Book Reviews

"As the software developer of open-source freeware accounting software, I can see that the success of my software would be greatly enhanced if the thousands of people downloading it used your book Radical Accounting as a setup & resource guide. This is exactly how I would teach a regular person to setup their accounting system. Your excellent ideas on how to organize a filing system show that you know business first-hand. I, personally, will cherish this book as a solid accounting reference guide."

Ray Walker, Software Developer
Delta60 Accounting Software
http://www.deltanet2.com

"Devoured your eBook over several sittings yesterday, finished up this morning. I was actually voluntarily sitting at my desk at 6:45 a.m. on a Sunday morning, reading about BOOKKEEPING of all things!!
Am taking a break from setting up my first chart of accounts to send you this email. A quick read of your eBook has tremendously raised my comfort level with managing our family and small business bookkeeping tasks, and I wanted to share my appreciation."

Stephanie Roberts, Owner
Lotus Pond Press
www.FastFengShui.com

"Madeline Bailey’s Radical Accounting keeps its promise to make bookkeeping and accounting both enlightening and engaging, if not actually fun. Thanks to Radical Accounting, I learned how to develop a chart of accounts - the backbone of bookkeeping and accounting - for my own business, and learned lessons that I can apply to personal finance as well. Madeline explains, in language clear enough for a financial illiterate like myself, the meaning of all the aspects of the chart of accounts and other accounting necessities with definitions, stories, and examples that educate while they entertain. Don’t get me wrong…this is not a lightweight book, but Madeline does what every good teacher does: she makes it possible to learn a traditionally tough subject with ease! Whether you want to do your own books, bring order to your personal finances, or simply understand what your bookkeeper is up to (an absolute must!), Radical Accounting was a total bargain for what I learned....a great investment in both reading time and money. I keep Radical Accounting handy on my closest bookshelf for review, and I refer to it often. I’ll be the first in line to attend Madeline’s next presentation."

Hugh O'Donnell, Director
Mentor Learning LLC
www.mentorlearning.net/wst_page2.html

"I am so excited about Madeline's book, Radical Accounting. I've read it cover to cover twice, marking it up with stickies and margin notes, and had it open on my lap when I sat down in front of a brand new QB account to create my Chart of Accounts from scratch. The day it all clicked - when I finally got it - when the P&L became clear and it all made sense - I was jumping up and down. I've been self employed for 8 years and until I read her book I thought my Chart of Accounts was just something I kept for my tax preparer so she'd know how much to deduct from my Schedule C. I wanted to understand more about how the finances affect my businesses, but I didn't know where to go to learn. Now I recommend it to everyone who runs his or her own business. It's concise, to the point, and puts all the pieces together. THANK YOU for such an awesome resource and for explaining it so clearly."

Lara Eve Feltin, Partner Biznik
Photographer and Graphic Designer

www.biznik.com

"I think this is a great book. The writing is clear, clever and enjoyable. It should be of great benefit to the many "Small Time Operators" out there looking for some help making a success of their new businesses. Nice job."

Bernard Kamoroff, C.P.A., Author
Small Time Operator

www.bellsprings.com

"Of all the accounting textbooks or educational literature I've read or been subject to, this one may be the easiest to understand and apply in the real world. I think this book should be required reading for all entrepreneurs thinking of starting their own business or those who continuously have trouble communicating effectively with that highly paid accountant they use."

Scott D. Hayes, Controller
Oregon Dept. of Fish & Wildlife

Previously:

Business Manager, OR State Data Center
Internal Auditor, OR Dept. of Transportation
Controller, OR Dept. of Commerce
Controller, OR Dept. of Transportation
Senior Accounting Analyst, OR Dept of Transportation

"This book makes accounting accessible to even the most ignorant bookkeeping novice. It is short, simple and to the point. "Self help" type books should be short enough that the reader does not feel bogged down with information. Radical Accounting is a good example of a book that is just the right length. By using common analogies the author reduces complex information into concepts that are easy to understand. One of the highlights of the book is the way the author provides definitions in the text. It's so nice not to have to flip back and forth to the glossary and one's personal dictionary. The author's personal stories are both a pro and con. The author's professional background is important because it lends credibility to the book, but it could be removed from the main portion of the book and included in a biographical section. The glossary at the back of the book is a nice addition and makes the book easy to use as a reference at a later date."

Writers Digest Magazine,5/2006