Amazon.com
"My wink is binding," Bernie Brillstein writes in the middle part of his memoir of a career in showbiz. At this point the movie-star manager has already admitted that he wanted power and prestige as soon as he started in the William Morris agency mailroom. And that he chased after a Don Corleone-ish kind of respect afterward. But even when he became a clout-carrying manager and near-mogul he kept his people-first credo. You suspect he loves it too for the way it echoes the Borscht Belt, since that's the kind of verbal energy he draws on throughout this anecdote-crammed autobiography. He calls himself "show," but in four decades he had to be "business" too, tough enough to tell clients, as he says he did, when to start their career over from scratch. The book begins with a graphically honest memory of his visit to the proctologist with his family when he was 24--something he guffaws off, but it's probably not far from the sort of reality check he regularly gave clients like Jim Henson, Norm Crosby, Lorne Michaels, John Belushi, and Brad Pitt. He cops to a gambling addiction, a love of "high class call girls," and to the way he stole from Laugh-Into invent Hee Haw. But he also brokered Lorne Michael's big break with SNL, produced Dangerous Liaisons, and eventually got News Radio and The Sopranos on the air. He candidly assesses professional pains too, including Michael Ovitz's pathology, Garry Shandling's riddling neuroses, and the loss of Belushi and Henson. "I care," he writes finally, "because that's who I am." It's easy to smile at that, but by the end of the book it's also easy to believe he means it. --Lyall Bush
Book Description
Bernie Brillsteins forty-five-year career has allowed him to work with and nurture many world-class talents, including John Belushi, Jim Henson, Dan Aykroyd, and Martin Short. Brillstein speaks out for the first time about the lives and deaths of his clients. He teaches the art of the deal, show business ethics, and reveals behind-the-scenes stories with his humour and savvy.
Customer Reviews:
REALLY JUST A SALESMAN, AFTER ALL THE FUSS!!.......2001-03-28
Because we're so star-struck in America, we tend to be overly impressed with ShowBiz and the people who inhabit that world. But as charming, determined and persistent a personality Mr. Brillstein may be, he's essentially just a salesman - NOT the creator, but a "dealmaker" of the ShowBiz Old School - and after almost 400 pages, I found he'd worn thin his welcome! However dramatic it may have been FOR HIM to accompany John Belushi's body back East, or "duke it out" with the Big Boys in corporate takeovers while at Lorimar, the emotions are thinly drawn and shallow in this book. Brillstein made me less than intrigued with his machinations, unimpressed by his self-aggrandizing spin on events and ultimately unsympathetic to his life challenges. (His obvious misogyny doesn't help, either - he has no use for women outside of the sack, it appears.) Here's another absurdly fortunate, rich powerful older man feeling sorry for himself because time changes everything? I'd have hoped he'd have learned to adjust better to the slings and arrows of life by the time he got to his 60s and 70s!
This book was distressing to me because I REALLY WANTED to LIKE the guy - but I found I couldn't. He's kinda ordinary, and once you remove the "famous" names and large amounts of money, his anecdotes are kinda ordinary! He's not terribly brilliant, sage or extraordinary in any other way than being sublimely LUCKY! I gave the book 3 stars, because it's certainly not dreck, but for inspiration or insight, I'd advise looking elsewhere!
Brillstein is as a big a star as those he represents.......2001-03-07
I'm not sure what drove me to buy the Brillstein book. I had heard of him of years, but wasn't sure that a managers tale was all that interesting. Oh, but is! This book is filled with humor, honesty, and and ego. Bernie seems like a terrific guy and he tells fantastic stories. Some are filled with love: Belushi, Radner, etc. Others venom (and these are the most fun, he pulls no punches): Ovitz, Shandling (more would have better on this), etc. You learn about the inside story of Hee Haw, The Muppets, SNL, and Lorimar. My favorite stuff was about Jim Henson, rarely have I seen so much great stuff written about one of my heroes.
While this may not be a roast, I raise my glass to Big Bernie and the wonderful life he has led. Thanks for sharing.
Unexpectedly Touching.......2000-12-04
I found myself unexpectedly touched by this autobiography. Having read it, I consider Bernie Brillstein a friend. With no self-praise, Brillstein shows himself to be a man of decency, of compassion, of empathy. He began in his profession as an agent at William Morris, dreaming of representing mid-Century comics such as Jackie Gleason and Jackie Gale. When he left William Morris, he became a personal manager, starting the careers of dozens of entertainers who have become household names. The stories Bernie has to tell! He survived--there's no other word--until the end of the century, representing Jim Henson, Lorne Michaels, Gilda Radner, John Belushi, Dan Ackroyd and, as the saying goes, a cast of thousands along the way. He created HEE HAW and greenlighted THE SOPRANOS, headed a movie studio for a short time, got fired, picked himself up and started again. His very life has been the personification of the entertainment business; there are few who exceeded his success. And he is the one having the last laugh: He's still here! But along with the chronological report of his professional experience, what he was thinking, how he pulled it off, there is this man, this basically sweet and decent man, and that's what shines through his book. I enjoyed reading about Bernie's fascinating life.
Passably interesting but..........2000-10-29
A passably interesting look into life of an "old school" agent/manager with some real insights into his client's lives and the behind-the-scenes machinations of Hollywood. WARNING: You'll have to wade through a considerable amount of self-aggrandizment that I found tremendously off-putting toward the end. It's a rare occasion when I don't finish a book but I found myself skipping through the last third and ultimately bailed out with just a few chapters to go.
Readable, but not essential reading........2000-09-07
There's really no good insider showbiz tips or amazing gossip here. I found the book to be readable -- meaning I kept on reading once I picked it up but at any time I could have stopped and not felt like I was going to be missing a golden nugget.
It's a show biz biography of a manager. Did we really expect it to be an essential read?
Average customer rating:
- This book changed my life!
- waste of trees
- More Powerful Than You Have Imagined
- Practical. It is more than a psychological study or talk.
- Powerful and Practical
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Choices and Illusions: How Did I Get Where I Am, and How Do I Get Where I Want to Be?
Eldon Taylor
Manufacturer: Hay House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 General
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| Health, Mind & Body
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Motivational
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The Intention Experiment: Using Your Thoughts to Change Your Life and the World
ASIN: 1401918530 |
Book Description
This fascinating book holds an important key. Whether you’re interested in the science of thinking and beliefs, how your own mind works, how others control your thoughts, why things just don’t work out in your life, how you can create the life you’ve always wanted, or on a grander scale, how you can help make the world a better place, Choices and Illusions provides insights for all. Simply reading this book will open your eyes to new worlds of possibilities. Once exposed to the illusions most live under and by, you will change, and putting into practice any of these very simple teachings will open the door for you to achieve your highest potential.
Choices and Illusions tells the story of one man’s journey into the workings of the human mind and our reason for being. The adventure is every bit as exciting as the best of scientific discoveries.
Eldon Taylor’s
approach is scientific and pragmatic, and his conclusions are inspirational and soul enhancing. Along the journey you’ll hear fantastic stories of divine intervention, learn why you think and do what you do not wish to do, and understand the very clear message that it’s never too late to be happy and succeed, regardless of your past actions.
Customer Reviews:
This book changed my life!.......2007-10-14
There are very few books written today that can truly make a difference, to you as an individual and to society as a whole, but Choices and Illusions is one such book. Dr. Taylor's approach is very scientific and down to earth - he provides definite reasons for why you are not in control of your own lives and gives you clear techniques that will truly put you back in the driver's seat of your own life. Dr. Taylor does a great job proving the teachings of the great masters using the language and techniques of today. The mind truly is capable of great things but it is up to you to use your own mind correctly. This book will change your life.
Reading all of the other reviews already posted, I find it amazing that while most people are in total agreement with me, a few of them are in total disagreement. I can only assume that this book 'pushed some buttons' and hence the few, vehement negative reviews. If you truly wish to change, then Choices and Illusions will show you the way. If you prefer to remain in the 'healing process' but never getting healed, then you may prefer to say that Choices and Illusions offers nothing new. When the student is ready, the teacher will appear, as the great saying goes. Well, Choices and Illusions is the teacher, but it is up to you, as the student, to be open to the message it brings. I carry and share my copy with everyone--in fact, I have
purchased many more than one copy already.
waste of trees.......2007-10-09
This book came highly recommended by some top names in the field (RAMTHA AND McTaggert)so I bought the book to find out more.
It is not usually my style to trash somebody's work but this book is boring and everything mentioned has been well covered elsewhere in a superior manner.
There is no depth to any subject brought up. I would have loved to read more about subliminals, but the subject is dropped as soon as it is brought up except for the tesimonials for the product Eldon Taylor sells.
Check it out from the library but don't encourage this mediocre book by buying it.
More Powerful Than You Have Imagined.......2007-09-18
I have to admit that I didn't set out to answer the big questions. I found "Choices and Illusions" while trying to connect with Eldon for another great book through our http://BestSellerAuthors.com program.
However, I've learned not to question the path that brings me to new learning. In our busy lives, we all leave many path unexplored.. what a joy it is to find new truths, ponder the important questions and discover new realms.
I found "Choices and Illusions" and got the answers I didn't even know I was looking for. So regardless of what brought you to this point, consider the vistas that will open up from one small click today.
Thanks Eldon.
Warren Whitlock
Book Marketing Strategist
WithInAsThru yoU! The Handbook: A Guide & Journey Companion To Live On Purpose, LIFE as You Choose IT to BE
Practical. It is more than a psychological study or talk........2007-09-15
The part I found interesting is when he shares the real-life situations than a mere psychological study that most of us already know or heard enough. This book is entertaining as well as intuitive. A lot of times we think we don't have a choice in certain situations, why? Our life is more than what we are able to see. Read the book and see what you get from it.
Powerful and Practical.......2007-09-15
This is a practical and very powerful book for anyone looking for immediate solution to overcome the "negative beliefs". Such beliefs are so often being ignored and as a result keeping one forever trapped in vicious cycle of negative self-fulfiling prophecy. It is a joy reading this book, as it led me to have a much clearer understanding of the "unconscious adverse conditioning" because of human ignorance, aggravated by the mass media which thrive on negative news reporting. This book opens up a new frontier of possibility for anyone willing to change, through seletive conscious learning, as well as subliminal method which when apply properly is most beneficial in achieving positive results and self empowerment. My family and I learn to become more selective in conducting our daily activities with regards to entertainment and media exposure. I also like the humane aspect, which is so much lacking in our present day society and this book would no doubt help in the re-awakening of the general public towards such direction. Most important of all, this book not only helps one to identify the inherent issues, but to provide effortless and effective solution. Our family and friends are now benefiting from the use of the InnerTalk technologies created by the author in improving the quality of our lives. This is a must read book for anyone who is seriously looking for change.
Average customer rating:
- Where I Want to Be
- Insightful novel on sibling rivalry and mental illness
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Where I Want to Be
Adele Griffin
Manufacturer: Putnam Juvenile
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Fiction
| Siblings
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Griffin, Adele
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ASIN: 0399237836 |
Book Description
Once, Jane was the big sister, teaching Lily to play make believe and protecting her from thunderstorms. But then Lily grew up. She started making friends and dating boys, while Jane wanted to go on playing make believe forever. For Jane, the line between fantasy and reality had always blurred, whereas Lily lived for a future bright with expectation and change. Inevitably, the sisters found a gulf widening between them-Lily reveling in her newfound love, while Jane could only watch, frustrated, from the sidelines. How had her little sister managed to eclipse her?
Then tragedy struck. But the story was not over. . . .
Adele Griffin has crafted a spellbinding book, told in the alternating voices of two very different sisters dwelling on opposite sides of life and death, who are bravely trying to overcome the void and bring light to each other.
Customer Reviews:
Where I Want to Be.......2006-01-11
As I first started reading Where I Want to Be, I was almost 100% sure that this was going to be similar to the author's other National Book Award finalist, Sons of Liberty. No interesting characters (the only one being your run-of-the-mill tomboy), so-so story, and ho-hum writting with a few glimpses of inspired greatness thrown in. I was wrong.
This story isn't exactly one that hooks you from the start. I struggled through the first thirty pages, until finally becoming interested in Jane's character. Jane is a character that I felt sorry for, but at the same time she was fascinating. Some people might compare her to a car wreck (seriously, no pun intended...yikes) and in a way she is. She's shy in front of her peers, and has a close relationship with her grandparents. She hears voices, as do all characters like herself do, but she isn't a caricature. Author Griffin really did well with her.
But then there's Lily. I really dislike characters like her. Pretty, but not too pretty. Smart, but not the top ten in her class. This girl has no distinguishable features. Nothing that makes her any different from any other female character in teen lit. Well, except that she has red hair. It could be worse, I guess. Her name could be Jessica. She could have brown hair, and hazel eyes. Her boyfriend isn't much more interesting to say the least.
It was the final chapters of this book that really tugged at my heartstrings. I was almost to the point of tears during the final act, in which Jane's breakdown occurs. Jane lives in a world full of changes, but she simply stays the same. She dislikes these changes, but knows there is nothing she can do. She escapes the only way she knows how. Reader beware: this one is sad. I just wish that the final chapter could have been JAne's. The party scenes with Lily seemed so unnecessary.
R, your friendly neighborhood reviewer.
Insightful novel on sibling rivalry and mental illness.......2005-06-08
Jane and Lily are sisters who have always shared a vivid imaginary world. Jane, the elder sibling, was always able to create games her sister Lily loved. But Lily wants to grow up. She starts making friends at school and gets her first boyfriend, while Jane seems stuck in increasingly violent fantasies.
The family comes to realize that Jane is mentally ill. She is put on anti-psychotic medication, but even with the aid of medication Jane realizes she will never be the same kind of normal as her younger, popular sister. An accident separates the sisters, and the story, narrated from opposite sides of the grave, is about the two sisters --- one living, one dead --- still trying to make peace with the life they shared together.
Adele Griffin is the author of a number of psychologically insightful thrillers for young people. Previous books include THE OTHER SHEPARDS, about two young people haunted by the death of the elder siblings they were born to replace; SONS OF LIBERTY, about brothers banding together to overcome their controlling and abusive father; and AMANDINE, about a girl who becomes enmeshed in a dangerous and manipulative friendship. Griffin is a master at blurring the line between what is real and what is imagined, making her books truly spooky.
Mental illness is a popular subject within novels for young people. The teen years are when many mental illnesses begin to appear. WHERE I WANT TO BE is an insightful portrait of living with mental illness, but it never reveals what illness from which Jane is suffering. It is not alone in this omission. Most fiction on this subject never makes a diagnosis. This does an enormous disservice to the reader, and encourages people to look at mental illness as one large disease rather than a variety of different disorders, all with different causes, symptoms, and treatments.
Nevertheless, readers are likely to enjoy this story about a sibling rivalry that continues into the afterlife. WHERE I WANT TO BE is a late-summer teen gothic about ghosts that drive VW bugs, pick strawberries, and lounge in the dusky twilight by the pool.
--- Reviewed by Sarah A. Wood
From the Publisher
A dazzling collection of witty and wise Pot Shots, or Brilliant Thoughts . . . illustrated epigrams that will inspire your personal quest for telling communication. Fresh, funny, wistful, bright; they may well reflect some of your own deep or whimsical thoughts.
Ashleigh's Pot Shots are acclaimed, told and re-told, by young and old, secular and religious, mainstream and offbeat they speak to everyone.
What they say: Clifton Fadiman: Most enjoyable; Isaac Asimov: Good one-liners; Richard Armour: Wise, and witty; People magazine: Artistic trailblazer, Ashleigh Brilliant coins epigrams that would drive Oscar wild.
Ashleigh's Pot Shots are copyrighted and the names Pot Shots and Brilliant Thoughts are registered trademarks.
Product Description
It's my hiking boots that lead me up high mountains in the air. I find my spot on the tippy top and shout, "hellooo down there!" Put on your shoes and become a superstar athlete, daring mountaineer or an adventurous pirate! "My Shoe take me Where I Want to Go" celebrates the beloved relationship between kids and their shoes! Fun and easy to read, this lyrical story invites children on a playful journey through the imagination simply by donning a favorite pair of shoes! Bold, colorful artwork depicts intriguing "what if I could be..." scenarios, giving children plenty to dream about! Ready for some fun? Grab your shoes and let them take you where you want to go!
Book Description
This book will inspire you to identify your personal or professional goals and to have the confidence to step out on faith and make changes. I Want It Now! guarantees a proven formula for reaching your passion and offers several exercises that will allow you to acquire the tools that are necessary to improve your quality of life.
Customer Reviews:
Too airy fairy,does not deal with specificities.......2005-05-28
I bought this book with a hope that this will give specific guidelines how "to discover passion and achieve ultimate happiness" in life. But this book rambles on without any specific strategies about how to achieve the two goals. This book is no better than the usual motivational books so many of which are available on the market.Although the author says that this book stems from her own experiences in life but in reality one finds that she has only fleetingly mentioned about her own experience which led to this book being written. The chapters in the book are catchy but there is very little real substance inside. The exercises she asks the reader to do at the end of the chapters are surprisingly vague and naive --it does not lead to any deep insight whatsoever. I have totally wasted my money by buying this book.
Stuck in neutral?.......2004-05-11
Are you roaming aimlessly through life wondering why nothing ever works for you? Are there things you want but you don't know how to get them? Do you want to be rich? Educated? Have a wonderful job? Then I WANT IT NOW is the book to get you on track.
Na'Kisha Crawford gives a blueprint for attaining those things that you really want out of life but either don't know how to get or are too afraid to try. She tells you how to handle the people in your life, especially if they react negatively to your dreams. She talks about how to draw up a plan for your life so you will end up where you want to be in spite of those people.
In several short chapters Crawford addresses the issues, gives examples and adds a helpful "how to" exercise at the end of each chapter. Her advice is given in an upbeat `can do' manner that is inspirational. The book is very helpful, although I wondered at the wisdom, in these economic times, of job hopping to find the ideal situation.
Reviewed by alice Holman
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers
Passionately Living Life To The Fullest.......2004-03-24
In "I Want It Now!" Nakisha Crawford at the young age of 29 shares her wealth of knowledge and wisdom on how to live life to the fullest in the most down-to-earth, matter-of-fact, sisterly manner. Nakisha lovingly offers all that she is in this testimonial, in hopes to enlighten and empower her readers to be all that they dream and are meant to be. As she takes readers on a journey of a few of her personal lessons of life, readers gain insight of their own life lessons and are furthermore led to engage in and embark upon personal growth and development most fervently. As first time author, Nakisha unequivocally conveys messages about life that people want heard and welcome. Nakisha Crawford shows a promising future as author, life coach and inspirational speaker.
Inspirational and motiviating.......2004-01-31
"I want It Now!" is written to inspire you to achieve overall happiness by learning from the past, finding your passion and opening your heart to a better future.
The Author guides you to a better life by providing the reader with simple, useful, straightforward strategies. What is impressive to me is that Crawford uses these strategies in her own life which undoubtedly makes her a credible source about how to reach your ultimate happiness and live a passionate life.
Inspirational.
Sherri Anderson
INTERESTING.......2004-01-10
"I Want It Now" is a book about change, but it's a book about choices as well. The author takes her life experiences and shares them with you, the reader, showing how she was able to find the positive and use this as a stepping stone to success.
In a way, she shows us that the ball is in our court, as far as our life goes. We are the deciding factor, choosing either to be beaten down by circumstances or using them for growth and accomplishment.
She does this in an encouraging, positive way, causing you to rethink many of your past failures and re-evaluate where you are now and the choices you can make for a better tomorrow.
I liked the exercises she gives after her chapters, making you take the time to think
about what you have just read, how it applies to your life and circumstances, and also helping you to make necessary changes where needed.
You do have possibilities and opportunities that will bring you to a brighter tomorrow, you just have to be willing to reach for them. This book will help you do that.
Very interesting read.
Shirley Johnson
Average customer rating:
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Lord, Send Me with I'll Go Where You Want Me to Go
David Arr by McDonald
Manufacturer: Allegis Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Contemporary Christian
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General
| Christian Living
| Christianity
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Contemporary
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ASIN: 5557690123 |
Product Description
It's my hiking boots that lead me up high mountains in the air. I find my spot on the tippy top and shout, "hellooo down there!" Put on your shoes and become a superstar athlete, daring mountaineer or an adventurous pirate! "My Shoe take me Where I Want to Go" celebrates the beloved relationship between kids and their shoes! Fun and easy to read, this lyrical story invites children on a playful journey through the imagination simply by donning a favorite pair of shoes! Bold, colorful artwork depicts intriguing "what if I could be..." scenarios, giving children plenty to dream about! Ready for some fun? Grab your shoes and let them take you where you want to go!
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