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John

I'm a lawyer and mediator. I represent businesses in disputes with their insurers and in other complex litigation. I also assist machinery companies and manufacturers (primarily international) with equipment sales, non-disclosure agreements, and business issues. I also mediate commercial disputes.

Chamblee, GA, United States | Member Since 2009

174
HELPFUL VOTES
  • 62 reviews
  • 77 ratings
  • 0 titles in library
  • 16 purchased in 2013
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FOLLOWERS
73

  • Rainmaking Conversations: Influence, Persuade, and Sell in Any Situation

    • UNABRIDGED (7 hrs and 37 mins)
    • By Mike Schultz, John E. Doerr
    • Narrated By Paul Boehmer
    Overall
    (16)
    Performance
    (11)
    Story
    (12)

    Conversations make or break everything in sales. Every conversation you have is an opportunity to find new prospects, win new customers, and increase sales. Rainmaking Conversations provides a proven system for leading masterful conversations that fill the pipeline, secure new deals, and maximize the potential of your account.

    Rob says: "Boring, waste of money."
    "Decent book, Only Fair Audiobook"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    This book has a lot of great lists and tips on selling professional services, including some very useful examples. From that standpoint, it is a decent sales training book, although not the best I have read. I think the book also suffers from what could be seen as internal contradictions regarding sales techniques, but which could also be seen as trying to find a happy medium. The problem is that the listener is sometimes left with less than clear direction. Nevertheless, overall, the content is not bad. Nothing great or new here, but not bad.

    As an audiobook, the book suffers from the style in which it is written (lots of lists) and the narration. Although the narrator is smooth, his lack of vocal inflection and variety just makes the book drone on and on. I listen to books most often when working out, and it was really difficult at times to maintain concentration because of the narration.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Mere Christianity

    • UNABRIDGED (5 hrs and 52 mins)
    • By C.S. Lewis
    • Narrated By Geoffrey Howard
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (2056)
    Performance
    (694)
    Story
    (705)

    Mere Christianity is C.S. Lewis' forceful and accessible doctrine of Christian belief. First heard as informal radio broadcasts and then published as three separate books, The Case for Christianity, Christian Behavior, and Beyond Personality, Mere Christianity brings together what Lewis sees as the fundamental truths of the religion.

    Tim says: "A Classic That Gets Better & Better With Time!"
    "My How Things Have Changed ..."
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    This book was written in the 1940s by Lewis, a famous author, as a lay member of the Church of England. The book is written as an intellectual defense of Christianity in general without getting into the schisms that divide various denominations.

    The book is incredibly well-written and the arguments are laid out in a logical and compelling manner. In fact, the book would be worth studying simply as a guide to presenting a tight and very cogent argument.

    I found the book generally thought-provoking and inspiring. Remember, however, that this book was written about 70 years ago. Many of the author's statements, such as regarding women and gays, will strike many readers as old-fashioned at best. That said, the book illustrates how views in the mainstream Christian denominations have changed since the book was written.

    The book remains a convincing defense of Christianity that is well worth listening to by believers and those who are on the fence.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Our Magnificent Bastard Tongue: The Untold Story of English

    • UNABRIDGED (5 hrs and 22 mins)
    • By John McWhorter
    • Narrated By John McWhorter
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (451)
    Performance
    (263)
    Story
    (259)

    A survey of the quirks and quandaries of the English language, focusing on our strange and wonderful grammar. Why do we say "I am reading a catalog" instead of "I read a catalog"? Why do we say "do" at all? Is the way we speak a reflection of our cultural values? Delving into these provocative topics and more, Our Magnificent Bastard Tongue distills hundreds of years of fascinating lore into one lively history.

    Michael says: "Great for casual linguists"
    "Interesting Short History of the English Language"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    This was a pretty enjoyable book that makes some interesting connections about the history of the English language. As someone who has tried (with only moderate success) to learn German, it helps explain why English, although a Germanic language, is so "un-German." I found some of the author's conclusions more plausible than others, but they are all presented in an entertaining fashion.

    The narration is good. McWhorter comes across as a very opinionated and very capable college professor giving an impassioned lecture, maybe with just a little too much caffeine. If you don't like opinionated, then maybe this is not for you, but I give him high marks because he is not boring.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • The Permanent Portfolio: Harry Browne's Long-Term Investment Strategy

    • UNABRIDGED (11 hrs and 42 mins)
    • By Craig Rowland, J. M. Lawson
    • Narrated By Mark Delgado
    Overall
    (3)
    Performance
    (3)
    Story
    (3)

    An up close look at an investment strategy that can handle today's uncertain financial environment. Market uncertainty cannot be eliminated. So rather than attempt to do away with it, why not embrace it? That is what this book is designed to do. The Permanent Portfolio takes you through Harry Browne's Permanent Portfolio approach - which can weather a wide range of economic conditions from inflation and deflation to recession - and reveals how it can help investors protect and grow their money.

    John says: "Great Investment Advice for Preserving Wealth"
    "Great Investment Advice for Preserving Wealth"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    This is a great book about a very simple strategy aimed at preserving wealth and making a reasonable inflation adjusted return. The strategy is very simple, but the detailed advice about how to implement it is very helpful. I found the arguments in favor of the strategy very compelling.

    As an audiobook, it suffers in two respects. First, the book has a lot of tables, which the narrator just reads. Kind of mind-numbing. Second, the narrator is just not that good. His voice reminds me of Don Adams playing Maxwell Smart, for those of you old enough to remember.

    Maybe better purchased for a Kindle or as a hard copy book.

    3 of 3 people found this review helpful
  • Mastery

    • UNABRIDGED (16 hrs and 8 mins)
    • By Robert Greene
    • Narrated By Fred Sanders
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (224)
    Performance
    (187)
    Story
    (187)

    What did Charles Darwin, middling schoolboy and underachieving second son, do to become one of the earliest and greatest naturalists the world has known? What were the similar choices made by Mozart and by Caesar Rodriguez, the U.S. Air Force's last ace fighter pilot? In Mastery, Robert Greene's fifth book, he mines the biographies of great historical figures for clues about gaining control over our own lives and destinies. Picking up where The 48 Laws of Power left off, Greene culls years of research and original interviews to blend historical anecdote and psychological insight, distilling the universal ingredients of the world's masters.

    Andy says: "what it takes, beyond hard work, to really know it"
    "Better if Half the Length"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    The substance of this book is great. It features stories of interesting people who have achieve mastery in their fields. It debunks the myth that masters are born and not made through hard work.

    Great subject matter with interesting stories. What could be better? It would be better if it were eight hours instead of sixteen. The book simply needs a major editing (pruning might be a better word). The book is repetitive and needlessly lengthy, droning on like a politician's speech after the point has already been made.

    4 of 4 people found this review helpful
  • Flight to Heaven: A Plane Crash...a Lone Survivor...a Journey to Heaven - and Back

    • UNABRIDGED (6 hrs and 43 mins)
    • By Dale Black
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (47)
    Performance
    (30)
    Story
    (29)

    At age 19, pilot Dale Black miraculously survived an airplane crash that killed the other two pilots on board. Hovering between life and death for three days, he had a breathtaking experience of heaven. Against all odds and with insurmountable injuries, Capt. Black recovered from his injuries and returned to fly airplanes as a professional pilot. For 40 years he kept the story to himself at the urging of his grandfather to "live" his experience rather than talk about it.

    Kymberly says: "Amazing!"
    "Great Story of Recovery and Faith"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    Dale Black's story of his recovery from a terrible airplane crash is in itself inspirational. He fights through the rehabilitation and the experts telling him a full recovery is not possible.

    Dale fully believes he went to heaven, and credits his Christian faith for getting him through. Dale narrates the story himself, and, although he is not a great narrator, his sincerity absolutely comes through. I would have preferred if the book had been organized differently (it bounces back and forth between events happening years later and the story of the crash and his recovery), but that's simply a matter of preference. Overall, it is a fascinating and inspirational book.

    Listeners should be aware that this book is very evangelical. If that is not your cup of tea, this book is not for you.

    3 of 3 people found this review helpful
  • Rainmaker!: Making the Leap from Salesperson to Sales Catalyst

    • UNABRIDGED (2 hrs and 59 mins)
    • By Carlos Quintero, Nancy Sutherland
    • Narrated By Steve Cook
    Overall
    (3)
    Performance
    (2)
    Story
    (2)

    Rainmakers…the top producers in the sales profession are a different breed. Or are they? Today's ambitious salespeople continually ask themselves - ‘How can I reach the highest levels as a professional salesperson? What does it take to be at the top? What does it take to consistently produce, to be seen by both customers and peers as trusted advisors who bring in BIG business year after year?

    John says: "Good Fundamental Approach for Selling"
    "Good Fundamental Approach for Selling"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    This short book provides a very good basic framework for becoming better at sales. It is written as a story in the form of a dialogue between a mentor and student. The book is engaging, easy to listen to, and moves well. The story contains excellent principles regarding selling. The narration is excellent and the book is well produced.

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful
  • Power Questions: Build Relationships, Win New Business, and Influence Others

    • UNABRIDGED (3 hrs and 52 mins)
    • By Andrew Sobel, Jerold Panas
    • Narrated By Andrew Sobel, Jerold Panas
    Overall
    (37)
    Performance
    (34)
    Story
    (35)

    Skillfully redefine problems. Make an immediate connection with anyone. Rapidly determine if a client is ready to buy. Access the deepest dreams of others. Power Questions sets out a series of strategic questions that will help you win new business and dramatically deepen your professional and personal relationships. The book showcases 35 riveting, real conversations with CEOs, billionaires, clients, colleagues, and friends. Each story illustrates the extraordinary power and impact of a thought-provoking, incisive power question.

    edharris says: "Great Stuff!"
    "Good Book, But ..."
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    This is a good book written by two authors who tag team the narration. The book provides an excellent introduction into how asking particular questions can lead to discovery of needs, a relationship as a trusted adviser, and, ultimately, sales.

    The performance is not terrible. Sobel is basically very smooth. Panas has a really interesting voice (think "gravel"), but he occasionally just mangles words the text. The producers should have insisted that he re-record these obvious errors, which are distracting. Not well-produced for this reason.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Makers: The New Industrial Revolution

    • UNABRIDGED (8 hrs and 20 mins)
    • By Chris Anderson
    • Narrated By Rene Ruiz
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (168)
    Performance
    (145)
    Story
    (147)

    Chris Anderson takes you to the front lines of a new industrial revolution as today’s entrepreneurs, using open source design and 3-D printing, bring manufacturing to the desktop. In an age of custom-fabricated, do-it-yourself product design and creation, the collective potential of a million garage tinkerers and enthusiasts is about to be unleashed, driving a resurgence of American manufacturing. A generation of "Makers" using the Web’s innovation model will help drive the next big wave in the global economy, as the new technologies of digital design and rapid prototyping gives everyone the power to invent.

    John says: "A Glimpse Into the Future"
    "A Glimpse Into the Future"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    I've listened to all of Chris Anderson's books, and they are always interesting and thought provoking. He also writes with great flow, meaning that the story moves forward in a logical and engaging way without a lot of unnecessary repetition.

    This book is the logical culmination of taking the Long Tail from the world of bits to the world of atoms. Anderson's insights regarding new manufacturing techniques (mainly 3D printing) and their widespread availability to the masses are important. Anderson always approaches things from an open source point of view, and I don't entirely agree with that (neither for that matter would Steve Jobs). The methods of monetizing open source largely remain to be discovered and proven.

    All that said, this is an important and very interesting book. Anyone who works in the manufacturing field should read it.

    2 of 2 people found this review helpful
  • Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon's Near-Death Experience and Journey into the Afterlife

    • UNABRIDGED (5 hrs and 13 mins)
    • By Eben Alexander
    • Narrated By Eben Alexander
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (946)
    Performance
    (821)
    Story
    (823)

    On November 10, 2008, Dr. Eben Alexander was driven into coma by a disease so lethal that only 1 in 10,000,000 survive. Seven days later, he awakened with memories of a fantastic odyssey deep into another realm that were more real than this earthly one - memories that included meeting a deceased birth sister he had never known existed. Dr. Alexander deployed all his knowledge as a scientist to find out whether his mind could have played a trick on him. In its shutdown state, there was no way it could have.

    Kelly says: "Compelling"
    "This Book Will Challenge Non-Believers"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    I spend most of my Audible "reading" on business books, but bought this book because the story sounded so interesting. This book is very compelling. The author, an accomplished neurosurgeon who was a committed scientist and religious skeptic (if not an outright non-believer) before he went into a coma that should have killled him or left him hopelessly brain damaged, made a miraculous recovery. That alone would be an interesting story, but Dr. Alexander absolutely believes that he visited heaven during his near death experience.

    Dr. Alexander's prior skepticism, when combined with his scientific analysis of why what happened to him could not have been produced by his brain, makes his story extremely compelling, and, for some, will probably be life changing. The book has certainly caused me to examine my own beliefs, and has also added some comfort to my belief that there has to be something out there more than the day to day linear existence of our life on this small planet. At the same time, Dr. Alexander's story also makes you thankful for your life and blessings here on earth.

    If you are buying this book because you expect a detailed description of heaven, you should know that it is a small part of a pretty short book. The book is as much about Dr. Alexander's life and family and his struggle to deal with the fact he was given up by his birth family and adopted as it is about his experience while in coma.

    I do not want to say much more because I feel it will be spoiling the reader's experience. Read this book. It may change your life.

    By the way, it turns out the doc is a pretty good narrator, too!

    3 of 3 people found this review helpful

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