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Written by by our Reviewer, John H. Manhold
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Thursday, 02 April 2009 |
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The Virtual Book Review Network brings you... Infinite Exposure  Infinite Exposure
The story begins with a secret international team of al-Qaida fighters following and apprehending an offshore web master who is part of an al-Qaida cell, which, in turn, is part of a far-ranging network. From here, the scene shifts to the financial districts of the United States, and their never ending search for ways to save money. The CEO of a huge American bank, with large branches in France and Germany, is approached by a marketing company to offshore their operations. Such a move will save millions of dollars and, in the thoughts of the executive, produce a lucrative advancement. He is more concerned with this personal gain, and does not think through the proposition, even when given hints by his second in command, who is most knowledgeable. A software company becomes involved and contributes further to the maneuvers, and the story progresses to a horrendous financial debacle, and many associated reactions. A third element enters the picture - a group of traders who deal with insider information, have ties to Account Executives in Russia, with the Russian Mafia, with China, and with the coordinator of the occult al-Qaida fighters.
To provide more details would spoil, for the reader, a most interesting and thought-provoking proposal of a possible future American agenda.
With respect to the writing, Roland Hughes quite masterfully juggles the various elements, as they shift from one to the next. His characters are interesting, and the story’s progression is at a fine pace. I read an ARC (Advanced Reading Copy) of this book which contained spelling and grammar problems. However, I understand the author has since had the manuscript fully edited and corrected. With removal of this jarring note, I should like to say that Roland Hughes has provided added enjoyment to a highly recommended read that presents some very serious thoughts to ponder, as well.
Buy the book here: http://www.infiniteexposure.net
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 04 April 2009 )
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Written by Our Reviewer, Stuart Nachbar
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Saturday, 17 January 2009 |
The Expert’s Edge by Ken Lizotte
 The Expert's Edge
In a sense, I believe that I proved him wrong, because a leader does not always need to be the person who runs the largest or the wealthiest organization. People also lead when they have a voice, and they can make that voice matter to their audience. I have never run a large company, but since I left that boss’ employ, I have done practically everything a “thoughtleader” has done in helping to turn a small business into an industry leader and now, as a writer. The responsibilities are not financial or managerial, but they are no less important.
The Expert’s Edge is a very reader-friendly book that can help anyone become a thoughtleader, the expert often quoted in the media, and earns significant business as a result of their communications skills. Lizotte cites many examples of thoughtleaders who will be quite familiar to readers; the most obvious being Donald Trump in the world of real estate and Suze Orman in personal finance. Lizotte implies that personalities such as these are not the only experts; they are the best at gathering fame.
The Expert’s Edge is written around Five Pillars of Thoughtleading, which are: Publish articles and books; speak regularly to groups and companies; inspire with fresh thinking; attract ongoing media attention, and leverage the Internet creatively. There are numerous tips that are easy to follow, as long as you are in the right work environment. While it is easy for entrepreneurs like The Donald to brand themselves—they do not answer to others for promotional purposes—executives at a lower level need to be more cautious about blowing their own horn.
The Expert’s Edge is an excellent book for people who call themselves experts. That does not mean that they need to become celebrities, but they need to be comfortable in their own skin if they expect to attract business. As I read this book, I could see that academics, creative artists and consultants who advise on complex business and technical problems could benefit from its’ advice. I could also see it being of significant benefit to non-profit executives who run cause-related organizations. People who are committed to causes need to be able to explain that commitment in speeches, and in writing. If they do not have an audience, they do not have a cause. Such professionals, and I have been one of them, go to conferences and see others gather attention for their presentation skills, even when they are not using video and PowerPoint. It is not that these speakers know more than the participants who pay their way to listen; they are asked to speak before large audiences because they communicate and relate to people well. And few things please a conference director more than a paid packed house.
If you’re in business and intent on building an audience to communicate your expertise or vision, but you don’t know where to start, buy this book. And visit the author’s Web site at http://www.theexpertsedge.com/index.html.
Contact Stuart Nachbar at http://www.EducatedQuest.com , a blog on education politics, policy and technology or read about his first book, The Sex Ed Chronicle, a novel on education and politics in 1980 New Jersey, at http://www.SexEdChronicles.com . |
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 31 January 2009 )
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Written by Our Reviewer, Stuart Nachbar
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Saturday, 17 January 2009 |
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A Story Of The German Resistance To Hitler by Helena P. Schrader
An Obsolete Honor is a work of historical fiction that takes place in Adolf Hitler’s Germany from 1938, before the Aryan nation invaded Poland, through 1944 after the attempted assassination on Der Fuhrer at the Wolf’s Den.
 An Obsolete Honor
An Obsolete Honor is a family saga of two brothers and a sister who are placed into the real life living history of Germany and its relations with allies and enemies. The main character, Philip Baron von Feldberg is a commissioned army officer, a lieutenant colonel who rises to a position on the General Staff in Berlin, and aligns himself with peers and superiors who are distressed with Hitler’s military strategies and policies. He also owns an apartment building that has rented to Jews, a dissident and a Gestapo (secret police) investigator. These tenants become prominent in the story. Philip’s brother Christian is one of the Luftwaffe’s best pilots while his sister Theresa is married to a self-made businessman who attempts to enhance his fortune in Nazi-occupied Warsaw, Poland.
The most interesting aspects of Obsolete Honor were the funnels of communications between the Nazi leadership, the ranks within the military branches, and the German civilian population. |
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 17 January 2009 )
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Written by Our Reviewer, Stuart Nachbar
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Thursday, 04 December 2008 |
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I am presently working on a novel set in modern day Gettysburg, so I’ve been reading Civil War novels to get a flavor of that city at the time of the famous battle there. I am not drawn to military fiction, stories of armaments, battles and generals’ strategy, as much as the state of civilian community at the time and the lives of citizen soldiers. Yet, I am also not interested in the romanticism of a work such as Gone with the Wind.
 Bedlam South
The novel’s secondary venue is the frontlines of battle, first Fredericksburg then Gettysburg, where two brothers, Billy and Zeke Gibson, live on, but become separated. Zeke makes it back across enemy lines with his comrades, while Billy is taken prisoner by the Union Army. While healing from battle-inflicted wounds, Billy falls for Sally Stearns, his nurse, and Sally gives birth to Billy’s son before she passes on, but after they become reunited. Billy returns to the Confederacy in a prisoner exchange and makes his way back home. Along the way, he fights for his meals, and a superior officer’s amusement. |
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 17 January 2009 )
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