Book Description
What does it take to turn ideas into action? What are the elements of a perfect pitch? How do you win the war for talent? How do you establish a brand without bucks? These are some of the issues everyone faces when starting or revitalizing any undertaking, and Guy Kawasaki, former marketing maven of Apple Computer, provides the answers.
The Art of the Start will give you the essential steps to launch great products, services, and companies—whether you are dreaming of starting the next Microsoft or a not-for-profit that's going to change the world. It also shows managers how to unleash entrepreneurial thinking at established companies, helping them foster the pluck and creativity that their businesses need to stay ahead of the pack. Kawasaki provides readers with GIST—Great Ideas for Starting Things—including his field-tested insider's techniques for bootstrapping, branding, networking, recruiting, pitching, rainmaking, and, most important in this fickle consumer climate, building buzz.
At Apple, Kawasaki helped turn ordinary customers into fanatics. As founder and CEO of Garage Technology Ventures, he has tested his iconoclastic ideas on real- world start- ups. And as an irrepressible columnist for Forbes, he has honed his best thinking about The Art of the Start.
Customer Reviews:
The Art of the start.......2007-10-06
This book is great for getting anything started. Very easy to read and to the point. Anyone can use this book to start anything. Details to look for. I also liked that I could read the first chapter on line before purchasing it.
Great check-list for anyone starting a company........2007-09-07
A great checklist and lots of advice for anyone thinking of starting a company.
Nothing revolutionary, perhaps nothing you wouldn't have thought of yourself, but there is great value in having a well thought-out, complete, list like this.
Only 4 stars because the book seems biased towards venture-funded companies.
The Art of Living.......2007-08-30
Written like he was delivering a speech, Guy Kawasaki has made this an enjoyable and interesting read. All the time I was turning the pages, I kept feeling that much of what he wrote applied to life, and not just starting a business. When I got to the final chapter, "The Art of Being a Mensch", I discovered why I had gotten that feeling - much of Kawasaki's business approach emanates from his way of being in life. Read it for thoughts on how to live; read it for its humor, read it for advice - but do read it! Dennis DeWilde, Author of The Performance Connection.
Great book for starting anything important in life........2007-08-23
This book was so easy to read, and just made sense. If you looking to start anything in life that you have not done before, read this book, it will help a lot.
Great Start.......2007-08-11
If you are planning to start up, don't think again. Just read this book, close your eyes, and..... jump. This one is just as good as Eightstorm: 8-Step Brainstorming for Innovative Managers.
Average customer rating:
- Almost inspiring
- Where's my book.
- On My Own: The Art of Being a Woman Alone
- The power of flying solo
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On My Own: The Art of Being a Woman Alone
Florence Falk
Manufacturer: Harmony
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Single: The Art of Being Satisfied, Fulfilled and Independent
ASIN: 1400098106
Release Date: 2007-03-20 |
Book Description
At some point over the course of the average American woman’s life, she will find herself alone, whether she is divorced, widowed, single, or in a loveless, isolating relationship. And when that time comes, it is likely that she will be at a loss as to how to handle it. As a society, we have an unspoken but omnipresent belief that a woman alone is an outcast, inherently flawed in some way. In this invigorating, supportive book, psychotherapist Florence Falk aims to take the fear, doubt, confusion, and helplessness out of being a woman alone. Falk invites all women to find their own paths toward an authentic selfhood, to discover the pleasures and riches of solitude, and to reconnect with others through a newfound sense of self-confidence.
Like so many women before her, Florence Falk found herself divorced, alone, and unsure of herself. Soon she realized that by embracing her solitude for what it was—a potentially enriching and life-altering experience—she could turn what once would have felt like “loneliness” into a far more positive and empowered “aloneness.” Falk notes that each of us has two opposing drives: one causes us to yearn to make close connections with others, and the other pulls us back into ourselves, into the need for selfhood and certainty that can only be shaped through solitude. In order to be whole, she says, we must heed both of those impulses. But in our modern culture, the former is stressed while the latter is neglected, even vilified. On My Own boldly shifts that paradigm.
With inspiring, intimate stories of women from all backgrounds, Falk illuminates the essential role that being alone plays in women’s lives. Whether she is in a stable relationship or on her own, every woman must learn to be by herself; for if she can be fully free, unfettered by society’s stigmas about being alone, life and all its possibilities will open up for her. And as Falk demonstrates, once a woman has discovered the richness of solitude, she is not likely to give it up so easily.
Customer Reviews:
Almost inspiring.......2007-08-24
The Art of Being a Woman Alone - now there's a subject which needed to be addressed. Women today (and for most of recorded history) have been culturally expected - even driven - to sacrifice themselves for others. More recently, ideals emerged which allowed women to seek their own interests and careers, and in todays world, most women know instinctively that they HAVE to be able to support themselves (and children if they have them) as men are no longer required to support them.
This, understandably, creates pressure.
In our modern drive to have everything, women have lost their Self. By losing one's Self, according to Falk, a person loses the ability to stand alone, to be self-sufficient, to enjoy solitude without being lonely and bereft. In addition, when one's Self is damaged or missing, there is nothing protecting you from psychic damage from friends, lovers, and the world in general.
In many ways, our culture resists the import of a woman who is able to stand alone. If you are valuing your own self, you are selfish - a horrible accusation to make of any girl or mother. If you cultivate your own interests, or enjoy your own company, you are self-absorbed - again, a negative. Falk wants us to take joy in selfishness, as we re-imagine ourselves and make peace with who we truly are. She wishes that more women would take time to be self-absorbed, to glory in the creative, WHOLE person who has been submerged for so long by our society, our relationships, and abuse.
Which brings me to the "almost inspiring." Falk finds it necessary to trace in microscopic detail the failed relationships, parental and peer abuse, and overarching societal pressure which causes modern women to lose their Self. This is an amazing downer in a book intended to inspire. In those pages (which are a majority of the book) there is a passivity - a helplessness in the face of a powerful and malevolent grinding cultural poverty. Comparing this to her stirring call for Self-awareness, I found it difficult when she failed to transfer this individual awareness into culture at large.
One example speaks of a girl, gifted and pretty, from an "academic" hippie family, and the teasing and social abuse she suffered at middle and high school. The girl, now a middle-aged woman, is only now dealing with this pain. Nowhere is it suggested that if the girl had a Self-aware mentor, she could have learned to stand ALONE and to rise above the taunts of her peers. Repeatedly, women and girls in her examples are left with gaping psychic wounds which are bemoaned as evil and spirit-breaking, but with no counter-examples to show HOW, if one is taught to grow into her Self from the start, those wounds could be minimized or avoided.
Much of this comes from the author's own experiences, as late in life she rediscovered herself and fought free of years of living for others. I do applaud women who, at any age, realize that no matter what or who is in your life, a healthy person's focus must be on themselves FIRST. However, I think that a celebration of women's rights to be whole people in themselves should try to show how to achieve that from the start, rather than passively accepting the damage until some midlife "eureka" is reached.
In spite of this, this book is stirring and powerful, and begs for women to accept that we CAN be alone and powerful, we CAN be at peace with our true Selves, and we CAN recover from childhood trauma and the pressures of life. This is an important message for everyone.
Where's my book. .......2007-07-07
I'd love to write a review and I'd love to have the book, but apparently it was sent to my old address, wasn't forwarded, and was sent back. I'd love it if you'd reship it to me at my new address: Barb Haynes, 108 Panico Trail, Murphy, NC 28907. Thanks
On My Own: The Art of Being a Woman Alone.......2007-05-14
This book was in great shape and was very inspirational. I have recommended it to several women of my age group.
The power of flying solo.......2007-04-17
On My Own is a revolutionary book. Florence Falk offers deep insight about the social and cultural frames that encourage women to see being alone as a "problem". Beautifully written, it traces, with true sensitivity, the many complex and often conflicting forces that 'contribute' to a woman's 'aloneness'. She boldly encourage us to shatter the paradigm, and reframes solitude as a positive state, a place of power, to be celebrated and explored with enthusiasm.
Around this country, millions of women, single or deeply lonely in their relationships, wrestle with questions about the role and place of partnership in their lives. This remarkable book offers us a way to see our aloneness in a new way....helping us to celebrate our solitude as a state of liberation.
It's hard to imagine a woman whose life would not be touched by reading this book. For many women, Falk's message will come as a key, unlocking a door they may never have known was even there.... and lives will change, forever. For some, perhaps, it will be revolutionary, and the change will come with great force. For others, it may be like a small stone, dropped into water, the rings rippling out gently, wider and wider... but either way, I am convinced, lives will transform. Give this book to a woman you know who is ready for freedom!
Average customer rating:
- Haggadah
- seder with young children
- very nice for young children, and their parents
- My Very Own Haggadah
- No more bored kids!
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My Very Own Haggadah
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ASIN: 1580130232 |
Book Description
The ultimate children's Haggadah. A child's first seder service, with the story of Passover, an explanation of holiday symbols, seder blessings, and songs. Plus recipes, craft ideas, and pictures to color. Over 2 million in print!
Customer Reviews:
Haggadah.......2007-05-23
While the content was okay, the online description neglected to indicate that the pictures were all black and white which is not conducive to a beginer's book geared for children.
seder with young children.......2007-05-12
excdellent for use at a seder where there are young children--up to ages 6 or 7.
very nice for young children, and their parents.......2007-04-13
This is a very nice book (it reads like a standard English book, not "backwards" as a traditional Haggadah does), that is very child-appropriate. And while it is far from all-inclusive, it is a very nice supplement for a little kid who is just beginning to participate and be interested in the Passover Seder. The pictures and word-layout are excellent for a beginning reader. Also works as a coloring book, since the pictures are not colored in.
My Very Own Haggadah.......2005-04-27
Terrific for young children. Great illustrations and opportunity for child to color many drawings.
No more bored kids!.......2001-02-16
I used this service with my own kids and now my grandson has his own copy. A classic that has stood the test of time. A perfect length and style for a child's first seder. A must!
Average customer rating:
- Mother Teresa, In My Own Words by Gonzalez-Balado - Review by an author
- Good book, uplifting but not what I expected..
- Mother Teresa: In My Own Words
- hard to put into words the excellence in Mother Teresa's thoughts
- Truly a Saint
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Mother Teresa: In My Own Words
Mother Teresa
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Mother Teresa: A Complete Authorized Biography
ASIN: 0517201690
Release Date: 1997-10-07 |
Amazon.com
Though Mother Teresa's words may be spare, her good deeds are abundant. The messages in this lovely collection--directed at coworkers, sisters, and others eager to hear the words of someone who lived the challenge she presented to others--are sure to provide inspiration for anyone who reads them. The quotes, stories, and prayers are a testament to the 1979 Nobel Peace Prize winner's generosity and strength of spirit: "Good works are links that form a chain of love"; "I never will understand all the good that a simple smile can accomplish"; "Before judging the poor, we have to examine with sincerity our own conscience." Mother Teresa's words and deeds fortified and inspired the poor, the dying, and the suffering. These powerful messages, combined with black-and-white photos of this highly regarded woman doing the work she loved, make for a truly unforgettable book.
Book Description
The legendary Mother Teresa's work for—and among—the poor has become the yardstick by which the entire world measures compassion, generosity, and selflessness. Her words and actions have inspired millions of people from every race and religion and country to help the poor and needy, a legacy that is her gift to all mankind for generations to come.
From 1950, when she founded the order of Missionaries of Charity, to winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979, and then, in 1985, being awarded the Medal of Freedom—the United States' highest civilian award—to her final days, Mother Teresa served the world as a beacon shedding the light of hope, comfort, and peace on all.
Mother Teresa: In My Own Words is a timeless testament to the power of her words. Here are the same quotes, stories, and prayers that helped strengthen and inspire the poor, the dying, the suffering, and the doubting who she met during her lifetime, and that will continue to strengthen and inspire all who read them.
Customer Reviews:
Mother Teresa, In My Own Words by Gonzalez-Balado - Review by an author.......2007-09-23
Mother Teresa - In My Own Words by Jose Luis Gonzalez-Balado
The legendary work among the poor by Mother Teresa has become the yardstick by which the world measures compassion and selflessness. She spent every hour of her life in service to others, even using the monetary gifts given to her by the church and the Nobel Peace Price to build yet more homes for the dying and homeless. She owned no material objects and did not allow those who worked with her to do so. She had very strong and sometimes quaint convictions, but as all crusaders do, made a statement to the world and has inspired many. This book was written by a journalist who knew Mother Teresa beginning in 1969. He was among the core of followers of the Missionaries of Charity. Mother Teresa herself never felt it necessary to write anything and you will not find any literary gems in an anthology of her thoughts. This book contains quotes, stories and prayers she used during her lifetime. Mother Teresa, who only spoke when necessary, was challenged at the young age of eighteen by the words of Jesus, "Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you have done it unto me." One of the outstanding concepts found in the book is that at the moment of death we will not be judged according to the number of good deeds we have done or the awards we have received, but by the love we have put into our work.
Trish New, author of The Thrill of Hope, South State Street Journal, and Memory Flatlined.
Good book, uplifting but not what I expected.........2007-09-15
I felt good reading this book and was reminded what it means to be human. I now want to go bring an older friend home from an assisted living place to live with me. I would be honored to care for her.
I read this book in a little over an hour. That's the only problem for me.
Mother Teresa: In My Own Words.......2007-01-17
Enjoyed this very much. Easy to pick up and use when you have only a few minutes to reflect - at night or in the morning.
hard to put into words the excellence in Mother Teresa's thoughts.......2006-08-18
She remains one of my favorite "Christ in person" figures of the 20th century. Classic.
Truly a Saint.......2006-07-29
This is book was so beautifully written. I gained a greater respect for Blessed Mother Teresa.
No matter what religion you are, whether you believe or not, this is such an inspirational book.
A person, among many, who gave up so much, but never showed any dismay. "A Cheerful Giver".
Average customer rating:
- The Pope is Awesome
- Quotable Quotes from Pope John Paul II
- Inspirational!
- powerful words that inform, enlighten and inspire
- Inspirational
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Pope John Paul II: In My Own Words
Pope John Paul II
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ASIN: 0517220849
Release Date: 2002-08-06 |
Book Description
Spiritual father of millions, globally influential leader: Pope John Paul II's words have brought inspiration, solace, and courage to those who have listened. The quotes and prayers collected here are both for the faithful and for those who have been touched by and want to know more about this remarkable man. His words on love, family, truth, freedom, human relationships, the power of God, and the importance of hope and prayer explore what it means to be alive and what we are doing here on Earth, and offer answers to some of life's hardest questions.
Customer Reviews:
The Pope is Awesome.......2007-07-25
This is some words to the wise by the beloved Pope John Paul II. There's not really too much to get out of it besides some prayers. He is on a level of sainthood such as Mother Teresa and is probably the most famous pope in history. It was an international emergency when he deceased recently, I always hated people making fun of the pope in a cartoonish fashion, which they will surely rot in hell. We miss you, Jean Paul, and I hope to God Pope Benedict is doing a goodly job of filling your shoes. God bless. R.I.P. Pope John Paul II, god bless your soul.
Quotable Quotes from Pope John Paul II.......2006-11-04
`Pope John Paul II: In My Own Words.' Whose words? The title was ambiguous and misleading. Though I found the book on the stands I didn't buy it. Eventually a friend gave me a copy and I sat down with it. The inside flap cover of the book calls it "Pope John Paul II: In His Own Words." That title makes better sense. Whatever the title be, the book contains valuable quotes from the spiritual giant of our time, Pope John Paul II. These quotes and prayers from the Pope's pastoral letters, homilies, encyclicals, speeches and audiences are classified into different heads. There is also an introduction containing a short biography of the late pope. It is a nice little book on Pope John Paul II, useful for easy reference.
Inspirational!.......2006-03-24
This book is a collection of quotations by the late Pope John Paul II and covers a variety of topics, including Salvation, Truth and Freedom, The Christian Life, Marriage and the Family, The Priesthood, Mary among many others.
This is not the type of book where you should take large bites of in one sitting. This work is better off nibbled piece by piece. I found the passages in this book wonderful inspiration for reflection and prayer. I would rarely read more than a couple of pages at a time. I would read a limited number of passages (as few as one, rarely more than five) and pause to reflect on them and sometimes oven pray over them. I found them not only spiritually edifying, but also intellectual in content.
These quotes were selected and compiled by Anthony F. Chiffolo. The come from homilies, encyclicals, pastoral letters, his own autobiography, among other sources. They are highly inspirational. The holiness and love for God, Christ, and Mary that the Pope has is clearly evident. Even though he is on his eternal journey in Heaven now, for many people like myself, though we have a new Pope, he will always have a special place in the hearts of millions.
powerful words that inform, enlighten and inspire.......2006-03-24
Anthony Chiffolo has compiled the words of His Holiness, Pope John Paul II from many of the Pope's letters, speeches, presentations and encyclicals. The quotes and prayers of Pope John Paul II are arranged into fourteen short and concise chapters, with the subjects being the Trinity, Faith, Christian Life, Progress and the Modern World, the Church, Sacraments and the Priesthood as well as others. His words are personal and intimate, yet at the same time they reach out to everyone. They have the power to touch the reader and to inform, enlighten and inspire.
Inspirational.......2005-12-23
It is hard to imagine not having this in my personal library now that I own it. I struggle at times to find a springboard for my prayers, and after opening up the pages of this book, it was easy to find sources of inspiration. It is a well organized collection of some of Pope John Paul II's most interesting and moving quotes taken throughout his papacy. I recommend it for people who seek an introduction to this Pope's life and legacy.
Book Description
Locked inside a brain-injured head looking out at a challenging world is the premise of this extraordinary autobiography. Over My Head is an inspiring story of how one woman comes to terms with the loss of her identity and the courageous steps (and hilarious missteps) she takes while learning to rebuild her life. The author, a 45-year-old doctor and clinical professor of medicine, describes the aftermath of a brain injury eleven years ago which stripped her of her beloved profession. For years she was deprived of her intellectual companionship and the ability to handle the simplest undertakings like shopping for groceries or sorting the mail. Her progression from confusion, dysfunction, and alienation to a full, happy life is told with restraint, great style, and considerable humor.
Customer Reviews:
Brain Fog Unfogged -- A Feat in Communication.......2007-07-30
Osborn does what is virtually impossible. She translates the fog of a damaged brain's function into vignettes that an undamaged brain can comprehend.
In her case, this translation is from experiences which were by definition wordless, disorganized, incomprehensible, frightening and often completely mindless to their opposites. The level of Dr. Osborn's skill in doing this may be best understood by readers who have some experience (as I do) in being with brain-injured people.
Whether one appreciates Osborn's achievement in communicating the uncommunicable is unimportant. What is valuable is that she succeeds so well in giving us insight into the "being" of at a subset of the injured.
Most of the incidents recorded in the book are too long to quote in illustration of my point. Their length is a necessary consequence of Osborn's wish to reveal her floundering. Nothing in her life was straightforward. A relatively short excerpt follows:
BEGIN EXCERPT (page 33)
"I left soon after for the bookstore, but with the force of old habit and despite Marcia's written reminder dangling from the dash, I drove directly to the hospital. And then home again. Three times.
"It was noon when I drove out of the hospital parking lot for the third time, I was determined it wouldn't happen again.
"Now, as I turned onto the main road, Marcia's note clutched in my hand, I chanted, "Book store, go to the bookstore.'
"I was still saying it thirty minutes later as I turned into our driveway.
"When I got into the house, I reread Marcia's note. Lord, the bookstore.
"Well, I would definitely get the book tomorrow. Right now, I could still do the second item on her list - water the lawn."
END EXCERPT (page 34)
Needless to say, Osborn forgot to water the lawn.
The book is also notable in illustrating the lack of insight (in regard to her limitations) that Osborn (as others) experienced for quite some time. Then, once insight was gained, she writes about her struggle with a sorrowed sense of lost self.
One incident that helped to her to understand the scope of her lost abilities (which apparently were exceptional) is recorded on pages 205-206. She was not able perform even so "simple" a cognitive exercise as making a telephone call to obtain a patient's medical information.
The book provides a generalized understanding of how rehabilitation is accomplished. This includes learning stratagems for partially replacing lost structural functions.
BEGIN EXCERPT (page 145)
"Now my notes ordered me to [begin italics] really look in the mirror. Hair combed? Teeth cleaned? Collar straight? Earrings match? Expression alert, smiling? [end italics] It began to make a difference."
END EXCERPT
For the most part, the rehab portions of the book are most useful for providing a patient's view of rehabilitation. "Over My Head" certainly does not provide an overview of rehabilitation techniques. Osborn does, however, include a concise review of the generalized deficits that rehab and therapy have to address.
By the end of the book, Osborn manages to return to teaching medicine, but in a format and in situations where she can proceed more or less by rote and under controlled circumstances. Osborn emphasizes that adult brain injury generally imposes permanent limitations upon post-trauma performance. You will not be who you were. Part of the rehabilitation process requires coming to emotional grips with whom you have become.
I recommend "Over My Head" without reservation. It will be of most value to people new to dealing with brain trauma. It also has worth for those of us who lost figurative pieces of ourselves, but do not have brain trauma to blame. The "coping with loss and less" element of the book has universal appeal.
Throughout, Osborn shines as a human being.
polished and effective.......2007-06-28
The personal stories provide insight, compassion and humor but are over-polished in editing as if being prepared for a TV movie script. This loses a sense of real human connection with the author and her true feelings. I found myself saying "too cute" to some examples. Certainly effective in communication, but nothing in this is a "real life" documentation in the form that American audiences have come to expect in contemporary autobiographies. Still, this is the best publication on the topic of mild traumatic brain injury that conveys the day-to-day effect of even the mildest cases.
Dr. Osborn is a true teacher.......2007-06-08
I think I now can be a better friend and cousin to Jack who recently suffered a brain injury. Reading these memoirs has jolted me out of denial. I am very grateful for the wisdom in this book.
a lifering of a book.......2007-05-27
This is the definitive tell-all about head trauma.
It savages every concept of so-called professionalism
in the neuro rehab "biz." And yes, let's never forget
it is a business...Like the movie The Doctor, with William
Hurt, the expert doctor's ego is the last to fall. Ms.
Osborn admits this readily, to her credit.
Claudia found out just how much caregivers and
"pros" alike sugar coat the truth with lies, supposedly
to spare our feelings, but really because they are
unable to feel and empathize emotionally with some-
thing as unbelievably tragic as the very Loss of Self.
Or at least the appearance of it!
Don't ever believe you will lose your self if you have
a head injury, mild or severe. It is only an illusion.
There is a broad, overarching hint throughout this book
that faith in the Almighty will bring you through head
injury successfully. I suggest you dare to believe it.
TBI treatment is still scandalously poor out there, folks!
Only the truth can fix it. Don't discount the power of
nootropic smart supplements, homeopathic remedies,
hyperbaric oxygen and just eating fresh herbs and
veggies out of a home garden even years after the injury.
Starting up painting or playing an instrument can open
dormant circuits especially if they were never used
to begin with, pre-trauma. Gee, now THERE's a thought,
hunh?! The human body has a phenomenal capacity to
heal itself with just a little push start.
This book is crammed full of insights about how even
though we can become victims in a flash we can also
begin to bust out of it as we get our bearings. Please,
please read books like this to your relatives in a coma
or even if NOT mute, aphasic, or with "locked in
syndrome." It will allow them to process the emotions.
They need you to do that for them!
It starts with the Will, as the author clearly demonstrates
by literally writing her way back to life.
Claudia.... You done good, Girl!
Completely accurate account on living with short-term memory loss.......2006-03-20
Ms. Osborn is a godsend to have created this book. I am a survivor of an illness which greatly affected my short-term memory, and although it is difficult for me to remember the details of the book overall, I could 100% relate to each and every sentence as I read it. If you are friend or family to one with short-term memory loss, or if you simply wish to understand life with virtually no short-term memory, read this book. You will have a completely different outlook on life once you do.
Customer Reviews:
WOW. Loved this book........2007-07-01
This book is one of my favorites. There are many shocking tales of excess (he is right up there with today's rock stars). I enjoyed hearing the stories behind the songs I love and insights to the other band member's personalities. They are all opinions of Brian, mind you. It is also interesting to read Brian's take of the "brainwasher", Eugene Landy.
This is a great book.
incredible book.......2005-09-30
i'm not the biggest beach boys fan ever or anything, but this book is totally awesome!! sex, drugs, destruction, abuse, infidelity, insanity, revenge, back-stabbing, suicide... you'd look for this in your favorite heavy metal band's book, right? WRONG!!! this beats them all! this book has so much dysfunction, you won't even believe it until you read it. it's like the best drama ever. and it's all straight from brian wilson's mouth, so you know it's true. some people have said this book glorifies dr. landy too much. well, i disagree. i believe what brian says about him. brian is sane, intelligent and insightful now. aside from all the incredible amounts of dysfunction and despair though, you get to see brian climb out of it and become sane and happy again. this book is so amazing, i've read it over and over. i wish i could erase it from my memory and read it again for the first time! IT'S THAT GOOD. just get it!! even if you don't like the beach boys, i think you could appreciate this book, because it's all about real life.
First read "Heroes and Villians," then Brian's story.......2004-07-23
I really enjoyed this book, "Wouldn't It Be Nice," especially after reading "Heroes and Villians." Trust me, it really makes it interesting to read the two in that order, because first you hear one version in "Heroes and Villians" you read story after story about this mysterious reclusive character Brian Wilson, you hear other people's views and versions of what happened...THEN you pick up "Wouldn't It Be Nice" and read SOME of the same stories BUT MUCH MORE, through
Brian's eyes! It is absolutely SPELLBINDING!
Dr. Landy was called a 'Svengali' by some of those members
of the Beach Boys and characterized as a villian...The man GOT RESULTS...On the other hand, the Beach Boys suffered much by Brian's refusal to tour and subsequent drug addiction, but they tried clumsy, stupid, abusive methods to try to force him to come back...They just didn't understand that they were dealing with a severely damaged paranoid schizophrenic...
As a recovering alcoholic myself (12 years sober) I am especially impressed with the ingenious ways Dr. Landy lured Brian out of bed, out of isolation, and helped him rejoin the human race! And THAT was just the beginning...These stories Brian tells are UNFORGETTABLE...Read the account about where Brian learns to take a shower again, after being so delusional that he actually believed snakes, bullets, fire, etc. would come out of the shower head...That sort of thing is COMMON AMONG DELUSIONAL PEOPLE! You can't beat somebody into submission in order to cure a schizophrenic, that just doesn't work, but that's exactly what the Beach Boys attempted to do with their "bodyguards"...If you wanna talk about "controversial," don't criticize Dr. Landy's methods, consider this:
(p. 369)
"Then Mike (Love) sauntered up in white pants and a flowered print shirt. He stood inches from me (Brian), knowing that the closer he got the more frightened I became that he'd throw a punch or try to hurt me in some way.
I understood that Mike enjoyed being a physical threat.
"Hi Brian," he said in his smarmy, whisperlike voice.
"Hello Mike," I replied.
He looked me up and down slowly, sizing me up in a creepy, condescending manner. He fixated on my shoes--stodgy, conservative black lace-ups.
"Those are the most hideous shoes I've ever seen," he said, flashing an evil grin."
Why doesn't anybody talk about Mike "Love's" methods being "controversial," why is that word used against the man who brought Brian back from near death? Money, that's why. That's all these people care about. Money-money-money...
I plan to read this book AGAIN...It's SO GOOD...In Gaines' book one gets the impression that Dr. Landy took advantage of Brian and helped himself to the family's riches...HOWEVER, we get quite a different impression from Brian's story...Yes, Brian paid Dr. Landy a lot of money...but it was his money, wasn't it? Or was it the Beach Boys' money? Would they have preferred to have Brian continue to destroy himself, have a funeral and keep their precious money? Sure looks like it.
I have some wonderful childhood memories of the Beach Boys' music - The first album I ever bought was "The Beach Boys Today," $3.79 in stereo, $2.79 in mono back then! I no longer have the album, or most of my others...Today there are some wonderful CDs available on Amazon from that time period...
Brian's account of Beatle Paul McCartney's visit just before the release of the memorable "Sgt. Pepper" album made such an impression on me I copied down most of the two-page story and emailed it to friends and family...what a great story! How come Gaines didn't mention it? Well, look at the copyrights: "Heroes and
Villians" came out in 1986, "Wouldn't It Be Nice" says 1991.
Maybe he didn't know? Hmmm... Naaahh!! Well...???
Gaines book says that Paul tried to visit Brian, Brian was scared and locked the door and cried while Paul knocked for twenty minutes...Brian doesn't mention that, was it a different occasion, or did it happen at all? If not, who made it up?
I highly recommend these two books, especially to those who grew up in the 1960s. Great stuff! And Brian - there are a lot of people out here who still love your music and it was a real pleasure reading your story. Thanks for both!
Good (and bad) Vibrations.......2003-12-03
I found this an engrossing read. There was a lot to take in. Brian's father put him through a lot of hell, and when Brian finnally found something that made him happy, Captiol records nearly overworked him to death. I really liked reading about his encounters with other famous rock legends. Brian wasn't just intimidated by the Beatles. He was equally scared of the Rolling Stones. (He attenended some of the "Between the Buttons" sessions.) There's a lot of heart breaking stories. A story that kind of upset me was when he talks about the "Beach Boys Love You" album. Brian never really meant for the material to be heard. It was part of his therapy and he felt embarrased by the songs. After reading this book, I think Dr. Landy was benneficial to Brian in some ways. He made him much more healthy and got him back into making muisc. The only problem was he then went on to exploit his position. Someone should have stepped in in '85 when Landy ceased to be a therapist/ pshyciatrist and became a Sven Gali. With all that's happend to Brian since I hope we one day say a revised update. Other reviewers have talked about how Brian bad mouths his brothers in this book. I recommend people check out an interview/piece Rolling Stone did on Brian in 2000. It serves as a kind of sequel to this book. In the interview, Brian has much kinder words towards his brothers, particuarly Carl.
A rarity--an interesting book on a rock star.......2002-09-22
I assumed this book would be as uninteresting as the other rock star biographies and autobiographies that I've read; nothing could be further from the truth. While most musicians are working their careers, falling in and out of love, and meeting famous people, which might be interesting to live but not to read about, Brian Wilson was going mad as a hatter and then coming back--the man has things to write about. The book seems to be written very honestly, and it has the ring of truth throughout. As for the material on Eugene Landy, Brian Wilson still says positive things about him, and apparently still holds the view of Landy presented here. The book provides basically zero insight into Brian Wilson's ways of working--it's a book about his life, not his music. You get a detailed picture of what his decline was all about, very clear characterizations of Murry Wilson and the Beach Boys, and what seems to be an extremely honest self-portrait of Brian Wilson, hardly a weakness left unexposed. I'm not THAT huge a fan, actually, but I've always been curious about Brian Wilson's much-ballyhooed problems--I found the book fascinating, and I'd recommend the book even if just to satisfy your idle curiosity. If you are a fan, I'd suggest that this is a book you really have to read.
Customer Reviews:
The Doctor.......2007-03-08
I read this book because I loved the movie, "The Doctor". The book has little resemblance to the movie. It is a factual account of the treatment for cancer bya doctor. There is little romance, no conflict with the wife and the patient played by Elizabeth Perkins only has passing mention.
Having said that the book is very interesting and I learned a lot about medicine.
Do not compare it to the movie.
Book Description
University life isn't what Caitlin expected. Her roommate Liz is hostile to her faith -- tormenting her with raunchy music and sleazy boyfriends. Worst of all, suddenly Caitlin doesn't understand herself anymore. Why has she regressed to being the shy, insecure girl she was in junior high? She doesn't even fit in with her new Christian fellowship group! Caitlin tries not to envy Josh and her friends at Christian colleges, but suddenly all she has are questions and few answers. In the story of Caitlin O'Conner's soul, this frustrating year is the most significant one yet, as the homesick freshman eventually remembers there is one companion she can always trust.
Customer Reviews:
On My Own.......2007-09-30
Great teenage stories that draw students to want to read the book. I can't keep the series of books in my classroom. As soon as it's checked in it's checked out by someone else.
Best So Far.......2006-03-09
On My Own has seemed to be the best yet in the Diary of a Teenage Girl series. While I prefer Carlson's True Colors series to the Diary of a Teenage girl books, this one showed true challenges to Caitlin's faith.
While I believe in the awesome power of God to change hearts, the fact that Liz did not automatically convert made this book realistic. As a Lutheran, I believe that God calls us to plant the seed and to live as a Christian rather than overevangelizing. While some of Carlson's terminology hints that she is most likely a mainstream Protestant, I do appreciate that this book focuses on Caitlin living her faith rather than talking about it.
Caitlin also seems more human in this book. When she is angry, it seems genuinely angry, as compared to previous books where the most common expression of anger seemed to be "I'M JUST SO MAD" Her confusion over the Josh situation and her frustration and loneliness at college also make her seem more like the average Christian girl rather than Superdisciple.
I would recommend this book to any teenage girl, especially those who will be entering college in the next few years.
Off To College.......2005-11-23
On my own is mainly about Caitlin O'Conner going off to college and she doesn't know anyone there. She gets stuck with a roommate, Liz, who is not very nice. Caitlin got in a lot of fights arguments with Liz because Liz is more of a party girl, and they just don't get along. Caitlin met some friends that are religious, and had a youth group. When Caitlin finally went home college it was like a vacation for her. She would talk to Chloe, Josh Millers sister, often. Once she got back to college, Caitlin didn't know if she was going to stay with Liz or after term, change roommates. Is Liz going to follow through with college because of troubles with she is having with Liz? What are all the things Caitlin is going to have come into her life?
Overall this book was a pretty good book. This wasn't the best one that I have read out of this series, but it was still good. The book started out boring because nothing was going on except for things happening with her and Liz, but it get good once you get farther into the book.
I would recommend this book to all girls for grades 7 onto any adults. Girls that like diary books or books about teenage girl's life would really like these books. This book is the forth book in the series so if you want to read this book you might want to read the first three first or you will be lost. This book is kind of similar to the books P.S. Longer Letter Later and Snail Mail No More.
Can She Handle It?.......2005-11-22
Caitlin O'Conner is off to college to see what's out there for her. Her roommate, Elizabeth Banks or Liz, is Caitlin's first problem. Liz does not like Caitlin at all and tells Caitlin that right away. Before Caitlin leaves for Christmas she gets Liz a Christmas gift that makes Liz tell about the way she is. After Liz spilling about why she is Caitlin goes home to find another surprise. Josh Miller, Caitlin's ex-boyfriend from high school, gives her a Christmas present. Caitlin is so surprised by this gift she doesn't know what to do. The gift throws Caitlin for a whirlwind of emotions and she has to conquer all of them. Caitlin does get through these emotions but what happens to her and Josh is surprising. At the end of the book Caitlin's life seems to be looking up again. Everything seems as if it's all going to be all right.
I really enjoyed this book. I think that it is my favorite out of the other books in the series. On My Own keeps you guessing on what's going to happen next. It keeps you wondering if Caitlin will ever make it through this tough time. I had no dislikes about this book at all. I could hardly put the book down.
I would recommend this book to anyone who has already started the series. If you thought that book three wasn't the greatest or you thought that it was awesome and none of the other books could get better think again. Any teenage girl would enjoy this book. What Melody Carlson talks about in these books are true things that happen to every day girls like me. An average girl can pick up this series of books and relate to at least one thing if not more. I defiantly recommend this book, On My Own, to any girl from the age of tweleve to eighteen. Everyone I think will have no regrets of reading this book!
A Life Changing Experience.......2005-11-22
Caitlin O' Conner has just started college. She's on her own, with none of her Christian friends. Second thoughts run through her mind; should she have chosen a Bible college like her friend Josh? Between her school work and her roommate's bad attitude, Caitlin somehow found time to go to church. She meets a group of girls, and even a guy named Bryce. All this is making Caitlin feel great, but is it enough to keep her from loosing it?
Caitlin has college work which is pretty tough, but to make matters worse, her roommate has a bad attitude. Caitlin can still keep her cool, which would be really hard to do. Liz (her roommate) is always getting Caitlin frustrated, but Caitlin always knows how to do the right thing, which I like about her. My dislikes of the book is how the author makes Liz a bad person right at the beginning of the book. I think the author should have taken some time to show background on Liz, and show why she is always acting like she does.
I think teenage girls looking for something that will give them proof that things can turn out ok, should read this book. Girls who need advice on what to do about college situations, or pretty much any girl who is looking for a really good book to read, could read this book. Overall I think this book was a really good one, I recommend you to read it!
Customer Reviews:
Classic, Biography of a great man and stock trader.......2007-08-22
This biography is a great read for anyone interested in this great man who counseled presidents and was associated with Winston Churchill. It is interesting in showing how far ahead of his time Mr. Baruch was in not only stock speculating but also discrimination and economics. He was a millionaire in his early thirties after a few good runs in the stock market and devoted the remainder of his life serving the public and helping the U.S. when WWI and WWII. If you are reading it for only his advice on stocks just read chapter XIX My investment philosophy. It is one of the greatest chapters you will find anywhere on successful stock speculation. He will explain to you that economic conditions do not drive prices, peoples perceptions do. Cut your losses fast. Sell your worst performers keep your best. Know what you are investing in. You can only truly learn the rules of stock trading by experiencing the losses personally. Here is a summary of his 10 rules summarized:
1. Only speculate if you can do it full time.
2. Ignore inside information and tips.
3. Have a complete understanding of a companies fundamentals before you buy the stock.
4. Don't try to buy bottoms or sell tops.
5. Cut your losses quickly.
6. Focus on and buy only a few stocks.
7. Review and update your investments periodically for changes.
8. Study your tax position to know when to sell at greatest advantage.
9. Never invest all your funds. Keep a reserve.
10. Stick to the field you know best in investments.
Chapter 19 is a must read for all serious stock traders.
Speculari -to spy out and observe.......2006-05-03
A fantastic writer, a brilliant business leader and judicious statesman. Bernard Baruch's explanation of the background and definition of the term speculator in chapter IX, is one of the finest pieces of business mentorship and insight available in print. He believes it is an ability of priceless value in human affairs, especially the need to act in time. Practical wisdom in any age.
Amazing Read!.......2006-03-06
This book is the best autobiography that I have ever read. Baruch, the Wall Street financier and advisor to Presidents Wilson through Truman, lived an amazing life. Unlike many autobiographies, which are written with an eye to aggrandizement, this one accurately portrays Baruch as a decent humanitarian that did not let his success and power go to his head. There are no intimations here (or elsewhere) that Baruch was dishonest or untrustworthy, and he served in many public service capacities without pay. Baruch writes about his friendships with guys like John "Bet a Million" Gates and "Diamond" Jim Brady. As an investor, I was impressed about how Baruch was able to write about his early failures in the market and was steeled by the fact that he made so many mistakes in his youth but was undeterred on the path to wealth. This book was so good I read it in one day.
A capturing read.......2006-03-04
This is a brilliant book, full of exciting details of a time in Wall Street that will never be lived again.
Baruch writes about his childhood in South Carolina as well as his first accounts of New York. This is where he makes all his first big breaks, mistakes and important acqaintances.
Baruch offers much thought and philosophy on some of the major achievements in his life, including working with the Guggenheims & other great figures, and presents wisdom on economics, politics and personal relationships.
Highly reccommended to those interested in stock market history, global economics or commodities.
The most important book about Wall Street.......2005-11-26
If you want to know about the most interesting years in Wall Street, this is the book. It's difficult to understand but at the end you have a very big picture and knowledge about financial markets. For me Baruch writes everything you need to be a good investor. It's more useful than technical books about markets or a degree in economics.
Books:
- The Beak of the Finch: A Story of Evolution in Our Time
- The Bible of Options Strategies: The Definitive Guide for Practical Trading Strategies
- The Brain That Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science (James H. Silberman Books)
- The Enchanted April (New York Review Books Classics)
- The Eternal Flame (The Great Tree of Avalon, Book 3)
- The Eyes of the Dragon
- The Famous Dutch Kitchen Restaurant Cookbook: Family-Style Diner Delights from the Heart of Pennsylvania (Roadfood Cookbook)
- The Future for Investors: Why the Tried and the True Triumph Over the Bold and the New
- The Game: Penetrating the Secret Society of Pickup Artists
- The Naked Face
Books Index
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Rules For Revolutionaries: The Capitalist Manifesto for Creating and Marketing New Products and Services
Crossing the Chasm
Founders at Work: Stories of Startups' Early Days
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