Alexander Kjerulf makes a compelling case for the subversive notion that being happy at work will make every employee more productive, more creative, more flexible and even healthier. That putting the employees first, and productivity, profits, shareholders' satisfaction and all the traditional corporate goals in subordinate positions, will actually achieve all those worthy objectives because of the happier mind-set of the staff and not despite it.
I say “subversive” because, in my own experience spanning 30 years, two continents and dozens of jobs (I did a fair bit of temping), the corporate cultures and working environments I encountered have been the polar opposite of what is so convincingly advocated in this book.
Anyone with half a brain and the correct objectives would recognize that the simple message in this book, restated and adapted to cover all possible scenarios, is the only way to go and yet, I would be very surprised if the offices and corporations I have left behind would have the courage to do the 180 degree turn necessary to embrace this ideology and, thereby expose the clueless and talentless to scrutiny and the inevitable consequences. One has to recognize that the Scandinavian countries are miles ahead in this, and the stellar performance of so many of their top companies demonstrates the superiority of their thinking.
I say “subversive” because, in my own experience spanning 30 years, two continents and dozens of jobs (I did a fair bit of temping), the corporate cultures and working environments I encountered have been the polar opposite of what is so convincingly advocated in this book.
Anyone with half a brain and the correct objectives would recognize that the simple message in this book, restated and adapted to cover all possible scenarios, is the only way to go and yet, I would be very surprised if the offices and corporations I have left behind would have the courage to do the 180 degree turn necessary to embrace this ideology and, thereby expose the clueless and talentless to scrutiny and the inevitable consequences. One has to recognize that the Scandinavian countries are miles ahead in this, and the stellar performance of so many of their top companies demonstrates the superiority of their thinking.
This book is directed at both the employee and the manager, and explains logical and reasonable steps that anyone can take to improve their working experience. However, in practical terms, I think it would be of much greater benefit to managers and leaders as they, by definition, hold the reins and have the best chance of implementing meaningful change. In fact, it should be required reading for all managers, especially those who thrive on fostering an atmosphere of back-stabbing competition. Still, the notion that job satisfaction is directly related to the good feeling we get when we do terrific work and act in harmony and co-operation with our colleagues is a fundamental concept that anyone can embrace and strive to put into action.
My only criticism is that, in Chapter 4, the section dealing with Fear of Losing Your Job is a bit myopic. The author suggests that being fired is not the disaster that most people think, and then goes on to defuse the shame and guilt that inevitably follow. He gives case studies indicating that, for some, being fired led to a very positive change as it opened up new opportunities for the person who was fired. This clearly would only work in a job market where alternative employment is plentiful, and dangerously glosses over the very real possibility that one's career may never recover from the stigma. It certainly sounds like working in Denmark might be a lot of fun.
Apart from that minor point, I really enjoyed the positive, upbeat, energetic message of this book, and found the advice on pursuing happiness to be applicable to life in general, even outside of work. This truly is a “happiness manual” which grows in usefulness with successive readings, as the deceptively simple concept is broken down into practical steps and supported by real-life success stories. And all of this without any hint of the usual corny, rah-rah, corporate cheer-leading clichés so beloved of hard-nosed productivity experts.
I really hope, for the sake of future generations, that the methods so clearly outlined here become the new reality for the majority of workers and workplaces.
My only criticism is that, in Chapter 4, the section dealing with Fear of Losing Your Job is a bit myopic. The author suggests that being fired is not the disaster that most people think, and then goes on to defuse the shame and guilt that inevitably follow. He gives case studies indicating that, for some, being fired led to a very positive change as it opened up new opportunities for the person who was fired. This clearly would only work in a job market where alternative employment is plentiful, and dangerously glosses over the very real possibility that one's career may never recover from the stigma. It certainly sounds like working in Denmark might be a lot of fun.
Apart from that minor point, I really enjoyed the positive, upbeat, energetic message of this book, and found the advice on pursuing happiness to be applicable to life in general, even outside of work. This truly is a “happiness manual” which grows in usefulness with successive readings, as the deceptively simple concept is broken down into practical steps and supported by real-life success stories. And all of this without any hint of the usual corny, rah-rah, corporate cheer-leading clichés so beloved of hard-nosed productivity experts.
I really hope, for the sake of future generations, that the methods so clearly outlined here become the new reality for the majority of workers and workplaces.
A novella with an amusing premise, but which unfortunately left me unimpressed. The writing is okay, good editing (which is rare and, therefore, appreciated), and a reasonably pleasant story, but the characters are just a little too quirky, and the plot premise a real stretch. I have no experience of proms and don’t understand what the big deal is about them, but surely the disappointment of missing a prom should fade after ten years. Apparently not for our heroine and her oh-so-crazy all-female family. I knew I was reading a female wish-fulfillment fantasy when I read that the hero (soap opera heartthrob, buff, gorgeous, and popular with the ladies) had supposedly never got over his high-school crush for the “curvy” girl with the red hair and the style sense of a colour-blind poodle.
Cal Greyson, successful TV actor currently in slight decline, is reasonably likeable but superficially sketched. However, the heroine, her mother, grandmother and, especially, her sister Brooke are just annoying and not particularly funny. I’m having trouble finding comic books that are genuinely amusing. Wearing vintage outfits in clashing colours, doing stupid things, and then binge-eating to get over the embarrassment are not reason enough to make me laugh.
Cal Greyson, successful TV actor currently in slight decline, is reasonably likeable but superficially sketched. However, the heroine, her mother, grandmother and, especially, her sister Brooke are just annoying and not particularly funny. I’m having trouble finding comic books that are genuinely amusing. Wearing vintage outfits in clashing colours, doing stupid things, and then binge-eating to get over the embarrassment are not reason enough to make me laugh.
This book was proposed to me by the author for review purposes. Florina Moeller has overcome a lot of trauma and the after-effects of a dysfunctional and disadvantaged childhood with grit, determination and a positive outlook. With this, her first book, she wanted to share some of her experiences and the strategies that have worked for her, in hopes of helping others in similar predicaments.
I have read this book twice and, in my opinion, the author has made a good job of encapsulating the process of self-examination which is an essential first step in tackling personal change, and has provided a logical and practical road map towards improvement that anyone can follow. Her stated wish was to make the book concise and uncomplicated and I would agree that she has succeeded in that, too. Her advice is sound and safe, the tone of the narrative is positive and encouraging, and the section dealing with diet, nutrition and exercise is the most detailed and authoritative of the seven steps.
The limitation of this guide is that if offers nothing new, either in content or approach, and there are a few contradictions that detract from her message. One gets the sense that writing the book was, in part, another step in Florina Moeller's successful discarding of her baggage. Although her intentions to help others are commendable, I think she would be the first to admit that at 30-something, her life experience is not substantial, and also that the dramatic reversal of her fortunes, following her move from Romania to the US, is not realistically available to many of her readers.
Since she has asked for feedback to assist future writing projects, I would say that, although the form of this book is fine (very few spelling errors, fairly correct grammar, logical organization), the content side of things is a bit lightweight. The book attempts to cover a lot of ground without really exploring anything in great depth. A bit like talking to a friend who throws out random suggestions, hoping that one will hit the spot. So, in short, an inspirational book that aims to motivate depressed and discouraged people by example. Nothing earth-shattering but good, sympathetic advice that, hopefully, will be of help to those who need it.
I have read this book twice and, in my opinion, the author has made a good job of encapsulating the process of self-examination which is an essential first step in tackling personal change, and has provided a logical and practical road map towards improvement that anyone can follow. Her stated wish was to make the book concise and uncomplicated and I would agree that she has succeeded in that, too. Her advice is sound and safe, the tone of the narrative is positive and encouraging, and the section dealing with diet, nutrition and exercise is the most detailed and authoritative of the seven steps.
The limitation of this guide is that if offers nothing new, either in content or approach, and there are a few contradictions that detract from her message. One gets the sense that writing the book was, in part, another step in Florina Moeller's successful discarding of her baggage. Although her intentions to help others are commendable, I think she would be the first to admit that at 30-something, her life experience is not substantial, and also that the dramatic reversal of her fortunes, following her move from Romania to the US, is not realistically available to many of her readers.
Since she has asked for feedback to assist future writing projects, I would say that, although the form of this book is fine (very few spelling errors, fairly correct grammar, logical organization), the content side of things is a bit lightweight. The book attempts to cover a lot of ground without really exploring anything in great depth. A bit like talking to a friend who throws out random suggestions, hoping that one will hit the spot. So, in short, an inspirational book that aims to motivate depressed and discouraged people by example. Nothing earth-shattering but good, sympathetic advice that, hopefully, will be of help to those who need it.
The second volume of what later became Mary Stewart's Arthurian saga. The story, as before narrated by Merlin, begins exactly where “The Crystal Cave” ended, the morning after Arthur's conception, and follows his infancy in hiding, his early training and education until the age of 14 against the background of Uther's competent but uneasy reign. Although the petty kings are united under the High King's leadership, the constant Saxon threat erodes loyalties and breeds treachery and intrigue. The narrative brings to life this dark period in Britain's history with tremendous skill and the story-teller flair for which Lady Stewart is justly famous. These ancient characters become current and vital and acquire a presence that makes me feel like I am watching a film.
Everything that was exceptional about “The Crystal Cave” is present in this sequel: terrific sense of place and time, great character development, many fascinating players and sub-plots, the twists and turns of fate that still lead Merlin unerringly to the desired outcome, a generous sprinkling of magic that could be read as divine intervention or the serendipitous combination of a highly intelligent and accomplished man and the superstitious mentality of the times. Merlin's character is further developed almost as an anti-hero, with the gallant and impetuous young Arthur as a clear counterpoint, making them two of the most likeable fictional characters I have ever encountered.
Everything that was exceptional about “The Crystal Cave” is present in this sequel: terrific sense of place and time, great character development, many fascinating players and sub-plots, the twists and turns of fate that still lead Merlin unerringly to the desired outcome, a generous sprinkling of magic that could be read as divine intervention or the serendipitous combination of a highly intelligent and accomplished man and the superstitious mentality of the times. Merlin's character is further developed almost as an anti-hero, with the gallant and impetuous young Arthur as a clear counterpoint, making them two of the most likeable fictional characters I have ever encountered.
An intriguing contemporary novel set in the recent past (1999) and featuring a good balance between mystery/thriller and romance elements. The author is a self-confessed admirer of Mary Stewart, who practically invented the mystery/romance genre, and one can discern the inspiration. Sarah Sparx has her own unique style but employs many of the familiar motifs that Stewart's aficionados will recognize: a young and beautiful, strong-willed heroine hardened by misfortune, a fascinating but tough love interest who is guarding many secrets, a geographical locale that is as much a protagonist as the human characters, an intriguing, fast-paced story with plenty of action, and a mystery rooted in the ancient history of the Cathars in Cordes-sur-Ciel, a fortified town in the deep south of France, many miles away in spirit and distance from the frivolous Côte d'Azur.
Chantal Harrison, still smarting from a bitter romantic breakup, arrives in Cordes-sur-Ciel to bury Jeanne, her French great-aunt, with whom she spent happy holidays since she was ten years old. The mystery of Jeanne's accidental death, down a staircase she had climbed all her life, is only overshadowed by an even greater one: why did the old lady suddenly sell the house she was devoted to and had promised never to leave?
Chantal finds herself immediately in conflict with the new owner of the house at no. 8 Rue Obscure, who has urgent plans and wants her out of his way. She has precious little time to hunt for answers while the house itself seems to turn against her as she is assaulted by frightening accidents and disturbing nightmares.
I loved the quality writing and descriptive style, including a lot of interesting detail about well-researched subjects: wine making, the Cathars, the ancient stronghold of Cordes-sur-Ciel, and even hand-crafted jewellery. The sense of place and history is very strong and my imagination carried me into the shady, stone-bound, cobbled streets of Cordes-sur-Ciel, a town I have never visited. I am familiar, however, with Toulouse, Albi and the Carcassonne area of southern France, and the excellent descriptions allowed me to inhabit the story.
The mystery aspect was perhaps a little predictable, with many clues that suggested the solution and not enough red herrings, but the conflicted relationship held my interest. The dialogue was reasonably good, occasionally a little unnatural, but nothing to break the flow. Characterization was very well done. The main cast and even the secondary players were beautifully nuanced and remained plausible … for the majority of the story. I found myself eager to move through the narrative but also slowing down to savour particular passages or backing up to check on clues. I don't have a lot of time for reading but I was looking forward each night to my time in bed with this story to discover. Having read all of Mary Stewart's books more than once, I had been looking for a contemporary author with a similar talent for combining intelligent mysteries with a romantic storyline. Many names have been proposed as successors to the title, but to my mind none has even remotely come close.
I thought I had found a potential contender till I started Chapter 38. Up until then the book had been an easy 5-star for me. However, without giving anything away (I hate spoilers), I will just say that the story careens into a further cliff-hanger that, to my mind, was utterly unnecessary. I suspect the author's inexperience tricked her into adding what is commonly known as “conflict”. Bad idea, one has to know when to stop.
I would still recommend this book for the 90% of the narrative that is very worthwhile and, in particular, for the intense bedroom scene that is a beautiful example of how to blend hotness with class. Very few authors manage to get the balance right and, to my mind, Sarah Sparx did just fine. Pity about that later lapse in judgement. For me, the heroine never truly recovers her credibility, however, the ending and epilogue are satisfactory enough and give me hope for a return to form in future works.
With that personal proviso, I really enjoyed reading this debut novel, and am very pleased to hear that the series “Echoes of the Cathars” has two more books planned, focusing respectively on the heroine's twin sister and on young Louise, who is only six when this story takes place. It sounds as though these sequels will be fully-formed stories and not the usual lazy device of artificially chopping one book in three to make a trilogy. I look forward to the next one.
Chantal Harrison, still smarting from a bitter romantic breakup, arrives in Cordes-sur-Ciel to bury Jeanne, her French great-aunt, with whom she spent happy holidays since she was ten years old. The mystery of Jeanne's accidental death, down a staircase she had climbed all her life, is only overshadowed by an even greater one: why did the old lady suddenly sell the house she was devoted to and had promised never to leave?
Chantal finds herself immediately in conflict with the new owner of the house at no. 8 Rue Obscure, who has urgent plans and wants her out of his way. She has precious little time to hunt for answers while the house itself seems to turn against her as she is assaulted by frightening accidents and disturbing nightmares.
I loved the quality writing and descriptive style, including a lot of interesting detail about well-researched subjects: wine making, the Cathars, the ancient stronghold of Cordes-sur-Ciel, and even hand-crafted jewellery. The sense of place and history is very strong and my imagination carried me into the shady, stone-bound, cobbled streets of Cordes-sur-Ciel, a town I have never visited. I am familiar, however, with Toulouse, Albi and the Carcassonne area of southern France, and the excellent descriptions allowed me to inhabit the story.
The mystery aspect was perhaps a little predictable, with many clues that suggested the solution and not enough red herrings, but the conflicted relationship held my interest. The dialogue was reasonably good, occasionally a little unnatural, but nothing to break the flow. Characterization was very well done. The main cast and even the secondary players were beautifully nuanced and remained plausible … for the majority of the story. I found myself eager to move through the narrative but also slowing down to savour particular passages or backing up to check on clues. I don't have a lot of time for reading but I was looking forward each night to my time in bed with this story to discover. Having read all of Mary Stewart's books more than once, I had been looking for a contemporary author with a similar talent for combining intelligent mysteries with a romantic storyline. Many names have been proposed as successors to the title, but to my mind none has even remotely come close.
I thought I had found a potential contender till I started Chapter 38. Up until then the book had been an easy 5-star for me. However, without giving anything away (I hate spoilers), I will just say that the story careens into a further cliff-hanger that, to my mind, was utterly unnecessary. I suspect the author's inexperience tricked her into adding what is commonly known as “conflict”. Bad idea, one has to know when to stop.
I would still recommend this book for the 90% of the narrative that is very worthwhile and, in particular, for the intense bedroom scene that is a beautiful example of how to blend hotness with class. Very few authors manage to get the balance right and, to my mind, Sarah Sparx did just fine. Pity about that later lapse in judgement. For me, the heroine never truly recovers her credibility, however, the ending and epilogue are satisfactory enough and give me hope for a return to form in future works.
With that personal proviso, I really enjoyed reading this debut novel, and am very pleased to hear that the series “Echoes of the Cathars” has two more books planned, focusing respectively on the heroine's twin sister and on young Louise, who is only six when this story takes place. It sounds as though these sequels will be fully-formed stories and not the usual lazy device of artificially chopping one book in three to make a trilogy. I look forward to the next one.