Portrait of a monster: Joren van der Sloot, a murder in Peru, and the Natalee Holloway Mystery

Portrait of a monster: Joren van der Sloot, a murder in Peru, and the Natalee Holloway Mystery
By Lisa Pulitzer and Cole Thompson


Book Review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.

This is a fascinating, well-written, thoroughly researched, totally captivating account. I followed the Natalee Hollaway story, I have been to Aruba (on a cruise) since the incident, and I find this book absolutely gripping because of its detail, specificity, explanations—and because it is so well put together.

Both writers have a great deal of writing experience, and their background and credibility are amply revealed throughout the book. The development of these incredible situations (Peru and Aruba) are incrementally, straightforwardly, and expertly presented and interwoven—just as you would expect from well-trained journalists.

The book, as is explained in the "A Note On Sources," at the beginning of the book, is based on scores of interviews and several thousand pages of police reports." Most of this information has not been previously available to the public at large—or the media. The authors also made use of newspaper articles, television reports, and books written about the case. Their research is overwhelming, and it is revealed on every page of the book. The research is so convincing that it is hard not to automatically accept the authors’ claims and conclusions. They know what they are talking about.

If you have any interest in the Natalee Holloway disappearance in Aruba, this will be a "must read" book for you. You will discover facts you have never heard about or read about previously.

If you just enjoy a great detective story—or like to read fabulous crime novels—this book will rivet your attention right from the outset.

If you are a parent and want to know what can happen when your teenage sons and daughters go on spring break, this book can serve as a "shot across the bow" that has the potential of waking you up—and, at the very least, provide thorough cautions, instructions, and clear warnings.

All-in-all, this book is a great read, and I recommend it without hesitation or reservation. It is one of the best crime dramas I have ever read!

Quirk: Brain Science Makes Sense of Your Peculiar Personality

Quirk: Brain Science Makes Sense of Your Peculiar Personality
By Hannah Holmes


Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.

One of the engaging and interesting features of this book is the way Holmes begins each chapter — with a short self-survey which tells you how you fare on each factor or facet. She writes, "This gives you a quick look at where you land on this facet. If your answers tend toward the ‘often’ side, you’re higher in that facet."

There are five factors (neuroticism, extraversion, agreeableness, and openness).and 18 facets — an average of three or four facets under each factor. I thought the organization of the book was great — easy to understand and follow.

What makes this book even more fascinating, however, is how Holmes incorporates her own (and her family’s) personal experiences and exactly how she (or they) cope with the situation. Her treatment of the many experiments that have been done on rats and mice is also interesting, and she incorporates it well throughout the book.

Her humor is delightful. In the chapter on the facet of "Altruism," she writes about how her beach community rallied against the city council regarding a poop-scooper law regarding dogs on the beach: "As we battle the city council we also formed a community of like-minded people, of helpers. Now many dog owners scoop every poop we spot, and gather human trash, too. These days no dog can poop in peace—three citizens rush at every bent backside. A bag, a spare, and one to share!" (p. 131). (This story goes on for several paragraphs.)

That quotation reveals several things. First, Holmes’ writing is very accessible—easy, comfortable, and fun. Second, she has an ability to tell little stories that hold attention well. Third, she often uses commonplace examples to make her points.

There are eight pages of "Bibliography and Selected References"; however, there are no "Notes" or "Footnotes" — and in a book like this, there should be. There are many times when Holmes refers to studies, experiments, and research that she does not cite. For example: "Of all the personality factors, a married couple is most likely to resemble each other in their degree of Openness. This is based on a fairly slim stack of research, but it certainly makes sense" (p. 232). It would be so easy to add a note here to support her statement, but she does not. This happens a number of times throughout the book.

I liked this book; however, because of the note/footnote situation (there are no notes!), I can only give the book four stars out of five.

One Hundred Names for Love: A Stroke, A Marriage, and the Language of Healing

One Hundred Names for Love: A Stroke, A Marriage, and the Language of Healing
By Diane Ackerman

Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.

I have read none of Diane Ackerman’s more than twenty books, and although I had heard of her previously, I knew nothing about her. The title of this book intrigued me when I first encountered it, and the subtitle hooked me — especially the part that reads "the language of healing."

Diane Ackerman is an exceptionally good writer and one could read this book just to enjoy her way with words. She creates language landscapes that not only put you into wonderful environments but make you feel her emotions and experience her passions.

Another aspect of her writing style is the way she tells stories. They are so specific and rich that they carry the you along effortlessly and joyously. You begin to wish, as you read, that her stories would just go on and on without end — you get consumed in her verbal artistry.

So far I have said nothing of the story she tell of her husband (18 years her senior), Paul West. It is heartbreaking, endearing, and compassionate. You cannot read this book without experiencing — without moving through — the entire palate of reactions, sentiments, instinctual responses, and powerful, overwhelming emotions. You get swept up by her descriptions and illustrations.

I loved the way Ackerman describes things: "Fortunately," she writes, "despite his left-hemisphere stroke (which too often results in severe depression, anger, or both), and a near-death pneumonia of ten months ago, he seems altogether happier than before, living more in the moment, grateful to be alive. Our life is different, but sweet, often devolving into hilarious charades as he tries to pin a word down, like a lepidopterist with a handful of oysters. Such funny word combinations can spill from an aphasic’s mouth! So our days together still include many frustrations, but once again revolve around much laughter and revelry with words" (p. 297).

Also, a special feature of the book is the way Ackerman has done her homework. You learn so much about stokes and the devastation they cause. You learn about the various parts of the brain and their functions. You learn, too, what the benefits of neuroplasticity can be — nerve cells in the brain can regenerate through intensive training, exhaustive guidance, vigorous concentration, and inordinate patience. The book is a testament to the rigors of recovery.

Needless to say, I loved this book — even though it is painful to go through with Ackerman all that she experienced — it makes you think, consider the deep and important emotional ties we have to each other, and, most of all, it makes you weigh and consider the value of everyday life and how we must make the most of all that we have been given — now, right now, before it is too late. As it turns out, there are many languages of healing, not the least of which are devotion and love.

Poorer Richard's America: What Would Ben Say?

Poorer Richard's America: What Would Ben Say?
By Tom Blair

Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.

If you are just looking for a delightful book, you would not go wrong in choosing this one. Blair has certainly captured Ben Franklin’s voice, and whether or not you agree with all the wisdom espoused, I assure you that it is both refreshing and wonderful.

On page XIX, "Notes to the Reader," Blair, in the guise of Ben, writes, "So with your leave anticipated, I did petition one of yours to clarify and amplify those things most mystifying to me. And to assure that this missive is contemporary in terminology and speech, this kind gentleman [Ben is referring to Blair] translated and otherwise fashioned my many words to your ear, lest you laugh a confused laugh when you lay your eyes upon my writings" (p. xix).

If you are looking for sage advice about America’s current situation and future possibilities, this is a thoughtful, challenging choice. Blair has not only addressed many contemporary issues (e.g., the national deficit, federal budgets, prejudice, democracy, Republicans and Democrats, taxes, the moment of conception, hardships and sacrifice, marital bliss, the Bill of Rights, foreign affairs, equal rights, health care, love and marriage, and China among others), but he gently offers reasonable, realistic solutions as well.

To give you some sense of Blair’s (Ben’s) writing, here is a quotation from Chapter 19, "The Written Word . . . Yesterday’s Printing, Today’s Media": (Remember this is Ben Franklin speaking as he observes today’s media.) "Alas, as I watch your news, news reported over the airwaves to tens of millions of citizen’s ears, I fear the legs of fair reporting do not always straddle an issue; at times they seem to kick it to one side or another. And, many of those that report the news appear to comingle their opinion with the flow of facts, thus relieving the listener of the need to draw his own conclusions. If, perchance, some of America’s news personalities became judges, they might well sentence the accused before the jury rendered its verdict" (p. 95).

Then, if you are just looking for a collection of Ben’s thoughts, lifted from Poor Richard’s Almanac, this wouldn’t be a bad choice either.

For me, this is a five-star book, first, because it is original in conception and presentation, second, because it is thoughtful and well-written, and, third, because of its sheer entertainment value.

Book Review: Why We Write: 20 Acclaimed Authors on How and Why They Do What They Do

Why We Write: 20 Acclaimed Authors on How and Why They Do What They Do
Edited by Meredith Maran

Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.

Truly fascinating! A sensational read! Delightful, charming, and amazing don’t fully capture my impression. Whether you are a writer, someone who wants to become a writer, or just someone interested in the remarkable world of writers, you will be as thrilled by the sincere, candid, no-nonsense, matter-of-fact candor of these authors as I was.

Now, you may quibble with my use of the phrase, "remarkable world of writers," but you will have greater appreciation for my use of the phrase when you know that I am a writer too. When I say, "remarkable world of writers," it is simply that I find so many of these authors accurately describing my world. I have written about "my world" in numerous blog entries and my essay, "So you want to write a book?" is essay 23 in And Then Some: Essays to Entertain, Motivate, & Inspire. I have been a professional writer for close to forty years. That may be why I so closely identify with this book. I wish it could have been twice as long; for me, twenty authors just wasn’t enough.

In addition to the way each of the authors answered the question, "Why do you write?" I found the format of the book both informative and instructive. That is, Maran, as the editor, begins each chapter with a quotation from one of the author’s books, provides details about each author’s "vitals" (birthday, current home, schooling, honors and awards, notable notes, as well as website, facebook, and twitter addresses), then lists the author’s "collected works." Those sections are followed by the author’s answer to the question, "Why I write," and each chapter ends with two, three, or sometimes even four "Wisdom for Writers" where each author provides specific suggestions—most useful, of course, for aspiring writers.

So many of the writers here respond to the statement, "Why I write," by saying something similar to what Sue Grafton writes, "Seriously," she says, "I write because it’s all I know how to do." James Frey says, "I’m really not qualified to do anything else." Susan Orlean says, "Writing is all I’ve ever done. I don’t think of it as a profession. It’s just who I am." Ann Patchett responds to the statement in this way: "I write because I swear to God I don’t know how to do anything else."

My personal response to the statement about why I write is multifaceted. I find numerous joys in the act of writing and the first, and most obvious, is pleasure—the pleasure I experience in having an outlet for expressing my ideas. There is pleasure, too, in capturing the abstract conceptions and notions of my mind in concrete, tangible language. A second reason I write has to do with instruction—sharing my views of the world with others. Through articles, books (mostly college textbooks), speeches, and blog essays—and the responses of others to those products—I built efficacy—the belief in my ability to produce results.  In the book, in all the authors’ statements about why they write, there is (beyond their basic motivation to write) a sense of purpose. They have some overriding, all-encompassing value or set of principles that drives or compels them to continue. And what is important, too, is that it is the motivation, set of values or principles that keeps them buoyant through the hard times—when the creative well momentarily runs dry.

What the above paragraph displays is how this book forces you to look inside yourself. As I read, I conducted a wonderful, enriching, productive internal dialogue as I responded to what each author described. You see, writing gives me something to do, it rewards my needs as an independent person who enjoys autonomy, isolation, and solitude (writing is a solitary endeavor), it challenges me to think more deeply about everything, and it satisfies my need to acquire knowledge. I am forever the student. Occasionally, too, I have those moments some of these authors talk about when you, as an author, become a channel or conduit for a force greater than yourself—when all you are is a secretary (and observer) in one of the most awe-inspiring, stirring, mind-blowing occurrences in writing. The only question then is can your fingers on the keyboard keep up with the thoughts coming from your brain?

This book not only allows you inside the writer’s brain, allows you to understand the world in which they live, but it offers, too, a realistic view of the challenges, difficulties, and arduous task that writing truly is. Anyone who dreams of being an author will surely come away from reading this book with a far more grounded, reasonable, and hard-nosed assessment of what it’s all about. I absolutely loved this book, read it all in one sitting (228 pages of text in a 5 1/4" by 8" format), and wanted more—much more!

Between a rock and a hot place: Why fifty is not the new thirty

Between a rock and a hot place: Why fifty is not the new thirty
By Tracey Jackson

Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.

I confess: I have absolutely no idea why I picked up this book to read except that I liked the title, I love diversity, and I thought it might have something interesting to say. I wasn’t wrong!

There are no notes, references, bibliography, additional resources, or anything here except the author, Tracey Jackson — and I assure you, there is a lot of her. I can certainly see how some readers may feel that she’s a little self-centered, selfish, and egotistical. Some readers might even say, A LITTLE???? But, I found all of it amusing, charming, and even delightful. After all, this is HER book ---- give her a break!

Jackson isn’t telling readers how to handle turning fifty. She is telling you how SHE handled it and how fifty — from HER experience — is not the new thirty. I am a reader who enjoys looking into the lives of others. I have always enjoyed rides on airplanes, waiting in hospital waiting rooms, or other opportunities (online?) where people open up and spill their guts. Why? Because it gives you such insight into human behavior.

What I really appreciated was Jackson’s sense of humor. She is very, very funny, and because she is such a terrific writer, it seems the humor just spills forth naturally and easily. Whether you like her lifestyle, understand her values, or think she is just a "high-strung Jew," doesn’t matter. Set all of that aside, and just enjoy her writing. She is a fine storyteller, and her examples will hold your attention.

Susan M. Andrus, of Story Circle Book Reviews (they review books about women), in her review at Amazon.com, shared this incredibly apt insight: "But in addition to humor, Jackson nags, whines, cajoles, lectures, and scolds, wanting us to understand her struggles upon reaching the young, old age of fifty and to learn how to care for ourselves when we find ourselves facing that milestone."

Another thing I loved about this book is Jackson’s transparency. She just lets it all hang out there — sharing her feelings about everything that is or has touched her life in some way. It is her honesty about her body, background, family, and experiences that make this such a fascinating read. There is some information here with which every reader — man or woman — will identify. Of course it is especially designed for women from the ages 45 to 60, but men in that age range will benefit as well. Jackson just gives you such a deep and heartfelt appreciation about the human condition.

I thought one of the best parts of the book was Jackson’s explanation of the many ways that women of fifty are discriminated against — not just in the workplace and trying to secure a job, but also in trying to find a partner and in other areas of life, too. She is just so forthright and direct — and on target! It doesn’t matter how successful you are, how much background experience you have, who you know, or how beautiful you may be, everything changes when you turn fifty — and Jackson chronicles much of it — and does it well! She doesn’t just do it well, she does it with a terrific attitude and wonderful sense of humor.

Helena Wallace, at Amazon.com, had this to say about Jackson, and I agree with every word: "Apart from its relevance and usefulness, the book is a great read. Jackson's funny, interesting, likable and her writing is tight, intelligent and entertaining." If you want to know why fifty is not the new thirty, this is a useful, instructive book, but if you just enjoy a great read, this book is even better!

The Longevity Project: Surprising Discoveries for Health and Long Life from the Landmark Eight-Decade Study

The Longevity Project: Surprising Discoveries for Health and Long Life from the Landmark Eight-Decade Study
By Howard S. Friedman and Leslie R. Martin

Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.

This is an outstanding book for a large number of reasons. The first and most obvious reason is that it is well written. The 222 pages of text information pass by in a moment for the precise reasons that you become involved in the book, the information is essential and important, the book is well-organized, but especially because it is an easy, comfortable read.

Second, there are thirteen pages of excellent notes. Friedman and Martin are researchers of the utmost credibility and reputation, and their notes reveal not just their expertise but, too, their desire to footnote (or credit) all sources they consulted. I feel that if readers can consult such a complete set of references or notations (even if they choose not to!), not only does this add to the trustworthiness of the authors, but, too, to the believability, reliability, and dependability of the information.

Third, is a feature I included in an early edition of my textbook, COMMUNICATING EFFECTIVELY, 10^th ed. (McGraw-Hill, 2012), and have continued throughout all editions since (by popular demand) — self-assessment scales with simple-to-understand explanations about how to score each of the quizzes. Now, you may think these quizzes are valuable for readers simply because they provide a way for them to measure how they rate on the chapter’s topic of concern. That is one issue. More important for me, however, is how each of the self-assessment quizzes breaks down the topic into specific, practical, applicable items. For example, on the "neuroticism" quiz, you get ten items that cover such things as being affected by praise or blame, feeling miserable, being touchy on certain topics, being bothered by useless thoughts or burdened by a sense of remorse or regret, worry over humiliating experiences, feeling happy or sad, getting your feelings easily hurt, moodiness, and emotionality (pp. 42-43). You learn that that is how neuroticism is defined.

Fourth, I liked the findings of The Longevity Project, and using the "eyeball test," I found they offered some valuable and worthwhile insights. For example, it has always been thought that your level of education was a good predictor of later health and longevity. Yes, this was a factor; however, "it was not an important factor compared to other personal and social predictors of health and long life" (p. 75). Conscientiousness, discussed in the first chapter of the book, and persistence were of greater importance. These are the kind of people "who were better able and better motivated to navigate life’s personal and social challenges" (p. 75).

Fifth, the authors end each of their chapters with a section, "What It Means for You: Guideposts to Health and Long Life." If there is any thought that this book is just a series of reports about research results, these sections should dispel that notion. They serve various functions. They often review the material of the chapter; they sometimes offer a transition to the next chapter; they may examine some unanswered questions or areas where more research is needed; I found their most important function, however, is the motivation they offer readers for their pursuit of the trait or characteristic under discussion. I thought this was a brilliant and useful way to end the chapters.

Sixth, let me group a number of items here. I liked the short sections, the personal stories that enliven the research, the way research is incorporated, how the authors were able to relate their findings to other studies by researchers, and the manner in which Friedman and Martin came to definite and precise conclusions when they could.

Everyone will find something of value in this book. For me, it was the total package. This is an incredibly valuable and worthwhile book with great, relevant suggestions for living a longer (and more vibrant) life.

The heart of simple living: 7 paths to a better life
By Wanda Urbanska

by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
  
I did not know Wanda Urbanska, have little background regarding the whole “simple living” idea, and do not live (nor desire to live) the “simple life” by any stretch of the imagination. Then why did I select this book to review, you might wonder?

First, I enjoy discovering new things.  I thought there was a chance that my mind would be opened to a new revelation, a fresh insight, or even a vibrant point of view.  Maybe, too, there would be room in the “simple living” panorama, for a small little bush like myself!

Second, Urbanska is the author or coauthor of eight books, is the host/producer of a syndicated public television series, possesses an attractive publishing record (The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, Mother Earth News, American Libraries, and Natural Home), and is a graduate of Harvard University.  I actually thought she might have something to say.

Third, I thought that in the discussions of her topics, she might offer some new insights or suggestions.  She covers such topics as financial independence, work, housing happiness, homemaking, kitchen and garden work, as well as community living.

For someone just starting out in life—with very little real-life experience—this might be a convenient place to begin discovering what life is all about.  Also, for someone who has done little or no reading on any of these subjects, this book might serve as a primer to get you started.  It covers the basics.

I was quite disappointed overall.  I found Urbanska had little new to say.  Her ideas have been well (thoroughly) discussed in other places — as well as in newspaper and magazine articles.  This book has been drawn from other popular books as well as websites that anyone can quickly find.  Also, it has been drawn from Urbanska’s wealth of common knowledge.  Most of these ideas are simple, and one would discover them quickly from one’s daily experiences.

If all you are looking for is a delightful read, this is a good book.  If you want depth, you won’t find it here.  If you want to avoid your own common sense (or add only minimally to it!), this would be a good resource as well.  I found the book rather trite and unnecessary.

Retirementology: Rethinking the American dream in a new economy

Retirementology: Rethinking the American dream in a new economy

By Gregory Salsbury

Book Review by Richard L. Weaver II

This is a terrific book for many reasons.  First, Salsbury does a great job covering his topic.  Both the breadth and depth of the information is impressive, and any one approaching or in retirement — especially those who are pre-retirement — will find a great deal of material here from which to learn.  The subject of the book is behavior economics — your conduct when it comes to matters regarding money.

The second reason this is a terrific book is the way Salsbury makes his points.  It is consistently outstanding.  He uses examples where he places his readers in the position of having to make practical decisions on subjects closely related to their everyday experiences.  He then extrapolates those decisions to the broader context of retirement and makes poignant points about their importance and relevance.  Let me give you an example from page 12 of his book:

        “Dr. Kahneman often uses this seemingly simple math problem in his lectures.  A bat and a ball together cost $1.10.  The bat costs a dollar more than the ball.  How much does the ball cost?

        “Your intuitive side may quickly tell you that the ball costs 10 cents.  Tempting answer, but wrong.  In fact, if the ball costs 10 cents, that would mean the bat costs one dollar more than that or $1.10, so the two together would be $1.20.  After you put a little more thought into the problem, you realize the ball must have cost five cents.  The point is, it is important to distinguish between decisions that should be made by intuition and those that require careful thought and calculation” (pp. 12-13).

He uses these kinds of simple, practical, relevant examples throughout the book that make the text both engaging and interesting.

The third reason that makes this a terrific book is the author’s writing style.  The book is extremely readable.  Not onl that, Salsbury has a delightful and contagious sense of humor.  True, he doesn’t use it a lot, but as you read, delightful anecdotes or comments come at you in unexpected places and in unexpected ways.  Also, he is continually coining new words that are inventive and humorous.  They are all included in the glossary at the end of the book which he labels, “Reterminology: The New Language of Retirement” (pp. 205-210).  This book is fun to read.

There is a fourth reason, too.  He ends chapters with sections designed to help readers improve their Retirementology IQ.  These are different in each chapter; however, all of them are practical, advice-oriented, with specific suggestions to help readers who want to change their behavior and become better managers of their lives.

This may mark me as an academic (or, perhaps, as one accustomed to the old —more academic — style of writing books), but I enjoy having chapters that end with “Endnotes”—a fifth reason I liked this book.  I like to know where authors are getting their information or whom they are using to support their ideas.

Salsbury includes many, many footnotes — and they reek of credibility.  He has definitely done his homework, so, despite his own credentials, which I found at the website, Financial Times (FT) Press, his knowledge is thorough and impressive.

At the FT Press website, I found the following information about his background: “Salsbury received a master's degree in communications from the University of Illinois, and a second master's degree in communication technologies from the Annenberg School of Communications. He received his doctorate in organizational communication from the University of Southern California and is published in the areas of sales, marketing, employee motivation, behavioral finance, and retirement. From his work and experience as a long-standing executive in the financial services industry, Salsbury was uniquely positioned to craft a visionary view of retirement’s future. His landmark book, But What If I Live? The American Retirement Crisis, was a wake-up call for a generation of undersaved, overspent, and unprepared Baby Boomers.”

When I began reading this book, I could not put it down.  The information is relevant and timely, the approach is engaging, the examples and statistics are solid (numerous statistics are used to make his points), and the amount that I gained from the information is breathtaking, to say the least.  For pre-retirees, put this on your “must read” list.

Spousonomics: Using economics to master love, marriage, and dirty dishes

Spousonomics: Using economics to master love, marriage, and dirty dishes
By Paula Szuchman and Jenny Anderson

Book review by Richard L. Weaver II

Although appropriate, the title of this book may put people off because it makes the book appear, at first glance, gimmicky, light, superficial, and trite.  But the old aphorism holds true, “You can’t tell a book by its cover.”  The subtitle more accurately conveys the important message the authors have for readers.

I loved this book.  As in my reviews of other books that have to do with relationships, communication, listening, dealing with difficult people, or self-improvement, I claim that any book that offers advice and suggestions designed to improve people’s lives or relationships make a worthwhile and valuable contribution.  Admittedly, that requires that readers read the books, absorb the information, internalize it, and practice it in their daily lives.  Too often, I’m afraid, those who could benefit from the information the most are NOT those who read the books!

Having taught a course in interpersonal communication for more than twenty-five years, I discovered that the most interesting part of the course—according to student evaluations—was the section on relationship development, relationship evaluation, and relationship improvement.  It was an upper-level undergraduate course and seemed to come at just the right time when students were thinking about, planning for, or beginning serious relationships.

One of the basic principles I espoused, and one that I wrote about in my textbook, UNDERSTANDING INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION (HarperCollins), is that although the idea that a relationship is 50-50—perhaps, thought of as an ideal—it is a wrong concept and does NOT work in practice for two reasons: 1) 50-50 is a subjective assessment; thus, what is 50-50 in one person’s mind is not necessarily 50-50 in another’s, and it leaves a great deal of room for debate and disagreement.  2) 50-50 does not work in practice simply because most people do not fulfill their part of the agreement, and a relationship without full commitment cannot last.

To make a relationship work successfully, partners need to commit themselves to giving the relationship far more than a 50% commitment, even 60-75%.  The best approach is not to deal in percentages at all and simply say, “I am willing to give this relationship whatever it takes to make it successful.”

My wife and I have been married for well over 40 years (to each other!), and we have found that we each do everything we can (and, what needs to be done at any given time) to not just make our own life more satisfying and comfortable but to make life more satisfying and comfortable for our spouse as well.  The more satisfying and comfortable we can make life for the person with whom we are living, the better our own life is.  It is a joint effort, but it NEVER comes down to percentages or who is doing the most or giving the most effort.  So what?  We are both working for the same purpose—to make our relationship more satisfying.

Szuchman and Anderson have written a terrific book.  They are fine writers, their concepts are accurate and helpful, their case studies are fun and interesting, and their advice and suggestions are both constructive and instructive.  I delighted in the economic references, and it certainly gives the book a different slant than many others of the same genre.  

Not only did the authors offer 9 pages of notes (302 items), but they clearly stated their investigation and research methods on pages xiii through xv of the introduction.

I am totally unaffected by the fact that some of the economic applications made may not be totally accurate—as one reviewer at Amazon.com (Benjamin Van Kammen) pointed out—these are amateurs (and they admit it), and it is really unlikely, as Kammen lamented in his review: “I am afraid that amateurs will read this book and come away with misconceptions about the assumptions and applicability of ideas such as rationality, neoclassical economics, temporal discounting, and information asymmetry.”  Seriously?

What makes this book more readable than many others is the authors’ sense of humor.  Their “take” on the world is delightful and delightfully engaging.  You may not discover anything that is totally new to you (however, I would be surprised by that since most readers will never have considered the possibility of applying some basic economic concepts to relationships!), but you will not just find the case studies interesting, you will find Szuchman and Anderson’s deft touch and humor so captivating you may not want to put the book down once you begin reading it.

How to click with people: The secret to better relationships in business and in life

How to click with people: The secret to better relationships in business and in life
By Rick Kirschner

Book review by Richard L. Weaver II

The first thing I looked for when I opened this book was a section on “Notes,” or “References,” or “Other Readings,” or anything that would give you a clue that Kirschner reached outside of himself and his own personal resources to write this book.  There are none at all.  There isn’t even an index to the book.

The second thing I looked for when I opened this book—after finding no sources of any kind!—was the degree to which Kirschner’s information is accurate.  I think there is no question on this; however, I found most of what he said to be common sense and common knowledge.  Anyone who operates in the world today—in any capacity, I might add—knows and uses this information.  Do we need it codified for us?  Probably not.  Does Kirschner add anything to the communication world?  Not very much.

All that being said, did I find Kirschner’s suggestions for dealing with troublesome others to be valuable or even useful.  Yes, I did.  And I believe that any book, article, set of information, or advice that helps people get along well (or better) with others is worthwhile. This book is full of hundreds of practical, useful suggestions for getting along well with others.

In Chapter 7, “Clicking Electronically,” I found it interesting that Kirschner deals with clicking over the phone, clicking using e-mail, and clicking when using social networks, however, he never mentions clicking via texting.  Admittedly, many of the suggestions for clicking using e-mail would be useful and appropriate, but a separate section on texting would make the book more up-to-date.

What I appreciated throughout the book was Kirschner’s emphasis on the importance of listening.  Despite the context, everyone is likely to fair better if he or she begins with a listening perspective.  He reveals the importance of listening by offering “A Short Course on Listening,” in Chapter 3, then refers back to that information throughout this 254-page book.

This is a “how-to” book designed for beginners—those with little or no experience in the world of relationships, getting along with others, making connections, being successful, developing meaningful associations, and communicating effectively.

One of the keys to success is captured by Kirscher when he says, “Stumbling blocks can cause a lot of frustration, and removing the stumbling block may require patience, flexibility, and determination” (p. 218).  Patience, flexibility, and determination—no matter the context, issue, or people involved—is what effectiveness is all about.  Often, we demand instant success or instant results, and the world of getting along with others doesn’t usually operate at that speed.


 

The good among the great: 19 traits of the most admirable, creative, and joyous people

The good among the great: 19 traits of the most admirable, creative, and joyous people
By Donald Van de Mark

Book review by Richard L. Weaver II

I have read many self-help books, many motivational books, and many books of support and encouragement.  I have even written a number of them myself, and my college textbooks on communication, in a sophisticated way, are like self-help, motivational books that offer students support and encouragement.  Van de Mark’s book is all of these in one.

Also, throughout my professional career, too, I have depended upon the work of Abraham Maslow, and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs appears in many of my textbooks.  I have never read Maslow’s nineteen specific personality traits that make people exceptional.  It is these traits that provide the theoretical and philosophical underpinnings for Van de Mark’s book.  He offers readers one chapter per trait.

I have to admit that I begin reading books like this one with a great deal of skepticism.  Often, there is so much repetition between such books as these, and they reek of common sense and platitudes that offer little that is new.  That being said, however, I have often felt that any book or set of ideas that encourage people to become more creative and joyous—much less admirable!—is, automatically, useful and valuable.  Why not encourage people to improve themselves?

Well, let me tell you, this is really a very well-written book.  Although the nineteen traits (autonomous, loving, ethical, unaffected, private, detached, experiential, realistic, laid back, performance and process oriented, egalitarian, jolly, empathetic, dutiful, appreciative, creative, exuberant, joyous, and transcendent) are not earth-shattering, nor do they plow new territory, Van de Mark is a terrific story teller, and along with some well-known celebrities (Warren Buffet, Meryl Streep, Ellen DeGeneres, Charles Schwab, Robin Williams, and Steve Case, to name a few), the book reads easily, comfortably, and will hold your attention.

If you are looking for quick condensations of what he writes in each chapter, read the “Takeaways” he offers at the end of every chapter.  It is in those sections, especially, where the self-help orientation of the book is most pronounced.  There are always five or six ideas that readers can survey, adopt, internalize, and practice.

Yes, I was impressed.  It is clear that this is a well-constructed book.  The ideas are interesting, and if you are looking for support and encouragement in your attempts to improve your life, Van de Mark offers a great place to begin your search.

The information: A history, a theory, a flood

The information: A history, a theory, a flood
By James Gleick

Book review by Richard L. Weaver II

With 426 footnotes, a 26-page bibliography, and 426 pages of text material, this book if formidable for anyone, but the kind of information located here, too, is likely to attract only those with intense interest in the subject.  The book is excellent, well-written, and certainly well-researched, but I wonder how many people in the general population would find this book of interest?  It is technical, academic, and specialized.

The reason I picked up this book is a simple one: my interest in language and the development of the word.  For over thirty years I have written college textbooks on the subject of communication, and each one (without fail) contained a chapter on “verbal communication.”  For the current textbook, COMMUNICATING EFFECTIVELY, 10th edition (McGraw-Hill, 2012), it is chapter 3.  These chapters on language always appear near the front of the book and provide basic knowledge and understandings about the whole process of communication.

I was especially impressed with the writer’s writing style and the way he wove together the wealth of research and facts he accumulated during his investigation.  Also noteworthy, is the way he made sense of it all for the reader.  For example, he writes on page 273, “His point was that in the microscopic details, if we watch the motions of individual molecules, their behavior is the same forward and backward in time.  We can run the film backward.  But pan out, watch the box of gas as an ensemble, and statistically the mixing process becomes a one-way street.  We can watch the fluid for all eternity, and it will never divide itself into hot molecules on one side and cool on the other” (p. 273).

Professor Donald Mitchell wrote this in his review of the book at Amazon.com: “If you love books about the history of science that tie many ideas, theories, and developments together and aren't a scientist, you'll have a good time with The Information.”  Mitchell thought the book was too elementary for people who are in the field.

Samuel Gompers, in his review of the book at Amazon.com, really focused in one essential element that potential readers must know before pursuing this book: “Be advised however: this book isn't actually a history of information. It's a history of the scientists who deciphered the physical principles of information. And there is a definite difference. The former would be overly technical; the latter...Gleick's end result, is a nice and not too deep biography of the wizards who figured it all out.”  Perhaps, that is what I found so fascinating.  I thought the manner in which Gleick draws together all of the major developments throughout the history of information is spectacular, and makes this book a delightful, informative, and valuable addition to any personal library.

Too many bosses, too few leaders: The three essential principles you need to become an extraordinary leader

Too many bosses, too few leaders: The three essential principles you need to become an extraordinary leader
By Rajeev Peshawaria

Book review by Richard L. Weaver II

I am totally unfamiliar with Peshawaria, but his short biography on the back flyleaf is impressive: [He is] “currently the Chief Executive Officer of the ICLIF Leadership & Governace Center in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.  He was a founding member of Goldman Sachs’s leadership development program called Pine Street and served as Chief Learning Officer for Morgan Stanley and the Coca-Cola Company as well as Global Director of Leadership Development programs at American Express.”  That kind of a background is impressive and proves that Peshawaria has experience to share with readers.

I liked this book for the way Peshawaria writes and for the wonderful examples he uses throughout the book.  I loved his three essential principles: 1) clearly define your purpose and your values, 2) nobody can motivate another person because every individual comes premotivated, and 3) a leader’s job is to create the conditions that will galvanize the energy of others to facilitate sustainable collective success (pp. xvi-xviii).

I am not suggesting that this book is full of revelations or new discoveries, because it is not.  It is definitely for beginning leaders because the stories here are motivational, encouraging, and certainly full of useful (for beginning leaders) insights and observations.  I loved the author’s own personal experiences, and I believe his advice is spot on.  With a background like his (see paragraph one above), you would not only expect but respect his additional personal experiences.

Peshawaria writes directly to the reader: “As you read about these real features in more detail below, consider one more key point about employee motivation” (p. 5).  You really feel 1) Peshawaria knows what he is talking about, 2) has a real, sincere passion for sharing what he knows, and 3) wants readers to understand, learn, and absorb his lessons.  It is truly a delightful experience—one that makes you feel you are in the hands of a benevolent mentor.

Although I can’t compare this book with other similar leadership books—since this is not my area of expertise or reading experience—I do think Peshawaria has something significant and important to say to young leaders, leaders looking for an extra shot in the arm, or leaders who are simply looking for confirmation and reassurance that what they are doing is correct, and it is for these reasons that I recommend this book without hesitation or reservation.  Besides, he’s a good writer, and the book is a good read.

The rough guide to psychology: An introduction to human behaviour and the mind

The rough guide to psychology: An introduction to human behaviour and the mind
By Christian Jarrett

Book review by Richard L. Weaver II

I use psychological evidence and research in my writing on communication, and I have done so for well over thirty-five years.  I subscribe to the magazine PSYCHOLOGY TODAY, and I read it closely every month.  It is for these same reasons that I chose to read The Rough Guide to Psychology—a truly interesting book.

One thing you will note from the title and the spelling of the word “behaviour,” is that the book was written by an Englishman—the editor of the British Psychological Society’s Research Digest.  Jarrett has a Ph.D. in cognitive neuroscience from the University of Manchester’s Institute of Science and Technology.  This is important for two reasons: 1) It adds credibility to the book and what’s written in it.  2) It reveals that the material is likely to be well researched, based on studies, and the evidence (studies) clearly stated.  Both are true.

Jarrett states on page vi: “This book contains frequent references to experiments and case studies, and, wherever possible, names and dates are provided to help you track down the original research online.”

I took psychology courses in college, and this is not your ordinary, run-of-the-mill textbook.  And, at the same time, it is not a book of psychobabble.  It is, however, a book designed for the above-average, well-educated, intelligent, and inquisitive adult reader.  With the exception of the part on “Resources,” there are six: “Welcome to you,” “You and me,” “Same difference,” “All of us, “Psychology at large,” and “Psychological problems.”  I guarantee that there will be a number of sections that you will find that interest you, because his swath of issues and ideas is broad.

More than the text material itself—which is interesting, to be sure—I found the additional sections (colored in blue) some of the most valuable material in the book.  Not only are there boxes on some of the leading psychologists (William James, Lev Vygotsky, Alfred Binet, Elizabeth Loftus, and Sigmund Freud, among others), but others are like self-help boxes on “Five ways to boost your brain power,” “How to visit the toilet in the dark,” “Six evidence-based ways to boost your happiness,” “Does brain training really work?,” and “Evidence-based seduction,” among many, many others.

The layout, coverage of topics, writing (a very informal, comfortable style), examples, and short, pithy sections, make this book incredibly accessible and likable.

Barefoot in Baghdad: A story of identity my own and what it means to be a woman in chaos

Barefoot in Baghdad: A story of identity my own and what it means to be a woman in chaos
By Manal M. Omar

Book review by Richard L. Weaver II

One reason I found this book interesting was that it provided a potential “Consider This” selection for the eleventh edition of my college textbook COMMUNICATING EFFECTIVELY (McGraw-Hill).  In my textbook I have a chapter called “Intercultural Communication,” and I am always on the lookout for possible “boxed” additions—that is, sections that provide student readers with additional, insightful, and informative material that enhances, explains, or illustrates what is written in the text.

I have found Omar’s explanation of her multiple identities instructive, and the fact that it gave her her “own secret superpower” a useful insight–especially in the variety of different ways she was able to make use of that power.

The second reason I found this book interesting is that I have engaged in a great deal of foreign travel, and Omar’s description of and personal insights about Iraq are simply fascinating.  Admittedly, many are personal—and she states that at the outset.  But, having lived in Bangladesh for 14 months, I agree and concur with her observations.

The third reason I found this book interesting is found in Omar’s stories.  They are captivating and heartwrenching, to say the least.   The story of the five Iraqi girls inside an American trailer in the Green Zone (pp. 137-163) was especially touching.

The fourth reason this book is interesting is that it (along with a number of other books) well advertises the plight of women in many parts of the world.  If you are a woman, and if you want to champion women’s rights any place on the planet, this would be a good book to read to establish the foundation for strong arguments and to gather evidence for convincing disputation.

These four reasons alone are sufficient to recommend this book highly.  It is interesting, insightful, and captivating.

The life plan: How any man can achieve lasting health, great sex, and a stronger, leaner body

The life plan: How any man can achieve lasting health, great sex, and a stronger, leaner body
By Jeffry S. Life

Book review by Richard L. Weaver II

Why did I pick up this book?  I am in excellent health.  I don’t smoke or drink.  I eat clean, get plenty of rest, exercise frequently (and actively), and I maintain optimal hormone levels (according to results of tests and regular doctor visits).  People like myself—people who stay in good shape—are always looking for a new angle, a new approach, or a way to add something new to what they already do.  Rather than finding something new, Life simply reinforces (through his Life Plan) the kinds of things that healthy people must do to remain healthy.

Incidentally, he includes 9 pages of excellent references, and for those who need it, he has a Baseline Health Record that includes the “Important Tests to Maintain Optimal Health and Lower Disease Risk.”  If you are like I am and maintain your health by regular exercise, good nutrition, healthy habits, and regular monitoring and doctor’s visits, I think you’ll find that most of these tests are unnecessary as are the hormone supplements Life recommends.

If you are in poor health, however, it’s a different story: “By adhering to the diet and exercise programs, you are ensuring that not only will you lose weight and gain muscle mass, but you will improve your heart health.  If you follow the supplement program, you’ll find that your energy levels will return.  And if you carefully monitor your hormone levels, you’ll find that in no time at all, you’ll be looking and feeling younger” (p. 323).

I found the writing of the book excellent, the suggestions terrific, and the overall content  superb.  There is a lot of information in this book.  A lot!  His Life Plan Recipes (e.g., pp. 105-109) offer wonderful alternatives and ideas.

Also, I appreciated Life’s honesty.  For example, when he answered the question, “Do I Need Sports Drinks?” he said, “The truth is, there is nothing magical about any of these beverages.  They all contain carbohydrates, which have been clearly shown to be beneficial during exercise. . . . Research has show, however, that carbohydrate ingestion is beneficial only during prolonged exercise. . . . In fact, when we ingest carbohydrates during short-term exercise, it simply increases the calories we take in and inteferes with our efforts to get rid of body fat” (pp. 126-127).

I loved the personal examples Life includes.  For example, “My wife, Annie, has made dieting effortless for me.  She has come up with her own creation, and it has revolutionized my ability to stay on track with my nutrition program. . .” (p. 103).

I have to say that rather than simply a daily guide or a list of suggestions for diet and exercise, this is a reference work to which one can refer on an ongoing basis.  There is just too much here to digest and use without a plan of returning to the book over and over again.

I highly recommend this book for its direct, easy-to-read and understand approach, for Jeffry Life’s willingness to illustrate most of the exercises he recommends, for the numerous charts, for the personal, interesting examples (as well as the individual stories/testimonials distributed throughout the book), for the comprehensiveness of the coverage, and for the encouragement provided throughout for sticking to it, following through, creating realistic goals, and rewarding yourself for accomplishment.

It is true that any approach like this requires incredible willpower and self-discipline, but any change we want to make demands these same elements.  This is a book that is specific and to the point, so if you are looking for instructions along with motivation to get going, this is a great place to start.  I absolutely loved this book.  Five stars!

27 powers of persuasion: Simple strategies to seduce audiences & win allies

27 powers of persuasion: Simple strategies to seduce audiences & win allies
By Chris St. Hilaire with Lynette Padwa

Book review by Richard L. Weaver II


There are 27 chapters and 198 pages which means, on average, 7.3 pages per chapter.  Chapter titles include the techniques St. Hilaire and Padwa advocate: 1) Focus on the Goal, 2) Evaluate Egos, 3) Soothe or Sidestep Other Egos, 4) Manage Opposition by Giving It Nothing to Oppose, 5) Make Your Weakness Your Strength, 6) Find One Thing to Like About Everyone in the Room, 7) Use the First Five Minutes to Make People Feel Safe, 8) Stay in the Present, 9) Recognize Their Reality, 10) Make It About Choice, Fairness, and Accountability, 11) Keep It Simple, 12) Own the Language, 13) Use Emotional Language, 14) Make Sure Everyone’s Invested, 15) Get Third-Party Validation, 16) Get a Couple of Numbers, 17) Arm Your Advocates, 18) Aim for the Undecideds, 19) Avoid Absolutes and Hypotheticals, 20) Learn How to Use Silence, 21) Get Physical, 22) Don’t Say No, Say ‘Let’s Try This,’ 23) Release Bad News Quickly and Good News Slowly, 24) Challenge Bad Ideas by Challenging the Details, 25) Play Devil’s Advocate, 26) Don’t Change, ‘Adapt,’ 27) Be Your Own Pundit.

Okay, the point of listing the titles is, basically, that these are the persuasive techniques these authors advocate.  Do any of them surprise you?  If you have engaged in persuasion yourself, do they look familiar?  For those with no speech-communication experience, I can see how they might welcome a basic, persuasive primer like this, and I can certainly see how they would review the book positively.

From where did these ideas come?  Not from research.  The four pages of notes (pages 199-202) include 37 notes, and they are Internet sources, media interviews, or other resources that would not be considered “research” even if the term was interpreted in its widest possible latitude.   St. Hilaire and Padwa write: “For the past two decades I have observed how my clients—politicians, CEOs,trial attorneys, and marketers—practice the art of persuasion.  I’ve watched the best and worst of class in these professions, observed their communication styles, listened to their spoken language, tuned in to their body language.  And I’ve seen that certain patterns always hold true” (p. xiii).  The 27 techniques are based on observations only—one person’s observations.

Oh, not on observations alone.  Catch this: “ . . . the powers are informed by the observations and wisdom of my Buddhist teacher, Master Hang Truong, a man I have come to respect as much as anyone I know” (p. xxix).  Does this increase their credibility?  Their reliability?  Their validity?

I am not for one minute suggesting that the techniques (St. Hilaire and Padq call them “27 powers”) are wrong, weak, poorly chosen, or otherwise inept.  I am simply saying they are based entirely on observation—not on research; thus, they become one person’s suggestions.  If they work for you, great, but if they don’t, so be it.  In my mind, as I observe the “27 powers,” I find them common sense.  Anyone with any experience in speech communication (or not) would discover these on their own.  Just think about it.  That is all that is required.  Think!  (I award this book 1 star out of 5—less, maybe even zero out of 5!)

The Amish Way: Patient faith in a perilous world

The Amish Way: Patient faith in a perilous world
By Donald B. Kraybill, Steven M. Nolt, and David L. Weaver-Zercher

Book review by Richard L. Weaver II

The authors (each with a Ph.D. and professors at various colleges) are great writers and researchers and have a deep understanding and appreciation of Amish life and ways.  There are 14 pages of notes and 6 pages of references.

I found several things appealing in this book.  The first thing, the authors talk about in the preface: “We talked with a host of Amish people in the course of writing this book, and we quote many of them in the following pages” (p. xv). These quotations offer in-depth insights, revealing windows into Amish feelings and experiences, and an amazing reading experience.

The second thing I found appealing is how the authors emphasized throughout the book how Amish spirituality gives all members of their community “a framework for making decisions about marriage, family, work, and play—indeed, a framework that helps them face all the pleasures and uncertainties that human life entails” (p. xiii).  I find the power of their spirituality fascinating.

The third thing is the influence/domination of community.  A good example of community is explained on page 33: “A mother knows that if she is hospitalized, her congregation will help pay the bills, care for her children, and do the household chores until she recovers.  The local church swings into action with meals and moral support after any sort of misfortune, from a catastrophic barn fire to a broken arm” (p. 33).

Perhaps one of the most astounding ideas is how they reject anything that smacks of activism.  Not only do the Amish not concern themselves with world affairs, they do nothing (ever!) to try to change the world.  It is not the Amish way.  (Some might appreciate this approach and this simplicity.  I do not.)  

There is a great deal of information packed into this 192 pages of text material.  There are three appendices, and in addition to the notes and references, there is a complete18-page index.  With a tight organization plan, the book reads easily—especially because there are so many examples, and the sections within each chapter are short, vivid, revealing, and to the point.

Having directed a master’s thesis on the Amish in Ohio, I already had a good background of and interest in this topic; however, that being said, I found a great deal of new information in this book.  Of all the books on the Amish I have read, this is by far the best of the bunch.

Whether you have an interest in the Amish or not, this book offers wonderful insights into one of America’s most interesting co-cultures and a truly American phenomenon.  If you are simply looking for a great book that is entertaining, informative, and engaging, this is a fabulous choice.  Five stars!

Blur: How to know what’s true in the age of information overload

Blur: How to know what’s true in the age of information overload
By Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenstiel

Book review by Richard L. Weaver II

Any book that seeks to assist readers in becoming more discriminating consumers, whatever the marketplace involved, should not just be commended, it should be welcomed, hailed, and widely read.  This is certainly one of those books.

Over many years (over thirty now), I have been trying to encourage students (whether through lectures or textbooks) to critically analyze information from the Internet or material available via any media source.  How successful I have been is always questionable, especially since people tend to believe that if it is in print or if it appears on an Internet site, it has credibility.

Their chapter titles clearly reveal their intent: 1) How to Know What to Believe Anymore, 2) We Have Been Here Before, 3) The Way of Skeptical Knowing The Tradecraft of Verification, 4) Completeness: What Is Here and What Is Missing? 5) Sources: Where Did This Come From? 6) Evidence and the Journalism of Verification, 7) Assertion, Affirmation: Where’s the Evidence? 8) How to Find What Really Matters, 9) What We Need from the “Next Journalism.”  The Epilogue is entitled, “The New Way of Knowing.”

The authors of the book are both journalists with a great deal of experience, and they are clearly great writers.  The narrative flows easily.  Their numerous examples are interesting and engaging.  Central to their thesis, are the questions they raise at the end of chapter 1: “How will we as citizens learn what is true?  How will we find out what information we can trust in an age in which we are all our own experts and power has been ceded to everyone” (p. 11)?  At the end of Chapter 2, they raise the question, “How so we identify, with our new tools and options, what information is reliable” (p. 25)?  In Chapter 6, they ask: “How do we, as consumers, arrive at meaning in news?  How well do we navigate the borders between fact and belief, between empiricism and our own preconceptions” (p. 115)?

Incidentally, I always enjoy the use of the scientific method as a way to develop discipline and sanity in testing hypotheses.  In pages 116-119, the explanation is clear and precise—although I am skeptical that the average reader will understand all of its perameters or adopt the method in everyday life.

Unfortunately, the people who really need to read this book won’t, and I’m afraid that the predominant attitude regarding information that is printed (whether in newspapers, magazines,  books, or on the Internet) is likely to be believed without analysis, question, or challenge.  That, after all, is the status quo, and changing in any degree from what is known, accepted, and habitual is unlikely.

Just as speakers who deliver their ideas effectively (despite the worth, value, or ethical underpinning of the ideas themselves) tend to be believed without challenge, words in print often have the same effect.  It would be great if it were otherwise, but it is not nor will it ever be.

At the end of Chapter 3, the authors delineate what I see as the major hurtle that must be overcome to increasing skepticism when it comes to information (especially that available on the Internet): “Identifying what you are reading is not simply a matter of buyer beware.  You must learn to discriminate, to know what kind of journalism it represents, to discover the norms and motives lurking in the work—what the journalists are trying to do.  It is the first step, but a critical one, in knowing what to trust.  Once you have done this, then comes the work of knowing how to navigate, of walking the other steps of the skeptical way of knowing” (p. 56).

One thing the authors ought to consider is reducing the size (or focus) of this book to the process of verifying evidence.  They already have all the information, and it could be condensed, organized effectively, and all the advice they provide and suggestions they offer, could then be sold (in a different package, of course) as a way to improve communication, increase citizen potency, and heighten information credibility—all to the benefit of a more responsible democracy.  The problem of this book (for some readers) is that it is too long; there is too much information; and the needed advice, although obvious and available, may not have the effectiveness necessary.  (I say this and yet enjoyed all the examples the authors supply that make this book illuminating.)

I especially loved Chapter 8, “How to Find What Really Matters,” for its practicality, directness, and sense.  Their advice in answering the question, “Am I getting what I need from the news” (p. 165)? is spot on (pp. 165-169), and will make every reader a more capable consumer of news.

This is really an outstanding book that is incredibly enjoyable to read.  The authors have done an outstanding job in delineating the problem and suggesting specific methods for solving it.