Do you want to go to graduate school in the United States?

Every year, there are thousands of students from different countries in the world that flock to universities in the United States for graduate studies, whether in business, law, engineering, social sciences, humanities, sciences and other fields. Yet, it can definitely be a terrifying experience for many. In this essential guide, Dr. Alexander Mamishev offers comprehensive advice on all aspects of graduate life and admissions. Dr. Mamishev graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a PhD in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) with a minor in Technology Management from Harvard Business School. With a combination of wit and candor, Dr. Mamishev gives students a rare insider’s perspective on the American education process. Inside, you’ll find valuable advice to help you make sense of the American education system, craft an irresistible application package, survive the transition to your new environment, live and work while studying, work with your adviser to get the most out of your education, and more! Whether you are coming to grad school from somewhere else in the United States or from the other side of the world, let this book be your guide to success in grad school and in your academic career beyond. This is definitely a wonderful book and I highly recommend it to those who are interested in applying to graduate schools.

 I am currently applying to several graduate programs in the US: MIT, Stanford, USC. Since MIT is the author's alma mater, the book provides some tips and secrets that pertain to MIT. Although this book was designed for international students, I feel a lot of the information can be used for domestic/local US students as well. It gave me good direction on what to and not do in grad school applications. This book also has good sense of humor and witty illustrations!

This book is sold in print and also as an e-book.  http://www.lulu.com/product/ebook/breaking-barriers-a-practical-guide-to-getting-into-graduate-school-in-the-united-states/17363920?productTrackingContext=author_spotlight_76756817_

In my opinion, the e-book is a great value for under $6, but for under $20, one can get a printed version here.
http://www.amazon.com/Breaking-Barriers-Practical-Getting-Graduate/dp/1257835459

5 STARS!

An Amazing Thriller!!

No, this is not about the Canary Islands.  Sigmund Brouwer's The Canary List is a suspense novel.  It is a tale about a twelve-year old girl that has been bumped around numerous different foster homes and sent to different classrooms for kids with behaviorial issues and/or low test scores.  Yet, she has a special ability to sense evil.  I would say that this novel pertains to elementary/middle school teachers and their interactions with students.  Even though, it is a fictional story, it does resemble real life in ways.  It is also supposed to vaguely touch Christian values.

The beginning of the book has a lot of various stories that don't seem to be cohesive.  However, from my point of view, it simply adds to the mystery.  The book starts out by the beach in beautiful Santa Monica.  But as you read on, different things happen.  Who knew Santa Monica could be so horrifying?  Evil filled the streets and she had to look for help.  I don't want to spoil the book but I will briefly mention the two main characters: Mr. G, a teacher mourning the death of his daughter over alcohol and a mysterious female student who makes Mr. G think of his daughter.  Then the CIA and the Vatican get involved...

This book is classified as Christian fiction; it does have some religious themes, but for the most part I found the book not totally about Christian values and such.  I would consider it a thriller and I can definitely envision this to be a potential Hollywood blockbuster.  The chapters are relatively short; average few pages, which add to the excitement of the novel.
So I would suggest that you read this novel assuming that you are a thrill seeker.

Here is a link from Google with an excerpt from the book: http://books.google.com/books?id=rZqisdBE5DkC&lpg=PT287&ots=hwQIjn33MI&dq=canary%20list&pg=PT287#v=onepage&q=canary%20list&f=false

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.