Poses A Very Interesting Question
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Whether you are wealthy (and want to stay that way) or you're not wealthy (and would like to someday be wealthy), taking the time to answer the author's question, which provides the title, beginning and ending for the book, will save you from tremendous headache and heartache, as well as time and money.

Written in a very approachable essay format, this collection of vignettes on topics ranging from stock selection and financial planning to various life lessons for personal and financial success helps the reader frame the central problem for all of us looking to invest successfully in equity markets in particular, and that is making money while simultaneously not falling prey to the various emotions, vicissitudes and general foolishness that governs all financial markets.  Essentially, Spooner has written a clever little book about getting on the right track and staying there, all the while fending off the incessant entreaties, brutal and overt (and more often, subtle and sweet), to go off the rails. The essays can be read out of sequence, and the book's size makes it a wonderful commuting companion during the week (I knocked off several of the essays to and from work).

It's the perfect book for those that work for a living, and eventually want to stop doing just that, and do not mind getting wealthy slowly by degrees and increments.  I found the weakest essay of the lot to be the one titled 'How Much Should You Buy' on pages 11-12 simply because I take issue with the idea of investing on rumor and hearsay alone (I am a tremendous advocate of full and thorough research- DO ONLY WHAT YOU FULLY AND THOROUGHLY UNDERSTAND, PEOPLE).  Additionally, being a big fan of intelligent, thoughtful diversification, I also take issue with the author's advice in this essay (he's a great advocate of making large bets and running concentrated portfolios, which is fine for the very well off, but potentially problematic for those of modest means).  I believe that investors large and small (with special emphasis for the small investor- hey, no matter how much research you've done, there's always something you don't know and always remember that sizable permanent losses, those greater than ten percent of your capital, are catastrophic for you the working stiff but insignificant for the large investor with say, ten million or more in funds to run) should ease into every position, set minimum and maximum capital contribution limits for each of component of their investment portfolio and always start by initially purchasing at the minimum level and dollar-cost averaging up to their maximum level.  That way, mistakes can be largely avoided.  I found the strongest essay in the book to be the one titled 'Your "Stake In Life" Stock'.  My only quibble with this essay is that the small investor should not limit him/herself to just one of these precious little gems, and in my mind, you should have at least a half dozen of these (and hey, the more, the merrier).  The advice here echoes that of one of my investment (super)heroes, Charlie Munger, who has often remarked that the only way to get really wealthy is to go into business, or at the very least, own a stake in a profitable enterprise with ample room to run.

This was my first Spooner book, and it won't be my last (in fact, I have one of his other books on my reading list).  Indeed, I have read the book three times, and I periodically dip into its contents for a quick consultation now and then.  I highly recommend it.
4034358
The author tries to answer the question, how the world today would look like, if Islam never existed, especially in regards to the ongoing war on terror and thee strenuous relationship the West/USA has with the Middle East.
His theory is, that not very much would be different, because most conflicts are rooted in geographical, ethnical, or sociological problems, and that religion in most cases only serves as the veneer of older, deeper problems.
He shines light on the historical and current relationship of Islam with various other religions, namely western Christianity, orthodox Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism.
Even if you find his theory that Islam is not the problem, but western Imperialism and especially heavy handed US politics towards other cultures, to be a bit simplistic, this book nevertheless delivers a few fascinating "what if ..." scenarios. He draws his conclusions from thorough analysis of the history between Islamic nations/empires/states and its non-Islamic counterparts. This alone makes the book a very interesting read. The questions that he asks and answers are usually very intelligent and should give the reader something to think about for themselves.
All in all a very interesting, intelligent book with a somewhat provocative theory - that Islam is not the problem or the enemy, but only in the middle of the whole mess by coincidence.
I recommend reading this book with an open mind and then find somebody to discuss this - it is really worthwhile to think about this in the face of more and more overly simplistic political slogans that declare all problems to be solved, if we just could get rid of Islam. Apparently, it is not as simple as that ...
3573169
This is so interesting...It really makes you appreciate everything we take for granted. Who would think that scientific fact would be doubted in the courts? Wait, this is still happening....get a great insight in how science has to fight it's way to the frontlines. It's like history repeating itself, and this shows you how we need strong, devoted people to lead us to progress.
4059199
When I read this book I got a totally different view point from everything I was taught from the Bible as a child.  This was a tortured man, mentally and physically.  I would suggest anyone studying the Bible to take the time to read.  I'm sure there are many different thoughts on the subject and it really made me think and remember there are two sides to every story!
1080953
Very will written about the beginning of Christianity, why he was crucified, and why Christianity became a separate religion. The cover blurb asks if Jesus intended to start a church but that must be sales hype because I don't really recall that being addressed. A good read to get you thinking about what Christianity must be all about. However, it gets you thinking but I am not sure how many answers he actually provides. It does make me wonder, though, if we are really about whatever Jesus intended to start.
4456068
Without the truth where would we be today?  It is a very easy question to ask, but to take action is a whole different story.  I give credit to those who risked it all to shed light upon 'absolute corruption' As you navigate this minefield be aware of what it took to get to the end.  Its beyond simply turning the page, for some to get the information it took to make up that book, each page real people risked their lives, and those they loved.  Epic.
4804657
This book is an interesting angle to the concept of Israel. While I do not necessarily believe that this is a lost or saved issue, I do believe this question should be thoroughly investigated especially in these times. I have found in the Bible that it is not totally literal or spiritual. Truth is obviously presented in songs, poems, allegories and parables. To assume all is literal would border on the  absurd. For instance, should we believe the beasts in the Old Testament were literal? It is explained clearly that the visions by Daniel were figurative representatives of great world powers  that would take place.
As for Israel many promises were made in the Old Testament but followed by the crucial word "if".  "If" Israel followed God certain blessings would come about. "If" after the promises were realized, Israel broke their promises, then they would loose their blessings. Certainly this applies to all of us throughout all time.
Now as for modern Israel. The idea is that now that Israel is a nation again, they will rebuild the temple destroyed in AD 70 and reinstitute the sacrifices that pointed to Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. Would this not deny His past sacrifice and aid in the belief some Jewish people believe that the Jesus of the New Testament was not who the Bible claimed Him to be but just a prophet and a good man; that the savior spoken of in the Old Testament has not come yet? We must be careful with our interpretation in this area lest some day we totally misunderstand the things we will face in the last days of this world.
Steve Wahlburg brings a provocative perspective to this subject that at least warrants a closer inspection of our established beliefs. In his book is presented plenty of scriptural evidence to be considered. Francisco Ribera (1537-1591) was a Catholic priest that presented the theory of What many now believe will be the events in the end times including the state of Israel and its place. While I am not giving a condemnation of the Catholic Church as they truly made many good contributions through the centuries. They have also made drastic mistakes in the past in their persecution of those that criticized the church. Lest Protestants feel too noble, they also did many horrible deeds in the name of God. (Just study up on the Ana-Baptists that did public drownings of those that did things contrary to what they believed to be true.)
In conclusion, modern Christianity is comprised of many beliefs some of which originated from Grecian, Roman, and Jewish philosophy. Some I believe are basically innocent like Easter, Christmas with the tree and ornaments, etc. Others should be looked at much more seriously. In the last days of this earth many beliefs will be exploded. If we are not prepared to accept truth where ever it may be revealed, we may be setting up ourselves with great deceptions.
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I read this in a few hours for our book club. Being Catholic I found it very provocative. BUT for those who feel it has no basis, why then was the "chair" in the author's notes at the end necessary? Looks like that chair had but one purpose. Also, use your brain - how many women in the current era in different areas have passed themselves off as men? Its not a novel idea by any means. So, one was good enough to make it to Pope - obviously it set this "good old boys club" on its ear.
1570154
Have gobs of what I call question books.  Have a very inquisitive mind.  This answers a lot of questions.  thanks, mary ellen
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A former CIA spook takes a look at theology, history and politics and comes up with a provocative, extended essay that challenges consensus opinion.  Not sure I fully agree with all the conclusions, but I sure was provoked into thinking about this issue from another perspective.  Seems to me like fundamentalists of the three major religions are destroying our world.  Check out this askew view from a lofty, perhaps informed, perspective.  I'm still mulling this one over.  The title alone should get your attention.  We need to stop killing in the name of God or Allah and keep talking to each other about our differences and our beliefs.  We are one family.  When will we learn?
289222
This is my disertation topic, so I found this book really interesting! I would love to have done a research such as this, but it's great somebody else had the chance to do it!
2039155
Very thought provoking.  How would a person handle similar family situations?  Perhaps not as you would like to think you would.
1809995
Very interesting.  Just stumbled on this and was curious.  I like to tinker but these folks are very creative!  Some people might be a bit uncomfortable with the topic but a pretty interesting read if you are curious about why and how people wind up doing what they do.
31601
This is a well written and documented book giving a creationist view. I do not think that most creationists would agree with all that is outlined but I found it very interesting. Darwinists on the other hand would also have difficulty as the book cuts a line between creation and Darwin. I for one was unaware of the discussion between creationists and evolutionists. This book helps to define the issues and documents the statements made so that the reader can supplement the reading. Much of the discussion is around the fossils that have been documented to date. I found this very interesting and would recommend it to anyone wanting to know topic a little better. The author states that he does not answer all of the questions but this is his contribution to the ongoing debate.
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Could a loving God send people to Hell? This is a tough subject and Francis Chan does a great job - and a very thorough job - answering from Scripture. Highly recommend!!
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This is a very thought provoking book. It makes you really want to question our politicians. Some heavy stuff here!
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Can any of the be? The truth can certainly be very scary.

Whatever the truth is, so much to think about. All worthy of much research.

Will we ever know the truth?