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Surviving Your Serengeti: 7 Skills to Master Business and Life by Stefan Swanepoel

I've always been told not to judge a book by its cover, but I chose this book solely based on the stunning artwork on the front.  I am really glad I did.  This book provides an interesting way of looking at the challenges we face in life and business and how we handle them.  Through this 'fable of self-discovery', the author introduces the reader to life on the Serengeti.  Although I didn't feel a strong connection to the characters presented in the book, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the 7 animals and the survival skills they possess and also how they relate to our survival in business and everyday life. 

I was drawn to the animal facts presented in the book and in some parts felt as if I was reading the narrative for a Discovery Channel documentary.  I think the author did a good job of drawing the reader into each animal, their skills, and then relating it back to life in a way that helps the reader step back and evaluate where they stand, if they possess the skill, or if they need to work on developing the skill.  I found that I was able to quickly identify a situation at work that related to each of the skills mentioned and it made the skills more meaningful.

I would recommend this book to managers/supervisors, business owners, or anybody that wants to identify traits that are necessary to be successful in business and life. 

PS - I believe that I am an Elephant
This book was provided to me free of charge by BookSneeze.com for my honest and unbiased review.

Coming soon...

A Place Called Blessing by John Trent, PhD

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.  It was a simple read that really drew me into the story line and kept me glued to the pages until the end.  I felt drawn into the story of Josh, a young man who had lost his parents early in life and spent his childhood hopping between foster homes and children centers.  A tragic accident during this period turned him into an angry child and by the time he turned 18 he just wanted a job, an apartment, and to be alone. 

Through a strange turn of events Josh finds a friend, the closest thing he has had to a "family", and love.  Following Josh on his journey and seeing the layers of anger from his past peel away through the power of God, love, and compassionate service was a great reminder of the good that is still in the world and it left me inspired to be a better person because you never know whose life you could touch.

This book was based on elements introduced in a book called 'The Blessing' and I am looking forward to reading this book as well.  I loved reading this story and would highly recommend this book to family and friends.

This book was provided to me free of charge by Booksneeze.com in exchange for my unbiased and honest review.

Coming next...

The Final Summit by Andy Andrews

The Final Summit was a very interesting and educational read.  I'll admit that I felt a little lost at first, as this is a sequel to The Traveler's Gift - a book I have not read - however, the author did a great job of filling the reader in with just enough history that the story could be followed.  After reading this book, I am looking forward to going back and reading the first book. 

I really liked David Ponder, the lead character in the book.  His story was one that we've heard before... rags to riches to rags and back to riches, all the while learning valuable lessons along the way.   The lessons that are shared in the book apply to all. 

I love how the author brings people to life as David, and famous historical figures such as Winston Churchill, George Washington Carver, and Joan of Arc, work together to find the key to saving humanity.  The book is filled with historical facts but also little quotes and quirks that make it easy to relate to these people as if they were here today.

I really enjoyed this book and the message it leaves with the reader - as I read the book I found myself constantly thinking of the quote "Be the change you want to see in the world. ~Ghandi".

I would recommend this book to friends but would advise reading The Traveler's Gift first.

This book was provided to me free of charge by Booksneeze.com in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Lead Serve Love by Gregory E. Lang

Lead Serve Love was a fun book to read.  Filled with short 3 word phrases and biblical verses to allow deeper research on the topic, this was both a simple and enjoyable book to read.  I loved the layout of the book - on the left page you find your phrase and on the right the bible verses.  Aside from the phrase itself there is also a brief summary to go with it.  Phrases like "Say Thank You", "Swallow Your Pride", and "Do Your Best" are things that we hear everyday.  It was nice to combine those phrases with scriptural references to give them new meaning.  I think this book would make a good gift, especially for a college bound student.

This book was provided to me, free of charge, through BookSneeze.com in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.