Learning Korean Made Easy

The One and Only Korean Workbook – Learn and Perfect the Hangul Alphabet in just a Few Weeks – Includes accompanying Videos and Digital Learning Materials by Self-taught KOR
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Learning a foreign language is tough, particularly for adults who are trying to juggle careers, family, hobbies, etc. Personally, I have always been fascinated by different languages and have tried to pick up words, phrases, and sentences as I interact with people from other parts of the world. While picking up a few words here and there seems easy, learning the alphabet, grammar, and script can be challenging. Especially when it comes to oriental languages such as Mandarin, Korean, Japanese, and other eastern languages the script and dialects are so different it seems daunting.
I recently decided to start learning Korean from scratch and properly. On searching I found The Korean Workbook by Self-taught KOR very useful. This comprehensive volume makes it possible to learn the Hangul alphabet and Korean script for beginners with no prior exposure to the language. It is not easy in any measure, but The Korean Workbook makes it possible and guides the way by focusing on the basics and right from alphabet and help the reader master the language.
Featuring over 400 writing exercises which will ensure the reader learns not only letters but syllables, words, and even entire sentences in Korean. A set of digital flashcards serve as additional resources for serious learners. My favorite part of this guide is its emphasis on proper pronunciation and diction. There are links to several videos that assist learners master correct pronunciation.
As I go through the book and learn the Hangul script, I am beginning to think that this book is designed specifically for people like me – those with no prior knowledge of Korean. The workbook has taken the fear of the unknown away and has helped me start on this journey of learning a new and beautiful language.

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Spreadsheets Become simpler with this book!

Excel Made Easy: (3 in 1) A Visual Step-by-Step, Fully Illustrated Crash Course to Master Excel Fast; Boost Efficiency and Productivity with Practical Examples, Custom Formulas, and Expert Tips by Gavin George
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Microsoft office software is perhaps the most popular word processing, spreadsheet, and database application bundle worldwide. Almost all businesses, schools, and homes use this software to achieve their goals. Developed in 1985 by Microsoft to be part of the office suite, MS Excel or simply Excel is a spreadsheet editor with several other functions including mathematical calculation, functions, macros, graphing, pivot tables, etc. While doing basic functions in excel is intuitive and easy, utilizing the advanced capabilities of this software can be challenging.
I recently came across a comprehensive guide to this software titled Excel Made Easy by Gavin George. Spread across 172 pages, this book features several 15-chapters of self-guided lessons on optimizing your understanding and use of Excel for work, school, or home. This comprehensive guide is beginner friendly and is designed to help readers master the software quickly.
Organized into three sub-sections appropriately titled Books 1 – 3, and 15 chapters spread across them, Excel Made easy is ideal for the visual learner. The easy-to-follow text is liberally peppered with several illustrations and screenshots from the actual software. Each exercise in the book is followed by real-world examples and scenarios to help readers get hands on experience even as they are learning. The book starts with a section titled “Fundamentals of Excel Mastery,” which contains four chapters that deal with foundations; data organization and presentation; beginner data management strategies; and core formulas in Excel.
The next sections progress in disseminating intermediate and advanced knowledge of Excel. Summing up Excel Made Easy is a comprehensive guide to learning and mastering spreadsheets. It has something for everyone that uses Excel, from beginners to the seasoned professionals.

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Novel Science of Observing the Similar

Isonomics: Hidden in Plain Sight by Matias Monteagudo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Isonomics – Hidden in Plain Sight by Matias Monteagudo; 120pp

The world is full of similar phenomena, things, places, etc. but to make observing and learning from these similarities is the science of Isonomics, according to Matias Monteaguado, the author of this 120-page text heavy essay. “Isonomics – from the Greek ἴσος (ísos, "equal") + νόμος (nómos, "law")—is a tree of science I fathered as the world's first isonomist,” explains the author in the very first page of this book clarifying to readers that there is no such stream of study officially recognized till now.
This book is more about investments and success than anything else. It explains how mental frameworks function and how people subconsciously inherit their beliefs and why it is so hard to step out of the borders that define our childhood and upbringing. Isonomics guides readers by offering a refreshingly different and yet practical guidelines to navigate today’s complex markets and most importantly attain success.
In this short book Monteagudo successfully instills the basic concepts of isonomics – a field study he defined and created. The author explains how to focus on risk across diverse assets, achieve long-term gains, avoid pooling of investments, etc. One of the core concepts explained in this book is to develop understanding of our observations – noticing patterns, assigning values, and making sense of the economic and capital markets. His premise is that even things that appear very similar behave in a strikingly different once properly measured.
This resource is a must-read for anyone looking to build a more robust, all-weather portfolio that can thrive across different economic cycles. Written in a chatty style, typeset in fairly large font the book is easy to read for people of all ages and walks of life. Though the beginning with its unusually complex verbiage can make it a slight bit of a challenge for those unfamiliar with English language.
The book makes it obvious the author’s interest in numbers, models, graphs, and of course recounting stories from real life which drives home the message/ concept being explained. Peppered with several interesting, and unusual stories, the message of the book is clear: how to observe for patterns, understand, and use the data obtained to attain success.
I would recommend this book for those interested in capital markets, philosophy, and of course observing patterns and improving decision making.

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Soul searching one heartbeat at a time!

From Stethoscope to Wisdom by Andrew C.S. Koh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Working in healthcare is a rewarding experience, everyday is same but different at the same time. This field provides the opportunity to touch people’s lives and bring about positive outcomes. Every healthcare professional has a lifetime of stories that can motivate, transform, and move the population. “In the quiet between heartbeats, wisdom grows; in the fading echo of a stethoscope, a life’s meaning unfolds,” writes Dr. Andrew CS Koh in his memoir. Appropriately titled From Stethoscope to Wisdom – A Doctor’s Reflection is a 205-page volume full of wisdom, spirituality, medicine, and life experiences of someone who made his life mission to serve the sick and heal the hurting.
“This book is an autobiographical narrative that chronicles my journey from birth to retirement. I wrote this memoir as a lasting legacy for my family, friends, and loved ones. My hope is that my experiences will inspire and resonate with others who may find reflection in their own lives,” writes Dr. CS Koh in the prologue detailing his motivation for penning this memoir. The story of Koh’s life starts off from his home birth and christening ceremony where he is given the Cantonese name which translates to ‘praising the stars’ and moves on to his childhood in the town of Tanjong Malim. A vivid description of the town environs is notable here.
The story moves on to describe his parents as strong believers in superstitions who trusted in traditional Chinese medicine. This is one aspect of the memoir I am not a big fan of, even though scientifically educated as a doctor of modern medicine, Koh is quick to denigrate traditional Chinese medicine and spirituality as mere “superstition.” There are chapters dedicated to his knowledge and experiences as a healthcare provider, delivering compassionate care for patients in pain, facing death, suffering, and through it all the lessons he learnt about compassion, healing, and faith. This mixture of professional, personal, and spiritual insights make this book worth reading.
Written in a chatty, conversational, down-to-earth manner, this book comes across as an easy read. It is more like a conversation with a friend/ mentor/ philosopher and less like a preachy lecture of an academic. As a healthcare provider myself, I find this book honest, real, and spoken from the heart of a healer. I would recommend this book for people who are in healthcare and those who intend to make a career in healthcare.

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ASVAB Study Guide

ASVAB STUDY GUIDE: ASVAB Test Prep with 5 Full-Length Practice Tests, Diagnostic Test, and Proven Tactics to Ace Your AFQT Exam on Your First Try by Nolan Vexley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In my opinion serving one’s nation by joining the defense or armed forces is the greatest way to show gratitude to the country that has given everything. It is an honor and privilege to be part of this elite group of people who are willing to sacrifice everything for the country. Not everyone who wishes to serve is accepted into the United States armed forces, it takes a certain amount of intelligence, education, and aptitude to qualify to for this honor.
To qualify to serve in the US armed forces one has to successfully attempt and succeed in the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) and particularly in the Armed Forces Qualifying Test (AFQT). This exam places aspirants on tenterhooks as a first attempt passing is a great plus for entering the forces. One can find several guides that claim to help in the prepping for this unique test but not all books are the same. I came across Nolan Vexley’s ASVAB Study Guide, a 288-page volume featuring 5 full-length practice tests, a diagnostic, and several proven strategies to help you succeed in this important exam.
Vexley, a passionate tutor and test-prep expert has spent several years of his career helping students study and succeed in different competitive examinations including the ASVAB. He believes that given the right training each student will excel. This is the kind of person who should be working with students, coaching and encouraging them to succeed in the exams. The ASVAB Study Guide is organized into 11 units/ chapters followed by five full length practice ASVAB exams.
The first unit appropriately titled “Mission Briefing” comprehensively describes the ASVAB exam with information on scoring mechanisms, military career tips, goal-setting for studying, etc. The primary purpose of ASVAB is to evaluate the skills, knowledge, and abilities of individuals wishing to join the U.S. Armed Forces. “The ASVAB has two primary purposes: first, to assess a person's eligibility for military service, and second, to assist military recruiters in assigning recruits to suitable roles that match their skills and aptitudes,” writes Vexley. The chapter further delves into the types ASVAB such as the computerized adaptive test, paper and pencil ASVAB etc. while also detailing the differences between the types of ASVAB.
Unit 2 is crucial for all those intending on taking this test, it is a diagnostic exam which will help students find their place, evaluate their strengths and weaknesses so they know the areas to focus on while studying for the ASVAB. The following units deal with verbal ability, reading comprehension, general science, arithmetic, electronics, shop and automobiles, and assembly lines etc.
Overall I feel this book is a very comprehensive guide for preparing for the ASVAB exam. The final five units contain full length practice tests which will drive home the most important message of taking tests slowly and with patience. These tests provide important insights to the student about their preparedness for the actual ASVAB.

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The Empowering Hand Function Stroke Recovery Activity Book Large Print: Engaging and Progressive Exercises for Rehabilitation and Enhanced Daily ... Brain Injury—Just 15 Minutes Per Day! by Clara Thinkwell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cerebrovascular accident (CVA) or stroke affects over 795,000 Americans annually, 1 in 6 deaths are caused by this condition, and is also the leading cause of serious long-term disability. Hence it would not be wrong to say it is a long road to recovery after suffering a stroke. Consistent, and targeted physical, occupational, and speech therapies are often required to achieve some degree of recovery.
Clara Thinkwell a passionate author of books to help seniors has published The Empowering Hand Function Stroke Recovery Activity Book aimed at helping stroke patients improve function and strength. This 123-page volume produced in large print is an easy to read and follow guide of sorts to build better strength, dexterity, and function of the hands, specially after a debilitating medical condition such as a stroke or a traumatic brain injury. Thinkwell is upfront to state that this book is just a guide and “not a substitute for professional medical advice.”
The five chapters in the book each dealing with a specific topic related to rehabilitation of the hand such are titled appropriately. Chapter one titled Awakening the Hands (Foundations & Warm-ups) deals with waking up the hands by crumpling and smoothing paper. The exercises are quite simple and well explained with scientific rationale which makes it easy to follow and implement. Almost every page in this book has an illustrated graphic to explain the topic better and demonstrate to users visually how to perform the exercise being taught.
Basic life activities including gluing, cutting, shaping, tying, etc., are taught in detail. Even advanced tasks such as weaving, and making a loom, are also detailed to help patients. Each chapter has a page dedicated to progress tracking so users can actually see how far they have come with their functionality.
By publishing this workbook Thinkwell is doing a great service to stroke survivors. The book provides a set of engaging and progressive Exercises for rehabilitation and enhanced daily living skills. According to the author dedicating 15-minutes daily is enough to speed up recovery and regaining function.

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A Guide to Logical Thinking for career/ family success

Logical Thinking: An AI’s Guide to 100 Methods for Cutting Through Human Confusion and Bias by Quinn Voss
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In today’s changing world, education, skills, and knowledge play a role in career success, more crucial is the critical trait of logical thinking that helps one achieve great heights in life. It is not the one that knows everything that succeeds but the one that can solve problems and make connections is more likely to reach goals. Unfortunately, modern day curricula effectively deliver knowledge but do not equip young students with life skills such as communication, logical thinking, critical analysis, among others to enable them to succeed in the real world.
The only way to develop these vital skills seems to be through self-study in the form of reading, experiential education via team building activities, and outdoor learning. I recently came across Logical Thinking – An AI’s Guide to 100 methods for cutting through human confusion and bias, an AI-generated compilation of different ideas, tips, and tricks aimed at making the reader a logical thinker and work through the chaotic modern workplace. Even though this book is completely written by AI, human editors have gone through and edited the same to ensure accuracy and presentation.
Divided into four parts, subdivided into sections and then into chapters followed by a short conclusion, appendices, and a note on other AI books available on similar topics. Each part specifically addresses one of the macro topics related to logical thinking such as Foundations; Advanced logical tools; Practical applications; and Mastery. Subdivided sections relate to building blocks of logic which have ten chapters of information about various concepts that make understanding logical thinking easy. For instance I really liked the chapter titled The Principle of Charity which deals with how to seek truth and improve the quality of discourse. This principle challenges the reader to think critically and not fall into traps of prejudging before understanding the other person’s arguments.
One feature of the book I really liked is the layout and design. The book is peppered with several interesting and humorous cartoons, bullet points, numerical lists, etc. to break the monotony of text and provide relief to the reader. This makes reading this book easy and interesting and of course imbibing the content much easier and faster.

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Inspiring Biography

Inspiration to go above and beyond our normal life and achieve something great comes from various sources. It could come from nature, literature, poetry, and often from other people around us, those who have overcome great odds to become the best version of themselves.

One such individual that overcome almost insurmountable odds and became successful is Argentine soccer legend Lionel Messi. Born into a middle-class family of steel factory manager father and magnet manufacturing workshop employee mother Messi developed a passion for soccer from an early age. He suffered from a growth hormone deficiency at age 10, when he started treatment a year later, his parents could barely afford the $1,000 per month price tag. Eventually he was able to overcome this health condition and become an internationally admired soccer player.

This compact 152-page volume by Max Ryan captures the life story of Messi with each chapter chronicling the struggles and how he triumphed. The book culminates with a journal section on how to replicate strategies to overcome your own personal challenges and rise like a phoenix. To enhance the legitimacy of this volume Ryan has provided a list of references for further reading and/ verification, much like a researched piece of work.

While the content of this book is well presented and easy to read, the typography can use some expert/ professional touches. The layout of the book is currently very busy and verbose can be interspersed with the pictures and graphics to provide relief and information to the reader.

A Nation of Farmers: Book Review

Food shortages have become the buzzword everywhere in the world. In a globalized world where food is no longer grown and consumed in the same place, crop failure in one nation means shortage somewhere else. In the recent years we have had instances when India had banned export of rice because crop had failed in Thailand and other rice producing nations.

The first world nations have the money power to out buy crops and food from impoverished third-world nations and leave their citizens starving. How long can this practice continue? There have been food-related rioting, protests and movements in various third-world nations and emerging economies also.

The worst hit in this crises are the poor in every nation, be it America or India or China or any sub-Saharan nation. The poorest of the poor always go hungry and are most affected by any price rise.

In this context Sharon Astyk and Aaron Newton have come out with this noteworthy and information-rich volume: A nation of Farmers. The main theme of the book is how American people can save themselves and their nation from the impending food shortage. The book is a fervent appeal from the authors to the common people of America urging them to convert their backyards into gardens where they can grow their own food, rear chickens and other consumable animals.

I believe that with so much land and so little population America could well become the bread basket of the world. There needs to be political will and a social change... no social transformation. After reading this book I am convinced that it should be mandatory reading for every high school and college student in the country. This is one of the sure-shot ways to attain food-self-reliance for America and today's citizens owe it to themselves and their nation to achieve this.

Book Spotlight: Muslim Mafia

I saw this book in the library screaming the headline Muslim Mafia on its cover. I picked it up and read the writing on the sleeve and about the author. Apparently the book is written by an ex-US military counter terrorism fighter. I am pretty sure it is quite accurate and the concerns expressed in the book are real considering the recent terror attacks on the US.