Koncocoo

Best 15-Minute Self-Help Short Reads

The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything
Drawing on the stories of a wide range of people, including Paul McCartney, Matt Groening, Richard Branson, Arianna Huffington, and Bart Conner, he shows that age and occupation are no barrier and that this is the essential strategy for transform­ing education, business, and communities in the twenty-first century. Robinson ( Out of Our Minds ), renowned in the areas of creativity development, innovation and human resources, tackles the challenge of determining and pursuing work that is aligned with individual talents and passions to achieve well-being and success. After the first page, you have to abandon your ego and look for your own gifts and graces.” —Warren Bennis, author of On Becoming a Leader: The Leadership Classic “Robinson ( Out of Our Minds ), renowned in the areas of creativity development, innovation, and human resources, tackles the challenge of determining and pursuing work that is aligned with individual talents and passions to achieve well-being and success. Motivating and persuasive, this entertaining and inspiring book will appeal to a wide audience.” — Publishers Weekly “Ken Robinson is a remarkable man, one of the few who really look at and into you, so he makes you feel at ease and happy. Reading his book helps you pinpoint the search we must all make to achieve the best in us.” —Gillian Lynne, choreographer, Cats and The Phantom of the Opera “While the world is changing faster than ever, our organizations, our schools, and too often our minds are locked in the habits of the past. The Element is a passionate and persuasive appeal to think differently about ourselves and how to face the future.” —Alvin Toffler, author of The Future Shock “A brilliant and compelling look at creativity, and the path to succeed in the global world of tomorrow.” —Harry Lodge, co-author of Younger Next Year.
Reviews
"The author of a fenomenal educator, with a groundbreaking thesis about what is really important."
"Was OK, but eventually I lost interest in it."
"The audiobook is a fabulous way to read this book because it's fun to hear Ken Robinson's voice speak both the profound ideas along with dry humor."
"Also, the many biographical stories found in this book---walking through the lives of many famous creative and intellectual minds---is one of the most effective ways that Robinson could hope to inspire people reading this book to go out and find what they love, and do that, whether through hobby or career."
"Of course it could be because I finished "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking" by Susan Cain about the same time."
"Several students really got into it and even read on their own with being assigned."
"It really inspired me to think in totally different way of myself and my educational experience."
Find Best Price at Amazon
I Know How She Does It: How Successful Women Make the Most of Their Time
Now the acclaimed author of What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast shows how real working women with families are actually making the most of their time. “Having it all” has become the subject of countless books, articles, debates, and social media commentary, with passions running high in all directions. Instead of relying on scattered stories, time management expert Laura Vanderkam set out to add hard data to the debate. They made time for the things that gave them pleasure and meaning, fitting the pieces together like tiles in a mosaic—without adhering to overly rigid schedules that would eliminate flexibility and spontaneity. Breakfasts together and morning story time count as much as daily family dinners, and they’re often easier to manage. -- TARA MOHR , author of Playing Big. "This book could have been titled How to Be a Superhero,because that's how it makes you feel and act after reading it. -- DORIE CLARK , author of Reinventing You and StandOut Laura Vanderkam questions the status quo and helps her readers rediscover their true passions and beliefs in pursuit of more meaningful lives.Laura Vanderkam is the author of the forthcoming book I Know How She Does It: How Successful Women Build Lives That Work (Portfolio, June 9, 2015). She has appeared on numerous television programs, including The Today Show and Fox & Friends, hundreds of radio segments, and has spoken about time, money, and productivity to audiences of all sizes, including graduating seniors at her high school, the Indiana Academy, who brought her back as a commencement speaker in 2006.
Reviews
"As a young guy and a recent college graduate I can say: I wish I had known this stuff about time management before I graduated college."
"If you walked away from the book with the impression that it was just about fitting everything into a schedule without an emphasis on quality time, you missed the point and need to read it again (I'm going to read it again anyways because I loved it so much). There are good lessons to learn about where I spend my time and how I fit in all the things I want to fit in with an emphasis on creating a fulfilling life that works for me."
"I have read several of Laura's books."
"Time Management Wizard Laura Vanderkam's newest book details suggestions and actual case studies supporting the notion that we can't 'have it all', but we sure can have 'more'."
"Insightful and perspective changing."
"Great Read about real women."
"Men should read this book, too."
Find Best Price at Amazon
61 Points of Light: A Yoga Nidra Meditation For Reducing Anxiety and Increasing Concentration
This meditation is highly effective for reducing tension and anxiety, balancing the autonomic nervous system and for undoing various tension and anxiety related symptoms such as poor concentration, chest and abdominal pain, palpitations of the heart, and sleep and memory disturbances.
Reviews
"I have a nice library of guided meditations, quick breaks to longer, deeper, focused sessions, and Loretta Siani's 61 Points of Light is one I'll return to frequently among them all. I thought it was also a great touch when Siani's voice would lower or slow or even fade a bit (not a technical glitch - masterful vocal adjustment for a distinct moment) and suit the words, instructions, etc. Important, when you are venturing to let another person into your head and guide your subconscious! 61 Points of Light came highly recommended, and having just read Loretta Siani's Everyday Miracles and gained a great deal from it, I ventured to sign up to Audible to try out her audio offerings."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best 15-Minute Travel Short Reads

Spanish Vocabulary (Quick Study Academic)
The same graphically designed and thoughtfully organized quick reference expected from QuickStudy now in Kindle edition.
Reviews
"I use them during down times or when I find myself waiting in a line or at a doctor's office, which always leads to a conversation with a stranger about the struggles of learning a 2nd language."
"This is great only if you can pair it up with something that can pronounce it as well."
"Another great addition to my collection of these - Quickstudy is wonderful for a quick refresher when you have a few minutes."
"helping me to hablo espanol, I study with a friend and it really helps to have these."
"Pros: Easy to read material. Well organized flow. Good quality laminate. Cons: None to me."
"I bought this in the bundle of 3 and keep it in the front of my Spanish class notebook as a quick and handy reference."
"just received last week, so i don't really know."
"Great help in high school, to get some of the basics."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best 15-Minute Romance Short Reads

Claimed in Shadows: A Midnight Breed Novel (The Midnight Breed Series Book 15)
In this pulse-pounding new Midnight Breed vampire romance novel from New York Times and #1 international bestselling author Lara Adrian, passion explodes between a daywalking member of the Order and a fiery female warrior whose shadowy past will test the bonds of both duty and desire.
Reviews
"The powerful warrior Aric who is practically Breed royalty and the determined to become a warrior Kaya are a formidable force when paired to try to gain information on the latest threat to the Breed Nation Opus Nostrum. While the mission doesn’t go as planned, it ultimately leads to a bigger problem than anyone expected and together they must learn to trust each other and to work with the rest of the Order to bring their enemy to their knees once and for all."
"Son of our beloved Sterling Chase aka Harvard and his beautiful Breedmate Tavia. I really enjoyed the bits with Pregnant Ranata and Nikolai and Mira there adopted daughter and her Breed Warrior. Aric Chase has been sent on a mission in Canada to get information on Opus Nostrum the enemy that has been trying to destroy The Order. We live in a world today that authors need to write heroines or any of there females characters with high regard."
"The story of Aric Chase, son of Elder Sterling and Tavia Chase, Twin brother of Carys, Here is the "Prince" of Orders as Kaya puts it."
"Aric is special as he’s a day walker and he needed an equally ferocious breed mate. We welcome a new member to the family which was exciting and we also see the treachery and evil that waits around every corner."
"Their children are now coming into their owns rights as warriors and supporting the Breed race in the struggle against those factions that try to thwart and silence them."
"omgosh I LOVE this series and this addition was definitely one of my favorites!"
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best 15-Minute LGBT Short Reads

Shifter Romance MM: Becoming the Omega. At a Werewolves Mercy (Gay Threesome Werewolf Shifter Menage Romance MMM) (The Alpha, The Omega and The Beta Book 2)
All werewolf packs have an alpha and beta, Stryker and Leyton lead the pack Jeremy was born into. Tags: Gay Threesome Menage, Werewolf, Paranormal Shifter Romance, MMM bisexual, new adult romance contemporary, Alpha, Werebear.
Reviews
"A very Hot book buy Sophia Turner that definitely delivers."
"This was definitely a very entertaining and hot book from the start to finish."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best 15-Minute History Short Reads

Detroit: An American Autopsy
An explosive exposé of America’s lost prosperity—from Pulitzer Prize­–winning journalist Charlie LeDuff Back in his broken hometown, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Charlie LeDuff searches the ruins of Detroit for clues to his family’s troubled past. After a career as a Pulitzer Prize–winning reporter with the New York Times, LeDuff answered the longing to return to his roots in Detroit, a city that was once at the forefront of American industry and growth. LeDuff reprises the shenanigans of Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick and city councilwoman Monica Conyers and others before the slow-moving justice process caught up with them. He also reports on the personal toll the city’s decline has taken on its citizens, including his own family, with grim stories of his brothers’ chronic unemployment and his sister’s and niece’s deaths from drug overdoses. With the emotions of personal connection and the clear-eyed detachment of a reporter, LeDuff examines what Detroit’s decline means for other American cities. 'they trying to put something nice up' in this hellhole he says, speaking of the bar specifically, though his words spread across the city and pay tribute, in equal measure, to its dreamers, its pessimists and to those, resigned and wrung out, who love it despite all. “Pultizer-Prize-winning journalist LeDuff ( Work and Other Sins ) delivers an edgy portrait of the decline, destruction, and possible redemption of his hometown…LeDuff writes with honesty and compassion about a city that’s destroying itself–and breaking his heart.” — Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW. Charlie LeDuff is a remarkable journalist, and this book is filled with incredible writing as he witnesses his home city crumble through neglect and corruption.” — Huffington Post. If you’re LeDuff, you leave The New York Times and head into the wreckage to ride with firemen, hang with the corrupt pols, and retrace your own family’s sad steps through drugs.
Reviews
"It is clearly written, and he spares no unpleasant facts about the characters."
"He did not try to analyse the situation--how Detroit got to be such a mess (he did allude to it) and how they were pulling themselves out of it."
"Fast paced, Charlie tells it like it was."
"Charlie LeDuff, the bold, crusading journalist for the Detroit News, is frenetic and intrepid in search of the story and attention to detail, and, unsparing going after Detroit's highly publicized corrupt former mayor, Kwame Kirkpatrick and “the overfed buffoon,” Monica Conyers (a Council person and wife of John Conyers, Detroit's long time local Congressman. when he writes about his dysfunctional family and painful as it relates to the poverty stricken, African American citizens, the real victims of Detroit's collapse."
"Having lived and worked in many cities and hearing what a horrible city Detroit is then having to explain that the city isn't ONLY what the news tells us, I want to thank Mr. LeDuff for explaining things with the clarity I could never provide."
"He gives personal stories about policemen and firemen who are trying to make a difference despite being understaffed, under equipped and underfunded at a level that you might expect to see only in a third-world country. LeDuff accurately describes how Detroit's decline started during its heyday, back in the 1950's and that for many working class people, there was no romantic era in working there. Working conditions were poor and many workers self-medicated in order to cope and some committed suicide."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best 15-Minute Science & Math Short Reads

NEW MyMathLab® with eBook -- Instant Access -- for Stats: Modeling the World
Break Through to Improving Results: Driven by our understanding of the challenges and aspirations inherent to education, MyLab™ & Mastering™ engages learners continuously and offers data-driven guidance that helps them reach specific, measurable learning outcomes. His research includes work on the development, estimation, and evaluation of models for pricing and hedging various derivatives and other financial instruments. He has consulted for a number of U.S. and international banks, working on term structure models, the evaluation of derivatives pricing models, and issues that arise in the computation of Value-at-Risk measures.
Reviews
"I've used the Pearson math programs before and really like them except one thing - it will mark you wrong when you have a number that could/may not need to be rounded."
"The only thing is that it takes a lot of time to complete assignments and test."
"STAT Lab is a great tool for learning."
"The only "problem" I had was that when I opened up the package, it was not printed on that cardstock type paper that most access codes come in."
"I was skeptical at first especially when they offered to do an email of the code, but sure enough they did everything they promised to do."
"Had no problem redeeming the code for my online course."
"Did not work for the class I needed it for."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best 15-Minute Sports & Outdoors Short Reads

Cooked: A Natural History of Transformation
A North Carolina barbecue pit master tutors him in the primal magic of fire; a Chez Panisse–trained cook schools him in the art of braising; a celebrated baker teaches him how air transforms grain and water into a fragrant loaf of bread; and finally, several mad-genius “fermentos” (a tribe that includes brewers, cheese makers, and all kinds of picklers) reveal how fungi and bacteria can perform the most amazing alchemies of all. Relying upon corporations to process our food means we consume large quantities of fat, sugar, and salt; disrupt an essential link to the natural world; and weaken our relationships with family and friends. Learning to cook elevated humans from lone animals into increasingly intelligent, civilized groups, and though we spend scant time doing real cooking, we’ve become obsessed with watching people cook--a paradox that points to longing for a lost experience. An Italian-trained Iranian American teaches him the subtleties of proper cooking in pots, how to coax maximum flavor from humble vegetables, herbs, meats, and water. The harnessing of fungi and molds to ferment sauerkraut and beer and produce cheeses illuminates the fine and ever-shifting boundaries between tastiness and rot and how the human palate can be trained.
Reviews
"He concentrated on fire, water, air, and earth to describe different ways how food is processed naturally. The author did explain these four fundamental processes to teach us how to prepare food for our selves and even alcoholic beverages away from industrialized processed food picked up from supermarkets. Moreover, he taught us food science along the way what is happening to our food and even what happens to us tasting and digesting food."
"bake bread, pickle vegetables, make cheese and brew beer, Michael Pollan explores the history, science, and social and cultural impacts of cooking."
"Same good writing and same focus on food, which Pollan rightly recognizes as a key part of human development and culture. He also highlights the cultural and social aspects of cooking as key elements of our human development."
"By cooking, one way or the other, those ancestors managed to do part of the work of digestion outside their body so they, like our relatives the apes/monkeys don't have to spend hours every day chewing to get the nutrients they needed from their food."
"Pollan once again displays his ability to seamlessly weave different facts and ideas together to form a powerful narrative about human's relationship to nature as bridged by the act of cooking. I also loved that he even touched on some of the political economy, ethical and social issues accompanying some of the culinary crafts."
"bought this a special request for an 8th grader book project."
"Pollan writing, with such verve and enthusiasm, and from hands on personal experience, gives a lively account of the several methods of transforming raw edibles into food---what we eat and drink."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best 15-Minute Business & Money Short Reads

Data Strategy: How to Profit from a World of Big Data, Analytics and the Internet of Things
Less than 0.5 per cent of all data is currently analysed and used. ( William Merchan, Chief Strategy Officer, DataScience ). "Bernard perfectly distils the need for well formulated business questions in a time when virtually anything can be measured and analyzed" ( Dan Morris, Sr. Director, Data Platform at Viacom ). " Leveraging data to drive competitive advantage has shifted from being an option to a requirement, and Bernard provides a comprehensive roadmap for leaders focused on mapping and assessing their journey. "A clear, concise and exciting road map for maximizing value from data in today's hyper competitive business landscape" ( Ralph Blore, Leader Central Analytics, Visa ). "As we enter the Fourth Industrial Revolution Marr tells us that it will be those companies that view data as a strategic asset that will survive and thrive. Bernard Marr is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, strategic performance consultant, and analytics, KPI & Big Data guru. He has worked with and advised many of the world's best-known organisations including Accenture, Astra Zeneca, Bank of England, Barclays, BP, DHL, Fujitsu, Gartner, HSBC, Mars, Ministry of Defence, Microsoft, Oracle, The Home Office, NHS, Orange, Tetley, T-Mobile, Toyota, Royal Air Force, SAP and Shell, among many others on their business and data strategies.
Reviews
"Solid summary."
"First is that the impression I had that readers would come to the conclusion that working with internally generated data, much of the structured data that you need to integrate with big data to make sense of it, should be easy. The second reason is that I think the division of the ways to use data into separate categories of making better decisions, improving operations and monetizing data is a little too simplistic. In addition, you can really only monetizing data by selling data, or products containing data, to customers if those customers will see value in using it to make better decisions and improve operations of their own. So monetization of data all starts with better decisions and operations enabled by the data. But there still is a cost to do so, especially if you need to integrate big data with internally generated data that is currently not well integrated."
"This book will correct that misapprehension and show how big data, analytics and other technologies can be source of profit and advantage for many companies. Knowing what you have, what it can be used for, what value it may yield and what else you can gather are all covered in this book, before the reader is guided to making an implementation and execution plan to go forward. Many real-world examples of big data usage are provided to show the reader how versatile it can be, and it need not be something only for the global megacorp to consider."
"If you are looking for data strategies in a manager position, this book can give you some clues."
"However, do not be mislead, data and specifically understanding what the data means (analytics) so you're in the most informed position to determine what to do next is not an easy task."
"for people that is new to the data word is interesting and even easy to read."
"> Available 04.28.2017 > DATA STRATEGY : How To Profit From A World of Big Data, Analytics And The Internet of Things. > ( Twitter @BernardMarr ) > ( 11+ Chapters, 186+ Pages ) > ( About The Author, Acknowledgements ) > 01.Why Every Business Is Now A Data Business. 05.Monetizing Your Data."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best 15-Minute Craft, Hobby & Home Short Reads

How to Build a Teardrop Camp Trailer for Less Than $500.!
Complete how to guide to build an 4x8 Teardrop Camping Trailer for Less Than $500.
Reviews
"Good historical data and nice plans for an inexpensive travel trailer that will meet the cost efficient needs of a budget-minded traveler."
"After tent camping, for do may years...I decided to try a tiny camper...it's easy and a great project...My neighbors helped with the build...cost me an extra six pack and BBQ hot dogs and beans....good time working on this project..."
"Perfect booklet to get one started on building a tear drop."
"Nice detail of materials and components needed for assembly along with some interesting history of the teardrop camping trailer design."
"I liked the book because it seemed to cover everything needed to build this trailer and easy ."
"Cool material list but no real plan."
"Complete waste of my $5."
"Pretty good price list materials list ."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best 15-Minute Teen & Young Adult Short Reads

Akata Witch
Affectionately dubbed "the Nigerian Harry Potter," Akata Witch weaves together a heart-pounding tale of magic, mystery, and finding one's place in the world. Soon she's part of a quartet of magic students, studying the visible and invisible, learning to change reality. -Ursula K. Le Guin Nnedi Okorafor was born in the United States to two Nigerian immigrant parents.
Reviews
"What a great piece of fantasy literature from a different culture."
"Adorable YA fantasy with realistic feeling young teens."
"It is refreshing to read a novel with strong Black women and men as the lead characters."
"Great story."
"There is something intriguing about a secret spiritual society existing in a physical world and young people coming of age."
"This book will have you begging for another to be written."
"I LOVED THIS BOOK!!"
"Great book."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best 15-Minute Education & Reference Short Reads

Kindle Unlimited: How to Cancel Kindle Unlimited in 3 Easy Steps! (Help Series Book 1)
You should read this short book if: - You want to cancel your Kindle Unlimited subscription in the next few minutes. - You are frustrated trying to find out how to cancel your Kindle Unlimited subscription. - You don’t want to spend any additional time (sometimes hours) trying to figure it out for yourself, especially if you’re trying to cancel from your phone or tablet.
Reviews
"It's a shame you need this book to cancel, but easy to follow."
"This book is short and quick and helps the reader to quickly and easily AND simply escape Kindle Unlimited."
"Go to your account, click your kindle unlimited."
"Cons: Instructions aren't relevant to PC users--fingers crossed that the sequel will contain a PC version! (If you liked it, you'll need to search Amazon yourself for similar reads.). Here's what Google had to say: "To cancel your Kindle Unlimited membership: Go to Manage your Kindle Unlimited Membership."
"I did not expect to be charged $2.99 while trying to cancel my kindle unlimited."
"Amazon you do not make it easy to cancel this subscription."
"When you get a free sample of fudge at a festival, they don't make you give it back if you don't buy a whole pound of it."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best 15-Minute Biography & Memoir Short Reads

Detroit: An American Autopsy
An explosive exposé of America’s lost prosperity—from Pulitzer Prize­–winning journalist Charlie LeDuff Back in his broken hometown, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Charlie LeDuff searches the ruins of Detroit for clues to his family’s troubled past. After a career as a Pulitzer Prize–winning reporter with the New York Times, LeDuff answered the longing to return to his roots in Detroit, a city that was once at the forefront of American industry and growth. LeDuff reprises the shenanigans of Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick and city councilwoman Monica Conyers and others before the slow-moving justice process caught up with them. He also reports on the personal toll the city’s decline has taken on its citizens, including his own family, with grim stories of his brothers’ chronic unemployment and his sister’s and niece’s deaths from drug overdoses. With the emotions of personal connection and the clear-eyed detachment of a reporter, LeDuff examines what Detroit’s decline means for other American cities. 'they trying to put something nice up' in this hellhole he says, speaking of the bar specifically, though his words spread across the city and pay tribute, in equal measure, to its dreamers, its pessimists and to those, resigned and wrung out, who love it despite all. “Pultizer-Prize-winning journalist LeDuff ( Work and Other Sins ) delivers an edgy portrait of the decline, destruction, and possible redemption of his hometown…LeDuff writes with honesty and compassion about a city that’s destroying itself–and breaking his heart.” — Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW. Charlie LeDuff is a remarkable journalist, and this book is filled with incredible writing as he witnesses his home city crumble through neglect and corruption.” — Huffington Post. If you’re LeDuff, you leave The New York Times and head into the wreckage to ride with firemen, hang with the corrupt pols, and retrace your own family’s sad steps through drugs.
Reviews
"It is clearly written, and he spares no unpleasant facts about the characters."
"He did not try to analyse the situation--how Detroit got to be such a mess (he did allude to it) and how they were pulling themselves out of it."
"Fast paced, Charlie tells it like it was."
"Charlie LeDuff, the bold, crusading journalist for the Detroit News, is frenetic and intrepid in search of the story and attention to detail, and, unsparing going after Detroit's highly publicized corrupt former mayor, Kwame Kirkpatrick and “the overfed buffoon,” Monica Conyers (a Council person and wife of John Conyers, Detroit's long time local Congressman. when he writes about his dysfunctional family and painful as it relates to the poverty stricken, African American citizens, the real victims of Detroit's collapse."
"Having lived and worked in many cities and hearing what a horrible city Detroit is then having to explain that the city isn't ONLY what the news tells us, I want to thank Mr. LeDuff for explaining things with the clarity I could never provide."
"He gives personal stories about policemen and firemen who are trying to make a difference despite being understaffed, under equipped and underfunded at a level that you might expect to see only in a third-world country. LeDuff accurately describes how Detroit's decline started during its heyday, back in the 1950's and that for many working class people, there was no romantic era in working there. Working conditions were poor and many workers self-medicated in order to cope and some committed suicide."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best 15-Minute Arts & Photography Short Reads

Our Band Could Be Your Life: Scenes from the American Indie Underground, 1981-1991
This is the never-before-told story of the musical revolution that happened right under the nose of the Reagan Eighties--when a small but sprawling network of bands, labels, fanzines, radio stations, and other subversives reenergized American rock with punk rock's do-it-yourself credo and created music that was deeply personal, often brilliant, always challenging, and immensely influential. Linked under the loose rubric "indie rock," bands like Black Flag, Sonic Youth, Minor Threat and the Replacements languished in the musical minor leagues because they were too experimental for commercial radio, made unfortunate career decisions or eschewed mainstream success. Though day-in-the-life bios predominate over extensive musical or cultural analysis, this is an astute insider's account of the collective accomplishment of these various bands: strong musical and political statements by people with little clout and even less financial support that reverberated throughout youth culture. Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc. Music journalist Azerrad (Come As You Are: The Story of Nirvana) makes it clear through his tales of 13 highly influential punk and indie rock bands from Black Flag to Beat Happening that his subjects could have easily been any misshapen, angst-filled, morbidly creative teens on the planet.
Reviews
"If you are of the age group of the 'Indie' records, you will identify and like reading about the known groups."
"A unique portrait of an often overlooked time in Independent music !"
"Overall, if you're interested in this tumultuous time in music or if you've got a liking for one or more of the bands contained therein, it's definitely worth a read :)."
"Band broke up sometime in the 80's : "This band was great, underrated, and ahead of their time." Band continued into the 90's and signed to a major label: "They were mind blowing as an indie band, then kinda sucked when they went to a major."
"Having experienced a similar lifestyle as the bands covered in this book, although maybe not to the extent in some cases, I can't. believe I waited this long to read it."
"And maybe it's because I didn't grow up during the Reagan administration (I was born in '89), but the "anti-Reagan" sentiments throughout the book are far too prevalent throught the book in my opinion."
"Well written and opinionated set of band biographies, including interviews with the musicians."
"This is a very entertaining read, not only for the standard stories of punk rock misbehavior (the Butthole Surfers chapter alone is worth the cost of the book), but also because the reader can't help but be struck by the dedication and sacrifices made by these artists. As you read, you understand why he chose the bands he did, though there are a few more I would like to have seen profiled, as they are mentioned so often in the book as influences, e.g.: Dead Kennedys, Bad Brains and Meat Puppets."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best 15-Minute Literature & Fiction Short Reads

Midnight Crossroad (A Novel of Midnight, Texas Book 1)
Get ready for the new drama Midnight, Texas on NBC with the first book in Charlaine Harris’ paranormal mystery series about a small town where only outsiders fit in... Bobo Winthrop, proprietor of the local pawn shop, seems to know a little bit about everyone in town, and they all have secrets. The new tenant in the basement of the pawn shop only comes out after dark, while New Age instructor Fiji Cavanaugh openly claims to be a witch and can talk to her cat, Mr. Snuggly. When Bobo’s girlfriend, Aubrey, disappears, people start to ask too many questions, and everyone begins to fear that their pasts will be exposed, along with Aubrey’s.
Reviews
"If anyone else seen this and was wondering, yes it's a full novel ( not sure exact number of pages) yes 2 pages is a typo."
"Charlaine Harris travels west of the Sabine river for this supernatural series (1 of 3, to date); all the way to West Texas."
"Didn't know about it until the tv show "Midnight, Texas" aired. The relationships grow as all the supernaturals get to know each other, and sometimes secrets are kept that the others really should know."
"Midnight is full of mysterious, supernatural characters much like the characters in the Sookie Stackhouse books also by Harris. Although they have supernatural gifts, the characters still have human qualities that lead the reader to become invested in their story."
"If this town actually existed I'd like to visit the pawn shop and grab a bite at the diner."
"Can’t wait to read the next book!"
"I think there is a lot more to tell about this small little town in Texas with very interesting residents."
"Reminds me of the first couple of Anne Rice’s Lestat novels."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best 15-Minute Computers & Technology Short Reads

Data Strategy: How to Profit from a World of Big Data, Analytics and the Internet of Things
Less than 0.5 per cent of all data is currently analysed and used. ( William Merchan, Chief Strategy Officer, DataScience ). "Bernard perfectly distils the need for well formulated business questions in a time when virtually anything can be measured and analyzed" ( Dan Morris, Sr. Director, Data Platform at Viacom ). " Leveraging data to drive competitive advantage has shifted from being an option to a requirement, and Bernard provides a comprehensive roadmap for leaders focused on mapping and assessing their journey. "A clear, concise and exciting road map for maximizing value from data in today's hyper competitive business landscape" ( Ralph Blore, Leader Central Analytics, Visa ). "As we enter the Fourth Industrial Revolution Marr tells us that it will be those companies that view data as a strategic asset that will survive and thrive. Bernard Marr is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, strategic performance consultant, and analytics, KPI & Big Data guru. He has worked with and advised many of the world's best-known organisations including Accenture, Astra Zeneca, Bank of England, Barclays, BP, DHL, Fujitsu, Gartner, HSBC, Mars, Ministry of Defence, Microsoft, Oracle, The Home Office, NHS, Orange, Tetley, T-Mobile, Toyota, Royal Air Force, SAP and Shell, among many others on their business and data strategies.
Reviews
"Solid summary."
"Every Consultant should have a copy."
"First is that the impression I had that readers would come to the conclusion that working with internally generated data, much of the structured data that you need to integrate with big data to make sense of it, should be easy. The second reason is that I think the division of the ways to use data into separate categories of making better decisions, improving operations and monetizing data is a little too simplistic. In addition, you can really only monetizing data by selling data, or products containing data, to customers if those customers will see value in using it to make better decisions and improve operations of their own. So monetization of data all starts with better decisions and operations enabled by the data. But there still is a cost to do so, especially if you need to integrate big data with internally generated data that is currently not well integrated."
"> Available 04.28.2017 > DATA STRATEGY : How To Profit From A World of Big Data, Analytics And The Internet of Things. > ( Twitter @BernardMarr ) > ( 11+ Chapters, 186+ Pages ) > ( About The Author, Acknowledgements ) > 01.Why Every Business Is Now A Data Business. 05.Monetizing Your Data."
"This book will correct that misapprehension and show how big data, analytics and other technologies can be source of profit and advantage for many companies. Knowing what you have, what it can be used for, what value it may yield and what else you can gather are all covered in this book, before the reader is guided to making an implementation and execution plan to go forward. Many real-world examples of big data usage are provided to show the reader how versatile it can be, and it need not be something only for the global megacorp to consider."
"If you are looking for data strategies in a manager position, this book can give you some clues."
"However, do not be mislead, data and specifically understanding what the data means (analytics) so you're in the most informed position to determine what to do next is not an easy task."
"for people that is new to the data word is interesting and even easy to read."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best 15-Minute Religion & Spirituality Short Reads

The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith
Now, in The Prodigal God , Keller takes his trademark intellectual approach to understanding Christianity and uses the parable of the prodigal son to reveal an unexpected message of hope and salvation. Praise for Timothy Keller and The Prodigal God "Thrilling . Keller elegantly explains the goodness of God, redefining sin, lostness, grace, and salvation." "The insights Tim Keller has about the two individuals in the story, and about the heart of God who loves them both, wrecked me afresh. In this book, Timothy Keller shows us something of how this story actually reveals the heart of God, and, if we read it carefully, our own hearts. He is the author of The Songs of Jesus , Prayer , Encounters with Jesus , Walking with God Through Pain and Suffering , Every Good Endeavor, and The Meaning of Marriage , among others, including the perennial bestsellers The Reason for God and The Prodigal God .
Reviews
"But in his book Tim shows that in the original context Jesus meant for the elder son to play a much bigger role than the church has historically recognized."
"I found this book very interesting and I recommend it to anybody who maybe curious why the oldest son, who stayed home, was wrong in his actions."
"Great thought provoking book for individual or group study."
"In his book, Keller makes the case that the elder brother necessarily deserves at least equal emphasis as the younger brother, particularly in light of the fact that with this parable Jesus was addressing the Pharisees, whom the elder brother represents. From this he teaches about the elder brother's role in the story, his heart, his response to the father, and the applicability of the elder brother to Christian life. But God is prodigal--that is, "reckless"--and He is merciful to save worldly younger brothers and moralistic elder brothers alike. I found that these two chapters helped me understand more the grace of God, our subsequent gratification in God, and how they glorify God. For believers who are older and more mature in the faith, this book is a welcome reminder of why God does not accept legalism. Since the final chapter of this book covers, briefly, the same material as John Piper's "Desiring God," I find that they pair very well together. I happened to be reading "Desiring God" at the same time as "The Prodigal God," and I found this book's final chapter to be an excellent introduction to the principles explained in "Desiring God.""
"The book is both easy on the eyes at 160 pages (an easy afternoon's read) but challenging to the heart. Keller takes us back to Jesus telling the story of the Prodigal Son, but he reminds us that "prodigal" does not mean "rebellious" or "wayward" but rather lavious and "recklessly spendthrift". Keller, helps each of us relate to either the younger son (as those who rebel against God in outright and outward rejection of God), or to the older son (as those who rebel against God by trying to manipulate Him by our moral behavior)."
"In this book he talks about the lost sons."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best 15-Minute Humor & Entertainment Short Reads

Subway Surfers - Ultimate
DASH as fast as you can! DODGE the oncoming trains!
Reviews
"Its good but when you download it , it has you do a lot of things so you can download it if you play subway suffers."
"Great book for my kids we love to play and read it together before bed time each night."
"there's a lot of things to do in this game ."
"First of all, this is misleading: I know this is a guide, but that picture implies this is the game..."
"I wasted 3 dollrs on this book you probably wrote in 10 minutes."
"It was lame because it's only one page. I didn't like it because it wasn't that useful."
"never bought it but it kept popping up and somehow got purchased."
"This is pages long this is not book it has no cheats or hints sorry but this get 1 star I would like to get none."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best 15-Minute Cookbook, Food & Wine Short Reads

Cooked: A Natural History of Transformation
A North Carolina barbecue pit master tutors him in the primal magic of fire; a Chez Panisse–trained cook schools him in the art of braising; a celebrated baker teaches him how air transforms grain and water into a fragrant loaf of bread; and finally, several mad-genius “fermentos” (a tribe that includes brewers, cheese makers, and all kinds of picklers) reveal how fungi and bacteria can perform the most amazing alchemies of all. Relying upon corporations to process our food means we consume large quantities of fat, sugar, and salt; disrupt an essential link to the natural world; and weaken our relationships with family and friends. Learning to cook elevated humans from lone animals into increasingly intelligent, civilized groups, and though we spend scant time doing real cooking, we’ve become obsessed with watching people cook--a paradox that points to longing for a lost experience. An Italian-trained Iranian American teaches him the subtleties of proper cooking in pots, how to coax maximum flavor from humble vegetables, herbs, meats, and water. The harnessing of fungi and molds to ferment sauerkraut and beer and produce cheeses illuminates the fine and ever-shifting boundaries between tastiness and rot and how the human palate can be trained.
Reviews
"He concentrated on fire, water, air, and earth to describe different ways how food is processed naturally. The author did explain these four fundamental processes to teach us how to prepare food for our selves and even alcoholic beverages away from industrialized processed food picked up from supermarkets. Moreover, he taught us food science along the way what is happening to our food and even what happens to us tasting and digesting food."
"bake bread, pickle vegetables, make cheese and brew beer, Michael Pollan explores the history, science, and social and cultural impacts of cooking."
"A delicious and informative deep dive into how so many products we consume on a daily basis are made - all accompanied by the stories of the author actually carrying out learning the skills to make barbecue, bread, beer, cheese and a variety of other recipes."
"Same good writing and same focus on food, which Pollan rightly recognizes as a key part of human development and culture. He also highlights the cultural and social aspects of cooking as key elements of our human development."
"By cooking, one way or the other, those ancestors managed to do part of the work of digestion outside their body so they, like our relatives the apes/monkeys don't have to spend hours every day chewing to get the nutrients they needed from their food."
"Pollan once again displays his ability to seamlessly weave different facts and ideas together to form a powerful narrative about human's relationship to nature as bridged by the act of cooking. I also loved that he even touched on some of the political economy, ethical and social issues accompanying some of the culinary crafts."
"bought this a special request for an 8th grader book project."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best 15-Minute Comic & Graphic Novel Short Reads

Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card Vol. 1
Guided by the Key of Dreams, Sakura embarks on a new adventure!
Reviews
"I can't believe it's been so long since the last Cardcaptor Sakura and I've now got a brand new spin off in my hands!"
"I'm so excited for the CCS Clear Card Anime that I couldn't help myself and I started reading the manga."
"This Clear card arc begins with Sakura card arc ending when Sakura and Syaoran get to see each other again in Junior high."
"Can't wait for more volumes."
"Finished off a collection of original EN translation this way."
"If you liked Rayearth you most likely like this book."
"So what looks like a baby winged lion cub darts out to scold Sakura for what she has done, so it makes her into a magical superheroine with the great task to collect all the "Cards" before they could do any real damage. Also caught up in the whole whirlwird of flying cards and very frightening perils are Toya, Sakura's pesky older brother and his friend, Yuki the sweet-faced heartthrob Sakura's always mooning over."
"No, I'm not saying 10-year-olds are dumb, but Tomoyo and Sakura act a lot smarter than most 4th graders are. And how can such a young girl design and sew clothes in such an expertise manner? Plus, the enemy always attacks just enough to show itself, giving Sakura enough time to go home, plan a strategy, put on one of her wacky costumes, and go face it. Plus, Toya's school's name was changed and Yukito's name was shortened to "Yuki". Though the characters don't look their age, it has a lot better storyline and everything in their world isn't perfect."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best 15-Minute Parenting & Relationships Short Reads

BUSTED: A World Created By Nuts
Sexual energy is the foundation for all creation.
Reviews
"Until we get possessed by media , that's when spiritual corruption occurs and we start hoarding all these materials we really don't need, I'm very appreciative to have read this."
"Amazing book help me so much on this path of health and wellness keep up the good work even though we won't see you on YouTube anymore after a bit!"
"Good substance for males to grasp."
"This is a great read.. Easy to follow if you are familiar with Gzus.. Know your worth and open your eyes."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best 15-Minute Science Fiction & Fantasy Short Reads

A Game of Thrones 4-Book Bundle: A Song of Ice and Fire Series: A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm ofSwords, and A Feast for Crows
Martin—dubbed the "American Tolkien" by Time magazine—has created a world that is as rich and vital as any piece of historical fiction, set in an age of knights and chivalry and filled with a plethora of fascinating, multidimensional characters that you love, hate to love, or love to hate as they struggle for control of a divided kingdom.
Reviews
"I bought this Kindle version several years ago and have been reading it since then. Martin has created a whole world, populated by different peoples and cultures and having a history that stretches back hundreds and hundreds of years."
"Though I do enjoy good writing just for the sake of good writing (such as Jane Austen) and even though these are incredibly well written, it just moves along so slowly!"
"The first season was taken from Book 1. Season 2 will be from Book 2.."
"The Song of Ice and Fire, the basis for the ubiquitous tv series Game of Thrones, has all the lore and magic of a classic fantasy text married (forcibly) to the gore,bloodshed, and treachery of reality. But, if the notion of reading four daunting texts is too much, watching the HBO series will give you the same pleasurable (and sometimes cringe worthy) experiences for much less ocular effort."
"In summary the books are well done but you better not like any of the characters because you'll be lucky to have them for 50 pages. This makes the books ok but what's the point of reading the book when you don't get to see the characters develop."
"Got through the first one of these books (barely), but couldn't get through the whole series."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best 15-Minute Health, Fitness & Dieting Short Reads

The Extreme Rapid Fat Loss Handbook: Lose up to 4.5 Pounds of Fat in Only 4 Days
The Extreme Rapid Fat Loss Handbook takes The Rapid Fat Loss Handbook by Lyle McDonald to another level.
Reviews
"The book is short and to the point."
"It was quick and to the point but didn't give a good explanation of what to have and when it gave u the link to go to it is no longer available."
"Easy to read, no BS diet plan."
"So good to know that in an industry full of 95% b.s., there is one man who stands above it all with real legit science backed, easy to read information."
"I bought the original version of The Rapid Fat Loss Handbook years ago. It played out by Mr. Mcdonald writing this short and concise method with recommendations that I feel is well worth the small amount of money you pay for it."
"I'm on day 3 of this diet and so far I've lost 3 pounds!"
"If you have rapid fat loss handbook don't get this."
"I didn't understand this was basically a pamphlet or something, definitely not a "BOOK"."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best 15-Minute Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Short Reads

Dry Bones: A Walt Longmire Mystery (Walt Longmire Mysteries Book 11)
When Jen, the largest, most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton ever found surfaces in Sherriff Walt Longmire’s jurisdiction, it appears to be a windfall for the High Plains Dinosaur Museum—until Danny Lone Elk, the Cheyenne rancher on whose property the remains were discovered, turns up dead, floating face down in a turtle pond. Praise for Craig Johnson and the Longmire Series. Walt Longmire is strong but fallible, a man whose devil-may-care stoicism masks a heightened sensitivity to the horrors he’s witnessed.” — Los Angeles Times “Johnson's hero only gets better—both at solving cases and at hooking readers—with age.” — Publishers Weekly “Johnson’s trademarks [are] great characters, witty banter, serious sleuthing, and a love of Wyoming bigger than a stack of derelict cars.” — The Boston Globe “Johnson’s pacing is tight and his dialogue snaps.” — Entertainment Weekly “Stepping into Walt’s world is like slipping on a favorite pair of slippers, and it’s where those slippers lead that provides a thrill.
Reviews
"I have read the first 10 Longmire mysteries by Craig Johnson and plan on finishing the series next month."
"If you have never read this author and series, do yourself a favor and give it a shot, any book is great, but start with number one to get the full impact."
"His plotting is often convoluted and when you throw in the mystical elements this one is a little harder to follow. It also helps to have seen the documentary, "Dinosaur Thirteen", from which Craig lifted a lot of the plot elements."
"There wasn't much development of the characters and their stories -- not much development with Walt and Vic, no explanation of "Don't let go", no explanation of the romance between the woman and the teen, no real exploration of Walt's visions, nothing much to Michael's murder, etc."
"Craig Johnson takes me to Absaroka County, Wyoming and make me sad to leave when the story ends."
"I found it to be a fast read and I really enjoy the fact that Mr. Johnson the writer pulls forward the same characters from his previous books into this story."
"It adds to the story Craig Johnson seems to be very knowledgeable about wyo,ing history."
"I get so engrossed in Craig Johnson's books that I lose track of time."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best 15-Minute Politics & Social Sciences Short Reads

On Wings of Eagles: The Inspiring True Story of One Man's Patriotic Spirit--and His Heroic Missionto Save His Countrymen
#1 bestselling author Ken Follett tells the inspiring true story of the Middle East hostage crisis that began in 1978, and of the unconventional means one American used to save his countrymen. When two of his employees were held hostage in a heavily guarded prison fortress in Iran, one man took matters into his own hands: businessman H. Ross Perot. — USA Today "Ken Follett has combined the best of his journalistic skills and his flair for crackling fiction into a nonfiction work that's sure to be read. This is one time when the mad dogs of the world were soundly defeated by the indomitable Yankee spirit and derring-do. Ken Follett's fans may be reluctant to see him return to fiction." — The New York Times Book Review. stirring, provocative, as meticulously detailed and as thrilling as Follett's fictional creations." Fifteen American executives led by a feisty ex-Army colonel on a hair-raising mission. No Hollywood scriptwriter could match this adventure." If this is not a major motion picture, somebody should kick Hollywood back to life." The Bookcassette® format is a special recording technique developed as a means of condensing the full, unabridged audio text of a book to record it on fewer tapes. In order to listen to these tapes, you will need a cassette player with balance control to adjust left/right speaker output. Special adaptors to allow these tapes to be played on any cassette player are available through the publisher or some US retail electronics stores.
Reviews
"This is the true story of Ross Perot, EDS and his personal efforts to rescue his employees from capture in the middle east."
"It is a good account of the actual story but I felt that it was drawn out in places."
"I had a copy of this book years ago and loaned to one of those people who wanders off and takes your books with him."
"The pace of the story was fast moving and filled with setbacks and obstacles that were overcome in the end."
"While not usually a lover of non- fiction, I found Ken Follett's book to be fascinating!"
"Ken Follete did a great job with the story of the rescue."
"Interesting book about the hostage situation many years ago."
"Because it had great people and great leaders."
Find Best Price at Amazon
Home > Best Kindle Store > Best Kindle Short Reads > Best 15-Minute Short Reads > Best 15-Minute Self-Help Short Reads