Anyone read Shorten the odds : how to select good New Zealand shares / Nigel McCarter

I've been reading this and find it licks with me so to speak. Sure there are parts that are beyond me at an initial glance, but I really love the way he breaks down a financial report with a template at the end.

However,I'm interested in others thoughts and opinions on this book, especially give it came out in 1997 and makes reference to situations from back then. In particular is the financial report breakdown still valid in this day and age ?