Too lay for the layman?
935790
I was asked and given the free ebook "A Layman's Guide To Managing Fear" to review. I wanted to like it. After reading it, I found I could not relate to the obviously made up people. The terminology seemed to waiver in consistency (fear, phobia, etc) and in audience seeming more meant for counselors or family members rather than people dealing with fear themselves. The meat of the book is expressed in its less than 2-pg summary, the rest of the book is filler of little insight or use.
2047433
Plain English? Sorry, but I disagree. I feel fortunate to have some background in higher math and science, which the author acts like he tries to avoid, but he still takes frequent dives there. Or maybe he understands that in order to understand this subject well you maybe should have these skills anyhow? I don't know...maybe the author could tell us.

It took me two hours to read this, not one, and am I a master of this? Not a chance...the subject is too deep and complex. Do I know more than I did two hours ago? Absolutely. I don't think this is a BAD book, but I do think the title over-sells a bit. I don't know what else a person could read to prep for this book, though. I will be studying this and probably doing a mind map and other diagrams to try to relate all the concepts and Greeks together. Something like that in the book (a flowchart, a related table, maybe) would be a big help in my opinion.

I don't want to dissuade people from buying the book, but just beware that the concepts are tough to understand, so don't be disappointed if you don't "get it" the first time through.
4057178
This research advocates focus of asset allocation on best performing sector, largely through use of index ETFs. The author appears to be mesmerized by science metaphors, casting doubt on his credibility, although he's probably right about a fundamental change shifting the paradigm away from buy and hold. There is good history but little help on implementation. Despite downplaying MPT and EMH, this looks too much like a variation on market timing.  With slight reservation, I don't think this is very useful.
1708706
Of course, there is some good information that will help a lot, if you put it into practice. But as another reviewer said, there's too much funk.

I don't think this book was written, necessarily for a certain age group or demographic. It seems to have been written for a certain personality, like those that still read old issues of Mad Magazine.

Once again, there's content here that could be helpful. But as for the presentation, "To each his own said the farmer as he kissed the cow."
729226
If the reader isn't familiar with the world of finance, this book may be over their heads or perhaps the subject matter a bit "deep".
4022267
I would not consider this publication for absolute beginners. Some knowledge required to use this
information effectively, otherwise it serves it purpose.
3592985
The author wrote layman terms. Easy to understand.....depending course on one's knowledge of finances, etc... better to know ahead of time what to expect of patient and self.
1213980
This book is for the modernity expert. People new to the subject will not have an easy time with this book! The sentences are very long and oddly structured. Beware it is really very dense and difficult, written for a specific niche audience.
546772
If one is a theological scholar, one "might" be able to read this treatise with some empathy.  I am not that and I regard the book merely as an exercise in obfuscation.  More simply put, it is an answer in search of a question.
1132353
What a great title for a book that advanced beginning to not very skilled intermediate folders (as I admit I am) would love.  Unfortunately, the title does not accurately describe the book.  There are some fairly basic models which are found in many books, but there are some very tricky models as well.  In fact, the "10-fold" grail is not something to sell the farm to obtain.  Granted, a 6-part "single fold" MAY be considered just redoing or reversing or pulling or "somethinging" a fold (or series of folds. What it is NOT is a simple (usually) fold. The Hatching Chick will deforest small plots of woodland, I suspect.

Yes, the models are clever, and Engel is -- and always will be -- a legend and a giant, but COULD he have made the explanations and diagrams a bit more wordy or clear or something to make the involved and convoluted and unbelievably complex "single folds" in some of the models attainable by mortals?  I know, I know, the question will arise in the more skilled folders' minds:  Geesh!  What does this guy want?  Pre-folded models included?  Such a wimp!

No.  The answer is quite simple, but a question must first be asked:  Does Engel (and ANY other legend) WANT their wonderful models to be PRIMARILY a lesson in SOLVING a problem with various hints and suggestions given, OR do they want their models to be folded and enjoyed by non-folders to whom the folders give them (that's my preference)?  If the former, then the book is fine; if the latter, why not include a dvd?  This is a relatively simple solution, but only if the authors want many to enjoy their creativity and magic.  If they want their readers to learn (sometimes after hours of frustration) the secret handshake and the ritualistic words to be let in to the private club, then don't change a thing.

Should you get the book?  Yes, I think it can be managed -- I plan to work at some of the models a bit more.  However, know that, as the fly leaf states, you will be getting (someone hopes) ". . . a rewarding craft that calms the spirit [hmmm, not so much with everyone] and sharpens the mind [hmmm, maybe . . .). . . "  Good luck - said without ANY sarcasm or rancor!

Paul C
2430465
NOT FOR BEGINNERS. SOME OF HIS OPTIONS STRATEGIES ARE COMPLICATED AND COULD GET ONE INTO A LOT OF TROUBLE IF NOT SEASONED IN OPTION TRADING.
3253634
I was looking for something more technical and well-ness oriented. It reads way too slow. I guess that is why it is for dummies.
2715323
To the good, there is a lot of information here, much of it quite densely packed (the chapter on how the immune system works, for example).  The information itself is extensive and has depth as well.  Detail is NOT an issue with this book. . .

The problem is that the overall theme of the book is theory presented as fact.  It may be a good theory but it is certainly not an uncontroversial one.  Are grains bad?  Well, maybe.  Or maybe in excess.  However, many cultures have grains as a cornerstone and their health issues are relatively low compared to the USA's. The book seems to be geared towards a paleo diet approach and that is certainly not a universally accepted approach.  In addition, those types of nutritional approaches are so dependent on being "all in" that if you pick and choose from the book's suggestions you may get worse simply because many of the pieces can't be dropped without affecting the others.
1223582
to those who denigrate EM books, tough they are hard and require dedication. Hayt 's previous versions, yup, I'm an older scientist, have helped me greatly, practical examples that can be reapplied. maybe the negative comments reflect more on the author's ability than the book.. Actually Hayt's book is in a sense is a entry to intermediate.. pick up a Jackson if you want cryptic. Personally I have always found the whole topic cryptic, that can not be taught by one book. Buy many, read, study, and think.
1615483
There's a lot of material in this book - close to 400 dense pages of highly technical information. This and the ton of examples can't help but impress upon you that the authors are smart. Very smart.
The problem I have with this book is that maybe there's too much information. REST is supposed to simplify things, right? Up until this point I've read about REST in a couple of Rails book. I understand it (I think) and believe it's the wave of the future, especially after spending hours slogging through 800+ page books on JEE Web Services, WS-Death-*s (good call DHH!) and SOAs. While this book clocks in with less pages, it's still a tough read at times. And sometimes it was easy to lose sight of the forest while meandering through the numerous and sometimes-scattered trees.
Maybe that's just how tech books are; I don't know. I do know that most people are pressed for time and don't live and breath this stuff - which could explain the popularity of the "For Dummies" and "Head First" series.
Come to think of it, that's what I'd like to see: a "Head First RESTful Web Services" book. I think that would actually *help more people* to understand, and thus use, this technology.
1307104
The book describes in detail for the layman the evolution of the theories and discoveries attempting to determine the age of the universe. Most areas are quite clear but in some of them, by necessity, the reader has to accept things as they are, which is unavoidable when trying to condensate all the theories and discoveries for non-specialists in one book.
1637780
It works great for the layperson who just wants to have the concise version, without all the detailing and discussion. It offers (usually, I think) multiple opinions when they exist, maps, some historical and geographical information, cross references, compares/contrasts well, introduction to people, etc.

That being said, it is, as it says on the covers, an abridged Expositor's Commentary and is, therefore, quite concise.  There is a lot of material for someone used to just having NIV Study Notes (like me!), but I doubt that someone who's getting a masters at seminary is going to be especially interested in it.

The preface says that it is for the layperson. It claims to have retained the "important interpretive material of the larger set without the text of the NIV and the detailed scholarly notes and discussions." In my opinion, it serves that purpose and makes an excellent reference for laypeople preparing Bible studies/lessons (especially who already have material) or just wanting something more than NIV Study Notes!  It's interesting reading.

Obviously I want readers to know what they're getting before they buy it. If a two volume commentary is what you need to take the next step, then this is a great choice.  If you're unsure of what you need, consult your local seminary student, professor, Bible teacher or pastor for advice.