Publish and Perish - The Censorship of Opposition Party Publications in Singapore edited by James Gomez

Publish and Perish - The Censorship of Opposition Party Publications in Singapore is a compilation of the Party Newspapers (SOLIDARITY, and then later renamed to NSP News) of the National Solidarity Party.

The book is edited by James Gomez, Founder of Think Centre and a Workers' Party Candidate for Aljunied GRC at the 2006 General Elections.

NSP is a relatively young political party in Singapore. It came into the limelight when its then Secretary-General Steve Chia managed to attain an Non-Constituency MP position for his performance in the Bukit Gombak Constituency. Publish and Perish - The Censorship of Opposition Party Publications in Singapore allows an insight of readers into the political views of the NSP and dispels the myth that there is no qualified opposition in Singapore.

Overall Rating: 7.5/10

The Secret by Rhonda Brynes

The Secret, according to the author Rhonda Brynes, lies in the Law of Attraction. Originally casted as a film in 2006, the Secret brought together various academics and motivational speakers to bring insights to the darkest Secret. Rhonda Brynes also supported the Law of Attraction with quotes from Great people from history.

According to the Law of Attraction, "People's feelings and thoughts attract real events in the world into their lives; from the workings of the cosmos to interactions among individuals in their physical, emotional, and professional affairs."

While there are many fans behind The Secret, it also attracted much controversies over the acclamations made. I, for one, felt that The Secret makes a good read for people facing adversities. It gives one a reason to think positive and stay optimistic. However, for the general reader, The Secret seems to be over-exaggerated and simplified reality. The Author attempts to draw on quotes to strategically add credence to the Law of Attraction.

Overall Rating: 6/10

Singapore My Home Too by Chee Soon Juan

Another book by Secretary General of Singapore Democratic Party, Dr. Chee Soon Juan. "Singapore My Home Too" was written right after his book "Dare to Change: An Alternative Vision for Singapore".

A short glance at the table of contents shed some light into his area of discussion:

The Terrible Curse of Fear
Keeping Stomachs Full and Heads Empty
Intellectually Speaking
No Democracy Please, We're Asians
Meritocratic Humbug
Robin Hood
Looking Ahead

I particularly like this book as Dr. Chee patiently dispels all the urban legend and myth that the ruling party had entrenched in Singapore society. As always, the book is easy to read and self-explanatory even if you are a newbie in Singapore politics. If you have read his previous book, you might find some similar arguments in "Singapore My Home Too".

Overall Rating: 8.5/10

For reference, you might want to visit http://www.yoursdp.org

Our Iceberg Is Melting by John Kotter and Holger Rathegeber

Learn some fundamental principles of leadership by reading this humorous fable story.

Through narrating how a group of penguins went ahead to convince the entire herd to react to the melting iceberg, the authors bring across the Eight Step Process of Successful Change.

1) Create a sense of urgency in the colony to deal with a difficult problem
2) put a carefully selected group in charge of guiding the change
3) found the sensible vision of a better future
4) communicated that vision so others would understand and accept it
5) removed as many obstacles to action as was practical
6) created some sort of success quickly
7) never let up until the new way of life was firmly established
8) ensured that the changes would not be overcomed by stubborn, hard-to-die traditions

Rating: 9.5/10

The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason

Learn the path to riches by reading the stories of Babylon. Over a mere hundred pages of wisdom generated from the realms of the wealthy city.

"The Richest Man in Babylon" educates one with the most fundamental financial notions.

Rating: 8.5/10

This is your Life, not a Dress Rehearsal by Jim Donovan

I borrowed this meaningful book from Andrew and completed in one day.

This is a very easy and simple to read book but it brings out much meanings to the ordinary man. For example, the author mentioned that all the people featured in the orbituaries thought they could live another day.

The author applied much of his concepts based on Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill but in a much direct manner and simplified basis. Over just slightly more than a hundred pages, the author managed to cast many important lessons deep into the mind.

Rating: 9/10

You and Your Money by Lois A. Vitt & Karen L. Murrell

I received this book as a gift from Wee Keat and Hwee Peng for my birthday.

You and Your Money is a very handy book for anyone that wants to start educating themselves financially. The authors use case studies of various individuals and their predicaments to illustrate their points throughout the book.

Even if you are already well-versed in financial education, You and Your Money contains a short little test that you could take to determine your values type. With the assessment, you can better understand yourself and how to minimise conflict with your family or spouse.

The down side of the book, I would critic, is that it gets dreary sometimes with too many examples.

Rating: 6.5/10