Reviewed by Randy B. Lichtman for Readers' Favorite

If you are looking for more flexible opportunities where you can work at home, all I can say about The Work at Home Training Program by Bethany Mooradian is WOW! This book is an amazing resource for learning about the many opportunities you can explore to work as an independent contractor from home. The book presents many legitimate part-time work opportunities that can be explored in lieu of a full-time career working directly with an employer and warns in-depth against the many dark forces that are looking to scam you and take your money and time. Best of all, it is presented in a tone of frankness with a fun sense of humor, where the author also shares the mistakes she has made to warn you against making the same ones. With a very diverse background, there is a reason she refers to herself as the Queen of the Random Job.

Part I: Techniques of Scammers and Common Scams actually is a combination of identifying scams and identifying real opportunities. The key is to sensitize the reader to properly getting all the facts and then determining whether it is a scam or not.
Part II on Making Money focuses on specialized areas such as Making Money as a Market Research Participant, Merchandiser or Demonstrator, Mystery Shopper, Online Guide, and for selling “Stuff Cluttering Your Life.” Each section contains important information on things to consider and then giving specific information on websites and resources available. Part III talks about Flexible Jobs: At Home or On-Site, going into finding the job, applying and interviewing, working as a home-based employee, and includes important information regarding working with temp agencies and the government as well as special resources for veterans and those with disabilities. The information presented is well informed and provides a perspective with ways to move forward in finding additional information. Part IV: The Business of Business provides important aspects of starting your own business including business licensing, non-competes, taxes, insurance, independent contractor responsibilities, marketing, and other important topics.

It is only an introduction to these matters and there are many books on starting your own business which will provide a great deal more. However, the point of the book is not to provide everything you want to know about all these topics, but to start you off in the right direction. Finally, the list of resources and links is amazing. For anyone looking to work part-time in their own venture and wanting to find out how, I highly recommend The Work at Home Training Program by Bethany Mooradian. The listing of resources alone is amazing and can provide a starting point for any person looking to change their work life to a career from home. A WOW from this reviewer!

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Surviving the Firehouse is a work of non-fiction and an educational work by author Mauro Porcelli, who gives his real life experiences over in the self-described ‘A Rookie's Guide to Surviving the Firehouse and Fire Department Life. After twenty-five years of experience in this field, Porcelli appreciates the severe impact that the initial demands of firefighting work have on the young and the new to the profession, often ending their careers before they have really begun. In this collection of stories, advice, anecdotes and personal reflections, Porcelli provides his book as a ‘mentor’ to new firefighters, helping them complete their first year through many different aspects of the job.

I think this book is a wonderful idea, and I found it to be tremendously well written from an authenticity standpoint. Mauro Porcelli writes as though he’s having a direct conversation with you, giving that mentor feel to the text, but those thoughts are also very well organized and easy to discuss, topic by topic. Not only does the book cover the traumatic details and expectations that newbies may have within their job, but it also goes deep into the camaraderie, office politics and practical struggles of day to day life in the firehouse itself. From a standpoint of community, communication and people skills, there’s a lot that anyone could learn from this text, firefighter or not. Overall, I would certainly recommend Surviving the Firehouse to be read by both rookies to the workplace and old hands alike, so that a rounded experience and shared knowledge could be had by all.

Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite

Indie Games: From Dream to Delivery is the best book to start with if you are considering developing your own game. Don L. Daglow brings you his years of experience in game design and development in a straightforward and comprehensive guide. He will show you a step by step method, proven techniques, and pitfalls to avoid. Think of it as a textbook that your professor in Game Development 101 recommended but without the boring trappings that will make any student yawn. Mr. Daglow lays out his recipe for success and provides mandatory questions that learners must address. These questions are designed to ensure how much determination and commitment you are willing to invest to make your gaming vision into reality. It makes no false promises and steers you away from any delusions of grandeur.

Daglow writes in a voice that is a cross between a patient sage under a Bodhi tree and a hardcore street philosopher strengthened by mixed realities. Game development tutorials, both online and print, come and go. Some are helpful while others just milk eager learners for their bucks, along with promises of fame and fortune. While there are indie game developers that reap six to seven-figure earnings, what are the odds that, despite your best efforts, you will get a slice of the pie as well? This is where the size of a fight in a dog is tested. The insights and nuggets of truth you will acquire in Indie Games: From Dream to Delivery will temper your idealism with realism. It will stoke the fires of your passion, but it will constantly remind you that whether or not you attain wealth and fame, the journey will be worth it.

Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite

The Financially Independent Millennial: How I Became a Millionaire in My Thirties by Rick Orford is a nonfiction business book written for millennials, a book that teaches readers ground-breaking tricks to reach financial freedom before they become forty. In this book, the author explores what it means to be poor and how poverty can become an instrument, a tool that propels readers towards wealth. The author shares insights and tips used by those who have been successful and offers fresh takes on how to succeed in the real estate business and what it takes to build and sell a business. There are also insights and advice on how to successfully invest in the stock market.

Rick Orford has written a book filled with actionable steps that readers can take to create wealth, take control of their cash flow, and determine the best way to increase their business. From being smart in borrowing money to spending like the rich, the author fills the pages of this book with a lot of wisdom and insight, and while it focuses on unveiling opportunities for financial growth, it also warns readers against habits that hinder their financial growth. The writing is simple and the voice is bold. This book is filled with personal stories. I was hooked when the author said: “I’ll share my successes and failures, what I learned along the way, and what did and didn’t work. This will illuminate the path I took to gain financial independence. My unique selling point is that I've been where you are.” The Financially Independent Millennial: How I Became a Millionaire in My Thirties offers a lot for readers who want to grow their wealth and gain financial freedom.

Reviewed by Gisela Dixon for Readers' Favorite

Bullets And Bosses Don't Have Friends: Book 3, How to Navigate Tough Challenges at Work (The $7 Series) by Toni Crowe is a wonderful non-fiction business book that talks about how to navigate a career in the right direction by learning how to deal with people around you at work. Bullets And Bosses Don't Have Friends is written by Toni from her personal experience of working several different types of jobs in various capacities from a staff member to executive management to CEO of her own company. The book is organized well with short chapters, each with a “story” that recounts one of Toni’s personal experiences dealing with difficult bosses, or peers, betrayal at work, politics at play in the workplace, toxic co-workers, sexual harassment, the importance of getting things in writing, promotions and interviews, the role of HR, along with a couple of thought-provoking questions or exercises for the reader at the end of each chapter.

I really liked this book and it is clear that Toni has a natural flair for writing. Her writing style is no-nonsense, yet witty and very engaging at the same time. This book is a must-read for every young person just starting out in their career. It is a gold mine in terms of knowing how to deal with difficult situations at work and, even more importantly, how to deal with difficult people. Knowing how to get along with peers and especially bosses is crucial to any career growth trajectory, and this book warns about some common pitfalls to avoid with some real-life examples. This is a very useful book for beginners in their careers that I would highly recommend.

Reviewed by Arya Fomonyuy for Readers' Favorite

Confessions of a Software Techie: The Surprising Truth about Things that Really Matter by Ramakrishna Reddy is a brilliant account of a software engineer that takes the reader through the demands of his work and offers incredible life hacks and insights that will benefit readers in their day-to-day hectic lifestyle. In this book, the reader will learn about the techie guy from India and how he started to arrive where he is now, a story that is told in a humorous and arresting tone. He then moves on quickly to discuss lessons in life that aren’t taught in the classroom, but that every professional needs to know. Did you know that honesty is not always the best policy in today’s ever changing business landscape? This book will tell you why.

Ramakrishna Reddy has succeeded in creating a book with a message that every techie needs to know — and everyone who wants to succeed in today’s technologically driven business environment. He weaves insights and lessons culled from a decade working as a techie into this wonderful book, showing readers how to do more with less, how to win people, and how to handle the seven most difficult problems any techie would eventually face. From the art of crafting emails that everyone wants to read to why guys shouldn’t chase girls, he offers insights that are stunning and that will make a lot of sense to readers. Confessions of a Software Techie: The Surprising Truth about Things that Really Matter is an eye-opener, a useful tool not only for techies but for anyone who wants more from life. Utterly enjoyable and surprisingly entertaining.

Reviewed by Alyssa Elmore for Readers' Favorite

Discover the secret world of female stock traders in the scintillating finance book, #FMJ Trust Transition Trade (How Successful Traders Said It, Did It, Lived It) by Jane Gallina. In a male-dominated world, one woman stands up and fights for balance and equality on Wall Street. When stay-at-home-mom and author, "Airplane Jane," discovered trading as a way to make a steady income while on maternity leave, she was ecstatic. Determined to take her power back and stay home permanently, Jane dove into trading and learned by trial and error. As her successes grew, Jane began blogging about her experiences, eager to help fellow traders. She was disappointed to find that few female stock traders are willing to admit to profit due to ridicule. Determined to support her sisters, Jane commenced interviewing female traders about how they got started, what they did to succeed, and what they suggest not doing. Armed with the testimonials of women from all walks of life, different professions, and different roads to success, this book shows the reader that, no matter how you choose to begin, with some effort, a lot of studying, and even more courage, anyone - especially a woman - can become a thriving trader. Filled with encouragement, humor, plus tips, tools, and resources, this book is certain to be the best first step in trading. What are you waiting for? Take control of your finances and your life!

#FMJ Trust Transition Trade (How Successful Traders Said It, Did It, Lived It) by Jane Gallina is an inspiring look into what life is like for female traders. I loved the honesty and freshness that Jane brings to the mysterious world of trading. As a stay-at-home-mom, I relished the idea of being able to take full control of my finances just by working a few hours a week. Through the interviews, Jane explores the many ways of trading. This book is perfect for those who know little about such a seemingly risky endeavor, walking them through the processes of many highly successful women that started out as clueless but now live their lives on their own terms. I enjoyed this book. I appreciate how the author empowers women - especially stay-at-home-moms - to take control of their lives and live their dreams. A delightful and highly educational read, this book is perfect for the trader-to-be.

Reviewed by Gisela Dixon for Readers' Favorite

Introverts: Leverage Your Strengths for an Effective Job Search by Gabriela Casineanu is a book written for introverts by an introvert on tips and strategies for an effective and successful job search. The book is based on the premise, which is true, that the world thinks more highly of extroverts. This is likely true because extroverts tend to be naturally more communicative, personable, and friendly on first impression. However, introverts come up with their own set of skills which are missed and overlooked because of their inherent shyness and behavioral traits. Gabriela addresses the topic in this book, which is divided into several chapters, focusing in detail on goal setting, job search preparation, networking strategies, importance of social media in today’s world, effective communication, interview techniques, and what to do after one has landed a job.

Introverts is bound to be a helpful book for all job seekers. It contains tried and tested techniques plus some new ones along with specific emphasis on introverts and their point of view. I thought some of the content was generic and focused more on “what” to do rather than specifically “how” introverts should do it. For example, some of the networking tips such as conversation starters are nothing new, but introverts may need more help in figuring out how to take that first step and say that first word. Nevertheless, the clean writing style and content make this a useful read for anyone—introverts or not—looking to improve on their job search and job landing skills, and I would recommend it.

Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

What does it take to survive, to thrive, and reach high levels of success as a lawyer in today’s highly competitive and complex business world? In The Law Firm Revolution, career professional, founder, and experienced attorney, Clelia Pergola and co author Barbara Mannino share powerful tips and offer the wisdom that lawyers and legal professionals need to win in the business world.

From what it takes to set up a successful law firm to hiring the right people and building a winning business relationship to finding the right clients and providing exceptional services, the authors share powerful and insightful advice that will benefit lawyers in every category. Running a law firm, catering to clients, and ensuring that every aspect of the law is judiciously followed can be daunting. The authors break the process down and demonstrate with clarity of phrase that law professionals can beat every odd and create a seamless environment where law can be successfully practiced.

The writing is imbued with great insight and wisdom, flowing gracefully. There is no doubt that the authors write from significant experience in the legal profession. They make their points with the authority of professionals who know what they are talking about. I loved the voice — it’s strong and authoritative. I also loved the fact that the authors remained very relevant in delivering the message of this book, integrating elements of today’s business challenges and technology into their writing. The Law Firm Revolution is a groundbreaking, revolutionary book for law professionals of this age. You’ll find the tools and resources you need to make it big in the practice.

Reviewed by Arya Fomonyuy for Readers' Favorite

Leaders Lab: 66 Ways to Develop Your Leadership Skill, Strategy, and Style by Jane Moyer is a well-researched, wonderfully crafted tool for experienced and would-be leaders in different fields, a book that is written in a simple style, with excellent points that are not masked in jargon and obscure language. Here is a book that offers incredible advice and proposes strategies that will enable anyone to hone their leadership skills, create more influence no matter their leadership role, and become more confident, and forward-driven. The author has brilliantly and seamlessly created a tool that is multidisciplinary, covering areas such as learning and change, strategic productivity, communication, talent development, and a lot more. This is the book for leaders who are keen on their career growth, on influencing lives positively, of getting noticed, and taking the lead in the competitive and ever-changing business landscapes.

The book is packed with knowledge, great tips, and relevant examples. It is written with clarity and readers with different backgrounds will find it very accessible. This is a book that has something to offer everyone in the business world and the chapters could be read in any order, depending on the needs of the reader. Jane Moyer demonstrates a rare skill in communication and the reader can feel the confidence flowing through the balanced and interesting writing. Leaders Lab: 66 Ways to Develop Your Leadership Skill, Strategy, and Style is a revolutionary work, well-designed for forward-thinking leaders, those who want to become creative and innovative in their leadership pursuits. It’s a must-read!