Dr Bob Rich

Smashwords book reviews by Dr Bob Rich

  • See You In Court! on June 02, 2012

    Well written, entertaining even when discussing the inherently dry topic of the Law, this book is an excellent guide. My current work in progress has several courtroom scenes, which is why I wanted to read it, and was not disappointed. Only caveat is, the book is specific to the USA, while my book is set in Australia, so there are differences I need to take into account.
  • The Boy Who Loved Ants: Edward O.Wilson on May 31, 2013

    The Boy Who Loved Ants: Edward O. Wilson is a brilliant little book. It will inspire any thoughtful elementary school child into caring for the small creatures of nature. Using simple, clear language appropriate to the age group, and interesting pictures, it carries several important ecological lessons, teaching without preaching. Another message is resilience. Professor Wilson lost most of the sight of one eye as a boy. Even before that, he was smaller than others, shy and withdrawn. And yet, he became one of the leading biologists of the planet, honored by governments, and although it’s not stated in this book, befriended by other famous environmentalists like David Suzuki. It is not necessary for all children to collect black widow spiders and snakes. It is necessary for as many as possible to look on nature as something that makes life possible for all of us, as a thing of beauty that deserves protection from the ravages of humankind in its own right. A particular species, a particular place may or may not be "useful." That is irrelevant. It is fascinating, and beautiful in its own way, and what is useful is the complex totality. This is the gentle message of this book. Buy it for your child.
  • Formatting e-Books for Writers on Sep. 28, 2017

    In a way, this book’s title is misleading. It covers a LOT more than formatting. “Everything you need to know about publishing e-books” is closer. For example, title, cover, marketing, and pricing are essential considerations for any book. Susan Stewart gives advice on each. This is not a book to read, but an instruction manual to use, a cookbook for self-publishing if you like. Susan has been running courses on this topic, and the book is obviously a distillation of her notes to students. All the same, it is readable, clear in most places, and concise. I found a few places too dense, but I took a breath, and re-read the passages. In a cookbook, this is acceptable. I’ve “been there, done that, got the T-shirt” for the content of this book, but all the same, learned several tricks and techniques, so I am glad I decided to review it.
  • Soul in the Storm on Aug. 14, 2020

    While this book uses terminology and concepts that are new to me, the underlying ideas are those of psychotherapy, positive psychology, and the philosophical basis of the great religions (without there being any religious overtones). As such, I am confident that a serious, honest implementation will work. One of my clichés is the Shintoist saying, “There are many mountains to God, and many paths up each mountain.” Nancy’s mountain is the same as mine, and our different paths lead to the same place of inner strength, peace, a life well lived, regardless of circumstances. “Soul in the Storm” is basically a toolkit for identifying and changing aspects of personality, habits and circumstances that lower quality of (inner) life, and replacing them with positive, uplifting, helpful alternatives. I think the author must have one of those marvellous minds that can visualise in three dimensions, because there is a complex, many-faceted set of connections among the various tools, with constant cross-references tying them together. This is an excellent format for complex learning by someone willing to put in the effort, but makes a casual read-through practically useless. To benefit, you do need to follow the internal links and keep skipping around in the book. So, the proper thing is to read through once, taking notes, then to follow the program, probably taking months if not years. Is it worth it? If you consider living a deliberate, self-respecting, powerful life worthwhile, then it is.