Everyone Communicates, Few Connect by John C Maxwell

Only one thing stands between you and success. It isn't experience. It isn't talent.

I recently read John Maxwell's book, "Everyone Communicates, Few Connect". Basically this book teaches you the difference between these two concepts and how anyone can learn to make every communication an opportunity for a powerful connection. He goes on to share five principles and five practices to help develop this crucial skill of connection: Finding Common Ground, Keeping Your Communication Simple, Capturing People's Interest, Inspiring People, Staying Authentic in All Your Relationships.

I found this book to be somewhat interesting. I have always been horrible at communication and therefore lacked alot of deep conncetion with people. Like he says, the ability to connect with others is a major determining factor in reaching your full potential. I often struggle with any sort of speaking in front of groups and was hoping this book would help me learn some tips to overcome that fear and be able to connect with my audience. But I feel it is more than that. It's for every situation, every relationship, every audience no matter the size. It's a great tool to learn no matter if you're a stay at home mom or a super professional business person in a high ranking position. I was also very intrigued by the chapter regarding Inspiring People. I think it is important to communicate all your thoughts in a way that will drive people to want to be better, to drive people to be inspired.

I feel that this book was an overall good read. It is very informational and I would recommend it to others.

Book Review : Free Book by Brian Tome

I just recently had the opportunity to read the Free Book by Brian Tome. This book is all about your freedom and the fact that you might not be as free as you think you are. A portion of the cover of the book states, "I'm sick of seeing people live safe, predictable lives while their God-given passions die." Is this you? Is this the way you see your life? Imagine living a life free from the troubles and burdens of this world.

I would give this book a 6 out of 10. It was a very easy read, contains alot of scripture but somewhat failed to keep my attention. I felt that I connected with what he said through a few chapters, but was almost bored through alot of it. I had a hard time keeping attention as I read. As alot of the other reviews have said, this book is probably better for new, younger Christians. It is very simple and straightforward. Seems to be just a rambling of the authors view points on the Christians in this world today. He has a lot of good points and good scripture to back up his points, but it just really failed to keep my attention. It is a small book, only 230 pages, so it's definately a quick read.

I think I would recommend this book to new Christians to just give them that extra boost of inspiration for following Christ, but other than that, it's just very average.

Here I am

This is the beginning! Not sure what will come from this....but I'm giving it a start!