing cloud computing, this straightforward, plain-English guide clears up the confusion and helps you get your plan in place.

You'll learn how cloud computing enables you to run a more green IT infrastructure, and access technology-enabled services from the Internet ("in the cloud") without having to understand, manage, or invest in the technology infrastructure that supports them. You'll also find out what you need to consider when implementing a plan, how to handle security issues, and more.

• Cloud computing is a way for businesses to take advantage of storage and virtual services through the Internet, saving money on infrastructure and support
• This book provides a clear definition of cloud computing from the utility computing standpoint and also addresses security concerns
• Offers practical guidance on delivering and managing cloud computing services effectively and efficiently
• Presents a proactive and pragmatic approach to implementing cloud computing in any organization
• Helps IT managers and staff understand the benefits and challenges of cloud computing, how to select a service, and what's involved in getting it up and running
• Highly experienced author team consults and gives presentations on emerging technologies

Cloud Computing For Dummies gets straight to the point, providing the practical information you need to know. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Great Overview of the Cloud
Cloud Computing for Dummies is a great start for people looking to learn more about the cloud.It's also a great reference for people who know the basics, but need more information and insights on workload management, standards, security and governance.There are many books on various aspects of cloud computing, but this is probably the broadest perspective and coverage of this exciting and complex new environment.Well organized, and written, I find this to be a book that I like to keep handy and refer to on a regular basis.

Thorough review of the current cloud computing standards
I found Cloud Computing for Dummies to be an extremely thorough review of the current cloud computing standards landscape.Cloud computing standards have the potential to radically change how organizations manage IT systems.As such, comprehensive coverage of the subject is essential to furthering industry development of this new paradigm.

Good book,it was my first "for dummies" book
My first "for dummies" book. I like how you can skip around easily and just get the information I'm interested in quickly and easily.

Good generalist's introduction to cloud computing
Over the last year, I have spent an increasing amount of time trying to explain to people what cloud computing is and what it means for their business.

With this book, my explaining job just got a lot easier. No, it is not perfect, but it provides a fast way to get up to speed on a very broad topic.

Cloud computing has turned into everybody's favorite buzzword, complete with its own jargon (SaaS, PaaS, IaaS and many more aaS-es).

Cloud Computing For Dummies provides a plain English introduction to cloud computing. It answers basic questions like: What it cloud computing; How can cloud computing impact my business; and How can you explain cloud computing to your bosses' boss (using small, non-technical words)?

Don't be fooled by the "Dummies" title - this book has good technical information as well. In particular, it discusses practical advice for how to handle issues like monitoring, data management and security.

In summary this book is good for:
- Business people who want a clear explanation of cloud computing with just enough detail to be dangerous
- Technical people who are new to cloud computing and want a broad overview that gets them up to speed quickly

This book is probably not ideal for:
- Technical specialists who want an in-depth guide to specific cloud technologies
- Hardcore developers who want detailed information on a particular cloud solution like Amazon EC2

Best in its price range
but for a few extra dollars you can get much better bang for the buck. Hurwitz has made a great improvement over her SOA book. Cloud Computing for Dummies is well organized and keeps to the mainstream of current thought on the subject. All the same it is superficial and padded with questionable and obsolescent details such as pricing structures that were copied from vendor sites.

You'll find Cloud Computing Explained (Rhoton) is easier to read and describes what cloud computing involves more thoroughly. Cloud COmputing and SOA Convergence (Linthicum) presents SOA and how it relates to cloud computing very well.That's important because architecture is key to cloud computing. Cloud Application Architectures (Reese) has a narrow Amazon focus but some of his discussion of resilience applies generally. You'll also want to look at Cloud Security and Privacy (Mather). There is no way you can implement cloud services without a careful look at data security issues.

The bottom line is that cloud computing is a vast subject. If you are serious about it and want to understand every aspect of it then you have to dish out a handsome sum and get at least four books. On top of that there are special focus books on each of the service providers that could be pertinent depending on which services you choose. You can get detailed information online and in the blogosphere but it's not as easy as reading it in a book.

If you are on a tight budget and just want to skim the headlines this book may be just right for you. Elseways I advise further research. ... Read more

Product Description
How People Grow reveals why all growth is spiritual growth and how you can grow in ways you never thought possible.Unpacking the practical and passionate theology that forms the backbone of their counseling, Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend shatter popular misconceptions about how God operates to reveal how growth really happens.Amazon.com Review
Whether you're hoping to achieve personal and spiritual growth or are looking for guidance to help others, you'll find practical andproven wisdom in Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend's How People Grow: What the Bible Reveals About Personal Growth.Starting with the premise that all growth is spiritual growth, the authors then expound on the concept. Cloud postulates that we spend too much timefocusing on problems, rather than on root issues. "We are not just to help others 'feel better' or relate better or perform better," writesCloud. Rather, he says, people must get back into a relationship with God. With this in mind, there's a brief lesson in theology ("the 'BigPicture'"), then a look at topics such as acceptance, forgiveness, obedience, and suffering. The authors have impressive credentials: they are cofounders ofCloud-Townsend Clinic, cohosts of the nationally broadcast New Life Live radio program, and Gold Medallion winnersfor the bestselling Boundaries. Boxed summaries of important concepts for growth facilitators, charts, counseling anecdotes, and lotsof bullet-pointed text make the content accessible. Professional and lay readers will both find biblically based tools here for personal growthand guiding others. --Cindy Crosby ... Read more

Customer Reviews (31)

How People Grow
It isn't possible for me to list all the benefits of this book and I truly wish I had not let it set on my bookshelf for 5 years before I finally read it. It may be that I wasn't hungry enough for the truth before now?

The premise of the book is that all growth is based on what is written in the Bible. The authors proceed to expound, demonstrate, and display that credible truth throughout the book with great success.

I will read certain portions of this book again and again as I prepare to lead a small group. I'm applying the principles and already seeing some exciting results.

Delivers on its Title
Cloud and Townsend provide all that a book on how people grow according to the Bible ought to have.They offer explanations and insights about Scripture, they highlight dynamics from psychology and family systems, they provide a plethora of examples from their practices, lives and relationships.How People Grow identifies the obstacles to growth related to the fact that all humans are sinful and wounded. The growth they emphasize entails redemption and salvation but does not come easily. I was impressed with how they uphold virtues like humility and suffering as essential Christian elements required for growth.

This is a dense and meaty book that is accessible to all levels of readers.Cloud and Townsend do not get lofty or overly pithy in their writing. They keep it at a level that can be grasped and used by any readers.

In their solutions for people to grow past their problems, the authors continually highlight the importance of solid relationships with other people and especially support groups. This may be the biggest factor in our individualistic culture that people come away with.To grow, we need others and we need close, personal and trusting relationships with others.

The authors also convey their belief that growth comes through God and not apart from him.The book is not preachy but it is realistic and practical.

The mother of all of his books
I have read (and currently reading) several of Cloud and Townsend's books and my assessment was that this is the most fundamental of all of his books...it hits to the very core of who we are and where we need true healing and growth to come from...not in these 'self-help' or 'management and leadership' books--that are nothing more than quick fixes and feel good types--but through the genuine process of confession, forgiveness, and faith in God and not on the self. With 350+ pages, it can be somewhat dense, but it is worth the time to read and digest.

Good Long in depth book
This book is very eye-opening and helpful for those who want to understand themselves and others better.Many things discusses in the book are concepts that most Christians are aware of but cannot articulate.

This book however was a very looooooooong read.While it is chock full of anecdotes, often times to me it did seem to be repetitive or disjointed.However, it is still easy to read (just took a while to get done with).

Would highly recommend this to anyone who is in ministry or struggling with personal relationships.

Must Read
You can learn a lot whether you are a pastor or layman.
However, its Traditional Chinese version is one of the worst. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (34)

Good introduction to cloud computing
Overall this book was a great overview of cloud computing. It would be great to see a new addition or online addendum that is less Amazon-centric and provides more information regarding other players. However, this is a great reference whether you are designing a new application or looking to convert an existing application. After working with cloud computing for over a year I can say that I wish I would have had this book before I started because many of the considerations and concepts that are discussed in the book I have learned about through hard work and sometimes trial and error.

See my full lengthy review at [...]

A good overview of Cloud Computing and Amazon cloud
If you are looking to learn some essentials about Cloud computing and Amazon Cloud computing services, this is a book for you. The book covers the basics of cloud computing, addresses its costs vs. benefits, also discussed security, disaster recover, and scalability. This book is heavily focused on Amazon Cloud Computing with some information about Rackspace and GoGrid. It does not include many other Cloud providers and services like Force.com (Salesforce), etc. This book is a good reading and reference in general.

Good for the right audience
In Short: If you're looking for a book that explains how the AWS EC2 & S3 services can be used to implement transactional web applications on the IaaS model, while accommodating enterprise architectural needs, such as security, disaster recovery, and scalability, this is a good book for you.

This book provides a good introduction to cloud computing, but it focuses on a specific usage paradigm. As such the title is a little misleading; instead of providing a variety of cloud application architectural patterns, this book focuses on web application development using the Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) model. That is to say, the discussion covers a subset of IaaS; it neither covers other models (e.g. PaaS) or other uses of the IaaS model (workflow-based, sometimes called "scientific" or grid-based, applications).

The book also focuses on Amazon Web Services (AWS) as the implementation context. I think this is a practical approach, given the aforementioned usage focus as was just mentioned. The VAST majority of web application development using the IaaS model is implemented via AWS.

If you are a developer who knows that the usage pattern described above is applicable to your needs, this is a great book to get introduced to AWS prior to a design effort for a new project. It covers high-level (architectural) concerns such as reliability and security which should be considered at the outset of such a project. It is concise, and clearly written (assuming a technical audience).

If, however, you are looking for more of an overview, perhaps cataloging all the various architectural options that fall within cloud computing, or if you are looking specifically for information on other cloud usage patterns (grid computing, Platform as a Service, or Software as a Service), you'll want a different book.

What a bore.
This book was such a bore to read.The phrase 'Building Applications' led me to believe that this book might possibly be about building applications.Unfortunately, it was mostly CIO-speak.Awful, awful.

Easy to read introduction focusing on architecture, best practices.
Book provides a good overview of cloud architectures and best practices, with a slant towards architecting transactional web-based systems for security, failure recovery, and so on. Heavy emphasis on Amazon S3, EC2 and related offerings, so if you are curious about deploying to Amazon's cloud, a good overview. Nice short book at 150 pages, easy to read in a few settings. But if you are new to this space, a good overview doesn't need to be 1000 pages to get you going. Also contains a couple of appendices that describe Amazon APIs and other cloud ISPs such as Rackspace. I recommend this book if you are looking at a quick overview of architectures and discussion of issues you need to think about to deal with security, data integrity, costs, disaster recovery. Your choice of cloud provider may not be Amazon, but these issues need to be considered regardless. ... Read more

Product Description
This anonymous fourteenth-century text is the glory of English mysticism, and one of the most practical and useful guides to finding union with God ever written. Carmen Acevedo Butcher’s new translation is the first to bring the text into a modern English idiom—while remaining strictly faithful to the meaning of the original Middle English.

The Cloud of Unknowing consists of a series of letters written by a monk to his student or disciple, instructing him (or her) in the way of Divine union. Its theology is presented in a way that is remarkably easy to understand, as well as practical, providing advice on prayer and contemplation that anyone can use. Previous translations of the Cloud have tended to veil its intimate, even friendly tone under medieval-sounding language. Carmen Butcher has boldly brought the text into language as appealing to modern ears as it was to its original readers more than five hundred years ago.

Also included in the volume is the companion work attributed to the same anonymous author, The Book of Privy Counsel, which contains further advice for approaching God in a way that emphasizes real experience rather than human knowledge.

To learn more about the author, visit her website: carmenbutcher.com ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Cloud of Unknowing
Bought this book as a gift for a dear friend.They read the whole book and loved it.This says alot!

rating a spiritual masters work.
The Cloud of Unknowning is a spiritual classic. So for me to review this book is funny to me. This writing has been rewritten alreadyto simplify an english of about 600 years ago and was done most excellently. As for the book itself, I felt right at home with the author. He is serious about this work. If you are looking to find a devout spiritual path, this is a great teacher combined with a great writing. You don't have to be a genius to understand this path. I would love to have had the opportunity to study under this spiritual master. Though he does keep himself unknown, I would like to known why he choose to be unknown.

Beautiful Translation
Thank you.
"It's ironic that the topic you most want to discuss leaves you speechless."
p. 217

Meet the author of The Cloud
I had previously read part of another translation of The Cloud, and while I felt drawn to the work, Dr. Butcher's translation really brought the text and its author to life for me.She has succeeded brilliantly in her attempt "to articulate the intimacy between the Cloud writer and his audience" (Introduction).Those who seek guidance on the path of contemplation will find in these pages a very special friend, confidant and teacher.You will be amazed at how he speaks to us so deeply and powerfully and in such simple and direct terms across the centuries, thanks in no small part to the work of Dr. Butcher.

Moving Beyond
Wonderful book--but not for everyone.This book is for those who see a difference between religion and spirituality.Both are necessary.It is just thatwe sometimes fall in love with religion or are stalled by the shortcomings of religion, not allowing it to catapult us into spirituality and Beyond.Whoever the original author was (and we don't know) he/she was in touch with the Real Thing. ... Read more

Product Description
Now in paperback: the runaway British bestseller that has cloudspotters everywhere looking up.

Where do clouds come from? Why do they look the way they do? And why have they captured the imagination of timeless artists, Romantic poets, and every kid who's ever held a crayon? Veteran journalist and lifelong sky watcher Gavin Pretor-Pinney reveals everything there is to know about clouds, from history and science to art and pop culture. Cumulus, nimbostratus, and the dramatic and surfable Morning Glory cloud are just a few of the varieties explored in this smart, witty, and eclectic tour through the skies.

Illustrated with striking photographs (including a new section in full-color) and line drawings featuring everything from classical paintings to lava lamps, The Cloudspotter's Guide will have enthusiasts, weather watchers, and the just plain curious floating on cloud nine. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (23)

When child-like becomes childish
I certainly learned a lot about clouds from this book in terms of meteorology and art and literature. I really wanted to like it more. Unfortunately the prose style starts to become very annoying from quite early on, especially the childish anthropomorphism (this cloud is 'the Darth Vader of clouds', others are 'lazy' or like members of a street gang) and the lame jokes become very irritating. The overall effect is of one of those school science videos trying embarrassingly hard to make science 'cool' and 'relevant' but succeeds only in irritating its audience. Some readers might need to be told that static electricity can be built up by scraping their boots on the carpet, but to follow that information with a sentence beginning, 'Clouds don't wear boots...' made me wonder who the intended audience was. It also made me glad that I was reading this on a Kindle: I might have thrown a paper book through the window.

It's almost as if the author worries that his subject - in which he is clearly passionately interested - might not be quite interesting enough for the rest of us. If so, he is quite wrong and this book would have been much more enjoyable for me if he had had the courage of his convictions.

Looking at clouds
After hearing a college instructor talk about weather and clouds I purchased this book. It is so informative and interesting.I find I am looking at the sky and clouds more. It is a good reference book.

Bookworm
G'day,

The Cloud spotter's Guide, was very cheap (2nd hand, but very good condition)and is very informative. The postage was probably a bit dear. Still, it had to come from the U.S. I am happy with the deal.

Armin Hubert.

awesome gift for myself
bought afterlooking at glen e friedman's photography pieces in his book recognize

after seeing all the different cloud formations i wanted to learn more about clouds

timely delivery

great condition

Strengths and weaknesses
My view: the author writes very well, with a lovely turn of phrase and a poetic touch. On the other hand, as someone else noted, there is often a sense of trying too hard: for instance, he tries to weave an explanation around a forgotten child pop star and frankly, we just want to know about the clouds. I disagree with some of the reviewers, who claim that we're 'just not that into' clouds: some of us are, which is why we bought the book. I like the scientific explanation; I could do with a bit less of the gods and myths: but everyone likes a different balance, I guess.

What I found more objectionable, as well as surprising, since the author seems such a reasonable chap otherwise, is the bizarre swipe at America by means of the Vietnam War and a critique of cloud seeding, as if it were the most sinister invention since Vlad the Impaler said, "I know, let's make some stakes." (Never mind that India, which has used American cloud-seeding technology in the past, is now using it again and developing its own methods in order to ensure the needed monsoon rains. This is a story in the news as I write.) Pretor-Pinney also throws in a gratuitous and utterly baseless comment about monks being seen as a threat to America -- god knows what his source's agenda was or why he is cited in this book -- but it does raise a perplexing and not very happy question about how this guy sees the world. Has he spent too much time 'seeing' things that don't exist in clouds?

I give this 2.5 stars for the science, the clever writing, and the photographic quiz in the middle of the book, but I object to the politicized final sections, and I think the folksy story-telling is rather overdone.
... Read more

Product Description
An authority on fourteenth-century spirituality provides an accessible introduction to the original Middle English text, detailing its history and impact and including a copy of the medieval author's other work, The Book of Privy Counseling. Reprint.Amazon.com Review
"God can be loved but he cannot be thought. He can begrasped by love but never by concepts. So less thinking and moreloving."

This is William Johnston's summary of the message of The Cloud ofUnknowing. Nobody knows who wrote the book, or exactly where helived, or whether he was a member of a religious order, or even,really, whether he was part of any church at all. The text firstappeared in Middle English in the 14th century, and it has inspiredgenerations of mystical searchers (from St. John of the Cross toTeilhard de Chardin). The mysterious conditions of its composition,however, focus the reader's attention squarely on the book'smessage--an almost Zen rendering of Christianity, which has a greatdeal to teach our querulous, doctrine-obsessed churches: "And so Iurge you," the author writes, "go after experience rather thanknowledge. On account of pride, knowledge may often deceive you, butthis gentle, loving affection will not deceive you. Knowledge tends tobreed conceit, but love builds. Knowledge is full of labor, but love,full of rest."--Michael Joseph Gross ... Read more

Customer Reviews (21)

Add to your sacred library
The "Cloud of Unknowing" is another classic that serious disciples must have in their sacred library.Even if you are not drawn toward mystical Christianity, this timeless classic explores deeply the interior life of Christians often absent in the modern world.

Certainly more appropriate for those strong in their faith, "The Cloud of Unknowing" is a challenging read.I would recommend this book be treated as Lectio Divina, with each short chapter an opportunity for meditation and prayer.Trying to read this (or any other "mystical" work) in an academic fashion will only serve to alienate the reader from Christian experience that is not the typical rational neo-scholastic form - such as much of Roman Catholicism and Protestantism.

Reviewed by:Dr. Jeffrey Wincel (D.Min), author of "Climbing Climbing The Mountain of God, The Path to Mystical Discipleship" and "Defying the Trend, Business Ethics and Corporate Morality from a Faith Perspective."

Simply wonderfull
I have read a great many theological and metaphysical text, These books stand out among them all.The quality of writing is that of beautifulpoetry yet it is also easy to understand.I truly believe that the author glimpsed the divine. Also, I would recommend this book to any person of the Christian, or any other faith, that feels the need, and wants to deepen their faith.

The Cloud of Unknowing and the Book of Privy Counseling
Received promptly in perfect condition.

Excerpts from this book appear in The Magnificat publication.

For The Serious Minded Only
Excellent reading and challenging thoughts.Must be ready to go beyond the "norm" to enjoy and make application of this book.I highly recommend this...only be prepared to face yourself...and God.

Must read for those interested in contemplative prayer.
It seems like every book I have read on centering prayer or contemplative prayer quote this book extensively. This is a must read book that is easy to read yet requires a life time to apply. ... Read more

Product Description
Drawn from original sources, Old Path White Clouds is the beautiful classic recounting of the life and teachings of Gautama Buddha over the course of eighty years. It is retold alternately through the eyes of Svasti, the buffalo boy who provided kusa grass for the Buddha's enlightenment cushion, and the Buddha himself. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (49)

One of the top three books for any educated person to read
Superb, outstanding, comprehensive, profound, beautiful!An absolute must read for any Buddhist.Actually, this book would make my list of the top three books that anyone should read once in their lifetime.Though it's 600 pages long, it's very easy to read and absorbing.Primarily it is the story of the Buddha's life, as gathered directly from source material.As such, it's an amazing resource both of the extant biographical information as well as a gathering of the most important teachings.Why, oh why, didn't I hear of this book when it was published in 1991!I'm so grateful to have finally found the best book on Buddha's life.Thank you, Thich Nhat Hanh!

Excellent Condition
I received this book in excellent condition exactly as described.Shipping was satifactory.Overall good buying experience.

BEST BOOK ON BUDDHISM
If you want to read a book about Buddhism without all of the attachment of religion (Buddhism is not technically a religion), then this is the book you need to start with.No Hingu Karma or Re-incarnation that confuses so many Buddhists.Learn ONLY what the Buddha taught while going through the journey in his footsteps.Translated wonderfully, mindfully and incredibly through the eyes of one of the most amazing living monks today, Vietnamese born Thich Nhat Hanh.

There is nothing phoofy or embellished about this book.An excellent read to either learn, escape or relax.

During my journey as a Buddhist monk, I was offered this book by the Abbott of the monastery I ordained at in Thailand.I expected to be a monk for only a short time.The understanding of this book with my daily meditation, dhamma studies and essentially living in the Buddhas footsteps was cause for me to achieve much more in my studies in robes than if I were to do so without this book.

The Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh writes in such detail and human terms that as you read each chapter you fall farther and farther into a sense fill experience.Half way through the book I began to smell and feel the morning dew on the grass as described. He is a gifted monk to not only write this and many other well-written books on Buddhism, but to translate them so accurately becomes proof of his mindful ability to concentrate.

Do yourself a favor, pick this book up when you have cleared your mind of the day's activities or when you can read it without distraction.By the 5th Chapter you will have realized you have given yourself a gift no one else could.

I now recommend or give this book as a gift to anyone that comes to me wanting to learn more about Buddhism.
A great way to following the 'Right Path' as a primer or to reset your thinking even if you have been studying Buddhism for many years.

Metta

Poetic Renditions can be Dangerous
OPWC is a treacle-sweet encyclopedic hagiography of the Buddha that within the course of the narrative also includes restatements of some significant sutras attributed to the Buddha. The composition of the hagiography out of bits and pieces of other writings is clearly reminiscent of Elias Lönnrot's manner of composing the Finnish national epic, The Kalevala, out of shards of oral folk poetry. This particular methodology of composition has long been in disfavor among philologists and is considered to be an unreliable way to establish an accurate narrative. It is, perhaps, best read as a poetic evocation of the Buddha's life but cannot be seen as an objective biography and its obvious Mahayana tendencies that may not be familiar to newcomers to Buddhist studies, suggesting caution in using this book as class material. Far shorter and more objective biographies of the Buddha's life exist. Used by someone whose knowledge of Buddhism is extensive, however, can turn the book into a wonderful compendium of Mahayana teachings provided that Thich Nhat Khans's liberties with the material used is clearly and objectivelydelineated.

This book is more than a Biography of Buddha
This book is very well written and is more than just the biography of buddha's life. Thich Nhat Thanh has done a wonderful job. ... Read more

Product Description

Integrity—more than simple honesty, it's the key to success. A person with integrity has the ability to pull everything together, to make it all happen no matter how challenging the circumstances. Drawing on experiences from his work, Dr. Henry Cloud, a clinical psychologist, leadership coach, corporate consultant and nationally syndicated radio host, shows how our character can keep us from achieving all we want to (or could) be.

Customer Reviews (41)

"Soft" Skills Help Master Hard Realities
Practice the "soft side" management suggestions from Cloud, or be battered by the hard realities of leading teams into the cut & thrust of capitalist battle. I wish I had read this 10 years ago.

Great
Great book, amazingly in depth and has really put a new perspective of things into my head. Great read!

Character is Supreme
As a leader of a relatively large organization, I found this an extremely helpful read. Many of those things you know in your "gut", Cloud gives voice to - that success is more than being competent at a skill, but about having an integrated and whole personality. Character matters - and how you have developed that character will determine how far you go in life. As I read, I was challenged to live a more integrated and whole personal life, and made more aware of the level of emotional maturity that is required of me and all of us who lead.

Integrity
It is a great read! A much deeper look at what integrity really is, very readable!

Please Do Not Read
This book is complete fluff, has no central argument and consists primarily of overly generalized stories that are obviously made-up.

For those looking to read a serious business or self-improvement book you don't waste your time and your $10.The author should be ashamed of publishing such complete drivel. ... Read more

Product Description
Based on the best-selling, award-winning book by Drs. Cloud and Townsend, this is a psychological survival manual that will give you biblically based answers to questions you have about setting and maintaining boundaries. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (34)

Boundaries: When to Say Yes When to Say No to Take Control of Your Life
I need to read it again!I am stronger than I was a few years ago when I read this book for the first time, but it's a good to to review it and re-implement the process to life.

NOT ACCURATE DESCRIPTION!
"Used-GOOD with little wear" implies there is NO writing throughout book!ALL pages have writing... wish this was stated BEFORE.

Most helpful book ever
I read this book and it is the best helpful book I've ever read.It describes my life in so many ways and how I am dealing with family and boundaries. I felt the book was written for me, but I know so many other persons are going through the same situation. I am recommending it to many friends and church members.I would like to know if you have this book in Spanish.If you don't I would be available to do so.I know many spanish speaking people need this book.Please advise if I can get it in spanish.
Thank you very much for what you have written and the help you are giving millions of people around the world.God bless you abundantly.
My e-mail is jaliwe2001@hotmail.com

Good book to read, the earlier in life, the better!!!!
Wish I had had this book while growing up in the 60's. An excellent book to apply to your 'compass' for your family direction! Great for family members, to give and to receive.

highly recommended
This workbook helps to make this study personal and bring clear understanding to how boundaries are good and necessary for a life filled with love for self and others. It's a must for all who want to escape the control of others in their life. ... Read more

Product Description
 “In this book, David Linthicum does that rarest of things: he manages to combine showing why SOA and Cloud Computing complement one another with a lucid game plan of how a business can take advantage of the synergies between them in concrete ways that will contribute to the bottom line.”

Customer Reviews (17)

The REAL insights are data and business value
There are a bunch of things about Linthicum's book that I like, but the top two are (1) that he addresses the question of business value of cloud computing head on in chapter 4, and (2) that he has a data-centric or data-first approach. From my perspective, the lack of focus on these two areas are the biggest reasons why many organizations, even after 5-10 years of applying SOA concepts, are still in the "trough of disillusionment". Cloud computing is a natural extension of SOA and if we want to avoid the trough and move directly to the "plateau of productivity", these two aspects should be top priorities.

I applaud David for tackling the issue of articulating the business value of esoteric concepts such as IT clouds (at least they might seem to be so from a non-techie perspective).If we can't don't do this, then IT really doesn't matter (as per Nicholas Carr). Furthermore, SOA always was about data - but it seems like pretty much everyone has been focusing on the "service" or "architecture" aspects and forgot that at the heart of information systems is information.Clouds have the same issues so I for one am thankful that David is helping to fuel the thinking that we need to deal with the data issues first and foremost.

This book should be on the desk of every business CEO/CIO
This was a really good book: David S. Linthicum has a solid grasp of the subject, and it's right on target, comprehensive and packed with valuable information.

The book contains many diagrams that are crude but effective for CEOs and IT developers to get a clear comprehension of Cloud Computing/SOA implementation in medium to large enterprise-wide solutions. I like the way he has structured the book: It's very technology-oriented and many technologies are presented very well with path shown towards the future.

The book encourages IT to make the much-needed shift to cloud computing/SOA, increasing business agility/ability to change/adjust processes accordingly business needs instead having to deal with redeveloping whole systems.

This book is an excellent guide to this minefield of Cloud Computing/SOA implementation. The book covers a wide variety of concepts and techniques, putting them in context.

Mr. Linthicum uses a simple style to deliver his message, which makes the books acceptable to nontechnical people. I would have no problem to suggest this book to a CEO with a non-technical background.

The book guides readers with methodical approach for delivering solutions in the cloud, while also doing a great job explaining everything from the very basics to the more sophisticated topics.

For instance, data level method integration is skillfully explained in both word & picture. In fact, the author demonstrates a terrific abundance of skill & real world experience when explaining an idea via examples & diagrammed models.

The great value of this book is the overview of Cloud Computing/SOA implementation and its use as a mechanism to change/update information, in real-time, within and between businesses.

Mr. Linthicum has done a thorough job of covering the complex issues associated with Cloud Computing - indeed step by step - with clear explanation of SOA convergence and it benefits on the long run.

This book should be on the desk of every business CEO/CIO.Cloud Computing and SOA Convergence in Your Enterprise: A Step-by-Step Guide
The bottom line is that the strategic information is worth the price of the book.
I got this book free for review from [...]
thank you Mr. M. Morisy - for sending me this
book

A solid guide to building disruptive infrastructure and next-generation platforms
Cloud Computing and SOA Convergence in Your Enterprise tells of cloud computing and comes from an IT innovator who explains what cloud computer means. From costs, values and risk-related drivers beyond the move to cloud computing to how to assess cloud computing and SOA for an organization, this offers advanced programmers and computer collections a solid guide to building disruptive infrastructure and next-generation platforms.

Excellent source for non-IT executives to understand cloud computing
I would implore C-Level executives who are not IT or cloud computing savvy, but want to get a fundamental yet comprehensive overview of enterprise cloud computing, to read this book. It is an easy read, This book gives you a good road map and the content is easily understood. It does not matter if you are a CEO or a student; the take away is an insightful understanding of Cloud Computing in general and for the Enterprise in particular. I was impressed at the depth of the content, and it was particularly insightful/helpful to get a more clear picture on requirements and implementation. It was also clear how to get at the true ROI of cloud computing for companies.

Having read Hurwitz and Rhoton, I say that their books are not nearly as authoritative and comprehensive as Linthicum's Cloud Computing and SOA Convergence in Your Enterprise: A Step-by-Step Guide
Discussed. I would recommend this book for any person with an interest in Cloud Computing.

Evolution of SOA
I agree with Chazin's review even if it is a little harsh. This book should not be seen as an introduction to cloud computing.Depending on your needs you are better off withHurwitz or Rhoton to get up to speed on the subject. Linthicum uses an unconventional and unnecessarily complex classification model that introduces more fragmentation into the cloud landscape. Don't get me wrong. The ecosystem is complex but other recent books explain the picture more coherently and cohesively.

Linthicum's strength comes from his many years of experience in SOA and application integration. If you have read his earlier books you will appreciate the way he takes his approach forward into the modern world.If you are new to Linthicum but want to understand how SOA fits into a cloud computing delivery model you will also enjoy this book. ... Read more